Jackson Chamber's February 2018 Video News includes information on upcoming chamber events, news, ribbon cuttings, new members, and our Member Connection Video that highlights the STAR Center, Inc.
Script:
Kyle Spurgeon: Jackson Chamber is continuing to focus on education in 2018 - Improving K12, building our workforce, and increasing our number of college graduates. We remind you to join us February 1st, that's Thursday for the launch of Southwest Tennessee Reconnect. Our newest staff member Tina Shreeve briefly explains what she does.
Tina Shreeve: As the college success advisor for Southwest Tennessee Reconnect
I'm here to help adult students go back to school and finish their degree.
Now here's Alexis with events.
Alexis Long: Southwest Tennessee Reconnect launches February 1st to help adults attain their college degree.
Members, Business@212º features Lori Nunnery with “What's In Your Register?”
Women in Business talks about how mentoring can change a person's career path.
Join our state legislators for our town hall meeting known as CapitolTALK.
Help us celebrate the retirement of Shirley Jones, as she wraps up 36 years of service with the Jackson Chamber.
And join our Business After Hours at DoubleTree.
We welcome these new chamber members:
We are Atlas Fitness.
We are Belle and Beau.
We are Hucks on Union University.
We are Reagan's Muffler and Service Center.
We are Tulum.
Member Connection with Dave Bratcher of the STAR Center, Inc.
Julie: So what is the mission of the STAR Center?
Dave: The mission is to help any person with any disability realize their potential. And Julie, that is regardless of their ability to pay.
Julie: And what year did the STAR Center begin?
Dave: This all started in 1988. Chuck and Margaret had a vision for the people in West Tennessee and can you believe we're about to turn 30? It is going to be a great 2018.
Julie: Fantastic, thank you so much.
Dave: Thank you.
Jill: Our ambassadors held ribbon cuttings at Advance Financial Jackson North, Morton Moving and Storage, West Tennessee Hearing and Speech Center, Jackson Pride Residential Planning, Dodge's Stores, Hucks, The Blacksmith, and Atlas Fitness.
Kyle: I know all of you that are watching are chamber members … I think … but maybe a few of you are not.
If you're not, we'd love to have you as a member of the Jackson Chamber. Get your application online at JacksonTN.com.
Local officials from Air Choice One and McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson announced today that they will be offering flights to Atlanta, Georgia beginning March 1st. MKL Station Manager of Air Choice One Tay McDaniel, along with McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport Executive Director Steve Smith and Jackson Chamber President and CEO Kyle Spurgeon made the announcement at the Jackson Chamber.
“The addition of Atlanta to the destinations in Jackson, Tennessee opens a world of possibilities for citizens in Jackson-Madison County and West Tennessee," says Smith. "Not only is Atlanta a great destination, but the international connection will be made effortless from Jackson to Atlanta.”
“With free parking at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, countless activities in Atlanta and the international connection - this is a great benefit for the Jackson area," says McDaniel.
Tickets go on sale February 4th with fares starting at $45.00 before taxes and fees. Six flights will be provided weekly from Jackson to Atlanta with round-trip flights taking place Sunday through Friday.
Air Choice One has provided air service to the Jackson community since 2015 and is set to serve Jackson for the next four years.
"In conversations with business professionals, a round-trip flight from Jackson to Atlanta was the most referenced business destination," says Spurgeon. "Jackson will now able to offer one-stop flights, not only to more US destinations, but major cities around the world with service through Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport."
To reserve your flight, starting February 4th, visit AirChoiceOne.com or phone 866-I FLY VIP. Air Choice One will continue its service to St. Louis with 12 flights per week.
#JacksonTN2Atlanta
Pictured left to right, McKellar Sipes Regional Airport Deputy Director Cindy Melton, Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon, McKellar Sipes Regional Airport Executive Director Steve Smith and MKL Station Manager of Air Choice One Tay McDaniel.
Photo from Air Choice One's Facebook page.
A major development in air travel to and from Jackson, Tennessee will be announced by local officials on Tuesday, January 30th at 10 a.m. at the Jackson Chamber located at 197 Auditorium Street. This development is expected to deliver a significant, positive impact on the business community, as well as both business and pleasure travelers, providing Jackson with nearly unlimited access to destinations around the world. Key leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
Since 2015, Air Choice One has provided Jackson with air service, with flights through the airline’s hub in St. Louis, Missouri. During that time, Air Choice One officials have worked closely with airport and chamber leadership in Jackson on efforts to expand service and routes, offering greater access for the business community, enhancing economic development opportunities, and providing the public with more options for air travel. This announcement represents the culmination of that collective effort.
