Issue 94 - February 21, 2007

From Your Director ...

For the past several weeks I have been compiling data and numbers in preparation for filing the required annual report to the State for our Main Street Certification. One of the requirements is that we must be members of the National Main Street program and also meet their criteria. There are only 20 certified communities in the State of Tennessee, and Jackson has earned this special recognition for many years.

The National Main Street Program evaluates commercial/business district revitalization programs, such as ours, on the basis of ten performance standards, and provides national recognition to city's that meet these standards. The benefits of being recognized as a National Main Street Program are meant to reward organizations and provide attention within their community, the State and the Nation. This designation is annual, and evaluation is based upon the organization's current activities and structure, as well as performance during the past year.

As I weeded through the paperwork, it was exciting to tally the numbers. Almost fourteen million dollars in public and private dollars were pumped into the downtown in 2006. There were 177 new jobs created, 17 new businesses opened their doors, there were 3 building rehabilitation projects, 8 public improvement projects, 3 new construction projects and 12 new housing units created of which all are occupied. And the best results of all is that the ground floor vacancy rate went down from 25% to 20%. What wonderful stats to be able to share.

Hey, aren't you proud of your downtown? We all should be. Come and see for yourself the changes and improvements that have taken place. Check us out. You'll be glad you did!!!

West Tennessee Lawn and Garden Show to be Held in Jackson

Presented by Southern Rents on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th, the Tennessee Lawn and Garden Show is coming to the Jackson Fairgrounds, 800 South Highland Avenue. Displays will feature landscape exhibits, swimming pools and spas, patio rooms, lawn equipment, siding and windows. This will be a chance to see an array of items in one spot and a great place to get first hand advice from the experts.

The show is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life and includes a silent auction with the proceeds going to the Cancer Society. A portion of the show's proceeds will also go to the Cancer Society. Plan on visiting the show. Admission is $4.00. For more information you can call 664.6161.

Exchange Club's Blue Suede Dinner & Auction to take place on 24th

The Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse will be hosting their annual Blue Suede Dinner & Auction. It will have items for both a live and silent auction.

The occassion will take place on February 24th starting at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Van-Dells. The event has raised more than a million dollars in the past 12 years. The proceeds will go for services provided to families. In fiscal year 2005-2006, the center helped 4,730 people, of which 2,666 were children.

To purchase tickets or reserve a table or a single seat for the Blue Suede Dinner and Auction you can call 668.4000.

Paul Saik in Concert on February 25th

Jackson, Mississippi native, Paul Saik will be performing in a voice and piano concert on Sunday, February 25th at 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. The versatile singer has performed with opera companies, symphonies, and on Broadway. Paul is a recipient of many awards and competitions. His passion, talent and love of music has touched many lives. You won't want to miss attending this wonderful performance. For more information you can call 422.4002.

Recreation and Parks to Present a Black History Month Program

On Friday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m., Jackson Recreation and Parks Department will be presenting "Black History Month, An Evening on the Chitlin Circuit." The old-time authentic vaudeville review will be held at the Carnegie Center, 305 East College Street.

The presentation will showcase music, songs, skits and comedy of early African American Theater. For more information you can call 425.8316.

Fabulous Friday to Take Place on the 23rd this Month

On Friday, February 23rd, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. experience Downtown Jackson's monthly Fabulous Friday and enjoy downtown's nightlife. Visit the eight downtown special happenings planned for the evening.

• Artopia, 575 South Royal, will feature recently installed art displays, newly opened shops and the popular eatery Candela will also be open for dinner.
• Art Under A Hot Tin Roof, 114 East Lafayette Street, will be having "The Price is Wrong" sale featuring selected works. The beer and pretzels opening event will feature numerous sale items.
• Denise LaSalle's Blues Room, 438 East Main Street, will be offering an evening of Blues and Oldies.
• The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, 118 East Lafayette, will be hosting a dual opening displaying the distinctive oil paintings of Steve Betts and Imaginative Refrigerator Art miniatures by the University School of Jackson Art Department.
• Day of Fire with Josh Brown and opening act Infinite Resolve will be performing at Lola's Bar and Grill, 217 West Main St.
• Brandon Lewis Band will be at the Downtown Tavern, 208 North Liberty Street. Tell the bartender you're there for Fabulous Friday and your first domestic beer is on the house.
• Marguerite's Fine Art Gallery, 124 East Baltimore, will hold their monthly "Galleries A Go-Go".

"Maintaining a Successful Business" Course

The Chamber's West Tennessee Business Resource Center, Tennessee Small Business Development Center of Jackson State Community College and the Small Business Counseling Service are sponsoring "Maintaining a Successful Business" training program.

The eight three-hour sessions will span over two months, beginning Tuesday, February 27th. Each session will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the Chamber offices. The full eight sessions cost $176.00 or individual sessions are available for $30.00 per session. Cost includes materials and a light dinner.

The "Maintaining a Successful Business" course will provide you with the key elements of running a successful business.

For more information you can call 427.7900.

Fabulous Friday (continued)

• Recreation and Parks presentation of "Black History Month, An Evening on the Chitlin Circuit" at the Carnegie Center.

In addition to the special events, Shooter's, Guest House, Dixie Castle and Popeye's will be open with extended hours.

For more information you can call 427.7573.