CHAMBER CONNECTION
July
20 1 1
INSIDE
upcoming events pg. 2 good jackson news, economic development planning effort pg. 3
Rick Knappe, Chief Financial Officer of US Farathane, speaks at the industrial announcement on Friday, June 10. Knappe announced it will add 50 jobs and invest $4 million to its local facility.
US Farathane announces expansion
Automotive supplier U.S. Farathane will invest $4 million and add 50 local jobs as it announces plans to expand its Jackson facility. U.S. Farathane has eight U.S. manufacturing plants and employs 1,000 nationally. “Governor Bill Haslam and I applaud U.S. Farathane’s decision to expand its existing Jackson facility, as we work to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs,” said Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Existing businesses are the economic engines that drive the most job growth in our state, and we thank U.S. Farathane for its continued investment in the community and confidence in the workforce.” In 2005, the company purchased a building in the Jackson-Madison County Industrial Park, located on Bobrick Drive. The 166,000 square foot facility was at full operation in 2006. The Jackson manufacturing plant was initially expected to employ approximately 130 associates but has seen continued growth. “U.S. Farathane’s expansion is most welcome news in our present economic conditions,” said Madison Co. Mayor Jimmy Harris. “It shows the strength and success of the company, the dedication of the employees and U.S. Farathane’s continued confidence in our community
and workforce.” Primarily serving the automotive market, U.S. Farathane’s expertise as a two-shot injection molder has made it a leading supplier of niche solutions that incorporate leading edge technology. US Farathane has been supplying the automotive market for more than 30 years. “U.S. Farathane expresses its appreciation to the City of Jackson and Madison County for their continued support,” said Rick Knappe, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Farathane. “The support that Team Madison County gave to us for this expansion was a crucial factor in U.S. Farathane deciding to make this additional investment at its Jackson facility.” Jackson continues to grow and provide jobs in the industrial sector due to the efforts of Team Madison County, which is comprised of The Chamber, Jackson Energy Authority, the City of Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee Valley Authority, the State of Tennessee and various other community partners. “The Team Madison County concept allows us to react quickly to meet the needs of industrial clients,” said Jackson City Mayor Jerry Gist. “Our community’s decision makers are at the table from day one to help land high quality deals.”
Chamber News pg. 4-5 Member Spotlight pg. 6-7 member successes pg. 8-10 economic indicators pg. 11 openings & celebrations pg. 12-13 New and Renewing Members PG. 14
Visit us online at jacksontn.com
Attend. Network. Learn.
July 2011 Events
NETWORKING & BUSINESS SERVICES
Women’s business roundtable
B For Business Breakfast 7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m., Thursday, July 14 Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce 197 Auditorium Street Cost: Free to Chamber members; Advanced registration is required Event Details: Network and enjoy a light breakfast from 7:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. After breakfast, Dr. Beverly Absher, Union University faculty, will speak on ‘Technology Etiquette.’ Sponsored by The Hamilton-Ryker Compnay and Foundation Bank. RSVP/ Chamber Contact: Brandy Stutsman, 423-2200/bstutsman@jacksontn.com Business After Hours 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28 Carlock Powersports 57-B Carriage House Drive Cost: Free to attend; Registration is not required for this event Event Details: Mingle with business professionals over hors d’oeuvres. Remember to bring business cards. Business After Hours is one of The Chamber’s largest networking events with approximately 150 attendees each month. Sponsored by Carlock Powersports Chamber Contact: Judy Renshaw, 423-2200/jrenshaw@jacksontn.com
As a business owner or primary decision maker, have you ever wanted people you could use as a sounding board for new ideas, creative thinking, problem solving and other business issues that you may be experiencing in your company? Sign up today to participate in a roundtable just for women. What It’s All About Our Chamber member women-owned businesses represent different business types and sizes and come together to seek guidance from other business peers. What Happens: During a monthly session, members exchange practical ideas and advice for the benefit of each others’ businesses in a “brainstorming” atmosphere. The confidential process enhances decision-making, provides sound advice, increases objectivity, and develops leadership skills. Each group consists of 12 to 14 individuals from non-competing businesses who meet once a month. Eligibility: You must be an owner or primary decision maker, your business must be at least 5 years old, and have a revenue of $250,000 to $5 million. If you do not fit specific paramaters, we are considering other roundtables, so please contact Judy Renshaw at jrenshaw@jacksontn.com or 423-2200.
