Greater Jackson Chamber History

The mission of the Jackson Chamber is "to develop and maintain an economic climate that creates and retains jobs and enhances the quality of life for all citizens of Jackson-Madison County and West Tennessee."
Joining the Jackson Chamber and retaining your membership could be one of the smartest business decisions you'll ever make. By investing in the chamber, not only do you commit to the growth and success of the community, but also to the future success of your own business. As part of that investment, you immediately have access to the resources, contacts and networking reach of 1000+ chamber members. For more information about joining Jackson's most active business organization, connect with Cameron Hansbrough or 731-423-2200.
More Than
of Madison County's workforce joins us each day from surrounding counties
of members have 25 employees or less
Consumers are
more likely to purchase goods from Jackson Chamber members than non‐member businesses
Tip
of the
Month
Chamber members are given the opportunity to market their business through a variety of sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
As a chamber, we are loyal to our members — referring only our members.
Connect with Jackson Chamber members and community leaders — build business relationships, learn something new and have a little fun at chamber networking events.
Tap into the knowledge of your fellow members and chamber staff. With your membership you gain greater access to corporate CEO's, community leaders and government officials.
The chamber works to take care of small business through seminars, workshops, business counseling and more!
There are opportunities for you to grow through professional development programs and committees.
Committees and staff follow local, state and federal legislation which has an effect on business and the community.
Your investment in the chamber helps create and retain jobs which maintains a pro‐business climate.
Ask members whether they received a good return on their initial investment and you'll hear an overwhelming positive response. The rewards realized on the nominal cost of membership might surprise you.
You have a business stake in the community … your investment in the chamber means an investment in the community.
Free Listings
Affordable
Advertising Rates
Sponsorships
Mailing Labels
Free Groundbreaking
and/or Ribbon Cutting
Referrals
Chamber Plaque
Free Subscriptions
Chamber Member Deal
Volunteer Opportunities
The Jackson Chamber's Forward Jackson 3.0 campaign is a five-year economic development capital campaign funded by local investors and focused on four initiatives: regional and local economic development, tourism, workforce development and small businesses. For more information on the Forward Jackson campaign, contact Lindsay Dawkins at 731-423-2200.
Forward Jackson 3.0 Investors 2022 to date:
Byrd & Byrd Attorneys at Law, PLLC, North Office
Commercial Bank and Trust Company
Cowart Reese Sargent, Certified Public Accountants, PC
Crocker Construction Co., Inc.
Express Employment Professionals
Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co, Inc.
HORNE, CPAs & Business Advisors
Erica Stanfill
It’s easy to stay squeaky clean and fresh in Jackson! With over 30 signature scents, Buff City Soap has something for everyone. Join Hannah from the Chamber as she visits their Thompson Farms location and gets “All In Your Biz.”
Jeff Hartleroad, General Manager
Jackson Chamber's 'All in Your Biz' goes inside a member's business to show and tell! This month is Empire 8 Theatre on Vann Drive! Find out what makes the theatre unique. General Manager Jeff Hartleroad gives us the scoop.
Local businesswomen come together each quarter to lunch and learn as a part of this luncheon series. Held at various locations in Jackson, the Women in Business luncheon offers ladies the opportunity to network, hear fabulous speakers and enjoy lunch.
For sponsorship or information contact Kristy Dew or Cameron Hansbrough, 731‐423‐2200.
Gain additional exposure for your organization.
As part of your membership benefits, the chamber is available to assist your company in a ground breaking, ribbon cutting and/or open house. Please schedule 2‐3 weeks in advance by contacting Kristy Dew or Cameron Hansbrough.
Don’t have a store‐front or located outside of Madison County? No problem!
The chamber has a "Home-Based and Out-of-Town Businesses" ribbon cutting opportunity for you. Held twice a year, this event allows companies the chance for a "official" ribbon cutting. For more information, contact Kristy Dew.
Ribbon cutting photos are featured in Jackson Chamber's video newsletter, on the website photo gallery and on flickr.com.
