MARCH 2013
CHAMBER CONNECTION THE JACKSON CHAMBER'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
INSIDE: Chamber Awards Local Businesses and Volunteers at Annual Celebration pg. 2 LyondellBasell Honored with Above and Beyond Award pg. 6
Chamber Awards Local Businesses and Volunteers at Annual Celebration
Around 275 people attended the Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration, where businesses, an industry and non-profit organization were honored on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the Union University Carl Grant Events Center. “The Celebration” also honored the chamber’s volunteers, and highlighted the businesses that have made an extra effort to achieve excellence through high standards, professional accomplishments and community contributions. “They do so much for our community,” said Roy Heatherly, Chairman of Jackson Chamber Board. “They invested their time and money. They’ve called Jackson their home and put money into our economy and give us jobs. As a chamber member and Jackson citizen, I’m very thankful for them and we want to celebrate them.”
Emerging Business of the Year: Plato’s Closet SnagMob.Com
Business of the Year (1-49 Employees): Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts
Emerging Business of the Year: SnagMob.Com & Plato’s Closet
Business of the Year (50+ Employees): Woman’s Clinic, P.A. Industry of the Year: TBDN Tennessee Company
Non-Profit of the Year: The Dream Center
Non-Profit of the Year: The Dream Center
Business of the Year (1-49 Employees): Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts
Volunteer of the Year: Ray Holder West Tennessee Healthcare Health and Wellness Award: Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C.
West Tennessee Healthcare Health & Wellness Award: Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C.
Volunteer of the Year: Ray Holder
Industry of the Year: TBDN Tennessee Company
Business of the Year (50+ Employees): Woman’s Clinic, P.A.
2013 Annual Celebration Award Winners
JACKSON CHAMBER
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Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Spotlight Greg H. Parsons, LJAA 2013 Board Treasurer, FirstBank Greg H. Parsons was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia. He graduated from Southeast Whitfield High School in 1995 with honors and all area selection in basketball and soccer. He graduated college in 1999 from Union University with a degree in Finance and a minor in Christian Studies and, while in college, he was active in Lambda Chi Alpha. Parsons received his MBA from Kennesaw State University in 2007. Parsons has had a career in banking since 1998 in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia for various banks. He married in February 2002 to Cassie (Smith) Parsons and they have four children – Marcus (7), Luke (5), Kate (3), and Ellen (almost 1). Parsons has been involved in many organizations, such as Vice Chairman of the Whitfield County – Dalton Day Care Center, Junior Achievement, Board member of the Jackson TN chapter of the American Red Cross, Leadership Dalton-Whitfield (2006), Leadership Jackson (2008 class, Vice Chair 2009, Chair 2010), and past member of the Jackson Exchange Club. He currently serves as the President of the Housing Corporation for Lambda Chi Alpha – Lambda Zeta Chapter at Union University, serves on the Finance Committee of the West Tennessee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Member for the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association where he serves as the Chairman of the Professional Development Committee, Member of Kiwanis Club of Jackson where he serves on the Membership Committee, Loan Committee Member for the Southwest Tennessee Development District, and continues to coach his children in basketball, soccer, and football. Parsons is an avid University of Georgia fan, religious history and theology junkie and political nerd. He enjoyes time with his family, reading and being outside together.
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LEADERSHIP JACKSON
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MEMBER NEWS HORNE LLP Promotes Taylor to Director HORNE LLP, one of the nation’s top accounting and business advisory firms, announced in February that Karen Taylor, CPA, has been named the director of business advisory and accounting services. Taylor works in the firm’s Jackson, Tennessee, location and leads a multi-state team of professionals providing a variety of advisory and accounting services, including customized, real-time accounting solutions. She provides a significant amount of consulting services in conjunction with small business accounting and tax services. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Accountancy from Union University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the West Tennessee Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. Taylor joined HORNE in 2004 and has more than 25 years of public accounting experience providing accounting and tax services. For more information on HORNE LLP, visit www.horne-llp.com.
ABOVE: Karen Taylor, CPA, HORNE LLP, was promoted director of business advisory and accounting services.
