2020 Annual Report
Message from our Chairman of the Board Communities, businesses, organizations and individuals become stronger when they successfully face adversity. They become stronger by pivoting and adapting to a new environment or challenge which then enables them to more successfully navigate all challenges they may face. The Jackson Chamber became stronger by facing the challenges of COVID-19, and through our leadership and partnerships, we helped the entire community to more successfully navigate the pandemic. From my position as chairman, I was able to see first-hand how our staff supported small businesses, worked with the community COVID-19 task force, and facilitated communications to businesses who were all affected by the virus. At times our chamber team led, at other times they followed and partnered, but in every instance, they added value to how this entire community responded. Every aspect of chamber operations were impacted by the pandemic. Industrial site visits became Zoom calls with drones in the air above a site showcasing the property to potential companies around the world. In-person meetings became virtual meetings with guests from across the country. Quarantining and social distancing changed how we interacted with each other, but it did not change how we responded to our members, clients, prospects and customers. We pivoted, and we pivoted well. As we move through 2021, the Jackson Chamber is more efficient, more connected and better positioned to support community growth than ever before. I appreciate your support through your financial and personal time investments. I hope we never have to face another year like 2020, but if we do, I know the chamber, our members and the entire community have gotten even better at working together and supporting each other. I am proud to be associated with this team and proud to know we play a role in supporting the growth of Jackson and all of West Tennessee as we continue to meet the need and make a difference. James E. Ross President & CEO West Tennessee Healthcare
The mission of the Jackson Chamber is “to develop and maintain an economic climate that creates and retains jobs and enhances the quality of life for all citizens of Jackson-Madison County and West Tennessee.”
Chamber is a Memphis Business Journal ‘2020 Best Places to Work’ The Memphis Business Journal announces Jackson Chamber is a ‘2020 Best Places to Work.’ In an employee engagement survey conducted by Quantum Workplace for MBJ in Memphis, Tennessee, Jackson Chamber’s employees praised the organization, earning it a ‘2020 Best Places to Work’ title. The chamber is listed as one of eight ‘2020 Best Places to Work’ in the Micro Businesses category (10 - 20 employees) through this nomination process. In the survey, businesses receive a ranking based on employee responses. Responses must be in the top percentage to capture a ‘Best Places to Work’ honor. According to an MBJ article about the Jackson Chamber, “A sign of a vibrant company is a happy and engaged staff. Let’s just say that the Jackson Chamber’s score on this matter is off the charts.”
Jackson Chamber 2020 staff includes back row, left to right: Cameron Hansbrough, Russell Cook, Kyle Spurgeon, Joyce Welch, Jill Erling and Brandy Stutsman. Front row is Julie Daniels, Vicki Bunch, Kristy Dew and Hannah Mathis. Not pictured are Ryan Porter and Mandy White. 3
2020-21 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
James “J.R.” Ross, Chairman of the Board President and CEO West Tennessee Healthcare Todd Swims, First Vice Chairman/Chairman-Elect President Leaders Credit Union Jim Ferrell, Immediate Past Chairman President and CEO Jackson Energy Authority Kyle Spurgeon President/CEO Jackson Chamber Curtis F. Mansfield, Secretary/Treasurer President FirstBank
MEMBERS
Bob Arrington President Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory Lowell Beller Sales Team Leader Central Distributors, Inc. Brad Box Equity Partner Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C. 4
Bill Dement President Dement Construction Company, LLC
Martin Williams Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Jackson Coca-Cola
Stephen Eldridge Member/Partner Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Lanier English Corporate Operations Officer McCoy’s Heating & Air James Kirkland Senior Project Manager H & M Company, Inc. Chuck Newell President Simmons Bank Roger Smith President Thompson & Smith, LLC Mark Taylor President/Owner Master Medical Equipment (MME) Don Tucker Retired Stanley Black & Decker
Mayor Scott Conger City of Jackson Dr. Logan Hampton President Lane College
Mayor Jimmy Harris Madison County Dr. Marlon King Superintendent Jackson-Madison County School System Dr. Samuel “Dub” Oliver President Union University Dr. George Pimentel President Jackson State Community College Dr. Niles Reddick Vice Provost The University of Memphis - Lambuth Campus Dr. Jeff Sisk President Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Kyle Spurgeon
Russell Cook
President/CEO
Mandy White
Ryan Porter
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President, Economic Development
COO/General Counsel
Staff
Julie Daniels
Communication Coordinator
Cameron Hansbrough Director of Member Relations
Kristy Dew
Member Engagement Specialist
Hannah Hartig
Economic Development Coordinator
Jill Erling
Manager of Events
