Gov. Bill Lee didn’t leave Shelby County without visiting the Collierville Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Business Awards highlighting Tennessee’s accomplishments.
He said the business opportunities of the state are rich. People are moving Tennessee because of what it provides.
“If you want to be reminded America hasn’t lost its way, you look at Tennessee,” Lee said. “That isn’t because of a governor. That’s because of communities that show the rest of the world what America is about — what it has been, what it can be going forward.”
Lee said while he cheers on the state, he also sees other states struggling.
Lee, who is up for reelection this year, took some time to talk about recent accomplishments. During his speech, he highlighted budget priorities such as committing 20 state troopers to Shelby County and his revamped education funding plan.
Lee, a strong proponent of school choice, recognized the role of public schools. Collierville Schools board chairman Wright Cox, and members Frank Warren and Paul Childers were among those in attendance.
“We ought to have options, but we should have the very best public schools in the nation and that starts with our public schools,” he said. “The vast number of our kids are educated in public schools.”
The Chamber annually presents a “Person of the Year” award. Previous award winners include Alderwoman Maureen Fraser, and Mark Hansen, Collierville’s first school board chair. This year, the award was given to Town Administrator James Lewellen, who has spent 26 years with the town and plans to retire this summer. Lewellen was surprised by the honor.
A video of Collierville leaders highlighted the leadership he has provided. Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, said Lewellen would have his picture on a Mount Rushmore of Collierville, but also never allow a Mount Rushmore in Collierville.
His three children were present for the honor. As the video played, Lewellen was overcome with emotion as he realized other town leaders were recognizing him. When his name was called, the crowd cheered and gave a standing ovation.
“Remember what can be accomplished with hard work and courage,” he told his children. “Anything you do requires hard work.”
In true Lewellen fashion though, he cracked a joke after his sincere remarks.
“You also have to have the courage to take credit for other people’s work,” he said as the crowd roared in laughter.
The night couldn’t pass without mentioning Sept. 23, 2021, the day a shooter injured more than a dozen, including the death of Olivia King, at the Kroger store on New Byhalia. The day, recognized as the worst in Collierville history, was also an event that brought people together.
“I was reminded about what your community has been through on top of what our state and country has been through,” Lee said. “You uniquely had a challenge that most communities don’t face, and you have met it with dignity and grace. You met it in a way many communities would not.”
He praised Collierville police, who also received special recognition. U.S. Congressman David Kustoff presented them the “Bridging the Gap” award, one of six the chamber presented.
“There’s a special unique bond between the Collierville Police Department and the citizens of Collierville, based on everything they did prior to the shooting at Kroger and certainly after,” Kustoff said. “These are brave men and women — just like law enforcement across the nation. I’m very proud of the Collierville Police Department.”