Jackson, Tennessee – 2018

As the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nears, the Jackson-Madison County Library will be hosting several special events to honor his legacy and to commemorate his tragic death.
At 1 p.m. on Tues., April 3, there will be a free screening of the 2014 film “Selma,” a chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. in 1965.
On Wed., April 4, all eyes will be on Memphis, Tenn. as the National Civil Rights Museum presents an all-day series of special guest speakers and performances. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library, the library will host a live stream watch party of the Anniversary Commemoration activities to make it possible for others who cannot physically be at the National Civil Rights Museum to experience this historic moment virtually. The live-stream will give attendees the best vantage point of the onstage program and audience perspective. A special tolling of the bells and laying of wreathes ceremony will commence at 6:01 p.m. from the Museum. Guests are free to come and go as their schedule allows throughout the day.
The Friends of the Library invite the community to join them in welcoming award-winning journalist Joseph Rosenbloom to speak about his new book, "Redemption: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Last 31 Hours" from 6 – 7 p.m. in the Program Center at the Main Library on Wed., April 25.
During his four decades as a journalist, Joseph Rosenbloom has worked as a staff reporter and editorial writer for The Boston Globe; an investigative reporter at Frontline, the PBS documentary series; and a senior editor at Inc. magazine. He has contributed freelance articles to a variety of magazines and newspapers, including The Boston Globe, International Herald-Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, The American Prospect and The American Lawyer. For his work as an investigative reporter, he has received the George Foster Peabody Broadcasting, Emmy and Sevellon Brown Memorial awards. He has a B.A. in history from Stanford University and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School. Beacon Press will publish his book, “Redemption: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Last 31 Hours”, in the spring of 2018. Rosenbloom lives in Newton, Massachusetts.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, visit the Library’s Facebook page or its website. Baseball - Marathons - Bicycle tours and Nelly! Jackson Chamber's April 2018 Video Newsletter talks about Jackson events and upcoming chamber events. It also includes ribbon cuttings, new members, and our Member Connection Video that highlights MCC with Tim Barlow. Featured businesses include Anderson Brace & Limb; Chili's Grill & Bar; CITY AUTO; Eight Thirty 1 Virtual Assistant; Jackson Certified Affordable Housing Providers; Jackson Outdoor Movies; Rusken Packaging; Scottish Inn; Shirley Jones; Simply Sweat Sauna; Spotts PC; Belle & Beau; Air Choice One; and McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport. #JacksonTN

Diana Hart, owner of Jackson Pride Residential Cleaning receives the 2018 Rising Star Award from Joel Newman, left, and Ron Acree, right, with the TSBDC. Jackson Pride Residential Cleaning is the recipient of the 2018 Rising Star Award from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)/Jackson State Community College (JSCC). The award was presented to Diana Hart, founder and owner, by Ron Acree, director of the center and Joel Newman, senior small business specialist for the TSBDC. The award is given annually to recognize a client that exemplifies outstanding growth as a result of the help provided by the TSBDC/JSCC. "We are honored to receive this award that is a reflection of hard work of the Jackson Pride Residential employee team," says Hart. "We appreciate the counsel and guidance provided by Joel Newman, TDBDC and by Steve Pitcairn, CEO, Clear Vision Business Services for the implementation of a business plan and direction for future growth.” The TSBDC and Clear Vision often collaborate to help start-up and expanding businesses. Jackson Pride team

Jackson Pride staff. Hart has been a client of the TSBDC since January 2014. “She has been a model client,” said Newman. “From day one, she worked on a business plan that could only lead to success. She went into the business fully capitalized and never looked back. For us, Diana’s success is our success!" Jackson Pride serves residents in Jackson/Madison County, Humboldt and Medina. They offer a cleaning service that pays special attention to detail and guarantee all of their services. Jackson Pride is located at 219 North Parkway and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the website at JacksonPrideResidentialCleaning.com or call 731-616-2546 and get a free quote. Jill, Shirley, Julie

From left, Jill Erling, Shirley Jones and Julie Daniels at TCCE Institute in Murfreesboro, TN.

