College Graduation Dates April 22: Lane College May 6: University of Tennessee at Martin, Dyersburg State Community College, Union University May 13: Freed Hardeman University, Jackson State Community College May 27: Bethel University TBD: University of Memphis-Lambuth High School Graduation Dates May 16: Liberty High School May 17: JASA, JCM Early College High May 18: South Side, Madison May 19: JCM High May 20: North Side   The best graduation dinner plans are custom-tailored to the graduate and made in advance. If the person graduating has a favorite restaurant or if you have a restaurant that you go to for all of your important family occasions, that restaurant may be a great idea for your graduation dinner. You should also decide whether you want something formal or casual. A fancy dinner can make the night a major occasion, but a sports bar or more casual restaurant can be a better idea if you want a fun, lively and rowdy atmosphere in which to celebrate and have a party. If you have a large group of people interested in going out for a graduation dinner, you may want to consider reserving a private room in a restaurant or having a banquet in your favorite restaurant. Call ahead to find out the details of reserving a table for your party. Make sure to make reservations for your graduation dinner far in advance once you have narrowed down your graduation dinner ideas. With college graduation dates potentially overlapping, restaurants may fill up quickly and you don’t want to find yourself settling for an odd time or worse, not being able to make reservations at all after you have come up with the perfect graduation dinner ideas. A few quick tips before we list our suggestions:
  1. Know if anything is required from you. (do you need to put down a deposit? Do you need to bring your own dessert?)
  2. Set a strict RSVP date so that way you can give the restaurant an accurate number with your reservation.
  3. Be on time (even better, be early)!
Blacksmith – Reservations Recommended 216 N Shannon St, Jackson, TN 38301 731-736-3484 Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Catfish Cabin 1290 S Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301 731-422-1001 Monday-Thursday 4:00 pm-8:30 pm Friday-Saturday 11:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am-8:30 pm Flatiron Grille-Reservation Recommended 116 Vann Drive, Jackson, TN 731-668-3528 Monday-Thursday 4:30 PM-9:00 PM Friday-Saturday 4:30 PM-9:30 PM Sunday CLOSED   Twist 1770 Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 731-668-4937 Sunday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Old Town Spaghetti Store 550 Carriage House Dr, Jackson, TN 731-668-4937 Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday CLOSED Dumplins Bistro & Bakery 31C Wiley Parker Road, Jackson, TN 731-664-4959 Monday-Thursday 10:30 am-6:30 pm Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-7:00 pm Sunday CLOSED Skillet Junction – Reservation Recommended 575 S Royal Street, Jackson, TN 731-736-2089 Friday–Sunday 7AM–3PM

At Home Celebration Options

Backyard Bar-Be-Cue 186 Old Hickory Blvd, #2566, Jackson, TN 731-424-7640 Monday-Saturday 10:30 am-8:45 pm Sunday CLOSED Pig House BBQ 1024 Campbell St, Jackson, TN 731-423-8566 Monday-Friday 10 am-6:30 pm Saturday 10 am-5p Sunday CLOSED   Heavenly Ham 480-1 Wiley Parker Road, Jackson, TN 731-668-4454 Monday-Friday 10 am-6pm Saturday 10am-3pm Sunday CLOSED Old Town Spaghetti Store 550 Carriage House Dr, Jackson, TN 731-668-4937 Monday-Thursday 11 am-8pm Friday-Saturday 11 am-9pm Sunday CLOSED   Dumplins Bistro & Bakery 31C Wiley Parker Road, Jackson, TN 731-664-4959 Monday-Thursday 10:30 am-6:30 pm Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-7:00 pm Sunday CLOSED Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill 1319 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN 731-265-6502 Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-9:00 pm Friday & Saturday 10:30 am-9:00 pm   Don’t forget – reservations are highly recommended to make sure that your party can be accommodated quickly and efficiently. Make sure that you and everyone in your party are on time to your designated time slot. Be advised that there also may be automatic gratuity or an additional charge for parties larger than 6 or more, depending on the restaurant and their policies. Congratulations and happy graduation! Visit Jackson, TN  seeks to connect visitors with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Build your own itinerary or download the Visit Jackson, TN APP – Google Play or iTunes.  Connect socially on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter.   We're excited to partner with West TN Farmers Market to bring you Food Truck Friday! 🤩 Make plans to join us every Friday, May through November, from 10AM-2PM. Vendor applications are now open, apply at bit.ly/FTFdowntown. Stay up to date with everything happening in Downtown Jackson through their Facebook and Instagram. Visit Jackson, TN  seeks to connect visitors with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Build your own itinerary or download the Visit Jackson, TN APP – Google Play or iTunes.  Connect socially on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter.