Click for Ribbon Cuttings on Flickr.
Ignite your business at Spark! Start your day making connections at this event brought to you by Jackson Chamber & theCO. Spark is part networking, part learning with a different speaker each month to help grow your business.
For more information, contact Kristy Dew or Cameron Hansbrough.
Members enjoy breakfast with their peers and an opportunity to network with other business and community leaders at this breakfast event. Program content covers topics of interest to the business community and helps keep members up to date on what’s happening with the chamber and our local community.
Sponsorships are available by contacting Kristy Dew or Cameron Hansbrough, 731‐423‐2200.
Held each year February through April. This event provides a forum for members to meet their state senator and representatives in a town hall type setting. For more information about CapitolTALK, contact Ryan Porter or call 731-423-2200.
June 1, 2023
The Greater Jackson Chamber is now accepting nominations for Leadership Jackson 2023 class. This adult leadership program is aimed at empowering business professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Jackson-Madison County community and its opportunities and challenges.
Leadership Jackson offers an immersive three-month program that allows participants to explore Jackson, engage with influential leaders and take part in weekly sessions delving into critical topics affecting Jackson-Madison County.
Starting June 1, applicants can fill out a nomination form online at LeadershipJackson.com or at the following link, 2023 Leadership Jackson Nomination form. Applicants must be a Greater Jackson Chamber member, and a leader in their company or organization should nominate them. They can nominate themselves if they are the primary decision maker. Due to class size, members must limit their nominations to one per chamber member.
The 2023 class will be led by Leadership Jackson Chair Margaret Livingston, University School of Jackson and Vice Chair Kris Kelley, JACOA.
The comprehensive curriculum of Leadership Jackson covers a diverse range of topics throughout the weekly sessions, while also incorporating a focus on leadership skill-building. Notable leaders from key sectors including health care, criminal justice, economic development, livability, education and government will provide valuable insights by presenting an overview of the present state, challenges, and future vision of their respective fields. This collective knowledge equips participants with a broad understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County, fostering a big-picture perspective.
For more information about Leadership Jackson or to see the program schedule for the 2023 class, visit LeadershipJackson.com or contact Lauren Saliba, director of leadership development at lsaliba@jacksontn.com.
This annual luncheon celebrates our chamber members’ accomplishments throughout the year. Local businesses that have reached ultimate success and chamber volunteers are also recognized.
Awards are given away in these categories:
Businesses may apply for one award category and must be a member of the Jackson Chamber. For information or questions, contact Kristy Dew or Cameron Hansbrough, 731‐423‐2200.
The business plan is the truth serum to your idea. It will either make or break your plan to start a business by revealing its true potential. The creation of a plan also helps uncover the important details you may have otherwise
overlooked.
Who are your customers and how will you attract them?
How are you going to manage your inventory and cash flow?
Creating a business plan will help you organize your thoughts, test your true desire to start the business, and allow everyone involved to be more in tune with one another.
Email Monique Merriweather, director of the West Tennessee Small Business Development Center or schedule an appointment at 731‐424‐5389.
The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business life cycle.
Business Owners Tool Kit
Various articles and topics related to starting or maintaining a small business.
Will you be financing a start-up, buying a business or buying a franchise? Each structure has different monetary requirements in the beginning process and throughout the life of the business.
If you are starting your own business it's possible, depending on the type of business, to get going on little to no money. But another type of business may require overhead and purchasing of equipment or space. It is important to evaluate your start-up costs ‐ those that will be one time costs (equipment, etc.) and those that will be recurring (rent, utilities, etc.). For help, Business.USA.gov.
Purchasing an existing business generally saves time and money; not to mention the fact that the business will probably already have cash flow, inventory and existing customers. The downfall? The initial purchasing costs. Finding a thriving business for a reasonable price can be difficult, but there are several resources available to help in your search.
Small Business Administration
Provides information on buying a business from start to closing.
