Congratulations to CRS CPAs for being recognized as the Greater Jackson Chamber’s July Small Business of the Month!  In 1975, CRS CPAs was founded with a vision to offer support to local business owners through sound business advice and tax planning. Additionally, the firm sought to create a nurturing work environment that promoted a healthy work-life balance for its employees. Now, nearly five decades later, CRS continues to thrive, setting itself apart with one of its core beliefs of Ceaseless Compassion, which fuels their commitment to giving back to the community.   Ceaseless Compassion embodies the belief that CRS CPAs has a responsibility to share their time, talents, and resources with others, creating opportunities for their team members to contribute to meaningful causes.  CRS has a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. The firm offers auditing, tax planning and preparation, as well as essential accounting, payroll and business advisory services. Moreover, their expertise extends to business and tax planning, business advisory services, and payroll management.   CRS is committed to community engagement and support. Recognizing the significance of investing in the next generation of accounting professionals, CRS actively participates in student job fairs at colleges and universities. This involvement encourages young accounting students to embark on fulfilling careers as certified public accountants, setting the stage for a promising future for both the industry and aspiring professionals.   Apart from fostering the growth of future accountants, CRS team members actively take on leadership roles in various community and professional organizations. Through these positions, they strengthen their connections with the local community, allowing them to better understand the needs and challenges businesses and individuals face.   At the core of CRS' community-driven approach lies their commitment to charitable causes. Embodying their value of Ceaseless Compassion, the firm remains passionately engaged in uplifting and supporting those in need. Their involvement in events such as the Splash & Dash Fun Run and their contributions to the RIFA Soup Kitchen exemplify their dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of community members.  As CRS celebrates nearly five decades of success, their legacy of empowering businesses, providing expert financial advice, and giving back to the community makes them a great community partner.   Make sure to check out CRS CPAs.  To nominate a well-deserving small business for the Greater Jackson Chamber’s next Small Business of the Month, click here.  Public Notice is hereby given that the Community Economic Development Commission meeting will be held at 4:00 pm, Monday, July 31 2023.   The meeting will be held in the Executive Conference Room on the second floor of the Greater Jackson Chamber building, 197 Auditorium, Downtown Jackson.   If you plan to attend, please confirm by calling 731-425-8333. The Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is looking for artists to design and install temporary asphalt art in the crosswalks of Main Street and Church Street in downtown Jackson. The project is part of a recently awarded Downtown Improvement grant. The primary goal is slowing traffic and increasing walkability by creating a vibrant, eye-catching art installation to increase visual quality and public safety at the intersections. “We’re really looking for people who have already installed public art before, they’re already designed and installed this, they have experience doing this and are comfortable working with community volunteers because we have a really short amount of time to actually close off the road and install the artwork,” said Lizzie Emmons, the Projects Manager for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. Any artist interested in participating can submit an application and attend a thirty minute lunchtime Q&A session via Zoom on August 2nd at 12 pm. Click here to register. One artist will be chosen by the design committee and will then work collaboratively with community volunteers to install the artwork in November. The artwork is expected to last between three to five years before revisiting for maintenance. Interested artists must apply by August 14. All details about the crosswalk art project, the call for artists, and how to apply can be found on online. For more info, email lizzie@attheco.com. The Greater Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce the applicants selected for its 2023-2024 Leadership University class. Leadership University is a leadership program for high school juniors designed to develop young leaders through interactive programming and its impact on a strong and dynamic community. The program is sponsored by the Greater Jackson Chamber, Union University, University of Memphis at Lambuth, Ford Motor Company, Alan Brown State Farm and the Bank of Jackson. The selected class members kicked off their Leadership University journey with an information session in mid-July. Led by Leadership University Chair Alan Brown and Vice-Chair Holly Dean, this session will provide valuable insights into the program and allow the participants to familiarize themselves with the exciting experiences that lie ahead. The class will embark on an enriching opening retreat at Camp Mack Morris in Camden, TN, later this month. Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber Leadership Development Director, expressed her enthusiasm for this year's class, stating, "To say that I'm excited about this year's class would be an understatement. We have a fantastic group of talented young people. It's going to be fun as we get to know them and witness their leadership skills grow. Leadership University does a phenomenal job of providing its students with unique perspectives on Jackson, opening doors to experiences they might not otherwise have. They will build lifelong friendships and learn leadership skills that will empower their future. Our dedicated Leadership University board works hard to create a truly fulfilling experience." Throughout the program, class members will convene monthly for engaging sessions covering a wide range of topics. Each session will include a leadership skill-building component, equipping the participants with essential tools for their leadership journey. Esteemed leaders from various sectors, including health care, criminal justice, economic development, education and government, will share insights into the current state, challenges, and future vision within their respective areas. This comprehensive knowledge will enable the class to gain a broader understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County and empower them to make positive impacts not only within their schools but also within the wider community. The 