Leadership University Class attends Camp Mack Morris for opening retreat.
Leadership University, a youth leadership development program for high school juniors from Jackson-Madison County, is accepting applications for its 2019-2020 program now through Monday, April 1.
Leadership University is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors from Jackson-Madison County that demonstrates leadership potential. Leadership University prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders that make a positive difference in others, as well as their community by creates awareness in all aspects of the community.
Lane College, Union University, Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus are sponsors for Leadership University. These sponsorships make it possible for the program to be offered to participants at no cost, but to pay it forward to the community. Students participate in community service monthly during the program with local social service agencies.
Application deadline is April 1, 2019.
For more information about Leadership University please contact Brandy Stutsman at 731-423-2200 or by email at bstutsman@jacksontn.com.
To learn more about Leadership University, visit its Facebook page or see the latest video on the Jackson Chamber’s website under Leadership University or on the Jackson Chamber’s YouTube page.
As we get ready for Annual Celebration, see our new members, find out how you can become a Jackson Chamber Ambassador and learn about upcoming events. Plus, our member connection, Boss & Ross BBQ talks about the delicious food and services they offer. Every year more than half of Americans (52%) fail to use all their time off, creating a stock pile of 705 million unused vacation days, up from 662 million days the year before.
“National Plan for Vacation Day is an opportunity for Americans and for America. And who better than the travel industry to help plan the perfect vacation?” said Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “America offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a sunny day at the beach, a snowball fight in the mountains or a musical trip through Jackson, Tennessee. We encourage every American to plan their time off to explore our great country.”
The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacation days is better planning. Yet just over half (52%) of households set aside time to plan the use of their vacation time each year.
“Visit Jackson, TN is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day because we want to encourage Tennesseans to take their well-deserved time off,” said Lori Nunnery, Executive Director. “And what better way to take a day than to travel? By committing to planning on January 29, we can all reap the benefits of taking a break while giving yourself something to look forward to.”
Research shows that planners have a distinct advantage over non-planners: They use more of their time, take longer vacations, and are happier. Planners are also more likely than non-planners to use all or most of their time off to travel (33% to 18%).
To help employees get their vacation days on the calendar, U.S. Travel Association created a vacation planning tool. By simply entering the number of days off earned, users can plot out their trips or vacations for the year, export to their work or personal calendar, and share with their family and co-workers.
National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year.
To plan your next vacation in Jackson and West Tennessee Visit Jackson TN. Download the Visit Jackson TN APP, connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333.
During the third week of June, for the past 67 years, women from across the State of Tennessee have converged upon Jackson for a week of individual growth and empowerment by participating in our annual competition for scholarship awards and the chance to serve as the Governor’s Spokesperson for Character Education for the year. Contestants, parents, volunteers, and friends have joined sponsors, professional entertainers, orchestras, dancers and live internet streaming and television crews to create a winning combination of promise, achievement and aspiration.
The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant, formerly the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant, continues the legacy of pageantry in Tennessee. The tradition will continue into its 68th year in Jackson, Tennessee at the Carl Perkins Civic Center from June 19-22, 2019, in order to carry on the longstanding legacy of assisting young women in our state acquire higher education through scholarships. The custom also continues for the people and local businesses in Jackson and throughout West Tennessee, who have generously supported the program in our community for decades.
This June, you will see many familiar faces both onstage and behind the scenes. Allison Alderson DeMarcus and husband Jay DeMarcus, of country supergroup Rascal Flatts, will continue to co-emcee the nightly competition. In addition, though not always onstage, there will be more than 100 pageant volunteers present not only from Jackson, but across the entire state from as far away as Greenville, Tennessee. Our dedicated volunteers commit thousands of hours annually to the program and these young women.
