Caroline Purcell Meinert, artistic director, Ballet Arts
Caroline Purcell Meinert has been selected as the new artistic director for Ballet Arts and will continue the tradition created by Pat Brown 47 years ago.
Meinert is a Jackson, Tennessee native and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance from the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory in 2017. Her degree has an emphasis on ballet, modern and choreographic design. She also has a 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher certificate.
“We are thrilled to bring in someone with teaching, choreography and directing skills to Ballet Arts,” said Ballet Arts President Robyn Hicks. “Caroline has been a great addition to our team this summer and our dancers are excited about her new ideas.”
Meinert was both a dancer in the Pat Brown School of Dance and Ballet Arts Inc. of Jackson. Throughout her dancing career she received training from the Joffrey Ballet, Memphis Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Orlando Ballet, Kirov Academy and the Radio City Rockettes. She danced professionally with several small companies and performed with the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
“I have always had a passion for dancing ever since I was three years old sitting in the doorway of my older sister’s ballet class trying to mimic every dance post and posture,” said Meinert.
“Ballet Arts gave me the chance to explore that passion. I grew up counting down the days to when I would be old enough to audition for the company. I would dream about being Clara in The Nutcracker and dancing on the civic center stage with Ballet Arts. Ballet Arts was my whole life, it was my family. Ballet Arts made me the person and dancer that I am today. I know first-hand what this company can do for young boys and girls. Being a part of Ballet Arts, you get so much more than ballet training. Our kids learn life skills that they will take with them as they leave us. It wasn't until I went to college that I discovered I had a second passion, and that was teaching dance. It truly took me by surprise that I loved teaching so much. I get the privilege to watch as kids experience the joy of dance for the first time, accomplish their first pirouette or leap, create a sense of confidence and pride for themselves, and create a love for this unbelievable art form that is dance. Through college and professional dancing, I never forgot about the place that started it all for me- Ballet Arts. I am so humbled and grateful that I get to bring all my experiences back to Ballet Arts to help build and strengthen the company for future years to come.”
Meinert would like to see more community involvement with the company.
Kandy Newman
Town & Country REALTORS® extends a warm welcome to their newest sales agent, Kandy Newman. Although she is new to the business of real estate, she brings with her 22 years of statewide sales experience and a focus on personal customer service.
“I have always loved working with my clients to fulfill their needs, dreams and goals. I pride myself in understanding the unique situation and needs of each individual client,” Kandy said. “Working as a Real Estate agent is a natural extension of what my business offers to clients all over the state. I’m excited to use this experience to serve my future clients.”
“We are delighted to bring Kandy on board,” said Joey Hale, owner and principal broker of Town & Country REALTORS®. “She is incredibly warm and dedicated, two traits that can help make an agent successful. A focus on service as we connect with people is crucial in this career. We are excited to see Kandy flourish.”
Originally from Middle Tennessee, Kandy moved to Jackson for love—literally. In 2016, she married her husband John Newman and moved to Jackson. Since then, Jackson has become her beloved home, and she quickly became involved in the community. Before that, she lived in Nashville, where she is a managing partner of a family owned business that provides services to customers all over the state.
“I have learned through my years of sales and service that you should treat people like you would want to be treated. I am blessed to have been very successful by doing this,” Kandy shared.
When she’s not hard at work caring for her clients, Kandy enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including cookouts, swimming, country drives, and Tennessee Titans games. She and her husband John adore their five children and six grandchildren; she considers herself a people person and notes that human connection contributed to her joining Town & Country.
“Entering real estate, it was important for me that I work with a very reputable company,” she said. “Town & Country is a growing, community-oriented company where I will gain knowledge from incredibly experienced agents, supported by an encouraging and honest broker. Like I have learned in my business, a focus on people over dollars is the foundation of a great client relationship. I’m excited to love and serve West and Middle Tennessee through this career.”
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, please call 731-668-7000, visit their website at TownAndCountryRealtors.com, or drop by their office at 1944 Hwy 45 Bypass. To contact Kandy Newman, call 731-300-1850 or send an email.
Karen Freeman is promoted to Chief Operations Officer and Ryan Platt is promoted to Chief Information Officer at Leaders Credit Union.