USJ Selects Experienced Educator For New Head Of School After an extensive search, University School of Jackson named Stuart Hirstein its new Head of School. Hirstein – with 23 years of independent school, business, and leadership experience – replaces Clay Lilienstern, who is returning to Houston after six years as USJ’s top administrator. Hirstein will begin his new job July 1. “I am absolutely honored and humbled to have been selected as USJ’s next Head of School,” said Hirstein. “When my wife, Mimi, and I visited USJ earlier in February, we saw a vibrant school community of happy kids, committed faculty, and supportive parents. Becoming a part of USJ just felt right to us.” Since 2005, Hirstein has been associate headmaster at Island Pacific Academy, an independent, pre-kindergarten through ABOVE: Stuart 12th-grade school with 650 students in Kapolei, Hawaii. He served as the institution’s chief operating officer and chief financial Hirstein, will serve officer, was responsible for the school’s day-to-day operations, and was chief mediator for employee and parent issues. as the new Head of He also served as the school’s Academic Department chair and was responsible for recruiting faculty and staff. His accomplish- School for USJ. ments at Island Pacific included leading the team that created the school’s International Baccalaureate Program, and starting an orchestra program, college counseling office, marketing program, and athletic department. “With his background in school administration and finance, Stuart is the perfect candidate to meet the demanding expectations of USJ’s Head of School,” said Steve Maroney, chairman of the USJ Board of Trustees. “We’re confident he will continue USJ’s tradition of excellence in education as West Tennessee’s college preparatory school.” Hirstein was a National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Fellow for Aspiring Heads of School and a Hawaii Emerging Leader Fellow. He is a consultant for other NAIS schools and received International Baccalaureate training in 2010. He has a master’s in business administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J, and a bachelor’s in secondary education from Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn. He attended college on a baseball scholarship. After graduating from Tusculum, he began his career as a high school teacher and then decided to join the U.S. Army to serve his country in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. A decorated Gulf War veteran, he completed several successful combat missions in Iraq. Before joining Island Pacific Academy, Hirstein was a product manager at Bank of Hawaii in Kapolei and manager of secondary marketing for Lehman Brothers in New York City. The Hirsteins have four children.
Mike Yates is Named Stone World Fabricator Of The Year The 2013 Nominating Committee for Stone World magazine named Mike Yates of Counter Solutions,LLC in Jackson, Tennessee, as Fabricator of the Year. The award was presented at StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Criteria for the award is as follows: • cooperation in sharing technology with the industry • willingness to pioneer in the use of new technology • fostering educational programs for the training of stoneworkers in industry methods • promoting technological progress through association work For more information on Counter Solutions, LLC, visit its website at www.yourcountersolutions.com or call at 731-427-2167.
Have news you want to share with us?... Send us your member news & photos to mseals@jacksontn.com. JACKSON CHAMBER
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ABOVE: Mike Yates of Counter Solution (right) was presented with the 2012 “Fabricator of the Year” Award by Stone World Editor Michael Reis.
MEMBER NEWS
Alexander Thompson Arnold CPA Announces Employee Achievements
Alexander Thompson Arnold CPA 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: • Scotty Alsup, CPA, CBA (Dyersburg, Tennessee) and Jay Davis, CPA (Union City, Tenn.) have been promot- ABOVE: Bill Parnell (left) and Mitzi Travis (right). ed to Senior Manager; • Beth Bartlett, CPA (Dyersburg, Tennessee) is now Manager; • Mitzi Travis, CPA (Jackson, Tennessee); Trent Duncan (Union City, Tenn.); and Bill Parnell (Milan, Tenn.) have been promoted to Senior Accountant. These ATA team members have recently passed the Uniform CPA Examination: • Mitzi Travis (Jackson, Tennessee) • John Young (Dyersburg, Tennessee) • Sara Mitchell Pope (Martin, Tennessee) • Ben Woods (Union City, Tennessee) 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.
Steele Martin Jones & Company, PLC Names Kevin R. McKenzie, CPA as Partner Steele Martin Jones & Company announced that Kevin R. McKenzie, CPA, CGMA has been named partner. McKenzie joined the firm in December 2001, emphasizing small and medium size business accounting as well as other comprehensive tax services. McKenzie earned his bachelors in accounting from Bethel University. He is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, of which he is the current Vice President for the West TN Chapter. McKenzie recently became CGMA certified through AICPA. He is a lifelong resident of Decatur County, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
JAMMIN’ JACKSON Introduces Steve Harvey Forever Communications-WOGY, WYNU, TJ Network, announced the newest addition to its hot, new station JAMMIN’ JACKSON. On Monday, March 4, Forever Communications launched new morning show to the Jackson, Tennessee market. Steve Harvey debuted in Jackson from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Saturday on JAMMIN’ JACKSON’S 97.7. WYJJ – JJ 97.7 “JAMMIN JACKSON” is a 50,000 watt FM station programmed as Urban Adult Contemporary with a target demo of women 25 to 49. This fun, upbeat radio station is filled with promotions, games and give-aways to keep the audience involved.
