When the economy went south in South Florida last year, Kewanee resident Robby Pickett decided to return to his roots and set up his business.

"It's going okay, under the circumstances," said Pickett, who opened a local office of his Magnolia Green landscape architectural services at the first of the year.

"It's going to take a lot of networking – getting out there and meeting as many people as I can," he added.

And networking is just what Pickett got plenty of during Thursday's Main Event Business and Industry Expo at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. As one of the more than 140 exhibitors at the all-day event, the expo provided the newcomer a venue to promote his business, as well as multiple opportunities to learn about others.

Sponsored by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC), the expo is designed to showcase area business and industry, provide member networking opportunities and promote community participation.

Now in its 21st year, this year's expo theme was "A Brand New Direction," a play on the branding campaign as well as featuring member business brands and logo. In addition to gathering information and promotional materials such as pens, pads and other items, attendees are also treated to food, fun and door prizes.

A highlight of the day's festivities was the announcement of the recipient of the Hartley D. Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. This year's recipient is M.L. Waters of Waters International Trucking Inc.

The Peavey Award recognizes local individuals who, over a period of time, have developed entrepreneurial skills and business expertise into living, thriving businesses. Past award recipients include Sammie Davidson, Rep. Charles Young, Paul Broadhead, Hardy Graham, Manny Mitchell, Paul Nuckolls, Richard Wilbourn, W.C. "Bud" Robinson Jr. and last year's recipient, Jacqueline Van Zyverden Hogan.

Waters and his brothers, Mike and David, opened the trucking company with seven employees. Today, the business employs 87 locally, and with their six locations has a combined total of more than 200 employees.

In addition to his business success, Waters was also commended for his commitment to the community. He is active in his church, serving as chairman of the board, a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Central Baptist Church. He also has served as president and vice president of the MCC Foundation and currently serves on the finance committee; serves as vice president of the Executive Committee and board of directors of the EMBDC; has served on the board of Aldersgate Retirement Committee; and currently serves on the Endowment Committee at Lamar School.

"A lot of people think success means money ... Success is all about feeling good about yourself, if you're making a difference," said Peavey, who presented the award to Waters.

The honoree described the recognition as honorable and unexpected.

" ... It's very exciting and surprising at the same time," he said.

A native of Columbus, Waters has claimed Meridian as home for more than 30 years.

" ... I'm proud to be able to give back to the community by working with different organizations and giving a little of my input ... That makes me feel like this is home," he said.

The day kicked off with recognition of the EMBDC's Head of the Class recipients. Head of the Class promotes the career and technical programs in the Meridian and Lauderdale County public schools.

"These are students who are taking responsibility for themselves beyond their academic achievements; they are acquiring skills to make sure they can enter the work force" said Wade Jones, EMBDC president.

Students are recognized in one of two categories: Highest Overall Achievement and Most Improved. The 2008-09 Head of the Class recipients are:

• West Lauderdale – Tyler Wood, Highest Overall-2008, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Emilay Pogue, Most Improved-2008, Allied Health; Amber Craven, Highest Overall-2009, Allied Health, and Ashleigh McDonald, Most Improved-2009, Allied Health.

• Northeast High School – Brandi Bourgeois, Highest Overall-2008, Allied Health, and Andee Shuurman, Most Improved-2008, Early Childhood Services and Education I; Lisa Bynum, Highest Overall-2009, Cooperative Education I, and Laporsha Lewis, Most Improved-2009, Early Childhood Services and Education I.

• Clarkdale High School – Chelsea Scarborough, Highest Overall-2008, Allied Health, and Joshua Rosewall, Most Improved-2008, AgPower Mechanics; Christian Robertson, Highest Overall-2009, AgPower Mechanics, and Michael Rietske, Most Improved-2009, AgPower Mechanics.

• Southeast High School – Joel James, Highest Overall-2008, Building Trades, and Kristi Strickland, Most Improved-2008, Allied Health; Wesley Clark, Highest Overall-2009, Building Trades I, and Keenum Dawson, Most Improved-2009, Building Trades I.

• Meridian High School – Johnny Kilgore, Highest Overall-2008, Automotive Services, and John Sims, Most Improved-2008, Marketing Management; Sherron Hill, Highest Overall-2009, Welding II, and Richard Clark, Most Improved-2009, Culinary and Food Technology.

Kim Johnson of Community Bank and chairman of the expo, was enthused by participation in this year's event.

"We didn't have a decline in exhibitors, in spite of economic conditions," said Johnson. "We (Meridian) don't seem to follow national trends.

Nor was there a decline in attendance. As usual, the event kicked off with a large morning crowd who busily moved from booth to booth talking to exhibitors and gathering brochures and other offerings.

Door prizes were announced throughout the day, and lunches were available for purchase from Honey Baked Ham and Piggly Wiggly of Collinsville.