FEBRUARY 2014
CHAMBER CONNECTION THE JACKSON CHAMBER'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
INSIDE: Chamber Welcomes New Board Chairman
pg. 2
Chamber Emissaries Volunteer Group Selects 2014 Chairperson pg. 2
Chamber Welcomes New Board Chairman Roy Heatherly, President/Publisher, The Jackson Sun and 2013-14 board chairman for the Jackson Chamber, passed the gavel to the new board chairman in the chamber’s January board of directors meeting. Jim Campbell, President/COO, H & M Company, Inc., will follow Heatherly as the chamber’s new board chairman. In addition to the new board chairman, the board elected officers for 2014-2015. They are: Ben Ferguson, First Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect, Personnel Placements, LLC Jim Ferrell, Second Vice Chairman, Jackson Energy Authority Curtis Mansfield, Secretary and Treasurer, First Bank Roy Heatherly, Immediate Past Chairman, The Jackson Sun The board elected three new members to serve three year terms on the Board of Directors. They are: Jeff Blankenship, West Tennessee Healthcare Al Hossack, Toyota Bodine Doug Roth, BancorpSouth
ABOVE: Roy Heatherly, President/Publisher, The Jackson Sun, gets ready to pass the gavel at the Jackson Chamber’s January board of directors meeting.
One member was elected to a two year term. That member is: Randy McKinnon, TLM Associates Those selected by the chairman to serve a one year appointment are: Lisa Peoples, Area Relief Ministries John Reid, JMS Russel Metals Corp. Swee Har Wilcox, Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company Returning board of directors are: Harbert Alexander, The Bank of Jackson; Mike Austin, Mayor, City of Medon; Dr. Bruce Blanding, Jackson State Community College; Scott Conger, City of Jackson; Dr. David S. Dockery, Union University; Stephen Eldridge, Alexander, Thompson, Arnold PLLC; Mayor Jerry Gist, City of Jackson; Mayor Jimmy Harris, Madison County Courthouse; James Hill, Mayor, City of Three Way; Mark Johnstone, Madison County Commission Chairman; Dr. Dan Lattimore, The University of Memphis-Lambuth Campus; Tyreece Miller, City of Jackson; Anna Page, Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Representative; Dr. Verna Ruffin, Jackson-Madison County School System; Kyle Spurgeon, Jackson Chamber; Glenn Vaulx, Lane College; Tim Wehner, Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C.
CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber Emissaries Volunteer Group Selects 2014 Chairperson
Sherita Greer, Branch Manager & Community Reinvestment Officer, BancorpSouth was recently selected to be the 2014 chair of the Emissaries volunteer group. The Emissaries contact members to develop relationships within the chamber. Greer has been involved with Emissaries for six years. “After learning the mission of the Emissaries, I saw how vital our roles are to the chamber,” Greer said. “Communication is the key and businesses want to know how they can play a part in keeping our community strong. Being an Emissary has encouraged me to have conversations with individuals and businesses alike regarding their needs or concerns.” Lisa Cothran, Vice President, Membership Development with the Jackson Chamber, is pleased to have Greer as the 2014 ABOVE: Sherita Emissaries chair. “The Emissaries’ work is vital to the chamber,” Cothran said. “This group of volunteers assists the chamber with Greer, Bancorpkeeping in touch with its 1,350 members. The Emissaries connect with existing chamber members to verify their contact inforSouth, will serve as mation and to reinforce the importance of chamber membership.” the 2014 chairperThe Jackson Chamber also has other volunteer groups, including the Ambassadors, also known as the “Red Coats.” Dressed in son for the chamber Emissaries volunteer their red coats, they attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, open houses and grand openings held by chamber members. group.
“Thirty Business Professionals” continued on page 4...
JACKSON CHAMBER 22 2 JACKSON CHAMBER PG. PG. JACKSON CHAMBER PG.
