 
Holly Springs featured in Mississippi Magazine’s “Best Of” 2010
Holly Springs featured in Mississippi Magazine's "Best Of" 2010
The July/August issue of Mississippi Magazine features the annual readers' survey of the "Best of Mississippi". The 6th annual survey features the top places for dining out, getting out and seeking out in Mississippi.
This year Holly Springs has been featured as one of the "Best Day Trips," topping Oxford and Ocean Springs. Also on the list for the first time as one of Mississippi's "Best Bed and Breakfasts" is Court Square Inn, which beat out Monmouth Plantation, a repeat winner in the category.
"We are truly excited to be listed in The Best of Mississippi once again," reported Stephanie Movre, Executive Director of the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau. "The fact that the magazine's readers chose the winners makes the recognition that more exciting! It is a true testament to the people of Holly Springs and to the hard work that goes into making Holly Springs a desirable destination."
"Tim & Lisa Liddy with Court Square Inn should be very proud of their designation as well," said Movre. "They do a phenomenal job and have developed beautiful and comfortable accommodations. Lisa gives every guest friendly and personal service. We hear nothing but rave reviews by everyone who stays there."
In previous years (2007 & 2009) Graceland Too received top honors as "Best Off-Beat Destination."
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact the Holly Springs Tourism Bureau at 888-687-4765 or go to http://www.visithollysprings.com.
Photo: Bedroom at Court Square Inn in Holly Springs
Picayune Main Street Evening of the Stars
PICAYUNE — Picayune Main Street Evening of the Stars Award Banquet was held to honor supporters and contributors to the Picayune Main Street Organization events to benefit the local community.
Woody Spiers, Johnny Lou Ingram, and Sami Kennedy were awarded the Historical Star Supporters award for their contributions and direction in the establishment of the program. Spiers was responsible for getting Picayune involved in the Main Street Program. His vision got the ball rolling for the community. Ingram was the first manager of Picayune Main Street, serving from 1996 through 2005. Kennedy was past president of the Downtownerʼs Association and helped ease the transition of that organization into Picayune Main Street.
The City of Picayune was the recipient of the Star Supporter award, for all of its support and cooperation throughout the years. Main Street has a four point approach that itʼs mission stays focused on: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.
The four awards that were presented based on this approach are as follows — Design — This award comes in two parts. One, in the form of a Facade Grant and the 2009 grant was awarded to Henry Jaumeʼ of Farmers Market, East Canal Street. The Best Design Award went to Bill Edwards for his work on the restoration of many local historical buildings in the community. Organization — There were three recipients under this category. The Spirit of Main Street, Christmas Display, went to Norma Kleinfeld of Crystal Gallery. The Spirit of Main Street, Best Promotional Display went to June Buras of June Bugs Checkered Cupboard. Finally, the Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC) Volunteer of the Year award went to Mrs. Harriet Greulich, who is also a constant presence in other community organizations and endeavors. Promotion — There are several categories of awards under the promotion banner for Picayune Main Street.
The first, is the award which involves the presentation of a local historical building pictured on a Christmas ornament as a fund raiser. This year the 2010 ornament will feature the historical Pearl River County Court House. Outstanding Sales Award of the 2009 Christmas Ornament went to Melinda Shaw of Melindaʼs Fine Gifts.
The Outstanding Sales for Egg Drop Award went to Galiano Antiqueʼs owner, Debbie Galiano. The Egg Drop Volunteer or the Year Award went to Phillips Aviation, for donation of their time, fuel, and planes for the event.
The Street Fair 2009 Volunteer of the Year went to Roland Kleinfeld for his involvement, and much needed expertise, for the last 14 years.
In addition to the Four Point Awards, Picayune Main Street had a Special Recognition of the members of the Logistic Team. This is a group of men, that have never officially signed on or volunteered to do
set ups and break downs for events, but have valiantly done so since the beginning of Main Street and continue to show up to get the job done.
The Star Supporters of June Summer Blues Out 2009 were awarded to three organizations. The first went to WRJW for working continuously with Picayune Main Street on advertising through the Swap
Shop and radio. The second went to the Picayune Item for working tirelessly in assisting Picayune Main Street with publicity, advertising and working hard to make certain that Picayune Main Street
events are successful. The third went to the Boulevard Cruisers Car Club for dedication to, and support of, Picayune Main Street endeavors.
The Historical Preservation Award went to Gary Herring and Rachel Cagle for their work on the Train Museum.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Reba Beebe, Picayune Main Street Manager 2005 through 2009. Beebe assisted in helping secure the grant that led to the Downtown Revitalization Project. Beebe also started the Easter Egg Drop that has become an annual fun family event.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Debbie Galiano of Galiano Antiques. Galiano is in her second term as a Main Street Director and is Vice- President on the board. She chairs the June
Summer Blues Out each year, which was nominated for the top 20 Events of the South East by the Tourism Association. In addition, Galiano serves on many committees connected with Picayune Main Street.
To reserve your 2010 collectible ornament of the Pearl River County Courthouse, you can call the Picayune Main Street office and get on the list at 601-799-3070. There will be more in upcoming Lifestyles Sections on the Picayune Main Street Ornament for 2010, which is the Pearl River County Courthouse.
The Picayune Item
Photo by Kathy Smyth: Debbie Galiano presents Mary Jim Weems of the Picayune Item, a June Summer Blues Out Star Supporter of 2009 Award. WRJW and the Boulevard Cruisers Car Club also received the award.
Burchfield named MMSA Board President
Burchfield named MMSA Board President
The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) recently held its annual meeting and awards luncheon in downtown Jackson. Among the agenda was the passing of the gavel to new MMSA Board President Randy Burchfield of Tupelo.
