Small Business Award Luncheon
We invite you to the Annual Small Business Award Luncheon
WCU School of Business, in partnership with the Area Development Partnership, hosts this luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon is to award the Small Business Leadership Award to a deserving business in the Pine Belt. Funds raised from the luncheon will be used to provide scholarships for WCU School of Business students.
Luncheon Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Time: 11:30 AM
- Location: WCU Tatum Court | 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
The luncheon will feature a keynote by Michael Watson, MIssissippi Secretary of State. The School of Business and Area Development Partnership will present the Small Business Leadership Award to an outstanding business in the Pine Belt.
Michael Watson is in his second term as Mississippi’s 36th Secretary of State, where he has launched initiatives to improve elections, reduce regulatory burdens, and protect the state’s natural resources. He created the SOS Student Ambassador program, Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking, and completed an 82-County Tour to connect with citizens across the state. Prior to his current role, Watson served three terms in the State Senate, where he authored significant laws, including the Fetal Protection Act and legislation to address illegal immigration. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he began his public service career as an intern for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott. Born and raised in Mississippi, Michael is a husband, father, and the son of a shipyard worker turned pastor.
Secure Your Spot Today
Join us for an inspiring luncheon and support scholarships for WCU School of Business students. Click below to secure your spot!
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Jack Simmons – Simmons Furniture Company |
| 1991 | Robert E. Donnell, Jr. – Vital-Care Compounder |
| 1992 | Jan Lacy – Copy Cat Printing |
| 1993 | Butch Brown – Parris Jewelers |
| 1994 | Gwen James – Coldwell Banker/Don Nace, Inc., Realtors |
| 1995 | Carl Amones – Amones Realty & Tax Services |
| 1996 | David Rumbarger – Area Development Partnership |
| 1998 | Doug McClelland – McLelland Television Company |
| 1999 | Glenn E. Galey – The Galey Agency, Inc. |
| 2000 | Allen Anderson – Anderson Retail, Inc. |
| 2001 | Steven L. Floyd – Steve Floyd Properties, Inc. |
| 2002 | Myrick Family – Economy Supply |
| 2003 | Gene Owens – Owens Business Machines |
| 2004 | Dews Family – CL. Dews & Sons Foundry & Machine Company |
| 2006 | Robert St. John – New South Restaurant Group |
| 2007 | Wayne Ross – Commercial Stationery Company |
| 2009 | Dennis Pierce – Piercon, Inc. |
| 2010 | Greg and Steve Moore – Moore Funeral Services |
| 2011 | Phil Hanberry and Chris Hudson – Hanco Corporation |
| 2012 | Karl Ficken – Wilmut Gas |
| 2013 | Tom White – 206 Front, Bianchi’s Pizzeria |
| 2014 | Wyche McMullan – McMullan Motors |
| 2015 | Kyle Wallace – Shows, Dearman and Waites, Inc. |
| 2016 | Brad Pittman – Columbia Block and Brick |
| 2017 | Gary Carmichael – Pridestaff |
| 2018 | Robert O. Tatum and Craig B. Tatum – CR Properties |
| 2019 | Andy Stetelman – London & Stetelman Commercial Realtors |
| 2020 | Donnie & Larry Doleac – Doleac Electric Company, Inc. |
| 2021 | Joyce Hicks and Adrienne Hicks-Garanich – Blooms Company |
| 2022 | Lee Parish – Parish Tractor |
| 2023 | Brandon and Abby Thaxton – Lucky Rabbit |
| 2024 | Van & Nicole Jones – ASAAP, The Shoppe (Ice Cream), Blue Hollow Lake Retreat |