Monroe COUNTY MAGAZINE

• Why Companies Choose Monroe County, MS • Happenings at the Chamber • Community Profiles • Business & Industry Profiles

MONROE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD & STAFF 2009

Executive Committee Hozay Hausley, President Ray Clark, Vice President Greg Miller, Treasurer Al Stephens Chris Brown Doug Knittig Kathy Nerren Bryan McCutchen

Board of Directors Brad Stevens Marsha Ballard Chris Brown Jack Campbell Ray Clark Hozay Hausley Tommy Griffith Nona Herndon David Hodges Carter Naugher Doug Knittig Larry Knox Bryan McCutchen Greg Miller Kathy Nerren Dwayne Blaylock Ken Smith Mark Mitchell Al Stephens Fred Heckart Fernando Davis Kevin Trautman Randall Wigginton John Allmond Steve Jackson

At Large Barry Thompson Roger Thompson Thomas Griffith Earl Connell Steve Gaskin In this issue... Ex-Officio Mayor R.V. Adams, Town of Nettleton Where is Monroe County, Community Profile-Aberdeen .....24 Mayor Jim Ballard, City of Aberdeen Mayor Howard Boozer, City of Amory Mississippi? ...... 4 Community Profile-Amory ...... 26 Mayor Greg Kennedy, Monroe County, MS First Firends...... 28 Town of Smithville Mayor Dewayne Ling, Town of Hatley Industrial Sites ...... 5 Aberdeen School District ...... 30 Mayor Danny Scott, Town of Gattman Why Companies Are Choosing Amory School District...... 31 Dr. George Gilreath, Superintendent, Aberdeen Schools Monroe County ...... 6 Monroe County: Our Assets ...... 33 Jim Sappington, Superintendent, Amory Schools Community Profile- Amory Main Street ...... 34 Randle Gray, President, Monroe County ...... 7 Amory Regional Museum ...... 38 Board of Supervisors Scott Cantrell, Welcome From... Industry Profile- Supt., Monroe County Schools State Senator Hob Bryan Monroe County Supervisors.....8 Stevens Auction ...... 40 State Representative Jimmy Puckett City of Aberdeen...... 9 Recommendations To State Representative Donnie Bell State Representative David Gibbs City of Amory...... 10 Our Visitors ...... 42

Staff City of Nettleton ...... 11 Industry Profile- Kathy Lusby The Monroe County, Gilmore Memorial ...... 44 Director of Chamber Affairs Aberdeen Office - 662-369-6488 Mississippi Advantage...... 12 The Amory Railroad Festival .....46 Ronda Riley Director of Chamber Affairs History of Monroe County, Business Profile- Amory Office - 662-256-7194 Mississippi...... 14 Cottage Tea Room ...... 49 Tony Green - Executive Director Monroe County Chamber of Homes With A History...... 49 124 West Commerce St. Commerce ...... 16 Industry Profile-True Temper .....51 Aberdeen, MS 39730 1619 Hwy 25 North Happenings at the Chamber...... 18 Industry Profile- Amory, MS 38821 www.gomonroe.org Aberdeen Main St...... 22 Kinder Morgan...... 53 Aberdeen Visitors Bureau ...... 22 Chamber Directory ...... 55 Printed by Allmond Printing Company Industry Profile-Georgia Gulf .....23 Aberdeen, MS

Monroe 3 Where is Monroe County, Mississippi? DRIVING DISTANCES

Aberdeen Port Industrial Park by 4-lane highway to Memphis Intl Airport 134 miles to Birmingham, AL 120 miles to Tupelo, MS Airport 41 miles to Columbus, MS 28 miles to Toyota Wellspring Plant 52 miles

Amory Port Industrial Park by 4-lane highway to Memphis Intl Airport 124 miles to Birmingham, AL 116 miles Nettleton to Tupelo, MS Airport 32 miles to Columbus, MS 37 miles Amory to Toyota Wellspring Plant 44 miles Aberdeen Nettleton, MS Industrial Park by 4-lane highway to Memphis Intl Airport 113 miles to Birmingham, AL 128 miles to Tupelo, MS Airport 20 miles to Columbus, MS 49 miles to Toyota Wellspring Plant 32 miles

4 Monroe MONROE COUNTY, For complete details on all of our available sitesand buildings go toour website: MISSISSIPPI www.gomonroe.org, click on "On the go and on the grow !" Industrial Sites/Available www.gomonroe.org Buildings

Aberdeen, MS Port Amory, MS Port Sites from 10 - 1400 acres Buildings: 17,000-460,000 sf Advantage Building Nettleton, MS

2008 ANNOUNCEMENTS

SDC Amory to invest $175 million in a steel rebar plant that will employ 200

RTI to invest $200 million in a titanium Contact: Tony Green, Exec. Director metal plant that will employ 200 Monroe County Chamber of Commerce 662-369-6488 or 662-256-7194 Birdsong Peanuts invests $8.5 million in 124 W. Commerce St., Aberdeen, MS 39730 peanut warehouse facility 1619 Hwy 25 N., Amory, MS 38821 email: [email protected] Monroe Gas Storage invests $175 million

Monroe 5 WHY COMPANIES ARE CHOOSING MONROE COUNTY

Monroe County is making great strides in the area three transportation modes to offer. A company can of economic development. The facts and figures are receive and ship to anywhere in the world via the astounding. Over the next 24-36 months, the total Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, the capital to be invested on 12 of the projects will Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, and the Highway exceed $1.2 billion! The number of jobs created will 45 corridor. be 500 to 600. The companies include RTI, Int'l, However, many communities all across the U.S. Monroe Gas Storage Co., Kinder Morgan, Birdsong have all three transportation modes to offer an Peanuts, Heritage Inn & Suites, Gilmore Hospital, industrial client just as we do. And, usually, Walgreens, El Paso Pipeline Group, Whitetail incentive packages offered by state or local Tarpon Gas Storage, and Steel Development governments are very similar from one state to the Company at the Amory Port. 10 of the 12 projects next. So, what can make the difference when an are totally new facilities or physical plants to be industry chooses Monroe County over a location in built. There are also 5 other another county or state. It is a projects in the planning stages. basic ingredient that not all These projects will be located communities can claim. It is so all over the county. These basic, but so often overlooked. projects involve Aberdeen, It makes or breaks a marriage, Amory, Hamilton, Prairie, and it leads to the downfall of several places in between. civilizations, and it defines the Investors and managers of these ultimate failure or success of companies are from places such any business. as Denver, Houston, New York, Over the past year, our Missouri, Georgia, Virginia, leaders, our board of Ohio, Utah, and Europe. supervisors, our mayors, our Economic development for aldermen, our local any one geographic location or contractors, and vendors have region is the most competitive arena that exists in the worked with our new friends and our new business world today. To be successful in landing a new partners on almost a daily basis. Communication manufacturing industry in the 21st century, it's has occurred very frequently. Our new business mostly about location, location, and resources. The partners have told us on more than one occasion that most important requirements for industry is that its the one thing that has made us stand out of the crowd physical location needs to be close to raw materials, is our People. The most important ingredient in suppliers, vendors, highly accessible modes of society for anything that is successful to exist, to transportation and an available, trained or trainable endure, and to thrive is the quality and qualities of labor force. Having good access to four lane the people. highways, railroads, and water is very valuable. Our new friends and business partners have Monroe County is very fortunate in that we have all described our people as follows: (1) a hard working,

6 Monroe highly ethical, and productive workforce, (2) the cooperation between our state, county, and city cooperation of state and local officials is leaders has been very instrumental in our economic extraordinary, and (3) the quality and the hospitality development success. Over $1.2 billion to be of the people is unmatched. They also like the quality invested in Monroe County that will pay taxes, pay of life that they see, as reflected in no major traffic salaries, pay utilities, purchase goods and services, congestion, no big city problems, and a good and provide 500-600 jobs is a great start. education system. Tony Green It appears that folks that have lived other places Executive Director really like what we have to offer. If they didn't they Monroe County Chamber ofCommerce would not be here. The good leadership and great

Community Profile MONROE COUNTY Are you looking for that quality of life that you gently rolling, flat, and open prairie between had as a child, in that small town or out in the Aberdeen and West Point, MS to the vast hardwood country? Are you looking for that perfect mix of bottomland along the Tombigbee River and the new and old, outstanding recreational opportunities, Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, Monroe County close proximity to the arts, excellent healthcare encompasses the most diverse landscape of any providers, a progressive education system, low cost county in the state of Mississippi. The beautiful of living, or maybe a place to spend your retirement weather and true Southern hospitality make Monroe years? Then, it's time to take a close look at Monroe County one of the greatest places to live, work, and County, Mississippi! play in this part of the country. Located halfway between Memphis, TN and Birmingham, AL just off of the Interstate 78 corridor and almost halfway between Tupelo, MS and Columbus, MS, along highway 45 is the best kept secret of the Southeastern U. S. Monroe County is served by two river ports on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway (Aberdeen and Amory), U. S. highway 45 (four-lane), and Mississippi highways 8 and 25. There are two regional airports, Tupelo and Golden Triangle. Each of which is only a 40-minute drive. With its Ozark-like hills northeast of Smithville along the Alabama state line to the

Monroe 3 WELCOME FROM THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Monroe County Board of Supervisors would like to welcome you to Monroe County, Mississippi - home to some of the finest people in the world! The Monroe County Board of Supervisors views itself and County Government as being a service organization fully committed to improving the overall quality of life for the citizens of Monroe County. All services, programs and functions of our government must seek to enable and empower the citizens of Monroe County to live independent, healthy, prosperous and enjoyable lives. The Board realizes that growth and development in Monroe County is an integral and necessary component of Northeast Mississippi's overall growth and development. Please take the time to visit our website at www.monroecountyms.org. Use it to stay FontRow L-R: Sykes Lagrone, 5th District Supervisor; informed about all of the exciting things John Creekmoore,Board Attorney; Fulton Ware, 4th District Supervisor; happening in the county and learn how county Back Row L-R: Bruce West, 3rd District Supervisor; government can serve you. Randle Gray, 1st District Supervisor; Billy Kirkpatrick, 2nd District Supervisor; Ronnie Boozer, ChanceryClerk; Sonny Clay, County Administrator; We hope that you will come visit us Andy Hood, Sheriff sometime. We think that we have a place that is very special due to the quality of our people and with the Monroe County workforce when compared the quality of life that we offer. If you are in to other locations around the country. business, we know that we have what you are Come and see for yourself! We believe that you looking for: great employees! Our industry CEOs will want to come back again and again, and, quite tell us time and again that there is no comparison possibly move here.

8 Monroe WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF ABERDEEN located and as convenient for transporting raw materials and products as Aberdeen. Combine this fact with the highly skilled labor force and the low cost of doing business, it is easy to understand why our city and the surrounding Northeast MS region are being touted as the next high growth market in the U. S. We encourage you to come visit us sometime. We think that our hometown is very special, and would like to make you a part of our family. If you are in business, we know that we have what you are looking for: great employees and a low cost of living. In summation, Aberdeen is a wonderful city which to live, worship, work, and play! Come and see for yourself! We Fromleft, John Allen,Ward 5;Cloyd Garth, Ward2;Randy Nichols, Ward 4; Mayor Jim Ballard; David Ewing, Ward 3;Alonzo Sykes, Ward1 believe that you will want to come back again and again. Mayor Jim Ballard and the Aldermen of the City Please take the time to visit our Visitor's Bureau ofAberdeen welcome you! website at Aberdeen is a city rich in history, magnificent www.aberde architecture, choice recreation, and modern enms.org and amenities. Aberdeen is a great place in which to live the City of and raise a family, to establish and grow a business, Aberdeen's or just simply enjoy its leisurely life style. website at Aberdeen is located on four-lane U.S. Highway www.aberde 45, approximately halfway between Tupelo and enms.us to Columbus, in Northeast Mississippi. The Industrial learn more port is located on the Tennessee Tombigbee about our Waterway which links with the Gulf of Mexico on great city and the south and the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers on the our long list north. Few cities in theWelcome Southeast are as centrally of assets. Home! Aberdeen Visitors Bureau historic P.O. Box 288• Aberdeen, MS 39730 ABERDEEN mississippi (662) 369-9440 • Fax (662) 369-3103

Historically Significant Architecturally Magnificent 800-634-3538 • www.aberdeenms.org Monroe 9 WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF AMORY Mayor Howard Boozer works at giving something back to the community that he has always called home. His Amory roots run deep, with ancestors in this area dating back to 1852. Born on the second floor of what is now the Amory Regional Museum, Boozer said he went into politics to see if he could help lead

Standing, fromleft: Police ChiefRonnie Bowen;Ward 4 Alderman Peggy Wilkerson; Mayor HowardBoozer;Ward 1 Alderman Dan Rogers; City Clerk Suzanne C. Mobley; this community forward and maybe Seatedfromleft: Ward 2 Alderman John Darden;Ward 3 Alderman TonyPoss; along the way, improve the qualify of life Alderman-at-Large Glen Bingham. and maybe, somehow, make a difference. Construction is scheduled to begin in July, 2009. For 35 years he worked in the manufacturing This project has been named as 1 of the 15 finalists sector. He recalls starting his career as an hourly nationwide for the 2009 Corporate Investment & worker while he was going to school and during Community Impact (CiCi) Award, presented by summers. Following his graduation from Trade & Industry Development magazine. Mississippi State University, he moved up to a Mayor Boozer has an open door policy and seeks management position with Walker Manufacturing input from the public in making his decisions. Company in Aberdeen, where he spent 27 years, moving up from hourly employee to plant manager. When Walker closed, he went Check out our latest to United Technologies styles at Corporation for five years and The Cottage Boutique! then spent two years in the private sector in purchasing at Cute Dresses, funky ITTValvesinAmory. Mayor Boozer has served tops, LTB Jeans, Damita the City of Amory since July, K Shoes, Handbags, 2005. Under his leadership By Boe Jewelry, Tepper Amory is positioned well for Jackson bags, Spanx, future economic growth. Clutches and much Mayor Boozer was very more! instrumental in recruiting Steel Development Company, a $200 million steel rebar plant that will employ 200. The Cottage Boutique

10 Monroe WELCOME FROM THE CITY OF NETTLETON 1890 and shipped wood to every state in the nation and large quantities to international markets.After the best timber was exhausted, Nettleton continued as a farming community and slowly but steadily transformed into a small city through the development of the railroad and the construction of Mississippi Highway 6. Now more than 100 years after being founded, the adaptability and heritage of Nettleton continues. Local residents and businesses alike work together and take pride in their town. We have excellent police, fire and public works departments as well as our own municipal justice Mayor R. V.Adams and the Aldermen of the City system. Our modern city hall of Nettleton welcome you. Nettleton is a friendly building is less than four years old and is an excellent place in which to live and raise a family, to establish and grow a business or simply enjoy the "good life." Nettleton is located on four-lane U.S. Highway 45, which is your link to any destination in the United States. The City of Nettleton was incorporated soon after the Kansas, Memphis and Birmingham Railroad, now the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, began traveling through Lee and Monroe Counties. Several men decided to take advantage of the new railway and established the City of Nettleton in 1888. Early industry in Nettleton was the lumber business. Nettleton Hardwood Company opened in

facility for Nettleton residents to use in conducting their city-related business. You are encouraged to explore our website at www.nettletonms.us and take advantage of all of its features. We certainly encourage you to consider Nettleton as the location of your new business or home.

