CHAMBER CONNECTION
MEMBERSHIP
InOctober2011,over200volunteersgatheredtogethertoworkfortwoandhalfdays
forTheChamber’s2011RockTheChamberMembershipEvent.ThevolunteersworkedagainsttheclockandeachothertohelpsignupnewChambermembersandcreateagreatercommunityawarenessoftheimportant
roleofthechamberofcommerce.Duringtheevent,KyleSpurgeon,President/CEOoftheJacksonAreaChamberofCommerce,membersofTheChamber’sExecutiveCommitteeandvolunteersdonnedrockandrollcostumestogetinthespiritofthe“RockTheChamber”theme.AfterdaysofphonecallsandvisitstoJacksonbusinesses,thevolunteersrecruitedatotalof291newmembers,exceedingthegoalof253newmembers.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AlongwiththegrowthofTheChamber’smembershipbase,TheChamberalsoannouncedtwoJacksonindustrialexpansionsin2011.InJune,automotivesupplierUSFarathaneannouncedthatitwouldinvest$4millionandadd50localjobsasaresultofitsJacksonplantexpansion.The166,000squarefootfacilitywasatfulloperationin2006.Theplantwasinitiallyexpectedtoemployapproximately130associates,buthasseencontinuedgrowthovertheyears.USFarathanehasfiveU.S.manufacturingplants,employs500nationallyandhasbeensupplyingtheautomotivemarketformorethan30years. JacksonDieCasting,LLC,ahigh-pressurealuminumdiecastingcompanyownedbyDallas-basedKey3Casting,LLC,announcedin
DecemberaplannedexpansiontoitsJacksonmanufacturingfacility.Thecompany,formedin2009,representsaninvestmentofalmost$4.5millionandalsohasoperationsinMinneapolisandHibbing,Minn.ItsJacksonfacilityexpansionplanstocreate58newjobsintheJacksonareaoverthenextthreeyears.
FORWARD JACKSON
Withthenewyear,TheChamberislookingforwardtocontinuingtheForward
JacksonCampaign.InJanuary2011,TheChamberlaunchedthefive-yeareconomicdevelopmentcampaign.WiththehelpofNationalCommunityDevelopmentServices(NCDS),TheChamberreachedouttoseverallocalbusinessleaders
toinvestinthecampaign.Theinitialgoalofthecampaignwastoraise$3.8million,wherethefundswouldbeusedtocreateatleast3,000jobs,improveworkforcedevelopment,strengthenthecommunity’sfoundationandtohelpattract,retainandexpandbusinessesinWestTennessee.Theinitialgoalof$3.8millionwasreachedinSeptember2011.Thefundscommittedrepresentedpledgesfrom82ChambermembersandotherbusinessesandorganizationswithinMadisonCounty.Uponreachingtheinitialcampaigngoal,TheChamberhassetanadditional“stretchgoal”of$500,000.ThecampaigncontinuestoaddressissuessuchastheJackson-MadisonCountySchoolSystemstrategicplan,superintendentsearch,MadisonAchievesscholarshipprogram,communitywellness,publicsafety,brandingandregionaleconomicdevelopment.
Chamber Reflects on 2011 and Looks Forward to 2012
INSIDE:• Upcoming Events, Staff
DirectoryPage2
• Promotions, Accomplishments & Special RecognitionPage4-5
• New MembersPage7
• Renewing MembersPage8
• Ribbon Cuttings & OpeningsPage9-10
• Economic IndicatorsPage11
JANUARY 2012
VISIT US ONLINE ATWWW.JACKSONTN.COM
• Member SpotlightPage6
• Front page story continuedPage3
With the passing of another year, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the previous year’s accomplishments, and is excited with the anticipation of what is to come in 2012.
STORY CONTINUED “Chamber Reflects” cover story continued on page 3...
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS Attend.Network.Learn.
197 Auditorium StreetJackson, TN 38301
Phone: 731-423-2200
KyleSpurgeon,President/[email protected]
TammyBoyd,[email protected]
LisaCothran,Manager,MembershipDevelopment
ShirleyJones,VicePresident,[email protected]
LoriNunnery,ExecutiveDirector,Convention&[email protected]
BethParnell,[email protected]
DenisePerry,[email protected]
RyanPorter,VicePresident,StrategicInitiativesandGeneralCounsel
JudyRenshaw,Sr.VicePresident,Business&CommunityServices
MeganSeals,[email protected]
BrandyStutsman,AdministrativeAssistant,BusinessServices&WestTennessee
CarolynVaughan,MembershipDevelopmentCoordinator
JoyceWelch,[email protected]
MandyWhite,VicePresident,Research&EconomicDevelopment
Jackson Area Chamber of CommerceSTAFF DIRECTORY
Stay Connectedwith the
Jackson Chamberfacebook.com/jacksontnchamber
twitter.com/jaxtnchamber
linkedin.com/company/jackson-area-chamber-of-commerce
flickr.com/photos/jacksontn-chamber/sets
youtube.com/user/jacksontn-chamber
FEBRUARY 10, U40 Young Professionals Luncheon11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Coyote Blues, 541 Wiley
Parker Rd.
