The annual meeting of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce is quickly approaching, and President and CEO Pablo Diaz said this year’s event is as much about looking ahead as it is about honoring what was accomplished in 2024.

Diaz said this year’s meeting, scheduled for Jan. 22, will  provide a report of activities and milestones accomplished by the chamber in the past year, and will provide a “vision for 2025.”

Additionally, this year’s meeting will feature the installation of the 2025 board of directors and the new chairman. Current Chairman Buddy Dees, of Ellis, Dees, Sadler & Nasif, P.C., will officially pass the gavel to incoming chairman Dr. Terance James of Hinds Community College. 

New Board members starting three-year terms of service will also be introduced and will include: Gregory Thomas of Gregory Thomas Realty; Robyn Lea of State Farm Insurance; and  David Fox, CEO of River Region Merit Health.

“We will also announce the Ambassador of the Year, which recognizes the most committed chamber volunteers who support the community development activities led by the chamber of commerce,” Diaz said. 

The event will also highlight the Vicksburg bicentennial celebration going on throughout 2025 and the contributions of the chamber and the business community to the city over the past 200 years, Diaz added.

“(We) will kick off the 2025 bicentennial celebrations with a special focus on the business community,” he said. “This will include informing the businesses on how they can get involved and support the various events through sponsorship.” 

Anyone who would like to get involved may complete the form online at https://www.vicksburg200.com/get-involved. 

This year’s meeting will take place at the Vicksburg Convention Center, located at 1600 Dr. Briggs Hopson Blvd., from noon until 1 p.m. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased at the door via cash or check; however, chamber officials said they strongly encourage people to purchase tickets ahead of time by calling 601-636-1012, or by stopping by the office at 1622 Washington St. To register online, visit http://www.vicksburgusa.com.