CHAMBER CONNECTION JUNE 20
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Chamber honors business and school Partners-in-Education
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual Education Recognition Breakfast on Friday, May 18, at Union University’s Carl Grant Events Center, to honor business and school Partners-inEducation (PIE). Around 65 schools and businesses were given Golden Apple awards for coordinating 10 or more activities with their partners during the 2011-2012 school year. All activities that are coordinated between partnerships have to be reported in writing to Shirley Jones, vice president of public affairs for The Chamber, to receive credit. Jones opened up the awards portion of the breakfast emphasizing the importance of the partnerships between the businesses
and educators. “I think it speaks so highly of both our business community and our educators that they are willing to work together,” Jones said. “Because of PIE, schools have gained countless resources over the past 29 years - some time, some in-kind and some monetary.” Jones also recognized First Tennessee Bank as the sponsor for all of The Chamber’s education programs. “First Tennessee Bank has a long history of supporting education in Jackson and across the state. I have had the privilege of partnering with them for 20 years now, and I cannot say enough about their wonderful support,” said Jones. The PIE program began in 1983,
with seven partnerships and was started by the late Dr. Tommy Allen, who was with the Jackson City School System. After the program was developed, it was turned over to The Chamber for administration. The Chamber has served as the liaison between the business and education community since. The program currently has 266 partnerships and will be celebrating its 30th anniversary of the program next year.
become a Partner-in-Education, + To contact Shirley Jones at sajones@ jacksontn.com or call The Chamber at (731) 423-2200.
Issac Lane Technology Magnet Elementary School Jackson Careers & Technology Magnet Elementary School Jackson Energy Authority Jackson Police Department Special Operations Unit Jackson State Community College Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Journey Church Lane College Leaders Credit Union Liberty Technology Magnet High School Lincoln Magnet School for Mathematics & Science LyondellBasell Macy’s Madison Academic Magnet High School Nell Huntspon Flower Box Nova Elementary School Olive Garden 100 Black Men of West Tennessee
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Oreck Vacuums Owens-Corning Fiberglass Pinnacle Foods Phi Delta Kappa Physical Therapy of Jackson Pope Elementary School Popeye’s Sam’s Club South Elementary School South Side High School Sylvan Learning Center Tennessee Industrial Printing Services, Inc. Tennessee National Guard Tennessee Valley Authority The Bank of Jackson The Tennergy Corporation The University of Tennessee at Martin Union University Wal-Mart Supercenter North West Alumni Association West Tennessee Business College
Upcoming Events, Staff Directory Promotions, Accomplishments & Special Recognition
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Promotions, Accomplishments & Special Recognition
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Member Spotlight
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New Members
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2012 Golden Apple Award Winners AFS Entertainment Alexander Elementary School Allegra Print & Imaging Aramark Ararat Baptist Church Arlington International Leadership School Armstrong Hardwood Flooring BancorpSouth Brown’s United Methodist Church Buttercups & Snapdragons FCE Club Cambridge, Ltd. Canteen Vending City Fellowship Day Treatment Program Denmark Elementary School Donuts & More East Elementary School East Jackson Medical Clinic Elmcroft of Jackson Assisted Living First Baptist Church First South Bank - North First South Bank - South First Tennessee Bank Gerdau
INSIDE:
Renewing Members
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Ribbon Cuttings & Openings
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Economic Indicators
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.JACKSONTN.COM
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce STAFF DIRECTORY 197 Auditorium Street Jackson, TN 38301 Phone: (731) 423-2200 Fax: (731) 424-4860 Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO kspurgeon@jacksontn.com Tammy Boyd, Chief Administrative Officer tboyd@jacksontn.com Lisa Cothran, Manager, Membership Development lcothran@jacksontn.com Shirley Jones, Vice President, Public Affairs sajones@jacksontn.com Lori Nunnery, Executive Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau lnunnery@jacksontn.com Beth Parnell, Manager of Events bparnell@jacksontn.com Denise Perry, Receptionist dperry@jacksontn.com