Cost:$15perpersonforChambermembers,$25perpersonfornon-members
Event Details:U40isagroupofprofessionals40yearsoldandyounger.
Meetingeverymonth,U40iscompromisedoflunch,networkingandvaluable
insightfromseasonedbusinessleadersinandaroundtheJacksoncommunity.
SharonYounger,PresidentofYoungerAssociates,willbethefeaturedspeaker.
RSVPisrequired.Toregister,e-mailBrandyStutsmanorcallat(731)423-2200.
Sponsored by West TN Healthcare, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Coyote
Blues, ING Financial Advisers Steve Little and Brad Little, Murray Guard, Person-
nel Placements LLC,West TN Business College and The University of Memphis.
FEBRUARY 15, Chamber Member Orientation2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., The Chamber, 197
Auditorium St.
Event Details: Orientationisnotonlyfornewmembers,but
formemberswhowanttomakethemostoftheirmember-
shipaswell.FindoutaboutthemanyprogramstheChamber
offersandhowyoucanbeinvolved.Lightrefreshmentswill
beserved.Theorientationisfree,butadvancedregistration
isrequired.Toregister,e-mailLisaCothranorcallat(731)
423-2200.
Sponsored by New Day Marketing Group & Hometown
Connection
FEBRUARY 17, CapitolTALK8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., The Chamber, 197
Auditorium St.
Event Details: Localstatelegislatorswillspeakaboutthelatestnewsfromthe
TennesseeGeneralAssembly.Rep.JimmyEldridge(R-Jackson)andSen.Lowe
Finney(D-Jackson)willbethefeaturedspeakersatthisfreetownhallmeeting.
Themeetingisopentothepublic.Alightbreakfastwillbeserved.Formore
information,e-mailShirleyJonesorcallat(731)423-2200.
Sponsored by Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, AT&T, FirstBank, Gerdau, ING
Financial Advisers Steve Little and Brad Little, Jackson Energy Authority, Masterfit
Medical Supply, Procter & Gamble and West Tennessee Healthcare
FEBRUARY 2, Women In Business Luncheon11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Carl Grant Events Center,
Union University, 1050 Union University Dr.
Cost: $25perpersonforChambermembers;$35per
personfornon-members
Event Details:Ladies,let’slunchandlearnatThe
Chamber’sWomeninBusinessluncheon.Attendees
willenjoyawonderfullunchandfabulousdoorprizes.
RSVPisrequired.Toregister,e-mailBrandyStutsman
orcallat(731)423-2200.
Sponsored by First South Bank, Charter Business and
West Tennessee Women’s Center.
Formoreinformation,visitourCalendarofEventspageonourwebsiteatwww.jacksontn.com.
THE CHAMBERjacksontn.com2
STRATEGIC PLAN
ThepurposeofthestrategicplanistocreateapartnershipbetweentheJMCSSandthecommunitytoimprovepubliceducationoutcomesforourpublicschoolstudents.Theplanhasgoalsrelatedtoacademicachievement,parental/communityinvolvement,disciplineandsystemeffectiveness. ThefirstareaoffocuschosenbytheJMCSSandtheSchoolBoardrelatestoacademicachievement,andistheMiddleSchoolTurnaroundconcept.Inreviewingdatainpreparationforthestrategicplan,itbecameevidentthatourstudentsshowadramaticdecreaseinachievementwhentheytransitionfromelementaryschooltomiddleschool.Thisoftencarriesoverintotheirhighschoolyears.TheJMCSSfeltthiswasanopportunitytodevelopaplantochangethatdecrease. Themiddleschoolturnaroundconcept,whichhasbeenverysuccessfulinotherareasofthecountry,canincludelongerschoolhours,extratutoring,additionaltrainingforeducatorsonbestpracticesinteachingmiddleschoolers,moretechnology,andamyriadofotheroptionsthathavebeenproventoturnadramaticdecreaseinacademicachievementtoadramaticincrease. TheChamberhascommittedtocontinueitspartnershipwiththeJMCSSthroughthecompletionandimplementationoftheirstrategicplan.
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
TheChamberfundedasuperintendentsearchfortheschoolsystem.Whilenocandidatefromthesearchwasretainedbytheschoolboardinthefirstphaseofthesearch,TheChambercontinuestooffertobearesourcefortheschoolsysteminthisprocess.
MADISON ACHIEVES
TheChamberhascommittedtofundingtheMadisonAchievesprogramscholarships,whichisalastdollarscholarshipprogramforgraduatesoftheMadisonCountypublicschoolsystem,forthefirsttwoyearsoftheinitiative.Approximately85volunteersassiststudentsandtheirparentsinapplyingforgrantsandscholarshipsthatgotowardstuitionatJacksonStateCommunityCollegeorTennesseeTechnologyCenter.
