Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Jackson Chamber!

Check out what's happening for December and see new members and ribbon cuttings! Find out more about the Baker's Rack in Downtown Jackson with new owner, Allison Wright.

• Pictures with Santa
• Homemade baked goodies
• Make your own gifts and ornaments
• Shopping
• Music and caroling
• And More!

Pictured left to right: Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon, Jackson Chamber’s Chairman of the Board Jim Ferrell and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of the Southeastern Region, Moore Hallmark.

The Jackson Chamber has been recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce as one of only 217 accredited chambers in the United States. The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Jackson Chamber with a four star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on their communities.

Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. These elite chambers represent the top 3 percent of all chambers in the United States.

Jackson Chamber's 4-star accreditation certificate

“Accreditation through the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce is one of the highest organizational related honors the chamber could receive, and for that we are extremely honored,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO, Jackson Chamber. “This distinction validates our commitment to positively influencing our community and benefitting Jackson’s local economy.”

To achieve Accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures and effective communications by meeting minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited” through the program. The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber CEOs from across the country.

“As the Board Chairman for the Jackson Chamber, I would like to congratulate the chamber and chamber staff for meeting the high standards necessary to be granted the accreditation,” said Jim Ferrell, Chairman of the Board, Jackson Chamber. “The chamber staff goes above and beyond their requirements and this accreditation exemplifies the chamber’s commitment to Jackson.”

Pictured left to right: Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon, Jackson Chamber’s Chairman of the Board Jim Ferrell and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of the Southeastern Region, Moore Hallmark.

The Jackson Chamber has been recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce as one of only 217 accredited chambers in the United States. The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Jackson Chamber with a four star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on their communities.

Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. These elite chambers represent the top 3 percent of all chambers in the United States.

Jackson Chamber's 4-star accreditation certificate

“Accreditation through the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce is one of the highest organizational related honors the chamber could receive, and for that we are extremely honored,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President/CEO, Jackson Chamber. “This distinction validates our commitment to positively influencing our community and benefitting Jackson’s local economy.”

To achieve Accreditation, a chamber must demonstrate quality programs, clear organizational procedures and effective communications by meeting minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology. Local and regional chambers are rated “Accredited” through the program. The final determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber CEOs from across the country.

“As the Board Chairman for the Jackson Chamber, I would like to congratulate the chamber and chamber staff for meeting the high standards necessary to be granted the accreditation,” said Jim Ferrell, Chairman of the Board, Jackson Chamber. “The chamber staff goes above and beyond their requirements and this accreditation exemplifies the chamber’s commitment to Jackson.”

Jackson Energy Authority (JEA), Silicon Ranch Corporation (Silicon Ranch), and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) “Flipped the Switch” recently on the two (2) megawatt (MW) Jackson, Tennessee Community Solar Farm. Two years after Jackson Energy Authority and Silicon Ranch were awarded the project through TVA’s Distributed Solar Solutions (DSS) program, the solar farm is officially generating low-cost and reliable renewable energy.

Nashville-based Silicon Ranch, the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the nation’s largest independent solar power producers, funded the construction and will own and operate the facility. The solar farm is designed to generate more than 3,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, with zero carbon emissions and zero water consumption.

Jackson, Tennessee Community Solar Farm

“Sustainability is an important aspect of the industrial community’s culture,” says Jim Ferrell, President & CEO, Jackson Energy Authority. “This solar farm is the first project of its kind for Jackson Energy Authority. It occupies more than 20 acres and is an Industrial Community Solar Project designed to support the efforts of our industrial community to reach their sustainability goals.”

The project has special personal significance for Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and Board Chairman Matt Kisber, who grew up in Jackson and represented the community for twenty years in the Tennessee House of Representatives. “I call Jackson ‘home’ and am personally proud that my company Silicon Ranch will also call Jackson ‘home’ for decades to come. On behalf of our entire team, I applaud the staff, leadership, and Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority for their commitment to meet the sustainability goals of their industrial customers in a creative, cost-effective manner, and I thank TVA for making this partnership possible.”

