Trudy Cathy White

Trudy Cathy White, international business leader and daughter of Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy, will speak at Union University’s Faith in the Marketplace luncheon March 16.


White began working for the family business when she was 19 and became the operator of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, making her the youngest operator at that time. She and her husband John served for 20 years with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 10 of those years as missionaries in Brazil.


They also founded Impact 360 Institute, which helps Christian students live out their faith with confidence.


This year’s luncheon will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Union’s McAfee School of Business, which sponsors the event.


The luncheon will begin at noon in the Carl Grant Events Center on the Union campus. Tickets are $20 each or $150 for a table of eight and are available at uu.edu/events/marketplace or by calling (731) 661-5357. Registration deadline is March 8.


Save the date for our March events, see our latest members, ribbon cuttings and find out what's happening with the Jackson Generals Baseball Club in our Member Connection.


B3 Creative Agency welcomes Kris Stewart to their team as Creative Visionary and Business Strategist. His experience as an award-winning artist, along with his innovative style, has strengthened their creative direction. “We are thrilled to have Kris on our team. His talents in both strategy and creative work have already served our clients well. He is someone who cares deeply about creating excellent work and impacting growth for our clients,” said Stephanie Riley, Founder and Brand Futurist of B3 Creative Agency.


Kris is a Jackson, Tennessee native who spent over 15 years working as a freelance artist, carefully honing his craft. He studied art in 10 different countries, selling his artwork internationally. “My passion has always been in helping businesses stand out and find greater success. I look forward to utilizing my extensive creative and strategic skills to benefit the partnerships that B3 maintains. I am excited to be a part of the B3 team,”said Kris.


B3 Creative Agency builds winning, creative partnerships with small and medium businesses.


For more information, call (731) 240-1153 or visit B3CreativeAgency.com.

We’ve been having a very rainy year so far. It kind of makes you feel trapped at home or maybe like there is absolutely nothing to do. So, if all this gloomy weather has got you feeling a little blue, we’re here to help. Here are just a few suggestions we came up with on how to get out of the house on one of these rainy days.     #1 Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum is a perfect place to go kill an hour or two on a very icky day. It’s all indoors and you’ll get so sucked into the experience that you’ll forget all about the weather. At Rusty’s, there truly is something for everyone. Kids and adults both love it, movie or tv buffs, car people, really any kind of person can appreciate what Rusty’s has to offer. There are so many recognizable cars that you’ll find yourself in awe! It’s a lot of fun and is definitely a place everyone should go at least once!   #2 If the rainy day blues  have you feeling down, a little retail therapy could be the answer, and LD2 Market Shoppes is number one on the list of places to go! It recently opened downtown in a spacious location. There are so many vendors that you could literally look around for hours! Since it is so new, things are constantly changing and improving. There’s something new to look at every time you go. You could find something for everyone on your shopping list here (or just a bunch of stuff for yourself, which is perfectly fine!!). Also if you happen to go on the right day, they have a food truck set up outside with some of the best food around! So be sure to check their Facebook before you go because you might just have lunch there after you shop!     #3  The Carnegie featuring the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum is such a unique museum. It has history and exhibits you’ll only see here in Jackson, and it’s all tied into our local culture. There you can learn things that even a lifelong Jacksonian like myself didn’t know until I went through the museum. If you like music or history or just want to know some fun facts about Jackson, the Carnegie is the place to go. Tennessee Vacation, the state tourism program, even put together a Country Music Pathway through Tennessee to go along with the Ken Burns documentary "Country Music," and the Carnegie is a stop on the trail! So stop in and check it out. Pick up a Country Music Passport while you're there and begin your journey through the history of country music.   #4 If you’re okay with making a little drive up the road, Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN is absolutely worth it. This place is amazing and is sure to keep you out of the house all day! It’s a 100,000-square-foot museum featuring 9 interactive exhibits. With everything from theater simulation of earthquakes to an aquarium, dinosaurs and fossils to military equipment and vintage cars, you will be occupied all day! There are hands on experiences and interactive displays as well, so you definitely won’t get bored! It’s great for kids, but adults love it too!      #5 Finally, Green Frog Coffee is the perfect cozy spot for a rainy day. Since they serve food as well as coffee, you can easily spend several hours here. Bring a book and grab a signature coffee and get comfy. When you get hungry, you’re already in the right spot to grab a delicious plate lunch, specialty sandwich, salad, or a burger. You can bring your computer and get some work done while you’re there, too, if that’s what you’re feeling. Lastly, if you get a little sweet tooth, get one of their premium shakes (pictured above) - I can assure you they’re delicious. The Jackson-Madison County Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will be accepting grant requests for the budget year of 2020-2021.  If you would like to request funds from the CEDC, please complete the Grant Application  below and return to the address listed prior to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020: Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau CEDC Grant Applications 197 Auditorium Jackson, TN 38301   Upon receipt, all applications will be reviewed and considered for the 2020-2021 budget. Please note due to economic conditions there is a probability that all grants will be less and may not be funded at all.   Please provide the following in order:
  1. Completed Application
  2. Copy of your non-profit status
  3. Project Budget
  4. Financial Statement or the most recent Audit - in the absence of an Audit please include the organization’s overall budget
  5. If you are utilizing funds for a program of work, please identify specific projects for which the funding will be utilized
  All Applicants are required to submit event information, including promotional materials for inclusion in Jackson’s marketing and social media campaign. Should you have questions, please contact Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau at 731.425-8333. Jason Reeves, Curator of UT Gardens Jackson   The Art & Garden Spring Series brings professional gardeners and local artists together for a series of talks and workshops. These events are free to attend and open to the public. They will take place on select Tuesdays at the Lambuth campus. Gardening talks will be held in the Hamilton Room at the Wilder Student Union from 12:00-1:00 p.m., and workshops will be held in the Blue Gray Café at the Wilder Student Union from 11:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.   Professional gardeners will share their knowledge and expertise in a variety of topics designed for gardeners at every level. Workshop attendees will learn how to combine their love for art and gardening through botanical watercolor, leaf casting and more. Jason Reeves, with the help of Lambuth students, will be creating a pollinator garden on campus throughout the series.   A floral-themed art exhibit entitled, “The Risk It Took to Blossom,” will be held in the Lobby of the Varnell Jones building from March 2 to April 27, with an art reception on Thursday, April 2 from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Florists will create original arrangements inspired by the artwork for the reception.   Upcoming presentations and workshops include:   Fowler

