FFO FFO Home store is located on 1505 Vann Drive in Jackson.

FFO Home will celebrate the company’s 34-year anniversary in January 2018. The top 100 furniture retailer will celebrate this anniversary in all 47 stores, including the Jackson location on 1505 Vann Dr. The celebration of their 34th Anniversary Savings Celebration, features special lower pricing on items ending in 34, exclusive limited time buys, and several giveaways throughout the month like a power recliner from the brand’s own Comfort Home living room line. Larry Zigerelli, President and CEO stated, “We look forward to celebrating our 34-year anniversary with our customers next month. Loyal customers are the reason FFO Home has had such a robust history and our best year to date. We want to thank our current and future customers during our anniversary”.

2017 has been a big year for the company as they opened ten new stores -- the most in any of the brand’s 34-year history -- including their 47th location in Longview, TX on December 29th. FFO Home partnered with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their Dream Home Giveaway in several cities through their 5 year partnership, and the company continued to contribute to the communities they operate in through events and charitable activities.

The company opened its first store on Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1984 (known then as Furniture Factory Outlet) and is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They have grown to 47 stores across the 7 state area of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee, and the future is looking bright with plans for continued aggressive expansion.

FFO Home offers a broad selection of furniture for the home including living room, bedroom, dining room, mattresses and adjustable lift bases, and a great selection of home décor such as tables, lamps, rugs, and accent items. FFO Home brings the latest in style and value so there is something for everyone. FFO Home boasts prices of up to 50% lower than other furniture retailers, and features name brands such as Serta, Broyhill, and Flexsteel, as well as its own Natural Elements mattress line manufactured in Fort Smith, AR and its new Comfort Home line of living room furniture, including recliners and reclining sofas, both offering customers a wide selection of quality items at significant savings. In addition to a great selection of furniture at the lowest prices every day, FFO Home provides a variety of flexible furniture financing options to fit any family’s budget, and the ability to take the purchased product home the same day. Come visit the all new FFO Home -- "For great quality furniture and mattresses at the lowest prices in town." Visit ffohome.com for more details.

United Way

While most people are spending the holidays getting ready for dinners and parties with friends, United Way of West Tennessee is spending the week moving. After 14 years on the corner of North Highland Avenue and Campbell St., United Way of West Tennessee is relocating to 470 North Parkway, Suite B. in Jackson.

“We looked at many possible locations to best suit the needs of our communities,” says Scott Conger, United Way CEO & President. “We decided that the building on North Parkway will provide the most opportunity for our organization to continue to grow.”

The new location has excellent visibility on the corner of North Parkway and Wallace and offers plenty of space for the organization.

“With this larger space, we will be sharing space with District 7 Adult Education,” says Conger. “There is additional room to pursue partnerships with other nonprofits in the future.”

United Way of West Tennessee will officially open in their new location on January 2, 2018. Please continue to send mail to: P.O. Box 2086 Jackson, TN, 38302.

United Way of West Tennessee is a local, volunteer-driven organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. UWWT is proud to serve 14 counties in West Tennessee: Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Madison, McNairy, and Weakley. For more information on United Way of West Tennessee, please visit Unitedway.TN.org.

Jackson Chamber's January 2018 Video News includes information on upcoming chamber events and our focus for the new year. It also includes ribbon cuttings, new members, and our Member Connection interview that highlights The Dream Center of Jackson. See the full length Member Connection video.

Video Newsletter transcript:

Jackson Chamber President/CEO, Kyle Spurgeon: Happy New Year, well, almost. We're wrapping up 2017, we're moving into 2018 and a lot of people like me, or others that you might watch on social media, they're gonna do a list about 2017, what we're looking forward to in 2018. I'm just gonna tell you there's one thing that transcends all year that we need to make sure we focus on, continue to focus, that's support of our public schools. Continue doing that in 2018. We've got some elections coming up. Support those candidates that support our public schools. And to stay up-to-date with everything else on the business side, look at our website, JacksonTN.com.

Events:

Manager of Member Engagement, Alexis Long: Want to know the state of small business in Jackson, Madison County? Members, register for Business @ 212 with Kyle Surgeon, Mayor Gist, and Mayor Harris on January 11 from 7:45 - 9 a.m. at the Jackson Chamber.

Jackson Young Professionals, find out how to make your community a better place with a county commission update on January 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University.

Quarterly Membership Breakfast hosts superintendent, Dr. Eric Jones, on workforce development, education, and his 10-year capital plan on January 19th at 7:30 a.m.

Join us for Member Orientation to find out how to make the most of your Chamber membership on January 24th at 8 a.m. at the chamber.

Business After Hours gives you a chance to win a free membership from Planet Fitness, plus networking and snacks on January 25th.