Ryan Porter, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and General Counsel rporter@jacksontn.com Judy Renshaw, Sr. Vice President, Business & Community Services jrenshaw@jacksontn.com
Stay Connected with the
Jackson Chamber
Megan Seals, Communications Coordinator mseals@jacksontn.com Brandy Stutsman, Administrative Assistant, Business Services & West Tennessee Business Resource Center bstutsman@jacksontn.com Carolyn Vaughan, Membership Development Coordinator cvaughan@jacksontn.com Joyce Welch, Executive Assistant jwelch@jacksontn.com Mandy White, Vice President, Research & Economic Development mwhite@jacksontn.com
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2012 THU
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Business After Hours
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. First Tennessee Bank - Grand Opening of New Location, 2076 N. Highland Ave. Event Details: Network, exchange business cards and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at this monthly event. Business After Hours is the Chamber’s largest networking event. It is free to attend and advance registration is not required. Sponsored by First Tennessee Bank
THU Business After Hours
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5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Regional Hospital of Jackson, 367 Hospital Blvd. Event Details: Network, exchange business cards and enjoy hors d’oeuvres at this monthly event. Business After Hours is the Chamber’s largest networking event. It is free to attend and advance registration is not required. Sponsored by Regional Hospital of Jackson
For more upcoming Chamber events, visit our Calendar of Events on our website at www.jacksontn.com.
facebook.com/jacksontn chamber twitter.com/jaxtnchamber twitter.com/JacksonTNEcoDev linkedin.com/company/jacksonarea-chamber-of-commerce flickr.com/photos/jacksontnchamber/sets youtube.com/user/jacksontnchamber
Attend. Network. Learn.
July 2012
THU B for Business
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7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. The Chamber, 197 Auditorium St. Event Details: B for Business is a time of networking and information for businesses. This event is free to Chamber members. New policy for attendance! Limited seating is available and will be given on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by Foundation Bank, The Hamilton-Ryker Company and The Chamber’s West Tennessee Business Resource Center.
Leadership Jackson Nomination Deadline is Monday, July 2. For more information, contact Judy Renshaw at 423-2200.
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PROMOTIONS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & SPECIAL RECOGNITITONS Good News Industrial: + Sonoco Products celebrated three + ARJ Manufacturing made a donation years injury free on Wednesday, April 4.
+ LyondellBasell
recently celebrated Global Care Day. The company had a day of community service at the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
of $1,500 to the Tennessee Technology Center. The donation was given for the purchase of materials for TTC’s Tool & Die program. ARJ also donated approximately $1,000 worth of tool steel (See Right Photo).
+ Berry Plastics’ printing department
recently printed 6.4 million caps during that a 24 hour time period, a record for the company.
VANICK GROUP IS NOW VANICK DIGITAL
The principal owners of Vanick Group, Jim Van de Vuurst and Lou Powell, are excited to announce that Vanick Group will now be known as Vanick Digital. This change comes as the result of new service offerings along with a desire to give the company a new, updated vision for the future. Since 2001, Vanick Digital has been a technology service provider specializing in custom software development and SAP services. Over the past few years, Vanick Digital has added new service offerings including Mobile Application Development, Microsoft SharePoint Consulting and Development, PCI Compliance Consulting and Application Lifecycle Management. The new company branding represents an emphasis on providing our clients with innovative digital solutions for all aspects of their technology strategy. Vanick Digital can help solve complex challenges by proposing inventive software solutions ranging internal business process automation applications to complex, client-facing e-commerce solutions. Owner Lou Powell said, “While we are aggressively growing our business, we will not relax the standards of our team members, nor the quality and level of consulting that we provide. As always, our clients are our primary focus.” Owner Jim Van de Vuurst said, “After a successful year we are excited about the growth our business is experiencing in 2012.” To keep up with client demand, Vanick Digital has added four new team members this year and is anticipating adding more as the year progresses. “We are always looking for quality team members, we currently have a need for Project Managers, Software Developers, Web Designers and SharePoint consultants,” Van de Vuurst said.
