Mississippi dealers welcome economic upswing

ALES in the exhibit area at the Mississippi Building Material Dealers Association, Inc. convention and building products trade show, Feb. 9-ll, broke all records. Continuing the optimism, attendance was the highest in three years.

Representatives of 4l firms filled 62 booths for a sell out of the exhibition zuea on the second floor of the Royal D'Iberville, Biloxi, Ms. "Moving Forward in '84" was the theme of the meeting which brought retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers together for business and educational programs as well as the trade show. Kenneth Breland was convention chairman assisted by Larry Hammock, Wesley Rushing, Chester Hall, Stanley Ellis, Dwight Long, Carlton Moak and Robert Gatlin.

Breland, president of Breland Building Supply, Inc., Philadelphia, Union & Newton and Breland Ready Mix, Philadelphia, Ms., was elected president of the association, succeeding Larry Hammock, Builders Market, Inc., Amory. Wesley Rushing, Jones County Building Supply Co., Laurel, was elected lst vice presiden[ Fred Nabors, Nabors Hardware & Building Supply, Vardaman, 2nd vice president, and Chester Hall, Hall's Paneling & Floor Covering, Pearl, national dealer director.

A record crowd heard Thad Cochran, U.S. Senator from Mississippi, address an all industry luncheon. A round table idea exchange between dealers and suppliers was moderated by Larry Hammock.

Harry Lott, part owner of Simp- son, Stepp & Lott Lumber Co., Greenwood, was recognized for attending 40 consecutive conventions

Story at a Glance

Record buying.. .U.S. Senator keynotes sessions. .business meeting, educational programs well attended.. .next annual Feb. 14-16 in Biloxi.

since 1945. A past president (1959), he received the award from Chester Hall. Henderson & Baird Hardware Co., Greenwood, were donors of the handsome plaque.

Social events included a Las Vegas party, an all industry banquet with dancing, and events for the wives planned by Anita Hammock, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, and her board, Shelby Breland, Louise Rushing and Nita Bennett.

Next annual convention will be Feb. 14-16 at the Royal D'Iberville Fiotel.

MISSISSIPPI Building Material Dealers Association, Inc., president, Kenneth Breland. (Top right photo, seated): Larry Hammock, Kenneth Breland. (standing) Wesley Rushing, Fred Nabors, Chester Hall. (Lower left) Harry Lott (len) received recognition plaque from Chester Hall. (Lower right) Anita Hammock, Doris Gallagher and Dot Gatlin in