Chamber celebrates 125 years by naming its first African American woman leader

History was made this year as Shelia McKinnis was named the first African American woman to head the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce in its 125-year existence.

Nancy Bell defied odds when she was named the first female Chamber Chairwoman in 1990. Don Brown broke through by being named the first African American chairman in 2003 and went on to serve in the role in 2004 and again in 2014.

Shelia McKinnis

“This is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 2020 chairwoman,” McKinnis said during her remarks.

In a crowded room at the Vicksburg Convention Center Friday, the Chamber held its 125th-anniversary luncheon, celebrating more than a century of providing support and vision to Vicksburg and Warren County.

“Our organization could not survive this long without the support of our members,” said Pablo Diaz, director of the Vicksburg-Warren Partnership, which consists of three area economic development organizations: the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce, the Warren County Port Commission, and the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Foundation. The partnership was created in 2018.

Diaz ran through a brief history of the Chamber’s existence dating back to 1895. The Board of Trade was the original name before changing the name to The Board of Trade Chamber of Commerce in 1924. The organization changed its name one more time, to the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce, in 1994.

“Since then, The Chamber has been the business community’s spokesman, the city’s sales manager, the community’s information bureau and its goodwill ambassador,” Diaz said.

Chamber members in attendance congratulated outgoing chairman, Blake Teller.

“We are entering what could be known as the golden age of Vicksburg and Warren County,” Teller said.

Teller recapped 2019’s accomplishments and achievements, one of which was hosting manufacturing and port-related meetings to find solutions to common problems, including creating a positive image for businesses and families to invest and live in Vicksburg.

Going forward, Teller hopes the board continues to find ways to expand the Port of Vicksburg or build a new port.

His last duty as chairman was to pass the gavel to new Chamber Chairwoman Sheila McKinnis.

Following McKinnis’ remarks, Diaz returned to the stage to express appreciation to outgoing Chamber board members and present annual awards.

Outgoing board members include Tim Reeves, Billy Crozier, Don Brown and Gary Anderton.

The 2020 Ambassador of the Year was Shannon Bagley and Small Business of the Year was Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.

Diaz also presented a new honor: the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award. The winner received an eye-catching trophy cup that will travel from business to business each year. This year’s recipient was International Paper.

“I think our best days are still ahead for Vicksburg,” Diaz said in closing the meeting, “and make no mistake: We have what it takes to get it done, and we have whom it takes to get us there.”