Brandy Stutsman
Director of Leadership Development
Joyce Welch Office Manager
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Forward Jackson 2.0 Investors MOVER & SHAKER $100,000+ City of Jackson City of Jackson Industrial Development Board Delta Faucet Company H & M Company, Inc. Jackson Energy Authority The Jackson Sun Kirkland’s, Inc. Madison County Thomas Media - WWYN/WFKX/WHHM/WZDQ/ WJAK Union University WBBJ TV West Tennessee Healthcare DEVELOPER $50,000 - $99,999 Gary A. Taylor Investment Co. JMS Russel Metals Corp. Lamar Advertising Tennessee Valley Authority VIP Jackson Magazine West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation Williams Steel Co. PRODUCER $25,000 - $49,999 Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC BancorpSouth The Bank of Jackson Berry Global, Inc Conagra Brands, Inc. Gerdau The Jackson Clinic 6
Leaders Credit Union Simmons Bank TBDN TENNESSEE COMPANY Toyota Boshoku Tennessee Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee WNBJ Jackson TV, LLC
Jackson Radiology Associates, P.A. Kelly Services Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center MAT Industries, LLC Mighty Product Center, Inc. MOST, INC. Murray Guard Inc. MAKER $2,500 - $24,999 Northbrooke Health Care Center Adelsberger Marketing NOVOLEX Allison Insurance Group, Inc. Old Country Store American Fire Protection Group, Inc. Pacific Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc. ATA Technologies, LLC PRA Group AT&T Pratt Ind. (USA) Corrugating Div. Bramblett Group, LLC Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C. Byrd & Byrd, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, North Office Reed: A Marketing Company Coldwell Banker Real Estate Now-Peggy Graves Reed’s Metals, Inc. Commercial Bank and Trust Company Refreshments, Inc. Cowart Reese Sargent Certified Public Regions Bank Accountants, PC Siroky Law, PLC Crocker Construction Co., Inc. Southeastern Reinforcing, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Spragins, Barnett & Cobb, PLC First Citizens National Bank Stanley Black & Decker Flint Cox, Cox Construction Company, Inc. Tennessee Industrial Printing, Inc. First Horizon Bank Thompson & Smith, LLC FirstBank TLM Associates, Inc. Architects + Engineers Foundation Bank Townsend Door Hardware & Systems FSB Insurance US Farathane Corporation Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co, Inc. Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.-Steve Little & HORNE, CPAs & Business Advisors Brad Little Hub City Blueprint & Supply Co., Inc. West Tennessee Physicians’ Alliance, Inc. Ingram Content Group Younger Associates Jackson Coca-Cola Young-Hughes Insurance
Revenue
Organization Financial Summary
Programs & Events $94,000 Membership Dues $546,000 Non-Dues $207,000
Expense
Operations $311,000
Programs & Events $513,000
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Industrial Growth
1167 Direct New Jobs
3289
New Direct, Indirect,Induced Jobs
$247,285,751 Team member at TBDN Tennessee Company works on the production line.
Total new direct, indirect and induced income
Sources: Jackson Chamber and TN Department of Economic Development
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Economic Development
$384,307,916 Capital investment by new and expanding industries
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Education/Workforce Development
Above, Jackson State Community College Advanced Maintenance Technician students Adam Pearson and Asia Ricketts work on a programmable logic controller (PLC) in the Engineering Systems skills lab at the college.
Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, was expanded to a month-long virtual event. Housed on the Jackson Chamber’s website, it targeted students of all age levels, educators and parents. Sponsors: Jackson State Engineering Systems Technology Program, Jackson Chamber, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Tennessee Pathways and the Southwest Tennessee Workforce Development Board.
STEM Grants Awarded Pictured above, Dr. Stephanie Ivey, University of Memphis; Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris; Congressman David Kustoff; Wes Woods and Dan Reiche of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee (TMMT); and representatives from the Jackson-Madison County School System after TMMT announces STEM grant awards.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee announced a gift of educational grants of $10k to the West Tennessee STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Hub and $20k to STEM education for the Jackson-Madison County School System. Toyota USA also awarded a $200,000 grant to provide access to virtual learning.
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Businesses are PIE partners with the Jackson-Madison County School System.
The Partners In Education (PIE) program is a cooperative effort with the chamber, the Jackson-Madison County School System and area businesses. The program connects volunteers and resources with schools for the betterment of public education. It helps educators improve all children’s academic and personal growth, the future leaders of our community. Owens Corning, a longtime Partner in Education to Pope School, made a $5,000 donation to the K-6 school so leaders could purchase additional personal protective equipment and technology needed during COVID-19.