Jackson Chamber employees Jill Erling and Julie Daniels graduated from Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives Institute in March after completing two years of training. The ceremony took place in Murfreesboro with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE). They received their diplomas from TCCE Vice President Mark Field who is also senior vice president at the Knoxville Chamber.

TCCE is an organization that enhances the professional growth and development of Chamber executives, staff, and volunteers in Tennessee. Institute, a two-year program sponsored by the TCCE, helps people working with chambers advance their leadership skills. Graduates learn about all aspects of chamber management.

“Julie and Jill are both highly valued members of our team and the chamber institute experience enables them to build relationships with peers across the state and to be exposed to new ideas that can possibly be implemented within our organization,” said Jackson Chamber President and CEO Kyle Spurgeon.

Kyle Spurgeon was also in attendance and taught classes to first and second year attendees. Former co-worker, Shirley Jones presented the graduation speech and also taught classes.

TCCE Institute First Year Class 2018.

TCCE Institute Second Year Class 2018.

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The Jackson Chamber today announced a partnership to host a gubernatorial candidate forum on April 17, 2018, at 6:30pm CDT at Lane College. Joining the Jackson Chamber, the additional partners include Jackson Energy Authority, Lane College, WBBJ Television, the USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee, and Leadership Tennessee. The forum will focus on rural issues in Tennessee and how state policies, including education and workforce development, economic development and health care, affect these areas.

“Most counties in our state are rural communities with unique opportunities and challenges, and the decisions made in Nashville affect us daily,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber. “We’re excited to host the gubernatorial candidates in Jackson for a discussion about how state policy affects our area and similar communities across Tennessee.”

Keli McAlister will moderate the discussion. WBBJ will televise the event, and the USA TODAY NETWORK -- Tennessee will provide additional coverage, including a live stream on all of its Tennessee properties.

“Tennessee has made significant progress improving education, reducing unemployment, and increasing workforce readiness,” Spurgeon said. “This forum will help continue the positive momentum of rural conversations, which are critical to the growth and prosperity of our rural communities.”

Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration honored businesses, industries and non-profit organizations on Thursday, March 15 at Union University’s Carl Grant Events Center. With approximately 400 in attendance, the celebration also honored the chamber’s volunteers, and highlighted businesses that have made an extra effort to achieve excellence through high standards, professional accomplishments and community contributions. Below is a list of the winners:

Adelsberer pic

2017 Emerging Business of the Year

Adelsberger Marketing

MME pic

2017 Business of the Year

(1 – 49 Employees)

Master Medical Equipment (MME)

S.M. Lawrence pic

2017 Business of the Year

(50+ Employees)

S.M. Lawrence, Inc.

Toyota Bodine

2017 Industry of the Year

Toyota Bodine Aluminum

Jackson Symphony pic

2017 Non-Profit of the Year

The Jackson Symphony

Delta pic

2017 West Tennessee Healthcare Health & Wellness Award

Delta Faucet Company

Amanda Davenport

2017 Volunteer of the Year

Amanda Davenport

This year’s theme was based on Las Vegas, Nevada. Festivities included an Elvis impersonator, a special performance by Dr. Dub Oliver, Union University and Dr. Logan Hampton of Lane College; Carpool Karaoke performed by the chamber staff; along with a special 'thank you' video to Jackson Chamber volunteers and businesses.

The Annual Celebration is presented by West Tennessee Healthcare. Additional event sponsors for the Celebration include Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC; Commercial Bank and Trust Company; Horne CPA’s & Business Advisors; Steele Martin Jones & Co. PLC; Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. – Steve & Brad Little; and West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.

