Brian “Koz” Kozlowski


Town & Country REALTORS® warmly welcomes Brian “Koz” Kozlowski to the top-ranked residential sales team in West Tennessee. Although new to real estate, the born-and-bred Jackson native is no stranger to running his own business, and he brings that experience and determination to Town & Country.


“It made sense to join Town & Country,” he said. “Friends of mine have been part of the team for years, and I’m ready to invest in a career field that helps others and creates opportunities for advancement.”


“Brian has hit the ground running,” said Joey Hale, owner and principal broker of Town & Country REALTORS®. “He’s already been embraced by our other agents and has a great energy about it. His business sense and teachability will take him far.”


In addition to his previous business experience, Brian comes to Town & Country with a background in agriculture, holding a Master’s degree in agriculture systems and soil science and 10 years’ experience as a research associate at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center.


“You could say I know West Tennessee from the ground up,” he shared. “Knowing the soil isn’t a requirement to sell homes built on it, but it does help me more fully appreciate the connection that real estate builds between people and the places they live.”


Brian is also a military veteran, husband to Tabitha, and father to Abigail and Asher. He serves as a board member for the Better Balance Foundation, and when he’s not building his business or serving the community, he can be found hunting, fishing, or spending time with friends and family. He is family oriented both at and away from work, a fact that contributed to his choice to launch his real estate career with Town & Country.


“This company has a family environment with incredibly motivated agents,” he said. “I am also grateful for the fact that Town & Country is veteran-owned and operated. There’s a camaraderie here.”


He went on, “Real estate transactions can be incredibly personal and often involve the whole family. It’s helpful to reflect that family mindset starting at the office, so I can really connect with and understand my clients to serve them the best that I can.”


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 TownAndCountryRealtors.com, or drop by their office at 1944 Hwy 45 Bypass. To contact Brian Kozlowski, call 731-437-0980 or email briank@tcrjackson.com.

Jerrett Segars


Well-known West Tennessee video and commercial producer Jerrett Segars has joined WNBJ as Production Director and will lead the station’s commercial production and promotions.


Segars has been producing commercials for local businesses for the past 13-years. During the past five years, Segars directed high-end corporate promotions and local commercials as well as wedding films. His work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and on the CMT Network.


“I’m truly blessed to work alongside the outstanding team at WNBJ,” says Segars, “I am looking forward to providing creative video production and effective marketing strategies for our clients in the Jackson and West Tennessee community.”


Segars spent seven years at a well known media company in Jackson as a producer and videographer creating commercials for local businesses like Golden Circle Ford, University School of Jackson, Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store, Robinson Toyota, and Jackson State Community College to name a few. Before that he was a production assistant at the University of Alabama.


Segars will direct all of WNBJ Channel 39’s commercial video production, working with clients on the development and production of on-air and digital commercials and long-form programming. He also will oversee all station promotions and marketing for WNBJ.


“We’re excited to have someone of Jerrett’s caliber joining the WNBJ team,” says WNBJ General Sales Manager Kevin Kee, “Jerrett has a long track record of working with West Tennessee businesses to craft effective brand messages through the use of digital video; we look forward to employing Jerrett’s skills and knowledge to further help Channel 39’s clients achieve their sales and marketing goals.”


Segars is originally from Alabama, graduating from the University of Alabama in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications & Film. He resides in Jackson with his wife Brandy and son Logan.


ABOUT WNBJ

WNBJ Channel 39 broadcasts NBC on channel 39.1, CW on 39.2 and H&I/MyNet on 39.3 and can also be seen on JEA Cable Channels 4/204 and Spectrum Cable on channels 15/715, Gibson Connect Channel 4, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Fubo TV, AT&T TV Now and TMobile’s TVision. WNBJ provides local news weekdays at 6pm and 10pm on NBC 39 and 1pm and 9pm on CW 39.


WNBJ 39 is proud to bring their power to reach the broadest audience to better serve viewers, businesses, and community organizations of West Tennessee. It’s all part of the company’s overall mission to “Pay it Forward.”