Oncethesestudentscompletethegrantandscholarshipprocess,aswellasacommunityservicerequirementandthecompletionofacollegesuccesscourse,TheChamberprovidesthelastdollarsoftheirtuitionallowingthesestudentstoattendoneofthesetwoinstitutionsofhigherlearning. Ofthe118graduatesofJackson-MadisonCountyschoolsthatparticipatedinMadisonAchievesin2011,60percentwerefirstgenerationcollegestudentsandapproximately50percentwerefromfamilieswithanaverageyearlygrossincomeofbelow$25,000.
WELLNESS
TheChamberhosteda“PuttingCountyHealthRankingsinAction”WebinarinAugust2011whereTheChamberandcommunity
healthleadersprovidedanoverviewofhowtheJacksoncommunityisusingtheCountyHealthRankingstoimprovetheoverallhealthandwell-beingofthecommunity.TheWebinarwassponsoredbytheUniversityofWisconsin,where189participantsrepresented29states.MadisonCountywasrankedasthe20thhealthiestcountytoliveandworkinTennessee.TheChamberisactiveinJumpStartJackson,ahealthycommunityactionteamwiththepurposeofpromotingahealthier
community.JumpStartJacksonisacombinationofseveralexistingorganizationsthathaveacommongoalofpromotinghealthychoicesandlifestylesinthecommunity.Thisconsolidatedeffortwillprovetobemoreeffectiveandefficientthanpreviousefforts.TheJacksoncommunityrecentlybrokegroundonCityWalk,anewurbandesignforhealthylivinglocatedon17acresindowntownJackson.ThisprojectisagatewayprojectthatinfusesnewhomesandcommerceindowntownJacksonwithashifttowellnessthinking.Itwillincludeawellnesscenter,builtbyWestTennesseeHealthcare,thatwillpromotehealthandwellnessthroughanon-siteclinic,afitnessfacility,physicalandaquatictherapiesanddiseasemanagement.Thisprojectwillbeaplaceofcontinualinvestmentinboththewell-beingofitsresidentsandthevitalityofthecityofJackson.
THE CHAMBERjacksontn.com3
CONTACT US IfyouwantmoreinformationaboutinvestingintheForwardJacksoncampaign,contactRyanPorteratrporter@jacksontn.comorcallTheChamberat423-2200.
STORY CONTINUED “Chamber Reflects” cover story continued...
IfyouwantmoreinformationaboutinvestingintheForwardJacksoncampaign,contactRyanPorteratrporter@jacksontn.comorcallTheChamberat423-2200.
CELEBRATE WITH US! ExcitementisintheairabouttheJacksonAreaChamberofCommerce’snewAnnualCelebration.“TheCelebration”willhonorChambervolunteers,andhighlightourmembership’saccomplishmentsthroughouttheyear.TheprestigiousBusinessAwards,whichwillrecognizeoutstandingbusinessesthathaveachievedultimatesuccess,willalsobepresentedinconjunctionwiththeJacksonSun.Theluncheonwilltakeplacefrom11:30a.m.until1:30p.m.onThursday,March22attheCarlGrantEventsCenteronthecampusofUnionUniversity.Thecosttoattendis$25perperson.Formoreinformation,[email protected]. TheAnnualCelebrationispresentedbyWestTennesseeHealthcare.AdditionaleventsponsorsincludeAlexander,Thompson,Arnold,PLLC,CommercialBankandTrustCompany,HORNELLP,SteeleMartinJones&Company,PLCandtheWestTennesseeHealthcareFoundation.
PROMOTIONS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & SPECIAL RECOGNITITONSOrthopedic Center Opens at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital
Jackson-MadisonCountyGeneralHospitalprovidesanewlyrenovatedcenterforpatientsafterorthopedicsurgery.Agroupofhospitalleaders,communityleadersandofficialswerepresentforthegrandopeningofthenewOrthopedicCenter,whichislocatedonthefourthflooratGeneralHospital.“Jackson-MadisonCountyGeneralHospitalcontinuesitsfocusontheneedsofthepatients,”saidDavidPearce,MD,chairmanoftheDepartmentofOrthopedics.“Thegoaloftheneworthopedicflooristoimprovethecomfortofpatientsandtheefficiencyofthecaregivers.Itisanew,beautifulenvironmentthatshouldenhancethepatientexperience.”“WeareveryexcitedabouttheopeningoftheOrthopedicCenteratGeneralHospital,”saidDaveSickle,MD,orthopedicsurgeon.“Thisrepresentsanotherstepinthehospital’scommitmenttoprovidingstate-of-the-artcaretothepatientsofthisarea.IthelpsustocontinuetoprovidethefinestqualityorthopedicandrehabservicesinWestTennessee.We’reproudtobeabletoofferthislevelofcareandservicetoourpatients.”“Theinvestmentwehavemadeistoimprovethepatient’sexperience.Inthesenewsuites,
