Kim Holt

Town & Country REALTORS® is pleased to welcome Kim Holt to the team. A native of Trenton, TN, Kim comes to Town & Country from a long career in social work and education. Newly licensed and ready to dive in, she has undergone Town & Country’s unparalleled training and mentorship program.

“I’ve been involved in real estate before by building, flipping, and renting homes,” she said. “I’m excited to shift my career focus to this arena and get involved in this ever-changing market.”

“Kim brings great energy to the team,” said Joey Hale, owner and principal broker of Town & Country REALTORS®. “Her incredibly strong business sense and community ties to Trenton give her an immediate edge in this market.”

Before becoming a REALTOR®, Kim opened her own boutique which she still successfully enjoys, was the landlord for several rental properties, flipped houses, and has built three homes (and working on a fourth) as a subcontractor. In addition to this experience, she also enjoyed 14 years in social work and 15 years in education. Her connection to people is part of what drove her decision to pursue a career in real estate.

“It’s exciting to help someone find that perfect house they can turn into their home,” she said. “Connecting with clients and really understanding them is what makes or breaks any real estate deal. Closing the deal is a good goal, but it’s ultimately about serving with compassion and expertise.”

Outside of real estate, Kim has been married to her high school sweetheart for 34 years. Together they have two children (and their spouses) and 5 grandchildren that have stolen their hearts. She loves camping, football season, and serving at First Baptist Church. A family environment is important to her, and seeking that atmosphere prompted her to join Town & Country.

“This is an environment where people thrive,” she said. “The support system is like no other. It feels like a family that enjoys each other’s fellowship as well as working together to find the right fit for their clients.”

Teamwork, service, and family all drive Kim’s efforts as she embarks on this stage of her career in the West Tennessee area, and she is especially proud to serve her hometown of Trenton.

“I’ve got a motto from Dr. James Dobson,” she shared. “‘I would consider my earthly existence to have been wasted if I could not recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of others, and an earnest attempt to serve the God that made me.’ Let me serve you next!”

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 its website at TownAndCountryRealtors.com, or drop by their office at 1944 Hwy 45 Bypass. To contact Kim Holt, please call 731-676-0071 or email kimholt@tcrjackson.com.

OTA students Madison Mounjoy (L) and Brenna Taylor (R), class of 2020, practice teaching

Members of Jackson State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant class of 2020 earned a 100 percent pass rate on their national credentialing examination, despite challenges and barriers created by COVID-19.

The exam is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. It is taken after graduation and required for certification, licensure and employment. This is the second year in a row the program had a 100 percent pass rate.

As cases of the coronavirus in the United States increased in mid-March and the pandemic began to sweep across the country, students were pulled from their fieldwork experiences.

“They had to wait two months before they could resume their fieldwork, and some students had to complete their requirements at alternative health care locations,” said Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Director Dr. Julie Bezold. “But they persevered through several virtual study groups and encouragement from their classmates, and today, each of them is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.”

Students also missed major milestone events, such as the OTA pinning ceremony and an in-person commencement. Like other health science programs, students waited to take their boards until testing sites could reopen.

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help patients at all stages of life develop or improve the skills needed to participate in everyday activities to enjoy independent and productive lives. Their patients are often living with an injury, illness or disability.

The two-year program at Jackson State combines academic and fieldwork training to prepare students for a career in occupational therapy. The program was developed to help fill a shortage in the region, as many medical facilities have difficulty finding occupational therapy assistants to hire.

Spark, MakeShift and we answer the question - what is Give Back Jack - in December's Video News!

Entrepreneurs, employers and employees - there are some great events to help 'spark' ideas and make any shifts needed to thrive, grow and even start a new business with our Spark and MakeShift events. Find out more, see new members and ribbon cuttings.

Plus, you will learn great ways to give back in our community with Give Back Jack's Allison Shipp in our Member Connection.

Kevin Christopher

Jackson Chamber member and local attorney Kevin Christopher was profiled recently in Forbes. The article, written by Cornell University professor Christopher Marquis, examines Christopher's activities promoting corporate social responsibility across the State of Tennessee and beyond. Specifically, the article cites Christopher's entrepreneurship presentations at Yale University and elsewhere and reviews how Christopher and his team at Rockridge have partnered with organizations across Tennessee to advance business leadership in areas of environmental and social impact. The article is available online at Forbes.

Rockridge recently launched the initiative B Tennessee alongside Patagonia, Nisolo, and Whiteboard. B Tennessee now comprises additional social enterprise companies, academics, faith leaders, and individuals interested in ways that companies can prioritize not only shareholder returns but additional metrics like community service and sustainability. A recent B Tennessee workshop organized by Rockridge's Impact + Innovation Fellow Bruce Allen featured speakers from Eastman, Chattanooga Faith + Works + Culture, Patagonia, The Bailey Company, and the University of Tennessee.

