Chamber honors Wesson movers & shakers
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Special to Wesson News
Wesson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the movers and shakers of the town last month at its 2026 awards banquet.
The Chamber brought local leaders to the podium at the Co-Lin Thames Center and presented awards to businesses that helped drive the economy last year, a service organization for its charitable activities, and individuals who contributed to the life and culture of Wesson.
Sharon Langley was honored as Citizen of the Year and Larry Williams, President of Wesson Lions Club, accepted the Community Service Award on behalf of his organization. Also receiving awards were:
Brad Turner for BW Turner Construction, named New Business of the Year;
Nekitha Jackson for Destiny Delights, the Business of the Year recipient;
Penny Martin from Wesson Attendance Center, who received the Educator of the Year award;
Landon Beasley, Fireman of the Year;
Sergeant Rick Bynam and Officer Brandon O’Quinn, who shared the Policeman of the Year award.
An array of speakers shared their perspectives on the Wesson community and making life better for Mississippians.
Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw, who has needed to care for his mother since she suffered a stroke, said he has increasingly come to appreciate how citizens of the town step up to the plate and provide leadership when he is distracted by family responsibilities. “I particularly thank the people in this room for that,” he said.
District 92 State Representative Becky Curry, who endorsed Gipson for Governor introducing him, pointed to achievements of the recent state legislative session, which, she said, was “perhaps one of the most contentious”:
Protecting local public schools from legislation that would have consolidated school districts and “choice” that would have reduced their funding, while making the state school system less accountable.
Creating a foundation for more legislative work in support of independent pharmacies.
Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Co-Lin Wesson campus, declared the local community college “number one for student success in the state,” reflected in graduation rates. She pointed to the $18 million grant the college received from FEMA for a safe house, student housing renovations, success of athletic teams and growth of funds managed by the Co-Lin Foundation.
Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) Chief Ken Carraway and Police Department Chief Char O’Quinn reflected on the service of their departments. Carraway said WVFD answers four to five calls per week for some kind of emergency assistance with volunteers who love serving. O’Quinn said his police officers are just human beings “who step into people’s worst moments” and make sacrifices.
Chamber President Teri Bath thanked the organization’s board members for their service: Gerri Lynne Porter, Nekitha Jackson, Janet Currie, Pam Stamps, Kristy Carney, Misty Sandifr, Michelle Chambers and Stanley Martin. She also cited Copiah Bank, Copiah Medical Center, Trustmark Bank and Taylor Legacy HVAC for sponsoring the awards banquet and noted table sponsors Bobby Thornton, Brad Turner Construction, Copiah Bank, Copiah County Medical Center, Co-Lin Foundation, Destiny’s Delights, Janet Currie, Johnny Smith, Pam Stamps, Salmon Point Development, Taylors Legacy HVAC, Town of Wesson, Trustmark Bank, Wesson Attendance Center, Wesson Police Department and Wesson Fire Department.