wehopetoeasethestressthatpeoplefeelwhentheyhavetobehospitalpatients,”saidReneePeebles,RN,directorofOrthopedics.ThenewOrthopedicsCenterislocatedonthefourthfloorintheBTower.Suitesarespaciouswithmodernamenitiestoenhancethehealingenvironment:• 24largesuites• Bariatricequipment—lifts,wheelchairs,doorways,restroomsandshowerstoprovidemorecomfortandsafemobility• Showerstoaccommodatepatientswithhipandkneesurgeriesand/orbreaks• Upgradedtelemetrymonitoringsystemofpatients• Newdesignatedhand,armandshoulderrooms• NewStrykerbedsspecializedfororthopediccareandtraction• Upgradednursesstationsforefficiencyforoptimumcommunicationandpatientcare• Newphysicaltherapygymtoprovidemotivationandhealingtherapyforthebestrecovery• Spaceforequipmentsothatitiseasilyaccessible• Newsleepersofasforroom-infamily,visitorsorcaregivers• Upgradedandadditionalcomputersandworkstationsforphysiciansandstaff OrthopedicpatientsatGeneralHospitaltypicallyarerecoveringfromtheseprocedures:hiporkneereplacement,carpaltunnelsurgery,plusotherproceduresofthehand,foot,kneeorhip.SurgeonsatJackson-MadisonGeneralHospitalarenowperformingtheLegionTotalKneereplacement.TheLegionkneeisdesignedusingadvancedengineeringconceptstofitthesizeandshapesoftheknee.SurgeonsarealsousingtheVisionairePatientMatchedInstrumentation.Thesepatient-specificsurgicalinstrumentsarecustommadefortheprecisealignmentoftheperson’sknee.Thistechniqueincreasestheimplantlongevityandcomfort.“PatientsundergoingorthopedicsurgeryatGeneralHospitalreceivefirstclasscareusingthelatesttechnology,surgicaltechniques,andrehabilitationmethods,”saidKimRush,RN,executivedirectorofMedSurgNursing.Manypatients,ofvariousagesandactivitylevels,receivinghiporkneereplacementsurgeryhaveexperiencedpainandswellingfromyearsofwearandtearontheirjoints.“OrthopedicsurgeryatGeneralHospitalinvolvesprovidingoptimalresultsforeachpatientthroughateamapproach,”Dr.Pearcesaid.
By Ron Acree & Joel Newman, TSBDCIDENTIFYING THE MAJOR TIME WASTERS IN BUSINESS
Youcanbecomemoresuccessfulinyourbusinessifyoulearntoidentify,andcorrect,thesemajor‘TimeWasters’:• Telephone Interruptions.Thisitemtopsthelist.Whenthetelephone/cellphoneringsandbreaksyourtrainofthought,itinterruptsyouanddistractsyoufromwhatyouaredoing.Whenyouhangup,youarealsodistractedandfindithardtogetbacktowork.• Unexpected Visitors.Unexpectedordrop-invisitorscanbeextremelytimeconsuming.Thesecanbeemployeeswithinyourcompanyorvisitorsfromtheoutside.Whenthey‘dropin’,yourworkisdisrupted,yourtrainofthoughtisbrokenandyoureffectivenessisimpaired.Sometimetheytalkendlesslyaboutthingsthatareunimportantandkeepyoufromyourduties.• Meetings.Plannedandunplannedmeetingsconsumeapproximately40percentofyourtime.Theycanbeformalorinformal,withgroupsorone-on-one,inanotherstaffmember’soffice,conferenceroomoryouroffice.Manyoftheseareunnecessaryandareawasteoftime.• Fire Fighting and Emergencies.Amajortimewasteris‘puttingoutfires’andhandlingemergencies,leadingtoinevitablecrisis.Justasyouget‘settledin’onaproject,somethinghappensthattakesyouawayfromyourobjectiveanddisruptsyouforalongperiodoftime.• Procrastination.Thisisthethiefoftime.Thetendencytoprocrastinateisuniversalformanyreasons.• Socializing and Idle Conversation.This‘TimeWaster’,isoneofthemajorculpritsandprevioussurveyshaveestimatedthatasmuchas75percentoftimeatworkisspentinteractingwithotherstaffthatisnotworkrelated.Muchofthisis,bysurveyresults,idlechatterthatdoesnothingtoproducepositiveworkresults.• Indecision and Delay.Indecisioncostsmoretimethanmostpeoplerealize.Itcangenerateunnecessarypaperwork,correspondenceandtasks,whilewastingyourtimeandthatofyourstaff.
