Jackson, Tennessee – 2019

Taylor Moore

South Gibson four-sport athlete and Medina native Taylor Moore is now the head coach for Jackson State Community College’s Green Jays Softball team. Tuesday, October 29 was her first day on the job.

“We are extremely happy for the addition of Taylor to the Green Jays’ coaching staff at Jackson State,” said JSCC Athletic Director Steve Cornelison. “Taylor is an exemplary athlete with a passion for game of softball. We look forward to the excitement and energy she will bring to the program.”

Graduating her 2012 South Gibson class as salutatorian, Taylor was a Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee as a senior after lettering in softball, basketball, soccer and running cross-country. She was honored as All-District 15-A all four years in high school, All-Tournament Team 2010-2012, All-State Team Honorable Mention in 2010, Jackson Sun Second Team All-West Tennessee in 2010 and All-State Second Team in 2012. She was the West Tennessee All-Star Game MVP in 2012. Moore was also a part of the 2010 ASA National Championship team with Impact Fastpitch.

Moore was an All-District selection for 2010-2012 for both soccer and basketball, and All-Tournament Team selection in 2012 for basketball. She was honored on the All-State Teams as an Honorable Mention in 2011, and Second Team in 2012 as a soccer standout.

In addition to her involvement with South Gibson athletics, Moore was a Student Ambassador and the Homecoming Queen and also participated in Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America, and Future Business Leaders of America.

After high school, Moore was a student-athlete at Dyersburg State Community College. She graduated with an A.A. in Science in 2014. During her time at DSCC, she was a career .365 hitter for DSCC with 57 total hits, 15 doubles, one triple, five homeruns, and 56 RBI. She was nominated Most Valuable Player in 2013-14 season, and All-Conference First Team in 2014.

Upon graduating DSCC, Moore continued play at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, TN. At Martin Methodist, Moore was a heavily regarded defensive player for the RedHawks and spent two seasons as starting third baseman. She was a career .301 hitter for MMC with 97 total hits, 14 doubles, four triples, five homeruns, and 53 RBI. She served as the President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Biology Club. Moore graduated with a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2017.

While finishing up her B.S. degree, Moore stayed involved in the softball program as the student-assistant. After graduation, she was hired as full-time assistant for the softball program, and was in that role for the last two years. Moore graduated in May of 2019 with her Master of Business Administration from Martin Methodist College, and is a member of Sigma Beta Delta.

Find out how you can apply for the Business of the Year awards with our Annual Celebration, mark your calendar for our chamber events, view ribbon cuttings and see new Jackson Chamber members. Peter Noll of WNBJ Jackson TV, LLC gives us an update on the station in the Member Connection interview in the video. On Saturday, October 26, 2019, W.S. Holland who was born in Saltillo (Hardin County), Tennessee, will be honored at a reception and with the dedication of a marker honoring W.S. on the Tennessee Music Pathways. Holland started his career in 1954 with Rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins and his band and played on Perkin's classic recordings like Blue Suede Shoes, Matchbox, Honey Don't and numerous others.

In 1960, after retiring from the music business, Holland received a call from Sun Records buddy Johnny Cash asking him to make a two-week tour with him and his band. The engagement turned into a four-decade career for the young drummer. W.S. is recognized around the world as a legendary artist in his own right and appears on the vast majority of Cash's classic recordings like I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Sunday Morning Coming Down, Jackson (that featured Cash's wife June Carter Cash) and others. Holland's playing can also be heard on Cash's historic recording made inside the walls of Folsom Prison in 1968 and another career defining record for Cash, "Live at San Quentin" in 1969. The Marker can be seen in downtown Saltillo. The dedication will be at 2 p.m. with a reception for W.S. following at the Art Gallery downtown. Live music will be provided until 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The Tennessee Music Pathways is a statewide program designed to guide visitors to their musical points of interest through an online travel-planning experience featuring hundreds of landmarks and attractions promoting the seven musical genres—blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll—that call Tennessee home.

Students tour BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. during Manufacturing Day 2019.

Over 100 students from Jackson-Madison County Schools participated in Manufacturing Day, coordinated by Jackson State Community College (JSCC) and the Jackson Chamber on October 18. Area manufacturers held tours and informational sessions to educate students about the skills needed for today’s jobs. Industries participating in the event include BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., Delta Faucet Company, NOVOLEX, Gerdau, Owens-Corning, Printpack Inc, Stanley Black & Decker, Tennalum and Toyota Boshoku Tennessee, LLC.

“The goal for this program is to promote modern manufacturing and expose students to great career options,” said Vicki Bunch, VP Talent Development for the Jackson Chamber.

“Manufacturing Day is an eye-opening opportunity to bring modern manufacturing to life for our high school students. Jackson Chamber is honored to be a partner in Manufacturing Day, while assisting our local manufacturers with the opportunity to open their facilities and expose students to the many diverse, in-demand, rewarding careers in modern manufacturing.”