Three outstanding examples of our longtime volunteer staff include:
#1 Robert Boren of Jackson has worked with the pageant for the past 44 years. He began working with the pageant when he was 10 years old setting up chairs at Rothrock Stadium. When the bus rolled by his house on Hamilton Street, Robert would run to the stadium to help the contestants unload their luggage, assist with carrying luggage to the dressing rooms, and then would setup chairs for the audience members. When he was a Jaycee in 1974, he took up tickets at the front door at the Jackson Coliseum (now Oman Arena). Robert has happily and proficiently done any job needed over the years. He has assisted with everything from dry cleaning the cast’s costumes to Admissions Chairperson to Production/Talent props backstage, and from setting up televisions throughout the building for the live telecast to preparing for the Contestant Meet and Greet at the Old Hickory Mall.
#2 Darren Lykes became an integral part of the volunteer base in 2007, as the Official Pageant photographer. Darren is the owner of Darren Lykes Photography based in Jackson. He has been working with contestants for over a decade as a premier photographer and mentor in their quest for the state crown, while continuing to work with the state titleholders during their reign and beyond their years of service.
#3 Volunteer Sharon Regen of Union City has worked as a Pageant Hostess in Jackson for the past 22 years. Sharon is a retired school teacher from the Obion County school system where she taught for 37 years. She has served as the Obion County Fairest of the Fair Chairman and Secretary for the past 25 years. She packs her car every June, takes off time from her family and travels annually to Jackson to assist the young women competing in the pageant. She and the other six women of the Hostess Committee are with the contestants the entire time they are in Jackson. The Hostesses work closely with Sherriff Mehr and the extraordinary team of local law enforcement to ensure the contestants’ safety 24 hours a day. They also travel with the contestants to every rehearsal and event, assist with wardrobe issues, take them to the doctor if they become sick, and even provide a “listening ear” as they support the young women as their “moms” for the week.
These extraordinary people are just three of the many incredible volunteers from Jackson and across our state who work tirelessly to house, feed, and host the women as well as, guide, underwrite and mentor. All of these volunteers are gracious enough to take time off work and spend time away from their families in order to donate their energy and talents every year. They believe in the young women of our state, and they enjoy the hospitality of the people of Jackson.
Over the past 10 years alone, over $1,000,000 in scholarships have been awarded to contestants who have competed in Jackson. In 2019, The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant will continue that tradition by offering scholarships exceeding $125,000.
Join the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant, June 19 to 22, 2019 as it remains at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson, Tennessee. For more information visit our Facebook page Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant. 
Today, the Foundation announced its plans to accept proposals from area non-profits. The organization will focus on projects and initiatives benefiting Madison County for its upcoming 2019-2020 fiscal year.
“We want to continue to partner with other organizations seeking to support the citizens of Jackson and Madison County. Therefore, we are announcing the Foundation will be accepting proposals for community impact grants for the fourth year,” said Vice President of Operations, Beth Koffman.
The Foundation awarded Community Impact Grants to ten groups for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Among those were Jackson Chamber members: Arise2Read, The Dream Center, Jackson Arts Council, Jackson Symphony, Jonah Affordable Housing Organization, Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA), and West Tennessee Legal Services. “In only three years, we have doubled the number of organizations who receive funding, and we have almost tripled the amount of funds going directly back into Madison County,” said Koffman. “The Foundation’s goal continues to be putting more funds back into our community to help change lives.”
While there are no specific areas of focus requested, the Foundation has stipulated grant awards must serve the residents of Madison County. Proposals will be accepted from 501(c)(3) organizations or funds of the Foundation until Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
“We know these organizations are serving our community, and we want to partner with them to address the specific needs they see each and every day. We want to be part of the solution,” said Foundation President, Frank McMeen.
The Foundation began in 1984 and is an independent community foundation that provides resources for more than 570 charitable interests. Funds for the staff and general operational expenses come as a gift through West Tennessee Healthcare to encourage charitable giving for good causes. The staff of five provides leadership for three community boards and numerous fundraisers for Foundation-sponsored activities.
A complete listing of the proposal guidelines can be found at www.wthfoundation.org/what-we-do/community-grant-awards.
For more information, contact the Foundation at 731-984-2140 or email Beth Koffman at Beth.Koffman@wth.org.
