Issue 91 - January 31, 2007

From Your Director ...

JDDC has the task of providing both economic and community development services for the downtown area. I see 2007 bringing a renewed focus for our great downtown with new opportunities, investments and developments taking place. The consensus of downtown market leaders is that "the feel and authenticity" of downtowns as well as the unique experience they can offer is what makes and keeps downtown successful. We sure have a special one . . . don't we?

We need to, and will continue to, evaluate the marketing and recruitment opportunities, along with challenges that face the future of downtown. We however do recognize that some things just are not in our power to change. We can't compete with large discounting, nor afford huge marketing campaigns, and we don't sell all the products that are found "under one big roof."

We, however, are focusing on restoring our downtown with a wonderful aesthetic appeal. We continue to provide services found no where else as we strive to attract the right mix of business, service, and residential.

We accept the responsibility to provide an adequate support system for business. We need to make sure we stand out in a crowded marketplace. We are developing one-of-a-kind destination businesses that differentiate themselves in compelling ways. Consumers will willingly go out of their way to visit a unique shop, specialized services and most important, for the very best customer service. People will increasingly choose to come for an "experience" rather than for the utilitarian reasons.

We are making great strides in bringing people back downtown, a place we want seen. We will continue to focus on the details, the small extra things that create a distinctive ambiance. We plan on engaging visitors with constant programming of special events year round in order to offer not only a practical, but an emotional and sensory experience at every level.

We will create the buzz. I challenge you to visit your downtown soon and look at it through fresh eyes. You'll be glad you did!!!

First Friday Forum Takes Place February the 2nd

As tradition, the February First Friday Forum program will be in honor of Black History month. Robert Taylor, Tennessee Room Librarian of the Jackson-Madison County Library will be making a presentation highlighting the importance of gospel music and the role it plays in African American history.

This will be an interesting and educational address with surprises.

First Friday Forum is from noon until 1:00 p.m., in Clayton Hall at First United Methodist Church, 200 South Church Street. The event is sponsored by First United Methodist Church and Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. A $5.00 lunch is available.

For more information you can call 427.7573.

Daddy-Daughter Valentine Ball to Take Place at the Carnegie

Next week you can attend the "Undersea Wonderland" Daddy-Daughter Valentine Ball, for daughters ages 4 to 14, being held at The Carnegie, 305 East College Street. Spend an enchanted evening under the sea with your special little mermaid. Enjoy dancing to a live DJ, refreshments, photo, and party favors on February 8th, or attend a gala sit-down dinner on February 9th, "Dinner Date Night."

Advance reservations are required. Activities are from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on February 8th. Costs for the Night Out are: residents $25, and non-residents $50 per couple. The cost is $15 for each additional daughter. The fees for "Date Night" on the 9th with dinner are: $80 per couple. The cost is $25 for each additional daughter. Call 425.8559 for more information.

Emerging Business Awards Luncheon Set

The Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Business Luncheon, sponsored by Union University's McAfee School of Business Administration and Steele Martin Jones and Borgognoni, CPA's will be held Monday, February 5th at 11:20 a.m. at Union University's Cobum Dining Room. Guest speaker will be Mike Seals, owner of Jobezco Industrial Group.

Tickets are $10.00.

For more information you can call 423.2200.

Friendly Frank's Flea Market This Week-end

The ever popular Friendly Franks Flea Market will be at the Fairgrounds Park, 800 South Highland Avenue starting Friday evening, February 2nd, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday the 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday the 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

It's a great opportunity to "hunt" for all those unique things you've been looking for. There will be something for everyone. Be sure to stop by. For more information you can call (901) 755.6561.

The Neely House "Artopia" Is Open for Business

The Neely House Artopia, 595 Royal, is a place where you can enjoy the experience of art galleries, live music, fine dining, pastries, coffee, pottery, massage therapy, clothing, and scented candles all in one place. "Artopia" is the one place to experience art with all your senses.

For more information you can call 554.2929.

Here is a complete listing of the Shops located within "Artopia".

• Candela Restaurant with Chef Alberto: Fine dining at it's best, featuring lunch and dinner. Call 554.3663.
• Coffee and Pastry Shop: Full line of home baked sweets.
• Custom Creation Embroidery: Custom embroidery items - yours or theirs.
• Dana's Flower and Bath Boutique: Mary Kay Cosmetics, jewelry, custom flowers, etc.
• Felicia Bella: An artsy clothing store. Very unique items from the Los Angeles and New York areas. Fun and festive clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
• Fine Glassware: Candelabras, vases, and serving platters, plus beautiful cut glass of all different styles.
• Good Earth Potteries: Local potters Carol McCrudden and Ray Lovelady display their work, Handmade beautiful bowls, dishes, vases, mugs, trays, and hanging crosses. Featuring Ikebana vases for Japanese floral arrangements.
• Martha's Hair Salon: Full service hair salon.
• Mimi's Picket Fence Frames and Things: Unique Frames suitable for all occassions, personalized note cards, etc.
• Paulz Gallery: Featuring artwork by Paul Fowler with landscapes of beautiful views, from middle America to around the world. Oils on canvas.
• Plum Unusual: Offering unique items for home decor. Oil paintings with pallet knife on canvas, still life's and cityscapes, bright, fun, and up-close fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and colorful up-close cityscapes.
• Platypus Paint-A-Piece Studio: Come in and pick out pottery and paint it. Paint dishes, faces, coffee mugs, and also items for children.
• Radiant Designs: One of a kind tapestry, wall hangings, and home decor.
• Rotten Roxy Pet Boutique: Boutique items for pets including custom-made beds, pet portraits, and various items such as toys, treats, collars, and leashes.
• The GlassSmith Stained Glass Studio: Featuring works by local artist Lee Gaugh. Custom stained glass for use in home, business, and churches. Windows, platters, plates, vases, and candleholders. Specializing in the restoration of stained glass.
• The Rug Rage: Persian, Oriental and semi-antique rugs.