Issue 122 - September 5, 2007

From Your Director ...

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is proud to bring you a week filled with networking opportunities and a chance for you to take a good look at your downtown! 

It’s time for Downtown Jackson’s Annual Business After Hours Block Party!  Don’t miss this unique networking opportunity, right in the heart of downtown Jackson on Liberty Street between College and Lafayette.  The event will take place on Thursday, September 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with food, live music and much more.  Click on the link below for more details including a list of our sponsors.    

First Friday Forum is back in full force for another season of timely discussions on issues impacting the community. To kick off the season, I am honored to have the opportunity to speak directly to the community about the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation and our role in the continued revitalization of downtown Jackson. Please join us for lunch at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton Hall, 200 S. Church St., on Friday, September 7, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. First Friday Forum will be held on the first Friday of the month September through May, so don’t forget to mark your calendars. A $5.00 lunch is available.

Welcome to the future of Downtown Jackson ... one we can invent together!

Business After Hours

Non-Profit Executives Roundtable

“Securing Your Organization’s Image in the Community,” will be presented by Seth Chandler of DCA/DCPR.  Light breakfast will be served. 

Thursday September 6, 2007
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
197 Auditorium St.
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

For more information, contact the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce at 427.7900.

“Building a Successful Fundraising Board”

This workshop aims to give you the tools you need to build your role in your organization’s fundraising success.  The workshop will be given by Kim Carpenter Drake, from the Center for Nonprofit Management.  

Thursday September 6, 2007
Carnegie Center
305 E. College St.
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost is $25 for Arts Coalition members (includes reservations for up to 10 members of your organization). 
R.S.V.P. by September 4.

1st Annual Goody 2 Shoes 5K Walk/Run

Area Relief Ministries seeks to raise money for their programs which offer emergency assistance to low-income individuals and families. 

Please join them for their first ever 5K Walk/Run which begins at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market. 

Saturday, September 8, 2007
West Tennessee Farmers’ Market
91 New Market St.
8:00 a.m.
Cost: $17 with T-shirt, $12 without T-shirt

For registration forms or for more information, contact Area Relief Ministries at 423.9257.

New Music Series at Starbucks

Starbucks recently began their new music series, featuring different musicians every Saturday night. 

Admission is free, so come downtown this Saturday and enjoy the music of Alice Calvery and Todd Whatley. 

Saturday, September 8, 2007
Downtown Starbucks
112 E. Baltimore St.
7:00 p.m.

West Tennessee State Fair

That’s right, the West Tennessee State Fair is right around the corner.  From its start in 1855, the West Tennessee State Fair has strived to create an annual event that both entertains and educates the population of Jackson, Madison County and the surrounding area.  Fun-filled days await you with activities, entertainment, competitions, exhibits of all kinds and much, much more.  See you at the fair!

September 11-16, 2007
Jackson Fairgrounds Park
800 S. Highland Ave.
Gates Open:
Tuesday - Friday --- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday -- 1:00 p.m.
Adults $5.00
Children (4-11 yrs.) $1.00
Age 3 and under Free