USEFUL TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS/MANAGERS
THE CHAMBERjacksontn.com4
GOOD NEWS JACKSONTheUniversityofMemphisassumedcon-trolofwhatwasformerlyLambuthUniversityinDecember2011withtheofficialrecordingofthedeed.TransferofthepropertywasmadefromtheLambuthUniversityBoardofDirec-torstotheStateofTennessee,forthebenefitoftheUniversityofMemphis.“ThisisamonumentaldaynotonlyfortheUniversityofMemphis,butalsoforthecitizensofJacksonandWestTennessee,”saidShirleyRaines,presidentoftheUniver-sityofMemphis.TheCityofJackson,MadisonCountyGovernment,WestTennesseeHealthcare,andtheJacksonEnergyAuthorityeachcontributed$2milliontopurchasethecampusandthenturnitovertotheStateofTennessee,forusebytheUniversityofMemphis.WiththeassistanceofGovernorBillHaslam,thestatelegislatureagreedtoallocatestatefundingforoperatingcostsoncethetransferofpropertyiscomplete.Anofficialflag-raisingceremonywasheldattheLambuthcampusJanuary12.TheUniversityofMemphisatLambuthopenedforclassesthisfallwithmorethan300students.Registrationiscurrentlyunderwayforthespringsemester.
TheChamberisproudtoannounceRitaBryant,FirstSouthBank,astheVolunteeroftheMonthforJanuary2011.ShecurrentlyservesontheWomeninBusinessCommitteeandhasalsovolunteeredhertimewithTheChamber’sMembershipEventsin2009and2011. “Ritaalwaysgives100percentinworkingwiththeWomeninBusinessprogram,”saidBethParnell,ManagerofEventsforTheChamber.“Herinputandenthusiasmmakesheranintegralpartofthecommittee.” BryantalsospendshertimevolunteeringontheRegionalBoardofDirectorsforMarchofDimes,schoolprojectsatbothpublicandprivateschoolsinMadisonCounty,AmericanHeartAssociation,AmericanCancerSocietyandtheWestTennesseeHealthcare’sAnnual“GirlsWeekendGetaway.”“Ihaveapassiontohelpthosethatcan’thelpthemselvesortohelpwomenhelpthemselvesbytakingcareofthemselvessotheycantakecareofeveryoneelse,”Bryantsaid.“IchoosetohelptoinsuretherewereeventsthatcateredtothewomeninJacksonandalsotoinsureallbusinessesinMadisoncountyknowandunderstandthebenefitsofbeingachambermember.”
Rita BryantSenior Vice PresidentFirst South Bank
VOLUNTEERSpotlight
TOP AMBASSADORSCongratulations to the Ambassadors with perfect attendance: DessieHardee,IsagenixHealth&WellnessNorwoodJones,OldCountryLandOfficeHeathWilliams,GeorgeA.Smith&Sons
Chamber Emissaries Volunteer Group Selects New ChairpersonDrewYates,financialcentermanagerofFirstBank,hasbeenselectedasthe2012chairpersonfortheEmissaries.Yateshasvolun-teeredforChamberfunctionsthepastfouryears.Inthepasttwoyears,hehasvolunteeredhistimewiththeEmissaries,theJackson-MadisonCountySchoolSystemstrategicplaninitiativeandthe2011RockTheChamberMembershipEvent.“Itisdefinitelyanhonortobethechairpersonofsuchagreatgroupofpeople,”Yatessaid.“Itisaprivilege,andwehaveagreattimeworkingtogether.Weeat,laugh,jokeandworkhard.ThisgroupofEmissariesneverbacksdownfromthechancetohelpnewandexistingmembersbeactiveinthecommunity,whetherthroughTheChamberorvariousotheropportunities.”TheEmissariescontactmemberstodeveloprelationshipswithinTheChamber.TheChamberalsohasothervolunteergroups,includingtheAmbassadors,alsoknownasthe“RedCoats.”“MyfavoritepartaboutvolunteeringforTheChamberishavingtheopportunitytobuildrelationshipsthatgobeyondjustahelloandahandshake,”Yatessaid.“WitheachpersonImeet,thereissomeoneelseontheotherendwhowantsourcommunitytosucceed,especiallyiftheyareabusinessowner.IappreciatetheChamberofferingavenuestofacilitatethoseopportunitiesthroughitsmanybusinessnetworkingfunctions.Theyarealsoopportunitiesforanyonetopluginandmakeadifference.Iamgladthatmy
employerhasalwaysencouragedmetomakeadifference.Ialsohopetobethepersontheythinkofwhenafinancialneedarises.” TheEmissaries’workisvitaltoTheChamberbeingconnectedtoitsmembershipbase,byensuringTheChamberthatitismeetingtheneedsofitsmembersbypersonallycontactingbusinesses. “EachEmissaryhasapassionforsomethingoutsideofthisgroup,andIthinkitiswhatmakesusclick,”Yatessaid.“Wearediverseinourinterests,butcommoninourgoaltoseeJacksonandthesurroundingareabecomeaplacethatdrawspeoplein.”
PROMOTIONS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & SPECIAL RECOGNITITONS
THE CHAMBERjacksontn.com5CONTACT US Sendusyourmembernewsandphotos:[email protected]
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTATA Technologies, LLC
Chamber Connection: What’s new with your organization? ATAT:Weareworkingwithseveralofourclientstoimplementcloudenvironments.CloudComputingisanITHotTopicrightnow.Wehavebeenfindingandimplementingpubliccloudsolutions,privatecloudsolutions,commu-nitycloudsolutions,aswellashybridsolutionsforourclients.WearealsohelpingourclientstoconverttheirofficetoanallMacenvironment,whichcanhavesomebenefitsoveraPCenvironment.WeareveryproudthatSeniorManagerDanielSimonsjustcompletedhisMasterofScienceinInformationAssurancewitha4.0GPA.