About Rockridge Venture Law®

Rockridge Venture Law®, or RVL®, was launched in Cookeville in 2017 with a mission to become the preeminent intellectual property and technology firm across the Appalachian Innovation Corridor. It now has offices in Chattanooga, Durham, and Nashville, and represent clients and interests globally. Services include all aspects of intellectual property, litigation, M&A, privacy, technology transactions, and ventures. In 2018 and 2019, Rockridge was recognized as B Corp Best for the World for its commitment to triple bottom line business practices. Rockridge's pioneering environmental and social impact programs attract top-notch legal talent and assure its clients of missional alignment with its corporate values. Learn more about Rockridge.

About Kevin Christopher

Kevin Christopher is principal of RVL®. Kevin is a registered patent attorney and serial entrepreneur, founding companies in renewables, biopharma, men’s personal care, and law. He’s a Putnam County Commissioner and Great Smoky Mountains Park State Commissioner. He's also a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program faculty member, and director of several environmental and social impact nonprofits. Kevin is a SuperLawyer, Conscious Company Media Top Business Leader, Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Lawyer, and Class VII member of Leadership Tennessee. Learn more about Kevin.

Tim and Jack Carpenter, Cypress Insurance - Carpenter Agency

Tim and Jack Carpenter started an independent insurance agency in their hometown of Jackson, Tenn. Cypress Insurance - Carpenter Agency is located at 60 Lynoak Cove in Jackson, Tenn.

This father and son agency offers personal and commercial insurance to West Tennessee residents, bringing a more personalized approach to insurance.

“Growing up in the business, I’ve watched my father and learned how important it is to be very knowledgeable and maintain strong relationships with my clients,” said Jack Carpenter, Account Manager at the Carpenter Agency. “Family is important to us, and we want to help protect yours.”

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Tim Carpenter brings a solid reputation to the agency, strong carrier relationships, and unmatched industry knowledge.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I enjoy educating my clients on their options so they can make the best decisions for their family or business,” said Tim Carpenter, CEO of Cypress Insurance. “I’m proud of my son and excited for this next chapter.”

Along with Tim and Jack, Hudson McCarty also brings a personable and professional approach to insurance, helping meet the needs of businesses and families of Jackson, Tenn.

The Carpenter Agency enjoys giving back to the community and is heavily involved with ministries at West Jackson Baptist Church and volunteering with the American Heart Association in West Tennessee.

For more information about the Carpenter Agency, call (731) 238-1888 to speak with a local agent, or visit online at CypressIns.net.

Cypress Insurance is an independent insurance agency that provides personal and commercial insurance to families and businesses. Cypress agents will help you find the right coverage for the best price--guaranteed. Cypress Insurance--Guiding you to a protected future.

After winning the 2020 Pursuit of Excellence Award from The National Funeral Directors Association, Bob Arrington, president and founder of Arrington Funeral Directors (AFD), and Rev. Ron Hale, head of Ministry and Church Outreach at AFD, are pleased to announce their new book: Victory Over Death: Funeral Messages of Hope and Healing.

“In celebrating our 25th year of service, we are proud to offer this ministry tool to pastors in our area,” said Bob Arrington.

This 176-page book is a compilation of funeral messages from local church pastors and ministers, as well as spiritual leaders like Dr. Adrian Rogers, Dr. Ronnie Floyd, and Dr. Logan Hampton.

The first three chapters contain practical information written by Bob Arrington, Rev. Hale, and Joseph Lane, licensed Funeral Director and Certified Crematory Operator with AFD. Topics include how individuals deal with death, grief, and healing; a step-by-step guide on working with families and the Funeral Director as a pastor; and other specific advice aimed at pastors. The end of the book contains a guide on conducting committal services and leading “Remembrance Services.”

The goal of this book is to serve as a ministry tool for pastors to better serve grieving families, whether they are younger and newer to ministry or longtime pastors who would benefit from new inspiration. And with more lay leaders asked to speak at funerals, this book will serve as a valuable resource for those who have no pastoral experience at all.

Books can be ordered through Amazon with this link.

Wonder what air travel will look like in the upcoming months? View this virtual panel discussion with Doug Kreulen from the Nashville International Airport, Scott Brockman from the Memphis International Airport and Steve Smith from McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson as they discuss safe air travel, challenges, upcoming news, goals and more.

Sponsored by Le Bonheur Children's Outpatient Center in Jackson, TN.

Jordan Goodman, 2019 Respiratory Care graduate practices patient care skills in the state-of-the-art respiratory lab at JSCC.

Graduates from Jackson State Community College’s (JSCC) Respiratory Care Program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the first part of their national credentialing exam on their road to become Registered Respiratory Therapists.

The exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care features two parts – the written Therapist Multiple Choice Exam and the Clinical Simulation exam. All 10 graduates passed the written exam on their first attempt – a first for Jackson State’s program.