6K Energy to Establish Battery Material Manufacturing Plant in Jackson, TN 

JACKSON, Tenn. April 18, 2023 – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and 6K Energy officials announced today the company will invest in a full-scale PlusCAM™ battery material manufacturing plant in Jackson, Tennessee. 6K Energy will invest $166 million in the plant for construction and equipment, expanding to $250 million in future phases. The company will also use its recently announced $50 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant opportunity for the factory placing the initial combined investment over $200 million.  6K Energy, the cathode materials production division of 6K Inc., will create 230 new jobs in Madison County to support operations at the new manufacturing plant. 6K Energy’s PlusCAM factory will be the world’s first UniMelt® plasma cathode plant, providing low cost, ultra-sustainable production of battery material for localized supply chains in the U.S.   Founded in 2014 and headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, 6K uses microwave plasma technology to develop advanced materials for industries, including electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace and consumer electronics. With the addition of the Jackson facility, 6K will employ nearly 500 people across its operations in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.   Since 2019, TNECD has supported 25 economic development projects in Madison County, resulting in approximately 1,700 job commitments and $1.1 billion in capital investment.  QUOTES  “Tennessee is at the center of the automotive industry, thanks to our unmatched business climate and skilled workforce. I thank 6K Energy for investing more than $200 million in Jackson and creating 230 new jobs to provide greater opportunity for Tennessee families across Madison County.” – Gov. Bill Lee   “Home to a thriving electric vehicle industry, Tennessee is primed and eager to welcome 6K to the Volunteer State. We thank this company for its decision to locate in Madison County and know that Jackson will be the ideal location for 6K Energy’s newest manufacturing facility.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter  “Choosing the right fit for our first PlusCAM production facility is critical in our mission to be the leading domestic supplier of cathode material in the U.S. Not only did Jackson meet our requirements for critical items, such as energy cost and site readiness, but the teams at the state, county and town levels went above and beyond to ensure we will be successful building our plant. We’re excited to break ground and continue moving forward, in lockstep with Tennessee, to achieve our mission.” – Sam Trinch, president of 6K Energy  “Madison County is quickly becoming a center for electric vehicle manufacturing, and we recognize the strength in the labor force as an asset for our organization. Additionally, the infrastructure in place in Jackson and their willingness to collaborate were strong attributes in helping our decision where to locate, and we look forward to the future of this partnership.” – Rob Davies, COO of 6K Energy  “We are excited to not only welcome 6K Energy to Jackson-Madison County but be the home of new and innovative technology in the world right here in West Tennessee. This is a thrilling moment as this project is the third largest investment in our community by an industrial company, strengthening our local economy and emphasizing our area as a great location for companies to thrive. Working with the 6K team and seeing how this company cares about its employees and the community has been a pleasure.” – Madison County Mayor AJ Massey  “We are always thankful for the opportunity to welcome new companies to Jackson. This investment will not only create jobs but also boost economic development and reinforce Jackson's position as a leading destination for advanced manufacturing. We are grateful for 6K Energy’s commitment to our community and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.” – Jackson Mayor Scott Conger  “6K Energy's investment in Jackson will support the most advanced production plasma system in the world. Jackson's location, workforce strengths and experience in economic development are all reasons companies, new and existing, continue to invest in our community. This company will represent the third largest investment for any industrial company in Jackson.” – Greater Jackson Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon   “TVA and Jackson Energy Authority congratulate 6K Inc. on its decision to establish operations in Madison County, Tennessee. We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Jackson Chamber, City of Jackson and Madison County to support innovative companies like 6K Inc., that are creating job opportunities and investment in the region, and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development  “We are thrilled that 6K