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Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Spotlight Ted Austin, 2014 Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Board of Directors Company: Jackson Energy Authority Job Title: Vice President of Customer Service/Community Relations
Q: What was your favorite memory from Leadership Jackson? A: The friendships I made over the years.
Q: Why did you choose to help with the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association? A: I wanted to help because of their service and dedication to the Jackson community.
Q: If you could describe Leadership Jackson in one word, what would it be? A: Rewarding.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year with the 2014 class? A: The opportunity to work and fellowship with new leaders as they step through the process of finding what they can do to be a positive impact on our community. Q: What was the most important piece of information that you learned during your Leadership Jackson experience? A: Today, 20 plus years later I still appreciate both the knowledge and the friendships I gained because of Leadership Jackson.
J
For more information on Leadership Jackson, visit its website at www.leadershipjackson.com.
LEADERSHIP JACKSON
Q: What advice would you give the upcoming 2014 class? A: Find your place and make a positive difference.
JACKSON CHAMBER
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MEMBER NEWS
Brandi Wilson Joins Allison Insurance Group
Allison Insurance Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandi Wilson as an account executive with the commercial insurance team. Brandi brings to Allison Insurance Group nearly 20 years of professional sales experience and community service in West Tennessee. She will focus on the needs of commercial clients offering Allison Insurance Group’s full portfolio of services. In addition, she can assist with personal insurance needs including long-term care, health, life, auto and home coverage. Brandi’s previous experience includes success in both the telecommunications and hospitality industries. She was an award winning account executive with Charter Business as well as recognized for excellence as director of sales with Wright Investment Properties. She is a life-long resident of Henderson where she along with her husband and two sons live. Wilson is an active member of the Exchange Club, Ayers Children’s Medical Center Board, Jackson Chamber’s Emissaries group and a Leadership Jackson alumnus. She has ABOVE: Brandi WIlson served on the board of several charitable and professional organizations. Wilson may be reached at 731-668-8444 or brandi@allison-ins.
Executive Impact Selected for International Mentoring / Training Program in 2014 Alissa DeWitt, Founder, Coach and Consultant with Executive Impact, a West Tennessee based organizational development firm, has been selected as 1 of 100 coaches and trainers internationally to participate in a prestigious, nine month long mentorship, coaching and training program personally led and facilitated by Jack Canfield* with The Canfield Training Group. The program equips selected coaches with information, tools and resources to even more profoundly impact individuals, organizations and communities in achieving greater success. DeWitt, who is already passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and in organizations, says she is excited and honored to invest in such a dynamic program and to learn from one of the “masters” and a 40 year veteran of the personal development industry. “We look forward to integrating the information, tools and resources from this program to bring additional value to the people, businesses, organizations and ministries of West Tennessee.” DeWitt shares a quote by Jack Canfield she believes captures the heart of the program, “The greater contribution you can make to the world is to grow in self-awareness, self-realization, and the power to manifest your own heartfelt dreams and desires. The next greatest thing you can do is to help others do the same.” *Jack Canfield, also known as America’s #1 Success Coach, is the creator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, co-author of The Success Principles, has had seven books on the New York Times best seller list at one time, is the founder of The Canfield Training Group and has appeared on over 1000 radio and television programs in nearly every major market worldwide. ABOVE: Alissa DeWitt Executive Impact, a member of the Jackson Chamber, was founded in West Tennessee in 2009 as an organizational development firm focused on transforming the lives of individuals, organizations and communities by equipping leaders and their teams to achieve outstanding results and maximize their potential. Since that time, they have offered their clients a local resource for coaching, training, talent & performance management, strategic planning and retreat facilitation.