The entire project was developed in partnership with TVA. “Cost-effective, renewable energy is an important part of TVA’s diverse energy portfolio and projects like the Jackson, Tennessee Solar Farm help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals,” said Chris Hansen, TVA director of Origination & Renewables. “We’ve reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by 60% from peak levels and are targeting 70% reduction by 2030. We are committed to working with businesses and communities to create a cleaner, greener future for the Tennessee Valley.”

About Jackson Energy Authority

Jackson Energy Authority is one of very few public utilities in the nation offering all major utility and telecommunications services from one provider. As a customer-owned utility, and home to Tennessee’s first state-of-the-art, community-owned fiber-to-the-home network, Jackson Energy Authority provides electric, gas, propane, water, wastewater, cable tv, Internet and telephone services to thousands of customers in Jackson, TN and parts of Madison County. Known for its unmatched customer service and commitment to community, the Authority maintains a mission of creating value for its customers and helping improve the quality of life in the community it serves. To learn more, visit JaxEnergy.com, EplusBroadband.com and by following Jackson Energy Authority on Facebook and Twitter.

About Silicon Ranch Corporation

Silicon Ranch is the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the largest independent solar power producers in the country. Silicon Ranch develops to own all its projects for the long-term, a distinction that means the company is deeply committed to its partners and communities and stands behind the performance of its facilities day in and day out. The company’s operating portfolio includes more than 125 facilities across 14 states from New York to California, including the first large-scale solar projects in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. To learn more, visit SiliconRanch.com and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

Jackson Energy Authority (JEA), Silicon Ranch Corporation (Silicon Ranch), and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) “Flipped the Switch” recently on the two (2) megawatt (MW) Jackson, Tennessee Community Solar Farm. Two years after Jackson Energy Authority and Silicon Ranch were awarded the project through TVA’s Distributed Solar Solutions (DSS) program, the solar farm is officially generating low-cost and reliable renewable energy.

Nashville-based Silicon Ranch, the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the nation’s largest independent solar power producers, funded the construction and will own and operate the facility. The solar farm is designed to generate more than 3,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, with zero carbon emissions and zero water consumption.

Jackson, Tennessee Community Solar Farm

“Sustainability is an important aspect of the industrial community’s culture,” says Jim Ferrell, President & CEO, Jackson Energy Authority. “This solar farm is the first project of its kind for Jackson Energy Authority. It occupies more than 20 acres and is an Industrial Community Solar Project designed to support the efforts of our industrial community to reach their sustainability goals.”

The project has special personal significance for Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and Board Chairman Matt Kisber, who grew up in Jackson and represented the community for twenty years in the Tennessee House of Representatives. “I call Jackson ‘home’ and am personally proud that my company Silicon Ranch will also call Jackson ‘home’ for decades to come. On behalf of our entire team, I applaud the staff, leadership, and Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority for their commitment to meet the sustainability goals of their industrial customers in a creative, cost-effective manner, and I thank TVA for making this partnership possible.”

The entire project was developed in partnership with TVA. “Cost-effective, renewable energy is an important part of TVA’s diverse energy portfolio and projects like the Jackson, Tennessee Solar Farm help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals,” said Chris Hansen, TVA director of Origination & Renewables. “We’ve reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by 60% from peak levels and are targeting 70% reduction by 2030. We are committed to working with businesses and communities to create a cleaner, greener future for the Tennessee Valley.”

About Jackson Energy Authority

Jackson Energy Authority is one of very few public utilities in the nation offering all major utility and telecommunications services from one provider. As a customer-owned utility, and home to Tennessee’s first state-of-the-art, community-owned fiber-to-the-home network, Jackson Energy Authority provides electric, gas, propane, water, wastewater, cable tv, Internet and telephone services to thousands of customers in Jackson, TN and parts of Madison County. Known for its unmatched customer service and commitment to community, the Authority maintains a mission of creating value for its customers and helping improve the quality of life in the community it serves. To learn more, visit JaxEnergy.com, EplusBroadband.com and by following Jackson Energy Authority on Facebook and Twitter.

