Wednesday was a celebration during the monthly Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Vicksburg Convention Center as the chamber unveiled their new logo, website and updated their accomplishments over the past year.

Chamber members also welcomed new chairman Blake Teller, congratulated outgoing chairman Nick Jones, and handed out some awards to chamber members.

Pablo Diaz, president and CEO of the Vicksburg-Warren Economic Development Partnership, called the event a “day of celebration.”

Diaz outlined the development and implementation of the strategic plan, new industries that have moved into Vicksburg-Warren County, and all of the job creation that has taken place in the past year.

“According to the latest data from the Mississippi Development Authority, for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, 54 percent of all recruitment-related new jobs in this state were announced in Warren County and Vicksburg,” Diaz said. “In other words, over half of all new recruitment-related projects in this state and the jobs created are here to benefit our residents, our businesses and our regional economy.

“In the last 12 months, economic development projects and associated job creation of over 640 jobs; over $25 million in annual payroll; and capital investments in excess of $33 million,” Diaz added.

“Today, more than ever before, outsiders and insiders are excited about the future of Vicksburg and are willing to recognize that Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the best place to live in this state.”

Diaz also unveiled the new logo and modern chamber website, vicksburgusa.com.

Teller was introduced as the new chairman, 40 years after his father Landy Teller Jr., took the gavel as local chamber chairman.

His father passed away nearly three years ago and Teller shared a story of how he finally moved into his dad’s office at their law practice this past weekend, where he came across a prized archive while boxing up and going through some of his dad’s things.

“I ran across his (chamber) gavel in a cabinet,” Teller said. “I thought that was pretty neat. Forty years ago today, about, he was receiving a gavel to lead this chamber of commerce, as I will in 2019. It’s a great honor and I’m going to take it seriously.”

During the luncheon, the chamber also recognized the Ambassador of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year.

Ruby Green was chosen Ambassador the Year for her volunteer service, while Loreli Books and owner Kelle Barfield were chosen Small Business of the Year and International Paper Company was named Large Business of the Year.