The public art initiative committee is seeking proposals for a mural on West Main Street in downtown Jackson. The space is being donating by Baker Bros. BBQ and will be the fourth installation in the mayor’s series. The mayor's public art initiative launched in fall of 2019 with the installation of the Love Your Neighborhood mural by Courtney Searcy at the junction of North Highland Avenue and College Street. The second installation was the Unity mural by Ava Ingle at the corner of Liberty and Main Street. The third installation was the Southwest TN mural by Jonathan and Sarah Cagle on East College Street. “These murals are helping revitalize our downtown area and are bringing more visitors and customers to the businesses that are based here,” said Mayor Scott Conger. The public art initiative seeks to exponentially grow the number of public art installations, to include murals, sculptures and other mediums across Jackson over the next four years. The public art initiative also seeks to engage more artists, both established and emerging, in the work of creative place-making. Artists must submit proposals by February 28. The final design will be selected by the Public Art Commission on March 18, and submitted to Baker Bros. BBQ for approval. Installation is expected to begin in the spring. Requirements and an application can be found at jacksontn.gov under the mayor’s office, projects and initiatives section by clicking public art initiative. National Plan for Vacation Day takes place during the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year. While much of the country continues to face rising case numbers and travel restrictions, National Plan for Vacation Day is chance to do what is safe and productive: plan. National Plan for Vacation Day initiative are to encourage Americans to still plan—or even book—future vacations, or to simply keep their travel flame alive and think about their next trip. As you plan your future trips, the travel industry is ready to safely welcome you back—when you’re ready. “It’s been a challenging year, and I know we have all missed traveling and exploring our great country,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “While many are not yet ready or able to take a vacation, we are encouraging Americans to pull out their calendars on January 26 and get a future trip on the books—even if that just means dreaming about your next getaway.” “In the face of so much uncertainty, and with more than 63% of Americans saying they desperately need a vacation, National Plan for Vacation Day is the perfect opportunity for Americans to renew their love of travel and to look ahead to better days.” There is a wealth of information that says simply planning a vacation can increase happiness, with 97% of survey respondents saying that having a trip planned makes them happier. Further, survey data shows that 84% of Americans are excited to plan a vacation in the next six months, indicating an impending surge in travel demand once conditions improve. With so many great travel deals to be had, Visit Jackson, TN advises savvy vacation planners who are able to book future trips now to take advantage of these offers before demand picks up. “Visit Jackson, TN is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day to encourage Americans to plan ahead for future travel and take some much-needed time off,” said Lori Nunnery, Executive Director with Visit Jackson, TN. “By committing to planning on January 26, Americans can all enjoy the many benefits of taking a break while giving themselves something to look forward to—and many communities has some great deals and ideas to help you plan your perfect getaway.” Visit Jackson, TN continues to urge Americans to adhere to healthy travel practices—whether one is planning a vacation in the short term or for later this year. U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Confidently toolkit has a wealth of resources and guidance to encourage safe and healthy travel, which includes wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance when possible and staying home if feeling sick. ABOUT: Visit Jackson, TN / Jackson-Madison county Convention and Visitors Bureau is the Destination Marketing Organization for the city of Jackson and Madison county, Tennessee. Additionally, it seeks to lead tourism by the following: 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 Tennessee’s tourism product. Local musicians Lauren Prichard, professionally known as LOLO, and Stan Perkins collaborated for an exclusive cover of the famous song, “Blue Suede Shoes,” written by local legend, Carl Perkins. The collaboration of talent was created for Visit Jackson TN’s newest music initiative, Jackson Hidden Tracks. “We have such a rich and diverse music scene in Jackson,” Executive Director of Visit Jackson TN, Lori Nunnery, said. “We're very excited to launch Hidden Tracks as a way to share the stories of such great musicians, and let the world know of all the local talent and upcoming events we have.”   LOLO and Stan met for the first time at Hub City Brewing for an interview with Jackson Hidden Tracks where they shared their love for Jackson and its musical roots, told stories, and played a few songs together. At the end of the interview, they played “Blue Suede Shoes'' as a tribute to Stan’s father, Carl Perkins. To see the full video, which was done in just one take, visit www.JacksonHiddenTracks.com.   “Your dad has left a tremendous impression,” LOLO said to Stan Perkins, “not just here but all over the world.”   The song, “Blue Suede Shoes,” was originally written and recorded by Jackson native and rockabilly legend, Carl Perkins, in 1955 at Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn. It is considered to be one of the very first rockabilly records ever to be produced, which led to the beginning of classic rock ‘n’ roll music.   “It’s a classic, and it’s timeless,” Stan Perkins said. “As long as people are listening to music, that will be played. Somewhere. Either by Carl Perkins or Elvis Presley. One of the two.”   Jackson’s not only home to rockabilly legends, but also home to a newer generation of musicians like singer-songwriter LOLO who’s known for writing chart-topping hits like “Miss Jackson” and “High Hopes,” performed by Panic! At the Disco, as well as her vibrant singles such as “Shine” and “Not Gonna Let You Walk Away.”   After years of living in New York City, she recently moved back home to Jackson where she draws a lot of her inspiration.   “Pretty much anything I've ever written that’s gone on to be any form of success, I've written here—not anywhere else, but here,” LOLO said. “And quite honestly, in the room of my childhood home.” Jackson Hidden Tracks is a musical initiative by Visit Jackson TN, the destination marketing organization for the city of Jackson and Madison county. Discover the hidden tracks of Jackson’s rich and diverse music scene by visiting www.JacksonHiddenTracks.com. Follow Jackson Hidden Tracks on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jacksonhiddentracks/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JacksonHiddenTracks/) to stay up-to-date on local shows and live concert events.  