Manufacturing Day began nationwide in 2012 to give manufacturers a chance to open their doors and showcase what manufacturing is to high school students, teachers, counselors and parents. It is a great way to open minds to a new career opportunity for a sound future with over 3.5 million manufacturing jobs being generated in the next decade. On October 25th, Jackson-Madison County School System counselors and teachers will also have the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing from leaders in the field when they visit Toyota Bodine.

In our community, Jackson State Community College (JSCC) and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) give students the opportunity to gain paid work-based experience while completing their education. Programs like TN Promise and the Hope Scholarship allow students to get their degrees at little or no cost.

Miranda Cox and Brandon Semirosum gave talks to North Side High School students at BlueScope.

Miranda Cox is a student in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at JSCC. She comes from a manufacturing background and decided to go through this program to grow in the industrial field. “The best part about the AMT program, is that I can get my education, get hands-on experience and make money at the same time,” says Miranda Cox, JSCC student and employee at TBDN.

Brandon Semirosum, also an AMT student at JSCC that is employed at TBDN, says that being able to work and attend college gives him the opportunity to be debt free and have a career. He should get his certification within two years.

Manufacturing Day provides manufacturers with an opportunity to connect directly with job seekers and students to begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face. Supported by a group of industry sponsors, Manufacturing Day amplifies the voice of individual manufacturers and delivers a coordinated message about common concerns and challenges. The rallying point for a growing mass movement, Manufacturing Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.

North Side High School students visit Delta Faucet Company.

About Manufacturing Day

The event is a grassroots effort by U.S. manufacturers to improve public perception of manufacturing in America by coordinating awareness-raising activities at a variety of locations across the country during the month of October.

Manufacturing Day has enjoyed support from many organizations that have played a vital role in growing this national celebration of all things manufacturing. Manufacturing Day is now produced annually by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) with key contributions and support from the Manufacturing Institute.

About the Jackson Chamber

The Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,350 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region.

Students tour BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. during Manufacturing Day 2019.

“The goal for this program is to promote modern manufacturing and expose students to great career options,” said Vicki Bunch, VP Talent Development for the Jackson Chamber.

Miranda Cox and Brandon Semirosum gave talks to North Side High School students at BlueScope.

North Side High School students visit Delta Faucet Company.

About Manufacturing Day

About the Jackson Chamber

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 12, 2020, 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 Award

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 or in the Jackson Chamber’s News. Application deadline is Friday, January 10, 2019 at 5 p.m. For more information, connect with Jill Erling at jerling@jacksontn.com or 731-423-2200.

A national speech and debate tournament for home school students will be held on Union University’s campus May 24-30, 2020.

This is the second time Stoa, a national junior high and high school speech and debate league for privately educated Christian home-schooling families, has hosted the National Invitational Tournament of Champions on Union’s campus. NITOC was also hosted at Union in 2017 and is held in a different location each year.

“I am so excited to be partnering with Stoa again to host the 2020 National Invitational Tournament of Champions,” said Dan Griffin, Union’s vice president for enrollment management. “This is a great opportunity for the Union community to be involved in such a wonderful event. It is such an honor to be hosting NITOC for a second time.” The tournament is one of the largest high school forensics national championships in the country, including public and private schools, according to Stoa. Patricia Shaw, Stoa board member, said she was impressed with Union’s staff and campus during NITOC 2017. “What a joy it is to return to Union — every interaction has proved to be one that exemplifies Union’s commitment to excellence and care toward the body of Christ,” Shaw said. Griffin said about 1,000 judges from the Union and Jackson community will be needed for the competition. No experience in judging debate competitions is required; Stoa will provide the necessary training. More information on becoming a judge will be available on Union’s website at a time closer to the event. The Lane Homecoming football game is the culmination of a week long festivities happening all over Jackson. The week kicks off on Sunday, October 13, 2019 with a Praise Factor Gospel Concert at 6 p.m. in the CMAC Auditorium. At 11 a.m. Monday, October 14, is the Homecoming Opening Prayer Service in front of Bray Hall.

Midnight Madness kicks off the 2019-2020 men's and women's basketball seasons with scrimmages Tuesday, October 15, evening at midnight in the J.F. Lane Gymnasium. One of the highlights of the week is the Homecoming Chapel Service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 16, in the J.F. Lane Gym. Friday, October 18, morning is the Annual Dr. J.L. Perry Golf Tournament starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Jackson National Golf Club. Saturday, October 19, begins the day long festivities with the Lane College Homecoming Parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. with tailgating outside of Lane Field at noon followed by the 2019 Homecoming football game against Kentucky State kicking off at 2:00 p.m.at Lane Field.