Town & Country REALTORS® warmly welcomes veteran agent Clay Fowler to the sales team. A Jackson native, Clay comes to Town & Country with extensive real estate experience of nearly 6 years in Jackson and the surrounding areas.


“The best part of real estate is the unknown,” he said. “Every client, deal, and day is different in this field, and the anticipation of what a new day will bring keeps me motivated and excited about what I do.”


“We are beyond excited to have Clay on our team,” said Joey Hale, owner and principal broker of Town & Country REALTORS®. “He is already well-known in the community, and his existing experience is an immediate boost for all our clients. He has been so excited to grow his business here, and we can’t wait to help him reach his goals.”


Even before becoming a REALTOR®, Clay kept his career experience local, working for the Jackson Generals for two years. He made the jump to real estate in the fall of 2014 and has been in that field ever since. He makes it a point to be not just familiar with the area but to be involved in the community through avenues such as local sports and the Exchange Club.


“I was born and raised in Jackson,” he shared, “so it’s very satisfying to help this city grow through my work as a real estate agent and my life as a citizen here. This is a community worth investing in, and this career path is just one way to do that.”


Outside of real estate, Clay enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife Shelby and son William, and he describes himself as always ready to have a good time with a side of dry humor. His even-keeled personality meshed well with the personality of Town & Country, contributing to his decision to join the firm.


“I love the culture here,” he said before jumping back into negotiating new deals. “Town & Country enjoys a positive reputation in the community, and the support from the broker and his staff is wonderful. I could have worked anywhere, but this was definitely the right choice.”


About Town & Country REALTORS®

For over 50 years, Town & Country REALTORS® has been serving the West Tennessee community with excellence and integrity. For more information about Town & Country and the services they provide, call 731-668-7000, visit the website at TownAndCountryRealtors.com, or drop by their office at 1944 Hwy 45 Bypass. To contact Clay Fowler, call 731-467-0036 or email clayfowler@tcrjackson.com.

The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the 64-team, $2 million winner-take-all event televised live, today announced it will bring one of their 2020 regionals to Oman Arena in Jackson, Tennessee for the first time. Jackson TN Underdawgs, a five-time TBT participant whose run to the 2019 TBT Quarterfinals shocked the basketball world, will now get the opportunity to play in front of a hometown crowd thanks to the efforts of Mayor Scott Conger and Visit Jackson, Tennessee.



"We are thrilled that The Basketball Tournament made a decision to choose Jackson, TN as one of their 2020 regional host sites," Conger said. "We are proud of how The Jackson TN Underdawgs represented our city in last year's tournament."