Leaders Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative based in Jackson, Tenn., is pleased to introduce Karen Freeman as Chief Operations Officer and Ryan Platt as Chief Information Officer. Freeman, formally Vice President of Community Engagement for Leaders, will oversee all branch and e-branch operations, which includes eight retail facilities and the member contact center. Platt, new to Leaders, will oversee the data processing departments and be responsible for both cybersecurity and technology security for the credit union. Both roles will collaborate with the CEO, board of directors, and other executives to strategically move the credit union forward.
“Karen and Ryan are both excellent additions to our C-suite, and we are thrilled they are bringing their talents and expertise to our executive team,” President and CEO of Leaders Credit Union Todd Swims said. “Karen brings extensive experience in the banking industry and an innovative outlook from her recent role of taking the credit union to the community that our team will benefit from greatly. Platt brings a wealth of knowledge about information technology that will help our credit union move forward both analytically and digitally.”
As the Chief Operations Officer, Freeman will be responsible for all member-facing operations. She will work with the organization’s products, services, and staff to enhance and grow technology, engagement, and service levels. Freeman champions Leaders’ mission and vision and will manage the human resources and training departments. This ensures a positive experience for all staff and members as the credit union grows both internally and externally.
Freeman has over 17 years of combined financial services experience, specifically in the areas of bank marketing and business development. Freeman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. Freeman began her financial marketing career in Nashville with a uniquely designed state-wide bank. Since that time, Karen has had the opportunity to work with banks ranging in size from start-up financial institutions to nearly two-billion-dollar assets. Freeman has been a part of the Leaders team since 2017, where she has harnessed and grown our community engagement relations and team both externally and internally.
Freeman contributed to the Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions BankersWeb speaker series, speaking on various banking topics, which led to a collaboration with two other speakers to develop and administer an electronic banking certification program. Over the last six years, Karen has led and facilitated live sessions for Sheshunoff’s Consulting + Solutions annual Technology & Operations Officers Affiliations Program.
Freeman is active in the community and American Heart Association where has served as Heart Walk Chair and currently serves on the Go Red Executive Leadership Team, chairing the Circle of Red in 2020-2021. Freeman is in her third year as Treasurer of the Old Hickory Rotary Club. As a 2016 Leadership Jackson graduate, she has served on the Leadership University Board and is actively serving on the Leadership Jackson University Board. Freeman was recognized as a member of Jackson’s Finest in 2015, was honored with the Sterling Award in 2018, and was chosen as a Credit Union Rock Star in 2020 by Credit Union Magazine. Freeman is a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Alamo First Christian Church. She, her husband, Ryan, and two children reside in Alamo, Tenn.
Ryan Platt is an accomplished strategic leader, experienced in harnessing the power of technology to increase profitability and competitiveness. Platt has over 15 years of experience in information technology with large companies in the southeast. Platt earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and went on to graduate with an M.B.A. at Arkansas State University. Most recently, Platt has held the position of CIO at EnSafe Inc. located in Memphis, Tenn., since 2015. At EnSafe, Inc., Platt developed a long-term strategic vision for digital transformation and continuous improvement that employs the power of technology to increase profitability and agility. Platt also successfully integrated three acquired companies, harmonizing resources to optimize spend, and improve productivity.
Platt is an active member and deacon at Bellevue Baptist Church, where he, his wife Kendra, and two children attend. Platt resides in Memphis with his family.
Additional members of the Leaders executive team include: Todd Swims, Chief Executive Officer; Spencer Pratt, Executive Vice President; Seth Rudd, Chief Finance Officer; and Leigh Anne Bentley, Chief Marketing Officer. For more information about Leaders Credit Union, visit their website at leaderscu.com.
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 55,000 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 2018-19 Best Place to Bank and Best Mortgage Service by Jackson Sun’s Readers’ Choice Award and the 2018-20 Best Place to Bank by the Bartlett Express. Leaders is an Equal Housing Lender and is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information about Leaders Credit Union, visit their website.
TOURISM IN TENNESSEE SHATTERED RECORDS WITH $23 BILLION IN TRAVEL SPENDING AND 126 MILLION DOMESTIC PERSON STAYS IN 2019
Report Shows Tourism is Vital to Restoring State’s Economic Recovery
Recently released numbers from U.S. Travel Association show tourism in Tennessee hit a record-high $23 billion in domestic and international travel spending in 2019, marking a decade of consecutive growth. Tennessee also saw 126 million domestic person stays in 2019, up 5.7 percent from 119 million the previous year. Tennessee tourism was on a record track in the first three months of 2020 before COVID-19. The Coronavirus pandemic is the largest crisis to hit the travel, leisure and hospitality industries in history, shutting down almost all travel activities and threatening the security of businesses and employees the industry supports.
