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SOUTHERNER OF THE YEAR

Many of our fine readers have contacted me inquiring about

SouthernBusiness magazine’s – Southerner Of The Year Award. First, allow me to thank the many readers who have over the years contacted me with your outstanding feedback. Your letters and emails, both positive and the not so positive, serve only to help us achieve our mission of being the BEST publication in the south.

Now about the SouthernBusiness magazine’s –“Southerner Of The Year.” Several years ago, I imagined a means by which we southerners might appropriately recognize those individuals who have made a profound influence on the Southern region. In 2002 SouthernBusiness implemented and became known as the publication which annually honors the Southerner Of The Year. In a brief amount of time, the award has gained a depth of respect usually reserved for honors with much more seniority. These iconic figures through their efforts serve to inspire those around them to change the times for the betterment of others.

The 2002 recipient was James L. Clayton, Founder of Clayton Homes, Inc. – headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee. We chose Jim for, among other reasons, his ability to endure and prevail from his own personal financial difficulties to start Clayton Homes, Inc. The company that Jim built today is responsible for the livelihood for over 2,600 families. For several years Jim has been listed on Forbes “Richest People In America.” (a side note, shortly after my feature article on Clayton – the company was purchased by Warren Buffet’s Birthshire Hathaway for cash.) You just never know what can happen after you appear in SouthernBusiness. If I had to describe Jim using just one word, that word would be VISIONARY. Jim Clayton is the epitome of my favorite quote from Winston Churchill –Never, Never, Never give-up.

The 2003 recipient was S. Truett Cathy, Founder Chairman and CEO – Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta , Georgia . Truett was chosen for his ability to reshape and inspire many lives. Truett has not only reshaped the chicken sandwich, but business practices in general. Truett has remained true to his convictions by never, never, never opening Chick-fil-A’s on Sunday. This unusual business practice, according to the company, cost Chick-fil-A $11 million in annual revenue. However, the company has enjoyed thirty consecutive years of revenue growth. (how-bout-them-chickens!). If I had to describe Truett using just one word, that word would be GENEROSITY. Truett Cathy and his Chick-fil-A restaurants give millions of dollars each year for college scholarships and millions more to the 13 foster care homes that Truett established in Alabama , Georgia , and Tennessee .

Many of you have inquired as to the nomination and election process for our Southerner Of The Year- Award. Nominations are presented to us by you, our readers. So, beginning today, please write me or email me with the person(s) you strongly feel have made a profound influence on our region. In the past, we have chosen business leaders. However, the honor is open to Southern celebrities, athletes, journalists, and politicians (yes even politicians) just to name a few examples. By the way, thank you Mary of New Orleans, LA for your candidate. However, we are not certain as to what the lady is swinging from. The election process the recipient is chosen by the distinguished members of our Southern Business Advisory Board. (see Spiva, Ph.D. page for list of members). Once the Southern Business Advisory Board members narrow the field to two candidates, each member cast one vote. The recipient is chosen and announced sometime toward the 4th quarter of the year. As you consider your candidates – deadline August 25- I ask you to simply take heart to the carefully selected words inscribed on the award. “In Recognition Of Your Distinguished Service, Loyalty, And Devotion. Your Efforts Are An Inspiration To Us All.”