Small Business Tennessee Small Business Development Center, housed inside the chamber building, expanded staff and gained new Director Monique Merriweather. The new team includes Small Business Consultants Brad Young and Tiffany Nance; and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Williams.
1435 JOBS SUPPORTED
1340 TOTAL COUNSELING
Pandemic Relief Assistance Included: Loving Arms, LLC receives the Successful Small Business award. Pictured are Co-Owner-Executive Director Dr. April Webster, TSBDC Director Monique Merriweather and Co-Owner-Director of Operations Tia Stokes.
EIDL - Economic Injury Disaster Loan PPP - Paycheck Protection Program SERG - Secondary Emergency Relief for Small Business TBR - Tennessee Business Relief Program
$7,786,797
Capital Formation - Money invested into businesses with loans and/or equity investments.
Small Business/Events In a photo taken pre-pandemic, attendees enjoy a networking session at a Spark event in early February 2020.
Jackson Chamber is a proud sponsor of theCO - a resource, collaborative community and support system for everyone from serial entrepreneurs to those taking their first plunge into business ownership, problem-solving and innovating. The chamber and theCO create events as a partnership to help small businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these events became virtual, and a new, shorter interactive version of “Spark” was initiated with “Spark Plugs.”
Ignite your business at Spark! Spark is part networking, part learning with a different speaker each month to help grow your business.
Spark Plugs is a series of informational livestreams as part of our Spark event series. Spark plugs of helpful information to help support + encourage business owners in this uncertain economy.
MakeShift is a Tuesday lunch series created to inspire and provide action steps to move a business or project forward. 13
Events
The Jackson Chamber’s last in-person event was March 12th’s Annual Celebration due to the pandemic. Online events were created where possible, new events came into existence and some were paused for safety.
This annual luncheon celebrates the accomplishments of our chamber members throughout the previous year. Local businesses and chamber volunteers are recognized.
One of our largest networking events, this afterhours gathering is attended by representatives of the business community and was held in January and February.
“Home-Based and Out-of-Town Businesses” ribbon cuttings were paused. *Event held online after February **Masks and social distancing required to attend 14
Facebook Live forums followed on equity and justice.
This event provides a forum for members to meet their state senator and representatives in a town hall-type setting from February through April.*
This Facebook Live event supported local musicians and restaurants. Patrons picked up food, watched streamed live music from home and paid gratuities online.
Members host a groundbreaking, ribbon cutting and/or open house for their business with assistance from our Ambassadors.**
In partnership with United Way of West Tennessee, This film series featured movie screenings on Saturday evenings at select locations around Jackson.**
Jackson Young Professionals (JYP) is for emerging business professionals ages 21-45 and creates an avenue for young professionals to connect. Diversity and Equity forums were the focus on Facebook Live.*
Ribbon Cuttings
Local businesswomen meet each quarter to network, hear incredible speakers and enjoy lunch.*
“For the Love of Jackson’s” Kickoff Campaign, shows Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon, City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, Visit Jackson, TN / Jackson, Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lori Nunnery and Tennessee Small Business Development Center Director Monique Merriweather holding a sign used for social media promotions.
Other In-Person and Online Events: Opiod Crisis Event
In partnership with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, key speakers talked about the devastating opioid crisis and how our judicial system continues to evolve and respond.
Superintendent Reception
Event for Jackson-Madison County Schools new Superintendent, Dr. Marlon King**
Presidential Reception
Event for Jackson State Community College’s new President, Dr. George Pimentel**
For the Love of Jackson
This advertising campaign encouraged consumers to shop, dine and play in Madison County to win grand prizes by posting a photo on social media with #LoveOfJackson. Businesses created videos that Visit Jackson, TN, Jackson Chamber and Tennessee Small Business Development Center posted on social media.
Reopening of Jackson-Madison County, Phase 1 - 3 Online Public Zoom meetings with local officials informing the community concerning the Phases of Reopening the city and county. Q&A followed.
Membership
$552,000 Annual Revenue from Memberships
16
64
New Members
89%
Member Retention
1066 Total Members
Pictured are Jackson Chamber Ambassadors Ralph Thomas and Jina McCaskill, with City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, artists Jonathan and Sarah Cagle cutting the ribbon, Hannah Mathis, Steve Little and Frank McMeen. This ribbon cutting was for Southwest Tennessee Development District’s new mural in Downtown Jackson, designed and painted by the Cagles and sponsored by Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. It is part of the City of Jackson’s Public Art Initiative to help revitalize downtown. (Full mural is shown on our cover)
Ambassadors (Red Coats) are volunteers that are the goodwill arm of the chamber. They attend ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and special events.