The announcement will be delivered by Steve Smith, executive director of McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, Kyle Spurgeon, president & CEO of the Jackson Chamber, and Tay McDaniel, MKL station manager of Air Choice One.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development launched its 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide this week, and Madison County is prominently featured. The 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide is available FREE of charge at any of Tennessee’s 15 Welcome Centers or by calling 1-800-GO2-TENN (462-8366), and can also be ordered or downloaded online at www.tnvacation.com/guide. A digital version of the guide is also available.
Madison County’s Fred Young Mountain Bike Trail, Pinson Mounts State Archaeological Park and The Amp are among the thousands of destinations, attractions and events featured in the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide, released this week by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
• The Fred Young Mountain Bike Trail in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Adventure Awaits," on page 31.
• Pinson Mounts State Archaeological Park near Jackson is mentioned in the story, "History's Mysteries," on page 37.
• The Amp in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Listen Up," on page 21.
• The Old Country Store at Case Jones Village in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Strictly Southern," on page 26.
The cover of the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide features an inspiring, artistic rendering of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of our time, and includes a cover story that focuses on how Dr. King’s message of hope has moved generations in Memphis. The story also highlights other important attractions in Memphis, including Clayborn Temple, Beale Street, Orpheum Theatre and inspirational murals, including “I Am A Man” and “Memphis Upstanders.”
The Tennessee Vacation Guide also spotlights other Civil Rights sites across the state, including Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton and Woolworth on 5th in Nashville.
“Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire our nation and the world as his dream lives on in Memphis,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Fifty years is a poignant time to honor that legacy while celebrating those who have used that inspiration to make a difference. The world-class National Civil Rights Museum commemorates the 50th anniversary while telling the full story.”
The National Civil Rights Museum continues its year-long MLK50 commemoration with exhibits showcasing four decades of Civil Rights stories, educational seminars and live performances. “On April 4, 2018, all eyes will turn to Memphis, Tennessee and the National Civil Rights Museum to remember the tragic event that occurred 50 years ago. Communities across the nation and world will reflect on the life and impact of one of history’s greatest peacemakers and humanitarians,” said Terri Lee Freeman, National Civil Rights Museum President.
Additional highlights in the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide include What’s New across the state, including Anakeesta Aerial Adventure Park in Gatlinburg, looking forward to the opening of the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville and milestones like Tennessee Theatre’s 90th Anniversary in Knoxville. The guide also spotlights Tennessee’s music, including Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Memphis, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Songbirds Guitar Museum, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, artist spotlights like Valerie June, Kelsea Ballerini, Drew Holcomb and Kane Brown.
Tennessee’s scenic beauty, creative spirit, unique experiences, culinary excellence, history are all highlighted in the guide, including The Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Noted writers profile the places, people and events that attract more than 110 million visitors to Tennessee each year. A compilation of annual events, regional overviews, maps and destination listings round out the guide.
Commissioner Triplett continues, “We have five pillars that we focus on in sharing with the world what our great state has to offer to its guests: scenic beauty, history, family, outdoors, and of course, music. Every city, every county, every destination in Tennessee falls under one or all of these pillars. As one of our top marketing tools, the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide celebrates each of these and what Madison County has to offer.”
For more information, contact Jill Kilgore, public relations media manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, at 615-927-1320 or by email at Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov.
Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll— delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history, and family adventure, infused with music, that creates a vacation that is the “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.”
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
Tina Shreeve joins the Southwest Tennessee Reconnect program as college success lead advisor.
Jackson Chamber announces Tina Shreeve as college success lead advisor for the Southwest Tennessee Reconnect program. This program helps adults return to college to attain their degree and is one of Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55 programs. The offices for Southwest Tennessee Reconnect are located inside the Jackson Chamber at 197 Auditorium Street.
“Returning to school as an adult was one of the best decisions I ever made,” says Shreeve. “I am excited about my new role as the lead advisor for Southwest Tennessee Reconnect, which will allow me to help other adults achieve their educational goals.”
The Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Community (SWTRC) has a mission to reach out to and support adults locally to re-enroll and complete a postsecondary credential. Services provided to prospective adult learners will include advising, career counseling and scholarship resources. SWTRC will also act as a connecting point for local employers, local institutions of higher education and prospective adult learners, working to create awareness of the benefits of adult completion as a strategy for economic development and a source for workforce talent.
“Tennessee Reconnect will help adults enter institutions of higher learning to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential,” said Vicki Bunch, manager of workforce development for the Jackson Chamber. “Tina has a proven background in assisting individuals with their educational needs, which is vital not only to the success of the program but important to the individuals we serve.”
Prior to her position with the Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Community, Tina worked for both secondary and post-secondary schools, including Union University and Jackson State Community College. Throughout her professional career, she has guided and advised students and their families. She is committed to help students chart and navigate their educational and professional paths.
Shreeve is married with three children.
Connect to Tina by emailing advisor@swtnreconnect.com or calling 731-439-1126.
Find out more about Southwest Tennessee Reconnect.