JULY 2013
CHAMBER CONNECTION THE JACKSON CHAMBER'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
INSIDE: Jackson, Tennessee Named
“Most Livable” Small City in America pg. 2
Jackson, Tennessee Named “Most Livable” Small City in America
Mayor Jerry Gist and the City of Jackson, Tennessee have been awarded first place honor in the 2013 City Livability Awards Program during The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 81st Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. The U.S. Conference of Mayors announced the 2013 City Livability Award Winners on Saturday, June 22 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas, Nevada. From a pool of over 200 applicants, former mayors selected Jackson, Tennessee as the most livable small city (populations of less than 100,000). The award recognizes mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities, focusing on the leadership, creativity, and innovation demonstrated by the mayors. This is the 34th year in which cities have competed for the award, which is sponsored by the Conference of Mayors and Waste Management, Inc. Mayor Gist’s JumpStart Jackson initiative is a community-wide health and wellness initiative intended to make Jackson the “Healthiest City in Tennessee.” The initiative stemmed initially from a “wake-up call” the city received when a company decided against moving to the city because of potentially high employee healthcare costs. Sandy MacDiarmid, Superintendent for Jackson Recreation and Parks and Founding Co-chair of JumpStart Jackson, states, “JumpStart Jackson has encouraged active lifestyles and has made an impact on the quality of life in the city.” The program has improved walkability and bike-ability in the city, increased access to low-cost nutritious foods and created an 80,000 sq. ft. wellness center in downtown Jackson. Not only has the initiative improved livability, it provides economic development benefits. “This award recognizing the JumpStart Jackson initiative To learn more about further validates Jackson’s position as one of the nation’s Jumpstart Jackson, leaders in community wellness,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO, of the Jackson, Tennessee Chamber. Spurgeon visit its Facebook stated, “Both new and existing industries consider health page! outcome factors when evaluating locations for new jobs and investment.” ABOVE: Tony Black, Annette Wilson, Ann The economic benefit is reflected in healthcare with the City of Jackson seeing a $2 Reeves, Mayor Jerry Gist and Sandy million reduction in city employee healthcare costs in the first year of the program. Mayor MacDiarmid after acepting Jackson’s 2013 Jerry Gist, City of Jackson, Tennessee, states, “We are indeed honored and thankful to Livability Award. be recognized by the United States Conference of Mayors and Waste Management, Inc. for the most livable small city. The success is relative to the willingness of the citizens of Jackson, Tennessee to rethink livability and connect to long-term viability. JumpStart Jackson pioneered a willingness among citizens to surmount a complex challenge. Essential values of cultural diversity, social- engagement, health, and education combined a focus on infrastructure, work-force and economic development efforts to create an attractive and sustainable future.”
U.S. Conference of Mayors Announces 2013 City Livability Award Winners at Annual Meeting
ABOVE: City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist aceepting Jackson’s first place honor for the 2013 City Livability Awards Program during the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 81st Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Want to learn more about Jackson’s efforts? Click the picture below to see a video on how Jacksonians are getting connected to good health!
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Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Spotlight Josh Clarke, 2013 Leadership Jackson Vice Chair Q: When did you go through Leadership Jackson? A: 2012 Q: Why did you choose to help with the upcoming Leadership Jackson class? A: The opportunity was given to me to serve as Vice Chair for the upcoming year. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to serve. Leadership Jackson provides a great opportunity for members of our community to grow deeper in their understanding of Jackson/Madison County as well as obtain a better understanding of how they fit into the bigger picture of our community. To have the opportunity to serve our city this way is very exciting for me. Q: What are you looking forward to this year with the new class? A: I am looking forward to seeing those light bulb moments in the members of the class where something clicks and they understand more about Jackson. I am also excited to see those who call Jackson/Madison County home learn more about our community and watch them use their gifts and talents to make an impact as they make our already great community even better. Q: What was the most important piece of information that you learned during your Leadership Jackson experience? A: One of the most important pieces of information I learned during Leadership Jackson was how the differences in people in our community are actually what make us stronger. Leadership Jackson allows you to see the value in every individual and how their gifts and talents make our community great. You also learn the value of programming and organizations that you not be affiliated with and how they do a great service to our community.