“Tennessee is a world-renowned destination, and I look forward to the time when we can gather together again at our festivals, sporting events and more,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tourism is our state’s second largest industry. Coming off another record year, this data underscores the tremendous positive tourism impact on our state’s revenue. As we’ve seen now more than ever, travel and tourism are vital to restoring economic health and recovery in Tennessee.”
In 2019, Tennessee outpaced the nation in all areas of travel; including tax revenue, expenditures, payroll and employment. The leisure and hospitality industry produced more jobs than any other industry. Last year, travelers in Tennessee spent an estimated $64 million per day. Tourism generated over $75 million in new state and local tax dollars in 2019, approximately half of which directly supports public education. Those tax dollars also support public safety, health and human services, business and economic development. Travel in Tennessee generated 195,000 jobs and $1.92 billion in state and local tax revenue. Revenue generated saved each household in the state $748 in taxes, an increased savings of almost $40 compared to 2018.
These numbers reflect tourism’s significant impact prior to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. U.S. Travel Association predicts the travel economy in Tennessee could see a 35-45% decline in 2020 from 2019.
“With our businesses taking the Tennessee Pledge, our restaurants, businesses and attractions are ready for safe travel,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “I encourage travelers to safely explore, support local businesses and attractions, create family memories, discover outdoor scenic beauty where social distancing is a natural, take road trips, explore rural destinations and hidden gems that drive visitation. Our goal is to become the best non-beach tourism state in America. We’re constantly exploring new opportunities to inspire growth across the state, drive jobs and economic growth, including in rural, at-risk and distressed counties.”
“Tourism is a significant economic driver for our state; ensuring we are able to maintain a safe environment for both visitors and residents is necessary to the livelihoods of the many people who depend on this industry,” said Craig Ross, Chairman of Tennessee Tourism Committee and President of Dollywood.
Madison county increased in the following categories:
- Overall growth of Tourism expenditures is 5.46% placing Madison county 6th in the state for growth behind 1) Davidson 2) Sevier 3) Rhea 4) Dyer 5) Anderson
- Tourism expenditures to $226.55 (Million) from $214.83 (Million) - 12th in Tennessee
- Payroll $47.28 (Million) from $45.49 (Million) – 11th in Tennessee
- Employment 1,930 from 1,890 – 11th in Tennessee (was 12th)
- State Tax Receipts $13.62 (Million) from $12.82 (Million) – 12th in Tennessee
- Local Tax Receipts $4.8 (Million) from $4.37 (Million) – 11th in Tennessee (was 12th)
Madison county’s Destination Marketing Organization Lori Nunnery said, “We are proud of the hospitality and tourism efforts to grow the industry locally. Being 6th in the state for Tourism expenditure growth is good for business and saves our local households nearly $500 annually in taxes. Additionally, it attracts new businesses like Great Wolf Lodge to Jackson.”
“The support of the City of Jackson and Madison County has been instrumental in allowing our office to grow and better serve the hospitality industry. We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with our many partners including the Jackson Chamber. Although 2020 is a challenging year for our industry, we are looking to the future,“ said Nunnery.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development received $25 million in CARES Act funding to remarket the severely devastated industry to aid in its recovery, promote safety and inspire responsible travel. Funding will be used to demonstrate how travelers can safely enjoy activities and attractions; promote outdoor activities; a campaign with messaging around masks, social distancing and sanitization; and safety messaging, digital screens and infrastructure at all 16 Tennessee Welcome Centers. $15 million in grants is available for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in all 95 counties. Additional funding will support Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
To view the full report, click here. Additional highlights and images for media can be found here. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development works with the Tennessee Tourism Committee, local convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism attractions and the hospitality industries in all 95 counties to inspire travel to the state.
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.” Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “TNVacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube, and “Tennessee” on Snapchat.
What's happening in September with the Jackson Chamber? Watch and see! You'll find info on chamber events, new members, Tennessee Small Business Development Center and Jackson State Community College's Rising Star Award Winner and more!
What programs does Eagles Nest Family Services provide? Find out with Gwen Gavin!
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Look for these upcoming events from Jackson Chamber:
Ladies, our virtual Women in Business is “Coping during COVID: A Focus on Mental Health” with Marie Williams, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Register for this FREE Zoom meeting on our website.
