The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the month of May as Business Development Month throughout the county and along with other towns and cities throughout the country.

The celebration began in Goshen and has continued at individual Pike County businesses county-wide.

Business Development Month was celebrated at Collier’s on Main in Brundidge Thursday and honored the role that businesses play in the town’s economy.

Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd and Jennifer Garret, president of the Brundidge Business Associa-tion, signed a proclamation declaring the Month of May as Business Development Month in Brun-didge.

“The City of Brundidge would like to join others in specifically honoring and appreciating our businesses and industries,” Boyd said. 

Garrett added that the BBA places importance on new and existing businesses and industries and also on entrepreneurs and small business owners. And, she said, Brundidge is fortunate that it has much to celebrate.

“Brundidge joins Pike County in acknowledging that our businesses and industries are major con-tributors to the strength of the American economy,” Garrett said. “In Brundidge, whether it’s a Kool-Aid stand or steak restaurants, we welcome all businesses and industries.”

Jimmy Copeland, who is chairing the chamber’s Pike County Business Development Month ac-tivities, said small towns and small businesses are vital to the growth of the nationwide business community.

When communities have work and career opportunities for young people, Copeland said they are more likely to stay close to home and maintain those relationships that strengthen communities and create climates that foster business success.

“In Pike County, we work together for the good of all,” he said. “What’s good for Brundidge is good for Troy and all Pike County.”

Former Mayor Jimmy Ramage recognized the expansion of Southern Classic Food Group to in-clude Magnolia Vegetable Processors.

“MVP is in Brundidge but all of Pike County will benefit from its success,” he said, “When the color of industry and business is green, we all get a piece of it.”

Former Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said, too, “Who cares where business success comes from? We all benefit.”

“Whatever happens in Pike County helps everyone,” he said. “Together, we make it happen.”

The Pike County Business Development Month activities will continue today with donuts at the Banks Buy Rite and in Troy later in the month.