Are you prepared for a Post-COVID world? How does the City of Jackson Recovery Court help our citizens? Find this information along with new members and ribbon cuttings.


Plus, get the inside scoop on York Laine Boutique with Co-Owner Brooke Hinson in our Member Connection in our February Video News. For the longer Member Connection, Click Here.

Anna Gonzales Smith


When Anna Gonzales Smith graduated as a respiratory therapist from Jackson State Community College last summer, she had no problems finding a job.


For one thing, the married mother of two had the highest score on the first part of her respiratory care state board exam in the program’s 30-year history at Jackson State. She also graduated in the middle of a global pandemic when the need for respiratory therapists is high.


“Anna set lofty but attainable goals for herself and exceeded all of them,” said Christie Ward, assistant professor and clinical director of the respiratory care program. “She worked fulltime, balanced being a wife and also mom of a teenager and elementary-age child and still maintained excellent grades. She was sought after by hospital employers because of her excellent clinical skills, positive attitude and her strong work ethic.”


Like the other students in the program, Smith earned her associate of applied science degree in respiratory care over five semesters that included both classroom and clinical education. Besides her family responsibilities, she worked full-time at Fed Ex. She was also voted class president and helped the class raise money to make sure everyone in the class could pay for seminar costs.


“I love being a respiratory therapist,” said Smith, who is 33 years old. “Respiratory therapists treat all ages all over the hospital. We take care of patients in the scariest time of their lives.”


Smith attended Jackson State with the financial assistance from the Tennessee Reconnect program for adults seeking a college or technical degree. She has a large extended family but can count on one hand the number of people in her family who have a college degree. She did, however, get her strong work ethic from her family.


A graduate of Milan High School, Smith started her college studies at Jackson State as she sought a degree in nursing. She dropped out of college when life’s “other obligations” got in the way, she said.


After working a few years as a nursing assistant and in admissions for West Tennessee Healthcare, she got a job at Fed Ex when her hospital closed. She was happy in her new career at Fed Ex, but she felt herself being called back into health care, and specifically to respiratory therapy because of family history and her own diagnosis of having asthma when she was a child.


One of her grandmothers has COPD. Another grandmother has tracheal stenosis. Her grandfather had problems getting off of a ventilator after open heart surgery. Respiratory therapists were instrumental in helping her grandparents get better.


As she watched respiratory therapists wean her grandfather from the ventilator, Smith remembers thinking, “I want to know how I can be that person to help my grandad get off the ventilator. It’s hard to see people you love and care about not being able to breathe.”


She credits the help of her husband, Kyle, her family and Jackson State for her new career. Today she has two jobs, working at both West Tennessee Healthcare and Henry County Medical Center. She’s called on to relieve overworked respiratory therapists at both hospitals.


“I feel like there is a reason why I am an RT,” Smith said. “I am doing what I should do for the rest of my life.”


She offers encouragement for older students considering college. “It doesn’t matter that I’m 33 years old. I’m a full-time wife and mother, and I am beginning a new career in the middle of a global pandemic. You can do it.”

Anna Gonzales Smith


When Anna Gonzales Smith graduated as a respiratory therapist from Jackson State Community College last summer, she had no problems finding a job.