Improvements scheduled at the Jackson-Madison County Library system’s main library in downtown Jackson will temporarily alter its operating hours and services from Jan. 21 until Feb. 2 as new shelving and flooring is installed.
During this period, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and will be closed on Saturdays. The library will also be closed on Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. The North Branch, located at 8 Stonebridge Blvd. next to China Pan Buffet will operate during its normal business hours.
The installation of new shelving and flooring will require library staff to move its entire collection of fiction, nonfiction, reference books and DVDs. There will not be patron access to the shelving, seating areas, computer lab, the Tennessee Room, the Teen Room or the Children’s Library and most regularly scheduled meetings and events will be cancelled. The entrance on Lafayette St. will also be closed but patrons will be able to enter the building through the doors located off College St.
“Given the magnitude of the project, most of our space will be used to stage the books as we shift our entire collection,” said Dinah Harris, library director. “We realize that there are many people who rely on our library for essential services, in addition to checking out materials. For that reason, we will make every effort to assist patrons but we will need the public’s patience as we try to fulfill those needs. Ultimately, these improvements will enhance patron access to our collection and will create a friendly and welcoming environment for the community to enjoy.”
Without ready access to library materials, patrons will need to place all items on hold during this time; requests will not be fulfilled on the same day. Hold requests can be made in person, by phone or by logging onto the library’s website at www.jmclibrary.org from the patron account portal. Items can be picked up from the Main Library or the North Branch and materials can continue to be returned to both locations. The library encourages patrons to make sure that their contact information is current for pick up notifications and that patrons know their account PIN numbers if placing online hold requests. The library further encourages patrons to explore its vast collection of e-books and e-audiobooks available online or through the Overdrive or Libby apps.
Patrons will also be able to use the library’s faxing and printing services and two computers will be set up to allow patrons to access essential services such as applying for jobs or connecting with government agencies.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page or its website at JMCLibrary.org.
Jackson Livability Magazine 2019.
The Jackson Chamber recently unveiled Livability Jackson, Tennessee, which is one of its primary quality-of-life marketing programs for talent attraction.
The program includes a digital magazine, print magazine and significant exposure on Livability.com, a national website with information about more than 15,000 of America's best places to live and visit. All of the high-quality, easy-to-share content promotes the community's favorable business climate, attractions and other enviable amenities to encourage business investment, talent recruitment and relocation. Targeted print and global digital distribution aims to reach entrepreneurs, site selectors, corporate executives and other talented individuals and families attracted to Jackson's quality of life.
This program includes many tools for business professionals and residents to learn about and share with others the many success stories of the community.
• Go to https://livability.com/tn/jackson
• Click through and share articles to read about business success stories, school programs, must-dos around the community and more. Each article includes share tools for quick posts to
social media.
• To read and share the digital version of the magazine, click on the magazine cover image. You can flip through online or download the book in .pdf format. You can also use share tools to
quickly send a link by email or post to social media.
• To get a print magazine, contact the Jackson Chamber.
Livability Media publishes Livability Jackson, Tennessee, which has support from and targeted distribution
through the Jackson Chamber.
Apria Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee is a nationally recognized home medical equipment company that has a name with beautiful meanings. The Apria name was derived from two Latin root words – aperire and apricare – which mean "new beginnings" and "receiving illumination from the sun." While its yellow symbol represents a blossom, it more importantly serves as a reminder of the role its employees play in the lives of patients for whom they care.
The yellow blossom also suggests a special significance for the nearly 7,000 health care-focused professionals that help support its products and services within the core focus of its home services. It is a symbol for Apria’s commitment to grow its skills and develop its teams as they blossom into the premier home healthcare company. The blossom also suggests that people are at the center of what Apria does. People are who Apria serves, they are its competitive advantage and they drive Apria to be the best.
In Jackson, Apria offers many different services. This includes oxygen equipment, sleep apnea equipment, negative pressure wound pumps, enteral nutrition services, noninvasive ventilators, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other related home medical equipment needs.