Have news you want to share with us?... Send us your member news & photos to mseals@jacksontn.com. JACKSON CHAMBER
PG. 5
INDUSTRIAL NEWS
LyondellBasell Honored with Above and Beyond Award Company Recognized for Commitment to U.S. Guard and Reservists
LyondellBasell, and its subsidiary Equistar Chemicals, have been presented the ‘Above and Beyond’ award from an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The honor distinguishes American employers that go above and beyond with support and cooperation to their employees who serve in the U.S. Guard and Reserve. “We’re truly appreciative of our employees who dedicate their time and lives in serving our country”, said LyondellBasell Director of Manufacturing Tom Srnka. “We feel it’s our responsibility to provide them with the benefits and support they need while deployed. The LyondellBasell Military Leave of Absence policy provides a variety of accommodations for active-duty employees; including salary supplements, medical insurance continuation and job security. “I feel honored to recognize a great company like LyondellBasell in their efforts to support our brave men and women in uniform”, said Terry Buckley, ESGR West Tennessee Division Area Chairman. Greg Wadley, Health, Safety and Environment Specialist for the Jackson site and active Guard member nominated LyondellBasell site manager Rebecca White for the ‘Patriot’ award, the first of three awards the ESGR gives out. The company is now qualified to receive the highest honor, the ‘Freedom’ award given to only 15 companies across the United States. “This is a perfect example of what a great employer LyondellBasell is,” said Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris. “They are an employer that supports its associates both at and away from the plant.” “LyondellBasell is an outstanding community partner,” said City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist. “LyondellBasell gives back to it associates, while its associates give back to the community.” More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com.
Delta Faucet Employees take trip to St. Jude St. Jude Hospital representative, Chris Beck, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all 749 Delta Faucet, Jackson employees. He was openly surprised at the increase in monetary contributions from its 2012 efforts as compared to the previous year to which Delta Faucet associates proudly responded “See What Delta Can Do.” A group of 11 employees traveled to the Children’s hospital on Friday, January 25 to make a presentation to St. Jude and tour the hospital. During the tour, there was barely a dry eye in the crowd as they gained a true ABOVE: A group of Delta Faucet associates traveled to St. Jude understanding of what Delta Faucet’s efforts really Children’s Hospital on Friday, mean to those children. It was educational to learn the January 25. In 2012, Delta Faucet history of the hospital and its purpose. The employees contributed $15,600 to the chillearned about new construction to the hospital while dren’s hospital. the tour motivated them to work harder. The van ride from Memphis back to plant quickly turned into a traveling brainstorming meeting down I40. The employees shared their ideas on what fundraising concepts worked last year and what could have been done better. In 2012, Delta Faucet contributed $15,600 to the hospital. Throughout the course of the year, Delta Faucet also had several fundraisers to raise money, such as “Taste of Delta” plant wide, on-site company pie in the face bidding event, 5K race, several silent auctions and they even sold tickets on site plant wide for a vacation day raffle. Acts such as these and many others all over the plant, show that Jackson employees truly live out Delta’s company values; “We are socially responsible corporate citizens who respect the environment and our communities.” Delta Faucet encourages its employees to become involved in some type of volunteer opportunity in 2013. Volunteering can build team spirit in various departments and acquaint associates with new faces in other areas of the plant. For more information about Delta Faucet Company, visit www.deltafaucet.com.
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ABOVE: LyondellBasell, and its subsidiary Equistar Chemicals, were presented the ‘Above and Beyond’ award from an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
CHAMBER NEWS Chamber Employee Gradutes from 2013 TCCE Institute Megan Seals, the Communications Coordinator for the Jackson Chamber, graduated Tuesday, March 12 from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Institute. ABOVE: Megan Seals, CommuInstitute is a two year nications Coordinator, Jackson Chamber, was presented with her program sponsored by graduation diploma from 2013 Inthe Tennessee Chamber stitute Chairman, Bettye Sisco and of Commerce ExecuTCCE President, Allen Hester. tives, which aids in the advancement of leadership development of those in the field of Chambers of Commerce. TCCE Institute graduates learn about all aspects of Chamber Management.