Burchfield will serve a two-year term (2010-2012), following Chuck Ueltschey of Gulfport, 2008-2010 Board President. Burchfield serves as Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing for BancorpSouth in Tupelo. Besides being active on the MMSA Board of Directors, Burchfield is past president of the local program in Tupelo, the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association.
"Randy and the folks at BancorpSouth have been extremely supportive of our work and vision at Main Street," said Bob Wilson, MMSA Executive Director. "I look forward to working with him and our other distinguished board members as we continue our efforts in downtown revitalization in more than 70 cities and towns in Mississippi."
The 2010 MMSA Board executive officers include: President Randy Burchfield, BancorpSouth; Immediate Past President Chuck Ueltschey, Mississippi Power Company; and President-Elect and Treasurer Barry Plunkett, Entrepreneur.
The 2010 Board of Directors are Billy Wiseman, Board Member Emeritus; Leland Speed, Eastgroup/Parkway Properties; Steve Kelly, Entergy; Bill Andrews, Viking Corporation; Kay Miller, Biloxi Main Street; Hibbett Neel, Neel-Schaffer; Bill Scruggs, St. Dominic Health Services; Suzanne Smith, Renasant Bank; and Lynn Ryals, Tunica Main Street.
Permanent Board Members are H.T. Holmes, Mississippi Department of Archives and History and Jim West, College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University. Designated Representatives to the board are Ken P'Pool, Mississippi Department of Archives and History and John Poros, The Carl Small Town Center at Mississippi State University. Ex Officio Members include Gray Swoope, Joy Foy and Alex Thomas of the Mississippi Development Authority.
The MMSA Board of Directors meets bi-monthly and also has an annual retreat. Board members serve two-year terms and are invited to all MMSA trainings, conferences and events.
Jeannie Waller
Q & A with Randy Burchfield
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
July 04--Randy Burchfield, the marketing director and senior vice president at BancorpSouth, is the new board president of the Mississippi Main Street Association. Burchfield has a long history of involvement with the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association. In his new role, he will work with MMSA's executive director and staff to develop a new five-year strategic plan. He answered these questions last week from business reporter Carlie Kollath.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for Mississippi Main Street programs and communities?
A:Finding and maintaining consistent, adequate sources of funding for our programs, along with our managers dealing with limited staff support and related resources, especially in this current economic downturn. Also, I believe we can do a better job of educating the public about our scope of work and what we are accomplishing through our Main Street programs.
Q:What would be in your ideal Main Street community?
A:One with a downtown area that reflects the culture and identity of their respective community; one that helps nurture and support its downtown businesses, providing jobs and business opportunities,
while at the same time offering entertainment, shopping and culture-enriching opportunities to residents and visitors alike; a program that promotes historic rehabilitation of buildings, provides downtown living opportunities and environment-friendly spaces -- all a boom for our environment, economy and quality of life.
Q:More Main Street communities are proposing bike-friendly options. Do you own or ride a bicycle?
A:I own not one but two bikes and have every intention of getting them down from the carport rack and riding them, especially after making this promise public and with our new bike-friendly ordinance.
By Carlie Kollath, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Miss.
To see more of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.djournal.com.
Mississippi Main Street celebrates 21 years with Guitar Raffle, Scholarship Award
Mississippi Main Street celebrates 21 years with Guitar Raffle, Scholarship Award
The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) recently celebrated its 21st anniversary at the 2010 Annual Awards ceremony in downtown Jackson.
In 2009, MMSA unveiled a special edition Peavey guitar for the 20th anniversary of the association. The body of the guitar features a collage of photographs depicting Main Street towns across the state and was designed by Randy Wilson, MMSA Director of Design Services.
Over the past year, the guitar has traveled to festivals in Main Street communities across the state. Towns visited included Indianola, New Albany, Ocean Springs, Eupora, Hattiesburg, Vicksburg, Columbus, Tupelo and Jackson. Raffle tickets were sold to raise funds for the Charles O. Beasley Scholarship fund.
The Charles O. Beasley Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Main Street manager. Charles Beasley was one of the founding board members of MMSA and served on the Board and in various officer positions, including President. “Charlie” was Board Member Emeritus at the time of his death in 2007 and had served Main Street since it was founded in 1989.
Raffle tickets for the Main Street Peavey Guitar were sold during the Blues Reception before the awards luncheon, and a drawing was held at the end of the awards ceremony. The winner of the Main Street Guitar was Paula Beasley of Gulfport.
"Paula is the wife of Charles Beasley, and the Main Street Guitar Raffle proceeds support the scholarship fund in his name," said Bob Wilson, MMSA Executive Director. "It is very fitting that the guitar, which includes a photo of Charlie, is going home with the Beasley family."
The Charles Beasley Award is a $1,500 scholarship to the National Main Street Conference, given to a Main Street Manager who has shown outstanding service to his or her community and program. The scholarship is awarded annually and nominations come from the MMSA District Directors.
This year's award recipient is Debbie Brangenberg, Executive Director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, who has served there since 1992. In the 19 years under her leadership, the association has accomplished great things, including the redevelopment of the Fairpark District in downtown Tupelo and the planning and implementation of creative events like the annual Elvis Presley Festival.
"When I came to work for Mississippi Main Street, the Executive Director, Beverly Meng, introduced me to Debbie, and said, 'If you do what she says, you'll be fine.' And I have pretty much followed her advice!" Wilson said.
Jeannie Waller
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Downtown Meridian
Downtown Meridian has many notable and historic buildings including General Supply Store, Hamasa Shrine Temple Theater, Terminal Hotel, MSU Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts, Hulett Furniture, and Weidmann’s Restaurant. |
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