The Underdawgs, comprised entirely of Jackson natives who played at local Liberty Tech and South Side High Schools, have consistently lived up to their names since the team’s inception in 2015.  In 2016, the UnderDawgs were given a 16 seed and had to face off with the top-seeded Bluegrass Boys (Kentucky Alumni). Once again given the lowest seed in the 2019 Memphis Regional, the Underdawgs dominated the competition and made it all the way to the TBT Quarterfinals in Chicago. Only one player (Jaylen Barford) on the team is an active professional basketball player, while the rest of their roster features insurance salesmen, barbers, delivery drivers and more. Barford, who received a spot on TBT 2019’s All-Tournament Team for his strong performance, will return to lead the team in 2020.


"It's a special feeling hosting an amazing event like TBT,” Jaylen Barford said. “With Jackson not having a major college or pro sports team, I feel like we are the ones to give our city hope and show them that as an UnderDawg anything is possible. Our whole team can't wait for this opportunity. We take pride in our city and where we come from. It's going to be a fun weekend and a great experience for everyone."


Alongside the Underdawgs, seven other teams will compete in the Jackson Regional, with all games being broadcast live. First-round games at Oman Arena will be played on Friday, July 24. The remaining four teams will compete in the Regional Semifinals on Saturday, July 25, and the Regional Championship will be played on Sunday, July 26.


The winner of the Jackson Regional will advance to Championship Week at the University of Dayton Arena from Aug. 6-11.


"We're excited to partner with the City of Jackson to bring TBT basketball to Oman Arena," said TBT founder and CEO Jon Mugar. "Ever since the Jackson Underdawgs first entered, we knew they embodied the TBT spirit. What we didn't know was how passionate Jackson was about basketball. We can't wait to see the city show out for the Underdawgs!"


The high stakes tournament consistently attracts the top basketball players in the world. Thirty-five players have gone on from TBT to sign contracts with NBA teams. Last summer, 59 former NBA players took part in TBT, and 23 teams were composed of alumni from major Division I programs such as Kansas, West Virginia, Dayton and more.  Carmen’s Crew (Ohio State Alumni) dethroned four-time champion Overseas Elite and went on to beat Golden Eagles Alumni (Marquette Alumni) in a thrilling championship game played in front of a record audience.


In addition to featuring the highest stakes format in the world, TBT has become known as a trendsetter in basketball circles. Its trademark, post game bracket celebration has grown into a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament each year. In addition, the NBA has adopted an Elam Ending-inspired finish to their 2020 All-Star Game. Multiple leagues across the world are also evaluating TBT’s Elam Ending as an alternative way to end basketball games.


TBT’s registration period for teams interested in competing in any of their eight regional locations will run from March 15-June 15. The 64-team field and TBT bracket will be released on June 22.


To purchase tickets or for more information, visit thetournament.com


The Basketball Tournament

Entering its seventh year, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure on ESPN, social media buzz and regional championships across the country - culminating in a winner-take-all $2 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information, visit www.thetournament.com


Visit Jackson, Tennessee

Seeks to positively impact the local economy by increasing travel related spending in the county, provide quality services to the visitor and the local hospitality industry, and assist in the development, preservation and expansion of the county, region and state tourism product.  To learn more Visit Jackson, TN.

