Curtis Moroney smiles during his introduction as the Natchezian Man of the Year. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Special Assistant to the President of Alcorn State University Ruth Nichols was named Natchezian Woman of the Year. Nichols gives Chamber Chairman Stuart Heflin a hug after recieving the award. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Incoming Chamber Chairman Tate Hobdy, left, and outgoing chairman Stuart Heflin present the Small Business of the Year award to Darby Short and Dennis Short for Darby’s and other businesses they own and operate on Main Street. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Lori Paradise accepts the Large Business of the Year award for the Paradise/Byrne Company night. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)