Raymond James Employee Earns CFP® Certification
Raymond James is pleased to announce that Michelle Prince, Senior Vice President, Investments, has earned her CFP® certification and is now a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. A Certified Financial Planner must pass a rigorous set of criteria including a comprehensive two-day, 10 hour exam. The CFP professional must also meet strict ethical qualifications and complete continuing education programs each year. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®. ABOVE: Michelle Prince
Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs Announces Employee Achievements Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs is proud to announce its team members who have earned promotions and have passed the Uniform CPA Examination. “ATA’s mission is to help our clients succeed. Our team members continually excel in the accounting industry and provide the highest quality accounting and auditing services to our clients,” said Al Creswell, CPA and Chief Manager, Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs. “It’s an honor to recognize these individuals for their determination and leadership within our firm.” These individuals were recently promoted: Alecia Purtteman, CBA (Jackson, Tenn.) has been promoted to Senior Manager; Teresa Spann, EA (Jackson, Tenn.) is now Tax Manager; Brittney Kissell, CPA (Union City, Tenn.) and Angie Hutchison-Adams, EA (Jackson, Tenn.) have been promoted to Manager; Katie Little, CPA (Milan, Tenn.); Emily Davidson (Union City, Tenn.); Branden Crosby, CPA and Angela Gobelet, EA (Jackson, Tenn.) have been promoted to Senior Accountant; and Jessi Alexander and Rachel DePriest (Jackson, Tenn.) are now Staff Accountant. In addition to these promotions, Branden Crosby (Jackson, Tenn.) recently passed the Uniform CPA Examination. The Uniform CPA Examination is one of the nation’s most comprehensive examinations. Sections covered in the test include auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation and business environment and concepts. To be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must have completed a minimum of 150 semester hours, which include a baccalaureate or higher degree from an academic institution recognized by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy, with a minimum of 30 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in general business subjects. For more information about Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs, visit www.atacpa.net. ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Alecia Purtteman, CBA; Branden Crosby, CPA; Katie Little, CPA; Teresa Spann, EA.
JACKSON CHAMBER
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Get Connected With: The Ned - City of Jackson Company name: The Ned - City of Jackson Address: 314 East Main St Phone Number: 731-664-1171 About The Ned: Website: www.cityofjackson.net Facebook: Facebook.com/thenedtheatre Chamber Connection: What’s helped your organization become successful in our community? The Ned: Our volunteers, ushers and the Ned Board, our sponsors and ad supporters, as well as our season ticket holders. We are so proud to have volunteers for our concerts, performances and receptions, as well as helping with mailers and other office work when needed. Our board consists of; Lyda Kay Ferree, president, Glenda Baker, Gwenda Anthony, Carla Burngasser, Richard Beach, Hampton Williams, Hilda Little, Linda Wood, and Terry Wallace. I can’t say enough about these members and their work here at The Ned. And our season just wouldn’t be what it is without Sponsors, supporters, and season ticket holders. We strive to improve The Ned, its programs and our service to the community. Chamber Connection: What does your organization do that most people don’t know about? The Ned: The Ned is home to several organizations such as: The Jackson Arts Council, Jackson Art Association, Jackson Theatre Guild, C-MACC, Cherqui Gallery Studio, Janice Sumler’s Main Street Studio, Jane Walls Art Studio and Gallery, The Jackson Children’s and Teen Theatre and of course The Ned Offices. We have two galleries, a meeting room, a conference room and a state of the art theatre. If you haven’t been to the Ned lately, you need to visit. And just last year, we added our own Box Office. Chamber Connection: What are some recent successes your organization has experienced? The Ned: We have added our own Box Office. It makes ticket buying much more convenient to our customers. We have increased our attendance at the Ned as well as our rentals and season sponsorships. We have been named by The Jackson Sun as the “The Best Place to see a Live Performance.” Chamber Connection: What are some of the future goals of your organization? The Ned: We are working to ensure that everyone knows about The Ned and its programs. We print a “Happenings at the Ned” quarterly and would love for everyone to receive it. If you don’t and would like to, you can send an email to drobinson@cityofjackson.net, or call us at 731425-8397 or 425-8396. Our staff welcomes your comments anytime. Chamber Connection: What’s new with your organization? The Ned: We will be announcing our 2014-15 Ned Series soon. We are planning an exciting season and hope everyone will be able to join us. We also have a great way for the community to support The Ned and the Arts. You can purchase a walkway brick, wall brick or pavestone in memory or in honor or memory of a loved one. Information on any of these can be gotten at the Ned or by calling 731-425-8397. Chamber Connection: What’s the biggest community project you’re working on right now? The Ned: Spencer’s Illusion’s will be at The Ned on Friday, February 21 at 7 p.m. It is much more than a magic show. It is a magical concert for the eyes. Audiences cross over a threshold of disbelief only moments after the Spencers take the stage. The duo presents a high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions that include dazzling special effects and magnificent set design. It is sponsored by Northbrooke Healthcare and Rehab Center and Forest Cove Nursing and Rehab Center. On Thursday, February 20, the Spencers will work with facility staff to earn Continuing Education Units, using illusion as a form of rehabilitation.