EMG CLINICS OF TENNESSEE RECEIVES LAB ACCREDITATION
EMG Clinics of Tennessee has received Electrodiagnostic Laboratory Accreditation with Exemplary Status from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). Ronald C. Bingham, MD, certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM), is the laboratory’s medical director. “This prestigious accreditation shows how serious we are about this important element of patient care,” said Dr. Bingham. “Our ten facilities are the first accredited laboratories in West Tennessee and the Memphis metropolitan area.” The AANEM established laboratory accreditation criteria for electrodiagnostic (EDX) laboratories to ensure patients receive quality medical care in a safe environment. Laboratory accreditation provides patients, referral sources, and payers with a credible measure to differentiate the laboratory’s quality of care. The accreditation standards evaluate the diagnostic services and clinical operations essential to providing quality patient care, which include: • Clinical staff qualifications and continuing education • Physical facilities • EDX equipment • Protocols for performing EDX studies • Patient reports • Policies for ensuring the health and safety of every patient Exemplary Status is the highest level of accreditation an EDX laboratory can achieve under the AANEM Accreditation Program. To be awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Status, physicians performing studies in the laboratory must: • Have completed a neurology or physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program; and • Have completed a minimum of three months of training in EDX medicine as part of a residency or fellowship program; and • Be certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM), or by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in clinical neurophysiology, or by the ABPN/American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in neuromuscular disease.
CONTACT US Send us your member news and photos: mseals@jacksontn.com
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PROMOTIONS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & SPECIAL RECOGNITITONS
Volunteer of the Month Spotlight John Garrard
President, MasterFit Medical Equipment and Supply
+ Job Background: Prior to starting my
business in 1998, I worked for the United States as Senior Field Director for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD.
+ How have you volunteered with The Chamber?
Primarily, I have been involved with the Governmental Affairs Committee and have recently been the chairman of the committee.
+ Why did you choose to help? I think it is important
to be civic minded and volunteering at The Chamber is one way to get involved in our community and associate with positive and exciting professionals from diverse business backgrounds. I encourage all Chamber members to get involved and take advantage of all the wonderful programs and resources that are available through The Chamber.
+ Have you volunteered anywhere else? Over the years, I have volunteered on various boards including the Jackson Rotary Club, the Boys and Girls Club, Jackson State Community College Foundation, Vanderbilt University Alumni Council and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
FIRST SOUTH BANK ANNOUNCES NEW SPECIAL ASSETS MANAGER
Hunter Simmons, President and CEO of First South Bank, recently announced the addition of Ben Mehr as the bank’s Special Assets Manager. Ben was previously the President/CEO of the Credit Bureau of Jackson, Inc. as well as Bells Banking Company. He also has an extensive background as a lending officer at other local banks in the past years. He has invested his time in various community activities by serving on the boards for March of Dimes, Salvation Army and was actively involved in the Civitan Club and Jackson Arts Council. He and his wife, Nita, reside in Bells and are members of Skyline Church of Christ.
GOOD NEWS JACKSON
On Friday, June 1, Procter and Gamble’s Pringles Plant located in Jackson was officially purchased by The Kellogg Company. Officials including ECD Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Representative Jimmy Eldridge, Representative Johnny Shaw, Senator Lowe Finney, Jackson City Mayor Jerry Gist and Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris, attended the ceremony. Local business representatives and employees from P&G were in attendance for the celebration ceremony as well, where the new Kellogg’s sign was revealed.
ABOVE: Local elected officials, Jackson business representatives and employees from Procter and Gamble’s Pringles Plant posed for a picture in front of the new Kellogg sign, located in the front lawn of the plant.
