Lori Weir, Relationship Architects, talks to area leaders in Jackson, TN about Strong Communities.


Community leaders in Jackson, Tennessee joined together recently at the Jackson Chamber to find out what the program, “Strong Communities” is about. This is an effort to keep Jackson strong and continually make it the place for a better education, jobs, health and wellness, a great place to visit and live. “Strong Communities” is a program guided by Lori Weir and her team with Relationship Architects.


“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am for my home town to be the epicenter of this global movement focused on what is OH SO RIGHT with our people, says Lori Weir, chief executive operator of Relationship Architects. “The reception from West Tennessee leadership on an approach to community engagement that celebrates our differences as advantages is inspiring.”


The program centers around diversity and focusing on everyone’s Unique Genius, playing to the strengths of leaders and citizens in our community and what they can bring to the table. Everyone in Jackson-Madison County has a talent and a strength that can be used to keep our area strong and make it better.


Charles Adams, acting president for the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber, was one of the leaders in attendance. Adams said, “Any program that can help bring a community together is a wonderful thing.” He went on to say that he believes we have the right people in place to help push the community in the right direction.


The next step for this program will be to conduct a workshop for leaders to discover their own Unique Genius and better understand the instinctive talents of other leaders. The goal is to accelerate community collaboration and cohesion as Jackson continues to move forward.

Asia Ricketts

Asia Ricketts and AMT cohort James Box practice skills on a pneumatics trainer in a engineering systems lab at JSCC.


A married mother of two young children, Asia Ricketts is not your typical student in Jackson State Community College’s Advanced Maintenance Technician (AMT) Co-op.


The 26-year-old Huntingdon resident, however, has embraced the program. She attends classes two days a week at Jackson State and learns hands-on experience while working three days a week as a co-op employee at Toyota Bodine in Jackson.


“I like to fix things,” Ricketts said. “I like manufacturing work. It offers stability, a good salary and great benefits – especially for our area.”


As a co-op employee, Ricketts is making about $12 an hour. Within two to three years after she graduates and continues to increase her skills, she has the potential to be earning more than $28 an hour, said Jason Bates, Toyota Bodine plant administrator.


The AMT Co-op – a partnership between Jackson State and 28 area manufacturers – helps local industry fill an important need for advanced maintenance personnel, said Cathi Roberts, the program’s completion coordinator.


“To be in the AMT co-op, one must apply, interview, and be hired by one of the manufacturers in the consortium,” she explained. “The co-op, which is part of JSCC’s accredited Engineering System’s Program, is providing a cutting-edge curriculum. It offers employers peace of mind when filling maintenance positions because the employers know they are getting a quality employee who has real-life experience.”


Students in the AMT co-op also learn soft skills, such as team building and interpersonal skills, Roberts said.

Ricketts, who began courses in August, went through the interview and selection process last May.


Bates and Darrel Johansen, Toyota Bodine equipment maintenance group leader, were impressed. “She hit the ground running,” Johansen said. “She has a positive attitude and strong work ethic.”


Roberts agreed. “Asia is an outstanding student and leader. She has earned the respect of not only her professors and employer, but also the students.”


A maintenance technician at Toyota Bodine is multi-skilled, Bates said. On any given day, Ricketts will troubleshoot equipment in hydraulics, robotics, electrical or other areas.


Ricketts is attending Jackson State on a PELL grant. (For students who don’t qualify for a PELL grant, Tennessee offers adults who return to school for a degree or certificate two years of free tuition at a community college or technical school through Tennessee Reconnect.)


The road for Ricketts to become a full-time team employee at Toyota Bodine starts with completing her co-op requirements and graduating in two years with an associate of applied science degree in Engineering Systems.


Then, after passing a test given by Toyota Bodine, she’ll be hired for a six-month internship at the engine block manufacturer where she will continue to increase her skills.


Getting the offer of a full-time job depends on openings at the plant, Bates said, “but we’ve always had an opening.” In fact, Toyota Bodine currently has four positions open for maintenance technicians. By 2020, Bates estimates there will be three million tech positions across the country that can’t be filled.


The AMT co-op students, who are encouraged to tell their friends and former classmates about the AMT co-op, do a great job of recruiting, Roberts said. “We have found that the most difficult group of people to convince that manufacturing is a viable and lucrative career is parents.” They change their minds, however, after they learn more about the opportunities, she said.


As the first and only woman so far in the AMT co-op, Ricketts is fighting the perception that manufacturing maintenance is for men only – it’s too hard for women to do.


“It’s always been said that it’s a man’s world in the factory,” Ricketts said. “But that’s not true anymore. It’s not as physically strenuous as some people think. Women bring different ideas to the table; we think about things differently. My hope is that other women see they can do this, too.”


December 2018 Video News


Hey members, it's time to fill out your application for the Business of the Year Awards for Annual Celebration 2019. Check here for more information, new members, ribbon cuttings and our Member Connection, Samuel Bryant with Samuel T. Bryant Distillery. Find out what it offers for the holidays and more on our Video News.

