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Leadership Jackson visits McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport.


The Jackson Chamber is accepting nominations for Leadership Jackson, its adult leadership program. Leadership Jackson gives business professionals the opportunity to understand the community and its opportunities and challenges. During the three-month program, class members visit area landmarks, meet with area leaders and participate in weekly sessions about topics impacting Jackson-Madison County, including education, health care, and government.


Starting June 1, applicants can fill out a nomination form online at leadershipjackson.com. They should be nominated by someone in leadership in their company or organization. They can nominate themselves if they are the primary decision maker. Due to class size, members must limit their nominations to one per chamber member. Applicants must be a Jackson Chamber member to apply.


The 2018 class will be led by Leadership Jackson Chair Pierre DuVentre, owner, D’Top Roofing and Repair; and Vice Chair Laura Saliba. The curriculum covers various topics during each weekly session and incorporates a leadership skill-building component. Leaders in key areas, such as health care, criminal justice, economic development, livability, education and government will share an overview of the present state, challenges and future vision. This information provides the class with a broad understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County and a big picture view.


For more information about Leadership Jackson or to see the program schedule for the 2018 class, visit LeadershipJackson.com or email Brandy Stutsman, manager of leadership development for the Jackson Chamber.

Join treasure hunters, antique collectors and flea market lovers between Memphis and Nashville along Highway 70 for the 15th Annual Highway 70 Yard Sale. The sale kicks off Thursday, June 7 and continues through Saturday, June 9, 2018.   Organizers continue to build upon the success of this long standing sale featuring items to satisfy the deal seekers! Visit Highway 70 Yard Sale-Tenn https://www.facebook.com/events/892077587630063/ on facebook To learn more about the sale. If you’re interested in a map of participating sales, visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Se0IgVHGTHuT0r_X5HCSM9ez6eQ&usp=sharing   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. Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the May 31st weekend.  Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday May 31st         Friday June 1st Saturday June 2nd     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.   You know it's June in Jackson when it's time for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant, Jackson Generals Baseball, plus Jake Owen comes for a concert at the ballpark! Check out chamber events, new members, ribbon cuttings and Holly Wood with American Job Center on our June Video Newsletter. Let your inner rock star shine as you wind your way through the newest, most interactive exhibit to date, now open at Discovery Park of America in Union City!  The exhibit, entitled The Science of Rock N Roll, opened officially on Friday, May 25th, with Thursday evening setting the stage with a VIP fundraising dinner featuring The School of Rock Memphis.  A sold out crowd enjoyed a pork chop dinner from Hubs, great entertainment from the extremely talented School of Rock Memphis band and a sneak peek at the new exhibit. “It’s amazing, educational, interactive and fun,” exhibit director Jennifer Wildes said. CEO Jim Rippy says that park officials are extremely excited about this new exhibit.  “This is the first time we have had an exhibit of this caliber open during our busy summer months,” Rippy said.  “We believe that all our guests will enjoy this extra attraction because it is so unique and entertaining,” he added.   The exhibit is very hands-on, with guests getting a chance to play the bass guitar, a regular guitar, the drums, and enjoy a larger than life live rock band performance in the live performance theater, among many other interactive opportunities.   The narrative begins sometime in the early 50s and progresses through Elvis, the Beatles, the Stones, punk, new wave, MTV, grunge and the rise of indie music in the 21st century.  From the transistor radio to the latest in digital technology, those attending will be amazed at how much science and technology are involved in creating the amazing rock-and-roll sounds we have all grown up with.  “Get ready to look at rock in an entirely new way; through the lens of science and technology,” exhibit creators promise.   The Science of Rock N Roll will be open in the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall inside Discovery Center 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday through September 4th, 2018.  The cost is $5.00 for students, $6.00 for members and large groups and $7.00 for all others, in addition to park admission.   Marketing Director, Mary Nita Bondurant, said that the park has planned some fun events in conjunction with the exhibit.  “On July 28th, we plan to have an event called, “Rockin Out at the Museum,” and those attending can enjoy the exhibit throughout the evening.  Then, on August 18th, we’ll celebrate all the decades of rock at an event called, “Rocking through the Ages,” Bondurant said.  Complete information about these events can be found on the website.   The exhibit will also be available for guests during our June 15th “Members Only Park after Dark.”  “This special event is an evening opening of the entire park so that members can come out and enjoy the park at night,” Bondurant explained. “A special invitation has been sent to all our members, and we think that giving them the chance to enjoy the park on a pretty summer night is a great member perk,” she added.  Bondurant said that anyone who would like to attend the Park after Dark on June 15th just needs to purchase and annual pass.   Discovery Park is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN.  You can see the 2018 Calendar of Events, including upcoming educational and entertaining events, by visiting the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com .  The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is a unique blend of history, science, architecture, art and fun. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center invites blues fans from around the globe to attend the 8th annual Exit 56 Blues Fest May 26-27 in Brownsville, TN. The festival, presented from the porch of the last home of blues legend Sleepy John Estes, will showcase two full days of blues performances hosted by N Da Kno’s Jazzii A, an entertainment industry veteran that has toured with Bobby Rush. “To see dedicated blues fans return to Brownsville and to welcome new audiences to the festival each year is both a pleasure and honor,” says Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Executive Director of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The Exit 56 Blues Fest features live music from an eclectic gathering of blues men and women, arts and crafts, car and motorcycle cruise in/corvette car show, and the famous deep-fried barbecue eating competition. Saturday, May 26 • 10 am: Tyler Goodson • 11 am: Elam McKnight Band • Noon: Doctor Ocular • 1 pm: Sean “Bad” Apple • 2 pm: Maxwell Russell & The Shakedown Kings • 3 pm: Linzie Butler & the Blues Gentlemen • 3:45 pm: Car Show Winner Announcement • 4:30 pm: Deep Fried BBQ Eating Contest • 5 pm: Dylan Whitney Band • 6 pm: Lucious Spiller • 7 pm: Little Boys Blue • 8 pm: Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers • 9 pm: Al Corte’ Sunday, May 27 - Women in Blues Showcase • 10 am: Sandy Carroll • 11 am: Joyce Henderson • 12 pm: Barbara Blue • 1 pm: Queen Ann • 2 pm: Reba Russell • 3 pm: Lorina McMinn • 4 pm: Women in Blues Jam Admission is free. Those looking for more information about the event can visit www.Exit56Blues.com or call or email the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center at the following: 731-779-9000 or info@westtnheritage.com. The 2018 Exit 56 Blues Fest is presented by the following sponsors: WBBJ- Channel 7 in Jackson, TN, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Jammin’ Jackson 97.7 FM, WHHG-The Hog 92.3, N Da Kno with Jazzii A on WNDK Radio, Music on the Couch Internet radio, Cascades – IFC Disposables, Hub City Blueprint, CoreCivic – Whiteville Correctional Facility and Brownsville Press. Small World of Cotton Exhibit Opens April 28 Explore the world of cotton through miniature farm creations by West Tennessee “Toy Farmer” Darryl Cox. These 1/16th scale scratch-built farm toys tell the story of cotton ginning and the use of more modern day farm equipment. The exhibit officially becomes part of the West Tennessee Cotton Museum during an opening reception Saturday, April 28. Bluegrass Jamboree returns May 12 Bluegrass music takes center stage during the 2nd annual Hatchie Bottom Bluegrass Jamboree Saturday, May 12, at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The free event will features bands from the Jackson, Tenn., based Golden Circle Opry. Stage performances will take place from 4 - 8 p.m. Featured bands include Coley and Marilyn Graves and Friends of Bartlett, Tenn., Hatchie Bottom Boys of Corinth, Miss., Providence Road and Possum Road Band of Jackson. Shade tree pickers are invited to perform before and after the stage performances. Vendors will be onsite and basket weaving demonstrations will be going on. There is limited bleacher seating and attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for more comfortable seating. Concessions will be available. The event occurs rain or shine. For more information, contact the Center at 731-779-9000 or info@westtnheritage.com. Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the May 24th weekend.  Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday May 24th       Friday May 25th Saturday May 26th      Sunday May 27th     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. Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the May 17th weekend.  Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday May 17th       Friday May 18th Saturday May 19th  Sunday May 20th  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. The Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Education Foundation (TnHTEF) began its scholarship program to recognize students who are furthering their education in the hospitality and tourism industry and who are excelling in study, work, and related school activities. TnHTEF’s mission is to equip the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals with the skills they need to succeed in the industry.     The purpose of the TnHTEF scholarships is to present academic awards to students who are recognized by their faculty for academic achievement and for their contributions to the hospitality and tourism program at their school. The scholarships are given to the school in the name of the student to be used for tuition, books, and other related expenses of their education. Any remaining funds must be returned to TnHTEF. Any recipient who fails to enroll or cancels his/her enrollment must notify TnHTEF immediately.   ·       Scholarships / Awarded to the top 6 candidates and are at the $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 levels. ·       Eligibility / Full time student pursuing a hospitality & tourism related degree. See application for full details. ·       Apply / Complete the attached application in full & submit to austin@tnhta.net ·       Deadline / Monday, May 21st, 2018 ·       APPLY HERE   Questions? Call or email Austin Schneider, 615-385-9970 and austin@tnhta.net.   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. Chamber logo

