Since July 2006 I have done something that I haven't done probably over the past 8 years: I have promoted something other than myself.

I am an avid self-promoter as most of you know, but over the past couple of months I have felt it important to celebrate others who are making strides, thus the Mississippi's Best Awards was born.

What wil be happening in October at this special awards show is nothing short of history in the making. I have said that several times in interviews and in articles, but it is true. Think about it: we will have 400 people in one room that are from all corners of the state and who are involved in everything from business, education, the arts, music, sports and literature. And what is bringing everyone together? I think it is a love of self as well as a love of where we live.

Mississippi has worn many faces over the years, some have been more flattering than others. I do believe that this special night will earn us new respect, and hopefully help us to better respect each other.

We have less than 100 tickets left now. The largest obstacles are overcome, and now we are on the home stretch, but I still want all of your help.

On this particular newsletter, there are 271 subscribers. I am going to charge each of you to support this event in your own special way. I don't expect everyone here to be able to purchase a ticket to the event, but there is more to it than that.

Visit www.free2flow.com and see how you can contribute. Buy an ad in our souvenir book. Support us by purchasing one of our items from the shop we have created at cafepress.com (www.cawebbshop.com), and last but not least donate items for our gift bags.

This event is about Mississippi, true, but it is also about how those on the outside of the state see us.

You will have to join the Yahoo group at www.free2flow.com, but it is well worth the time to do so. This event is going to be the crowning achievement of my year, and I want to share it with you.