City of Jackson Fire Chief Maxie Stewart retires Friday, Aug. 31, after 36 years as a firefighter. Before he was named Jackson’s fire chief in 2012, he climbed the ranks of the department as a driver, captain and battalion chief.

“I wish Chief Stewart the very best in retirement,” said Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist. “I am very appreciative of his service to me and City of Jackson residents over these past years.”

Chief Stewart Chief Maxie Stewart

Gist appointed Fire Department Veteran Darryl W. Samuels Sr. as interim chief, leaving the hiring of a permanent fire chief to Jackson’s new mayor next year.

“With only 10 months remaining in my term as mayor, I do not feel, from an ethical standpoint, that I should name a permanent chief,” Gist said. “That responsibility should lie with the newly elected mayor after he or she takes office July 1, 2019.”

Samuels Darryl Samuels, Sr.

Samuels, who joined the Jackson Fire Department in 1975, served on the operations side of the fire department for more than 19 years. He retired in 2002 as director of the city’s Central Dispatch. He was rehired in 2009 as a consultant for the Fire Department and Central Dispatch.

Samuels, who assumes the interim fire chief position Sept. 1., has certifications with the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST). He has been an APCO PST instructor. He is past board chair of the Madison County Emergency Communications District and has held memberships with APCO, Tennessee Emergency Numbers Association (TENA), and National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA).

“I am very pleased that Samuels, with his credentials, has agreed to step in as interim fire chief,” Gist said.

“I am honored with the Mayor’s confidence in my ability to lead the Jackson Fire Department,” Samuels said. “The department is filled with dedicated firefighters and excellent safety and training personnel who put the safety of the Jackson community first every day.”

LJ 40th logo

Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce the nominees selected for its 2018 Leadership Jackson class. Leadership Jackson is a leadership development program for community members who demonstrate leadership potential. Sponsored by the Jackson Chamber, the program is an opportunity for local professionals to learn more about the community and the challenges it faces.

The class will participate in a full day information session in early September to get acquainted and find out more about what their Leadership Jackson experience will entail. Guiding the group will be Leadership Jackson 2018 Chair Pierre DuVentre, owner, D’Top Roofing and Repair; and the program’s Vice Chair Lauren Saliba, branch manager, Apria Healthcare. In two weeks, Leadership Jackson class members will go on a two-day opening retreat.

“Many people within our community and the Jackson Chamber have made sacrifices to get us to our exciting 40th class of Leadership Jackson,” says DuVentre. “It is a blessing and an honor to serve with Lauren as co-chair of this year‘s class. As we engage in skill-building exercises and get deeply exposed to our community; new perspectives will be formed, new ideas will be discussed, and leaders will emerge ready to serve and connect to assist in propelling Jackson forward. This year will be filled with many great expectations.”

Class members will meet weekly for sessions on various topics. A leadership skill-building component is incorporated into each session. Leaders in key areas, such as health care, criminal justice, economic development, quality of life, 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. It also engages them in a self-analysis of where they can best make a positive impact by getting involved or by being a resource for their company or sphere of influence.

The 2018 Leadership Jackson class includes:

For more information on Leadership Jackson, visit it's website, LeadershipJackson.com JMCSS logoThe Jackson-Madison County School System has been awarded $100,000 in funds, from the Tennessee Department of Education’s New Skills for Youth (NSFY) Grant, to support the new L.O.O.P. Initiative. L.O.O.P., which stands for Local Options and Opportunities Program, will offer students the chance to attend classes half of the day and get hands-on, paid work experience in an advanced manufacturing setting the other half. The L.O.O.P. opportunity will be open to approximately 20 seniors from across the district. The work-based learning program is set to begin in January 2019.

The grant will be used to purchase industry specific trainers and equipment and will allow the district to accelerate the L.O.O.P. initiative and reach more students. “Without this grant, we would either not be able to purchase this equipment or it would take several years to accumulate the pieces,” said Jennifer Barham, CTE Supervisor.

The equipment, such as a motor control trainer, mechanical trainer and AC/DC trainer, will be purchased during the fall semester. “This equipment will give students a head start on probing and troubleshooting equipment and situations similar to those found in the manufacturing setting,” explained Barham. “Students will also be required to demonstrate certain skillsets while earning their industry certifications that would not be possible without this equipment.”

L.O.O.P. will not only allow students to earn a paycheck while learning work skills and earning their high school diploma, it will allow them to transition seamlessly into job opportunities or post-secondary training programs right after graduation. Advanced manufacturing is an area of high need in the West Tennessee region and equipping students with technical skills in this field will prepare them for a competitive job market and maximize their earning potential after high school and as they enter post-secondary training. “This grant is a great addition to the efforts the district is making to strengthen our workforce development programs,” said Dr. Jared Myracle, Chief Academic Officer. “Being one of the few districts in the state selected for this grant, we will be able to continue to expand the options and opportunities available for our students.”

“We are committed to preparing our students for post-secondary and the workforce,” said Dr. Eric Jones, JMCSS Superintendent. “L.O.O.P. is a comprehensive program that is the epitome of our commitment to offering rigorous early college and career options and opportunities for our students.”

The NSFY grant, an initiative of J.P. Morgan, focuses on increasing the number of students who are prepared for careers in high-demand, high-wage jobs in their communities and across the state. JMCSS was also awarded a $12,000 grant from the TDOE’s Perkins Reserve, which will be used to pay for industry certifications for students in L.O.O.P and throughout the district.

Parents or students interested in learning more about the L.O.O.P. initiative can email Jennifer Barham.

LOOP logo

L.O.O.P. Partners for 2018-19:

Stanley Black & Decker, a global diversified industrial leader of tools & storage, industrial equipment, and security products, will integrate students into manufacturing jobs including assembly, machine operations, and various support roles.

TBDN TENNESSEE COMPANY, an automotive parts manufacturer, supplies a variety of power train components for vehicles produced by Toyota, Honda, and GM. TBDN will provide students practical application of classroom learning and introduce them to the wide variety of career opportunities that modern manufacturing offers.

Old Country Store, a locally owned and operated family restaurant and travel attraction will expose students to a variety of experiences related to travel and hospitality including farm to tray, food preparation, food service, retail, and museum hospitality and upkeep.

Gourmet Your Way, a local corporate catering service, will provide students with hands-on experience with all aspects of the catering industry including customer service, food preparation, and presentation.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology will also have opportunities for students to work in advanced manufacturing to make progress toward earning industry certifications.

Stanley Black & Decker described their L.O.O.P program participation in this way: “Students have the ability to learn expectations and requirements for being successful in the workplace while also obtaining operational and technical skills for growth. The least we can do is help support and develop the effort to help both students and businesses while supporting growth and improvement of our community.” The work-based learning program is set to begin in January 2019.

Greenjays logo

Jackson State Community College revealed its new athletic identity as the Green Jays Tuesday, August 21, 2018, in an event open to the employees and the community. The newly refinished gym floor was revealed to spectators eagerly awaiting the new identity.

“From the very beginning we’ve been the Generals,” said Steve Cornelison, Director of Athletics and Student Activities. “At the time this mascot embodied our fighting spirit and continued with us as we built the institution and our athletic program from the ground up.”

The campus chose to move forward with a new athletic identity while reflecting on the past. The idea was to have something unique that would set Jackson State apart. Responses to the reveal were overwhelmingly positive, with many stunned at the transformation from the Generals. Jim Swope, former athletic director for Jackson State, joked that at first he has come around to the idea since hearing about the transition. “No, I think it’s good, and it will look good out in the community.”

Jackson State’s athletes are very excited to be the first Green Jays on the court and field this fall. “I think we might be the only Green Jays in the country,” said Garrett Guymon, a sophomore player on the baseball team. “I thinks it’s unique, and I think it’ll be really good.”

To view the official JSCC athletic identity video, visit JSCC.edu/reveal.