Carpool Karaoke Video

PARTICIPATING TEAMS | GSC | SIAC  | SSC #Seed - Team Name (Record) - Location - Conference - (Bid) - Twitter #D2WBBSouth

#1 Seed - Union University Lady Bulldogs (28-3) - Jackson, Tenn. - GSC (Tournament Champion) - @UUAthletics

#2 Seed - Florida Southern College Mocs (25-4) - Lakeland, Fla. - SSC (Tournament Champion) - @FSC_Athletics

#3 Seed - University of North Alabama Lions (24-4) - Florence, Ala. - GSC (At-Large) - @unaathletics

#4 Seed - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (23-7) - Daytona Beach, Fla. - SSC (At-Large) - @erauathletics

#5 Seed - Eckerd College Tritons (22-7) - St. Petersburg, Fla. - SSC (At-Large) - @ectritons

#6 Seed - Lee University Lady Flames (23-7) - Cleveland, Tenn. - GSC (At-Large) - @LeeUFlames

#7 Seed - Valdosta State University Lady Blazers (21-8) - Valdosta, Ga. - GSC (At-Large) - @BlazerAthletics

#8 Seed - Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers (20-8) - Atlanta, Ga. - SIAC (Tournament Champion) - @caupanthers

MEDIA NCAA DII Women's Basketball National Championship Digital Guide Region Bracket (PDF) TOURNAMENT: LIVE STATS  | LIVE VIDEO | POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE Team Radio/Audio Links: UNION |  NORTH ALABAMA |  LEE | VALDOSTA STATE |  EMBRY-RIDDLE NCAA DII Women's Basketball National Tournament (all regions): Bracket | Scores

SCHEDULE/RESULTS -- Note: All times are listed as central standard time

Friday, March 9, 2018 - Quarterfinal Round | #D2WBBSouth | #NCAAD2

Game 1: 12:00 p.m. - #3 North Alabama vs. #6 Lee (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Game 2: 2:30 p.m. - #2 Florida Southern vs. #7 Valdosta State (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Game 3: 5:00 p.m. - #1 Union vs. #8 Clark Atlanta (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Game 4: 7:30 p.m. - #4 Embry-Riddle vs #5 Eckerd (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Saturday, March 10, 2018 - Semifinal Round  | #D2WBBSouth  | #NCAAD2

Game 5: 5:00 p.m. - Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Game 6: 7:30 p.m. - Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 winner (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

Monday, March 12, 2018 - Championship Game  | #D2WBBSouth  | #NCAAD2

Game 7: 7:00 p.m. - Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner (box) -- Stats | Video | Flipcard

VOLUNTEER LINK (for student/local volunteers to help staff event)

HELPFUL LINKS/CONTACT INFO Directions to Union | Jackson, Tennessee Visitor Information | Weather in Jackson, Tennessee Safety and Security (24 hours): 731-394-2922 (cell) Director of Athletics: Tommy Sadler; 731-661-5218; tsadler@uu.edu Assistant AD for Compliance/SWA: Pam H arrison; 731-661-5709; pharrison@uu.edu Assistant AD for Sports Communication/Media Contact:  Steven Aldridge; 731-661-5027; saldridge@uu.edu

TICKETS

Tickets will be available at the Fred DeLay Gymnasium ticket office at the front (south) entrance on hour prior to the first game of each day. Tickets will be available at the game and will not be sold online. The prices for tickets are $10 for reserve, $7 for general admission, $5 for students (college or younger)/military with ID. Once tickets are purchased by the fans, the teams will be provided cards to pass out to up to 100 fans to be able to sit behind their team's bench.

Fred DeLay Gymnasium is located in the center of campus facing south. It is directly off the south entrance facing the soccer, baseball and softball fields. Parking is available to the right and left of the main entrance to the gymnasium. The address to the campus is 1050 Union University Drive; Jackson, TN 38305. There are entrances to the campus from Country Club Lane (south), Union University Drive (north) and Pleasant Plains Extended (west).

@UUAthletics @FSC_Athletics @unaathletics @erauathletics @ectritons @LeeUFlames @BlazerAthletics @caupanthers Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the March 8th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events!