Contact us now to attend the free Information Session When: Wednesday, July 27, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Where: The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Contact: Judy Renshaw, jrenshaw@jacksontn.com, 427-7900 or 423-2200 2
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jackson area chamber of commerce 197 auditorium street jackson, TN 38301 phone: 731-423-2200
staff directory 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
good jackson news Beth Parnell, Manager of Events bparnell@jacksontn.com Denise Perry, Receptionist dperry@jacksontn.com Judy Renshaw, Sr. Vice President, Business & Community Services jrenshaw@jacksontn.com Megan Seals, Communications Coordinator mseals@jacksontn.com Brandy Stutsman, Administrative Assistant, Business Services & West Tennessee Business Resource Center bstutsman@jacksontn.com Joyce Welch, Executive Assistant jwelch@jacksontn.com Mandy White, Vice President, Research & Economic Development mwhite@jacksontn.com
The 2011 Southern All-Star Game was held Tuesday, June 21 at Pringles Park. In addition to the game, the event featured a home run derby, All-Star gala and a special needs All-Star baseball game. The National Anthem for the main game was performed by Jeremy Camp along with ‘God Bless America’ sung by Danielle Peck, featuring Rally and the Inflatamaniacs. Post-game fireworks were presented by Pringles Post Game party along with a performance by Scott Myatt.
The event was presented by State Farm.
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Jackson Region reveals Economic Development Planning Effort A meeting was held June 2 to reveal the blueprint of a comprehensive regional economic development strategy which is designed to position the area to successfully assist existing businesses and compete for new quality jobs in the 21st century economy. The Jackson region is a recipient of a Regional Economic Development Strategy as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Valley Targeted and Prepared (TaP) Regional Program, which is designed to promote regionalism and assist regions in being better prepared as they compete for jobs and investments. Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA), an economic development and public policy consulting firm based in Little Rock, was chosen by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to facilitate this new program and develop the strategy for the Jackson region. In the meeting, BSA delivered a presentation outlining the Regional Economic Development blueprint for the Jackson region, which includes the counties of Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy and the West Tennessee Megasite, which is located in Haywood County. Attendees included elected officials, local
economic developers, TVA electric distributers, state and TVA representatives and other interested parties from throughout the region. Kyle Spurgeon, President and CEO of The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, will act as managing director of the partnership during its first three years and will work closely with an advisory council with representatives from each of the nine counties. “Through the work of the advisory council, along with quarterly visits with the consultants, I believe the deliverables of the strategic blueprint will become a reality,” Spurgeon said. “The Chamber has been working with others in the region for some time, and we are excited to formalize these working relationships through the Jackson Regional Partnership.” The blueprint will guide economic development efforts in the Jackson region over the next five years. The nine-month study included a thorough assessment of the region’s unique assets, which were identified through both qualitative and quantitative research; a determination of the targeted business sectors that are the best fit for the region; and development of strategic recommendations in the areas of business recruitment, education, existing industry support
and retention, marketing, regional economic development structure, workforce development and others. Recommendations for the strategic blueprint have been developed based on a tour of the region, stakeholder interviews and group discussions conducted throughout this process. More than 1,100 people were interviewed or participated in an online survey. BSA also used research from other successful regional economic development organizations and practices and considered the region’s existing resources and opportunities. Targeted sectors for the region that have been identified are advanced batteries/energy storage devices, advanced food processing, automotive suppliers, customer care centers, data centers, distribution and logistics services and solar component manufacturing. BSA will provide specific company targets for each sector that may be looking to expand or open new locations. Quarterly checkpoints with BSA and the advisory council will be held for the first year. The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce received a $500,000 grant from the state of Tennessee in 2010 to launch a regional economic development program.
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CHAMBER EMPLOYEE SUCCESS STORIES Shirley Jones, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, was honored as the Rotary District 6760 ‘Rotarian of the Year’ at the Rotary Multi-District Conference in Nashville on April 30th. She has been with The Chamber since 1994. “Rotary is a wonderful organization, and I am proud every day to be a Rotarian,” Jones said. “This award is one of the highest honors I have ever received. To be recognized as Rotarian of the Year in this group of 3,500 wonderful Rotarians is truly one of the highlights of my life.” District 6760 is comprised of 62 clubs and approximately 3,500 Rotarians in West and Middle Tenn. This award is given annually to a Rotarian who best exemplifies the Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self.’ Shirley is a member of the Jackson Old Hickory Rotary Club and served as president in 2005-06. She has received the Old Hickory Rotary Club President’s award and has been honored twice as her club’s ‘Rotarian of the Year.’ Shirley is currently a second level ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ and was honored by the Rotary Club as a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ in 2005. For the past four years, she has served as the Chairman of the District 6760 Will R. Manier Jr., Memorial Scholarship Committee and is currently serving as an assistant district governor working with the Jackson, Milan and Lexington clubs. She is a graduate of the District Leadership Academy and an instructor for Rotary Leadership Institute. Jones also chaired the District Conference in 2010 and was Arrangements Chairman for the Multi-District Conference in 2011. Aside from these activities, Shirley has also served as the Banquet Chairman for the NAIA Division I Women’s National Basketball Championship for many years and is a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, member of the Ayers Children’s Medical Center Advisory Board for the West Tenn. Healthcare Foundation and serves on the board of directors for the Madison County Imagination Library. Shirley has been married to her husband, David Jones, for 35 years. They have two children and one new grandson, Knox.