Get Connected With: The Jackson Clinic Company name: The Jackson Clinic Phone Number: 731.422.0213 Website: www.jacksonclinic.com Chamber Connection: What’s new with your organization? TJC: We recently achieved Level II Patient Centered Medical Home Accreditation through NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance). Using a set of standards that describe clear and specific criteria, the program emphasizes organizing care around patients, working in teams and coordinating and tracking care over time. The program milestones are hard to attain – very few organizations in the Southeastern states have earned a Level II designation under the newest, higher standards for the program. Chamber Connection: What’s helped your organization become successful in our community? TJC: Innovation and being the first to introduce new ideas is an important part of our culture. Having the primary care providers and specialists in the same group facilitates coordination of the patient’s care makes the care process much more efficient. In 1997 we introduced the use of “hospitalists” physicians to West Tennessee – these doctors specialize in the management of patients during an inpatient hospital stay. Now, almost every hospital nationwide uses hospitalists. The Jackson Clinic was an early adopter (1999) of comprehensive electronic medical records. Now the healthcare system is seeing widespread adoption of electronic records – more than a decade after we adopted them. Chamber Connection: What does your organization do that most people don’t know about? TJC: The Jackson Clinic is one of the very few group practices in this country which has a sabbatical program for its physicians. After seven years of practice at The Clinic, and then every five years thereafter, The Clinic pays our physicians to take two months away from daily work to get rested, and to catch up on what’s happened in their specialty since they were trained. It’s a continuing education mechanism that allows them to stay the best in their field – very much like they were when we recruited them. Chamber Connection: What are some recent successes your organization has experienced? TJC: We have actually “bent the cost curve” for our patients in the state employee health plan; while the state average is about a 4 percent increase in overall costs per year, we have achieved a small decrease in the costs to care for our patients, while at the same time meeting some stringent quality metrics that show our patients are getting excellent care. Chamber Connection: Do you have any community projects you are involved in? TJC: In the past few months we refurbished The Jackson Clinic learning lab for the Boys & Girls Club. We provided the original funds for the learning center several years ago. We are long- time supporters of March of Dimes, Relay for Life and The Jackson Arts Council. We are proud to present The Jackson Symphony’s Christmas Pops concert every year for over 30 years. Chamber Connection: What challenges does your organization face? TJC: Healthcare provider organizations face many challenges over the next three to five years with the rapidly changing healthcare delivery system. When governments and bureaucracies design a healthcare delivery system, the result tends to be unduly bureaucratic. Having physician-led groups that can demonstrate how things can work efficiently should be helpful to any reform effort. This much is known for certain: healthcare delivery as we have known it will change. Although The Jackson Clinic is well positioned to survive and thrive through the changes, it will be a challenge. Chamber Connection: What are some of the future goals of your organization? TJC: The Jackson Clinic will continue to recruit quality, caring physicians, and an efficient, knowledgeable staff, whose goal is to provide the highest level of medical care available in an environment that is comfortable to our patients.
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NEW MEMBERS: FEBRUARY 2013 The Conservatory at Dutch Garden Center Bas van Buuren 63. N. Madison Dr. Humboldt, TN 38343 731-784-9494 www.dutchgardencenter.com Category: Wedding &/or Event Venue
Reasons Engineering & Associates, Inc. Tony M. Reasons 463 State Rt. 187 Medina, TN 38355 (731) 423-1607 Category: Engineering, Surveying & Development
The Downtown Dogs Group, Inc. Michelle James P.O. Box 3043 Jackson, TN 38303 www.downtowndogsrescue.org Category: NonProfit Organizations
Safety By Design Consultant Services Lee Shelby 8 Steeplechase Dr. Jackson, TN 38305 (901) 825-8384 www.sbdcs.com Category: Consulting Services
Dutch Garden Center Bas van Buuren 63 N. Madison Dr. Humboldt, TN 38343 731-784-9494 www.dutchgardencenter.com Category: Garden Centers & Nurseries
Social Graces Events, LLC Suzanne Dement 7 Kinnewick Cove Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 499-1350 www.jointhesocial.com Category: Wedding &/or Event Planner
Estate & Elder Planning Center of West Tennessee Gary J. White 1960 Mt. Moriah Dr. Whiteville, TN 38075-7216 901-231-2010 Category: Estate Planning Farmers Insurance - Mike Richards Mike Richards 1030 Greystone Square Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 499-0143 www.farmersagent.com/mrichards Category: Insurance
DID YOU KNOW?...
+97 percent of your chamber dues are tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
+ 6,579 - Number of direct manufacturing, distribution, and call center jobs created in Madison County by chamber economic development initiatives in the last ten years.