New Members

Communications Coordinator, Julie Daniels:We welcomed these new Chamber members.

• Advance Financial

• Buff City Soap

• E-Gamers Cafe

• E. Daniel Tailors

• The Jackson Choral Society

• Long Financial Services

• Perkins Motor Plex

Member Connection, The Dream Center with Gail Gustafson, director and Julie Daniels:

Julie: Tell me about the Dream Center.

Gail: The Dream Center is a faith-based, educational facility for women and children. We believe that Jesus Christ is the answer to help them to become successful in every aspect of their life.

Julie: And how can people be involved with your capital campaign?

Gail: 3,000 for 1,000. Sounds simple enough right?

Julie: Yes.

Gail:3,000 entities raising $1,000 each, so if you have 10 people in your Sunday school class and they raise $100 each, that's $1000. We're one step closer to going in debt-free for our new building.

Julie: Thank you, Gail.

Gail: Thank you.

Ribbon Cuttings

Events Coordinator, Jill Long:

Our ambassadors held ribbon cuttings at Buff City Soap, City of Jackson Animal Care Facility, E. Daniel Tailors, Faith Healing Center, Long Financial Services,and also, Hucks.

Kyle: 2017 was a great year for the Jackson Chamber. 2018 is going to be an even better year for the Chamber and the entire community. We invite you to be a part of what we do at the Chamber. Look for your membership app. It is at JacksonTN.com.

Leaders Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Jackson, Tenn., spread holiday cheer around the community with their second annual, “From Leaders with Love” project. Each branch and department adopted a project in the community and carried it out over the past two weeks. Projects included stocking and cleaning ComeUnity Café in downtown Jackson, lunch for the local fire department, ICU goodie baskets for JMCGH, serving at Community Montessori School, paying for cars’ entrances to Christmas Under the STARs and Discovery Park of America’s Let It Glow Light Show, and many others. Leaders carried out a total of sixteen projects throughout West Tennessee.

“Our ‘From Leaders with Love’ project gives us the opportunity to give forward, to bless others in both big ways and small,” President and CEO Todd Swims said. “We are thankful that we as a credit union have the ability to impact our community in a positive way and encourage those who do good. The best way we can lead is to give.”

Each branch and department was encouraged to pick a project they felt passionate about, and the results spanned from giving pedicure vouchers to ladies at the Women’s Center to collecting coats for students at Isaac Lane Elementary. Leaders Credit Union released a compilation video of the projects on their Facebook page on Friday, Dec. 15, and the video has reached over 12,000 Facebook users thus far.

“The camaraderie that’s involved in giving of yourself – of your resources, of your time, together as one – it’s immeasurable. The ripples of a gift can never be calculated – but they stretch deep and wide into the core of who we are. That’s what From Leaders with Love is about,” Swims said.

To view the “From Leaders with Love” video, visit Leaders Credit Union’s Facebook page.


LCU1North Highland branch takes lunch to the Westwood Fire Department.
The Corporate Office takes goodie baskets to the ICU waiting room at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.





Thomsen Farms branch collects clothing for students at Isaac Lane Elementary.
South Highland branch takes food to RIFA for their Snack Backpack Program.




LJ Class of 2017 2017 Leadership Jackson class

Thirty-one local business professionals graduated from the Jackson Chamber’s 2017 Leadership Jackson class on Thursday, December 14 at the Carl Grants Events Center at Union University.

Leadership Jackson, the chamber’s adult leadership development program, gives business professionals employed with companies that are chamber members the opportunity to better understand the community, the opportunities and the challenges it faces. Class members visited community landmarks, met with area leaders and participated in weekly sessions about topics impacting Jackson-Madison County, including education, healthcare and government.

“Leadership Jackson has a longstanding history of identifying and developing high performing individuals who become strong contributors to the community," says Sarah Johnson, The Jackson Clinic and 2017 Leadership Jackson chair. “This year’s class did not disappoint! My hope is that each individual takes the passion developed through the course of this program and continues to serve Jackson, their work, and their families for years to come.”

“I’ve learned to understand that life is filled with individual moments. They all collaborate to form what we call ‘our experience,’” says Pierre DuVentre, Leadership Jackson 2016 vice chair and owner of D'Top Roofing and Repair. “It has been my pleasure to work with such a fine group of individuals. This experience has changed me. I am blessed and fortunate to serve in a leadership position with other incredible leaders. This class has been enlightened, exposed and energized to serve our community. I pray that your energy and efforts create individual moments that you will cherish, and will assist in making your experience serving as great as mine has been to serve this class. Continue to plant the seeds that you were given. What grows will be incredible!”

