Issue 126 - October 3, 2007

From Your Director ...

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation Achieves Recertification in the Tennessee Main Street Program

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber announced recently that Jackson Downtown Development Corporation has been recertified for the Tennessee Main Street Program.

“I am proud to join with Jackson Downtown Development Corporation in celebrating their tremendous achievement,” Kisber said. “Governor Bredesen and I believe that economic development is built around strong community development and downtown is a significant part of that equation. Jackson Downtown Development Corporation has demonstrated a well-thought-out plan and a determined initiative in taking on the challenges of the Tennessee Main Street Program.

“The result has been, and will continue to be, distinct progress toward carefully decided economic development goals. Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is preparing for greater economic success by participating in the program and concentrating on improving and promoting the heart of their community: Main Street.”

The Tennessee Main Street Program is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to promote the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts in Tennessee. The Tennessee Main Street Program serves as a coordinating partner with the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are currently 21 Main Street organizations in Tennessee, joining over 2,000 communities nationwide in being accredited by the National Main Street Center.

“I want to offer my congratulations to Jackson Downtown Development Corporation for their successful effort to position itself for future growth by taking an honest look at the community’s economic goals and how to realistically achieve them,” said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. “ECD is proud to be a part of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation’s initiative to preserve their historical downtown district and enhance their community’s livability and potential for job creation.”

Communities are certified by Tennessee Main Street Program through an application process and must meet accreditation standards set by the National Main Street Center, including broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteers to support the program.

To view and download the photo of Jackson’s representatives with Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Kisber at the recertification ceremony, click here. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit the ECD Web site at www.tnecd.gov.

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

Business Expo 2007

Over 50 West Tennessee businesses will share their wares at this annual event.  Stop by the fairgrounds to visit them under one roof as they promote their products and services to the region’s general public and the business community.

Thursday, October 4, 2007
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Jackson Fairgrounds Park
800 South Highland Avenue

For more information contact The Chamber at 423.2200.

Jason Aldean Live!

Recognized for his Top 10 hit “Hicktown,”   
The Tennessean called his music “amped-up contemporary country, with Southern rock and honky-tonk influences.” Jason Aldean calls his music “aggressive country.”  Whatever you call it Aldean is an up and coming star on the music scene.  Now is your chance to experience the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocalist for yourself in Jackson! 

Thursday, October 4, 2007
7:30 p.m.
Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland
Tickets are $27.00

For more information contact the Jackson Centre Box Office  425.8587.

Jackson Theatre Guild presents, Escanaba In Da Moonlight

Ordinary people, extraordinary shows.  What more can one say about the Jackson Theatre Guild.  Once again they spin a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart in their presentation of Escanaba In Da Moonlight.  Written by well known actor, Jeff Daniels (Terms of Endearment and Dumb and Dumber).   The play shares the story of the Soady clan and Rebuen‘s quest to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book.  

October 4-7, 2007
8:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Schedule posted below)
The Ned R. McWherter Cultural Arts Center
314 East Main Street
Tickets range from $8 to $12.

Order tickets online at www.jtgonline.com  or call the Jackson Theatre Guild 427.3200.

First Friday Forum


Timely discussion on events impacting the community.  October’s program will provide the community an opportunity to meet Richard Parks, the newly appointed CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare.  Park’s presentation entitled, “Growing to Meet Your Needs,” will undoubtedly be an informative and insightful look into our community’s successful healthcare system.


Friday, October 5, 2007
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
200 S. Church Street
Lunch $5.00

For more information contact Jackson Downtown Development Corporation at 427.7573.

Working with the Media

Duhhh….hmmm… I I I I I….. Thanks to the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association for sponsoring the seminar on how to work with the media.  Whether it’s getting your message across, learning how to better respond, or developing a contact list, now is your chance to meet key media contacts and see how they operate.  Proceeds from the workshop will be donated to a local charity.  R.S.V.P. for this insightful program.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce,
197 Auditorium St.
$10.00

For more information and to R.S.V.P. contact The Chamber at 427.7900.

Sweet Cookie Bouquets Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Welcome Downtown's newest business to the neighborhood!  The paint is dry and the pink awning will be up for the ribbon cutting and open house.  Stop by for milk and cookies and help us to welcome Sweet Cookie Bouquets Downtown.  With the holidays quickly approaching, consider their edible gifts as a sweeter, tasteful way to remember the season.

Thursday, October 11, 2007
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sweet Cookie Bouquets
107 East Lafayette

For more information contact Lynn Wheeler at 343.0651