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of its new Communications Coordinator, Megan Seals. A recent graduate from Union University, Seals received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in photojournalism. “I am beyond thrilled to work with The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce,” Seals said. “I am eager to help promote the Jackson community and its growing businesses. The Chamber staff is full of talented individuals and I feel privileged to work with them.” Seals has experience as a contributing writer for a local magazine and as sports Section Editor for Union University’s student produced newspaper, the Cardinal & Cream. While serving as Section Editor, Seals was in charge of working with three assistant page editors and multiple sports writers. Her responsibilities as editor included re-designing the sports pages, developing leads for stories on campus, managing multiple deadlines, coaching writers and working with a staff of about 20 members on a daily basis. She was awarded best editor multiple times while serving on staff and played a significant role in the newspaper winning the ‘Best College Newspaper’ award in the 2010 Southeast Journalism Conference. The newspaper’s website also won Number 2 in the ‘Best College Website’ category. Seals also has experience in broadcasting and graphic design. “We are excited to have Megan join our team as Communications Coordinator,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President and CEO of The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. “Her experience at Union University and knowledge of the community will be an asset to our entire organization.” Seals grew up in Jackson and is the daughter of Mike and Mitzi Seals, owners of two local businesses in the Jackson community. She attended the University School of Jackson for 13 years. Her passion is photography, where she continues to develop her skills.
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Chamber President/CEO meets with Congressman Fincher Chamber President and CEO Kyle Spurgeon attended a meeting with Congressman Stephen Fincher in Washington, D.C. on June 12 to discuss business and energy issues relevant to the Jackson area. “The meeting was the opportunity to establish a relationship and to let Congressman Fincher know we were interested in what he was doing in Washington,” said John Nanney, Vice President of Economic and Industrial Development at Jackson Energy Authority, In the meeting, Spurgeon, Nanney and Congressman Fincher discussed business tax legislation and various energy related issues. “We wanted to make sure he understood the Environmental Protection Agency has a greater potential to impact future energy costs through regulatory changes than the actual cost of fuel itself,” Nanney said. Spurgeon and Nanney also met with Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, legislative assistants for Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, Senator Claire McCaskill, and Congressmen Blaine Luetkemeyer and Todd Akin of Missouri.
Kyle Spurgeon, Chamber President/CEO, and John Nanney, VP of Economic and Industrial Development at JEA, meet with Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., in Washington, D.C.
Portfolio Recovery Associates Invests in Forward Jackson
Portfolio Recovery Associate representatives present its donation to the Forward Jackson campaign.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc., is investing nearly $27,000 in the region’s education system, as their year one Foward Jackson Campaign contribution. “Forward Jackson” is an initiative of The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. Ray Atkinson, Vice President of PRA, states that the company is “proud to be a part of the local community in Jackson.” “The Forward Jackson Campaign is an outstanding initiative that will help shape the economic future of the region,” Atkinson said. “Investing in education and infrastructure will help the area become even more attractive to current and prospective businesses.” PRA, through its subsidiaries, purchases and manages portfolios of defaulted and bankrupt consumer receivables and provides a range of accounts receivable management services to lenders, service providers, governments, and others. It employs approximately 350 people in its Tennessee Regional Office.
Local Organization wins Toyota Car Giveaway
The Jackson-based organization, Carl Perkins Center for Prevention of Child Abuse, won a Toyota Sienna minivan in Toyota’s “100 Cars for Good” giveaway. The Carl Perkins center was one of 500 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which awards vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public that began on May 9. Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program is showcasing five non-profit organizations each day for 100 days on Toyota’s Facebook page, facebook.com/toyota. Visitors to the page can vote once a day for the organization that they feel is most deserving of a new Toyota vehicle. Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse was of the five organizations highlighted for voting on Monday, July 4 and local residents were encouraged to cast their vote to help the organization win a minivan. The mission of the Carl Perkins Center is to provide support to families in preventing and dealing with child abuse in West Tennessee and to help both parents and children meet the practical needs of preserving and improving the quality of family life. It provides a variety of services at no cost to the public. The Center plans on using the Toyota minivan to transport clients as well as supplies and other goods to the many counties it serves throughout West Tennessee.
Did you Know?...