Monroe 11 THE MONROE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI ADVANTAGE The facts and figures have been staggering. As of development partners responded to Cooper Tire to late 2008, we are in a major recession. It is very real save 1200 jobs and the way that Monroe County, the to you if you have been laid off or can not find a job. City of Aberdeen, and the economic development It may be very real to you if you own or manage a partners were able to respond to Holley's needs was business. If you are 50 or younger, this is the worst just as important as our response to the new Steel economic downturn in your lifetime. Before this Development Company steel rebar plant project in recession is over, there will be more bad news and Amory. A great deal of midnight oil was burned by more layoffs, no doubt. numerous economic development partners and Nationwide, job retention has been the primary public officials to keep these jobs in these focus of all economic developers and public officials communities. for the past year. It is a fact that 90% plus of future When your friends, your neighbors, or a relative economic growth and job growth comes from is about to lose a job that they have had for most of existing businesses and industry. Keeping those their life this thing called economic development companies who have been loyal corporate citizens becomes very personal. How important were those for many years should be a primary goal of any community. Doing all that is feasible, ethical, and reasonable to keep our existing industry base just makes good sense. Sometimes nothing can be done to keep companies from leaving, closing their doors, or laying folks off. It's their business and responsibility to make the best business decisions and to manage and maintain a profit margin. What we can do as public officials, economic developers, and ED partners is to be proactive and respond when we become aware that a company is reevaluating a local plant or all of their operations and locations to see where cuts or closures may be necessary. The greatest successes in economic development are not always those that involve a brand new multimillion dollar plant with 200 plus new jobs. In the fall of 2008, Cooper Tire Company made a decision to close one of its four U. S. plants. All of northeast MS had much to lose had the Tupelo plant been chosen as the one to close - 1200 jobs. Employees were from not only Lee County, but also 10 surrounding counties. 134 of those jobs were held by Monroe countians. The company chose to close its Albany, GA plant instead. In December, 2008, Monroe County and the City ofAberdeen had the opportunity to add 55 new jobs or lose 59 existing jobs at Holley Performance Products. The company chose to shut down its Tijuana, Mexico plant and move those 55 jobs toAberdeen. The way that Tupelo, MS and the economic 12 Monroe Cooper jobs lost in Albany, GA? How important Northeast Mississippi, and in Monroe County, MS is were those Holley jobs lost in Tijuana, Mexico. the quality of our people, our workforce, and our Many, many lives were adversely affected. leaders! In times such as these, successful economic Tony Green development might mean just holding on to what Executive Director you have. So, what is our advantage? What did it Monroe County Chamber ofCommerce take to get these companies to come here in the first place? For some it was three to four decades ago. It is the same formula for keeping them here -- great cooperation, partnering, communication, commitment, and fast action, by a team. The team, those responsible for these two positive outcomes were our mayors, our aldermen, our supervisors, our county administrator, our Governor, and our economic development partners at the Mississippi Development Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission, Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Tennessee Valley Authority, North Mississippi Industrial Development Authority, Itawamba Community College, and our state senators and representatives. In times like these, just like during the best of times, the advantage that we have in Mississippi, in

Monroe 13 History of Monroe County, Mississippi Named for President James Monroe, Monroe nickname "Mother Monroe". County was the first in north As part of their treaty, the Chickasaws and the Mississippi and one of the heirs of Levi Colbert, also known as Chickasaw oldest of Mississippi's 82 Indian Chief Itawamba had asked that the Federal counties. At the time of Government give Gordon a piece of land for a its formation in 1821, settlement. He selected as the site the land south of there were only 13 Matubba Creek, east to the Tombigbee River and other counties, all west to what is now Meridian Street, and the town clustered along the was established in 1834, named Dundee. Gordon Gulf Coast and the asked that it be pronounced "Dun-Day", as the Scotts lower Mississippi do, but when the settlers insisted on calling it Valley. "Dun'dy", he changed the name to Aberdeen for his Robert Gordon native Aberdeen, Scotland. The city was was a Scottish trader in incorporated in 1837. the region whom the Hamilton, 12 miles east of Aberdeen, was made Chickasaws trusted and who the first county seat, but political struggles and was instrumental in persuading them consideration of geocentricity resulted in the seat to cede their lands to the Federal government in being moved 5 times among the towns of Athens, 1816. Afew years later, the first white settlement in Cotton Gin Port, andAberdeen, before coming at last the county grew up across the Tombigbee River to reside inAberdeen in 1847. Cotton, hardwood and from a Chickasaw village located on the hill above the manufacture of fine jewelry resulted in a bustling a 1736 French fort. This new community steamboat trade that by 1860 made Aberdeen the eventually became known as Cotton Gin Port, now largest city in the state. extinct. During the Civil War, while cities all around were On February 9, 1821 the legislature passed, and raised, legend has it that Aberdeen was spared Gov. Leake approved, a law creating Monroe because both the Confederate soldier in charge of the County. Originally described as all that territory city and the commander of the approaching Union east of the troops were members of the Order of Freemasons. Tombigbee River to the Alabama line and south to Gaines Trace, Monroe County was separated from the remainder of the state by Chickasaw and Choctaw territories from Cotton Gin Port to Walnut Hills (later renamed Vicksburg). In the early 1830's the legislature added all of the Chickasaw territories making Monroe County the largest in the state. It ran from its former southern boundary west to Mayhew Mission and diagonally northwest by Elliott Mission to the Mississippi River and the southwest boundary of Tennessee. This included part or all of what was later divided into 25 counties, giving it the 14 Monroe an important rail stop. The town of Amory was plotted and the first lots were sold at auction in November 1887, when the railroad came through the area; incorporation followed in 1888. People rushed in to buy property and the new railroad town was on its way. Amory was known as the "Planned City.” Its wide streets and carefully arranged business and residential areas helped pave the way for Amory's future. The history of the city is carefully preserved at the Amory Regional Museum, and residents honor their railroad past each year at theAmory Railroad Festival. As a result Monroe County is still one of the Monroe County largest counties, ranking 8th in the state by land area, has, with very 772 square miles. The population is estimated to be recent additions over 38,000. to the Historic Register, more than 270 historic structures--a priceless treasure. The oldest intact church building is St. John's Episcopal Church on East Commerce Street, begun in 1850 and completed in 1853. Aberdeen was once a busy cotton port that shipped its products by boat to Mobile. The wealth that came from cotton built great homes and lavish mansions, many of which still dot the city's tree- lined streets.Another "building boom" at the turn of the century created magnificent early Victorian dwellings along what is now known as "Silk StockingAvenue." The town of Amory located on the east bank of the Tombigbee River was established by the K.C.M.&B. Railroad (Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham). It is situated at the halfway point between Memphis and Birmingham and named for railroad magnate, HarcourtAmory. Amory became

Monroe 15 MONROE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

16 Monroe Ole Fashion Chicken & Dumplings - Thursday Noon Buffet

Special Thursday Night Special Friday Night Buffet featuring Country Cooking Buffet featuring Fried & Baked Chicken Fried & Baked Catfish or Spaghetti Sliced Roast Beef Lunch Buffet Daily 11-2 Choice of 5 Vegs. Shelaine is one of the area’s favorite places for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner featuring • Steaks • Fish • Seafood • Chicken • Great Sandwiches • Homemade Desserts Special Saturday Night Only-8ozRibEye with choice of potato, Salad & Drink $9.95 + tax

Open Daily For Your Convenience 6am-8pmMon. - Sat. Shelaine 6am-7pmSunday Randy Nichols RestaurantRestaurant Owner & Manager Hwy. 145 North • Aberdeen, Mississippi • 662-369-3352

Monroe 17 Happenings at Holley Performance Products - On January 21, 2009, federal, state, and local public officials with members of the management team of Holley Performance Products announced that the company was adding 55 jobs in its Aberdeen plant. The company is closing its Tijuana, Mexico location and consolidating that product line into itsAberdeen plant. The company manufactures Hooker and Flow Tech Headers and other automotive, marine, and power sports specialty products. Governor Haley Barbour stated that the company's commitment would benefit not only Monroe County but Mayor Jim Ballardpresents Guy Cassidy, CEO ofHolley Performance Products with a Keyto the City ofAberdeen. the entire state.

Monroe Gas Storage Company - On July 10, 2008, Monroe County Board of Supervisors and City of Amory officials assisted Monroe Gas Storage Company officials with the groundbreaking on a $175 million project to store inventories of natural gas in depleted underground natural gas reservoirs. The project involves the construction of pipelines connecting to the Texas Eastern and Tennessee gas pipelines that cross or lie adjacent to Monroe County. Prior to the groundbreaking, a community barbeque luncheon was provided by the company at the Amory City Park. The event was catered by BoRiley's with over 75 in attendance. 18 Monroe ltor:Chris Berryman,Northeast MSProject Manager,TVA,Randall Gray, President, Monroe County Board of Supervisors, Mayor HowardBoozer, City ofAmory, Mississippi Governor HaleyBarbour,John Correnti, CEO, SDC Amory, LouColatriano,President, SDC Amory, and Whit Hughes, Asst Director, Miss. Development Authority

SDC Amory - On October 23, 2008, federal, state, and local public officials with members of the management team of SDC Amory broke ground on a $175 million steel rebar facility at the Amory Port Industrial Park on Waterway Drive. When completed, the facility is projected to have 200 direct and 100 indirect jobs. The 18 month construction phase will have 600-800 construction workers on site. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on site. It was followed by the formal announcement and a barbeque luncheon hosted by the Gilmore Foundation at the Gilmore Conference Center. Over 200 attended the luncheon with Governor Haley Barbour as the keynote speaker. The project is the largest single investment in the history of the City ofAmory.

RTI - On March 26, 2008, a groundbreaking event was held at the RTI International Metals site located next to the Tronox plant at Hamilton, MS. Governor Haley Barbour, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and company officials announced to a crowd of over 200 that the company would be investing almost $200 million on the project that will employ 200-225. Tronox will be supplying titanium tetrachloride to the RTI plant which will then convert it into titanium sponge material that will be used to make commercial aircraft. The company has contracts with Airbus which produces commercial aircraft US Senator Roger Wicker and Mississippi Governor HaleyBarbour talk with RTI and with vendors for the U.S. military. representative, Chad Whalen at ceremony.

Monroe 19 Aberdeen RV Center - On May 9, 2008 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the new Aberdeen RV location on Hwy 45 alternate. On hand with owner, Chris Brown were many friends, employees, and Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Aberdeen RV Center has been selected as one of the Top 50 RV dealers in America by RV Business Magazine on the basis of outstanding customer service and sound business practices. Heritage Inn & Suites - On November 7, 2008, a ribbon cutting was held at the new 47 room hotel in Amory. Owners, Joe and Rosemary Scobey and Jerry and Linda Moore welcomed a large number of guests. Mayor Howard Boozer and Aldermen John Darden and Glen Bingham are pictured assisting with the event.

Membership Drive and Ambassadors - The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce conducted a membership drive in November and December that brought 41 new memberships. The Chamber Ambassadors led the membership drive. The Chamber Ambassadors group consisting of 22 individuals was formed in the summer, 2008. Ambassadors serve as the Chamber's primary public relations arm by attending ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, receptions, Ambassador Gwyn Jolly ofCentral Insurance is shown receivingher 1st place prize fromExec. Director TonyGreen. and leading membership drives. Gwynobtained 8new Chamber memberships. 20 Monroe Birdsong Peanuts - On August 7, 2008, a formal signing and reception was held at the Magnolias inAberdeen. The City ofAberdeen and Monroe County sold the Triton Boat facility to Birdsong Peanuts. The company opened a buying point at the facility located at Prairie where farmers can sell their raw, unprocessed peanuts. The company's goal is to sign contracts on 15,000 acres of peanuts in the area.

PicturedbelowisCounty BoardPresidentRandall Gray, Mayor Jim Ballard, and Mr.George Birdsong signingthe paperwork. The company invested$6.8 million in the purchase and capital improvements for this project. The facility is picturedbelow.

BB's Monogram Magic - On November 7, 2008, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Robin and Currie Bound's new business and shopping center on Hwy 145 North,Aberdeen.