2023-2024 Leadership University class includes: Boran Aljafari , Madison Academic High School Analiese Anderson, Jackson Christian School Brooklen Bonds, Northside High School Riley Bradford, Jackson Christian School Cassie Britton, South Side High School Eryn Coure, JCM – Early College High School Zach Creasy, Jackson Christian School Della Day, Madison Academic High School Andrew Doan, Home Life Academy Ellen Driver, University School of Jackson Kaitlyn Ellis, Madison Academic High School Oaklee Evans, Faith Homeschool Tutorial Jaiden Grandberry, South Side High School Alexi Harrison, Augustine School Jordan Hart, Madison Academic High School Lawson Helton, Trinity Christian Academy Kelsey Hicks, JCM – Early College High School KamRon Hill, Jackson Central Merry High School Ava Jerman, University School of Jackson Daveon Johnson, Jackson Central Merry High School Tess Little, Jackson Christian School Blakely Melton, Jackson Christian School Zoe Montgomery, Jackson Christian School Annily Nguyen, Madison Academic High School Addyson Parks, Trinity Christian Academy Luke Parsons, Homeschool Tien Phan, Madison Academic Magnet High School Vaidehi Prasad, University School of Jackson Hendrik Proctor, Homeschool Jane Claire Ragon, University School of Jackson Clara Revelle, Augustine School Henry Schiebout, Augustine School Sarah Simmons, Trinity Christian Academy Morgan Smith, Jackson Christian School Emma Smith, Trinity Christian Academy Emily Stone, Trinity Christian Academy Paige Temple, Madison Academic High School Lincoln Triplett, South Side High School Dallas Weddle, South Side High School Olivia Welch, University School of Jackson About the Leadership University: Leadership University is a youth leadership development program for Jackson-Madison County and is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors that demonstrates leadership potential. Started in 1999 as a team class project of Leadership Jackson, LU prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders that make a positive difference in others, as well as their community by creating awareness in all aspects of the community. Through interactive programming, Leadership University teaches about all aspects of our community, as well as prepares participants to be leaders in their schools and community, equipping them with skills and information to be successful. Current President of the Gamma Psi Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Dr. LaToshia Chism has been selected as June 2023 Hub City Hero. Dr. Chism’s nominator said that, “through her sorority work, she is instrumental in providing scholarships to college bond youth,” and that “she was instrumental in raising funds for scholarships for students who are looking to advance their academic endeavors and to address issues that cause barriers to academic success.” The nominator also said that Dr. Chism “hosted a group webinar to bring awareness to the opioid crisis that we are facing and to provide NARCAN training.” Dr. Chism credits her grandmother for her wanting to pay it forward by helping others. “As a young as a youngster, my grandmother, who's now deceased, she was a big part of the community in Milwaukee and I saw that I had enjoyed watching her and I just often said, ‘Mama, when I grow up, this is what I want to do.’ And so when I saw her blessing other people, it really blessed me,” said Dr. Chism. “And so now that I'm of age, when I bless other people, it blesses me.” Dr. Chism is a native of Jackson, TN and a graduate of Lane College and has a background in education. She says that she always wants to see peoples strive in education, which is one of the things that her grandmother did. She says that was one of the things that drew her to Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Chism has also organizes NARCAN training due to her connection with a parent who reached out to her. “I worked with a parent years ago who struggled with opioids and she just confided in me,” said Dr. Chism. “Then when I realized that…we have something in the city that addresses this issue, I wanted others to be a part of it and so that was why I wanted my organization's all of them to be a part of this training.” “Our city is full of heroes and Dr. Chism is definitely counted in that number,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Dr. Chism has proven herself a hero with her many roles in the community from assisting in making sure students and teachers are successful to organizing training for people who want to assist those affected by the Opioid crisis.” “Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them. Criteria Recipients will be selected monthly and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.   -###-   Tennessee is hosting two sales tax holidays - the traditional tax free weekend and the three-month tax free grocery holiday. Tax Free Weekend begins at 12:01 am on Friday, July 28, 2023 and ends at 11:59 pm Sunday, July 30, 2023. This includes clothing, school supplies and computers! Items that will be tax free include: The Tennessee General Assembly has approved a three month grocery tax holiday on food & ingredients beginning at 12:01 am Tuesday, August 1, 2023 and ends at Tuesday 11:59 pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Food & food ingredients are defined as liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value. Food and food ingredients do not include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy or dietary substances. Click here for more information. Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, named Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber director of leadership development, to its Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, the seventh class. This year’s class includes representatives from 16 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience ranging across such sectors as business, government, medical, nonprofit and education. The cohort is Tennessee’s only statewide leadership program focusing on existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries. It offers early- to mid-career professionals in-depth personal and professional development while fostering a better understanding of our state. During each class session, members will be able to engage with those from the Signature Program, highlight issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee, and promote personal skill development. “Our goal is to foster connection for engaged citizens, ensuring decision-makers are well-informed and committed to solving problems through strategic dialogue and a balanced, pragmatic approach,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO, Leadership Tennessee.