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Q: What advice would you give the upcoming class? A: If you will be in the Leadership Jackson class this fall, I would say to you….Give it your all and take away as much as possible. It is fast paced, it is busy in the midst of work and your family life- but if you come and give everything you have then you will grow during your time in Leadership Jackson. If you come in and listen, engage and have conversations with your classmates and speakers- you will take away a deep understanding of the Jackson/Madison County community and you will be even more proud to call it home. Q: What was your funniest memory from Leadership Jackson? A: Throughout the entire semester there were a lot of laughs, but I have to say that one of the funniest memories from all of LJ was watching some of my classmates get on stage during our retreat and belt out some of the best karaoke I have ever listened to…. Some even had the dance moves down from their favorite 80’s songs. Q: If you could describe Leadership Jackson in one word, what would it be? A: Life-changing
LEADERSHIP JACKSON JACKSON CHAMBER
For more information on Leadership Jackson, visit its website at www.leadershipjackson.com. PG. 3
MEMBER NEWS
Local CPA Attends Annual Consultants’ Conference
West Tennessee native Bill Sipes of Sipes & Seaton CPA firm in Jackson, recently attended the 4-day National Association of Certified Valuators & Analysts Annual Consultants’ (NACVA) & Consultant Training Institute (CTI) Conference in our nation’s capital. The “super” conference consisted of 53 presenters representing the industry’s masters and emerging leaders, more than 7 technical and social opportunities to build and expand Sipes’ network and 57 sessions covering the latest developments in the accounting and financial consulting’s hottest growth niches. “We learned new skills, honing in on the ones we already have. We created new networks in order to succeed and grow our businesses,” stated Sipes. Sipes was recently appointed Co-Chair of the AICPA (American Institute of CPA’s) ABV exam review task force. He was also appointed to AICPA’s (American Institute of CPA’s) National Credential Committee for the ABV Credential and the Content Specification Outline Committee of the AICPA Exam to become Accredited in Business Valuation (2010-2011). In 2010, Sipes earned the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) Credential. He also has been appointed to the TSCPA (Tennessee Society of CPA’s) Forensic and Valuation Committee. The Sipes & Seaton firm specializes in business valuation and litigation support. Sipes has valued more than 100 commercial entities - from corporations to professional practices. He has been qualified as an expert witness by courts and is also an arbitrator for commercial damages with the American Arbitration Association. Sipes has authored several articles, and has taught more than 100 classes in the use of valuation software. He has been quoted by the Wall Street Journal in an article concerning valuation after the death of a partner in a business. While serving as a Certified Public Accountant for more than 35 years in Jackson, he is also a Business Valuator Accredited for Litigation (BVAL) by the Institute of Business Appraisers.
CHAMBER NEWS Jackson Chamber Wins National Award for Communications Excellence The Jackson Chamber has received an Award of Excellence in a national competition sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a national association of professionals who manage chambers of commerce. The Jackson Chamber received the award for Jackson’s latest branding campaign, “Jackson: Connect Here.” Chamber and CVB officials worked together with Jackson-based marketing firms Younger Associates and Sodium Halogen to develop the brand and build a website incorporating the chamber, economic development and tourism. “We have received a tremendous about of positive feedback regarding the new brand that was launched in 2012,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president and CEO of the chamber. “The brand is now beginning to establish equity and be recognized across the country.” The process for the campaign began in January 2012 with diverse focus groups helping define Jackson’s new brand. The chamber made a special effort to include a broad cross-section of the community in this process to make sure that many views were heard. In July 2012, Jackson Chamber unveiled the new logo and brand identity that is now shared by the City of Jackson, the Jackson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the chamber. The tagline, “Jackson: Connect Here,” reinforces the message that Jackson is a great place to connect to business opportunities, a sustainable quality of life and modern infrastructure—a place where you can connect with fiber optics, telecommunications, renewable energy and a growing community focus on wellness. The chamber’s Forward Jackson campaign, a $3.8 million, five-year economic development capital campaign funded by local investors, focused on four initiatives: regional and local economic development, education, wellness and public safety. The branding campaign is part of the economic development initiative. The 29th annual Awards for Communication Excellence program this year attracted 142 entries from chambers of all sizes across the U.S. A three-judge panel of chamber executives evaluates the entries and selects winners in four categories: advertising, electronic, publications and campaigns. “At the heart of every effective chamber of commerce you’ll find outstanding communications in a variety of media,” said ACCE President Mick Fleming. “We’re proud to highlight this truly exceptional communications work that chambers create as they advance the interests of their communities.”