Monroe 21 United Way of Greater Monroe County

If you want to know about community services and programs, or would like to be a volunteer, United Way is the place to turn.” United Way of Greater Monroe County serves as the central resource for harnessing the “caring power” of their community. The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the communities that comprise Monroe County. United Way encourages and engages community members in making decisions and taking action to provide, not only, basic human needs and crisis services but lasting changes in community conditions. Parker says she is proud to live in an area which has such a strong sense of community.” At United The philosophy of this non-profit organization is to Way we look for innovative, outstanding and results improve the lives of others “The United Way of Greater driven solutions. However, 'solutions' is really just Monroe County is in the business of creating meaningful and measurable impact in our community.” United Way invests in more than 20 local agencies and operates 4 Special Initiatives. Local agencies funded by United Way include the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Meals on Wheels, First FriendsAlzheimer's Center,Amory Food Pantry, Regional Rehabilitation Center, Monroe County Scouting Troops, and local Children's Shelters. In addition to their funded agencies, United Way of Greater Monroe County has led a concerted effort to impact the county in the areas of workforce development and educational enrichment, as evidenced by the four major Special Initiatives which they have recently developed. These Special Initiatives are: Way to Work: Workforce Training Skills for Youth Program, the United Way Student Nursing Academy, the United Way Families First Resource Center and the Arts Across the Ages Program. Each of these programs is wholly operated by another word for 'people.' Monroe County's greatest United Way of resource is the people who are willing to give of their Greater Monroe time, their talents and their financial resources to County and has implement positive change in this community.” netted successful results for all of Monroe County Patti H. Parker is the Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Monroe County. “We are always working to develop great programs for this great community. Letter From ABERDEEN MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION In today's world there are many ghost towns, but to none in the entire country. Many are open during the Aberdeen, Mississippi is not one of them! You will not Spring Pilgrimage inApril, each year. find any closed stores here. Oh, there might be one or If you wouldn't like being called by your first name, two. Our downtown is thriving! Over thirty businesses you probably wouldn't like living here! If you only have are located on Main Street (Commerce Street), time for a visit, that's ok. We love company (visitors), Aberdeen, Mississippi, U.S.A. too! We are very proud of our town and our merchants. Come see Aberdeen, the city where company stays We have something for everyone…women's clothing, and never wants to leave! men's clothing, a children's boutique, music and sound Glen Houston systems, quality jewelry, fine antiques, lawn and garden Executive Director equipment, feed and seed, hunting and fishing clothing Aberdeen Main Street Association and supplies, a top notch hardware store with real people that solve real world household repair problems, vegetable soup and Reuben sandwiches, southern soul food, turnip greens, fried catfish and hushpuppies, homemade biscuits and real bacon, local bankers and insurance agents, a hometown pharmacist, a tearoom Aberdeen recognized as one of the finest in Mississippi, and even a couple of hometown grocery stores! We also have some of the most beautiful older homes with the most varied architecture designs that are second MISSISSIPPI Welcome From The ABERDEEN VISITOR'S BUREAU Named as one of "Top 10 Great Small Towns for their golden years. But, don't misunderstand the Retirement" by Travel 50 and Beyond magazine, Aberdeen change of pace. You'll find activities and Aberdeen is a historic town filled with friendly faces. organizations that were created by and for new citizens. The natural setting of Aberdeen contributes to its charm Should you choose to, you can stay very busy! almost as much as the people. The town is famous for its Virtually every denomination is represented among median of magnolia trees, and visitors will attest to the the thirty-plus churches in Aberdeen. Those who are fact that there is nothing quite as soothing as the scent "into" genealogy utilize the excellent family records that and shade from a row of magnolias. The local yards are are available at the Evans Memorial Library, known filled with crepe myrtles. In the spring the dogwood and nationally as a genealogy research center. Golfers take azaleas brighten the entire town. advantage of the excellent nine-hole course at Aberdeen Aberdeen was one of Mississippi's very first Certified Golf and Country Club or the nearby 18 hole, nationally Retirement Communities, so we've had lots of known, Old Waverley Golf and Country Club, at West experience welcoming some great folks to their new Point, MS, which has served as host for the LPGA hometown! Recent retirees have moved to Aberdeen tournament. from California, Minnesota, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Fishing is awesome on the Tennessee-Tombigbee NewYork,Washington and Louisiana, to name just a few Waterway'sAberdeen Lake, the site of several major bass states. Aberdeen is the mid-point on the Tennessee- tournaments, annually. Mississippi's highway system is Tombigbee Waterway, which has brought many of considered among the top four in the United States. In Aberdeen's retirees here. Boaters have tied up at the local Aberdeen, you'll live just blocks from four-lane U.S. 45. marina, visited the town, including its antebellum and Interstate 22/78 is only 35 miles north at Tupelo, MS. Victorian homes, and decided to stay - literally! We welcome new visitors, but please be very careful! Newcomers find that houses in Aberdeen can be Like so many others before you, once you are here, you purchased for a fraction of what they would have had to may not want to leave! pay in most other locations. For that matter, the same can Deborah Stubblefield be said of property taxes. Many retirees have moved here Executive Director from large metropolitan areas. They find that the slower, Aberdeen Visitors Bureau small town atmosphere is a welcome change of pace for

22 Monroe Industry Profile Aberdeen Georgia Gulf Corporation is a leading North American manufacturer and international marketer of two chemical Floral product lines, chlorovinyls and aromatics. 211 S. Meridian St. Georgia Gulf manufacturers vinyl-based building and home improvement products Flowers - Gifts - Plants including custom window profiles, siding, Voted Aberdeen's Best Florist roofing, decking, fencing, railing, columns, moulding, window coverings and pipe and Specializing in custom designs, fittings. weddings & funerals Georgia Gulf has two facilities in Monroe We rent wedding equipment & plants County, a Vinyl resin (PVC), Compound, and Plasticizer plant inAberdeen and a Compound Plant in Prairie. Lawson & Polly Grimes, An active supporter of education in Owners Aberdeen, they have supplied tutors for the Aberdeen High School as well as funding the 662-369-9401 annual Academic Banquet. They are a partner in education for theAberdeen High School. 800-547-4932

Grwo Monroe! since 1963

Prairie Plant Aberdeen Plant 10068 Summit Drive 715 Hwy 25 Prairie, MS 39756 Aberdeen, MS 39730

Monroe 23 Community Profile ABERDEEN, MISSISSIPPI From its earliest days as a thriving cotton port on Monroe County Chancery Court, U. S. District Court the Tombigbee River to it now being known as “the for the Northern District of Mississippi and U. S. chemical manufacturing capital of Northeast Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Mississippi,”Aberdeen is a city rich in history. Mississippi. Aberdeen's a great place ... great for business, Aberdeen is home to industry - Georgia-Gulf great for living ... and great for retiring. Corporation, BASF, Holley Performance Parts, Aberdeen is located on the west bank of the Tenn-Tom Pallet, Comer Packing, Eutaw Construction and Monroe Kut ... plus Tronox Chemical in the nearby Hamilton Community. Aberdeen is a major destination for sportsmen from throughout the region, who fish the crappie and catfish-laden waters of the Aberdeen and Columbus Lakes on the TennesseeTombigbeeWaterway. The Aberdeen public school system includes 140 classrooms on six campuses covering 116 acres. There are three gymnasiums, an 1800 seat "multi sportsplex", a vocational educational complex, six libraries, and a media center holding 35,000 books, DVDs and audio and video tapes. Aberdeen has an all-day, pre-kindergarten program. Pioneer Community Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which connects Hospital of Aberdeen provides the Port of Mobile, Alabama to the remainder of the acute care and 24-hour United States. Complete shipping facilities are emergency service with a available to business and industry at the Port of guaranteed maximum wait time Aberdeen. of fifteen minutes. Pioneer Aberdeen is the county seat of Monroe County. It offers physical therapy and is also the seat of Monroe County Circuit Court, sports medicine, geriatric psychiatry, outpatient behavioral health for those 18 years of age and older, a sleep center for intensive sleep studies, full service respiratory therapy and laboratory, general surgery, assisted living, independent living and an outpatient specialty physicians facility. Blue Bluff Recreation Area, located on the Aberdeen Lake section of the waterway, provides, in addition to fishing, boating, hunting, and camping on 92 full hook-up camp sites. Facilities in the recreation area include boat ramps, paved parking lots, covered pavilions, picnic tables, white sand beaches, swimming areas, and playgrounds. Homes and buildings in Aberdeen provide examples of Greek Revival, Spanish, Carpenter Gothic, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, QueenAnne, Dutch Colonial, Swiss Chateau, Tudor,

24 Monroe Japaneseque, and Art Clarence Day of Memphis and given to the City of Deco styles. Aberdeen (www.themagnolias.org). Aberdeen opens Aberdeen is governed by a Mayor and Board of its antebellum and Aldermen. The population is approximately 6,500 Victorian homes to (2000 census). Aberdeen is 230 feet above sea level, has a mean annual temperature of 62 degrees F, and an average annual rainfall of 55 inches. Virtually all denominations are represented among the more than 40 churches located in and around Aberdeen, as well as a number of non- denominational congregations. In summation, Aberdeen is a wonderful town in which to live, worship, work and play!

the public each Spring during pilgrimage. Daily tours are available year-round at The Magnolias, built in 1850. This beautiful antebellum house was purchased by

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Going Our Way? If you’re away from home and looking for a Community Bank, don’t worry. We have a complete list of our locations online so you’ll know where to find us. And the best part? You’ll find the same genuine, personal service at all of our banks, no matter where you are. It’s just another reason why we’re different…in a good way.

Monroe 25 Community Profile AMORY, MISSISSIPPI comprehensive vocational program, provides for a wide range of learning capabilities, backgrounds and interests. The school system serves approximately 1885 students in pre-k through twelfth grades. An excellent athletic program includes football, basketball, baseball, girls' softball, cross-country, tennis, track, soccer, golf and swimming. Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center, a 95-bed facility, provides numerous services, including an emergency center, outpatient services, surgery department, transitional care center, a brand Amory is a great place to live, work and worship. new state of the art women's center, which includes a Its educational and medical facilities are second to neonatal intensive care unit, birthing room, laser none. Churches abound. Industry loves the Amory surgery and more, as well as a fitness center (has area, whose people have a great work ethic. The Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway provides boaters, water skiers and fishermen a great place to enjoy their past times. There are numerous public access areas with boat ramps. Bass, crappie, bream and catfish ...inabundance . . . populate the Tenn- Tom. Amory is home to a mammoth, ultra-modern county governmental building which houses justice court, various county offices and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. The Amory School District consists of five campuses, which accommodate K thru 12 and a vocational center.Approximately 45% of the faculty weight training equipment, cardiovascular have Master's degrees or above. Curriculum, which equipment, fitness classes and an indoor ranges from a college preparatory program to a competition-size heated swimming pool). Amory has a river port and an industrial park adjacent to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The very diversified industrial base includes aluminum and steel tubing, industrial valves, truck body manufacturing, timber, furniture, fertilizer, and boats. Kinder-Morgan operates a bulk material handling terminal at the Port ofAmory located at Mile 369 on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Amory is very definitely a community that "has it all" ...acommunity that is "on the right track.

26 Monroe Monroe 27 FIRST FRIENDS NON-PROFIT RESPITE FOR CAREGIVERS Did you know that we have a day-care for the elderly wide memorials, donations and honorariums. right here in Monroe county? First Friends opened The day is filled with games, puzzles, crafts, eight years ago--the very first facility of its kind in the exercising, dancing, singing and special programs State of Mississippi. Since then, the Alzheimer's provided by musical groups and others from the Association and the Mississippi Department of Mental community who wish to contribute to their Health have received a grant to open ten more centers in entertainment. the state modeled after First Friends. As of now there This respite for the caregiver allows them to do are three of us: First Friends of Amory; a center in household chores, go to their own medical Corinth and a center in Cleveland. appointments, exercise, relax, play bridge and engage Mary Nell Dorris , the in other personal activities. founder and director, Caregivers often state that it initially opened the center takes a month or more of in the First Baptist Church regular attendance before the building in Amory in caregiver begins to relax and January of 2001 as a accomplish their own goals. community service agency. The caregiver has a time of As caregiver to her own adjustment, just like their husband who suffered from family member who is Alzheimer's disease, she attending the program. determined that caregivers First Friends is patterned needed time for after the model of Friendship themselves. and Best Friends, a daycare in For two years the center Lexington, Ky., which is the operated with a total volunteer staff. Subsequently, as national model for theAlzheimer'sAssociation. more participants were added to the program, the Sharing the office with First Friends is the agency employed a staff of four paid workers and Alzheimer's Association, Mississippi Chapter, approximately twenty volunteers. Northeastern Region, Amory office. First Friends and First Friends began as a non-profit daycare center the Alzheimer's Association are affiliated so that for the elderly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and families may have private consultations, have access to related dementias. It was designed for at least two the 24-hour Alzheimer's Helpline at 800-272-3900, reasons: participate in a support group every first Monday from 1. To provide socialization for the impaired 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. and receive resources that are individual; and helpful with the job of caregiving. The Amory 2. To provide respite for the caregiver. Alzheimer's office and First Friends have the same Now the center will accept any senior citizen who director. needs daycare. The only requirements are a Out of this same office free training is given to tuberculosis test, a doctor's short medical evaluation families, to health facilities, churches, clubs and other including diagnosis, and a life story usually written by organizations. In addition to training on caregiver the caregiver. The life story is used to interact with the issues, Alzheimer's awareness, medications, research participant and keep their memories alive as long as and other topics, education can be tailor-made for possible. particular facilities and organizations. First Friends' hours of operation are Mondays, Prospective participants are given two days free to Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 try the center for their loved one. Family members p.m. The cost is $20 per day . If there is a client with may also stay with them for all or part of the day. financial need, the center helps that family. All Family visits are allowed at any time. participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Drinks are An application or more information may be obtained furnished. Adult diapers are furnished for those who by calling First Friends at 662 256-9730 or 662 315- are incontinent. The center does not participate in 0097. You will find a loving atmosphere with Medicare or Medicaid. First Friends is partially funded professionally trained staff and volunteers. by United Way, First Baptist Church and community- 28 Monroe ROY HAZZLE National Coach of the Year! Aberdeen basketball coach Roy Hazzle's name is synonymous with high school basketball in our part of Photo and story courtesy of the Brandon Speck, Monroe Journal the country. 35 wins as Hazzle was named the Daily Journal's Now, his name is listed among the best in the Coach of the Year and was even given a key to the nation. city. Hazzle, in his 22nd season at the helm of the “A lot of times in life, you don't ever know what's Bulldogs, 32nd at his alma mater, has been named the going to take place," he said. "It tells you hard work 2008 National Federation of State High School will pay off. It's just a big honor for these young Associations CoachesAssociation National Coach of people that I work with every day.” theYearin boy's basketball. In a statement, MHSAA executive director Ennis “It means a lot. It's very big, something you put Proctor called Hazzle "very deserving.” your time in," Hazzle said. "Hard work goes into it. “Coach Roy Hazzle is an outstanding coach and Having good teams has a lot to do with it, as well as person, who has always distinguished himself as a having God in your life.” leader in Mississippi athletics," Proctor said. "I am Hazzle, after four previous early exits from the pleased to see this fine individual being recognized at state tournament, brought the Class 3Achampionship the national level.” back to Monroe County in March, the school's first. Coming into this season, he had a record of 445- 214. In June, he was named the Northeast Mississippi Basketball Coaches Association 3A/4A/5A Coach of theYear. Hide not your "I was excited for him," said Aberdeen superintendent Dr. George Gilreath. "He's put in a lot years and effort. It's good for guys like him to get talents, they for use recognized. He stayed in Aberdeen, at home with our kids, something not all good coaches do.” A former Aberdeen standout himself, Hazzle was were made. What's a on his way to Gilreath's office to return the call to the Mississippi High SchoolActivitiesAssociation when he was congratulated on the way. "I kind of paused and tried to really get a feeling sundial in the shade? about it," Hazzle said. "It probably hasn't sunk in yet, but I knew it was big. It was all about kids with great attitudes, my desire to work hard and keep God in my life.” Benjamin Franklin Last season's championship led to a school record

Monroe 29 Monroe County School District P.O. Box 209·· Amory, Mississippi 38821 662-257-2176

“The vision of the Monroe County School District is to constantly challenge the educational expectations while advancing the educational experience.”