In a 2015 interview with WBBJ-TV, Lori Nunnery, Executive Director of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke of the economic impact the city receives from the Lane homecoming annually. “Lane has a significant impact on Jackson,” Nunnery, said. “They fill up our hotels, they visit our restaurants, they shop. “We average 2,500 hotel rooms here and so those fill up rather quickly, and I know that people are on the waiting list to try and get in, and this spills out into our surrounding communities as well.” City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, a 2008 graduate of Lane College, said he's excited for the week and appreciates that the week-long events have on the city of Jackson and the surrounding areas. "I would like to welcome my fellow Lane College alumni and friends back to the City of Jackson for our 2019 Homecoming," Conger said. "Lane College Homecoming weekend provides the largest economic impact, on the city, of any annual event. We hope you enjoy homecoming this year. Go Dragons!" #LaneCollege #WeAreLane #HBCU CanopyNation picture

Pictured with CanopyNation on the back row includes Orma Smith, Ray Davis and Jay Mays. Pictured on the front row are Ashley Sauer, Christy Kelley and Tracy Smith.

When you hear the name CanopyNation, the first thing that comes to mind is a canopy that covers or protects. As the name signifies, CanopyNation is a team of advisors, ready to cover your company’s benefits and be an advocate for your employees. This team will partner with your group, and focus entirely on employee benefit plans. This gives your business more time to invest in its employees and contribute to their success.

“We love working with local companies and their business owners to tackle important company benefit issues,” says Christy Kelley, client services manager, CanopyNation in Jackson. Our approach is a partnership centered on compliance, technology and Human Resources (HR) support.

While the name may be fairly new, the founding principles of CanopyNation, Orma Smith and Jay Mays have over two decades of experience with insurance products and benefits packages. CanopyNation began when they recognized the need for benefits advisors to help HR departments navigate the ever-changing complexity of today’s healthcare challenges.

As a partner, CanopyNation will navigate these changes and offer solutions for companies as well as take care of legislative compliance and administration. This allows HR teams to focus more on hiring and retaining top talent. This also enables them to bring additional value to companies, employees and their families. Having a good customized benefits package contributes to company growth and employee retention.

CanopyNation has three locations in Jackson, Memphis and Corinth, MS. They are always volunteering and sponsoring events to help with local charities. They are true leaders in our area.

If you would like to learn more about CanopyNation, go to www.joincanopynation.com or contact Christy Kelley at 731-256-5240.

Leaders Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Jackson, Tenn., has been named one of the 2019 Best Credit Unions to Work For. Credit Union Journal has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees. The 2019 list is made up of 50 credit unions, and Leaders placed number five in their asset category and 18 overall. The full Best Credit Unions to Work For list is featured at CUJournal.com.

“We are very pleased to be named in the top twenty of credit union workplaces in the nation,” Todd Swims, president and CEO of Leaders Credit Union, said. “At Leaders, we know service excellence begins with our Financial Champions, and our job at Leaders is to take care of them so that together, we can serve our members.”

Leaders Credit Union serves West Tenn. and currently has 150 employees in Jackson, Milan, Union City, and Bartlett and has been named the Best Place to bank by the Jackson Sun Readers Choice Awards for the past five years.

“Leaders champions (employees) are passionate, genuine and advocate for our members,” said Erin Mitchell, VP of Human Resources. “Our reputation precedes us and therefore we attract others that fit our brand mold.”

Leaders benefits and company culture play a large role in the success of the 62-year-old company. Leaders hosts quarterly meetings where employees have the opportunity to discuss successes from the previous three months, employees can utilize a private web forum to leave positive feedback and recognition for their colleagues, full and partial-paid parental leave are available following the birth or adoption of a child and events such as Shark Tank, modeled after the television show, allowed employees to pitch ideas to the leadership team were some of the items listed in the national publication of reasons Leaders was chosen for this honor.

Determining the Best Credit Unions to Work For involved a two-step process. The first consisted of evaluating each participating credit union’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the final ranking.

“Credit unions, deservedly, are recognized for their commitment to the communities they serve, said Aaron Passman, Editor in Chief of Credit Union Journal. “Our annual ranking recognizes those that go above and beyond in terms of their employees’ job satisfaction, career development and personal growth.”

To be considered for participation, credit unions had to have at least 25 employees working in the U.S. and been in business a minimum of one year. Best Companies Group managed the registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and to determine the final ranking.

“Being a member at Leaders Credit Union is a great experience. Working at Leaders is even better,” noted Mitchell. “We are constantly growing and looking for outstanding employees who make a positive impact internally and externally.”

To learn more about available positions at Leaders, visit https://www.leaderscu.org/contact-us/careers/ and click on the careers portal.

About Leaders Credit Union

Leaders Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Jackson, Tenn. Leaders was established in 1957 by five Jackson educators and has grown to over 50,000 members and eight branches across West Tenn. As one of the largest and most stable credit unions in the nation, Leaders exists to serve the needs of its members and lead the way on their behalf. Leaders was awarded the 2015 - 2019 Best Place to Bank by Jackson Sun’s Readers’ Choice and was placed in the top 1% of credit unions nationwide by depositaccounts.com. Leaders is an Equal Housing Lender and is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information about Leaders Credit Union, visit its website.