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Get Connected With: Sunrise Recyclying Services Company name: Sunrise Recycling Services Address: 540 Mobile St. Phone Number: 731-298-4683 Website: www.recyclejackson.com Chamber Connection: What’s new with your organization? SRS: We have recently acquired new warehouse space for our electronics recycling program. The larger space has allowed us to broaden our scope, pursuing a greater number of commercial clients and more aggressively competing in the Memphis market. Chamber Connection: What’s helped your organization become successful in our community? SRS:The biggest asset we have had is the continued support of our great customers and word of mouth. Involvement with the chamber has provided networking opportunities, which have been tremendously helpful, as well. An online presence and social media has also played a key role in our success. Chamber Connection: What does your organization do that most people don’t know about? SRS: Some of our new customers tell us that they weren’t aware that curbside collection was available in Madison County. For those who are aware, many don’t realize that we accept glass in our program. Although we have sponsored the community electronics recycling events over the past several years, most people are also unaware that we collect electronics for recycling from businesses and households continuously throughout the year. Chamber Connection: What are some recent successes your organization has experienced? SRS: We have recently had several opportunities to broker materials for local manufacturers. Although this is an area of recycling that we didn’t foresee being involved in, we were able to increase the value of their materials through marketing, so we recognize a future potential may exist. Chamber Connection: What are some of the future goals of your organization? SRS: We hope to continue to grow our customer base and expand our service area, as well as types of services we offer. Organics is an area of landfill diversion that has been gaining ground over the last few years and composting is one of our greatest interests, which we hope to possibly incorporate into our business model in the future. Chamber Connection: What’s the biggest community project you’re working on right now? SRS: We are currently assisting in the implementation of recycling programs for local churches and universities. In addition, we are a sponsor of Area Relief Ministries, providing a recycling program for their facility. We are always available to provide recycling collection free of charge for any community or non-profit events.
Connect with Sunrise Recycling Services by clicking here. JACKSON CHAMBER
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NEW MEMBERS: JUNE 2013 Jackson Regional Women’s Center Kelly Williams, CMC 1040 Greystone Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 668-4455 www.jrwcmd.com Category: Physicians &/or Surgeons
Aero Academy International, LLC Ravi S. Virdi McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport 240 Grady Montgomery Dr., Hanger #6 Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 300-4798 www.aeroacademyintl.com Category: Aircraft - Schools Beyond Vogue Calista Joyce 11 Jackson Walk Plaza Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 616-3398 www.beyond-vogue.com Category: Clothing & Accessories - Ladies Biggs Financial Group/Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Brad Biggs 137 Stonebridge Blvd. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 300-4480 www.brad.biggs@raymondjames.com Category: Financial & Financial Advisors CarMax David Peach 1477 Vann Dr. Jackson, TN 38305 (714) 318-0660 www.carmax.com Category: Automobile Dealers