Chamber Connection: What’s the biggest community project you’re working on right now? ATAT:AspartoftheATATfamily,wesupporttheRelayforLifeactivitiesinMadisonCounty.Individually,theATATstaffisinvolvedinseveralcommunityorganizationsincludingYouthTown,ExchangeClub,TheCancerResearchInstituteofWestTennesseeandourchurches.
Chamber Connection: What’s helped your organization become successful in our community? ATAT: Hardworkandamissiontofocusonourclients’ITenvironments,sothattheycanfocusontheirbusiness-es.WearededicatedtostayingaheadofITtrendsthrougheducation,professionalassociationsandcustomerfeedback.Chamber Connection: What does your organization do that most people don’t know about? ATAT:WeprovideITauditingservicessuchasSSAE16auditing,PenetrationTestingandVulnerabilityassess-mentsforlargeorganizations.Theseservicesrequireourteamtohaveahigh-endITsecurityknowledgebaseaswellascertifications.Oursecurityexpertisehelpsallofourclientsknowthatweareabletoprovidethebestsecuritysolutionstomeettheirneeds.Chamber Connection: What are some recent successes your organization has experienced? ATAT: Wehavejustcompletedaprojecttoconvertoneofourclientstoanewandimprovedvirtualizedenviron-ment.VirtualizingyourITinfrastructureletsyoureduceITcostswhileincreasingtheefficiency,utilizationandflexibilityofyourexistingassets.Chamber Connection: What challenges does your organization face? ATAT: ITconsultingfirmsarefacedwiththeheightenedcompetitionfrombigcompanieslikeIBMandDell,whichareeagertonowprovideconsultingservicesaswellashardware.Additionally,duringourtimeofeconomicconcerns,businessesequatetechnologyconsultingandsolutionstoabudgetnightmarethinkingthatitisjusttooexpensive!Thatisnotthecase.WeatATATcanhelpyoufindtechnologysolutionsthatwillassistyouinimprovingofficeproductivity,gainingatech-nologicaledgeonyou’reyourcompetitorsandreducingdowntime,whichinturnwillincreaseyourbottomline.ATATalsoprovidesManagedServicepricingplans,whichisaflatfee,tohelpyouwithyourbudgetplanning.
Chamber Connection: Are there any things we didn’t ask that you would like to share? ATAT: TheITfieldisconstantlychanging.IfyouwantanITpartnerwhowilltakethatoffyourplate,soyoucanfocusongrowingyourbusiness,callus.Also,weknowsomegreataccountantswhocanhelpwithyourtax,bookkeeping,payrollandauditneeds.
MichaelLaffoonPartner,ATAT
Company name: ATATechnologies,LLC(ATAT)Address:231OilWellRoad,SuiteCEstablished:ATATechnologies,LLCwasfoundedin2004asTrinitySolutions,LLC.In2007,ATATmergedwithAlexanderThompsonArnoldCPAstoformastrongpartnership.Theirmissionistodelivertechnologyservices,sotheirclientscanfocusontheirbusinesses.Number of Employees: 5Top Services/About your company: Theytakeafull-circleapproachtomanagingInformationTechnologyneedsforlocalbusinesses.Nomattertheindustry,whetheritisBanking,ProfessionalServices,Manufacturing,orretail,ATAThastheexpertisetoprovideallyourITsolutions.Becauseoftheirapproachanddedicationtotheirclients,ATATechnologies,LLCreceivedthe2006EmergingBusinessAwardfromtheJacksonAreaChamberofCommerce.ATATechisalsorecognizedasaDellpartner,FortinetPartnerandaMicrosoftCertifiedPartner.Web site: www.atacpatech.netPhone Number: (731)664-0102
ATATSERVICES:•NetworkManagement-Wide&LocalAreaNetworking,PC&NetworkMaintenance•BusinessSolutions-Hardware&SoftwareSolutions,CloudComputing,TechnologyAssessments,RemoteAccess,WirelessNet-working,UserTraining,CustomSoftware,WebApplicationDevelopment•DisasterRecovery-OffsiteBackup,DataRecovery•Security-SecuritySolutions,Anti-Virus&NetworkSecurity•Auditing-ITAuditing,SSAE16/SAS70ComputerForensics