97 percent of your Chamber dues are tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
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member spotlight: dca/dcpr, llc. Chamber Connection: What are some things people may not know about your organization? DCA/DCPR: We manage, create, translate and produce marketing literature, websites and cinematography in many different languages (including Arabic). Our company’s site, www.dcpronline.com, is translated into nine different languages. We have also had great success with product placement in movies for our high-end consumer products clients, like Ebbtide Boats and Boss Hoss Motorcycles.
TNA, an international food production company, is one of DCA/ DCPR’s many clients. They provide their graphics and printed documents in multiple languages.
Company Name: DCA/DCPR, LLC. Established: 1986 as Chandler & Company, became Davidson & Chandler in 1988. In 1995, they were sold to Graphic Industries and in 1997 they bought it back and it became DCA/DCPR Location: Jackson, Tenn., Chicago, Ill. and Granby, Colo. Amount of Employees: Currently eight, but have had as many as 24. About Us: DCA/DCPR is a full service advertising and public relations firm, focusing on strategic communication programs for companies around the globe.
Chamber Connection: What has helped your organization become a successful company in the Jackson community? DCA/DCPR: Arguably, we could have worked from any city in the world. We landed in Jackson, fired up here and have never even considered moving our headquarters to another location. Plugging in early, we just made ourselves available to local businesses and to The Chamber for the benefit of local smaller businesses. While most of our clients are out of state, some in other hemispheres, we do represent a few local clients, such as Coffman’s Furniture, The Jackson Generals and a host of local non-profits.
Chamber Connection: What are some of your challenges and future goals? DCA/DCPR: The biggest challenge in our industry is the Chamber Connection: Tell us more about your company paradigm shifting changes in technology. Perhaps in our and its mission. industry more than any other, technology has completely DCA/DCPR: Our objectives are to provide a competichanged the game in the last ten years. To say that the tive advantage for corporations by proper positioning mediums through which we communicate have evolved among their constituents and customers. We specialize in would be an understatement. It has been much more of a business-to-consumer and business-to-business clientele. revolution than an evolution. Consumers are finding much Our current roster of clients includes companies in the better ways to get their information. Our core competency, foodservice, packaging, boating, motorcycle, home audio, knocking people off balance with our creativity, remains publishing, home furnishings, professional sports and other our focus for the future. That is still required no matter industries. We currently serve clients from Italy (Fiat) to which technology you prefer. Australia (TNA). 6
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member spotlight: dale carnegie Training Chamber Connection: Tell us more about your company and its mission. Dale Carnegie: The name “Dale Carnegie ” is synonymous with self improvement and performance based training. Dale Carnegie authored such renowned books as “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” Dale Carnegie world-wide, which is a year shy of celebrating its centennial, has spread to 85 countries and 30 languages around the globe. What may be less known about Dale Carnegie Training is its work in corporate solutions, in addition to its four public programs that, with more than 250 competency modules, can be tailored to fit any business. Chamber Connection: What are some things people may not know about your organization? Managing Partners, Seth Mohorn and Daren Howard, are two employees that represent the Dale Carnegie Traning Dale Carnegie: We are more than just the ‘Dale Carnegie Organization. Course: Effective Communication and Human Relations.’ We Company Name: Dale Carnegie Training of the Mid-South are the solution for any soft-skill development needs with over (Offered by Howard, Mohorn and Associates) 250 competency-based modules. We have the best trainers in Established: Dale Carnegie Training as a whole was estab- the world based on our ‘Trainer Quality Index Score’ which is lished in 1912. Dale Carnegie Training established a franchise conducted through a third party, Motorola University, a program in the Mid-South in 1970. originally developed by Motorola to enable business improvement Location: 4 offices; The closest one to Jackson is in Colin the late 1980s. lierville, Tenn. They have a performance consultant, Nathan Green, in Jackson on a weekly basis and classes forming in Chamber Connection: What has helped your organization become a successful company in the Jackson community? Jackson year round. Amount of Employees: 12 Full Time and 23 Certified Train- Dale Carnegie: First off, we have the best trainers in the world. Secondly, people that attend our courses and other offerings are ers. really getting value and benefits from what we do. They see the About Us: Dale Carnegie’s corporate specialists work with individuals, groups and organizations to design solutions that impact our courses have and share their experiences with others unleash your employees’ potential, enabling your organization who come to us. A lot of our business is referrals, which say a lot to reach the next level of performance. Dale Carnegie Train- about what we have to offer. ing offers public courses, seminars and workshops, as well as in-house customized training, corporate assessments, online Chamber Connection: What are some of your challenges and future goals? reinforcement and one-on-one coaching. Dale Carnegie Training is most famous for its flagship course, “Dale Carne- Dale Carnegie: We plan to double in size in the next five years. In Jackson, that starts with a long-time performance consultant gie Course: Effective Communications and Human Relations,” moving his focus to the Jackson area. which is in Jackson year round. For more information on what Dale Carnegie can do for you and your business, please visit www.midsouth.dalecarnegie. com. 7