Inc. will establish the world’s first UniMelt plasma cathode plant in Jackson. This is great news for Madison County and for the entire state because it shows that we have the workforce and capabilities needed by a cutting-edge company that is blazing new trails. I thank the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Greater Jackson Chamber for their work bringing these high-quality jobs to Madison County and rural West Tennessee.” – Sen. Ed Jackson (R-Jackson)  “I am proud to welcome 6K Energy to the Jackson community! Companies continue to make significant investments in West Tennessee because of our strong economy, skilled workforce and low tax rate. This new manufacturing facility represents yet another great development for our area that will create hundreds of additional jobs for our neighbors. I look forward to the bright future 6K Energy will have in Madison County.” – Rep. Chris Todd (R-Madison County)  About 6K With sustainability at its core, 6K has developed UniMelt®, a proprietary advanced microwave plasma production system, to transform engineered materials into revolutionary products that advance industries across additive manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, consumer electronics, and more. 6K represents 6000 degrees, both the temperature of the operation of UniMelt®, the world’s only microwave production scale plasma system, and the temperature of the sun’s surface. 6K was founded in North Andover, Massachusetts. The 6K Energy division is focused on the production of low-cost, sustainable, and domestically produced battery material accelerating the pace of battery production and adoption of electric vehicles. The 6K Additive division specializes in sustainably sourced, AM metal powders production and reclamation, using a proprietary milling and cleaning process that ensures contamination-free, high-quality powders. For more information, visit www.6Kinc.com.   About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  About the Greater Jackson Chamber The Greater 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 1,000 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region. For more information, visit jacksontn.com.  
Mason Cagle has joined the Greater Jackson Chamber as Manager of Accounting. Cagle will oversee the administration of accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, budgeting and other accounting functions. “I’m excited to join the energetic team at the Chamber in pursuing our city’s future,” Cagle said. “I look forward to working with all the chamber members and others who are committed to growing our region.” Cagle most recently worked at Alexander Thompson Arnold as an associate working in auditing. He is a native of Jackson and attended college at Union University, where he received a Bachelor of Accounting with a minor in Finance and a Master of Accounting. Cagle is a Leadership University graduate and recently a 2022 Leadership Jackson graduate. “Great teams attract great talent,” said Kyle Spurgeon, Greater Jackson Chamber President/CEO. “Our entire team welcomes Mason to our organization and looks forward to working with him as our community continue to grow.” About the Greater Jackson Chamber: The Greater 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 1,000 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region. With the Rockabillys Inaugural Home Opener less than 50 days away, fans are encouraged to purchase their season tickets now.  The Rockabillys will host a Pick Your Seat Celebration Day on Saturday, April 22nd for season ticket holders to officially "stake their claim" on their season seat.  Those who have purchased prior to April 22nd have been invited to the stadium between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm for the first round of seat selection.  Those who cannot purchase prior to the 22nd are asked to attend between 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. To celebrate with season ticket holders, the Rockabillys will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.  There will also be Rockabilly merchandise raffles for those that attend.  The Rockabillys merchandise store, The JukeBox, will also be open with the new on-field player game caps available for purchase. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting the stadium or online at www.rockabillysbaseball.com. The Rockabillys will host the Cape Catfish (Cape Girardeau, MO) in their home opener on Friday, June 2nd at 7:00 pm.   Visit Jackson, TN  seeks to connect visitors with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Build your own itinerary or download the Visit Jackson, TN APP – Google Play or iTunes.  Connect socially on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter.     