USEFUL TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS/MANAGERS Small Business Outlook For 2012 By Ron Acree & Joel Newman, Tennessee Small Business Development Center
Many small businesses saw 2011 as a rebuilding year but some of the latest government statistics point out that 2012 is poised to be a time of development and progression. Some of these statistics are: • Overwhelming optimism: 91 percent of small business owners indicated that they expect their business to perform better than it performed in 2011 while only two per cent predict negative results. • A better environment in which to operate: 66 percent of small business owners expect a better economic environment in 2012. • Cost-cutting versus top/bottom line: Those responding ranked growing revenues and increasing profits as their highest priorities in 2012. Cutting expenses ranked fifth. • Over half predict revenue growth: 39 percent estimate a 10-15 percent increase while 26 percent expect a 25-50 increase in revenues. • Hiring increases predicted for 2012: More than 40 percent of those responding busi nesses say that they will hire 2.5 new employees this year while retaining the existing staff. • The customer is the most important asset: Expanding the customer base is the high est priority for all respondents with 45 percent ranking it as their most important growth objective for 2012. SOME ‘TIPS’ FOR BIG IDEAS TO HELP ENSURE YOUR SUCCESS 1. Be Passionate about the idea. 2. Let quality differentiate your product or service. 3. Select your company name carefully. 4. Believe in yourself! 5. Step out of your comfort zone. 6. Watch the details carefully. 7. Listen to your customers. 8. Select the right people for your team. 9. Value your employees. 10. Persistence wins the race. *All from: Simple Truths News
CONTACT US Send us your member news and photos: mseals@jacksontn.com
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The University at Tennessee Martin Jackson Center Company name: The University of Tennessee Martin Jackson Center Address: 3031 Highway 45 Bypass Established When:1992 Amount of Employees: 24 Top Services/About your company: We are a four-year public university. Web site: www.utm.edu/jackson Phone Number: (731) 425-9277
Q&A Chamber Connection: What’s new with your organization? UTM: We moved to our new location in north Jackson in October. Chamber Connection: What’s the biggest community project you’re working on right now? UTM: We are offering dual enrollment classes throughout Jackson and West Tennessee. We also have our blood drive scheduled for Monday, June 18 - Friday, June 22. Chamber Connection: What’s helped your organization become successful in our community? UTM: Our wonderful instructors who deliver excellent courses combined with our outstanding customer service. Chamber Connection: What does your organization do that most people don’t know about? UTM: We offer non-credit classes/programs such as Kid College, Lego Camp, ACT Prep testing, photography and healthcare programs. Chamber Connection: What are some recent successes your organization has experienced? UTM: We received the Golden Apple Award for our Partners-in-Education partnership with South Side high school along with adding degrees in social work and education. Chamber Connection: What are some of the future goals of your organization? UTM: We want to offer more UT Martin degrees and courses to meet the needs of the community. Chamber Connection: Are there any things we didn’t ask that you would like to share? UTM: We are located in between the limos and the big blue guitar.
WHAT TO KNOW HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT? By attending The Chamber's Quarterly Membership Breakfast, your business could be in the drawing to win the next Member Spotlight! For information on our next breakfast, visit our Calendar of Events on The Chamber's website at www.jacksontn.com
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WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! MAY NEW MEMBERS A Matter of Taste, Too LLC Donna Waddell 2841 Hwy. 45 Bypass Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 660-4633 Category: Caterers
Lilly’s Southern Restaurant Lilly A. Ross 1938 Hwy. 45 Bypass Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 984-9800 Category: Restaurants
Amen Clinic, P.C. Ezekiel Adetunji, MD 139 Stonebridge Blvd. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 300-3168 www.amenclinicpc.com Category: Clinics & Medical Groups
Tight Kuts Barbershop & Salon Michael Lovings 357 Lane Ave. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 267-9842 Category: Barber & Beauty Salons
America’s Swimming Pool Company Todd Turnbow PO Box 10326 Jackson, TN 38308 www.asppoolco.com (731) 217-2329 Category: Swimming Pool Contractors, Service, Equip. & Maint. Cherry Grove Apartments Amanda Barber 27 Dunn Ridge Dr. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 664-4427 www.apartmentfinder.com Category: Apartments
Transworld Business Advisors Rodney Wallsmith 243 Hwy. 420 Humboldt, TN 38343 (731) 616-8475 www.tworld.com Category: Business Brokers Union City Forklift, Inc. Fred Anderson 1400 Harding Place Union City, TN 38261 (731) 885-6900 www.liftprousa.com Category: Forklifts
Jackson Interventional Pain Center Eric Homberg, MD 37 Murray Guard Dr. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 661-0242 Category: Clinics & Medical Groups The Kindness Revolution Richard Ostheimer 9044 Latimer Dr. Germantown, TN 38139 (901) 383-3700 www.thekindnessrevolution.net Category: NonProfit Organizations
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MAY RENEWING MEMBERS
DECEMBER RENEWING MEMBERS Air Evac Life Team All Star Property Management & Realty Co. Allen, Summers, Simpson, Lillie & Gresham, PLLC AlphaMed, Inc. Aspell Recovery Center/TAMB of Jackson Audette’s Academy for Early Learning AutoBody America Bath Brush & Beyond Belk Bluff City Electronics Bodyworks Massage & School of Massage, Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Jackson-Madison County, Inc. Coffman’s Furniture Computer Consulting Services, Inc. (CCSI) Computer Oil Change Cox and Company Cross Gate Services, Inc. Customedia Dement Construction Company, LLC Dement Tree Service, LLC DET Distributing Co. Edward Jones Investments Elegant Events by Mike & Troy Estate Security Trust, Inc. Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Express Employment Professionals Farm Bureau Insurance Farm Credit Services of Mid-America Fettig Rental Co., Inc. dba Hertz Rent A Car First Care Medical Center First Tennessee Bank Forcum Lannom Contractors, LLC Frankie Plunk Travel Service, Inc. Gerdau Glorious Soundz Gold’s Gym HCI Supply of Jackson Hickman Realty Group Horizon Travel Plaza Hoyt Hayes Jr. Construction Hub City Tire Co., Inc.
Jackson Area Business and Professional Women Jackson Area Home Builders Association Jackson Arts Council Jackson Massage & Day Spa Jackson Printers, Inc. Jackson Radiology Associates, P.A. Jackson Wilbert Burial Vault Jackson-Madison County Library Jimmy Eldridge, State Representative Julian Builders, Inc. Kilgore Flares Company, LLC Larry Jolley Realty Law Offices of Holmes, Rich & Sigler, PC Leaders Credit Union Legalshield/GoSmallBiz Mack Pest Control Inc. MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream and Treatery MAT Industries, LLC Meridian LLC, DBA Brasher’s Merry Maids of Greater Jackson Moss, Benton & Wallis, PLLC MSB Construction LLC New Day Marketing Group & Hometown Connection Newman & Billingsley, CPA’s, PLC O’Bryant & Associates, Inc. Old Town Spaghetti Store Parker’s Flooring Personnel Placements, LLC Phipps Pharmacy, Inc. Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C. Reed & Associates Marketing, Inc. Residence Inn by Marriott RJ Young Company Sowell’s Diesel Repair Stability Growth Solutions, LLC State Farm Insurance-Brandon Jones Steel Fab, Inc. Strickland Roofing Co., Inc. Superior Fire Protection/American Fire Protection Group, Inc. Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt & Treats Taylor Diesel Service of Jackson Tennessee Quality Homecare & Hospice The David J. Joseph Co. The Marston Group, PLC, CPA’s & Business Advisors The Zion Church
