Hartley Peavey Drive in Meridian

The City of Meridian renamed a portion of Mississippi Highway 493 in honor of Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics, in a ceremony at Peavey International Headquarters. Officials from the City of Meridian and Lauderdale County joined the Peavey family and employees in celebrating the accomplishments of Hartley and his company during their first 38 years of business. The Hartley Peavey Drive runs in front of Peavey International Headquarters, stretching from nearby North Hills St. to Meridian's northern city limits. "This is truly an honor," said Hartley. "But while it is my name on the sign, all of this certainly was not just my doing-I am merely the catalyst. Together, we're expanding our horizons and changing our products and methods. We're doing the only thing we know: innovating. My goal for this company has always been to be the best. By definition, you cannot be the best unless you're different. We are different. This company is based on doing things that everyone said could not be done." Company President Mary Peavey concurred with Hartley's sentiment. "Whether it's music on the radio or a sound system in an airport or stadium, Hartley and the employees of Peavey Electronics make the sound by which the world communicates." Mayor John Robert Smith paid tribute to the company's contributions to Meridian and Lauderdale County. "Thousands of our residents depend on Peavey Electronics for their livelihood, education and future," said Smith. "This company is the bedrock of our community's economic base."