Business owners, community servants and Attala County leaders gathered Thursday night at the Holmes Community College Attala Center for the annual Kosciusko Attala Partnership Who’s Who Banquet.
“This was a great way to say thank you to all of our partner organizations,” KAP CEO Kel McDowell said. “In so many ways when chamber-like organizations started out over the years it was a coming together of all those in the community seeking something better and something beyond themselves. They realized growing that pie not only gives everyone a bigger share, but improves the community and makes it easier to do business. What’s important is everybody working together in a collaborative effort.”
Highlighting the event, the KAP honored three local citizens who have contributed to the community through service and commerce with its Golden Shovel Awards. Receiving a Golden Shovel at the event included Markeith Selmon, Amy Bowling and Michelle Simmons.
Selmon, the manager of news media and operations for Boswell Media, was awarded after serving as the chairman of the 2016 Natchez Trace Festival along with volunteering in countless other events.
Simmons, owner of The Rusty Bucket, was honored after being a participant in the first Fast Start Program, which was geared toward aspiring business owners and submitted the winning business plan. She also serves on the Community Development Committee.
Bowling, the treasurer for Kosciusko Junior Auxiliary, was honored for her work at the Charity Ball, The Foster Party Christmas Party, Special Friends project, Fall Fundraiser, The Natchez Trace Cycling event and scholarship committee.
McDowell closed the event discussing future growth of the KAP.
“Going forward in general you are going to see a lot more engagement and an ever presence through events and appearances,” McDowell added. “We are putting a focus on consolidating what we have and highlighting the strengths of the community. We want to give you an organization that makes our community feel proud and make those from outside our community feels impressed.”
