Issue 88 - January 10, 2007

From Your Director ...

The downtown Development Office has received a copy of the Fall 2006 Up-To-Date retail Figures from NRF Retail Sales Outlook.

The publication indicates the shift from strong economic potential for the rest of this year and next. The trend can be described as a soft landing rather than a hard one that can lead to a recession. The report outlines Economic Indicators, Demographics/Diversity, Design Trends, and Facts/Shockers.

Our office also received the 2007 downtown map this past week. The map designates Retail, Eateries, Lounges, and Public Areas. We are in the process of distributing the maps to all motels and downtown retail establishments.

On January 2nd, we launched our revised website with dynamic data of what is available downtown for visitors as well as businesses or individuals. Be sure to visit www.DowntownJackson.com.

If you would like copies of either of the two publications, please call our office at 427.7573.

You'll be glad you did!!!

Tribute Performance to Red Skelton

Veteran Las Vegas & Branson entertainer Tom Mullica will present one performance of "Red Skelton: A Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica" on Saturday January 13th at 7:00 p.m. at The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center,
314 East Main Street.

Mullica, a close friend to the late Red Skelton, expertly portrays the comedian and his host of lovable characters. He seemingly magically transforms himself into Skelton live on stage. He handles skelton's voices, mannerisms and expressions with the skill of a veteran actor who cares deeply about his subject. Reserved seating admission tickets start at $25.00.

For more information you can call 425.8587.

Ebony Fashion Fair to Take Place at Civic Center

The Ebony Fashion Fair will take place this Friday, January 12th, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue at 8:00 p.m.

The event will feature fashion creations from designers around the world, and is sponsored by The Jackson Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Society, Inc.  It is a benefit for Lane College.

Tickets are $25.00 and are available at Thomas Media and Lane College. For more information you can call 426.7500.

Gun and Knife Show Coming to Fairgrounds Park

This weekend, the Gun and Knife Show will be coming to Fairgrounds Park, 800 South Highland Avenue. Hours will be Saturday the 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday the 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More than 200 dealers will be exhibiting.

For more information you can call (563) 927.8176.

African American Literature Book Club to Meet

The African American Literature Book Club will meet on Tuesday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street. Yvonne Thompson will review "Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi" by Arthur Japin.

For more information you can call the Library at 425.8600.

Ballroom Dance Lessons Being Offered

The The International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame, Inc.,
105 North Church Street, will be offering two sessions of Ballroom Dance Lessons on Thursday January 11th, 2007. Starting times will be 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The cost is $32.00 per person for four one-hour sessions. For more information you can call 427.6262.