Trashercise Litter Pickup Keep Jackson Beautiful is requesting volunteers to participate in Trashercise, a community-wide litter pickup event on Saturday, April 22, sponsored by Keep Tennessee Beautiful, in celebration of Earth Day. Individual volunteers, businesses, organizations, service groups, non-profits and other groups can sign up to volunteer at earthday.jacksontn.gov. Volunteers can select an area to work in, including Northeast Jackson, Northwest Jackson, Midtown Jackson, East Jackson and South Jackson. Volunteers will finish the day by enjoying Earth Day vendors at the Jackson Fairgrounds, including Jackson Area Beekeepers Association, Madison County Parks and Recreation, City of Jackson Recycling Center and Keep Jackson Beautiful. Community Cleanup The City of Jackson, TN Health and Sanitation Department is offering a Community Cleanup day on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. by organizing a bulk waste drop-off event at the Jackson Fairgrounds to help residents dispose of large items that are difficult to get rid of. The event will allow citizens to drop off items such as tires, mattresses, furniture, and bulk items over 50 pounds. This initiative aims to promote a cleaner and healthier community by reducing illegal dumping and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. By offering a convenient and free way to get rid of bulky waste, the City of Jackson, TN hopes to encourage more people to participate in keeping their neighborhoods clean and safe. Paper Shredding Direct Shred of Jackson, TN is celebrating Earth Day by offering free paper shredding services to the public on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Jackson Fairgrounds. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of secure document destruction and also promote environmentally friendly practices. By providing a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of sensitive documents, DirecFor more information, visit earthday.jacksontn.gov.t Shred hopes to encourage individuals and businesses to make shredding a regular habit. Tarp Your Load TDOT and the Health and Sanitation Department are providing tarps to the first 75 people to attend. Learn more and sign up to volunteer! The City of Jackson, TN and Madison County are proud to welcome back the series of events to celebrate Earth Day and encourage environmental stewardship within the community beginning April 22. “I am thrilled to see our city come together again this year to celebrate Earth Day,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Our community’s commitment to keeping Jackson a clean city is inspiring, and I’m honored to be a part of this great event.” Trashercise Litter Pickup Keep Jackson Beautiful is requesting volunteers to participate in Trashercise, a community-wide litter pickup event on Saturday, April 22, sponsored by Keep Tennessee Beautiful, in celebration of Earth Day. Individual volunteers, businesses, organizations, service groups, non-profits and other groups can sign up to volunteer at earthday.jacksontn.gov. Volunteers can select an area to work in including Northeast Jackson, Northwest Jackson, Midtown Jackson, East Jackson and South Jackson. Volunteers will finish the day by enjoying Earth Day vendors at the Jackson Fairgrounds including Jackson Area Beekeepers Association, Madison County Parks and Recreation, City of Jackson Recycling Center and Keep Jackson Beautiful. Community Cleanup The City of Jackson, TN Health and Sanitation Department is offering a Community Cleanup day on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. by organizing a bulk waste drop-off event at the Jackson Fairgrounds to help residents dispose of large items that are difficult to get rid of. The event will allow citizens to drop off items such as tires, mattresses, furniture, and bulk items over 50 pounds. This initiative aims to promote a cleaner and healthier community by reducing illegal dumping and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices. By offering a convenient and free way to get rid of bulky waste, the City of Jackson, TN hopes to encourage more people to participate in keeping their neighborhoods clean and safe. Paper Shredding Direct Shred of Jackson, TN is celebrating Earth Day by offering free paper shredding services to the public on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Jackson Fairgrounds. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of secure document destruction and also promote environmentally friendly practices. By providing a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of sensitive documents, Direct Shred hopes to encourage individuals and businesses to make shredding a regular habit. Tarp Your Load TDOT and the Health and Sanitation Department are providing tarps to the first 75 people to attend. For more information, visit earthday.jacksontn.gov.     Visit Jackson, TN  seeks to connect visitors with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Build your own itinerary or download the Visit Jackson, TN APP – Google Play or iTunes.  