Pittman presented 2016 Small Business Leadership Award
William Carey University and the Area Development Partnership presented the 26th Small Business Leadership Award Luncheon on May 4 at Southern Oak House and Gardens. Brad Pittman, owner of Columbia Block and Brick is the 2016 recipient of the Small Business Leadership Award.
Pittman's grandfather started the business in 1946 and it is the oldest continuously owned and operated block plant in the state. The family opened a second location in Hattiesburg in 2008.
Pittman continues to follow his grandfather's successful principles and credits his success to being adaptable and his belief in personal service. He encouraged those attending the luncheon to support local businesses and said that he makes a personal effort to do business locally.
Pittman graduated from Oak Grove High School, earned a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and attended the University of Mississippi. He has worked with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Chamber of Commerce in Columbia and is a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club in Hattiesburg. He also served on the board of the Presbyterian Christian School for 10 years.
He and his wife of 39 years, Jacquelyne, have two sons, Adam and John, and one grandson, Anderson. Pittman and his family have been members of Venture Church for 45 years and have participated in mission trips to Honduras and Brazil.
WCU and the ADP established the Small Business Leadership Award in 1990 to recognize the important contributions small businesses make to the economic, social, and cultural life of the community and the particular achievements of one individual or family.
The award is given in memory of Dr. Joe Roberts, former professor of communication at WCU. Dr. Roberts was also a successful businessman and one of the founders of Aycock-Roberts Furniture.