JACKSON CHAMBER
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NEW MEMBERS: JAN. 2014 Alzheimer’s Association Susan Graham 713 S. Mendenhall Rd. Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 565-0011 www.alz.org Category: NonProfit Oranganizations Castle Pines - Home of Chestershire Castle Teresa Hardee 2045 Brown Cemetery Rd. Luray, TN 38352 (713) 502-6786 www.chestershirecastle.com Category: Wedding &/or Event Venue ComeUnity Cafe Amy Crenshaw 218 E. Main St. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 300-4674 www.comeunitycafe.com Category: NonProfit Oranganizations
Spoil Me Rotten Jennifer Stegall 1032 Vann Dr., Ste. L Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 256-1917 Category: Clothing - Children Walking Wisely Life Services Bill Neal 56 Casey Jones Lane Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 234-0612 Category: Counseling
DID YOU KNOW?...
D K USA, Inc. Hasmukh Patel 2112 Hwy. 70 E. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 394-8280 www.dkusainc.com Category: Convenience Stores
+ 97 percent of your chamber
dues are tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
Flatiron Grille and Bistro Frank Arcuri 1160 Vann Dr. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 668-3528 www.flatironrestaurants.com Category: Restaurants
+ 6,865 Number of direct manufacturing, distribution, and call center jobs created in Madison County by chamber economic development initiatives in the last ten years.
The Jackson Hearing Center Natalie Wyatt 172-D University Pkwy. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 660-5511 www.hearingmemphis.com Category: Audiology &/or Hearing Aids
+ More than One Billion
Number of dollars invested by new and expanding industries in Madison County in the last ten years as a resultof efforts by the chamber’s economic development department and its affiliation with Team Madison County.
Luxury Auto Service Christian Byler 210 Commerce Center Circle Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 410-6688 www.luxuryautoservice.net Category: Automobile Repairs & Service MIG Construction Services, LLC Andre Gist 228 Rush St. Lexington, TN 38351 (731) 967-6442 www.migllc.com/constructionservices.ph Category: Steel-Fabricators &/or Shelving
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RENEWING MEMBERS: JAN. 2014 1st Choice Realty, Inc. Advanced Cardiovascular & Vein Center, PC AFLAC-Hazel Johnson Agriturf, LLC Aldelano Packaging Corporation All American Signs All-Brite Signs and Rentals, Inc. Allegra Design . Print . Mail Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates, Inc. Aspen Dental Augustine School Baker’s Rack BancorpSouth Best Western Carriage House Inn & Suites Bill’s Appliance, Inc. BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Carlock Nissan of Jackson Chick-fil-A of Old Hickory Mall City Lumber Co. Clear Vision Business Services Clear Vision Business Services Coldwell Banker Real Estate Now-Eden Smith Cowart Reese Sargent, CPA’s, PC Crocker Construction Co., Inc. Dale Carnegie Training Delta Faucet Company Dugger Promotional Products Elmcroft of Jackson, Assisted Living & Memory Care First Citizens National Bank Foundation Bank Franklin American Mortgage Co. Franklin Electrofluid Co., Inc. Friendly Frank’s Flea Market - Jackson Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. George A. Smith & Sons Glory Gymnastics Center Golden Circle Ford Lincoln Green With Envy Lawn Care Service, LLC H & R Block Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet Highland Place Bed & Breakfast Inn Holiday Inn Express & Suites Home Instead Senior Care Hunt Services, Inc. Imagination Library of Madison County INSOUTH Bank Integrated Communications Jackson Chiropractic Center Jackson Energy Authority Jackson Massage & Day Spa Jackson Meadow Jackson Printers, Inc. Jackson Seventh-Day Adventist Church Johnny Shaw, State Representative Kirkland’s, Inc. Kiwanis Club of Jackson Lawrence Sorensen Funeral Home, Inc.