Apria’s local branch is able to relate to customers throughout all of West Tennessee. It helps patients daily through nutrition services, sleep apnea, pulmonary issues, or wound healing. It is constantly improving the quality of life for patients in their homes.
Through Apria’s products and services, and a nationwide network of more than 375 locations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, it provides a new beginning for more than 1.8 million patients annually. In many cases, it’s the chance to return home from the hospital to resume their lives.
With its Jackson Chamber membership, Apria plans to grow its business and become more involved in the community. Connect with Apria through its website; stop in at 2975 Hwy. 45 Bypass, Ste. A in Jackson; or call them at 731-668-7612.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Franklin, Tennessee-based publishing partner, Journal Communications Inc. unveiled the official 2019 Tennessee Vacation Guide today. Designed to inspire travel, the magazine-style guide features 194 pages of Tennessee’s music, scenic beauty, creative spirit, culinary excellence and history and is distributed to nearly 500,000 visitors annually.
The hand-illustrated cover depicts a quilt with the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home: blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, rockabilly, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. The metaphorical quilt represents the historical impact of music throughout the state and is a nod to the recently launched Tennessee Music Pathways. In Tennessee, nearly every city, town and hamlet has a musical connection and story to tell; a birthplace, iconic radio station, museum, still-thriving venue, festival, a studio, a home or resting place.
Within the pages of the 2019 Tennessee Vacation Guide, readers will find:
“Your Soundtrack Starts Here” – All roads lead to the Tennessee Music Pathways. From Justin Timberlake’s birthplace just north of Memphis to the birthplace of country music in Bristol. From Rockabilly King Carl Perkins’ home in Jackson to Usher’s homeplace in Chattanooga. Discover the musical connection and stories to tell in nearly every city and town.
“What’s Old is New” – Historic places across the state have been reinvented, including Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, now offering tours, a restaurant and moonshine. Other spots include Marathon Village in Nashville, Granville’s Sutton Old Time Music Hour at T.B. Sutton General Store and Crosstown Concourse in Memphis.
“New & Noteworthy” -- New things are on tap for 2019. Explore Tennessee’s New & Noteworthy attractions, such as the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville and Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove. Nashville hosts the NFL Draft, Memphis marks its bicentennial and Knoxville hosts the Bassmaster Classic for the first time. Tennessee Songwriters Week the last full week of February will include open mic nights and special programming across the state.
The guide also offers insight into Tennessee’s growing food scene, the important historical journey along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, adventures on water, making memories in a top-five destination nationally for weddings and a perfect place for family reunions, family-friendly experiences and driving tours throughout the state’s 95 counties on the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways. Stunning photography and noted writers profile the places, people and events that attract more than 113 million visitors to Tennessee each year.
The 2019 Vacation Guide is available for free at any of Tennessee’s 16 Welcome Centers, and can also be ordered or downloaded online at www.tnvacation.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
Tennessee is the home 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.” Tennessee’s tourism industry generates $20.7 billion in economic impact, more than $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue and more than 184,300 tourism-related jobs.
About the Jackson, Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau / Visit Jackson TN:
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 “FAFSA Frenzy” continues at Jackson State Community College. Jackson State Community College is hosting a series of workshops to assist students and their parents in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 academic year. There are four more workshops scheduled for January.
Completion of the FAFSA is an essential requirement to access financial aid for attending college. This requirement extends to all of those who have applied for or receive the last-dollar scholarships known as Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect.
Brian Gann, Vice President of Student Services, encourages everyone to attend the free workshops at JSCC. “This is a great opportunity to take care of this detail that is essential for receiving financial assistance of any kind,” said Gann. “With a small amount of preparation, this task can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, and we are more than happy to help.”
The documentation needed at the workshop includes tax returns, W2 forms, amounts for child support paid or received, and any other relevant financial documents. Students who are claimed as dependents are asked to bring a parent with them.
For a complete listing of dates and times, visit www.jscc.edu/fafsa. Call (731) 424-3520 ext. 50373 for any other questions.