  The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the 64-team, $2 million winner-take-all event televised live, today announced it will bring one of their 2020 regionals to Oman Arena in Jackson, Tennessee for the first time. Jackson TN Underdawgs, a five-time TBT participant whose run to the 2019 TBT Quarterfinals shocked the basketball world, will now get the opportunity to play in front of a hometown crowd thanks to the efforts of Mayor Scott Conger and Visit Jackson, Tennessee. "We are thrilled that The Basketball Tournament made a decision to choose Jackson, TN as one of their 2020 regional host sites," Conger said. "We are proud of how The Jackson TN Underdawgs represented our city in last year's tournament."   The Underdawgs, comprised entirely of Jackson natives who played at local Liberty Tech and South Side High Schools, have consistently lived up to their names since the team’s inception in 2015.  In 2016, the UnderDawgs were given a 16 seed and had to face off with the top-seeded Bluegrass Boys (Kentucky Alumni). Once again given the lowest seed in the 2019 Memphis Regional, the Underdawgs dominated the competition and made it all the way to the TBT Quarterfinals in Chicago. Only one player (Jaylen Barford) on the team is an active professional basketball player, while the rest of their roster features insurance salesmen, barbers, delivery drivers and more. Barford, who received a spot on TBT 2019’s All-Tournament Team for his strong performance, will return to lead the team in 2020.   "It's a special feeling hosting an amazing event like TBT,” Jaylen Barford said. “With Jackson not having a major college or pro sports team, I feel like we are the ones to give our city hope and show them that as an UnderDawg anything is possible. Our whole team can't wait for this opportunity. We take pride in our city and where we come from. It's going to be a fun weekend and a great experience for everyone."   Alongside the Underdawgs, seven other teams will compete in the Jackson Regional, with all games being broadcast live. First-round games at Oman Arena will be played on Friday, July 24. The remaining four teams will compete in the Regional Semifinals on Saturday, July 25, and the Regional Championship will be played on Sunday, July 26.   The winner of the Jackson Regional will advance to Championship Week at the University of Dayton Arena from Aug. 6-11. "We're excited to partner with the City of Jackson to bring TBT basketball to Oman Arena," said TBT founder and CEO Jon Mugar. "Ever since the Jackson Underdawgs first entered, we knew they embodied the TBT spirit. What we didn't know was how passionate Jackson was about basketball. We can't wait to see the city show out for the Underdawgs!"   The high stakes tournament consistently attracts the top basketball players in the world. Thirty-five players have gone on from TBT to sign contracts with NBA teams. Last summer, 59 former NBA players took part in TBT, and 23 teams were composed of alumni from major Division I programs such as Kansas, West Virginia, Dayton and more.  Carmen’s Crew (Ohio State Alumni) dethroned four-time champion Overseas Elite and went on to beat Golden Eagles Alumni (Marquette Alumni) in a thrilling championship game played in front of a record audience.   In addition to featuring the highest stakes format in the world, TBT has become known as a trendsetter in basketball circles. Its trademark, post game bracket celebration has grown into a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament each year. In addition, the NBA has adopted an Elam Ending-inspired finish to their 2020 All-Star Game. Multiple leagues across the world are also evaluating TBT’s Elam Ending as an alternative way to end basketball games.   TBT’s registration period for teams interested in competing in any of their eight regional locations will run from March 15-June 15. The 64-team field and TBT bracket will be released on June 22.   To purchase tickets or for more information, visit thetournament.com   The Basketball Tournament Entering its seventh year, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure on ESPN, social media buzz and regional championships across the country - culminating in a winner-take-all $2 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information, visit www.thetournament.com   Visit Jackson, Tennessee Seeks to positively impact the local economy by increasing travel related spending in the county, provide quality services to the visitor and the local hospitality industry, and assist in the development, preservation and expansion of the county, region and state tourism product.  To learn more Visit Jackson, TN.  

Ronnie and Susan Morris, owners of Express Employment Professionals in Jackson, Tennessee.


In October of 2019, Express Employment Professionals in Jackson, Tennessee reached a major milestone, having employed, for the first time, over 1,000 people in a single week! Thanks to a fantastic and dedicated staff, this award winning company looks to be the #1 staffing company in West Tennessee! It has received awards since opening in 2010 including the Meritorious Award, Community Service Award, Bright Idea Award, Fab Five Award, Jackson Chamber’s 2018 Business of the Year Award (1-49 Employees) and multiple Performance Circle Awards.


Ronnie and Susan Morris are not just managers, but co-owners of the company and are highly engaged in the business and its clients on a daily basis. They have become very successful in the Express world and are consistently in the Top Three highest performing Express offices in North America. Express is the largest privately-owned staffing company in North America, headquartered in Oklahoma City.


Ronnie and Susan are very passionate about what they do and are committed to making life easier for their clients by supplying them with the staffing they need to deliver their internal business objectives. They respond and act with urgency in everything they do and in a professional manner.


Having left very successful corporate jobs in pursuit of becoming entrepreneurs, Ronnie and Susan knew that if they could find the right kind of business, they could use their experience and skills to help themselves and others become very successful.


This year, Express Employment will be celebrating 10 years in the business of serving the Jackson community! Since opening their first office in Jackson in June of 2010, they have opened three more offices with locations in Lexington, Henderson and Paris, Tennessee.


The Morris’s are deeply involved in the community giving back to the community that has already given so much to them. They are active members in the Jackson Chamber and were co-chairs of the American Cancer Society’s “Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer” for 2012 – 2015. They are involved in the Annual Isaac Lane Elementary ‘Angel Tree,” helping provide Christmas to 60 underprivileged students. They are founders of Black Tie & Boxing, which benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Susan is also a member of the Rotary Club of Jackson and Ronnie is a Graduate of Leadership Jackson. They additionally have 30 plus years of Fortune 100 Corporate Experience.


For Express Employment Professionals, Jackson is a great place to do business as it represents a community where relationships matter and are prioritized. Businesses of all types also understand and value community involvement and work hard to make Jackson a better place to work and live.


For more information about Express Employment Professionals, go to the website or connect with Susan Morris by email or phone 731-660-0061.