Londe Air, LLC Longhorn Steakhouse Manpower of the Mid-South Maplewood Health Care Center McCowat Mercer Packaging, Inc. McDonnell Insurance Miss Tennessee Pageant Inc. Mitchell’s Body Shop, Inc. Modern Telephone Systems Morningside of Jackson Assisted Living Morton Moving & Storage Nancy’s Carousel of Flowers & Gifts Nell Huntspon Flower Box Pathway Lending Pentecost & Glenn, PLLC Perseus Distribution LLC Premier Dental Center Premier Place Catering Process Systems Incorporated Construction Company Professional Benefits Consultants Reasons Engineering & Associates, Inc. Regions Bank Robert’s Jewelers S.M. Lawrence, Inc. SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County Signature’s Boutique Spragins, Barnett and Cobb, PLC Sprint/Wireless Direct Stability Growth Solutions, LLC State Farm Insurance-Greg Milam State Farm Insurance-Howard Bond Stifel Nicolaus Teen Driver Academy Telephone Electronics Corporation (TEC) Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson Tennessee Sports Foundation Tennessee Tractor, LLC Tennessee Valley Authority The Jackson Theatre Guild Tourism Association of Southwest Tennessee Toyota Bodine Aluminum Tull Brothers, Inc. Turner Dairies Inc. Union University Venus De Milo Med Spa, LLC Wade Electric Co., Inc. WBBJ TV West Tennessee Healthcare West Tennessee Research and Education Center West Tennessee Restoration Wiese USA Williams Steel Co. WorkPlace Solutions WSBF Warehousing/Mid South Warehousing Yard Balls Youth Town of Tennessee
JACKSON CHAMBER
PG. 7
RIBBON CUTTINGS: JAN. 2014 & Home Based and Out-of-Town Ribbon Cuttings
Ambassadors with Perfect Attendance, January 2014: Karen Ashley, Allegra Print & Imaging Kathy Canovan, Rodan & Fields Horace Chase, Jackson State Community College Dale Childress, Woodstock Bake Shop
Jackson-Madison County Library, North Branch 6 Stonebridge Jackson, TN 38305 731-425-8600 www.jmcl.tn.org Category: NonProfit Organizations
Rina’s Bridal Boutique 2665 N. Highland Avenue Jackson, TN 38305 731-394-5223 www.rinasbq.com Category: Boutiques & Specialty Shops
Jackson-Madison County Library, Main Location (newly renovated) 433 E. Lafayette Jackson, TN 38301 731-425-8600 www.jmcl.tn.org Category: NonProfit Organizations
Joyce Corley, FirstBank Amanda Davenport, Complete Restoration, Inc. Cathy Nelson, MAA Heath Williams, George A. Smith & Sons
Patterson Physical Therapy 176-E West University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305 731-300-4950 www.bethpattersonpt.com Category: Health & Wellness
Welcome to our newest Partners-in-Education:
Sky Zone and Liberty Technology Magnet High School Proud Sponsor of the DET Distributing and North Parkway Middle School Jackson Chamber Education Programs
Connect with us no matter where you are. Visit
jacksontn.com on your mobile device!