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Leadership Jackson
Leadership Jackson Grads
Craig Barton
Hamilton-Ryker
Timothy Dyer
Clint Beilke
University of Memphis
Ronda Fitzgerald
Christian Brothers Automotive/ LIFELINE Blood Services Connor Real Estate
Lindsay Kilburn
Madison Co. Sheriff’s Department
David Knack
Knack Insurance Agency representing American National
Allison Bryant
Kenneth Cummings
Chelsie Denevan
Christy Fullington
Hunter Hawes
Deb Heard
XMC
Nest Realty
Matt Marshall
United Way of West TN
City of Jackson
AbilisHealth
Jenny Higdon
Brandon Jones
300 Dues Paying Members
Alan Brown State Farm
Hands Up Preschool
Jackson Energy Authority
TLM Associates, Inc.
Caleb Meriwether
Cassandra Owens
Janice Pittman
Parker Powell
Andy Spence
SERVPRO of Jackson/ Crockett County
Kaylee Tyner
Ginger Williams
Haven Insurance Partners
Lane College
Union University
Yukon Outfitters
LJAA
Ann Keyl
Sacred Heart of Jesus High School
Drew Shaub
Butts Foods, Inc.
Pictured is the Leadership Jackson Class of 2020.
Leadership Jackson (LJ) is Jackson Chamber’s adult leadership development program for Jackson-Madison County. Since 1979, it has helped emerging and established leaders take community commitment to a new level, connecting more than 1,000 graduates with local opportunities, needs, problems and resources.
Mitchell’s Body Shop
Real Estate Agent Self-Employed
Rema Wilson
Association of Infant Mental Health in TN (AIMHiTN)
The Class of 2020 began meeting online and in-person with safety precautions in November 2020 with a graduation date of March 10, 2021. Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) is made up of members from past Leadership Jackson classes. The alumni continue leadership efforts in the community and support the current LJ class.
Leadership University
600 Hours
Community Service*
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Leadership University Grads
In this photo, Leadership Jackson Alumni hand out graduation certificates to the Leadership University Class of 2019-2020 during a drive-thru graduation ceremony, which included speakers online via Zoom.
Leadership University (LU) is the Jackson Chamber’s youth leadership development program open to juniors from public, private and home-schooled students in Jackson-Madison County. Established in 1999, LU exposes participants to local opportunities, needs, issues and resources available in the community. Forty students are selected to participate each year. *Community Service Hours are part of the LJ and LU program’s curriculum as participants volunteer at
local non-profits in the community to give back. These were completed before pandemic restrictions.
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Communication
Top Facebook post - Leadership Jackson Class of 2020 Announced
14,507
People reached organically.
Average organic reach per post for Jackson Chamber in 2020 = 440 Organic reach is the number of people who see your content without paid distribution.
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Websites
JacksonTN.com JACKSON CHAMBER
VISIT JACKSON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DOWNTOWN JACKSON
280,713 Unique Pageviews to JacksonTN.com
Number of times a unique user viewed the website.
JacksonForwardTogether.com
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Website created to inform the community during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Task Force World Health Organization (WHO) reported pneumonia of an unknown cause in late 2019 in China. This pneumonia was determined to be the newly discovered coronavirus or Coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. (‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.) Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be severe, and some cases have caused death. On January 19, 2020, the first case is reported in the United States in Washington. By March 11, 2020, WHO declares COVID-19 to be a pandemic. As cases began to appear in West Tennessee in March 2020, Jackson-Madison County develops a COVID-19 Task Force to keep the community safe and create a plan of action, including temporary business closings, mask mandates and social distancing.
Task Force Members: Mayor Scott Conger City of Jackson Mayor Jimmy Harris Madison County Kim Tedford, RN Regional Director, Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department James Ross President/CEO, West Tennessee Healthcare Jason Moore Director, Madison County Emergency Management Agency Matt Marshall President/CEO, United Way of West Tennessee, Inc. Dr. Marlon King Superintendent, Jackson-Madison County School System Jim Ferrell President/CEO, Jackson Energy Authority Kyle Spurgeon President/CEO, Jackson Chamber
Public Affairs The Jackson Chamber advocates for business-friendly legislation, offering governmental affairs programming to educate and inform members on local, state and national issues, and provides a direct connection to elected officials. CapitolTALK is a town hall meeting event held with our state legislators monthly during the legislative session (February through April). February’s session took place as usual, while other sessions were online with EPlus TV6.
Pictured are state Senator Ed Jackson and state Representatives Johnny Shaw and Chris Todd at February’s CapitolTALK, pre-COVID.
197 Auditorium St. Jackson, TN 38301 731-423-2200
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