Tylers Receive Chamber Service Award

Tylers Receive Chamber Service Award

By David Howell

Editor

WATER VALLEY – A partnership that has spanned more than 61 years and touched countless lives was recognized at the annual Water Valley Chamber of Commerce Banquet Monday night with the presentation of the Braswell Hatcher Service Award to Bob and Dale Tyler. The couple were born and raised in Water Valley, graduated from Water Valley High School and received degrees from the University of Mississippi before entering successful careers in education and coaching.

Each year the recipient of the award remains a secret and Dale Tyler first took the podium to express her gratitude and surprise.

“When my son, Cam (Tyler), told me that Mechanics Bank had two tables and a lot of his people couldn’t come and we needed to fill it up – I fell for it,” Dale Tyler told the group. “I did wonder when I got here why we had such a family reunion,” she added about her children and grandchildren attending the banquet.

“I have enjoyed my life in Water Valley in the years when we were young and I am really enjoying it while we are old, thank you,” she told the attendees.

 “How can someone that coached for 32 years be in shock,” Bob Tyler added, taking the podium after his wife.

“We were conditioned a long time ago, accurately, to never begin sentences with ‘I’, because it is always ‘we’, ‘team’ and ‘us’,” Tyler said. “So many, many people made it possible for us to come up here and receive this award,” the retired coach continued. “All those years we never hung a plaque, we never set out a trophy, they are all in the attic. But we will put this in view because we are really proud of this award. I knew Braswell Hatcher… I am aware of the full meaning of this award.” 

Comments from retired Brigadier General Roger Shields, a Water Valley native selected as honorary ambassador by the chamber who took the podium after the Tylers, were equally appreciative of his heritage.

“I feel like I have been an ambassador for Water Valley all of my life. Growing up here in the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was kind of like I won the lottery,” the career military man said. Shields cited numerous factors that helped shape his life including strong mentors and a scouting program that was second to none.

“I brag on Water Valley so much I think I irritate people sometimes,” Shields later joked.

Other routine business conducted at the banquet included:

• The State of the City Address from Mayor Larry Hart. The mayor touted the installation of smart electric meters, an update on the airport, and a possible expansion at Allied Group that could add jobs at the industry.

“There are a lot of good things happening in our city, and on the west side of the county,” Hart said in closing as he cited the success of the railroad that runs through the western edge of the county as part of the line that extends from Canton to Southaven.

• Outgoing Chamber President Tonya Eubanks presented the Elliott Scholarship to Blue Devil senior Cooper Clement. 

• As the primary speaker at the banquet, Mississippi Economic Council CEO Blake Wilson praised recent achievements in Water Valley. Wilson also stressed the importance of road and bridge maintenance during his time at the podium. (See Street Talk on Page 4 to see more about Wilson’s message.)

• Incoming Chamber President Toni Hill recognized the outgoing board of directors including Eubanks, Michael Fonte, Nell Jobe and Dr. G.R. Orndorff. Hill added that Eubanks has agreed to continue to serve on the board to fill a void.

“They have served these last three years as board members,” she said.

Hill also introduced the new officers including vice-president Charmie Weeks, treasurer Shannon Crow and secretary Shelley Howell. Board members who will continue to serve include Janet Dickey, Tyler Hill, Linda Maynor and Michelle Washington.

Hill also recognized new board members starting three-year terms including Ron Hart, Sasha Hyde, Jack Sartain and Linda White.