Jackson Walk Apartments Michelle Risher 102 Jackson Walk Plaza Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 554-9255 www.jacksonwalkapartments.com Category: Apartments LeapEnergy Investment and Trade, LLC Augustus Pela 1085 Hwy. 45 Bypass, Ste. 5 Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 300-0511 Category: Renewable Energy Systems RC Enterprises Richard R. Carlisle 208 Edwards Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 (615) 290-6260 www.trucutcnc.com Category: Industrial Equipment & Supplies SEB Recycling Solutions, LLC Chris Brauss 96 American Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 803-1228 www.sebrecyclingsolutions.com Category: Recycling
D&C Plumbing Services Dennis Cheatem 163 Plantation Rd. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 420-2936 Category: Plumbing
VERACIOUS MASSAGE THERAPY by ALLEN Terry J. Allen, LMT, AMTA 1356 Hollywood Dr. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 225-2240 www.veraciousmassagebyallen.com Category: Massage
Family Care Walk-In Clinic Harrison Hayes 400 US Hwy. 45 W. Humboldt, TN 38343 (731) 300-4567 www.walknclinic.com Category: Clinics & Medical Groups HelmsBriscoe Tenille Roberts 430 Roland Ave. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 803-3661 www.helmsbriscoe.com Category: Wedding &/or Event Planner Humphreys Associates, Inc. Shane Lynch 3300 Mitchell St. Humboldt, TN 38343 (731) 693-0349 Category: Appraisers
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RENEWING MEMBERS: JUNE 2013 Accurate Communications ACME Brick Allstate-Hughes Insurance Agency American Johnny American Red Cross - Jackson Area Chapter Art in the Village ATA Technologies, LLC Backyard Barbecue Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bath Brush & Beyond Baymont Inn and Suites Benefits First, LLC Brooksie’s Barn Byrd & Byrd Attorneys at Law, PLLC Camellia Trace Apartments Chick-fil-A Christian Culbreath, D.D.S. City Florist Clay Williams & Associates, Inc. Complete Restoration, Inc. Cornerstone Health Services Group, Inc. Cowart Reese Sargent, CPA’s, PC Coyote Blues Crane Service, Inc. Cross Gate Services, Inc. Dennis Mitchell’s Automotive Center Designs by Julie DoubleTree by Hilton-Jackson Dusty’s Outdoor Media, LLC Edward Jones Investments Environmental 1 F. N. Sheppard & Co. Farmers & Merchants Bank Ferguson Brothers, Inc. First South Bank First Tennessee Bank FMY Orthodontics, PC Geisler Young, LLC Gold’s Gym Golden Circle Insurance Agency, Inc. Graham Snack Foods, Inc. Hadley’s Heavenly Ham Hensley Enterprises ING Financial Partners, LLC International Assn. of Admin. Prof., Jackson Chapter Jackson Area Business and Professional Women Jackson Arts Council Jackson Chiropractic Center Jackson Transit Authority Jimmy Eldridge, State Representative Journey Church King Bradley Dozer Services LegalShield/Consumer and Business Protection Group Longhorn Steakhouse Los Portales Luna Masonry Maxim Healthcare Services
Merry Maids of Greater Jackson Michael W. King, DDS, PLC Milan Express Co., Inc. Moe’s Southwest Grill Nell Huntspon Flower Box Northside Medical Clinic, PC Northside United Methodist Church Northwestern Mutual Office Max #387 Old Country Store Old Hickory Rotary Club Party Mart Liquors & Wines, Inc. Plato’s Closet Polly Brasher, CPA, P.C. Post House North Pratt Ind. (USA) Corrugating Div. Primary Care Specialists-South R & J Feed Supply Company, Inc. Range USA, Inc. Regional Home Care Residence Inn by Marriott Ridgecrest Cellars Wine & Spirits RJ Young Company Rodan and Fields, Dermatologists Signs First of Madison County SnagMob.com Snells of Jackson St. Mary’s Catholic School Stanley Black & Decker State Farm Insurance-Brandon Jones State Farm Insurance-Howard Bond State Farm Insurance-Wes Harris Taylor Diesel Service of Jackson The Barrel Wine & Spirits Co. The Greer Campaign The Kellogg Company The Marston Group, PLC, CPA’s & Business Advisors The Oaks Apartments TSS Industrial Packaging, LLC Volunteer International Warm Hearts Care-West Wild Sophistication, Inc.
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RIBBON CUTTINGS: JUNE 2013 Ambassadors with Perfect Attendance, June 2013: Kathy Canovan, Rodan & Fields Joyce Corley, FirstBank Amanda Davenport, Complete Restoration, Inc.
