Leaders are a rare breed in our hectic, modern lives. It’s much easier, and unfortunately more common, to simply be a sideline spectator.

Casting stones from the periphery is easy; rolling up your sleeves and helping out on a problem is much more difficult.

That’s why the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards this year were so fitting. Each year the chamber — the voice of business in our community — recognizes business and community leaders.

This year, as the chamber celebrated its 100th anniversary by changing up its traditional practices a bit including naming two awards for the Natchezian of the Year this year.

The 2008 winners were Dr. Kenneth Stubbs and Mary Flach.

Stubbs, a local physician, was critical in leading the tort reform effort in Mississippi a few years ago as well as volunteering with several groups in the area.

Flach, who manages Belk’s Natchez store, has been actively volunteering with a number of non-profits in the area.

Both are excellent examples of leadership and both are highly deserving of the honors.

The chamber also honored Silas Simmons CPA firm and First Natchez Radio Group with awards, too. Both businesses are fine examples of successful businesses who are also successful at giving back to the community.

If a community is only as good as its leaders and its community-focused businesses, our community is among the best in the country.