Healthy and Happy Naturally Susan Grobmyer 618 N. Highland Ave. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 736-2434 www.healthyandhappynaturally.com Category: Health & Wellness Integrated Communications John Atkinson 335 Bellvue St. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 427-9851 www.iciwireless.com Category: Wireless Communications
+ 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.
Laurelwood Health Care Center Barbara Park 200 Birch St. Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 422-5641 www.laurelwoodhealthcare.com Category: Nursing Homes
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RENEWING MEMBERS: FEBRUARY 2013 1st Choice Realty, Inc. Allstate-Tina Clark Agency American Cancer Society Audette’s Academy for Early Learning Bell Shirt & Sign Co. Bemis Gin & Warehouse Co. Benefit Consulting Services, Inc. BLT Associates BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. Brooksie’s Barn Cancer Care Center Carlisle Transportation Products Cheddar’s Casual Cafe’ Christian Brothers Automotive-Jackson City Lumber Co. Cody’s Saloon & Dance Hall Coldwell Banker Real Estate Now-Peggy Graves Comfort Suites Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Jackson-Madison Co. Cornerstone Health Services Group, Inc. Cowart Reese Sargent, CPA’s, PC Creekside Center for Depression and TMS Davidson Titles, Inc. Deviney Construction Co. Edward Jones Investments Eye Clinic, P.C. Fair Oaks Faith Express, Inc. Finishing Brands FirstBank Ford Construction Company Four Seasons Nursery & Garden Center, LLC Freed Hardeman University FSB Insurance GCO Carpet Outlet George A. Smith & Sons Greg Jackson, C.P.A. Guesthouse Inn H & R Block Hampton Inn and Suites Jackson HCB Development Highland Place Bed & Breakfast Inn Hope HealthCare of West Tennessee, Inc. Intrepid USA J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers Inc. Jackson Construction Jackson Generals Baseball Club Jackson Seventh-Day Adventist Church Jackson State Community College Johnny Mullens, CPA Jostens Kenny Pipe and Supply, Inc. Kroger Co. Kustom Machining & Mfg. Lakeland Spring Water Co. LIFELINE Blood Services LyondellBasell Industries Manpower West Tennessee
Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts McCoy’s Heating & Air Merrill Lynch Mid-South Color Labs, Inc. Minor Request, LLC-Concierge/Personal Assistant Services Miss Tennessee Pageant Inc. Moss, Benton & Wallis, PLLC Murray Guard Inc. Nell Huntspon Flower Box NHC Healthcare Milan Norwood Family Eye Care, LLC Parker’s Flooring Parkway Animal Hospital Preferred Plus Financial Corp. Premier Place Catering Process & Power Red Lobster Refreshments of Tennessee, Inc. Regions Bank Robert Rainey, DDS Saver’s Painting and Wallcovering, LLC Security Finance Sodium Halogen Solus Performance Training Southwest Human Resource Agency Sparky’s Pizzeria & Grill Stanley Steemer of Jackson State Farm Insurance-Wes Harris Steel Fab, Inc. Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt & Treats The Barber School The Wallace - Harris Company Tri County Family Medicine & Urgent Care Turner Dairies Inc. U.S. Farathane Corporation University of Tennessee Extension-Madison County Vineyards Gifts, Inc. Volunteer Technology Systems Wal Mart #335 Waldrop & Hall, PA West Tennessee Construction Services, LLC West Tennessee Examiner West Tennessee Healthcare West Tennessee State Fair Woman’s Clinic, P.A. WSBF Warehousing/Mid South Warehousing YP-Formerly AT&T Advertising Solutions
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RIBBON CUTTINGS: FEBRUARY 2013
International House of Pancakes IHOP #4441 9 Stonebridge Blvd. 731-660-3440 www.ihop.com Category: Restaurants
Madison County Veterans Service Office 1981 Hollywood Drive 731-660-6221, ext. 3825 www.co.madison.tn.us Category: NonProfit Organizations
VISIT OUR CALENDAR AT WWW.JACKSONTN.COM TO SEE OUR UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING SCHEDULE!
LIFT Wellness Center 101 Jackson Walk Plaza 731.427.7048 www.liftjackson.com Category: Fitness Clubs
Welcome to the new Jackson Chamber Ambassadors! Charles Adams, Walgreen’s Pharmacy South; Anne Coffman, Fox Collection Center; Janet DiChiara, EXIT Select Realty; Viktor Horton, Bethel University; Jenny Jackson, Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts; Dawn Mooney, PC Paladins; Cathy Nelson, MAA; Hope Patterson, Skyline Cardiovascular Institute; Rhonda Tull, Tull Brothers, Inc.; Debra Utley, Morningside of Jackson; Sandra White, St. John’s Community Services; Phillip Wright, McDonnell Insurance; and our returning Ambassador, Delita Johnson, Crime Stoppers.