Connect socially on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter. April 11, 2023 – Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders have completed the 2022-2023 Leadership University program, a community youth leadership development program of the Greater Jackson Chamber. The class represents all the public, private and home-schooled juniors in Jackson - Madison County high schools. Leadership University is a ten-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 Union University and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus. Corporate sponsorship includes Adelsberger Marketing, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Central Distributors, Inc., Christian Brothers Automotive, FirstBank, Gerdau, Hiller – Plumbing – Heating – Cooling – Electrical, Leaders Credit Union and MG Construction. “Participants bring different gifts, talents, and experiences to the program and all committed to taking the next steps to grow in leadership and life,” Heather Witherspoon, 2022-2023 Leadership University Chair. “The class of 2022-2023 has represented their schools and the program well. They are leaving the program with an enhanced understanding of their ability as well as their responsibility for serving the Jackson community. It has been an honor to serve as chairperson of the board this year. It is the entire board that makes the program what it is, and I am so appreciative of all that they do.” During the celebration, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University graduate certificate of completion. Emiliano Gonzalez, Madison Academic High School, received the honor of the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirement in Leadership University. Throughout the program, class members completed 64 classroom hours, 12 hours of community service, and a group project. Leadership University 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 2022-2023 Leadership University class includes: Ximena Acosta, Madison Academic High School Luke Barnard, Faith Home School Tutorial Becca Basham, Trinity Christian Academy Callie Bates, Jackson Christian School Ava Beller, University School of Jackson Shelby Bond, Southside High School William Brady, Augustine School Sarah Brazzell, Liberty Technology Magnet High School Jalen Brooks, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School Zoe Calhoun, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School Kendall Cardwell, Southside High School Hayes Carney, University School of Jackson Trent Carrier, Jackson Christian School Gracie Chattin, Madison Academic Magnet High School Morgan Chenault, Augustine School Elizabeth Davenport, University School of Jackson Brilee Davis, University School of Jackson Jack Dearth, Trinity Christian Academy Jacob Earney, Southside High School Jessica Fincher, Madison Academic Magnet High School Amelia Freeman, University School of Jackson Emiliano Gonzalez, Madison Academic Magnet High School Brandon Granillo, Madison Academic Magnet High School Coda Greer, Madison Academic Magnet High School Kailah Hamilton, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School Kristin Hennig, Madison Academic Magnet High School Mia Horner, Jackson Christian School Jaida Ingram, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School Katherine Larkins, Madison Academic Magnet High School Londyn Lumas-Harmon, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School Ali Kate McDonald, South Side High School Olivia Murray, South Side High School Julia Nichols, Madison Academic Magnet High School J’Lynn Paige, South Side High School Mariam Putt, Augustine School Paulo Santisteban, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School Katie Smith, Trinity Christian Academy Claire Whybrew, University School of Jackson Ashlyn Willis, Sacred of Heart Jesus High School Bemis Historical Society will hold a monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bemis Mill Village Museum located at 2 North Missouri Street in Jackson.   Leanne Braddock and Kemp Reed will share stories of the early prominent families of East Main Street in Jackson. Fifteen of the original twenty-two homes survived after a tornado in 2003. The neighborhood group, Preservation of East Main and Surroundings (POEMS), is the caretaker of this historic district.   Prospective members and guests are welcome to attend. The 100-year-old museum building is handicap accessible. Browse the museum to enjoy the artifacts and to visit the museum’s Company Store or visit online at bemishistory.org. Annual Society membership dues are $25 and can be paid at the meeting or mailed to PO Box 9266, Jackson, TN 38314-9266.   Plan to attend Bemis Day on Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bemis Museum.   # # #     Website and Social Media Bemis Historical Society    www.bemishistory.org The Bemis Museum    https://www.facebook.com/The-Bemis-Museum-149237151757283/   Contact information for Bemis Historical Society Joel Jackson, Chairman joeljackson2@eplus.net 731-424-0739 home