The Monroe County School District (MCSD) serves students at five school sites. Our enrollment is approximately 2500 students in grades K-12. Home campus Sites include: Hamilton attendance center (1AApproximately 750 students), Hatley Attendance Center (2AApproximately 1100 students), Smithville Attendance Center (1A Approximately 650 students). Off campus sites include: Monroe County Advanced Learning Center (serves students from the three High Schools listed above, grades 10-12), Monroe County Vocational Center (serves Students from the three high schools listed above, grades 10-12). In addition, Students are also served from two neighboring school districts. Some of the district services include but are not limited to the Following: Technology services, Federal Program services, Transportation services, Food services, and Special Education services.

www.mcsd.us Aberdeen School District P. O. Drawer 607 • Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 • 662-369-4682

Helping to Build the 21st Century One Student at a Time The vision of Aberdeen School district represents a school system that recognizes its responsibilities to its constituents. Our vision captures the spirit of a district willing to step up and do the things necessary to prepare our children for a successful future. The school board, administrators, teachers and staff, hope that you will visit our website to search for specific information about our schools and the programs we offer our community. With a professional and support staff of approximately 350 caring individuals, 1450 enthusiastic, inquisitive students, and situated on the Tennessee Tombigbee waterway in the historic town of Aberdeen, our district offers a quality education to the students enrolled in our schools. As educators, we are reminded daily that we are grooming the minds of our future leaders, cultivating their knowledge, skills and character to ensure that they become responsible, productive citizens. It is our job to be risk-takers for the sake of our students, remembering always that to make a difference, we must make an impact.

www.aberdeen.k12.ms.us “Where all students will be ready for the next level!”

30 Monroe Amory School District P. O. Box 330 • Amory, Mississippi 38821-0330 • 662-256-5991

The mission of the Amory School District is to provide an opportunity for all students in its schools to develop to their fullest potential. The Amory School District has a student population of approximately 1,885 students at four schools and a vocational center. All schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Our personal goal is to ensure that every student attends exceptional schools in a safe environment and receives instruction from the best possible educators. We have over 235 dedicated personnel with nineteen National Board Certified teachers. The Amory School District has a rich history in pursuit of educational excellence in meeting the needs of all students. The administration, school board and instructional staff provide high academic as well as high behavioral expectations in a caring, friendly and safe environment. Our district offers an educational path that provides opportunities for learning, success and excellence. Emphasis is based on quality instruction and student achievement. We believe that planning, setting goals and evaluating our progress will result in improved achievement of all our students who will be our leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about our Amory School District go to our website at www.amoryschools.com.

The Amory School District is PROUD to say "We have safe and drug-free schools (Title IV)" The purpose of the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program is to support programs that prevent violence in and around schools; that prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs; that involve parents and communities, and that are coordinated with related Federal, State, school and community efforts and resources to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports student academic achievement.

www.amoryschools.com "Developing Students to their Fullest Potential”

Monroe 31 32 Monroe MONROE COUNTY: OUR ASSETS RECREATION highway system in Mississippi, Monroe County is well With the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway situated located for moving manufactured goods to any in the middle of the county, no other place can boast location desired. having more public hunting, fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities than Monroe County. HEALTHCARE The Blue Bluff CampgroundArea, theAberdeen Lake, Living in Monroe County means access to quality the Amory Lake, the Smithville Lake, and the Canal health care.And that's important to both young families Section Wildlife Management Area are the primary and retirees. The county is served by two hospitals - locations for these activities. There are numerous Pioneer Community Hospital of Aberdeen and concrete boat ramps, docks, boat storage, and fueling Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory. The Aberdeen facilities located on the Waterway. facility has 35 beds; inpatient and outpatient care for The 234 mile manmade Waterway offers you the seniors; and occupational, physical and respiratory opportunity to travel by water all the way from the therapy. The hospital has 5 general practitioners, 11 Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake near the specialists, and 8 CNP’s. At Gilmore Memorial Tennessee state line to the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile, Hospital, patients have access to 95 beds, an AL. This body of water can handle the smallest fishing emergency center with helicopter linkage, a surgery boat to the largest yacht. To the angler's delight, the department, a women's center, a 16-bed, sub-acute unit Waterway offers bass, catfish, bream, and crappie and a fitness center. Nearly 40 physicians practicing 17 fishing. Deer and turkey hunting are very good on the specialties are on staff at Gilmore. Canal Section Wildlife Management Area located The security that comes from well-equipped and between the old Tombigbee River and the Waterway. well-staffed medical facilities is vital to the success of a Lake Monroe located just north of Aberdeen is also community. Monroe County is experiencing that a camping, fishing and a picnicking destination. success. There are three public golf courses in the county. Riverbirch in Amory has hosted the state high school LOCATION, golf championship several times. Parks and recreation programs in Aberdeen, Amory, Smithville, Nettleton, LOCATION, LOCATION Hamilton, and Hatley offer organized sports such as All the components that make up a great quality of baseball, tennis, softball, and soccer. life can be found in Monroe County, Mississippi; rich rural landscapes, urban conveniences, a vibrant economy, and a commitment to community well- BUSINESS CLIMATE being. The people that call the county home know that Automotive parts, metal products, furniture, the opportunities are limitless and the potential is vast. textiles, boats, and truck bodies . . . these are just some Shaped by friendly people…. Forged from a rich of the products made by the more than 30 industries history….Molded by hard work and a clear sense of operating in Monroe County. These include Holley community. You have arrived in Monroe County. Performance Products, Tronox, Lane Furniture, Anchored by the cities of Aberdeen, Amory, and NauticStar Boats, Georgia Gulf Vinyls & Chemicals, Nettleton, and the hamlets of Hamilton, Hatley and True Temper Sports, BASF, Tenn-Tom Pallet, Comer Smithville, Monroe County has blended the best of its Packing, Monroe Kut, Wax Seed Company, Palmer past with an outstanding quality of life to create a path Machine Works, Wren Body Works, ITT, FFM, to a dynamic future. Now is the time to discover a part Birdsong Peanuts, and Eutaw Construction. A well of the South that is ideal for couples raising a family or educated workforce known for its strong work ethic those looking for a great place to retire. and supportive government leaders add to the perfect A thriving business community, quality health care, mix that is Monroe County. and affordable housing combined with great Adding to our business success and making Monroe recreation, beautiful weather, and true Southern County a choice industrial site is the Tennessee hospitality make Monroe County a wonderful place to Tombigbee Waterway. The Waterway links the call home, a great place for your business or industry Tennessee River at the Tennessee state line to the Gulf and an extraordinary place for you to spend the rest of of Mexico at Mobile. With our port facilities at both your life! Amory and Aberdeen and our excellent four lane Monroe 33 129 A Main Street North, Amory, MS 38821 662-256-8700 [email protected]

The invitation is open for everyone to come to DowntownAmory to discover all the possibilities! Memberships in Amory Main Street and donations to the program are always accepted! Membership categories include: businesses $100, civic organizations and churches $50 and individual “Friends” of Main Street $25. All contributions are tax deductible. TheAmory Main Street Mission Statement is: To encourage the historic preservation, culture and public use of Amory's historic downtown district Amory Main Street was organized and accepted through planned revitalization, diversification and into the statewide Mississippi Main Street preservation activities with active community Association and the National Trust Main Street involvement. Center in the summer of 2004, due to the efforts of local citizens to bring about revitalization and historic preservation in the Historic Downtown District of Amory. An eighteen-person Board of REAL Directors and a Main Street Manager are in place with office space at 129 Main Street North, Suite A, ESTATE in the City of Amory Utilities Building. Active 214 So. Main St. volunteer committees for Design, Promotion and Amory, MS 38821 Economic Restructuring are working toward long range plans for the downtown area. Promotion activities such as Christmas Candlelight Open • Selling Monroe County House, Pep Rallies in the Park, Sidewalk Sales, & Surrounding Areas Spring Fling, Art Displays and Fourth on the Third have been enjoyed by citizens of Amory. Design • Members of 2 MLS projects include the Post Clock in the Park, seasonal NE MS Board and flags welcoming shoppers and visitors, flowers and decorations along the street and sidewalks and Golden Triangle planning of guidelines for the historic area. Handling All Areas of Economic Restructuring has worked toward a local • Tax Abatement Ordinance and Loan Pool and has Real Estate Since 1974 seen new businesses and expanded businesses enjoy success in downtown Amory in the past four years. ••Residential Lots & Acreage • In addition, several downtown buildings have been Commercial Rentals purchased and have been or are being rehabilitated ••• for new uses. ••Waterway Property With a blend of retail businesses, services, restaurants, banking and finance, and business 662-256-9939 offices in the downtown area, this heart of our city is 662-369-1778 showing definite signs of revitalization and renewal. www.leechrealestate.com

34 Monroe Hospice provides: Pain management Emotional support Skilled in-home care and much more We focus on your health so you can focus on family and friends.

Heart To Heart Hospice

It's About Living! 1-866-813-4731 www.heart2hearthospice.com

“For a family to trust us during such a crucial time of wide range of services to the family and patient that need is the biggest compliment we can receive” says maximizes quality of life and helps people live as fully Heart To Heart Hospice Administrator, Tawanna as possible, on their terms." While it's true that people Martin.And trusting them is exactly what the residents are often confused about hospice care and it's rarely of Monroe County and North MS have been doing for associated with positive emotions, that shouldn't be the the past eight years. Hospice is still something that a case. Hospice is truly about living! Hospice is simply lot of people don't know about. Heart To Heart another option in healthcare today and the next logical Hospice, along with other hospice providers work step, when it becomes apparent that a disease process tirelessly to inform the residents of the help and hope will not improve. Hospice doesn't mean you're giving available through hospice care. Martin adds, “We often up hope at all. The core services of hospice care are remind our employees that we've been granted a time aimed at creating hope………….hope for managing in our patients' lives that will be forever remembered your disease, for being free of pain and able to do the and cherished, and we have to do our part to make sure things you've always enjoyed. The hospice team of every day is the best day they can have.” If you talk to physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, someone who has experienced the services of hospice, chaplains and volunteers often become like family to like Mrs. Sue Scroggins whose husband Chester the patients they care for. The hospice team provides received care from Heart To Heart Hospice, you will care on a routine basis based on the physical and see they've done just that! Mrs. Scroggins recalls, emotional needs of the patient, family and caregiver. “When Chester would see Michele (Bolton Home This phase of life can be the most difficult, especially Health Aide) coming, he would light up. He loved her! for families, but by choosing hospice care, the She was a friend until the end for Chester and she will transition can be peaceful. be for me as well!” For more information on hospice services you may "Most people think hospice is what you do when visit the following websites or call your local hospice there's no other choice," said Dr. Dwight McComb, provider.www.heart2hearthospice.com Heart To Heart Hospice Medical Director. "That www.caringinfo.org couldn't be farther from the truth. Hospice provides a Monroe 35 * * *

Amory Regional Museum The Amory Regional Museum has a rich history shows that the canoe was built during the late 17th or in its building. The hospital was built in 1916 as early 18th century. Gilmore Sanitarium and operated as Amory's In the Pre-Amory room you can educate yourself hospital until 1961 when it was moved to its current on the earliest inhabitants of this area. This room location. The Amory Regional Museum, a contains artifacts from the Hester Dig, discovered in Mississippi Landmark, is listed on the State Register 1975, dating back to 9,000 BC. The Cotton Gin of Historic Sites, making it more than just a museum. Port room houses artifacts from that settlement, SinceAmory began as a railroad town, it was only which was the forerunner to Amory. Cotton Gin fitting that in 1980 the museum acquired the Port is believed to be the oldest settlement in North passenger coach “Pasadena Hills” No. 1251, which Mississippi. is permanently attached to On the museum grounds, the building. The coach was we have a regulator style log a gift to the City of Amory cabin, donated the Fred Wright from the Frisco Railroad. family of Amory, which was This passenger coach houses built between 1838 and 1840. a part of Amory's heritage in The cabin is made of heart pine its railroad memorabilia. and is fully furnished. The Amory Regional In the Picture Room, there Museum houses artifacts is a photographic panorama of from 9,000 BC to exhibits by early Amory. Our Haskell contemporary artists. In our Room pays tribute to Amory state-of-the-art, climate native Sam Haskell, III who controlled Gallery Annex, founded the Mary Nell which was completed in Kirkpatrick Haskell 2007, the museum is able to Scholarship Foundation to host a wide range of art and history exhibits. The fund scholarships for deserving local students. The museum is designated as an affiliate of the Foundation was funded through a series of concerts Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson and will host held in Amory that featured some of the travelling art exhibits from that museum. entertainment industry's biggest stars. There is also Upstairs in the museum, you can view the canoe the Amory at Home room which showcases objects found in Malone Lake in 1979 by the Corp of and items that depict life for Amorians of the early Engineers during the construction of the Tennessee- 20th century. Tombigbee Waterway. A radiocarbon of 1670 Every hospital has an Operating room and the Gilmore Sanitarium was no exception. Today, we have an excellent collection of photographs, medical instruments and written information documenting the history of medical practice in the area. The museum still has the original Italian tile floors and the original elevator, which is still in working order. Being involved in the community helps to make a museum great, and that is what the Amory Regional Museum is. You will find a variety of services offered such as educational tours, seminars, workshops and a historical and genealogical research facility. The museum is handicap accessible. 38 Monroe Experience •Enthusiasm • Energy • Integrity

SSouthernRRealty & MManagement CCo.

Em Walters Marsha Dwight Stevens Sales Associate Monaghan Sales Associate Ballard Owner/Broker (662)369-7061 / Fax: (662) 369-6784 24 Hours Sales • Property Management Residential • Farm • Commercial www.southernrealtyaberdeen.com Email: [email protected] 105 DAVIS DRIVE ••P.O. BOX 1061 ABERDEEN, MS 39730

Member Golden Triangle Association of Realtors Mississippi Association of Realtors National Association of Realtors Golden Triangle Multiple Listing Service Monroe 39 Industry Profile Stevens Auction Company

John Dwight Stevens is in the business of nostalgia and romance and is the founder and owner of Stevens Auction Company. He is considered one of the foremost experts on antiques in the mid-south. Stevens Auction Company manages large estate auctions and offers rare collectibles, artwork, civil war memorabilia, and exquisite antiques. In 2002 Dwight Stevens refurbished and restored the 1856 Adams French Mansion and restored it to its original splendor. It showcased the most prominent of the estate auctions until the Bradley Lumber building was purchased and now serves as SAVE ABERDEEN LANDMARKS Dwight's home. Dwight has worked with other volunteers and Dwight Stevens is committed to restoring many founded a nonprofit group, Save Aberdeen buildings in Aberdeen to strengthen the economy Landmarks. It has been established for the purpose and tourism. He personally restored a building and of restoring and refurbishing buildings and opened an antique/soda fountain/coffee shop that landmarks of Historic Downtown Aberdeen and now houses Penny Lane's Java Café. well as other prominent buildings in the surrounding area. The first project that has been completed is the old Kimmel Bakery building that once served as the law office for Jeff Navarro. This has been refurbished and now houses Reflections Beauty Salon and has three upper floor apartments. Ongoing projects include the Old Aberdeen Depot. “Rebuilding History to Secure Our Future” is the motto of this group dedicated to preserving Aberdeen's richest history.

40 Monroe STEVENS AUCTION COMPANY Full Service Auction Marketing Specialist • Appraisals Market Place For The Finest Antiques In The SOUTH

JOHN DWIGHT STEVENS

P.O. Box 58 -:- Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-369-2200 -:- Cell 662-369-5257 www.stevensauction.com e-mail: [email protected]

MS Auctioneer Lic. No. 349 TN Auctioneer Lic. No. 6042 AL Auctioneer Lic. No. 1855 Monroe 41 RECOMMENDATIONS TO OUR VISITORS THINGS TO SEE AND DO In Aberdeen the flat, black dirt prairie and see the munitions plant buildings from World War II at Prairie, MS. This The Aberdeen Architectural Driving Tour is was once a thriving small town where several famous for her Victorian and antebellum homes that hundred workers assembled explosives for the offer a wide variety of architectural styles. These military during World War II. Take Hwy 25 South include Greek Revival, Spanish, Carpenter Gothic, from Aberdeen, then turn right onto Hwy 382. No Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Dutch Colonial, Swiss Chateau, Tudor, Japaneseque, andArt Deco styles. Approximately 50 homes are on this exquisite driving tour. Call 1-800- 634-3538 or go to www.aberdeenms.org. Blue Bluff Campground and RecreationalArea - This is one of the most scenic recreation areas on the Waterway. Located just north of Aberdeen, this area is named for the beautiful clay and limestone cliffs that border the park on the eastern side. The bluff rises over 80 feet above the water and provides a great view of admittance to the actual munitions site is allowed. the Aberdeen Lake and lock and dam. The Must view from Hwy 382. campground is a Class-A facility with 92 sites that provide concrete pads, picnic tables, grills, lantern In Amory posts, fire rings, electric and water hookups, and plenty of shade. Additional amenities include a Amory Regional Museum - Beginning in 1916 sewage dump station, laundry facilities, restrooms, as the Gilmore Sanitarium, the museum is a very hot showers, playground, hiking trails, game courts, interesting and a unique place to visit. The museum and a swimming beach. For more info call 662-369- houses Native American artifacts, pioneer artifacts 2832 or for reservations call 1-888-444-6777 or go and photographs, artifacts from Cotton Gin Port (the to www.reserveamerica.com. oldest settlement in North MS), an authentic, Antebellum and Victorian Home Tours - Call standing log cabin, a railroad passenger coach car to arrange individual or group tours of Aberdeen's from the early 20th century, and a hand hewed most beautiful, historic homes. Call 1-800-634- cypress canoe dated from the late 17th century that 3538 or email [email protected]. was unearthed during the construction of the Old Aberdeen Cemetery and the Oddfellows Waterway. Call 662-256-2761 or go to Cemetery - Self guided tours of unusual and www.amoryms.us/museum. noteworthy tombstones. Call 1-800-634-3538 or Athens Jail - One of the oldest standing and email [email protected]. unoccupied jail buildings in Mississippi. Go to the The Mississippi Blackbelt Prairie and the Becker community on Hwy 25 South from Amory, ghost town of Prairie, MS Take a driving tour of then turn left ontoAthens Rd. No tours available. 42 Monroe Greenwood Springs and Splunge Annual Events Communities - Take a driving tour through some of the most picturesque farm country in the South. The Amory Railroad Festival was started in Splunge was once a thriving farm community. The 1979. This four day, April event draws almost old school is now a community center. At the start of 60,000 visitors each year. The Southeast Tourism the 20th century, Greenwood Springs had a hotel Society ranks it in the top 20 annual events to attend. and day spa that advertised healing mineral enriched It features nationally known entertainers, delectable waters. Take Hwy 278 east from Amory and turn food, quality arts and crafts, a huge antique car left onto Greenwood Springs Rd. show, and a great carnival for children. Bring the whole family and plan to spend at least a couple of days inAmory. The Aberdeen Southern Heritage Pilgrimage held inApril each year was started in 1976. It is a three day event that includes tours of approximately ten historic homes, a shooting competition of Civil War era weapons, a great play held in the historic Elkin Theatre, and tours of the Old Aberdeen Cemetery and the Oddfellows Cemetery. The Blue Bluff Festival is held on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway near Aberdeen each October. It features a KCBS sanctioned state barbeque championship, arts and crafts, local and regional blues artists, food concessions, and Special Price For activities for the kids. Catering/Private Parties Call 315-6473 119 Main Street North • Amory, Mississippi 662-256-7118 Calzones • Seafood • Soups Salads • Pasta• European Coffees Stromboli • Pizzas Free Delivery ($10 minimum) Thur-Fri-Sat • 5pm - until

Monroe 43 Industry Profile Gilmore Memorial Hospital Gilmore Foundation was created in 1915 and programs. Emergency room services are available incorporated in 1916 by Mr. & Mrs. Ellie Davison on a 24-hour per day, seven-day per week basis. Gilmore. Its initial goal was to construct a medical Along with a wide variety of weight training facility in Amory. When Gilmore Sanitarium equipment, cardiovascular equipment, and fitness officially opened on December 1, 1916, it was the classes, the Sports & Wellness Center also offers an first modern medical center in northeast indoor-competition size, heated pool, hydrotherapy Mississippi. In 1961, Gilmore Memorial Regional pool and a whirlpool. Medical Center was constructed where it stands today. Today, GMRMC has a medical staff, caring personnel, and state-of-the- art equipment that provide the latest in diagnostic procedures. They are expanding into the next century with unprecedented growth and modernization working to bring total family medical care to the Northeast Mississippi region. Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center is licensed by the State of Mississippi for 95 beds. The center provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients, and participates in the Medicare and Medicaid

44 Monroe Among the services Gilmore provides are: Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center has • Emergency Center developed a web site, www.gilmorehealth.com and • Inspirations is providing many sources for health information and • Intensive Care Unit programming. This will be a very useful tool for • Laboratory patients, their families, and those who may want to • Medical Staff know what kind of services or facilities Gilmore has • Internal Medicine available. • Hospitalists A critical quality of life issue for any business • Radiology Department is its availability of superior medical care and • Rehabilitation Services Monroe County is fortunate to have Gilmore • Respiratory Therapy Memorial Regional Medical Center caring for the and Special Diagnostics health of its community by providing personalized • Orthopaedics care using the latest technology. • Sports & Wellness Center • Surgery Department • Total Health • Women's Center Gilmore Memorial • Wound Care Center Regional Medical Center's New Women's Center Amory Living in Monroe County means access to quality health care and that is exactly what women in the Monroe County area will benefit from with the construction of the new Federal Savings Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center's new Women's Center. The 46,000 square feet Women's Center located in front of P.O. Box 126 Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Centers' campus will include new labor 213 2nd Avenue North delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms with Amory, Mississippi 38821 two suites equipped with state of the art (662) 256-9323 technology to perform C-Sections. Also, a new nursery complete with a neonatal Fax (662) 256-4200 intensive care unit and a full time neonatologist on staff will be in the expansion. Outpatient diagnostics will Hours of operations: include ultrasound, stereo tactics, bone 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM density and digital mammography. With all these wonderful renovations Monday through Friday taking place, women can still expect to receive the same great care from a dedicated, Amory Federal Savings And Loan Association was caring staff and will benefit from the latest established on the first day of June in 1934. We're the cutting edge technology available. Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center's Mortgage Lending Specialist, helping families achieve Women's Center will be another means of their dream home, one family at a time. providing Monroe County residents with access to quality health care.

Monroe 45 THE AMORY RAILROAD FESTIVAL carnival midway, you are sure to find something that sparks your interest here at theAnnualAmory Railroad Festival. A community worship service organized by the Amory Ministerial Association kicks the festival weekend off. Another special event provided for everyone by Gilmore Memorial is the annual Railroad Festival Health Fair. This year the health fair was set up behind the Beta Sigma Phi festival information booth on First Avenue and free health screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and oxygen saturation was offered to the public. Also, the community I.D. program was offered for children of all ages that involve a DNA mouth swab, fingerprinting, and a video taping. The town of Amory was established by the Abig attraction at the festival is the arts and crafts K.C.M. & B (Kansas City, Memphis & market sponsored by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Birmingham) railroad, making it the perfect setting which opens on Friday and goes through Sunday. for theAmory Railroad Festival. This year's market attracted about 90 vendors that Amory's history began in 1887 when the K.C. M. came from Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, and & B railroad came through the area and the railroad across Mississippi. The market has everything from chose Amory as a stop as it is the halfway point handbags, jewelry, pottery, rustic furniture, Native between Memphis and Birmingham. The city was American arts & crafts, children's accessories, face named after HarcourtAmory, an early stockholder in painting and much more. To contact Beta Sigma Phi the railroad. Railroad workers lived in tents in an Sorority write to P.O.Box 659,Amory, MS 38821. area that today is known as Frisco Park where the If your enjoyment is eating, you will want to festival is held. Streets were platted and lots were check out the many food booths provided by sold at auction in November 1887 and incorporation churches, missions, and other civic groups. The followed in 1888. The new railroad town was on its way as people rushed in to buy property. The Amory Railroad Festival was held for the first time in 1978 and has been held every year since. The festival is held for four days in the spring and has been cited by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Region's top 20 Big Star Meridian Street • Aberdeen events attracting upwards of 60,000 visitors each year. The Amory Railroad CelebratingOver festival committee works year-round to provide various attractions that offer something for everyone. Whether you 50Years like to enjoy outstanding entertainment, delectable food, quality arts & crafts, antique cars, competitive running, or the Thank You! 46 Monroe food booths open on www.amory.ms.us/museum.html. Admission is Thursday and will stay free. open through the last So, no matter what your interest may be, make day of the festival. You sure to visit Amory, MS in April for the Annual will have a tough time Amory Railroad Festival. There is lots of fun & deciding what to try entertainment for the whole family that you don't first as there are so want to miss. To find out more about the Amory many wonderful dishes Railroad Festival check out their website at to choose from. You www.amoryrailroadfestival.com. can choose from fried fish, barbecue, grilled chicken, ribs, polish and smoked sausages, specialty sandwiches, or the traditional hot dog and hamburger just to mention a few. For those with a sweet tooth there are plenty of choices some which include: pies, cakes, sweet potato & banana nut breads, ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy and don't forget to try the ever so famous apple fritters and funnel cakes. Whatever your taste buds prefer, you are sure to find it at one of the many food booths. County music legend Restless Heart kicked off the 2009 event with opening act KingBilly. The headliner act for Friday night wasAmory's very own The Gents; with opening act The Gondiliers. Saturday night the headliner was Crossing Dixon, with opening act Braden Gray and Loose Gravel. Two other popular events at the railroad festival are the Antique Car Show hosted by the Tenn-Tom Cruisers and the 5K Railroad Run. Proceeds from the Cruising for the St. Jude Car and Truck Show go to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Proceeds from the 5K Railroad Run is used to help the Monroe county relay for life, a nonprofit organization. Separate awards are given for males and females and groups are divided by ages ranging from nine and under to 65 and over. While you are enjoying the festival, be sure to check out some of Amory's history and visit the The Lunch Box Amory Regional Museum. The museum is located at 715 Third Street & 8th Avenue South and is listed on the State Register of Historic Sites. It was built in 6AMto2PM 1916 as a hospital and was called Gilmore Sanitarium, named after Ellie D. Gilmore, a Hwy 278 across from successful businessman. He built the hospital as a gift to the city. The museum has been undergoing construction for the past year and there is much to Hunan Chinese and Texaco see as it is a unique, one of a kind place and a showplace for Amory's history. You can find out "Life Is Fast So Cook It Slow" more about exhibits and business hours by visiting Monroe 47 CottageCottageCottage TeaTea Tea Room Room Room Southern Hospitality At It's Best 109 E. Washington Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 662-369-1157 Catering At Your Cottage Or Ours Sara Gardner Susan Langford Voted Best Lunch Spot In Mississippi by Mississippi Magazine

48 Monroe Business Profile Cottage Tea Room People in Monroe County don’t have to drive far Commerce (the main street) inAberdeen. It is owned to find the best spot for lunch in Mississippi. by Sara Gardner of Aberdeen and her daughter, In Mississippi magazine’s third annual Best of Susan Langford, who lives inAmory. Mississippi poll, the Cottage Tea Room in Aberdeen Both were very excited about the win. “We’ve got was voted Best Lunch Spot. a lot to live up to,” Gardner said. She also said when Aballot was run in a recent issue of the magazine, representatives from the magazine called, they said with the results printed in the July/August 2007 to be prepared for traffic. Gardner has been told that issue. In this issue, readers share their number one people toss this issue into their cars and head out to picks for dining, shopping and having fun around the see how many of the different places they can visit, Magnolia State. marking them off as they travel the state. The Cottage Tea Room is located at 109 East “The fact that the customers chose us makes us Washington Street, just one block south of feel good,” Gardner said. “We really appreciate all those who voted for us and made this possible. It’s good for us and good forAberdeen.” Their out-of-town guest registry includes people from all over Mississippi - West Point, Fulton, Holly Springs, Marietta, Biloxi, Columbus, Tupelo, Brandon, Jackson, Meridian and other towns - in addition to diners from other states and Canada. The Cottage Tea Room restaurant opened in 1999 in a house built in 1930. The mother-daughter team were catering the year before. From its beginning, the owners said, it has never had a day without some business. “But there were slow days,” Gardner said, which they sometimes have now, too. HOMES WITH A HISTORY The Antebellum mansions of Monroe County and is used for many weddings, receptions and other celebrate a rich history by displaying the styles of occasions. Holiday Haven boasts of its original Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, woodwork and windows graced with gilded Italianate and Victorian. valances. This is one of the homes that has been Its antebellum homes, post reconstruction featured on HGTV's “If Walls Could Talk”. mansions and turn-of-the century Victorian Each home is lovingly preserved and is an structures are examples. Over 150 properties in example of Monroe County's treasured past. Aberdeen are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aberdeen was once the second largest city in Mississippi in the mid 1800's. Landowners were prosperous and this was reflected in their homes. Possibly the oldest home in Aberdeen is Sunset Hill. This home features eight Doric columns supporting a deep entablature. Lauri Mundi, noted for its crown moldings and plaster medallions, represents the only examples of early decorative plasterwork inAberdeen. The Magnolias is owned by the city of Aberdeen

Monroe 49 122 N. Main Street • Amory, MS 38821 662-257-1015 Fax: 662-257-1014 carsonwww.carsonnaturalhealth.com natural health center your neighborhood compounding and natural pharmacy The Diabetes Care Center Home Care Supplies and Equipment Oxygen • Nebulizers • CPAP Respiratory Medications Overnight Oximetry • Bilight Walkers • Wheelchairs Diabetes Supplies Compounding Pharmacy Health Foods Meeting All Your Healthcare Needs Under One Roof.

