Issue 99 - March 28, 2007

From Your Director ...

Out of adversity springs opportunity. I truly feel the spirit and enthusiasm these last couple of years for the downtown have charted a new course for JDDC. The journey is well underway, and sailing is smooth. So much has happened in a very short time and there can be no looking back. All you have to do is visit downtown, walk the streets, visit the shops, attend church, explore the galleries, eat in the restaurants and frequent the numerous business establishments that call downtown home.

This didn't happen by chance. In 2003, after the tornado, the downtown was devastated. Out of the rubble emerged a new, yes different, but a viable and alive downtown with beautiful buildings, landscaping, parks, and a lot of entertainment opportunities. What more could any city ask for? The Urban Land Institute (ULI) study told leaders how they could make it happen, and both the City and the County supported and encouraged the efforts. You can't accomplish anything without good leadership, and we certainly have had that, so good things have come to be. Businesses had the opportunity to go elsewhere, and chose to invest in the downtown. The re-birth has been remarkable, and everyone should be proud of their downtown.

Now there is going to be a change within JDDC. There is a very strong Board in place and continuity and expertise within the staff, so all will be fine. Things may be somewhat different, new ideas, new energy, new leadership. Once again, we will take advantage of a great opportunity. Be sure to support the new leadership.

You'll be glad you did!!!

"B for Business" to Feature Customer Service

"B for Business" the monthly networking event for small businesses, co-sponsored by The Chamber's West Tennessee Business Resource Center (WTBRC) and First Tennessee Bank, will be held Thursday, March 29th, at The Chamber, 197 Auditorium Street from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m.

The topic for March is "Customer Service," presented by Ron Acree with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. For more information you can call 427.7900.

Public Invited to Attend Diamond Jaxx "Meet the Players" Luncheon

The West tennessee Diamond Jaxx, the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, and the City of Jackson invite fans to attend a "Meet the Players Luncheon" at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3rd.

The 2007 Diamond Jaxx squad will officially be introduced and fans will have the opportunity to secure autographs. The event itself is free of charge to attend but the ballpark luncheon will cost is $6.00. For $8.00 you can get lunch and an exhibition game ticket. What a deal! For more information you can call 988.5299.

Come See The Crabb Family Farewell Tour

For over 10 years the Crabb Family has sung the Gospel around the world. After 16 number one songs, 3 Grammy Nominations, 10 GMA Music Awards and a lot of prayer, the Crabb Family has decided to say farewell.

Come see this fantastic group for the final time in Jackson at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 31st.

For more information you can call the 425.8587.

Griot Collective's Critical Dialogue Series Continues

The Griot Collective of West Tennessee will present "The Poetics of Hip Hop: Good or Bad for the Community" on March 31st at 1:00 p.m. at the Jackson Madison County Public Library, 433 East Lafayette Street. The program will address materialism, violence, misogyny, art, music and other issues related to Hip Hop culture.

Panelists will include Rapper Ceebzy, Professor Randy Walker, Poet Norman Jordan, NAACP President Harrell Carter, Publisher Delita Johnson and Activist Tony Black. Radio Personality Richard Donnell Sr., will serve as moderator. For more information you can call 935.2222.

The Kennedy Center "Imagination Celebration" on Tour Presents Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka"

At the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue, on Sunday, April 1st at 2:00 p.m. join Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas as they lead Charlie, the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, and television junkie Mike Teavee through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons, and giggles galore. The event will feature live actors, puppets, plenty of surprises, and many memorable songs.

This should prove to be a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon for all ages. For more information you can call 425.8587.

Fabulous Friday takes Place on
March 30th

Once again, great fun, food, music and much more will happen this Friday evening, March 30th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The great event, Fabulous Friday, will take place in downtown Jackson, so don't miss it. If you haven't attended one of these well known special evenings, plan on stopping by and see for yourself what a great time can be had.

The Dickson Gallery of Fine Art, 118 East Lafayette Street will be holding a special reception featuring "Mountains and Streams" the special works of oil painter Weldon Ball. "Refrigerator Art" will also be available. For more information, and a complete listing of stores that will be open you can call 427.7573.