Thomas J. Turner & Associates, Inc. Thomas Media - WWYN/WFKX/WHHM/ WZDQ Transworld Business Advisors Tull Brothers, Inc. University of Tennessee Extension Madison County University School of Jackson Verizon Wireless VIP Jackson Magazine West Jackson Baptist Church West Tennessee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society
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RIBBON CUTTINGS & OPENINGS
Pet Wellness Clinic, Inc. 2787 N. Highland Ave. www.petwellnessclinic.com Category: Veterinarians
Car City 100 Commerce Center Circle Category: Automobile Dealers
Quality Inn 555 Wiley Parker Rd. www.choicehotels.com Category: Hotels/Motels
TOP AMBASSADORS
Jackson Symphony 2012-13 Season Announcement 52nd Season, “A Few of our Favorite Things!” www.jacksonsymphony.org
Shelter Insurance 199 Carriage House Dr. www.shelterinsurance.com/ jcoffman Category: Insurance
The K.I.T.E. Center
Congratulations to the Ambassadors with perfect attendance: Karen Ashley, Allegra Print & Imaging Sarah Estes, The Jackson Sun Debbie Foster, Healing Hearts by Design Cindy Reece, Victory Honda
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS
• Century Farm Winery - Joint ribbon cutting with the Crockett County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 21, 4:30 p.m. at 1548 Lower Brownsville Road. Contact Jo O’Cain, (731) 424-7437. • Jackson State Community College Groundbreaking Ceremony for new softball field - Friday, June 22, 10 a.m. at 2046 N. Parkway. • Cotton Junction Trail - Tuesday, June 26, 11 a.m. at the Providence House next to The Old Country Store, Casey Jones Village. • Tennessee Tourism Taskforce Public Forum - Wednesday, June 27, 9 - 10 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1770 Hwy. 45 Bypass. RSVP to Pam Huff, (615) 316-6288. • Amen Clinic - Wednesday, July 11, 3 p.m. at 139 Stonebridge Boulevard. Contact Gina Piercey, (731) 225-1659. • True Care Physicians Clinic - Monday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. at 2796 N. Highland. Contact Tracy Walker, (731) 736-0970. • West TN State Fair - Tuesday, September 11, 5 p.m. at Jackson Fairgrounds Park, 800 S. Highland Ave. Contact Mike Peery, (731) 424-0151.
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MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS (MAY) Total Labor Force
April ’12
April ‘11
Rate Change
March ’12
March ’11
Rate Change
Madison County
49,040
49,650
-1.2%
48,260
49,090
-1.7%
Jackson MSA (Madison & Chester Counties)
57,160
57,610
-0.8%
56,290
57,040
-1.3%
3,073,700
3,113,600
-1.3%
3,077,900
3,093,100
-0.5%
152,898,000
0.7%
154,316,000
153,022,000
0.8%
Tennessee
United States
Unemployment
153,905,000
April ’12
Madison County 8.2% Jackson MSA 8.0% (Madison & Chester Counties) Tennessee 7.6% United States
7.7%
April ‘11
Rate Change
March ’12
March ’11
Rate Change
10.3%
-2.1%
8.4%
9.6%
-1.2%
10.2%
-2.2%
8.3%
9.7%
-1.4%
9.6%
-2.0%
8.1%
9.5%
-1.4%
8.7%
-1.0%
8.4%
9.2%
-0.8%
Sales Tax Collected
May '12
May ‘11
Rate Change
April '12
April '11
Rate Change
City of Jackson
$3,988,981
$3,870,869
3.1%
$3,988,981
$3,870,869
3.1%
Madison County
$4,303,289
$4,200,375
2.5%
$4,303,289
$4,200,375
2.5%
Building Permits
Residential Number Issued Permit Value
May ‘12
May ‘11
April '12
April '11
13 $3,130,000
10 $2,595,000
22 $4,165,000
10 $1,451,000
19 $1,405,955
13 $5,235,878
Commercial Number Issued Permit Value
12 $3,982,516
17 $2,750,800
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