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promotions, accomplishments & special recognition First South Bank recently announced the hiring of a new Senior Vice President, Diane Abbott. Diane’s responsibilities will include business development for all financial services and lending, including both commercial and consumer. She is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the Ayers Children’s Medical Center, Ambassador Chairperson for The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Jackson Symphony League. “Diane has over 30 years of banking experience and during this time she has proven to be very effective in building financial relationships with her customers as well as a valuable asset to Jackson and Madison County,” said Hunter Simmons, President and CEO of First South. “She has all the needed qualities to be a successful part of our First South Bank team. We are very excited to have her on board with us.” Golden Apple Award Winners Education Recognition Breakfast May 25, 2011 Alexander Elementary School Allegra Print & Imaging Andrew Jackson Elementary Magnet School Ararat Baptist Church Arlington International Leadership School Armstrong Hardwood Flooring BancorpSouth Buttercups & Snapdragons FCE Club Cambridge, Ltd. Canteen Vending Carriage House Antiques Carter’s Nursery &
Alecia Purtteman, a manager with Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs, was recently named as a Certified Internal Auditor by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), which is recognized as the internal audit profession’s leader in certification, education, research and technological guidance. Purtteman joined Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs in 2004, as manager with the firm’s financial institutions team. Alecia takes a leadership role in the firm’s internal audit engagements. Additionally, she is a Certified Community Bank Internal Auditor (CCBIA) and has an indepth understanding of banks, with 18 years of community bank internal audit experience. The CIA designation is awarded to internal audit professionals who have met the rigorous requirements of the IIA’s CIA program. It is the only globally accepted certification for internal auditors.
Greenhouse Chick-fil-A of Old Hickory Mall Chick-fil-A, Stonebridge Clayton Bank & Trust Coca-Cola Consolidated of Jackson Day Treatment Program Denmark Elementary School East Elementary School East Union Ruritan Club Elmcroft of Jackson Assisted Living Emerging Youth Leaders Positive Action for Girls Englewood Baptist Church Freed-Hardeman University First South Bank - North First South Bank - South First Tennessee Bank Gamma Tau Omega Geradu Ameristeel
Green Frog Coffee Company H & H Services, Inc. Hair Expressions ITW Jackson Careers & Technology Magnet Elementary School Jackson Fire Department Jackson Energy Authority Jackson Police Department Jackson Police Department Gang Task Force Jackson State Community College Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Kroger South Lane College Issac Lane Elementary School Leaders Credit Union Liberty Technology Magnet
The Medical Specialty Clinic welcomes its newest staff member, Nurse Practitioner Joanne Bledsoe. Bledsoe graduated magna cum laude with her BSN from the University of Alabama,
Huntsville. Bledsoe is certified in Acute Care, as well as Advanced Cardiac Life Support. When asked what led her to the organization, Bledsoe cited the Medical Specialty Clinic’s long-standing reputation in Madison County and the surrounding communities for providing quality healthcare. After spending some time here, she says she can already see and appreciate the high caliber of employee and the professional environment found at West Tennessee Healthcare. To schedule an appointment with Nurse Practitioner Joanne Bledsoe, contact the clinic at 424-1001 or visit 27 Medical Center Drive in Jackson.
High School Lincoln Magnet School for Mathematics & Science Lowe’s South Madison Academic Magnet High School McCoy’s Heating and Air Greg Milam, State Farm Insurance Mitchell’s Body Shop Nell Huntspon Flower Box Nova Elementary School Olive Garden One Hundred Black Men of West Tennessee Oreck Vacuums Owens-Corning Fiberglas Phi Delta Kappa Physical Therapy of Jackson Pope Elementary School Popeye’s/Moe’s Rose Hill Middle School
Ryan’s Family Steak House Sonoco South Elementary School South Side High School Sylvan Learning Center TBDN Tennessee Company TN Industrial Printing Services, Inc. Tennessee National Guard Tennessee Valley Authority The Bank of Jackson The Flower Patch The Jackson Generals The Tennessee Corporation Thomas Media Tigrett Middle School Union University Wal-Mart Supercenter North West Alumni Association Woodmen of the World
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promotions, accomplishments & special recognition Horne LLP names watts and butcher to board of directors
HORNE LLP, one of the nation’s top 50 accounting and business advisory firms, announced June 20 that Jackson, Tenn., team members Katherine G. Watts, CPA, CHC, and Rusty Butcher, CPA, have been elected to HORNE’s board of directors. Watts is the partner in charge of health care services for HORNE. Butcher is the firmwide director of financial institutions. Watts has more than 25 years of experience providing assurance and tax services and currently leads a team of Certified Public Accountants and health care consultants providing services to physicians, medical groups, hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers and other health care organizations.
