Innovate Mississippi recently hosted the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala on September 15 at the Country Club of Jackson.
This year, Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc. in Laurel, was honored as the recipient of the 2016 Legend Award. This prestigious award is presented to distinguished, exemplary and visionary leaders and innovators who have had a legendary impact on the state of Mississippi. Previous Legend Award recipients include Jim Barksdale, Dr. Robert Khayat, Ambassador John Palmer and Bill Yates.
Bryan Hawkins (top left) spoke with Billy and Linda Howard at the awards dinner.In addition, other outstanding and successful entrepreneurs were inducted into the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame: Linda and Billy Howard, founders of Howard Industries in Laurel; Thalia Mara (posthumously), founder of the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson; and Dr. S.L. Sethi, founder of Jackie’s International in Canton.
“The momentum behind innovation and entrepreneurship in Mississippi is at an all-time high,” said Sandra Buckley, director of marketing for Innovate Mississippi. “Through the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame, we are able to formally acknowledge and celebrate those innovators who have taken risks to build a business from the ground up – and who are ultimately creating jobs and wealth for our state.”
Click here to read the full story.