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"All in Your Biz" takes you inside a member's business to show what makes them special and unique. This month features Alexandra Lauren Home Collection in Jackson, TN with Owner Lexie Powell.

Do you have dreams of being a professional in the world of cosmetology? Perhaps you would like to become a stylist, a nail technician or an esthetician? West TN College of Cosmetology & Esthetics can make that dream a reality. The college has had 100% of its students pass the state board to become a licensed stylist in Tennessee and has training for those interested in becoming a nail technician or an esthetician.

Instructor and Owner Darleen Kitchen has been a stylist over 20 years and opened the college to share the skills she has learned working behind the chair. This includes up-to-date technical skills and beauty training, but also encompasses great customer service. She loves teaching students to be professionals as well as how to enjoy their clients and support their families. Her staff trains each student at their ability level to be the best, teaching them more advanced skills in order to be prepared for everyday salon skills.

“We are a Beauty College teaching advanced skills in esthetics, cosmetology and nails; and we offer competitive tuition and client pricing in Jackson,” says Kitchen. “We are a private college that offers wonderful products as well as product knowledge to our students with extensive educational classes.”

Kitchen says she enjoys the friendly clients they service daily and loves being in the center of a busy industry made up of other small businesses. They continue to spread the word about the college’s services and classes by reaching out to local colleges and high schools, plus they use social media to show off student skills and to inform of upcoming classes.

West TN College of Cosmetology & Esthetics has been open in Jackson for two years. The college teaches students excellent skills and works with them on payment options for tuition. Plans are to expand the college’s programs and become more involved in the community.

Maybe you’re looking for a great place to treat yourself to some incredible personal services at a great price? The school also gives competitive pricing for services offered to clients and have a great location at 1186 Highway 45 Bypass, Suite B in Jackson, Tennessee.

See why everyone is raving about the students at West TN College of Cosmetology & Esthetics by looking on its Facebook page. If you’re interested in getting a haircut or color, manicure, pedicure, esthetics or more, find services and pricing online at WestTNCosmetology.net.

Hair

Esthetics

Nails

2020-2021 Leadership Jackson Graduates celebrate at the Bowling & Skating Family Fun Center.

Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders have completed the 2020-2021 Leadership University (LU) program, a community youth leadership development program of the Jackson Chamber. The class represents all the public, private and home-schooled juniors in Jackson-Madison County high schools.

Leadership University is a five-month program designed to identify a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate leadership potential; and to develop in an interactive environment, the framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement and responsible participation in the future of this community. Major sponsors of the program include Allen Samuels of Jackson, Inc., Union University and The University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus. Corporate sponsorship includes Adelsberger Marketing, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Central Distributors, Inc., FirstBank, Gerdau, Hiller Plumbing - Heating - Cooling - Electrical, Leaders Credit Union and M G Construction Co. LLC.

“The past year has been a trying one to say the least, but one bright spot in 2020 has been the dedication and perseverance of the Leadership University Board and the Director of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman,” says 2020–2021 Leadership University Chair Dennis Hornsby, Robert's Jewelers. “When the Covid-19 pandemic started, we were unsure how or if there would be a Leadership University class for 2020–21, but we pulled together and made sure this class had the best experience possible. I have been honored to serve on the Leadership University Board since 2017, along with several dedicated board members. Their commitment is the reason this program is one of the best youth leadership programs around. The LU class of ’21 persevered through a challenging year. We are proud of them and anticipate seeing great things from them in the future.”

During the celebration, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University graduate certificate of completion. Emma Eddleman, Augustine School, was honored with the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirements in Leadership University.

“To say that this year’s class had its challenges and obstacles to overcome is an understatement,” said Brandy Stutsman, director of leadership development, Jackson Chamber. “The more the class learns and develops leadership skills, the more they will invest in the community. It will be exciting to see the impact these students will have in our area.”

During the program, class members completed 32 classroom hours and six hours of community service. LU students discussed ethical leadership with local leaders, participated in mock job interviews, tackled alcohol and drug issues, and other activities. The program helps the class members see their community from different viewpoints and focus on where they can make a positive difference.

The Leadership University graduates include:

For more information about the program, contact the Jackson Chamber’s Director of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman at 731-423-2200 or by email at bstutsman@jacksontn.com.

About the Jackson Chamber:

The Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,300 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region.

Sealed bids, subject to the conditions specified on all sheets of this PDF, will be received until 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 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: Various Departments, Jackson, TN 38301 Mail or Deliver the Sealed Bid clearly marked: Bid clearly marked: Janitorial Products 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.

David Knack

On the heels of two consecutive years as West Tennessee’s #1 residential real estate company, Town & Country REALTORS® is delighted to announce the further growth of its agent support services with the addition of David Knack to the team as director of business development. In this brand-new role, David will provide creative, innovative problem solving to help Town & Country’s agents become more successful business owners.

“We’re going to reshape the expectations real estate agents have for the level of support they receive from their brokers,” David said. “No other firm in the area offers a service like this. Success breeds problems. I’m here to help agents break down and move through those problems and emerge stronger and more successful.”

“When agents run into challenges with their businesses, it can be overwhelming,” said Joey Hale, owner and principal broker of Town & Country REALTORS®. “The top producers on my team don’t have the luxury of a week to investigate and resolve where they’re getting stuck. David does. In this new role of director of business development, his sole responsibility is to make a significant, personal investment in those agents experiencing growing pains. We champion success for our agents. David is here to make sure they feel holistically supported.”