Healthy Tennessee is hosting a Community Health Summit at the J. Walter Barnes Auditorium and Conference Center at 620 Skyline Drive in Jackson, Tennessee, 38301. The summit will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Healthy Tennessee is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Manny Sethi, a Vanderbilt orthopedic trauma surgeon, that provides health education and community training opportunities to improve the lives of Tennesseans with free health screenings, health care symposiums, health care prevention tips, and information on nutrition. Over the past 8 years, Healthy Tennessee has worked with major Fortune 500 companies, universities, and community leaders to achieve its goals of making Tennessee a healthier place to live, work, and raise a family. “We’re looking forward to coming back to Jackson to focus on community health in West Tennessee. We had one of our most highly attended health fairs in 2014 at the Oman Arena and believe this summit will provide beneficial information and develop new relationships between community leaders and health care professionals,” stated Dr. Manny Sethi. The summit will be an opportunity for healthcare professionals, faith-based community leaders, nonprofit organizations, employers, and legislators to discuss important health-related issues facing the state of Tennessee. These issues include the opioid crisis, chronic disease (such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes), and the impact of built environment on health. Dr. Manny also said, “The primary goal of our community health summits is to connect community health leaders so that they can partner with fellow Tennesseans to help everyone live healthier lives. This is a great way to end the year and we are proud to be part of that commitment in the great city of Jackson.” Health care focused organizations and individuals are encouraged to attend. Attendance is free, but limited, and must be reserved by contacting Healthy Tennessee at olivia@myhealthytennessee.com or calling 615-208-4417. UMLambuth logo

The University of Memphis(UofM) began operations on the Lambuth campus in 2011. With all the power of a major research university behind it, The University of Memphis Lambuth Campus brings visionary learning to West Tennessee. It gives area residents a campus in their own backyard, making it very convenient to get a world class education close to home. The Lambuth setting is just what you might expect in the friendly city of Jackson - a 57-acre, tree-filled, tranquil campus with stately historic buildings. No vast parking lots. No high-rise buildings. You are simply surrounded by beauty and a genuine love for learning.


At Jackson's only four-year public university, you will be inspired by top professors in small classes, putting you on a first-name basis with experts in your field of study and building contacts to last throughout your career. You will be part of Tiger Nation and have all the advantages of its larger metropolitan university, along with the benefits of the intimate residential college environment of Lambuth.


UofM Lambuth serves Jackson and the surrounding communities, providing first class, quality educational programs from bachelor to doctoral levels. Campus faculty, staff and students also give back to the community by being involved in a number of community activities ranging from the Jackson Chamber to the Jackson Rotary Club, to serving organizations in a variety of capacitites.


UofM Lambuth has continued to thrive over the years. In the spring of 2018, the UofM Lambuth enrollment increased to over 1000 students for the first time in its operation on the campus, and plans are to continue to grow the campus enrollment and continue to fulfill our mission.


UofM Lambuth is located at 705 Lambuth Boulevard. Visitors to the campus may enjoy a tour of the campus or a self-guided tour of the arboretum. For those that prefer a virtual tour of the campus, you can find it at Memphis.edu/Lambuth. You can also find more information on the university there as well.

 Join us in downtown Jackson to celebrate the 2018 A Magical, Musical Jackson Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting is planned for Monday, December 3.  Grand Marshal Nell Huntspon will lead the parade. The Tree Lighting begins at 5:15 pm and the Parade begins at 6:30 pm.  In the event of rain, the events will be held Tuesday, December 4.  Registration closed for parade entries on November 16. For more information visit their website  or call the Jackson Recreation & Parks Registration at 731.425.8382. 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. FirstChoice-Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Kelley is executive vice president with FirstChoice Property & Development LLC.


FirstChoice Property & Development LLC is a development company located in Humboldt, TN. It was founded by Flint Cox and Greg Kelley, who have over 20 years of experience in the retail development business. The company’s main goal is to provide services for any and every development opportunity; being driven on the importance of exceeding the client's expectations while finishing under deadline. FirstChoice is guided by the importance of building a relationship with its tenants and assisting them with the growth of their company.


“We develop retail, office, and industrial projects all over the southeast, but most importantly in our hometown of Jackson, Tennessee,” says Ann-Marie Kelley, executive vice president of Firstchoice Property & Development.


Kelley says what she loves most about doing business in the community is, “being able to help tenants relocate or expand in Jackson and helping them to create their perfect build out.” The plan is to grow Jackson and the surrounding areas while providing as many jobs as possible.


With a new office opening in the Thomsen Farms area, Firstchoice is also working on new development projects there as well. The office will be opening in December at 1363 D, Union University Drive.


For more information, visit it’s website at FirstChoicePD.com.

Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the November 15th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday November 15th       Friday November 16th Saturday November 17th   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. 2017AnnualCelebAwards

Jackson Chamber is now accepting applications for the Annual Celebration Business of the Year Awards. These awards are designed to promote and celebrate outstanding businesses in the community.

“We feel Jackson Chamber members represent outstanding businesses in our community,” said Jill Erling, Jackson Chamber’s manager of events. “Honoring their accomplishments with the Business Awards is one way for us to recognize their high standards, professional accomplishments and community contributions.”


The awards will be presented at the Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration on March 14, 2019, at Union University’s Carl Grant Events Center. The Celebration will highlight the accomplishments of our members throughout the year, honor chamber volunteers and recognize businesses that have achieved ultimate success.


“Our Jackson businesses and industries are critical to the success of our community,” says Jim Ferrell, Jackson Chamber board chairman. “They invest in our lives, providing jobs and products for everyday use. To show our gratitude, we recognize them at the Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration.”


Awards will be given in the following categories:

• Business of the Year, 1-49 Employees • Business of the Year, 50+ Employees • Emerging Business of the Year • Industry of the Year • Non-Profit of the Year • West Tennessee Healthcare Health and Wellness

Businesses may apply for one award category and must be a member of the Jackson Chamber. To apply, visit the Jackson Chamber’s website at JacksonTN.com. Application deadline is Monday, January 7, 2019 at 4 p.m. For more information, email Jill Erling or call 731-423-2200.

Looking for live music this weekend? Jackson and West Tennessee are home to numerous live music venues and special events over the November 8th weekend. Thanks to our friend Matt Barnacastle and the Jackson Area Music Society for sharing the weekend's live music events! Thursday November 8th       Friday November 9th Saturday November 10th   Sunday November 11th     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.