CERTIFICATIONS:•CISSP(CertifiedInformationSystemsSecurityProfessional)•CISA(CertifiedInformationSystemsAuditor)•CEH(CertifiedEthicalHacker)•ENA(ExtremeNetworksAdministrator)•MCP(MicrosoftCertifiedProfessional)•MCSA(MicrosoftCertifiedSystemsAdministrator)•A,.NETCertification
THE CHAMBERjacksontn.com6
American Cold Storage-North America, L.P.CharlesCheatham100LeeSt.Jackson,TN38301(731)422-7100www.americancold.comCategory:ColdStorageCommercial
DaVita South JacksonKayRich46HartsBridgeRoadJackson,TN38301(731)422-9568www.davita.comCategory:Clinics&MedicalGroups
Me’ Me’s Yum YumsGlenda(Peggy)Creasy,RN,CMM,CLCPPOBox11822Jackson,TN38305(731)695-1450www.memesyumyums.comCategory:Bakeriesand/orSpecialtyDesserts
Redd Realty ServicesAnnaDisser1254OldHillsboroRd.Franklin,TN37069(615)591-5525www.reddrealty.comCategory:RealEstate-Commercial&/orResidential
State Farm Agency Field Leadership OfficeJoeWhite162MurrayGuardDr.,Ste.CJackson,TN38305(731)664-4590Category:Insurance
The Convenience Store DowntownSarahClayborne116E.BaltimoreSt.Jackson,TN38301(731)256-4040Category:ConvenienceStores
University of Tennessee Extension-Madison County AmyHastingsElizer309N.ParkwayJackson,TN38305(731)668-8543www.utextension.tennessee.edu/madisonCategory:EducationServices
YoLo Frozen YogurtTaylorBerger1081Vann.Dr#103Jackson,TN38305(731)300-0282www.yolofroyo.comCategory:IceCreamShops
WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
December New Members
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AdvancedSpineInstitute,PLLCAllAmericanSignsAllStarPropertyManagment&RealtyCo.Allstate-HughesInsuranceAgencyAlphaOmegaFood,LLCBackyardBarbecueBoys&GirlsClubofJackson-MadisonCounty,Inc.Brooksie’sBarnCarlsonConsultingEngineers,Inc.CertifiedCarpet&UpholsteryCleanersChick-fil-AChick-fil-AofOldHickoryMallChristianCulbreath,D.D.S.CommercialBank&TrustCompanyCrossGateServices,Inc.CyberVisionTechnologyGroupDaVitaNorthJacksonDCPofTennessee,LLCdbaWe’reWirelessDeltaFaucetCompanyDonnaDoesDetailsWedding&EventPlanningDr.MichaelKingEHSManagementSystemsFaithSatelliteCompanyFamilyHealthCareofJackson,PCFirstTennesseeBankFranklinElectrofluidCo.,Inc.GarrettPlumbing&HeatingCo.,Inc.GaryA.TaylorInvestmentCo.GeislerYoung,LLCGeneralShaleBrickInc.H&HServices,Inc.H&MCompany,Inc.HarryH.MillerJr.,CPAHavner’sFrameShoppeHensleyEnterprisesHomeInsteadSeniorCareHubCityBlueprint&SupplyCo.,Inc.HudsonWarehousesINGFinancialPartners,LLCJacksonChiropracticCenterJacksonCivitanClubJacksonHousingAuthorityJostensKirkland’s,Inc.KitchensbyDesignofTN,LLCLawrence&Company,CPA’sLegalshield/GoSmallBiz
LPLFinancialMGConstructionCo.,LLCMadisonCountyEmergencyCommunicationsDistrict(911)MerryMaidsofGreaterJacksonMirrorLawnTurfDoctor,Inc.NorthsideMedicalClinic,PCNorthwesternMutualFinancialNetworkPathwayLendingPrattInd.(USA)CorrugatingDiv.R&JFeedSupplyCompany,Inc.ReichholdMachinery,Inc.Rina’sDulceMemoriesSignature’sBoutiqueSignsFirstofMadisonCountySmith’sFloorCovering&InteriorDesignSnellsofJacksonSunriseRecyclingServicesSuperiorEnterprises,Inc.SurplusWarehouseTaylor’sJewelryRepairStudioTennesseeQualityHomecare&HospiceTennesseeQualityHomecare&HospiceTheBarrelWine&SpiritsCo.TheEblenAgency-ADiv.ofInsurancePlanning&ServiceCo.TheHughesEyeCenterTheLearningHouseTheNeelyHouseTherapyandLearningCenterTyler’sLocksmithUnitedCountryActionRealtyWBBJTVWestTennesseeExaminerWildSophistication,Inc.YoungTouchstoneCo.YouthTownofTennessee
DECEMBER RENEWING MEMBERS
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RIBBON CUTTINGS & OPENINGS
FabulousFootwear662VannDr.
Category:Shoes
MagsandLulu189BW.UniversityPkwy.