Comfort Keepers 231-C North Parkway Jackson, TN 38305 731-664-7664 www.comfortkeepers.com Category: Assisted Living
Dermatology Clinic of Jackson 1320 Union University Drive Jackson, TN 38305 731-422-7999 www.dermjax.com Category: Clinics & Medical Groups
PARTNERS-IN-EDUCATION: Welcome to our newest Partners-in-Education: Hub City Blueprint & Supply Company, Inc. The Montessori School at Bemis
Janet DiChiara, EXIT Select Realty Sarah Estes, The Jackson Sun Michele Jackson, Jackson Transit Authority Delita Johnson, Crimestoppers Wendi Johnson, Baymont Inn & Suites Norwood Jones, Old Country Land Office Kathy Kitzman, WBBJ-TV Dawn Mooney, PC Paladins
ABOVE: Gary Grisham, Chairman of the Board of The Bank of Jackson, presented a $500 check to the Jackson-Madison County School System Day Treatment Program Director Theresa Guthrey. The Day Treatment Program won the Golden Apple drawing at the Education Recognition Breakfast.
DID YOU KNOW?...
Proud Sponsor of the Jackson Chamber Education Programs
+ 97 percent of your chamber dues are tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
+ 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.
+ 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.
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS: JUNE 2013 Total Labor Force
April ’13
April ‘12
Madison County
49,730
49,040
1.4%
49,800
48,260
3.2%
Jackson MSA (Madison & Chester Counties)
58,110
57,160
1.7%
58,210
56,290
3.4%
3,113,600
3,073,700
1.3%
3,102,700
3,077,900
0.8%
0.7%
154,512,000
154,316,000
0.1%
March ’12
Rate Change
Tennessee
Rate Change
United States 154,975,000 153,905,000 Unemployment
April ’13
April ‘12
Madison County 8.2% 8.2% Jackson MSA 8.2% 8.0% (Madison & Chester Counties) Tennessee 8.0% 7.6% United States 8.1% 7.7%
Sales Tax Collected
June ‘13
June ‘12
City of Jackson
$3,688,524
$3,489,998
Madison County $3,967,009
$3,788,386
Rate Change
March ’13
March ’13
March ’12
0.0%
8.1%
8.4%
-0.3%
0.2%
8.2%
8.3%
-0.1%
04%
8.1%
8.1%
0.0%
0.4%
7.6%
8.4%
-0.8%
Rate Change
May ’13
May ‘12
5.7%
$3,958,574
$3,988,981
-0.8%
4.7%
$4,240,341
$4,303,289
-1.5%
Building Permits
Residential
Number Issued Permit Value
June ‘13
June ‘12
May '13
May '12
16 $3,104,000
14 $2,188,000
14 $2,341,000
13 $3,130,000
16 $5,294,257
33 $4,356,644
14 $2,476,360
12 $3,982,516
Commercial
Number Issued Permit Value
JACKSON CHAMBER
Rate Change
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Rate Change
Jackson Chamber Staff Directory
Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO kspurgeon@jacksontn.com
Russell Cook, Manager of Accounting rcook@jacksontn.com
Lisa Cothran, Manager, Membership Development, lcothran@jacksontn.com
Kristy Dorris, Receptionist kdorris@jacksontn.com
Shirley Jones, 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
Ryan Porter, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & General Counsel, rporter@jacksontn.com
Megan Seals, Communications Coordinator, mseals@jacksontn.com
Brandy Stutsman, Administrative Assistant, Business Services & West Tennessee Business Resource Center, bstutsman@jacksontn.com
Judy Renshaw, Sr. Vice President, Business & Community Services, jrenshaw@jacksontn.com
Carolyn Vaughan, Membership Development Coordinator, cvaughan@jacksontn.com
CONNECT WITH US!
Joyce Welch, Executive Assistant, jwelch@jacksontn.com
Mandy White, Vice President, Economic Development, mwhite@jacksontn.com
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www.jacksontn.com
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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