About Silicon Ranch Corporation

Silicon Ranch is the U.S. solar platform for Shell and one of the largest independent solar power producers in the country. Silicon Ranch develops to own all its projects for the long-term, a distinction that means the company is deeply committed to its partners and communities and stands behind the performance of its facilities day in and day out. The company’s operating portfolio includes more than 125 facilities across 14 states from New York to California, including the first large-scale solar projects in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. To learn more, visit SiliconRanch.com and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

Governor Bill Lee visits visits with a high school student in the LOOP program with Jackson-Madison County Schools.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the project recipients of the GIVE Grant recently. These projects will receive funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocation Education (GIVE) program, which set aside $25 million from the governor’s budget earlier this year. The grant prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide.

“We are proud to work with the General Assembly to pass the GIVE initiative and expand career and technical education for Tennessee students,” said Lee. “These funds directly support our workforce development efforts in distressed and at-risk counties and are a key component of our strategy to prioritize rural Tennessee.”

“Jackson Chamber is grateful to the education and industry partners that continue to work together for the betterment of our workforce,” said Jackson Chamber’s Vice President of Talent Development Vicki Bunch. “The GIVE grant will allow Jackson-Madison County Schools to expand their Local Options and Opportunities Program (LOOP), which will allow more high school students to gain work experience, while finishing their high school degree. The advanced manufacturing pathway from high school to college, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Jackson State Community College (JSCC) and University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) will benefit both students and our manufacturing community. I appreciate Governor Lee recognizing the importance of vocational education.”

Requirements for each proposal included showing local data that identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognizing industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.

The Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance: An Educational Pathway to Success will receive a GIVE Grant of $927,580 under the oversight of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The funds will be used in a partnership between the Jackson Chamber, the Jackson-Madison County School System, Jackson State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, University of Tennessee at Martin, Stanley Black & Decker, TBDN TENNESSEE COMPANY, Delta Faucet Company and ReNew BioMedical Services.

These funds will enhance and expand the Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance educational pathway for high school students to have dual college enrollment to earn certificates and gain hands-on training and attain associate degrees to bachelor degrees.

JSCC will receive funding for equipment and JMCSS will receive funds to build the Jackson-Madison County School System workforce development center which will be located at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High.

For more information, connect with Vicki Bunch by email at vbunch@jacksontn.com or by phone at 731-423-2200.

Governor Bill Lee visits visits with a high school student in the LOOP program with Jackson-Madison County Schools.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the project recipients of the GIVE Grant recently. These projects will receive funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocation Education (GIVE) program, which set aside $25 million from the governor’s budget earlier this year. The grant prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide.

“We are proud to work with the General Assembly to pass the GIVE initiative and expand career and technical education for Tennessee students,” said Lee. “These funds directly support our workforce development efforts in distressed and at-risk counties and are a key component of our strategy to prioritize rural Tennessee.”

“Jackson Chamber is grateful to the education and industry partners that continue to work together for the betterment of our workforce,” said Jackson Chamber’s Vice President of Talent Development Vicki Bunch. “The GIVE grant will allow Jackson-Madison County Schools to expand their Local Options and Opportunities Program (LOOP), which will allow more high school students to gain work experience, while finishing their high school degree. The advanced manufacturing pathway from high school to college, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Jackson State Community College (JSCC) and University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) will benefit both students and our manufacturing community. I appreciate Governor Lee recognizing the importance of vocational education.”

Requirements for each proposal included showing local data that identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognizing industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.

The Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance: An Educational Pathway to Success will receive a GIVE Grant of $927,580 under the oversight of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The funds will be used in a partnership between the Jackson Chamber, the Jackson-Madison County School System, Jackson State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, University of Tennessee at Martin, Stanley Black & Decker, TBDN TENNESSEE COMPANY, Delta Faucet Company and ReNew BioMedical Services.

These funds will enhance and expand the Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance educational pathway for high school students to have dual college enrollment to earn certificates and gain hands-on training and attain associate degrees to bachelor degrees.

JSCC will receive funding for equipment and JMCSS will receive funds to build the Jackson-Madison County School System workforce development center which will be located at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High.

For more information, connect with Vicki Bunch by email at vbunch@jacksontn.com or by phone at 731-423-2200.