Lauren Hannon M-F 10-5 Amy Bagwell Sat. 10-3

Amory Lawn & Pool Gift Shop Children’s Boutique & Monogrammed Gifts & Nursery 500 N. Main 662-256-9288 Amory, MS 38821 125 Main Street North Amory, MS 38821 www.lalaandcompany.com 662-256-5909

50 Monroe Industry Profile True Temper Sports True Temper Sports, producer of steel golf True Temper has long been the overwhelming shafts, is located in Amory, Ms and employees shaft choice for the world's best players. In fact, around 200 people. They are the leader in golf these shafts have been #1 every week since official shaft technology and have been the number one equipment counts were started on the PGA Tour shaft on the PGATour for over seventy years. With which has been over 50 years. In a typical week on manufacturing facilities located throughout the the PGA Tour, about 70% or more of the field will country and offices around the world, True Temper count on True Temper shafts in their clubs and they continues to solidify their position as the dominant will be taken to the winner's circle 3 out of every 4 global market share leader in golf shafts. True tournaments. The best players in the world trust their Temper strives to be the worldwide innovator and games to True Temper. For over 70 years, dedicated provider of golf club components and performance staff has traveled to each tournament on the PGA tubing products through the development and Tour to make sure that the game's elite are marketing of new designs, processes and materials. comfortable with the product they are currently Memphis, TN is the location of True Temper's playing. Adjustments or shaft changes may be made corporate headquarters which houses their on site due to reasons such as course conditions, marketing, accounting, engineering, and sales player preference, ect. Knowledge gained from the service departments. tour is relayed back to True Temper's product The steel manufacturing facility in Amory is development teams. This process allows them to where every steel shaft bearing the True Temper continually push the envelope and develop products name is produced. This 325,000 square foot that provide benefits to the consumer. facility opened in 1965. True Temper also Working to create new golf shaft solutions to help manufactures a variety of steel products for the all golfers is the cornerstone of True Temper's automobile, bicycle, and sports recreation research and development efforts. Whether you are a industries. touring professional or a beginning golfer, True True Temper has offices located throughout the Temper is dedicated to developing new products and world. Locations in Europe, Australia, and Far technologies to improve your golfing game. To find East enable them to better serve the needs of their out more about this industry visit their website at worldwide customer base and strengthen their www.truetemper.com global presence. AbilityWorks, INC.

50006 Runway Drive Aberdeen, MS 39730 Ph: 662.369.2227 Fax: 662.369.7310

www.mdrs.state.ms.us Formals Alterations Tux Rentals 218North Main Street

Amory,MS 38821 a division of 662-257-0661 JennyTacker, Owner

Amory Flower Shop 507 3rd Ave S, Amory - (662) 256-2092 www.amoryflowershop.com

• Large inventory of fresh flowers • Weddings • Tropicals • Funeral designs • Plants • Extensive gift line • European/dish gardens • Gourmet and fruit baskets • Contemporary and traditional arrangements • Gift baskets • High-style floral arrangements • Greeting cards • Silk arrangements • Candles • Dried floral arrangements Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. 202 N. Main St. • Amory, MS (662) 256-9967

52 Monroe Industry Profile Kinder Morgan Kinder Morgan has proven to be a great, cooperative industrial partner in the Monroe County community. KM operates a bulk material handling terminal at the Port of Amory located at mile 369 on the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway. The company is one of the largest pipeline transporters and terminal operators in North America and owns an interest in or operates approximately 37,000 miles of pipelines that transport primarily natural gas, crude oil, petroleum products and CO2, and about 165 terminals that store, transfer, and handle products like gasoline and coal. The Kinder Morgan companies include Kinder operator in America and significant transporter of Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:KMP), crude oil and petroleum products from Alberta to Kinder Morgan Management, LLC (NYSE:KMR) British Columbia, Washington state and the and Knight Inc. (formerly known as Kinder Midwestern United States. Morgan, Inc.), a private company. Recently, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners has Recognized as one of Fortune magazine's Most announced a $12.8 million expansion that will allow Admired Companies, in 2008 Kinder Morgan the company to handle raw materials for SeverCorr, ranked #1 in the “Pipeline Category.” Also, the the new steel mill in Columbus. This expansion at the company ranked #1 in the “Quality of bulk terminal facility will provide additional Management” categories among all the industries infrastructure to help meet the growing need for in Fortune's list. carbon products in the Southeast due to increased KMP operates predominantly fee-based steel making in the region. Kinder Morgan will businesses and is the largest independent receive carbon products by barge, rail, and truck that transporter of refined petroleum products in the will be used to produce steel in the region. More jobs United States, a major transporter and storage are expected to develop due to the expansion and the operator of natural gas, the largest transporter and city will receive increase tonnage fee revenue since the city receives a tonnage fee for all materials that marketer of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery projects in North America, the largest independent terminal move across the city's port on the Tenn-Tom waterway. Kinder Morgan's principle customer in Monroe County is Tronox in Hamilton. In 2007, KM unloaded, stored, and blended about 350,000 tons of mineral products and loaded over 3,500 rail cars at theAmory terminal. Completion of the expansion is expected in the fall of 2008 and the expansion project requires no investment on the city's or county's part. The infrastructure is already in place at Amory's port and power to the expansion will be supplied by the city's new electrical substation.

Monroe 53 54 Monroe Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Accountants-Certified Public WAFM FM 95 Appraisals R. D. Miller & Company (662) 256-8512 Amory Appraisals (662) 369-6414 Ed Stanford (662) 256-3237 Greg Miller Hwy. 278 West Pete Patterson 204 W. Commerce Amory, MS 38821 907 James Street Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 WAMY The Byrne CPA Firm, P.A. (662) 256-9726 Mitchell Appraisal Service (662) 369-2913 Ed Stanford (662) 315-0008 Phillip Web Hwy 278 W Mark Mitchell 144 East Commerce Street Amory, MS 501 7th ST S Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Air Conditioning Contractors & Andra Faye Kiser Systems Assisted Living & Elder Care (662) 256-3695 Evans Plumbing & Air Services 30138 Hwy 371 Conditioning, Inc. Oak Tree Plantation Amory, MS 38821 (662) 343-5391 (662) 256-8406 J. C. Evans Fred C. Heckart Nail, McKinney, Tate and 40502 Old Hwy 45 S 60139 Cotton Gin Port Rd. Robinson Hamilton, MS 39746 Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-5603 204 Main St. S Animal Hospitals Attorneys Amory, MS 38821 Amory Animal Hospital Henry Applewhite (662) 256-3548 (662) 369-7783 Ron Aldridge CPA David Hildago 105 N. Hickory St (662) 256-2704 516 Hwy 278 W Aberdeen, MS 39730 312 Main Street North Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 Michael D. Freed, Appliances-Major Dealers Attorney at Law Advertising Agencies & B & B Furniture (662) 256-2977 Counselors (662) 369-9634 214 Main Street South Quest Group Larry Baggett Amory, MS 38821 (662) 494-0244 129 E. Commerce St. Cindy Hodo Aberdeen, MS 39730 Wendell Hobdy Bryan II 225 West Main Street (662) 256-9601 West Point, MS 39773 Spencer's Furniture & 205 S. Main Appliances Amory, MS 38821 Advertising-Newspaper (662) 369-9441 Monroe County Journal Jackie Spencer Ann Odom (662) 369-4507 309 Hwy 45 N. (662) 256-3438 209 E. Commerce St. Aberdeen, MS 39730 206 S Main Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Sears Authorized Retail Monroe County Journal Dealer Thomas Brahan (662) 256-5647 (662) 256-7600 (662) 369-8518 115 S. Main St. Nanette S. Shoemaker P.O. Box 28 Amory, MS 38821 1209 Hwy 278 E Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Advertising-Radio Moffett Law Firm WWZQ FM Appliance Repair (662) 257-0809 (662) 369-4561 Dahlem's Sales and T. K. Moffett Ken Wardlaw Service 401 N Main Street 1053 S. Meridian St. (662) 369-2165 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Donald Dahlem P. O. Box 65 Aberdeen, MS 39730

Monroe 55 Automobile Dealers Loden's Body Shop, Inc. Bancorp South Larry Clark Chevrolet (662) 256-2539 (662) 343-8361 (662) 369-2122 Leslie or Shelia Grant Shirley Huffman Jimmy Clark 1417 Hwy 278 E Hwy 45 N. 317 Hwy 145 North Amory, MS 38821 Hamilton, MS 39746 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Auctioneers Cadence Bank Clark Ford Stevens Auction Co. (662) 343-8323 (662) 257-1900 (662) 369-2200 40481 Hwy 45 S Larry Clark Dwight Stevens Hamilton, MS 39746 1410 Hwy 25 S P. O. Box 58 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 First Federal Savings & Loan (662) 369-2772 Larry Clark Chevrolet- Banks Neil Hilliard Oldsmobile-Cadillac-GEO Bancorp South 111 W. Commerce St. (662) 256-9606 (662) 369-9571 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Larry Clark Bryan McCutchen Hwy 278 W 108 E Commerce St. Bank of Vernon Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 (205) 695-7141 Henry Adams Sam Stevens Motors, Inc. Cadence Bank P.O. Box 309 (662) 256-8411 (662) 369-6461 Vernon, AL 35592 100 Hwy 6 N Nona Herndon Amory, MS 38821 128 E Commerce St. Barbers & Beauty Salons Aberdeen, MS 39730 Scissor Works Automobile Dealers Used Cars (662) 369-4095 & Vans Renasant Bank Stephanie Sanders S & J Auto Sales and Auction (662) 369-7075 306 E Commerce Street Co. Hozay Hausley Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-7645 103 E Washington St. Steve Colburn Aberdeen, MS 39730 Bed & Breakfast 51669 Hwy 25 South The Old Place Bed & Breakfast Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory Federal Savings & Loan (662) 257-1917 Association Theresa Glenn Auto Parts & Supplies (662) 256-9323 60036 County Barn Road Hamilton Auto Parts Inc. John Clingan Amory, MS 38821 (662) 343-8342 213 2nd Avenue N Doug or Tommy Dahlem Amory, MS 38821 Boat Manufacturers/Dealers 40464 Highway 45 South Nautic Star Hamilton, MS 39746 Cadence Bank (662) 256-5636 (662) 256-7176 Phil Faulkner The Parts House Greg Allen 500 Waterway Drive (662) 369-4566 110 3rd St. N Amory, MS 38821 Sally Randolph Amory, MS 38821 200 Orange Street Bottlers Aberdeen, MS 39730 Renasant Bank Pepsi Americas (662) 256-2661 (662) 401-6302 Automobile Repair & Service Carter Naugher Ed Houston Arnold's Auto Service 201 Main St. N 620 East President Street (662) 369-6841 Amory, MS 38821 Tupelo, MS 38801 Arnold Schrock 207 Quincy Street Community Bank of Amory Boutique Shops Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-8461 The Cottage Boutique Jeff King (662) 698-2400 Wal-Mart SuperCenter 900 Main St. N Jade Gaskin (662) 256-2129 Amory, MS 38821 500 South Main Tony Wilson Amory, MS 38821 Hwy 278 E. Amory, MS 38821

56 Monroe MONROE COUNTY CO-OP

• Chemicals 300 E. Quincy St. • Aberdeen, MS • Animal Health 662-369-8175 • Livestock Equipment 1-877-785-7359 • Fertilizer & Seed www.monroecountycoop.com • Fencing Wire & Post • Woods Equipment • Carhartt Clothing • Boots

Building Materials Carpet & Rug Dealers Terrie Lynn's Discount Building Charlotte's Carpet & Rugs (662) 369-2527 Materials (662) 257-6080 Terrie Lynn Brown (662) 256-9402 Charlotte Blake 409 South Meridian Street James Sisk 307 N Main Street Aberdeen, MS 39730 525 Hwy 278 W Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 The Cottage Tea Room Custom Blinds (662) 369-1157 Cable Sales, Installation, & Service Susan Langford MetroCast Rock's Carpet One 109 E. Washington Communications (662) 256-4107 Aberdeen, MS 39730 (800)-365-6988 Roy Rock Rick Ferrell 201 Hwy 6 N Check Cashing Service P.O. Box 190 Amory, MS 38821 Kwik Cash Booneville, MS 38829 (662) 369-6070 Carwash Bellena Criddle Cable One My Classic Carwash 112 E Commerce Street (662)-328-1781 (662) 256-7035 Aberdeen, MS 39730 David Lusby Jim Northington P.O. Box 1468 1525 Hwy 278 East Cash Title/Check Depot Columbus, MS 39701 Amory, MS 38821 (662) 257-0800 Bridget Adams Campers Caterers 60387 A Cotton Gin Port Rd Aberdeen R.V. Center Mr. Charlie's Country Store Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-8745 (662) 369-4822 Christopher Brown Charlie Williams Money Matters 21191 Hwy 45 Alternate 815 N. Meridian St. (662) 257-9400 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Demika Ross 103 Hwy 6 N Suite B Amory, MS 38821

Monroe 57 Cash-Title Exchange Chiropractors Coffee Shops (662) 369-4662 Edgil Family Chiropractic Penny Lane's Java Café Heather Barnes Dr. Richard Edgil (662) 436-1183 214 E. Commerce Street (662) 256-7303 Penny Taylor Aberdeen, MS 39730 105 3rd St. N 114 E. Commerce Street Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Chemical Manufacturing Georgia Gulf Cleaning Service Collection Services (662) 369-8111 Sparklean Franklin Collection Service Inc. Doug Knittig (662) 256-5106 (662) 844-7776 Hwy. 25 Danny Spreitler Krystal Black Aberdeen, MS 39730 101 2nd Avenue North P.O. Box 3910 Amory, MS 38821 Tupelo, MS 38803 Tronox (662) 343-8311 Cleaners Computer Graphic & Website Bill Stone Carlisle's Cleaners Design 40034 Tronox Road (662) 256-2590 Amory Photo & Design Hamilton, MS 39746 Mitch Livingston (662) 436-5906 604 N Main Street Colleen Conger Children's & Infants' Wear Amory, MS 38821 212 Main Street North EM's Children's Boutique & Amory, MS 38821 Gifts Clinics-Medical (662) 369-7272 Aberdeen Family Medical Computer Service & Repair Emily Mitchell Center Computer Connection 130 E. Commerce Street (662) 369-8018 (662) 257-2111 Aberdeen, MS 39730 305 Hwy. 45 North Andy or Casey Holloway Aberdeen, MS 39730 211 1st Avenue Amory, MS 38821

Construction and Mechanical Services Scott and Sons (662) 369-9546 Larry W. Knox 18 North Locust Street Aberdeen, MS 39730

Contractors Equipment & Supplies-Dealers & Service Scribner Equipment Company (662) 256-5425 Sally Prude Hwy. 278 West Amory, MS 38821

Contractors-General Eutaw Construction Company (662) 369-8868 Tom Elmore 109½ W. Commerce St. Aberdeen, MS 39730

JBS Construction, Inc. (662) 257-0344 Barry Strevel P.O. Box 247 Amory, MS 38821

58 Monroe 405 Meadowlane Drive EM’s Children’s Boutique & Gifts Aberdeen, MS 39730 Emily Mitchell Eleanor L. Ashley Owner OWNER/REALTOR® 662-369-8273 662-871-9220 130 E. Commerce St. Phone 662-369-7272 www.ashleyrealtycompany.com Fax: 662-369-4818 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Fax 662-369-7727

THE FLOWER BASKET Antiques • Flowers • Gifts (662) 369-5757

Susan Evans & Faye Haywood Bea’s Antiques Owners 121 E Commerce St 662-369-2475• 800-748-8737 123 East Commerce Street [email protected] Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730

Flora’s Collection Women’s Clothing & Accessories United Way of 116 E Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Greater Monroe County (662) 369-0190 Aberdeen FINN'S Mini Storage U-HAUL 622 East Commerce Street Antiques Aberdeen, MS 39730 137 E Commerce St 1-800-533-8343 Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-2393 (662) 369-1663 FINN'S ENTERPRISES, INC.