JACKSON CHAMBER
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS: JAN. 2014 Total Labor Force
Dec. ’13
Dec. ‘12
Madison County 48,080 48,940 Jackson MSA 56,090 57,180 (Madison & Chester Counties) Tennessee 3,025,300 3,129,800
Rate Change
United States 154,408,000 154,904,000
Unemployment
Dec. ’13
Dec. ‘12
Madison County 7.5% 8.0% Jackson MSA 7.4% 8.0% (Madison & Chester Counties) Tennessee 7.3% 7.6%
United States 6.5% 7.6%
Sales Tax Collected City of Jackson
Feb. ‘14
Feb. ‘13
Nov. ’13
Nov. ’12
Rate Change
-1.8%
48,590
49,010
-0.9%
-1.9%
56,690
57,260
1.0%
-3.3%
3,065,200
3,104,000
-1.3%
-0.3%
155,046,000
154,953,000
0.1%
Nov. ’13
Nov. ’12
-0.5%
7.8%
7.2%
0.6%
-0.6%
7.7%
7.3%
0.4%
-0.3%
7.4%
6.9%
0.5%
-1.1%
6.6%
7.4%
-0.8%
Rate Change
Rate Change
Jan. ‘14
Jan. ‘13
Rate Change
Rate Change
$5,394,718
$5,390,611
0.1%
$3,905,632
$3,822,828
2.2%
Madison County $5,715,208
$5,727,356
-0.2%
$4,167,302
$4,076,849
2.2%
Jan. ‘12
Dec. '13
Dec. '12
9 $1,396,530
16 $3,054,800
11 $2,658,000
5 $775,000
15 $2,798,765
14 $1,436,569
10 $2,929,278
Building Permits
Residential
Number Issued Permit Value
Jan. ‘13
Commercial
Number Issued Permit Value
JACKSON CHAMBER
PG. 9
4 $1,116,600
Jackson Chamber Staff Directory
Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO kspurgeon@jacksontn.com
Ryan Porter, Chief Operating Officer/General Counsel rporter@jacksontn.com
Kingsley Brock, Executive Director, Jackson Regional Partnership kbrock@jacksontn.com
Russell Cook, Manager of Accounting rcook@jacksontn.com
Lisa Cothran, Vice President, Membership Development lcothran@jacksontn.com
Kristy Dew, Receptionist kdew@jacksontn.com
Joel Newman, Director, West TN Business Resource Center s.jnewman@gmail.com
Shirley Jones, Sr. Vice President, Public Affairs sajones@jacksontn.com
Lori Nunnery, Executive Director, Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau lnunnery@jacksontn.com
Beth Parnell, Manager of Events bparnell@jacksontn.com
Judy Renshaw, Executive Director, Leadership Jackson jrenshaw@jacksontn.com
Megan Seals, Communications Coordinator mseals@jacksontn.com
Brandy Stutsman, Program Coordinator bstutsman@jacksontn.com
Carolyn Vaughan, Membership Development Coordinator cvaughan@jacksontn.com
Joyce Welch, Executive Assistant jwelch@jacksontn.com
Mandy White, Sr. Vice President, Economic Development mwhite@jacksontn.com
CONNECT WITH US!
www.jacksontn.com JACKSON CHAMBER
PG. 10
For decades, Jackson has connected businesses to success. Today, we are connected by more than roads, rail and runways – we connect people at the speed of light. Jackson is looking ahead as a sustainable city with a growing focus on wellness. Our hundreds of doctors, specialty centers and pioneering robotics have captured national attention. The surprising variety of arts, sports and music is kept vibrant by a growing number of students and professionals. The Jackson Chamber invites you to Connect Here.
JACKSON CHAMBER
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