Former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne recently said, “The people make the place.”

He was referring to the place he calls home and the people he so dearly loves.

Byrne is not bashful about spreading the word about how great Natchez is. It is, he’s said, the best place on earth — big-city charm with a small-city feel.

But Byrne isn’t so quick to take credit for things. In fact neither is Katie McCarstle.

Perhaps that is why both of them made an incredible pair to be the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s Natchezians of the year.

Both Byrne and McCarstle epitomize the charm, grace, intelligence and vision that have made Natchez such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play.

We could not think of two people more deserving of the recognition and honor.

They set the bar high for the rest of us.

The chamber also recognized two great local businesses: The Gillon Group and Home Hardware.

Both of those companies, their owners and employees are always in the community, helping and giving back.

That’s what makes them deserving of the recognition.

We’re humbled by the great example they set.

The chamber’s membership recognized two great people on Tuesday night — two people whose work, dedication and attitude make this place so much greater because of all they do for the community.