Monroe 59

JESCO Inc. Construction Dr. Roger Wright Economic Development (901) 761-3660 (662) 369-2063 Columbus-Lowndes Sid McMillan 513 W. Commerce St. Development Link 600 S. Perkins Rd Aberdeen, MS 39730 800-748-8882 Memphis, TN 39117 Joe Higgins Dr. David Boyd 1102 Main Street Magnum Metals/Riley (662) 256-7163 Columbus, MS 39701 Construction Company 805 Main St. North (662) 963-2131 Amory, MS 38821 Electric Companies Tim Riley City of Aberdeen 7293 Hwy 45 Dr. M. T. McDonald Adrian Garth Nettleton, MS 38858 (662) 256-5601 (662) 369-4731 400 2nd Ave. North 612 W. Commerce St. Convenience Stores Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Crossroads (662) 343-5577 Helton Family Dental Care, P.A. City of Amory Utilities Barry & Debbie Thompson (662) 257-9700 (662) 256-5633 40058 Hamilton Road Shawn Helton Tony Swan Hamilton, MS 39746 1202 Guy Pickle Drive 129 Main Street N Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 Litco Express #32 (662) 256-7905 Department Stores Monroe County Electric Power 1002 Highland Drive Wal-Mart Supercenter Association Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-1590 (662) 256-2962 Tony Wilson Barry Rowland Texaco 1515 Hwy. 278 East P. O. Box 300 (662) 369-6707 Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 Felix Jackson 803 S. Meridian Street Fred's #1020 Four County Electric Power Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-2373 Association 905 Hwy 278 E. (662) 327-8900 Cosmetics Amory, MS 38821 Allegra Brigham Scissor Works Hwy. 82 West (662) 369-4095 Diabetic & Respiratory Services Columbus, MS 39701 Stephanie Sanders The Respiratory and Diabetes Merle Norman Cosmetics Care Center LLC Employment Agencies 306 E. Commerce Street (662) 256-8686 MS Dept of Employment Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amy Jones Security 116 North Main Street (662) 256-2618 Dance Instruction Amory, MS 38821 Sam Carpenter Jumps Kicks and Splits 1619 Hwy 25 North (662) 343-9287 Directories Amory, MS 38821 Carla Ross Yellow Book P.O. Box 222 (662) 842-8862 WIN Job Center Hamilton, MS 39746 Clara Hairston (662) 256-5639 430 East President Avenue Stephanie Kitchens Daycare - Child Tupelo, MS 38801- 5500 1619 Hwy 25 North MS P's Inc. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-7414 Draperies Ida Orr Monroe Kut Express Employment 920 W. Canal Street (662) 369-8656 Professionals Aberdeen, MS 39730 Dale Wilemon (662) 842-5500 328 Hwy. 45 North Jim Goodwin Dentists Aberdeen, MS 39730 709 Robert E. Lee Drive Dr. T. B. Shepherd, Jr. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 369-4751 116 E. Washington Aberdeen, MS 39730

Monroe 61 Engineers-Consulting Floor Materials Pickle Funeral Home Concepts In Production, LLC Discount Building Materials & (662) 256-2644 (662) 256-8333 Carpets Warren Pickle Thomas Higgins (662) 256-9402 500 3rd Ave. South 1208 Guy Pickle Drive James Sisk Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 525 Hwy. 278 West Amory, MS 38821 Furniture Neel-Schaffer, Inc. B & B Furniture (662) 890-6404 Florists (662) 369-9634 Dan Cordell Aberdeen Floral Larry Baggett 5740 Getwell Road, Building 2 (662) 369-9401 129 E. Commerce St. Southaven, MS 38672 Lawson Grimes Aberdeen, MS 39730 211 S. Meridian St. Excavating Contractors Aberdeen, MS 39730 Spencer's Furniture & Edgeworth Excavation Appliances (662) 256-1586 Amory Flower Shop (662) 369-9441 Mike Edgeworth (662) 256-2092 Jackie Spencer 60029 Summerford Drive Barbara Howell 309 Hwy. 45 North Smithville, MS 38870 507 3rd Ave. South Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Fabric Shops Furniture Manufacturers Galloway Fabrics The Flower Basket FFM, Inc. (662) 256-4572 (662) 369-2475 (662) 256-9665 105 Main Street North Susan Evans Kevin Trautman Amory, MS 38821 123 E. Commerce Street 1113 Hatley Road Aberdeen, Ms 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Farm Supplies & Feed Mattox Feed Mill Ruth's Warehouse Lane Furniture Industries (662) 369-4546 (662) 369-6297 (662) 256-4078 Edward Mattox Ruth Carter Rod Whitlock North Maple 122 East Commerce Street 30440 Hwy 41 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, Ms 39730 Nettleton, MS 38858

Monroe County Co-op Foresters Consulting United Furniture Industries (662) 369-8175 Cole Creek Forestry (662) 257-1811 David Hodges (662) 343-9287 John Cox 206 Quincy St. Sterling Coleman 60063 Puckett Drive Aberdeen, MS 39730 40249 Caledonia Road Amory, MS 38821 Hamilton, MS 39746 Financing Townhouse Home Furnishings Amory Federal Savings & Loan Foundations - Education (662) 651-5441 (662) 256-9323 Gilmore Foundation, Inc. Jeremy Lafayette, President John Clingan (662) 257-2395 Tony Watson, CFO 213 2nd Ave. North Danny J. Spreitler 60012 Industrial Drive Amory, MS 3882 203 Gilmore Drive Smithville, MS 38870 Amory, MS 38821 Amory Finance Corp. Furniture Supplies (662) 256-7126 Funeral Directors Southern Foam Elmer or Beverly Hamilton Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral (662) 256-7769 409 N Main Home Mark Spradling Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-2211 1105 5th Avenue South Kenny Tisdale Amory, MS 38821 Republic Finance 100 W. Washington St. (662) 256-9116 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Garden Centers Carla Eldridge Village Green 304 Hwy 278 E. Suite B (662) 256-5707 Amory, MS 38821 Catherine Funderburk 1400 Highland Drive Amory, MS 38821

62 Monroe Gas Companies Grocers Gilmore Memorial Regional Atmos Energy Big Star Medical Center (800) 863-7749 (662) 369-4813 (662) 256-7111 Ken Smith 118 Meridian St. Dwayne Blaylock (662) 328-3521 Aberdeen, MS 39730 1105 Earl Frye Blvd. 1423 Main Street Amory, MS 38821 Columbus, MS 39701 Mr. Charlie's (662) 369-4822 Hotels Teppco (was Mieco)Charlie Williams Heritage Inn & Suites (662) 369-6561 815 N. Meridian St. (662) 256-7760 Trip Tacker Aberdeen, MS 39730 Nancy Benton 20096 Norm Connell Road 801 US Hwy 278 West Aberdeen, MS 39730 Piggly Wiggly Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-8272 M & W Butane Gas Co. Inc. 201 East Washington Street Industrial Waste Disposal (662) 256-3082 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Mississippi Industrial Waste Chuck Clement Disposal 201 Dill Street Hardware (662) 328-5528 Amory, MS 38821 Lann Hardware Wade Jones (662) 369-2571 P. O. Box 801 Gas - Storage Walter Lann III Columbus, MS 39701 Monroe Gas Storage 111 E. Commerce (303) 951-4280 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Insurance Kevin Legg ALFA Insurance 1200 17th Street, Suite 2100 Hamilton Hardware and Supply (662) 369-3292 Denver, CO 80202 (662) 343-8966 Earl Connell Jennifer Butters 134 E Commerce Street Southeast Gas and Storage 40193 Hamilton Road Aberdeen, MS 39730 Oney Temple Hamilton, MS 39746 1001 Louisian Street West Central & Company Inc. Houston, TX 77702 Health Clubs (662) 369-9301 Anytime Fitness Gwen Jolly Gift Shops (662) 512-2295 101 E. Commerce Street Monogram Magic by BB Kenny Stubblefield Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-2726 60381 Cotton Gin Port Road Robin Bounds Amory, MS 38821 Galloway Chandler McKinney 312 Highway 145 North Insurance Aberdeen, MS 39730 Hospices (662) 369-8681 Heritage Hospice Mike Manning Timeless Treasures (662) 257-9811 120 E. Commerce Street (662) 369-2066 Carol Crausby Aberdeen, MS 39730 Barbara Easterling 231 N Main Street 105 Drake Ave. Amory, MS 38821 State Farm Insurance Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-0337 Heart to Heart Hospice Glenn Summers Sunshine on Main (662) 871-4825 310 Hwy 145 N (662) 256-9967 Stephanie West Aberdeen, MS 39730 Billie Young (& Charlie) 1002 McKinley Street 202 Main Street N Tupelo, MS 38801 The Williams Agency, Inc. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-9588 Hospitals Charlie Williams Golf Courses Pioneer Community Hospital of 100 W Commerce Street River Birch Golf Course Aberdeen Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-3419 (662) 369-2455 Annette Smith 400 S. Chestnut St 60007 Birchwood Lane Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821

Monroe 63 Galloway Chandler Roberts Jewelry Meat Packers McKinney (662) 256-3215 Comer Packing Company (662) 256-1100 Malcolm Roberts (662) 369-9325 Jack Campbell 206 N. Main Jimmy Comer 108 N. Main Street Amory, MS 38821 South Poplar Street Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Lisa's Jewelry Marketplace Insurance (662) 257-6072 Medical Equipment (662) 257-6111 Mike Tyree Med Point, LLC Staub Halbert 311 N. Main (662) 256-4766 601 2nd Avenue North Amory, MS 38821 Phillip Minga Amory, MS 38821 1600 Highland Drive Loans Amory, MS 38821 Shelter Insurance First Federal Savings & Loan (662) 256-4555 (662) 369-2772 The Respiratory and Diabetes Carla Glasgow Neil Hilliard Care Center LLC P.O. Drawer 790 111 W. Commerce St. (662) 256-8686 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amy Jones 116 North Main Street Mass Mutual Financial Group Amory Federal Savings & Loan Amory, MS 38821 (662) 327-9686 Association Paul Lasky (662) 256-9323 Monograms 422 Forest Glen Drive John Clingan Monogram Magic by BB Columbus, MS 39705 213 2nd Avenue N (662) 369-2726 Amory, MS 38821 Robin Bounds Insurance-Burial 312 Highway 145 North Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Amory Finance Corp. Aberdeen, MS 39730 Home (662) 256-7126 (662) 369-2211 Elmer or Beverly Hamilton Mortgages Kenny Tisdale 409 N Main Southwest Funding 100 W. Washington St. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-7710 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Kimberly Parks See Banks 108 5th Avenue NW Pickle Funeral Home Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-2644 Lumber Warren Pickle East Mississippi Lumber Co. Music 500 3rd Ave. South (662) 369-8601 Underground Music Amory, MS 38821 115 N Matubba Street (662) 369-8308 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Antonio Rogers American Burial 113 S. Meridian Street (662) 369-9351 FFM Planning Division Aberdeen, MS 39730 Eric Mathews (662) 256-3705 600 W. Vine Street Kevin Trautman Musical Instruments-Dealers Aberdeen, MS 39730 60198 Smithville Road Buxton Jewelry & Music Store Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-2681 Janitors Equipment & Supplies Lane Conner Lann Chemical & Supply Puckett Industries 119 E. Commerce Street (662) 369-8338 (662) 256-7144 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Steve Gaskin Thomas Greer 22019 Hwy 45 N 5th Ave. North Newspapers Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Monroe County Journal (662) 369-4507 Jewelers Machine Works 209 E. Commerce St. Buxton Jewelry & Music Store Palmer Machine Works Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-2681 (662) 256-2636 Lane Conner Larry Palmer Monroe County Journal 119 E. Commerce Street 104th St. South (662) 256-5647 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 115 S. Main St. Amory, MS 38821

64 Monroe Northeast Mississippi Daily Office Furniture & Equipment- Pallets Journal Dealers Tenn/Tom Pallet Co. (662) 842-2611 Star Printing Company (662) 369-9341 Bill Hannah (662) 256-8424 Tony Provias P. O. Box 909 Robert Boozer 718 Hwy 25 S Tupelo, MS 38802 1223 Hwy. 278 East Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Non-Profit Organizations Peanut Processing Aberdeen Main Street Optometrists-OD (Eyes) Birdsong Peanuts (662) 369-4864 Dr. Steve Randle (662) 369-7383 Glen Houston (662) 256-8481 Brian Atkins 125 W Commerce Street 307 S. Main St. 10023 Summit Drive Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Prairie, MS 39756