During the graduation ceremony, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership Jackson graduate certificate of completion. The class chose Joey Hale, who works at Town & Country Realtors, to be its spokesperson and share their reflections of going through the three-month program and how it will influence their lives. The class also selected Vadessa Flack, The Jackson Symphony, as the 2017 Class social chair. Flack will be responsible for scheduling class meetings and coordinating the 2018 socials.

Lauren Saliba, with Apria Healthcare, was selected to be vice chair of Leadership Jackson in 2018. She will serve with Pierre DuVentre, who will assume the chairmanship.

Five class members were recognized for their commitment and personal growth. Vadessa Flack, The Jackson Symphony; received the highest honor – the Diamond Award – for surpassing all requirements in Leadership Jackson. Jewel award recipients were Jon Holley, Tosh Newman, City of Jackson; Allison Shipp, The STAR Center; and Mechelle Taylor-Moragne, Taylor Medical Center, PLLC.

Leadership Jackson alumni who were recognized are Cassandra Fuller, Jackson Energy Authority, class of 2014, the Emerging Leader Award; Chris Ramey, Jackson Christian School, class of 2007, the Community Observance of Personal Excellence (COPE) Award; Scott Beard, Regions Bank, class of 2003, the Harbert Alexander Award for Servant Leadership; and Dr. Beverly Absher-Bone, Union University, class of 2009, the national Distinguished Leadership Award. Absher-Bone’s award was created to recognize exceptional community leadership graduates who have made significant contributions to better their communities. The Association of Leadership Programs is a national association of leadership programs across the country.

“It has been a pleasure to witness the 2017 class embrace ‘servant leadership’ since the program began in September,” said Brandy Stutsman, manager of Leadership Development, Jackson Chamber. “The more they learn about Jackson-Madison County, the more they invest for the greater good of our community. It will be exciting to see their continued impact in serving others.”

The Leadership Jackson Class of 2017 graduates are Amy Allison, Simmons Bank; Alan Brown, State Farm Insurance; Tim Carpenter, White & Associates Insurance-Carpenter Agency; Kellye Cash, Youth Town of Tennessee; Russell Cook, Jackson Chamber; Kristie Dyer, Manpower of the Mid-South; Lindsey Ferrell, 9Round Jackson; Vadessa Flack, The Jackson Symphony; Tim Gaffney, Leaders Credit Union; Jenny Graves, West Tennessee Healthcare; Adrian Hackett, West Tennessee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; Joey Hale, Town & Country Realtors; Nick Hall, Jackson Generals Baseball Club; Dessie Hardee, RE/MAX Realty Source; Jon Holley; Prasann Jinturkar, Gerdau; Will Johnson, Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.; Leslie Jones, Jackson Energy Authority; Larry Kronk, Pinnacle Foods Group, Inc.; Stephanie Laffoon, The Dream Center; Benjamin Murphy, University School of Jackson; Tosh Newman, City of Jackson; Legon Roberson, Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA); Lauren Saliba, Apria Healthcare; Celeste Scott, UT Extension – Madison County; Courtney Searcy, TLM Associates, Inc. Architects + Enginerrs; Allison Shipp, STAR Center, Inc.; Scott Stookey, North Side High School; Mechelle Taylor-Moragne, Taylor Medical Center, PLLC; Jessica Temple, Jackson Arts Council and Kevin Williams, US Farathane Corporation.

For more on Leadership Jackson, visit its website at LeadershipJackson.com

Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the December 7th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events!  

Thursday December 7th      



Friday December 8th  

Saturday December 9th  

Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle!  Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333.

Program director Cathy Garner (left) and instructor and clinical director Christie Ward (right) will admit the first class of respiratory care students at JSCC in the spring 2018

Jackson State Community College’s new Respiratory Care program earned provisional accreditation status and has admitted a full class of students for its first semester this spring.

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care voted to confer the status on the program in November. Students who enroll in the program can now pursue a career in respiratory care upon graduation.

“The provisional accreditation allows us to admit a group of students, and when they complete the program, they are eligible to sit for their national credentialing exam,” said Respiratory Care Program Director Cathy Garner.

The program was created to fill a growing demand for respiratory therapists in West Tennessee and provide a new alternative for students pursuing a career in health care. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care.

Jackson’s growing health care presence, along with the number of respiratory therapists approaching retirement, has created a need for more students to pursue the profession, Garner said. The growing elderly population with long-term respiratory care needs is also driving demand.

“Here in West Tennessee, we are seeing a great demand for respiratory therapists, and there is no program outside of Shelby County,” Garner said. “After graduation, our students will be able to work in their field as they prepare for the national credentialing exam.”

Graduates will need to have a temporary license to be employed, and they must pass the national exam within one year to receive a full license to practice respiratory care, she said.