Entrepreneur.com
Shows where and how to look for a business
to buy.
Franchising is a great way to start a business if you are concerned with the risk involved in starting your own business. As a franchise owner brand/trademark owner, the franchiser will provide you with his business expertise on marketing, management,
financing, and training among other things. Though you are purchasing a business with instant name recognition, you still need to bring your entrepreneurial spirit and motivation for success to the table to make the location
thrive.
If you are interested in owning a franchise ‐ attend a seminar about that particular franchise, interview other owners, research, and get expert advice.
Small Business Administration
Gives you the pros and cons of buying a franchise and how to do it.
Federal Trade Commission
Learn about franchise opportunities and how to follow through to the franchise agreement.
Once you come up with a good, creative name for your business, you must research state and local requirements to be sure you aren’t infringing on someone else’s name. At this time, you must also decide what the structure of your business is going to be.
Tennessee Department of State
Search business name availability.
Small Business Administration
Legal requirements for naming your business,
search and registration information, help with domain names.
Research and take careful consideration when selecting your business structure. Once it is decided, it will determine your taxes, liability and ownership succession. It’s always a good idea to consult an accountant or attorney when deciding what type of ownership is best for your business. When deciding on a structure, your vision and business plan will be taken into account.
Small Business Association
Choose a structure for your business using information and guidelines provided
by the SBA.
IRS.gov
Information on different business structures.
The line of business and business structure you decide upon determines the type of business license you get.
Tennessee License
The state of Tennessee has a useful website that will guide you through the entire business start-up process from naming
it to getting your business license.
It’s always best to check with the state licensing authorities to determine the requirements for your business.
Madison County License
Apply for a new business license online or in person at:
Madison County Clerk
Madison County Courthouse
100 E. Main St.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-423-6022
Jackson City License
Apply for a new business license online or in person at:
Jackson City Hall
121 East Main St.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-425-2489
In the state of Tennessee, each business is required to have an employer identification number (EIN). This can be acquired from the Department of Revenue.
If your business will be collecting sales tax, then you’ll
also be required to have a sales tax license.
Website ‐ Irs.Gov.smallbiz.
The type of business you operate and its structure will determine what taxes you pay and how you pay them. IRS.gov is a great source to help walk you through the taxes you should be paying.
State of TN Dept. of Revenue Tax
Latest news from the Tennessee Dept of Revenue and information regarding
taxes and online tax filing.
State of TN Dept. of Revenue New Business
Find out what taxes you must pay and registration requirements in Tennessee.
TN Dept. of Revenue Business Tax Guide
Informal reference for taxpayers who wish to gain a better understanding
of Tennessee business tax requirements.
TN.gov
Sales tax, tax forms, overview of business tax, online tax registration, tax workshops, etc.
Small Business Administration (Taxes)
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to all things taxes.
Internal Revenue Services (Taxes)
Information about filing and paying your federal business taxes.
Insurance is often necessary when starting your business for protection against the unexpected for you and your business. Without proper insurance, an accident, lawsuit or natural disaster could potentially end your healthy business operation.
SBA.gov
Figure out what type of insurance will be best for your business and view frequently
asked questions about insurance.
*For local, personal assistance on any of these topics, email Monique Merriweather, director of the West Tennessee Small Business Development Center or call 731‐424‐5389.
Before you seek funding you should ask yourself, do I need the money or can I run on what I already have? What is the risk of my business? What will the money be used for? How does the industry look? Does the need for money co‐inside with my business plan? These are all questions a lender may ask you when you’re requesting a loan.
Equity Financing
Most small or growing businesses use limited equity financing. Much of this money may come from friends, relatives, customers, or colleagues but the most common source of equity funding
comes from venture capitalists (wealthy risk takers, government sources or financial institutions).
Debt Financing
Banks, savings and loans, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and commercial finance companies are a few options for those seeking debt financing.
Information on Small Business Debt
Before you pitch your idea to the venture capitalist or a bank you must have a well thought out process and plan.