David comes to Town & Country with experience in both sales and small business. He has been a small business owner and was previously the number one sales representative in the country for an international technology company. In that role, he worked intimately with small business owners, nonprofits, and government agencies to untangle their difficulties and strengthen their service to clients.

“Ultimately, I’m here to make sure clients—buyers, sellers, and investors—continue to receive the premier service they’ve come to expect from Town & Country,” he said. “Agents need the space to focus on the people they work for, so I take on the business-centric issues that they otherwise wouldn’t have room on their plates to manage.”

David and his wife Ali have lived in Jackson for over 10 years, having made the choice to contribute to this community as best and as often as possible. David is a graduate of Union University as well as the 42nd class of Leadership Jackson. He will serve as the vice chair of the 43rd LJ class. When not championing people to shoot for the stars, he and Ali love spending time outdoors, whether that’s exploring national parks, enjoying scuba diving, or participating in disc golf tournaments. Professionally, he calls himself a geek for other people’s business.

“Most business owners are usually good at the main thing,” he shared. “Real estate, baking, photography, whatever—they’re usually experts at that. My favorite thing is to serve as a sounding board and help them with their pain points so they can focus on what they’re already doing that’s working.”

“There’s an unfortunate trend in real estate that agents join a company and then are left to figure it out on their own,” he continued. “Most agents don’t stay in the business past two years because they just don’t have the support they need to become rock stars. Town & Country is already the top company in West Tennessee for number of transactions, office environment, and staff support. Now we will be number one for investment in agent success.”

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 provided, call 731-668-7000, visit the website at TownAndCountryRealtors.com, or drop by the office at 1944 Hwy 45 Bypass. To contact David Knack, director of business development, call 731-298-9209 or email david@tcrjackson.com.

McAfee School of Business faculty

Union University trustees celebrated the 25th anniversary of the McAfee School of Business, approved a $95 million budget and granted tenure and promotions to several professors during their April 9 meeting on the Union campus.

In his report to trustees, Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver updated them on the status of the university’s “United in Spirit. Grounded in Truth.” strategic plan, which was adopted in 2015. Oliver shared success stories from each of seven strategic themes that the plan emphasizes: bearing witness to the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, expanding enrollment across the university, enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency to advance the mission, revising the liberal arts core curriculum, supporting meaningful research among faculty and students, developing leaders for the future, and bolstering student life and building community.

For example, Oliver reported to trustees on the patents secured by Blake Watkins, professor and chair of pharmaceutical sciences in Union’s College of Pharmacy. He also cited the university’s Leadership Union program which has trained about 50 faculty and staff members in leadership principles over the past five years.

“The strategic plan builds on our strengths and core values of being excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed,” Oliver said. “Its strategies and accompanying goals have enabled Union to pursue ongoing distinctiveness in its academic programs, constantly seeking after Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of truth.”

The budget approved by trustees of $95.1 million for the 2021-2022 academic year is an increase of 4.3 percent, or about $4 million from this year’s budget.

Trustees approved tenure for four professors: Phil Davignon, associate professor of sociology; Tammy Patton, associate professor of social work; Greg Ryan, associate professor of political science, and Jacob Shatzer, associate professor of theological studies.

Fourteen professors were promoted. Those promoted to university professor were Mark Dubis in the School of Theology and Missions, Sally Henrie in the Department of Chemistry and Mary Anne Poe in the School of Social Work. Promoted to professor were Allison Davis in the College of Nursing, Zachery Halford in the College of Pharmacy, James Kerfoot in the Department of Biology, Chris Manner and Dan Slater in the McAfee School of Business, and Geoffrey Poore in the Department of Physics.

Promoted to associate professor were Jeremy Blaschke in the Department of Biology, Jennifer Delk and Lori Taylor in the College of Nursing, and Brooke Emery and Joseph Xu in the McAfee School of Business.

In addition, trustees granted emeritus status to five professors. Emeritus status may be awarded to Union faculty who are retired from the university, hold at least the rank of assistant professor, completed at least 15 years of full-time service, demonstrated excellence in their work and are recommended by the department chair and dean.

Professors who were awarded with emeritus status were Elizabeth Bedsole, retiring in 2021 as professor of music; Steve Beverly, retiring in 2021 as associate professor of communication arts; Theresa Blakley, retiring in 2021 as professor of social work; William Nance, retiring in 2021 as associate professor of management; and Thomas Proctor, who retired in 2020 as professor of accounting.

“Union has been tremendously blessed with professors who model excellence and Christian character, and who instill in their students a love for God and for learning,” said Chad P. Wilson, chair of Union’s Board of Trustees. “We are so thankful for these professors who were recognized this year, and for all of our professors who are characterized by faithfulness and a devotion to the mission of Union University.”

In other business, trustees approved Jeff Perkins and Chuck Baker as new members of the Union University Foundation Board. Perkins is owner and vice president of Akin and Porter Produce in Greenfield, Tennessee. Baker has spent more than 40 years in business and retired in 2020 as vice president of advancement at Bryan College.

At an April 8 dinner prior to their meeting the next day, trustees heard from dean Jason Garrett, Union professors Karen Miller and Santhosh Abraham, and student Jacob Guyette, all from the McAfee School of Business. Named for James T. McAfee Jr., a 1961 Union graduate, the McAfee School of Business has been part of Union for more than 25 years and trains students to fulfill their purpose in Christ and society.

2021 OVC Baseball Championship Schedule

• Committed to improving the quality of life of others in Jackson
• Contributes time to community activities in a volunteer capacity
• Serves as a role model and inspiration to others
• Focuses on growth and well-being of the community we serve
• Empowers and engages others to give back
• Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect