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The Magee Chamber of Commerce 2018 Banquet was a huge success thanks to a lot of people who worked very hard!
Ian Cowart’s term as president ended last night with LauraLyn Barr taking over the top spot. Ian and his board of directors did a great job this year. I know LauraLyn will continue the push to promote Magee. In fact, LauraLyn already has the ball rolling with “Tea in the Gardens” set for March 30th from 10-2 at the McAlpin House. Robert St John is the featured speaker. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber Office.
Back to the banquet!!! The tablescapes were unreal! Peoples Bank won the grand prize. In my opinion, everyone was a winner! We have some talented people in Magee. I’m doing a “table” article shortly with pictures…ya’ll will love it!!! I owe a big thank you to Lacey Rowe for taking charge of the MageeNews.com table! Lacey chose a Kentucky Derby theme because Magee is always the winner! Great job, Lacey.
Marshall Ramsey was the featured speaker. Marshall is an entertaining and teaching speaker. He said he always stops in Magee…at one of the red lights! Ha
Skip and Tracy Russell were chosen Outstanding Citizens. Tracy’s father, Thomas McCoy made the presentation. Skip and Tracy now own 8 Popeyes with their company based in Magee. 
I will have to say, in my opinion, the highlight of the night was the announcement as Nevis Rankin as the 2018 Spirit of Magee! Ya’ll, Nevis had no idea. When Jimmy Clyde began the “tale” leading to the announcement of Spirit of Magee, everyone was trying to figure out the winner. I had a good shot of Nelvis Rankin…watching the realization come across his face that he was the man of the night was priceless. Now, Nelvis is a man of few words. At the board meetings, he rarely says a word…when his name was called and he came to the stage to receive the award, Nevis just grinned and said nothing…his face said it all. Congratulations to Nelvis, well deserved.
My selection for the Magee Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame was made a few weeks ago. I am still in shock! But, last night, standing before that crowd with my family and friends present…oh, I almost lost it! Diane McPhail gave a great info…and of course she cried! I told everyone I couldn’t start crying because if I did, I would never stop. As I have said before, all roads lead to Magee and there is no better place for a road to lead than Magee, MS. I did have to add I feel we will soon be known as “The City of Red Lights.”
LauraLyn passed the gavel to Ian and a new year begins for the Magee Chamber of Commerce. Let’s all continue to support one another as we work toward the betterment of Magee.
Oh, I forgot one thing…we had three US House of Representatives candidates in attendance: Perry Parker, Whit Hughes, and Morgan Dunn…the race is on!