Are you ready to celebrate #JacksonTN in September? Many celebrations are coming your way, including the downtown Jackson-Madison County Library's 50th anniversary and Toyota Bodine Aluminum's 15-year celebration. Find out more about Le Bonheur Children's Outpatient Center with Diane Rushing and check out new members, ribbon cuttings and more.     The Jackson Futbol Club’s Wolves Weekend Challenge will bring over 90 teams to Jackson to compete August 24 – 26, 2018.  Tournament Director Chris Baker said, “We expect upwards of 5,000 players and families from 6 states to be in Jackson over the 24th weekend.” The Wolves Weekend Challenge is the largest annual fundraiser for the Jackson Futbol Club, a nonprofit soccer club for boys and girls ages five to eighteen.  Proceeds provide scholarships that allow children to train and compete at the highest levels of competitive soccer.  The club fields approximately 25 teams each season, and last season boasted two state championship teams.   The tournament has expanded to included North Park, University School of Jackson and Trinity.  The club recognizes USJ and Trinity for allowing play at their facilities   Games begin Friday night and continue all day Saturday and Sunday in age groups that range from eight to eighteen.  The tournament is sponsored by FMY Orthodontics, West TN Bone & Joint, Jackson Clinic, Zaxby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, McAlister’s Deli, Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill, Tennessee Tractor and Dart’s Carts.   For more information on the tournament contact Chris Baker at tournament@jacksonwolves.org or 731.333.2556   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 Jackson TN 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 August 16th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday August 16th       Friday August 17th   Saturday August 18th Sunday August 19th 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 Jackson International Food and Art Festival was born from a series of community meetings organized by Mayor Jerry Gist in 2013.  Two community representatives in particular, Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, thought the it would be beneficial for Jackson’s foreign-born citizens to share their history, art and culture with their fellow Jacksonians.  Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales agreed to co-chair the event and began recruiting like-minded community members to help organize, fund and host an international party in downtown Jackson! Please join us from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday, September 29, 2018, for the fifth annual Jackson International Food and Art Festival located on the Court Square in Downtown Jackson.  The free event will include: The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.  The Jackson International Food and Art Festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art and traditional performances.  The festival aims to remind the community that despite differences in appearance, worship or where we come from—there is far more that unites us than divides us. Numerous cultural groups have committed to participate in the festival including Japan, India, Mexico, and The Philippines. To learn more about registration and sponsorship opportunities, or to be a part of the festival visit www.JIFAF.com, Facebook, Instagram or call 731.425.8316. The Jackson International Food and Art Festival will host a press conference 9:00 am, Thursday, September 6, 2018, City Hall, 100 East Main Street, Downtown Jackson, TN. Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the August 9th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday August 9th         Friday August 10th   Saturday August 11th   Sunday August 12th 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. Fifteen years ago, Toyota broke ground on a state-of-the art manufacturing plant that now makes more than 1.5 million engine blocks a year. Today, in fact, every Toyota assembled in North America, from the Camry in your driveway to the Tundra down the street, starts with an engine block produced in Jackson, Tennessee.   The engine block is the heart of the engine, providing a strong and stable base for every function of the engine. To make the aluminum blocks in Jackson, Toyota has invested $315 million, including a $14.5 million investment in 2017 to accommodate production of 2.5-liter engine blocks and hybrid transaxle cases and housings. Since 2003, the plant, which employs 300 people, has produced nearly 15 million engine blocks and 3.5 million transmission cases and housings for vehicles sold in the U.S. and in 31 other countries.   “Our Tennessee plant is the world’s highest quality producer of engine blocks for Toyota vehicles, and our team members are among the best in the industry,” says Shawn Daly, Toyota Bodine general manager. “Our team’s unmatched commitment to quality and safety, along with unwavering support from the local community has been – and continues to be – the foundation of our success.”   No Party Like a Block Party To thank the community for its 15 years of support, Toyota Bodine is hosting a Block Party – a free outdoor community concert on September 15 at The AMP in downtown Jackson, Tennessee. It will feature two of Jackson’s favorite country-singing sons: Jonathan Singleton and Brandon Lay. Singleton, a singer and songwriter known for penning chart-topping hits, will kick off the evening with an acoustic show at 6:30 p.m. Lay, who spent the summer touring with Kenny Chesney and was recently named one of Rolling Stone’s 10 new country singers to watch, will turn up the volume at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from local food trucks.   Toyota will top off the event by announcing special donations to the community. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the RIFA foodbank.   For complete details, visit www.toyotabodineblockparty.com.The Block Party is part of the AMP Music Series and made possible thanks to the Jackson/Madison County Convention & Visitor Bureau.   About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (more than 37,000 in the U.S.).  Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2017 – and about 87 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road today.   Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We share company resources and extensive know-how to support non-profits to help expand their ability to assist more people move more places. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.