Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The Jackson Leadership class of 2016 held their graduation ceremony at the Carl Grant Center on the Union University Campus. Leadership Jackson, the Chamber’s adult leadership development program, gives business professionals employed with companies that are chamber members the opportunity to better understand the community. Class members visited community landmarks, met with area leaders and participated in weekly sessions about critical subjects in Jackson-Madison County, including education, healthcare and government.

“My heart is full as I have watched this class awaken,” Jon Ewing, Woman’s Clinic, P.A., and 2016 Leadership Jackson chair. Five class members were recognized. Burton Dreyer, ATA Technologies LLC, received the highest honor — the Diamond Award — for surpassing all requirements in Leadership Jackson. Jewel Award recipients were Beth Borden, Borden Technology; Lori Gambill, BancorpSouth; Dr. Nancy Utley, The Jackson Clinic; and Heather Witherspoon, Forever Communications.