“Working with emerging leaders who are motivated to create change is central to our mission. With this Leadership Tennessee NEXT class in place, Tennessee is well-positioned to tackle the challenges we face in new and interesting ways.” Individuals named to the cohort, alphabetically by county, are: Anderson ● Virginia Moon, Managing Editor, Warner Bros. Discovery Blount ● Jessica Belitz, Director of Workforce Development, Blount Partnership Cannon ● Joe Patterson, Lieutenant, Tennessee Highway Patrol Davidson ● Christiane Buggs, Director of Partnerships / MNPS Board Member, TECA / Metro Nashville Public Schools ● Judith Clerjeune, Campaigns and Advocacy Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition ● Indira Dammu, Senior Analyst, Bellwether ● Aleah Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, SCORE ● Omaràn Lee, Nashville General Hospital/NewWork Fellowship; Director of Spiritual Care/ Pastor ● Cooper McCormick, Legislative Liaison, The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ● David Pemberton, Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Tennessee ● Ben Sterling, Vice President of Content and Public Relations, tnAchieves Hamilton ● Terran Anderson, Vice President of Community and Corporate Engagement, United Way of Greater Chattanooga ● Tucker McClendon, Deputy County Mayor, Education and Workforce Development, Hamilton County Government ● Arch Trimble IV, Director of Strategic Relationships, RSS Insurance Knox ● Josh Andrews, Owner/President, Finish Point ● Brewton Brownlow Couch, Chief of Staff, Howard Baker School of Public Policy Madison ● Lauren Saliba, Director of Leadership Development, Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce Maury ● Adam Jarvis, Assistant Commissioner, State of Tennessee Obion ● Charles Peery, Partner, ATA CPAs Rutherford ● Shanice Cheatham, Presidential Fellow, Meharry Medical College Sevier ● Austin Williams, CEO, Compass Shelby ● Jamal Boddie, Executive Director, Bloom, Inc. ● Dre Jones, Manager, Deloitte Digital ● Jarlecia Jones, VP of Lending, PathwayLending Sumner ● Lacie K. Dunn, Associate Officer Senior Financial Analyst, AllianceBernstein ● L. Maverick Flowers, Associate Attorney, Polsinelli P.C. Unicoi ● Natalie Willis, Security Director, Nuclear Fuel Services Washington ● Daryl Carter, Associate Dean, Director and Professor of History, East Tennessee State University ● Melissa Nipper, Executive Director of Communications, East Tennessee State University Williamson ● Chris Fears, Deputy Director, State of Tennessee Candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to bringing Leadership Tennessee’s vision to life. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding 10 years ago, more than 500 members have graduated both from Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization’s Signature Program. ABOUT LEADERSHIP TENNESSEE Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address those issues. With more than 40,000  copies being distributed, Visit Jackson, TN has officially unveiled the new visitor's guide for the Hub City. The guide offers visitors a wealth of information about our vibrant city - county and region, its attractions, and its rich heritage, as well as something new. "It features local folks in there telling their stories and the things that they love about Jackson and Madison County. So you'll see some familiar faces in our guide and this is something new for us. We shook it up a little bit this year. So be sure to check it out," explained Lori Nunnery, executive director for Visit Jackson TN. You can find the new guide by clicking here. To request a guide, call 731-425-8333 or click here. Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle!  Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333.   Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, has named Mandy White, Greater Jackson Chamber chief economic development officer, to its 2023–2024 Signature Program Class X.  The cohort includes representatives from 14 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in business, government, education and nonprofit sectors.  Over the course of 10 months, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyzing challenges that Tennessee faces and will work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and actions addressing the most serious issues uncovered.  “Being part of the Leadership Tennessee Signature Program provides a unique platform to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about making a positive impact in our state,” said White. “Through this program, I hope to gain valuable insights, expand my network and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively towards Tennessee's growth and prosperity.”  The group was chosen by a selection committee co-chaired by Valoria Armstrong and John Tolsma, both graduates of Leadership Tennessee. Candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity and a strong understanding of what challenges Tennessee faces today.  “Collaboration is critical as we continue to work together in progressing Tennessee forward,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO, Leadership Tennessee. “Tennessee looks starkly different today compared to when this program began 10 years ago, and every year, we face new and challenging issues. I’m confident in the diverse makeup of this class and know that these are the right individuals to create meaningful change across the state.”   Previous classes have been able to facilitate numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 500 members have graduated through both the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.  The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through June 2024.  ABOUT LEADERSHIP TENNESSEE Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address those issues.  The Ned will be hosting the first annual Hub City Film Festival this August, Saturday, August 5th & Sunday, August 6th, 2023 (Specific Times TBD)! Hub City Film Festival is being presented by Community Foundation of West TN. The festival will showcase local filmmakers works as well as host seminars with filmmakers about topics such as producing, directing, marketing, independent filmmaking and community connectivity.  Film Festival director, Shelby Tyre said "We wanted to create a community for filmmakers in the area to do just that, as well as to hopefully grow that community into something bigger that will benefit West TN as a whole." The film festival is currently accepting all types of films from short films, short documentaries, feature films, feature length documentaries, music videos and others! We are also looking for interested sponsors to aid us in putting on the event." Anyone interested can go to our website to find links and ways to get involved! Visit https://hubcityfilmfestival.org/  to learn more. Follow the festival on social media: Instagram and Facebook as we give updates and additional information regarding the Festival.