For one thing, the married mother of two had the highest score on the first part of her respiratory care state board exam in the program’s 30-year history at Jackson State. She also graduated in the middle of a global pandemic when the need for respiratory therapists is high.


“Anna set lofty but attainable goals for herself and exceeded all of them,” said Christie Ward, assistant professor and clinical director of the respiratory care program. “She worked fulltime, balanced being a wife and also mom of a teenager and elementary-age child and still maintained excellent grades. She was sought after by hospital employers because of her excellent clinical skills, positive attitude and her strong work ethic.”


Like the other students in the program, Smith earned her associate of applied science degree in respiratory care over five semesters that included both classroom and clinical education. Besides her family responsibilities, she worked full-time at Fed Ex. She was also voted class president and helped the class raise money to make sure everyone in the class could pay for seminar costs.


“I love being a respiratory therapist,” said Smith, who is 33 years old. “Respiratory therapists treat all ages all over the hospital. We take care of patients in the scariest time of their lives.”


Smith attended Jackson State with the financial assistance from the Tennessee Reconnect program for adults seeking a college or technical degree. She has a large extended family but can count on one hand the number of people in her family who have a college degree. She did, however, get her strong work ethic from her family.


A graduate of Milan High School, Smith started her college studies at Jackson State as she sought a degree in nursing. She dropped out of college when life’s “other obligations” got in the way, she said.


After working a few years as a nursing assistant and in admissions for West Tennessee Healthcare, she got a job at Fed Ex when her hospital closed. She was happy in her new career at Fed Ex, but she felt herself being called back into health care, and specifically to respiratory therapy because of family history and her own diagnosis of having asthma when she was a child.


One of her grandmothers has COPD. Another grandmother has tracheal stenosis. Her grandfather had problems getting off of a ventilator after open heart surgery. Respiratory therapists were instrumental in helping her grandparents get better.


As she watched respiratory therapists wean her grandfather from the ventilator, Smith remembers thinking, “I want to know how I can be that person to help my grandad get off the ventilator. It’s hard to see people you love and care about not being able to breathe.”


She credits the help of her husband, Kyle, her family and Jackson State for her new career. Today she has two jobs, working at both West Tennessee Healthcare and Henry County Medical Center. She’s called on to relieve overworked respiratory therapists at both hospitals.


“I feel like there is a reason why I am an RT,” Smith said. “I am doing what I should do for the rest of my life.”


She offers encouragement for older students considering college. “It doesn’t matter that I’m 33 years old. I’m a full-time wife and mother, and I am beginning a new career in the middle of a global pandemic. You can do it.”

You can still check out our Spark Zoom meeting, "What Makes a Family Business Last?" We hear from two families on their successful businesses - Saucy Jake's, LLC with Jacob & Regina Richmond; and Thompson & Smith, LLC with Roger Smith & Carolyn Vaughan - with this Spark Zoom event from January 11, 2021. David Knack, Knack Insurance representing American National, moderates. Spark is brought to you by Jackson Chamber & theCO. Thank you to our event sponsor, BancorpSouth. Join us here!

Adelsberger Marketing has expanded their team adding Jackson, MS native, Alex Russell as a principal videographer.


“We are excited to add Alex to our team,” said Adelsberger Marketing owner, Kevin Adelsberger. “He brings a fresh creative outlook to our business and expertise in videography that helps us to better serve our customers.”


Alex graduated from Union University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Communications, but fell in love with the Jackson community and continues to call Jackson, TN home. Alex has created videos for clients, friends, and his own amusement for years and finds joy in his ability to share unique stories and narratives that amplify the voices of ordinary people.


“I’m thankful to partner with a team that shows so much love and support to the local community,” said Alex. “I look forward to continuing to shed light on all the amazing qualities of the Hub City working with Adelsberger Marketing.”


Founded in 2014, Adelsberger Marketing is a digital agency that leads businesses to conquer digital marketing. They believe that digital marketing is the present and the future. They provide businesses with lead brands to conquer digital marketing with content, social media, websites, videography, photography, and branding that helps set them apart in a crowded business environment. Their mission is to make creative work that grows their clients’ businesses in a culture that values our team and community. A part of the ATA Family of Firms, they are located in theCo and you can learn more about Adelsberger Marketing by visiting AdelsbergerMarketing.com or connecting with them on social media.