(Sept, 9, 10 a.m.)
Jackson Young Professional’s, join us for the second edition of “Celebrate Diversity: A Conversation on Equity” with Matt Marshall and Phillip DuVentre. Register for this meeting to receive your FREE Zoom link.
(Sept, 15, 2 p.m.)
And, look for information on a virtual Spark and Spark Plugs!
Watch the chamber’s social media and websites for information and dates on all of our virtual September events.
(Social media, JacksonTN.com, JacksonForwardTogether.com)
We welcome these new chamber members:
Eagles Nest Family Services
State Farm - Mandi Jackson
Alpha Roofing and Home Improvement LLC
Blue Bank Resort
Rockridge Venture Law
Scarlet Rope Project
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Member Connection with Eagles Nest Family Services.
The Ambassadors attended the presentation of the Rising Star Award that was given to LD 2 Market Shoppes by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center with Jackson State Community College.
Jackson Chamber member Rockridge Venture Law® has organized and sponsored a virtual workshop entitled "Corporate Social Responsibility in the South: Insights from Tennessee Leaders." The event will feature Tennessee leaders from academic, faith, industrial, and life science communities, stretching from Memphis to Kingsport, as well as global sustainability leader Vincent Stanley from Patagonia. Participants include Farrell Calabrese of Eastman, speaking on industrial scale sustainability in products and supply chains, Jonathan Ingraham of Chattanooga Faith + Work + Culture discussing what role the faith community plays in advancing better corporate citizenship, and Emily Landry of B Academics and the University of Tennessee. Registration is free, with suggested donations to green | spaces and Urban Green Lab, Tennessee nonprofits focused on building sustainable communities. Registration is open now on Eventbrite. The event will feature networking options before and after the panelist presentations and Q&A sessions.
B Tennessee is is an initiative led by Tennessee B Corps Newly, Nisolo, Patagonia-Nashville, Rockridge Venture Law, and Whiteboard to foster advancement of CSR and sustainability frameworks, emphasizing B Corps and benefit corporations. The August 27th event follows B Tennessee's inaugural event held at Patagonia-Nashville's store, attracting over 100 attendees interested in using business as a force for good. Looking ahead, B Tennessee has partnered with other social enterprises in the Southeast to host a virtual regional conference exploring ways that our region can become the leader for mission-oriented business. The conference is intended to take place in November.
About Rockridge Venture Law
Rockridge Venture Law®, or RVL®, was launched in 2017 to become the preeminent intellectual property
and technology firm across the Appalachian Innovation Corridor. We now have offices in Chattanooga, Durham, Jackson, and Nashville, and represent clients and interests globally. Our services include all aspects of intellectual property, litigation,M&A, privacy, technology transactions, and ventures. In 2018 and 2019, we were recognized as B Corp Best for the World for our commitment to triple bottom line business practices. Our pioneering environmental and social impact programs attract topnotch legal talent and assure our clients of missional alignment with their corporate values.
David Knack
David Knack, representing American National, opens a new insurance agency specializing in custom insurance policies for life, home, auto, and small business. David Knack Insurance Agency is located at 106 S. Liberty St. Suite 1, Jackson, Tenn.
David helps his clients plan and protect their future, whether starting a family, buying a new car or boat, or launching a new business. His goal is to provide the right coverage at the lowest possible cost.
“My job is to plan for the things you can’t control,” David says. “I enjoy giving my clients the peace of mind, knowing that if something were to happen that they’re taken care of.”
David believes in a partnership approach, building long-lasting relationships with his clients and helping them in their big moments in life. Making sure coverage stays up to date, he regularly checks in with policyholders to ensure there are no gaps in coverage from any changes that occurred.
“I commonly find that people are underinsured because everyone’s insurance needs change over time. I help find those gaps in coverage so people can better protect their future and their investments.” David says.
David is a West Tennessee native and Union University graduate. He and his wife, Ali, live in Midtown with their dog and two cats. He is an active member of the West Tennessee community, and volunteers at Redemption Road Rescue, helping with fundraising.
To connect with David, give him a call at 731-300-2223 or an email. David Knack Insurance Agency, your local source for risk control services and insurance solutions.