Butcher serves financial institution clients in an external and internal audit capacity, as well as clients in retail, manufacturing and distribution industries. He is a graduate of Union University and attended the Paul W. Barret Jr. School of Banking. HORNE is one of the top 50 accounting and business advisory firms in the country, as reported by both Public Accounting Report (PAR) and INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), and one of the top 10 accounting and business advisory firms in the Southeast. With offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas, the firm serves clients across the nation.
Masterfit Medical Supply wins National Award MasterFit Medical Supply, a leading regional distributor of healthcare products, was awarded the prestigious NDC Fast Track Award May 23 in a ceremony held in Nashville, Tennessee. This award recognizes MasterFit Medical Supply as the fastest growing company out of NDC’s 270-plus distributor members. “MasterFit Medical Supply was a clear choice for this award,” says Paul Barney, Managing Director, Central U.S. and Canada, NDC, Inc. “They have demonstrated steady and aggressive sales increases each quarter. The NDC Fast Track Award is truly the way to begin a successful and long-term business relationship.” The NDC Fast Track Award criteria includes demonstrating significant sales growth. “We are thrilled to be honored by NDC with this national award,” says John Garrard, president of MasterFit Medical Supply. “This award recognizes more than MasterFit’s growth in sales. I believe this speaks to our continued commitment to first-rate service for both our customers and partners.” email news about your company to megan seals, communications coordinator, at mseals@jacksontn.com or call 423-2200 ext. 122. items are published depending on newsworthiness and available space.
Did you Know?... When you become a member of the Chamber, so do all of your employees. That means your staff will be welcome to attend any Chamber event and can take advantage of nearly every benefit we extend to you. 9
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Promotions, Accomplishments & Special Recognition
Volunteer of the month Spotlight
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Jeffery Head as the Volunteer of the Month. Head first became involved with The Chamber as an Emissary in May 2003 and received the David Hallock Emissary of the Year Award in 2006. He completed The Chamber’s Leadership Jackson (LJ) program in 2004 and now serves as the LJ Alumni Association Board President. He received the Leadership Jackson Emerging Leader award in 2007. He is also a 2010 graduate of the WestStar Leadership Program and is currently on The Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Being a volunteer for The Chamber has opened enumerable doors for me in the business community,” Head said. “As a volunteer, I have been able to connect with many other business leaders. The Chamber has also given me visibility and exposure that I would not have with any other volunteer opportunity.” Head currently serves on the board of directors for the March of Dimes, the Boy Scouts of America for the West Tennessee Area, and RIFA and has served as a past member of the board of the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Center and the Kiwanis Club of Jackson. He has been a resident of Three Way since October 1993. He works in the financial services industry and is currently the Vice President of commercial lending at BancorpSouth.
class graduates from weststar
Lori Nunnery, Executive Director for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, was one of the graduates from WestStar.
WestStar, a Regional Leadership program, graduated their most recent class on June 9. Participants in the program learn new leadership skills and develop strategies for assisting communities in solving problems and maximizing potential. Participants also become part of a growing network of other leaders who, through mutual support and assistance, shape the future of West Tennessee. Chamber member graduates
were - Frank McMeen (West TN Healthcare Foundation), Trey Rabon (AT&T), Jeff Lester (BancorpSouth), Beth Naylor (West TN Healthcare), Darron Billings (Jackson State Community College) and Lori Nunnery (Convention & Visitors Bureau of Jackson). “For 22 years, WestStar has offered an incredible learning and networking environment for community minded people in West Tennessee. I would like to thank the Community Economic Development Commission for allowing my participation in this outstanding leadership program to better understand, and in turn represent, the West Tennessee Region. There is great opportunity for our communities to collaborate to build a stronger West Tennessee, and I believe WestStar serves as a catalyst for the growth we seek.”
Local organization awarded president’s award
Keith Perry (above), Agency Partner, represented White & Associates in accepting the President’s Award.
White and Associates Insurance Agency has been honored with the President’s Award for its superior performance and outstanding commitment to Montgomery Insurance, a Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation regional company. Agency partner, Keith Perry, represented 10
White and Associates in accepting the honor for achieving exceptional results in 2010, including account growth as well as for its exemplary service to Montgomery Insurance customers. The agency is one of only 23 agencies nationwide to receive this award. White and Associates Insurance Agency was established in 1976 and continues to provide exceptional service representing all lines of insurance. They are located at 18 Conrad Drive in Jackson, Tenn.