Four students have taken and passed the second exam on their first attempt, and they have set up times to help the remaining students pass. Students must pass both exams to become Registered Respiratory Therapists.

“We are celebrating from the rooftops today,” said Cathy Garner, Respiratory Care Program Director. “When they all pass the CSE on the first attempt, we will be shouting it from the rooftops.”

Each student passed the first exam with a high enough score to make them eligible to take the second. That benchmark is a score of 92. Jackson State’s lowest score was 101; its highest was a school record of 126.

Jackson State launched its Respiratory Care Program in 2018 to fill a growing demand for respiratory therapists in West Tennessee and provide a new alternative for students pursuing a career in health care.

Respiratory therapists focus on patients with breathing difficulties, from newborns with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with a chronic disease like emphysema. There are many specialties respiratory therapists can pursue, such as critical care, home care, case management, pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary diagnostics, sleep medicine, and surface and air transport. The work environment is often fast and fluid, Garner said.

“We work under the direction of a physician, and we provide an assessment of a patient to determine the kind of therapy a patient needs,” Garner said. “We focus on the cardiopulmonary system – any patient having any difficulties related to the lungs.”

Respiratory therapists work with mechanical ventilators and artificial airways, respond to code-blue resuscitative efforts, and treat patients from the front door of the hospital to the back, Garner said. Students who want to pursue a medical career but want an alternative to nursing should consider the program, she added.

The City of Jackson will receive sealed Requests for Proposals with pricing for the design, procurement and installation of playground equipment and fall zone materials for three parks.

Sealed proposals, subject to the conditions specified HERE, will be received until 10:30 o'clock A.M. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, in the Purchasing Department at City Hall. They will be opened and read before a committee who will make the recommendation for furnishing the following supplies and/or services to be delivered in accordance with the following instructions. Pricing will not be read aloud at the opening, only the proposers name.

Deliver Product or Service to: Parks as directed. Mail or Deliver the Proposal Clearly Marked: design, procure, and install playground equipment and fall zone materials to: City Hall, 115 E. Main, Suite 202, Jackson, TN 38301 Attn: Purchasing

DELIVERY CHARGES OF PRODUCTS/SERVICES/SAMPLES ARE TO BE PREPAID AT PROPOSERS EXPENSE TO POINT OF DESTINATION F.0.B. JACKSON, TENNESSEE AND BACK.

Email Tony Black for an on-site visit to the parks.

Pictured from left are Frank McMeen, president of the Foundation; R. Dale Thomas, president of Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell, PLC; and Ron Kwasigroh, director of the Therapy and Learning Center.

The Foundation is pleased to announce a challenge gift to benefit the Therapy and Learning Center Christmas Angel fund at the Foundation. As with many businesses, annual Christmas parties are being cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell, PLC; the annual attorney Christmas party was canceled while the funds budgeted for the holiday event would be given to a charity in the employees’ names. The Board agreed to provide Christmas gifts for the children and adults being served by the Therapy & Learning Center.

“Our annual attorney Christmas party will be missed, but this year we will be able to make Christmas better for those clients of the Therapy & Learning Center,” stated Dale Thomas, Chair of the Board of Directors of Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell. “We want to challenge other law firms and businesses to do the same by donating their budgeted funds for Christmas parties to benefit charitable causes like the Foundation and the Therapy and Learning Center,” Thomas continued.

The Therapy and Learning Center has deep roots in Jackson that served generations of families. Having roots that go back to the Cerebral Palsy Center and the Kiwanis Center, the transition began in 1998 to become the Therapy & Learning Center.

The Therapy & Learning Center helps individuals with various abilities celebrate and develop their unique gifts. Efforts are directed at meeting the individualized needs of children and adults during therapy, learning, and care as they provide a comprehensive approach to therapy.

“Families with children that have unique needs can be financially devastating. It is nice to have supporters like the attorneys at Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell helping us. Their donation will help us provide these clients with a more normal Christmas,” stated Ron Kwasigroh, Director of the Therapy & Learning Center.

The Therapy & Learning Center’s pediatric therapy services provides occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology along with hippotherapy at the Rein-bow Riding Academy. Adult, day services are provided for adults with varying abilities with an enhanced, purpose-filled life.

Charitable gifts for the Therapy & Learning Center, like all services at West Tennessee Healthcare, are handled through the Foundation.

“ Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell are great community partners and supporters of the Foundation and its work,” stated Frank McMeen, president of the Foundation. “This gift will make faces light up at Christmas because of their thoughtfulness. We are grateful for their continued support,” McMeen continued.

The Foundation:

The Foundation is a public foundation governed by a self-sustaining board, meaning that board members select their successors to the board. In its fourth decade of operation, the Foundation is a gift to the community from West Tennessee Healthcare to promote charitable giving.

To learn more about the Foundation, its team, or the many ways it serves the community, visit WTHFoundation.org or email Frank McMeen.