Jackson Chamber announces the recent promotion of three staff members, Kristy Dew, Jill Erling and Cameron Hansbrough.


Kristy Dew Kristy Dew, member engagement specialist

Kristy Dew takes over as member engagement specialist. She will organize and manage the daily operations of the membership department and supervise the chamber’s Emissaries, a group of volunteers that connect with existing chamber members. Dew joined the chamber in 2012. She attended Union University and is a 2013 Dale Carnegie graduate.


Jill Erling Jill Erling, manager of events

Jill Erling has been promoted to manager of events. She will manage the daily affairs of Jackson Chamber events including ribbon cuttings and will oversee the Ambassadors. The Ambassadors are the goodwill sector of the chamber that supports members by attending ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. Erling has been with the chamber since 2016 and is a graduate of Western Illinois University.


Cameron Hansbrough Cameron Hansbrough, director of member relations

Cameron Hansbrough moves into the position of director of member relations. She will oversee the chamber’s membership development including new growth and retention of membership. Hansbrough joined the team in 2017 and has a degree in journalism and broadcasting.


“We have an extremely talented and dedicated staff here at the Jackson Chamber,” states Ryan Porter, chief operating officer/general counsel, Jackson Chamber. “We are fortunate to have Kristy, Jill, and Cameron on our team and value them and the work that they do for our community.”


Connect here with Kristy Dew, Jill Erling and Cameron Hansbrough or call 731-423-2200.