Amory Main Street Association The Vision Center Pest Control Services Jim Dye (662) 256-9711 James Pest Management (662) 256-8700 Tom Powell, O.D. (662) 369-6317 129 North Main Street 607B Earl Frye Blvd. Linda Burk Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 321 Hwy 145 N Aberdeen, MS 39730 Ability Works Other (662) 369-2227 Aberdeen Rotary Club Petroleum Products 50006 Runway Drive (662) 369-7346 MIECO Terminal & Marketing Aberdeen, MS 39730 Norman Smith (662) 369-6561 114 Hwy 145 N Rick Worley Historic Aberdeen Association Aberdeen, MS 39730 20096 Norm Connell Drive (662) 319-8730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Marty Hansen Knotts Enterprise 1206 Barksdale Drive (662) 315-3637 Pharmacies Aberdeen, MS 39730 Caleb Knotts Currie's Family Care Pharmacy 704 S Chestnut Street (662) 369-7775 United Way of Greater Monroe Aberdeen, MS 39730 Currie Bounds County 314 Hwy 145 N (662) 369-4983 Oxygen Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 257-0557 Praxair, Inc. Patti Parker (662) 343-8336 Carson Natural Health Center 1619 Hwy 25 N Tom Partin (662) 257-1012 Amory, MS 38821 P. O. Box 35 Phillip Carson R. Ph. Hamilton, MS 39746 122 Main Street North Nursing Homes Amory, MS 38821 Care Center of Aberdeen Paint (662) 369-6432 Lann Hardware Photo Restoration Cheri Wilbanks (662) 369-2571 Amory Photo & Design 505 Jackson Street Walter Lann III (662) 436-5906 Aberdeen, MS 39730 111 E. Commerce Street Colleen Conger Aberdeen, MS 39730 212 Main Street North Golden Living Center Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-9344 Sherwin-Williams Co. Donna Ballard (662) 369-9333 Physicians & Surgeons-MD- 1215 Earl Frye Blvd. 102 E. Commerce St. Radiology Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Radiology Clinic (662) 256-5807 River Place Nursing Center Amory Paint Depot, LLC 411 S. Main St. (662) 257-9919 (662) 256-8016 Amory, MS 38821 1126 Earl Frye Blvd. Kent or Nicky Collins Amory, MS 38821 407 Front Street North Amory, MS 38821

Monroe 65 Physicians & Surgeons-MD & DO Railroads Recreational Vehicles-Dealers Aberdeen Family Medical Mississippian Railway Aberdeen RV Center Center (662) 256-3544 (662) 369-8745 (662) 369-8018 Buddy Carlisle Christopher Brown 305 Hwy. 45 North P.O. Box 446 20183 Hwy. 8 West Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730

Physicians & Surgeons-MD- Real Estate Rehabilitation Services Obstetrics & Gynecology Ashley Realty Company Regional Rehabilitation Center Physicians & Surgeons (662) 369-8213 (662) 842-1891 Clinic OB/GYN Eleanor Ashley Joanna Kirkpatrick (662) 256-9331 405 Meadowlane Drive 615 Pegram Drive Fred Drews Aberdeen, MS 39730 Tupelo, MS 38801 900 Earl Frye Blvd., Ste. A Amory, MS 38821 Southern Realty & Management Rental Service (662) 369-7061 Busy B Rentals Picture Frames - Dealers Marsha Ballard (662) 256-2333 Robbins Nest Frame Shop P. O. Box 1061 Steve Fowlkes (662) 257-9882 Aberdeen, MS 39730 110 Hwy 6 North Tina Robbins Amory, MS 38821 210 North Main Amory Discount Pope's Amory, MS 38821 Realty Restaurants (662) 256-7166 Bo Riley's Plumbers James & Mary Ann Pope (662) 256-8334 Aberdeen Plumbing 1421 Hwy 278 E Bo Ford (662) 369-2078 Amory, MS 38821 1309 Highland Drive Nelson Lee Amory, MS 38821 303 W Jefferson Amory Realty, Inc. Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-3723 Earnest B. Barbeque Carla Sloan (662) 346-9442 Evans Plumbing & Air P.O. Drawer 790 Earnest B. Morgan Conditioning, Inc. Amory, MS 38821 604 Hwy 278 West (662) 343-5391 Amory, MS 38821 J. C. Evans Coldwell Banker 40502 Old Hwy 45 S (662) 322-5614 Fountain Grill Hamilton, MS 39746 Melissa Knotts (662) 369-2361 60080 Fowlkes Rd. Shelia Moore Printers Amory, MS 38821 303 Hwy 145 North Allmond Printing Company Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-4848 Crye-Leike Properties Unlimited John Allmond (662) 346-9657 Huddle House 603 W. Commerce Cotina Whitley (662) 257-9728 Aberdeen, MS 39730 20381 Old Houston Road Larry Knotts Aberdeen, MS 39730 1511 Hwy 278 E Mid-South Fine Printers Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-8209 Williams Gap Investments LLC Skip Miles (248) 345-0678 McDonald's 111 S. Main St. Ted Williams (662) 369-9886 Amory, MS 38821 30474 Knighton Drive Robert Tomey Farmington Hills, MI 48331 201 Hwy. 45 North Star Printing Company Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-8424 Leech Real Estate Inc. Robert Boozer (662) 256-9939 McDonald's 1223 Hwy. 278 East Penny Leech-Freed (662) 257-9600 Amory, MS 38821 214 South Main Street Robert Tomey Amory, MS 38821 804 Hwy. 278 East Amory, MS 38821

66 Monroe Mildred's Wendy's Old Fashion Sports Equipment Manufacturer (662) 369-8406 Hamburgers True Temper Sports Mildred Murff (662) 256-5951 (662) 256-5605 51667 Highway 8 East Chris Mullins Tommy Griffith Aberdeen, MS 39730 900 Hwy. 278 East 1010 True Temper Circle Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 Oasis European Cuisine (662) 256-7118 Retirement & Life Care Swimming Pool Service & Mike or Chanda Haba Communities & Homes Repair 119 North Main St. Oak Tree Plantation Amory Lawn & Pool Service, Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-8406 Inc. Fred Heckart Judy Baxter Shelaine Restaurant 60139 Cotton Gin Port Road (662) 256-5909 (662) 369-3352 Amory, MS 38821 500 North Main Randy Nichols (662) 256-8156 202 Hwy. 45 North Savings & Loan Associations Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 First Federal Savings & Loan (662) 369-2772 Tax Return Preparation Sonic Neil Hilliard H & R Block (662) 369-8181 111 W. Commerce (662) 369-2844 Bob Richardson Aberdeen, MS 39730 Pat Jones 808 South Chestnut Street 106 W Commerce Street Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory Federal Savings & Loan Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 256-9323 Sonic John Clingan Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (662) 963-3064 213 2nd Ave. North (662) 256-2769 Terry Tucker Amory, MS 38821 Alicia Elliot US Hwy 45 241 N. Main Nettleton, MS 38858 Schools-Academic-Secondary Amory, MS 38821 & Elementary Sonic City of Aberdeen Schools R. D. Miller & Company (662) 256-5090 (662) 369-4682 (662) 369-6414 Greg Malatesta Dr. George Gilreath Greg Miller 1519 Hwy 278 E Hwy. 45 North 204 W. Commerce Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730

The Friendship House City of Amory Schools H & R Block Restaurant (662) 256-5991 (662) 256-4868 (662) 257-2211 Jim Sappington 916 Hwy 278 E Doug & Stephanie Fowlkes Crump Boulevard Amory, MS 38821 20037 Doss Drive Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Andra Faye Kiser Monroe County Schools (662) 256-3695 The Grill at Riverbirch (662) 257-2176 30138 Hwy. 371 (662) 256-2300 Superintendent of Education Amory, MS 38821 Bobbie or Dickie Miller Scott Cantrell 60012 Birchwood Lane 1619 Hwy 25 North Nail McKinney Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-5603 204 Main St. South Tony's Café Oak Hill Academy Amory, MS 38821 (662) 369-2079 (662) 494-5043 Teresa Davis Mr. Bill Miley H & R Block 113 E. Commerce Street 800 N. Eshman (662) 963-3300 Aberdeen, MS 39730 West Point, MS 39773 175A Young Street Nettleton, MS 38858 www.gomonroe.org

Monroe 67 Telephone Equip. & Systems- Cash-Title Exchange Truck Stop Dlrs., Svce. & Repair (662) 369-4662 Smokie's Switzer Communications Heather Barnes 662-447-2996 Solutions 214 E. Commerce Street Lee and Sandra Edens (662) 369-9128 Aberdeen, MS 39730 30003 Shepherd Drive East David Switzer Okolona, MS 38860 215 Ausborn Lane Money Matters Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 257-9400 Valves Demika Ross ITT Engineered Valves Telephone Service 103 Hwy 6 N Suite B (662) 256-7185 Randle Wigginton BellSouth Telecommunications Amory, MS 38821 1110 Hatley Road (662) 841-8300 Amory, MS 38821 P.O. Box 749 Kwik Cash Tupelo, MS 38802 (662) 369-6070 Veterinarians Bellena Criddle Amory Animal Hospital Smithville Telephone Company, 112 E Commerce Street (662) 256-3548 Inc. Aberdeen, MS 39730 David Hildago (662) 651-4131 516 Hwy. 278 West Roger Thompson Towing Amory, MS 38821 63470 Hwy. 25 North Monroe Towing Smithville, MS 38870 (662) 257-9446 (day) Wallpapers & Wallcoverings (662) 315-5180 (night) Sherwin-Williams Television Stations Chris Harris (662) 369-9333 WTVA/WLOV/WKDH 61040 Hwy 278 E 102 E. Commerce St. (662) 842-7620 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Kristie Blaes Ext. 63 Transportation Service Weight Loss Service 1359 Road 681 Cheyennes Total Care Bios Life Franchise Tupelo, MS 38802 (662) 369-0430 (662) 315-4922 Patricia Clay Al & Sharon K White Terminal Operators 122 West Commerce Street 40068 Motes Roberts Rd Hamilton, MS 39746 Kinder Morgan Terminal Prairie, MS 39656 (662) 256-9484 Welding Jim Strawn Tree Service Thompson Welding 101 Waterway Drive N Thompson's Tree Service (662) 343-8955 Amory, MS 38821 (662) 640-2138 Vicki Thompson (662) 640-2137 40005 Church Road Tire Dealers Phillip Thompson Hamilton, MS 39746 Amory Tire & Rubber Company 60081 County Barn Road (662) 256-5314 Amory, MS 38821 Women's Apparel Barry Jones Flora's Collections 505 Main St. North Truck Covers & Shells (662) 269-0190 Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen RV Center Flora Outlaw (662) 369-8745 116 E. Commerce St. OK Tire Christopher Brown Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 369-2416 21191 Hwy 45 Alternate Dennis Moon Aberdeen, MS 39730 The Cottage Boutique 413 Hwy 145 North (662) 698-2400 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Trucking Jade Gaskin Bell and Sons Trucking 500 South Main Title Loans (662) 369-7131 Amory, MS 38821 Cash Title/Check Depot James Bell Wood Manufacturing (662) 257-0800 40129 Hwy 45 South CKS Energy Inc. Bridget Adams Aberdeen, MS 39730 (662) 257-2150 60387 A Cotton Gin Port Rd Corey Glenn Amory, MS 38821 205 Martin Luther King Blvd. Amory, MS 38821

68 Monroe Craftsmanship + Technology

Allmond Printing Since 1957 603 West Commerce St. • Aberdeen, Mississippi 39730 662-369-4848 • Fax 662-369-8242

Monroe 69 Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Individual Membership Directory Howard & Brenda Boozer Mary Lib Francis John Creekmore 1706 Maple Street 19 Raleigh Circle 103 4th Avenue North Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 662-256-5776 662-256-8451 662-256-8208

Nolan Bowen Dwight Hood Laurie H. Powell P.O. Box 685 243 N. Main Street 1218 Williamsburg Dr. Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 662-369-6132 662-256-9296 662-315-6067

Ralph Bradley Judge David Houston III Patsy Claxton 402 S. Franklin St. P.O. Drawer 867 1203 Barksdale Dr. Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-369-2714 662-369-2624 662-369-8266

Steve Brandon Robert Hudson Bill Fowlkes 9135 Stoney Mountain Dr P.O. Box 128 P.O. Box 389 Chattanooga, TN 37421 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 662-315-0678 662-369-8126 Fernando Davis Senator Hob Bryan Gregg Kennedy Ways to Work P.O. Box 75 P.O. Box 125 101 West Commerce St. Amory, MS 38821 Smithville, MS 38870 Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-256-9601 662-651-4411 662-369-6997

Jim Buffington Lisa Mobley Doris B. Morton-Blanchard 402 South Matubba 115 A South Meridian St. 408 North Columbus St. Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-369-4985 662-369-9411 662-369-2696

Dr. R.E. Coghlan Howard Moon Sam Jaynes 502 South Chestnut P.O. Box 128 P.O. Box 752 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Becker, MS 38825 Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-369-2411 662-256-2271 Durar Judeh Jim Crosby Sylvia Patterson 201 Hwy 145 North 209 South Franklin P.O. Box 344 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Amory, MS 38821 662-369-9890 662-369-6541 662-256-8078 Gerald Goldsborough Sr. Carter Dobbs Daniel B. Rogers 50536 Old Hwy 6 P.O. Box 517 1 Old Rogers Place Amory, MS 38821-9015 Amory, MS 38821 Amory, MS 38821 662-315-4035 662-256-5697 662-257-9673 Randy & Patti Parker Jim Edwards Robert & Kathy Seymour P.O. Box 612 730 West Commerce 303 South Franklin Amory, MS 38821 Aberdeen, MS 39730 Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-2547-0557 662-369-8723 662-369-4412 Kathy Nerren Virgie Buckingham 896 Stratford Lane Bob Forbus 817 High Street Ext. Amory, MS 38821 213 S Main Street Aberdeen, MS 39730 662-257-5684 Amory, MS 38821 662-369-4692 662-256-3626

70 Monroe Tronox produces high-performance titanium dioxide pigment, a whitener and opacifier for hundreds of everyday products, from paint and coatings to plastic, paper, food and cosmetics. At its Hamilton facility, it also produces sodium chlorate for the environmentally preferred pulp bleaching process used in the production of paper.n Our ongoing success is attributable to our talented employees. They set us apart from our competitors by adding value beyond the product through their creativity, innovation and focus on customers.n Tronox and its employees also add value to the communities where we operate, with a commitment to sound safety and environmental practices and a belief in giving back to our community.

Tronox LLC 40034 Tronox Road Hamilton, MS 39746 662-343-8311

Tronox. Adding value beyond the product. www.tronox.com