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economic indicators Labor Force
May ‘11
May ‘10
Rate Change
April ‘11
April ‘10
Rate Change
Madison County
49,980
48, 050
4.0%
49, 650
48, 150
3.1%
Jackson MSA
57,980
55,790
3.9%
57,610
55,950
3.0%
3,133,900
3,023,600
3.6%
3,113,600
3,022,600
3.0%
153,449,000
153,866,000
0.3%
152,898,000
(Madison and Chester Counties)
Tennessee United States
Unemployment
May ‘11
May ‘10
Rate Change
April ‘11
153,911,000
April ‘10
-0.7%
Rate Change
Madison County
10.3%
10.4%
-0.1%
10.3%
10.8%
-0.5%
Jackson MSA
10.2%
10.2%
0.0%
10.2%
10.7%
-0.5%
Tennessee
9.5%
9.9 %
-0.4%
9.6%
10.3%
-0.7%
United States
8.7%
9.3%
-0.6%
8.7%
9.5%
-0.8%
Sales Tax Collected
June ‘11
June ‘10
City of Jackson
$3,562,524
$3,385,959
Madison County
$3,868,418
$3,680,407
(Madison and Chester Counties)
May ‘11
May ‘10
5.2%
$3,858,805
$3,870,869
-.3%
5.1%
$4,139,510
$4,200,375
-1.5%
Rate Change
Rate Change
Building Permits Residential Number Issued Permit Value
May ‘11
May ‘10
April ‘11
10
15
10
$2,595,000
$2,063,000
April ‘10 9
$1,451,000
$1,015,000
13
23
$5,235,878
$5,437,398
Commercial Number Issued Permit Value
17 $2,750,800
13 $2,491,308
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openings and celebrations Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings July 8, 1 p.m. -- Edible Arrangements, 1148 Vann Drive (behind Subway/Sweet CeCe’s). Contact Jolanda Walker, 554-0100 July 13, 4 p.m. -- Raines Design, 2821 N. Highland #C. Contact Stephanie Riley, 431-7899.
Residence Inn by Marriott 126 Old Medina Crossing Category: Hotels/Motels
July 14, 3 p.m. -- Wild Sophistication/Merle Norman, 180 W. University Pkwy. Contact Tracey Sikes, 868-2938 July 19, 4 p.m. -- Core Heart & Medical Center, 86 Stonebridge Blvd (across from Commercial Bank). Contact Leigh Anne Bentley, 668-7367
Burchfiel-Overbay & Associates Insurance Agency Oil Well Business Center, #233L Category: Insurance
B.P.O. Elks Lodge #192, 28 Executive Drive Category: Nonprofit Organizations
Collision South, Inc. 31 Edwards Drive Category: Automobile Collision Repair
25th Anniversary of Pick Tenn. Products Initiative 91 New Market Street
4d Sneak Peek 80 Innsdale Cove, Suite 1 Category: Baby-Ultrasound (Non-Diagnostic)
Stuart C. Irby, Co. 1159 Highway 45 Bypass Category: Electrical Distributors
Spoil Me Rotten 1032 Vann Drive Suite L Category: Clothing - Children
Ribbon cutting & open house for chamber members
The Chamber will coordinate a ribbon cutting and/or open house for your business. The Chamber Ambassadors will gladly assist you with your special event to ensure it is one to remember. Contact Shirley Jones, 423-2200, ext. 112 at least three weeks in advance to schedule. 12
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openings and celebrations Home based & out of town Businesses Ribbon cuttings
Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors 6060 Poplar Avenue, Ste. 450, Memphis Category: Financial & Financial Advisors
RelyLocal - Jackson 124 E. Baltimore, Suite 205 Category: Advertising Specialists
Indoor ADvantages, Inc. 95 Carriage House Drive Category: Advertising - Media
Minor Request, LLC - Courier/Personal Shopper Services PO Box 10913 Category: Courier Service
Blue Goose Blinds & Shutters 1405 Main St., Humboldt, located in shoppes on Main Category: Home Decorative Accesories
Macaroni Kid Jackson 15 Fifth Street Category: Children’s Publication
Ribbon cutting For home-based & Out of Town businesses
ConnellConcepts/Jump In The Bag 43 Gleneice Cove Category: Advertising - Media
Covered n’ Blessings 618 N. Highland Avenue Category: Wedding and/or Event Planner
Twice a year, The Chamber hosts a ribbon cutting reception for its home-based and out-of-town member businesses. For more details, contact Lisa Cothran, lcothran@jacksontn.com or 423-2200, ext. 120. 13
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big thanks to June renewing members of the chamber AFLAC Regional Sales Office Appraisal Services, Inc. Arrington Funeral Group, Inc. Arthritis Foundation Audette’s Academy for Early Learning Benefits First Berry Plastics - Jackson TN Bluff City Electronics Cambridge, Ltd. Camellia Trace Apartments Creative Kitchens & Baths Cross Gate Services, Inc. Deaton’s Carpet One Inc. Dement Construction Company, LLC Dennis Mitchell’s Automotive Center Det Distributing Co. Dorris Real Estate Appraisal Edward Jones Investments Exchange Club / Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Farm Credit Services of Mid-America Forcum Lannom Contractors, LLC Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation Harry H. Miller Jr. CPA Haynes Barker Investment Management, LLC Heartland Pump Rental & Sales, Inc. Hickman Realty Group Jackson Area Home Builders Association Jackson Arts Council Jackson Exchange Club Jackson Radiology Associates, P.A.
