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The Braswell Hatcher Award, named for its first recipient was established by the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce in 1998. This coveted award is given to honor an area citizen for their untiring and exemplary service to the community.
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Outgoing Chamber President Bennett Hill presented the Brasweell Hatcher Award to Ernie Aune at the annual Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on April 14, 2011. Aune is a 1947 graduate of Water Valley High School and a 1951 graduate of Mississippi State University. He served inthe Air Force and his his oldest son was born while he herved in the US territory of Alaska.Aune brought his family back to Water Valley where he and wife, Ernestine raised four sons. He had a 34 year career with Mechanics Bank and served as President and Chief Executive Officer for 15 years.Aune is an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church. He is a charter member of the Lions Club and was intrumental in the restoration efforts for the old I. C. Depot that is now the Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum.He was a member of Jaycees and a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce. He has been an Ambassador since the group's inception.