Entrepreneur.com
SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses including 7(a), 504 and disaster assistance loans.
Providing information for new or small businesses interested in TNInvestco funding.
Debt.org
Offers sources of financing for small business.
Focusing on what the customer wants is critical to successful marketing efforts. Once you have a product people want, set your price, let others know about your product through public relations and advertising and make it available to them for purchase. It is a good idea to create a marketing plan to help guide your marketing efforts. It should include your market research, location, customers, competition, how you plan to position yourself against them, the product or service you are offering, pricing, advertising, and promotion.
Entrepreneur.com
Broad-based information about many facets of starting and operating a small business.
How to create a marketing plan
Entrepreneur.com's guide to creating a marketing plan.
Business.gov is the official business link to the U.S. government for new and existing businesses. It has a guide for marketing your small business.
More than 300 million active users spend more than 8 billion minutes a day posting 45 million status updates on Facebook. Over 65 million people on Facebook and 80% of Twitter users are connecting via handhelds allowing them access to you and your company anywhere at anytime. Of the 200 million bloggers out there, 54% post content and tweet daily. Youtube.com has reached 1 billion views per day and is the second largest search engine in the world. Are you beginning to see the value of becoming part of the social marketing craze?
Not only has it proven to increase company and brand exposure, social marketing is free, fairly simple, customizable, and can be updated as much or as little as time permits.
The most popular social marketing sites at this time are:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Stats provided by Socialnomics.net, Facebook.com, and Brandwatch.com.
Socialnomics
A Social Media Blog.
Visit Socialnomics on YouTube.com for more videos about social media or go to their website, Socialnomics.net.
Social Media Revolution
YouTube video on the effects of social media.
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders is for emerging business professionals ages 22 - 35. This program, in partnership with the United Way of West Tennessee, is designed to create an avenue for young professionals to connect with networking events, develop professionally with programs and engage within our community through awareness.
Madison County License
Apply for a new business license online or in person at: Madison County Clerk
Madison County Courthouse
100 E. Main St.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-423- 6022
Jackson City License
Apply for a new business license online or in person at:
Jackson City Hall
121 East Main St.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-425- 2489
"Tennessee SmartStart" is a step-by-step process of establishing your business in Tennessee.
Business.gov
Tennessee small business guide. Tips on starting, operating and growing your business.
U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Planner.
This Small Business Planner includes information and resources
that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.
TheCo is the front door for entrepreneurs in West Tennessee. A resource, collaborative community and support system for everyone from the serial entrepreneurs to those taking their first plunge into business ownership, problem solving and innovating.
During the course of the year, there are various workshops offered for both business and non-profits.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center/Jackson State Community College is a collaborative effort with the Jackson Chamber to provide business counseling.
All of the events above provide more than ample time for networking along with the various events hosted and/or organized by the Jackson Chamber.
Through the counseling services of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), resources for funding, business plan development, marketing, cash flow analysis, costing, licensing, corporate identification, and other business information is available.
Rockabilly Legend Carl Perkins, the blue suede shoes man, called Jackson home.
The first Hard Rock Cafe in the U.S. was in Jackson's Old Hickory Mall.
The House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe were both founded by Isaac Burton Tigrett, who is from Jackson.
Joe Rogers, from Jackson, founded Waffle House.
Casey Jones, the world's most famous railroad legend, lived in Jackson. A museum in his honor, Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, is dedicated to his life and legend and the rich railroad history of Jackson. The museum is located in Casey Jones Village at I-40 exit 80A.
Wink Martindale, famous game show host, is from Jackson.
The first automobile produced in Tennessee was in Jackson between 1906-1910.
Monroe Dunaway Anderson (MD Anderson), founder of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, was born in Jackson.
Coach Paul Bear Bryant, former head coach at the University of Alabama, was the assistant coach at Union University in Jackson.
West Tennessee was represented by Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones in the Super Bowl XLVII. Jones played at Lane College located in Jackson.