Page4 Greenwood Commonwealth/Thursday, February 23, 2012 PROFILE 2012 =================================================================================================================================================================================
Publisher’s note O
ne of my favorite old movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Although the 1946 film is mostly associated with the Christmas holidays, the central theme of the movie has no season. It’s about how much one person’s life can impact others. A despondent George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, is shown what he had lost sight of: namely, that his existence has not only bettered the lives of family and friends but also that of his entire hometown of Bedford Falls, N.Y. Had Bailey never been born, Bedford Falls would have become Pottersville, named for the greedy, bitter slumlord who is Bailey’s antithesis. Instead of a wholesome familyoriented community, it would have become home to sleazy nightclubs and pawn shops. Similarly, it is unpleasant to imagine what Greenwood might be like today had Fred Carl Jr. not grown up here. This would embarrass Carl. He hates attention. We had to practically beg to get him to be on the cover of this year’s Profile edition. If not, however, for his brainchild that a utilitarian product — a kitchen stove — could become a status symbol, there would be no Viking Range Corp., no Alluvian hotel, no spa, no cooking school, no author-drawing bookstore, and probably very little downtown revitalization. There would be 1,000 more
Staff Editor and Publisher Tim Kalich
Advertising Director Larry Alderman
Managing Editor Charles Corder
Advertising Sales Linda Bassie, Susan Montgomery, Ronnie Sanders, Jim Stallings and Kim Turner
City Editor David Monroe News Editor Charlie Smith Sports Editor Bill Burrus Lifestyles Editor Beth Thomas Staff Writer Bob Darden Contributing Writers and Photographers Jo Alice Darden, Johnny Jennings and Ruth Jensen
Graphic Designers Anne Miles and Joseph Cotton Production Manager Ben Gilton Circulation Manager Shirley Cooper Business Manager Eddie Ray Editorial and business offices: P.O. Box 8050 329 U.S. 82 West Greenwood, MS 38935-8050 (662) 453-5312
people without jobs — that is, if they still lived here. There would be less creative talent in the community overall. And “The Help,” now up for four Academy Awards, would not have been made here. In short, Greenwood would still have its share of attributes, but it would be less attractive, less known and less proud than it is today. It would be more like many other towns of the Delta, where the downsizing of agriculture and the exodus of low-skill manufacturing have not only slammed their economy but weakened their confidence. In 2012, Viking is marking its 25th year of full production. The anniversary is a perfect opportunity for us to look back at the remarkable history of this home-grown company and the positive impact it has had on Greenwood. It’s one of the many success stories that we try to tell in Profile. This 128-page issue is our annual effort to shine a big spotlight what works well in this community and the great people who provide its identity. It’s full of articles, photos and ads that reflect how vibrant and interesting are Greenwood and the surrounding area. Like George Bailey, sometimes we need to be reminded of just how fortunate we are. We hope Profile serves that purpose. — Tim Kalich
On the cover Margaret and Fred Carl, center, stand with two ranges and longtime employees at Viking Range Corp.’s Cooking Products Plant. Back row, from left, are Howard Alderman, Dale Persons, James Holmes, Brian Waldrop, Robert Ervin, Ron Ussery, Tawana Thompson, Brent Noah, Jessie Harris, Terry Rias, Renae Rice, Sheila Taylor, Roy Brooks, Alesa Toole, Todd Goss, Mike Sparks, Connie Gibson and Bruce Schad. Photo by Johnny Jennings Cover design by Joseph Cotton