Small Business Leadership Rewards

HATTIESBURG, MISS. - William Carey University and the Area Development Partnership held the annual Small Business Leadership Award Luncheon on Wednesday, May 2 at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. University President Dr. Tommy King presented the 2018 Small Business Leadership Award to Robert Tatum and Craig Tatum.

The University started giving out the award in 1990 to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the local economy. Southern District Commissioner for the Mississippi Public Service Commission Sam Britton spoke about the importance of small businesses to a community. “Small business is the backbone of the American economic system, and we have many of those in the State of Mississippi,” Britton said. “It’s the backbone of our economy here in the State of Mississippi. With small businesses there comes risks, but there are also more rewards.” To be eligible for the award, the recipient or family must own or manage a small business and must actively participate in community service to be eligible. The Tatums became the 26th recipients of the award.