June New Members Bank of America Michael Frick 6060 Poplar Ave., Ste. 101 Memphis, TN 38119 www.bankofamerica.com Category: Banks & Banking Associations ClubHouse Barbers #1 William Sharp 408 Oil Well Rd. Jackson, TN 38305 660-4400 www.clubhousebarbers.net Category: Barber Shop Core Heart & Medical Center Dr. Kandarp Patel 86 Stonebridge Blvd. Jackson, TN 38305 300-0227 www.coreheart.net Category: Health Care Facility Dement Tree Service, LLC Amy Dement 29R Jackson Hwy. Medina, TN 38355 783-5000 www.dementtreeservice.com Category: Landscape - Contractors Ena Events-Event Planning & Management Catina Lancaster P.O. Box 7083 Jackson, TN 38302 298-0135 www.enaevents.com Category: Wedding and/or Event Planner
Jackson-Madison County Library Jameson Inn Jason’s Deli Kilgore Flares Company, LLC Law Offices of Holmes, Rich & Sigler, PC Leaders Credit Union Little Rascal Kuts Longhorn Steakhouse Maggiemoo’s Mam’selle Moss, Benton & Wallis, PLLC Motel 6 MSB Construction LLC Nell Huntspon Flower Box Newman & Billingsley, CPA’s, PLC O’Bryant & Associates, Inc. Office Max #387 Outback Steakhouse Parker’s Flooring Peking Chinese Restaurant Pratt Ind. (USA) Corrugating Div. Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C. ReBath Mid-South LLC Regional Hospital of Jackson RJ Young Company Roberts & Todd Security Systems, LLC Robinson, Reagan & Young, PLLC Ryan’s Family Steak House Southeast Recycled Fiber Sowell’s Diesel Repair Stability Growth Solutions, LLC
Superior Fire Protection, Inc. Taylor Diesel Service of Jackson Teel, McCormack & Maroney PLC Tennalum Tennessee Career Center - Jackson Tennessee Quality Homecare & Hospice The Barrel Wine & Spirits Co. The Discovery Museum of West Tennessee The Holy Smoker The Marston Group, PLC, CPA’s & Business Advisors The Neely House The Oaks Apartments The University of Memphis - Jackson Center The Zion Church Thomas J. Turner & Associates, Inc. Thomas L. Borgognoni, CPA Thomas Media - WWYN/WFKX/WHHM/WZDQ TLM Associates, Architects & Engineers Tom Lawlers, Inc. University School of Jackson VFW Post 1848 Volunteer International Wallace Wealth Management Wes Harris-State Farm Insurance Wild Sophistication, Inc. Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society Workcare Resources, Inc. Yarbrough’s Mortuary Services Yellow Book USA YMCA of Jackson
Fox 16 WJKT Clay Cunha 231 Oil Well Road., Ste. 1A Jackson, TN 38305 www.fox16jackson.com Category: Television Stations
Rina’s Dulce Memories Rina Cerdeira 219 N. Parkway, Ste. 6 Jackson, TN 38305 256-0058 www.rinasdulcememories.com Category: Boutiques and Specialty Shops
GoSmallBiz David W. Martin 547 Old Humbolt Rd. Jackson, TN 38305 697-4752 www.gosmallbiz.com Category: Consulting Services Hub City Junior Golf Association Hewitt Chatman P.O. Box 1352 Jackson, TN 38302 343-9574 Category: Non-Profit Organization Residence Inn by Marriott Amanda Raines 126 Old Medina Crossing Jackson, TN 38305 935-4100 www.marriott.com/mklri Category: Hotels/Motels Sweet by Design Cupcake Cafe & Designer Cakes Marla Pruitte 207 B E. Main St. Jackson, TN 38301 661-9886 wwww.sweetbydesignonline.com Category: Bakeries
Sanchez & Black Construction, LLC Francisco Sanchez 549 Mifflin Road Jackson, TN 38301 215-1078 www.sanchezandblack.com Cateogry: Construction - Homebuilders and/or General Contractors The Pig House, Inc. Keith Clifton 1024 Campbell St. Jackson, TN 38301 423-8566 Category: Restaurants
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