Respiratory therapists focus on patients with breathing difficulties, from newborns with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with a chronic disease like emphysema. Respiratory therapists can pursue many specialties, such as critical care, home care, case management, pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary diagnostics, sleep medicine, and surface and air transport. The work environment is often fast and fluid, Garner said.

“We work under the direction of a physician, and we provide an assessment of a patient to determine the kind of therapy a patient needs,” Garner said. “We focus on the cardiopulmonary system – any patient having any difficulties related to the lungs.”

Respiratory therapists work with mechanical ventilators and artificial airways, respond to code-blue resuscitative efforts, and can be found treating patients from the front door of the hospital to the back, Garner said. Students who want to pursue a medical career but want an alternative to nursing should consider the program.

Twelve students enrolled in the first class. Jackson State plans to grow the number in subsequent cohorts to 16, which is the maximum allowed per calendar year under the terms of accreditation.

The provisional accreditation is temporary. Jackson State must submit reports for three years after the first cohort’s graduation date has been established before it can achieve full accreditation. The reports specify student outcomes, such as enrollment and the graduation rate.

Jackson State Community College provides accessible learning opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals, strengthen the workforce and empower the diverse communities of West Tennessee. The institution offers traditional and contemporary associate degrees, certificates, continuing education and enrichment, and college-readiness programs. For more information, visit jscc.edu.

Jackson Chamber’s Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Shirley Jones is surrounded by Jackson Chamber's Ambassadors as she is presented flowers and a plaque from Tony Black, executive director of Jackson Recreation and Parks, left.


Jackson Chamber’s Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Shirley Jones was the grand marshal for Jackson, Tennessee’s 2017 Christmas parade on December 4, 2017.


Jones was presented a bouquet of red roses and a plaque from Tony Black, executive director of Jackson Recreation and Parks, recognizing her for her service to the City of Jackson and as grand marshal for the annual Christmas Parade.

Several of the Ambassadors, Jackson Chamber’s goodwill/customer service arm, walked alongside the vehicle and posed for a picture with “Mama” Shirley. Jones manages this group, also known as “Red Coats,” that attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, open houses and more to promote the Jackson Chamber.


Black reads the plaque given to Jones for her service to the City of Jackson.

City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist, President of Toyota Boshoku Tennessee Kimihiko Sumino and Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris at the 2016 ribbon cutting to commemorate the naming of the Toyota Boshoku Tennessee plant in Jackson.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Toyota Boshoku Tennessee, LLC officials today announced that the company will expand its operations in Jackson. The automotive components manufacturer will invest $31 million and create 139 new jobs in Madison County.

“Tennessee is known for its strength in the automotive sector and it is because of companies like Toyota Boshoku that the automotive industry in Tennessee continues to grow and excel,” Haslam said. “I appreciate Toyota Boshoku for expanding its operations in Jackson and creating more than 130 jobs in Madison County. Investments like this are bringing us one step closer to making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“I want to congratulate Toyota Boshoku on its decision to expand in Madison County and invest $31 million in Jackson,” Rolfe said. “Tennessee’s concentration of automotive employment is more than three times the national average. Toyota Boshoku currently employs 242 Tennesseans in the automotive sector and we thank the company for continuing to strengthen this industry in Tennessee by creating 139 new automotive jobs in Jackson.”

Toyota Boshoku, one of the world’s premium interior systems suppliers and filter manufacturers, develops and produces interior, filtration, and powertrain components for the automotive sector. Toyota Boshoku America, Inc. and its affiliates employ over 11,000 people in 18 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

“We are very excited to announce this expansion in Jackson, Tennessee to be able to better serve our customers, extend job security to our current team members and to provide additional employment for the area. The support from the city of Jackson and Madison County has been greatly appreciated since 2001,” Toyota Boshoku Tennessee President Kimihiko Sumino said.

With this expansion, Toyota Boshoku will add 143,000 additional square-feet to its current facility in Jackson. The company will consolidate its welding operations and add new equipment to its Madison County location.

Local officials thanked Toyota Boshoku for its investment in Madison County.

“Toyota Boshoku Tennessee made an excellent decision to expand in Jackson,” Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said. “This investment means more jobs for the region. It is no surprise more companies are responding to our positive business climate and the strong local and state economic development partnership we have developed.”

“We are thrilled that Toyotas Boshoku Tennessee has chosen to expand its Jackson facility,” Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris said. “This expansion is evidence of the great work ethic of our residents and the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in West Tennessee.”

Jackson and Madison County are represented by Sen. Ed Jackson (R – Jackson), Rep. Jimmy Eldridge (R – Jackson) and Rep. Johnny Shaw (D – Bolivar) in the Tennessee General Assembly.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.