Ambassadors with Perfect Attendance
FEBRUARY 2013:
Ambassadors Awarded Pins Some of the Jackson Chamber’s Ambassadors were presented perfect attendance pins for the months of October, November, December and January by City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist at the February Ambassador Breakfast. (Pictured, Left to Right): Joyce Corley, FirstBank; Sarah Estes, The Jackson Sun; Mayor Jerry Gist; Karen Ashley, Allegra Print & Imaging; Kathy Canovan, Rodan & Fields; Anita Donaldson, West Tennessee Business College; Heath Williams, 2013 Ambassador Chairman. (Not Pictured): Jason Jacobus, Morningside of Jackson; Norwood Jones, Old Country Land Office; Cindy Reece, Victory Honda.
2013 Ambassador Leadership Announced at Breakfast New Ambassador leadership was announced at the Ambassador breakfast in February. The 2013 Chairman will be Heath Williams, George A. Smith & Sons. The Vice Chairman for 2013 is Wendi Johnson, Baymont Inn & Suites, who will become Chairman in 2014. (Pictured, Left to Right): 2013 Chairman Heath Williams presenting a plaque of appreciation to outgoing Chairman, Judy Leforgee, Union University.
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Charles Adams, Walgreens Pharmacy, South Joyce Corley, FirstBank Robert Davis, Manpower Professional Janet DiChiara, EXIT Select Realty Bruce Dorris, Jackson Energy Authority Amy Dove, Workcare Resources Wendi Johnson, Baymont Inn & Suites Judy Leforgee, Union University Dawn Mooney, PC Paladins Cathy Nelson, MAA Jared Nolen, Benefits First Debra Utley, Morningside of Jackson Leann Williams, Ameritas Phillip Wright, McDonnell Insurance
ECONOMIC INDICATORS: MARCH 2013 Total Labor Force
Jan. ’13
Jan. ‘12
Madison County
48,940
47,990
Jackson MSA (Madison & Chester Counties)
57,180
3,129,800
Tennessee
Rate Change
Dec. ’12
Dec. ’11
1.6%
48,940
48,150
1.6%
55,880
2.4%
57,180
55,860
2.4%
3,054,000
1.0%
3,129,000
3,099,800
1.0%
1.0%
154,904,000
153,373,000
1.0%
United States 154,904,000 152,536,000 Unemployment
Jan. ’13
Jan. ‘12
Madison County 8.0% 8.9% Jackson MSA 8.0% 9.0% (Madison & Chester Counties) Tennessee 7.6% 8.7%
United States 7.6% 8.8%
Sales Tax Collected
Feb. ‘13
Feb. ‘12
$5,390,611
$5,245,455
Madison County $5,727,356
$5,574,894
City of Jackson
Rate Change
Dec. ’12
Dec. ’11
Residential
Number Issued Permit Value
Feb. ‘13
Feb. ‘12
13 $3,156,000
12 $2,101,000
8.0%
8.8%
-0.8%
-9.0%
8.0%
8.7%
-0.7%
-8.7%
7.6%
8.1%
-0.5%
-8.8%
7.6%
8.3%
-0.7%
Rate Change
Jan. ’13
Jan. ‘12
Rate Change
2.8%
$3,822,828
$3,682,097
3.8%
2.7%
$4,076,849
$3,964,858
1.4%
11 $3,023,782
12 $2,785,500
Jan.'13 16 $3,054,800
Jan. '12 10 $2,410,000
Commercial
Number Issued Permit Value
JACKSON CHAMBER
Rate Change
-8.9%
Building Permits
Rate Change
4 $1,436,569
PG. 11
12 $2,051,805
Jackson Chamber Staff Directory
Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO kspurgeon@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
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
Carolyn Vaughan, Membership Development Coordinator, cvaughan@jacksontn.com
Ryan Porter, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & General Counsel, rporter@jacksontn.com
Joyce Welch, Executive Assistant, jwelch@jacksontn.com
CONNECT WITH US!
Mandy White, Vice President, Economic Development, mwhite@jacksontn.com
www.jacksontn.com JACKSON CHAMBER
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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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