About American National
American National was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Galveston, Texas. American National and its subsidiaries offer a broad line of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, health insurance, credit insurance, pension products, and property and casualty insurance. The American National companies operate in all 50 states. Major insurance subsidiaries include American National Life Insurance Company of Texas, American National Life Insurance Company of New York, American National Property and Casualty Company, Garden State Life Insurance Company, Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company and United Farm Family Insurance Company.
American National Insurance Company, the parent company, has been assigned an ‘A’ rating by A.M. Best Company and an ‘A’ rating by Standard & Poor’s, both nationally recognized rating agencies and is licensed to conduct insurance in all states except New York.
For more information, including company news and investor relations information, visit the company’s website.
The City of Jackson, TN is receiving sealed bids for Jackson Transit Authority Vehicle Location Provider. Bids are subject to the conditions specified in this document and the addendum until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2020 in the Purchasing Department at City Hall and then publicly opened, for furnishing the following supplies and/or services to be delivered in accordance with the following instructions:
Deliver Product/Service to: City Hall, 101 E. Main Jackson, TN
Mail or Deliver the Sealed Bid clearly marked to: City Hall, 115 E. Main, Suite 202, Jackson, TN 38301 Attn: Purchasing
DELIVERY CHARGES FOR PRODUCTS/SERVICES/SAMPLES BID ARE TO BE PREPAID AT SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS EXPENSE TO POINT OF DESTINATION F.O.B. JACKSON, TENNESSEE AND BACK TO VENDOR.
If you have any questions, please email swhite@jacksontn.gov. 
Donna W. Klutts, CEO/Administrative Director of Physicians Surgery Center
The Physicians Surgery Center, a nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center in Jackson, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
“With advancements of anesthesia, pain management, surgical techniques and equipment, many surgeries once performed in hospitals are now performed safely in ambulatory surgery centers (ASC), said Donna W. Klutts, CEO/Administrative Director of Physicians Surgery Center. “The Physicians Surgery Center performs about 8,000 same-day surgeries annually in the medical specialties of ophthalmology, orthopedics, interventional pain management, plastics and urology. It is the only ASC in Tennessee that has robotic-assisted device for total joint arthroplasties.”
The Physicians Surgery Center was founded by ophthalmologists of The Eye Clinic, P.C. in 1995. In 2008, orthopedic surgeons and physicians of West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. joined the Center.
“The center has become synonymous with convenient, boutique and cost-conscious same-day surgical care,” Klutts said. It has partnerships with many insurance companies, such as Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Tennessee, Cigna, Aetna and United Healthcare, providing excellent value through high quality outcomes with lower cost care, she said.
The Physicians Surgery Center is recognized with a 5-Star Medicare rating and a Certificate for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care in recognition of its commitment to high quality and substantial compliance standards. The Center is a member of the national Ambulatory Surgery Center Association that makes up 5,700 ambulatory surgery centers across the United States.
The Physicians Surgery Center is at 207 Stonebridge Blvd. in Jackson. For more information, visit PhysiciansSurgeryCenter.com
If you’re hungry for a deliciously colorful and tasty seafood experience, then Red Hook Cajun Seafood at 363 North Parkway in Jackson, Tennessee is your destination! The restaurant has recently reopened with measures to ensure your safety during the pandemic.
Research, experience and “tasting” went into creating Red Hook. Owners, Joe Ng and Tony Zheng along with Daniel Ellington - foodies themselves - researched extensively by visiting a variety of Cajun seafood restaurants to find flavor profiles that work well together for their delicious entrées, appetizers and deserts. You will have an incredible taste in every bite with a balance of Cajun spices that bring out the best in seafood flavor! And just because Cajun is in the name, there is no need to worry about your food being spicy, as you can get order non-spicy all the way to extra spicy.
Red Hook’s owners have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, owning an array of different restaurants. They have learned the value in producing good food at a reasonable cost, providing the best meals to their customers.
To complete your experience, an attractive atmosphere and layout rounds out the package. Years of surveying and managing various restaurants helped create the recipe for all of their attractive establishments in West Tennessee and areas as far as Texas. Many items are custom built for each restaurant, but the ingredients for a vivacious establishment with character never change.
Red Hook Cajun Seafood offers the complete package for food and entertaining - whether it’s with family, friends or business professionals. It has space to gather for meetings or parties, with an outdoor patio in the works; and is developing a full bar with beer, wine and mixed drinks.
Find out more about Red Hook Cajun Seafood at RedHookSeafood.com.