Thursday March 8th

• Jackson Plectral Society, Casey Jones Village, 6:30pm

• Will Burton, Redbones, 7:00pm

• Tyler Goodson & Friends, The Downtown Tavern, 7:00pm

• Open Jam, Elks Lodge 192, 7:00pm

• Bryan Moffitt, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 7:00pm

• Open Mic w/ The Skeleton Krew, Cody’s, 8:00pm

• Tap Out, The Tap, 9:00pm

Friday March 9th

• Southern Fire Band, International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, 7:00pm

• Leather & Lace, Samuel T. Bryant Distillery, 7:00pm

• AM Whiskey, Mulligans, 7:00pm

• Tumbleweed Band, 641 Music Barn (Camden), 7:00pm

• Deer Lake Acoustic, Bistro Eleven Sixty, 7:30pm

• Funky Finger, Redbones, 8:00pm

• Johnny Mac, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 8:00pm

• Will Burton & Bryan Moffitt, Trenton Elks Lodge, 8:00pm

• Farewell Mourning, First & Church Pub (Dyersburg), 8:00pm

• Lance Daniels Duo, The Naked Turtle, 9:00pm

• Grant Holt, The Downtown Tavern, 10:00pm

Saturday March 10th

• Flash Back Band, The Venue at Waddell Place (McKenzie), 6:00pm

• Tumbleweed Band, Regan Community Center, 7:00pm

• Tyler Goodson & Friends, Bistro Eleven Sixty, 7:30pm

• The Groove Band, Redbones, 8:00pm

• Brandon Clifton & John Butler, Ricochet Bar, 8:00pm

• 5 Stories, Pine Ridge (Medon), 8:00pm

• Peter Moon Band, Blues Landing (Buchanan), 8:00pm

• One Nyte Stand, Mic Stand (Huntingdon), 8:30pm

• Scott Shell, First & Church Pub (Dyersburg), 8:30pm

• Tatum Shappley, Mulligans, 9:00pm

• Elisium, Burn the Harlot & Where Moth+Rust Destroy, The Naked Turtle, 9:00pm

• Kimberlie Helton, The Tap, 9:00pm

• Funky Finger, The 51 Club (Dyersburg), 9:00pm

• Josh Smith & Friends, The Downtown Tavern, 10:00pm

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. Russell Cook

Russell Cook has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Jackson Chamber. Cook recently served as manager of accounting for the chamber. As CFO, Cook will continue to oversee all financial planning, record keeping, and reporting for the chamber. He will additionally assume responsibilities to include executive committee and board meeting functions, as well as past chairman meetings.

“Russell has been a key member of our team for five years,” says Jackson Chamber President and CEO Kyle Spurgeon. “During that time all financial reporting, as well as yearly budget results, continues to beat initial estimates. Russell is the centerpiece of the chamber’s conservative and well managed financial operations.”

Cook joined the chamber staff in March of 2013 as manager of accounting, obtaining his CPA the same year. Prior to the chamber, he was the senior accountant at Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC. He graduated from Mississippi State University with an undergraduate and masters degree in business.

Cook is a member of the Jackson Kiwanis Club, where he serves on the board. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson where he is treasurer, serves as a board member of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, volunteers weekly with Jackson’s Arise2Read program and is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Jackson.

Russell lives in Jackson with his wife, Rachael and son, Henry.

Connect by emailing Russell Cook or calling 731-423-2200.

From Left, Jackson Madison County Airport Authority's Cindy Melton, Air Choice One's Tay McDaniel and CEO Shane Storz, Congressman David Kustoff and Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris cut the ribbon on flights to Atlanta, Georgia.

The first flight from Jackson, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia with Air Choice One left McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport today at full capacity. The eight passenger Cessna Caravan took off around noon, arriving back in Jackson the same day. In celebration of the event, a ribbon cutting was held and open to the public with a chance at round trip tickets to Atlanta with refreshments provided.

"It is an exciting day for Air Choice One and the Jackson area," says Air Choice One CEO Shane Storz. "We feel very privileged to be the air carrier for Jackson to Atlanta, which will open connections for this community to the world." After listening to feedback from customers, community, city leaders, the airport commission and more, Atlanta was the next chosen destination for flights from Jackson. Storz says it is a great starting point to connect travelers to the Southeast and international flights.

Tickets are on sale with special 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. To reserve your flight, visit AirChoiceOne.com or phone 866-I FLY VIP. Air Choice One will continue its service to St. Louis with 12 flights per week.

Air Choice One has provided air service to the Jackson community since 2015 and is set to serve Jackson for the next four years.