It was a stars and stripes kind of evening last Friday as the Union Chamber of Commerce Chamber Banquet made it’s much anticipated return after a five-year hiatus.
Themed “Stars and Stripes and Friday Night Lights” in honor of both the 250th birthday of America and the outstanding 2025 season the 12-1 Union Yellowjackets football team had, the banquet successfully celebrated both achievements while recognizing the great people and businesses that make up the Town of Union.
The evening started with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by William Breedlove, followed by Sarah Whiner singing a wonderful version “National Anthem”.
After the dinner service, Keynote Speaker Senator Tyler McCaughn shared a message highlighting Union’s name and its survival during the Civil War as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity. He compared it to the quiet perseverance of rural families and churches across Mississippi who have held onto their land and communities for generations through hard times—not by accident, but through repeated decisions to invest, protect, and pass them on.
McCaughn stressed that both Union and America were built by thousands of small choices made by shop owners, families, churches, and citizens. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, he urged the community to keep building for future generations, praised the strength of small-town Mississippi values, and thanked residents for proving that unity still matters and that the best of America lives in places like Union.
Following Sen. McCaughn, Chamber President Neal McCarty led the awards program, recognizing the Veteran of the Year (Airman First Class Dean Russell); Citizen of the Year (Coach Jordan Wren); and Lifetime Achievement Award (Dr. James Bennett). Family members and friends of each award winner were also given an opportunity to share heartfelt words about each award winner.
The chamber then introduced the new chamber board members that would be coming into the fold next month: Glenda Barrett, Jamie Griffis, Jodie Burroughs, Brittany Morrow, and Ashley Skelton.
The evening came to an end with the chamber distributing 146 door prizes and a surprise singing of “I’m Proud to Be an American” by Sarah Whiner.