Category:Clothing-Children
ChurchillMortgageGroup1903N.HighlandAve.,Ste.6www.churchillmortgage.comCategory:MortgageLoans
AvalonHospice-RegencyHealthCare1024GreystoneSq.
www.avalone-hospice.comCategory:HospiceCare
Solar&RenewablePowerSystems33OldHickoryBoulevard
Category:RenewableEnergySolutions
Jackson-MadisonCountyGeneralHospital-OrthopedicCenter
620SkylineDr.www.wth.net
Category:Hospitals
Ronda’sTravelCorner3339N.Highland.Ave.
www.rondastravelcorner.comCategory:TravelAgencies
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS• Monday, January 23, 2 p.m. SeaPortAirlines,McKellar-SipesAirport,308GradyMontgomeryDr.ContactCindyMelton,(731)423-0995
• Wednesday, January 25, 1 p.m. DaVitaDialysisSouth,46HartsBridgeRd.ContactSenecaSuggs,(731)422-9568
• Wednesday, February 1, 10 a.m. AFLACInsurance/NateJones,2796N.Highland.ContactNateJones,(765)760-3205
• Tuesday, February 7, 2 p.m. SweetDesigns,207MainSt.,SuiteB.ContactMarlaPruett,(731)695-4804
• Wednesday, February 8, 2 p.m. PatriotEquityCreditUnion,1450UnionUniversityDr.ContactShelbyKee,(731)660-7338
• Monday, February 13, 10 a.m. BuffaloWildWings,1242VannDr.ContactLaMorrisPerson,(731)984-9464
• Tuesday, February 28, 3 p.m.HomeBased&OutofTownRibbonCutting,TheChamber,197AuditoriumSt.ContactLisaCothran,(731)423-2200
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH• Friday, March 2, 12 p.m. ColeDetailShop,210CommerceCenterCircle.ContactRobertCole,(731)410-6688.
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HOME BASED & OUT OF TOWN RIBBON CUTTING
JSPromotions266TrentonHwy.,Humboldt,TN
www.jspromotions.comCategory:PromotionalProducts
JacksonBallroomDanceClub,Inc.1015CountryClubPOBox10995
www.jacksonballroom.comCategory:DanceInstruction
EasterSealsTennessee777W.Church,Ste.K,Lexington,TN
www.eastersealstn.comCategory:NonprofitOrganization
BehavioralHealthcareCenteratMartin458HanningsLane,Martin,TN
www.bhcmartin.comCategory:HealthCareFacility
OfficePridePOBox1,CrockettMills,TN
www.officepride.comCategory:Janitorial-Commercial
LegalShield/GoSmallBiz547OldHumboldtRd.
Category:ConsultingServices
MillCreekKennels6503TerryRd.,Lavinia,TN
www.millcreekkennelstn.comCategory:PetShop,Grooming&
Kennels
LakesideTravel,LLC22150E.MainSt.
www.kylakesidetravel.netCategory:CharterBus&/orTour
Company
RotoRooterPlumbing25GStonebrookePlace,Ste.149
www.rotorooter.comCategory:Plumbing
SteelStormShelters130MockingbirdRd.,Medon,TNwww.steelstormshelters.comCategory:StormShelters
TrainingServicesGroup,Inc.292MclearyRd.
Category:PrivateInvestigator
GET INVOLVED! TheAmbassadors(RedCoats)areacceptingapplicationsnowforadditionalvolunteersforthe2012year.TheAmbassadorsserveasthegoodwillarmofTheChamber.Theyattendribbon
cuttings,grandopenings,groundbreakingsandvolunteeratChamberfunctions.TheyareanelitegroupofvolunteerswhosupportChambermemberbusinessesinallkindsofways.Theyareon
thefrontlineofallthenewandexcitingthingshappeninginJackson.IfyouareinterestedinbecominganAmbassador,contactShirleyJonesat
VanickGroup6555QuinceRd.,Ste.101,
Memphis,TNwww.vanick.com
Category:WebSiteDevelopment
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MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS (DECEMBER 2011)
Total Labor Force Nov. ’11 Nov. ‘10 Rate Change Oct. ’11 Oct. ’10 Rate Change
MadisonCounty 48,590 48,550 0.1% 48,900 48,580 0.7%
JacksonMSA 56,400 56,480 -0.1% 56,750 56,590 0.3%(Madison&ChesterCounties)
Tennessee 3,118,800 3,065,800 1.7% 3,125,600 3,077,400 1.6%
UnitedStates 153,683,000 153,698,000 0.0% 154,088,000 153,652,000 0.3% Unemployment Nov. ’11 Nov. ’10Rate Change Oct. ’11Oct. ’10Rate Change MadisonCounty 9.0% 9.6% -0.6%9.3% 9.2%0.1%JacksonMSA 8.9% 9.6% -0.7% 9.3% 9.4%-0.1% (Madison&ChesterCounties) Tennessee 8.4% 9.4%-1.0% 8.9% 9.1% -0.2%
UnitedStates 8.2% 9.3% -1.1% 8.5% 9.0% -0.5%
Sales Tax Collected Dec. '11 Dec. ‘10 Rate Change Nov. '11 Nov. '10 Rate Change
CityofJackson$3,424,871 $3,494,177-2.0% $3,556,129$3,592,962-1.0%
MadisonCounty$3,692,590 $3,801,328-2.9% $3,870,910$3,935,268 -1.6%
Building Permits
Residential Dec. ‘11 Dec. ‘10 Nov. '11 Nov. '10
NumberIssued 11 87 14PermitValue $3,182,000 1,505,000 $795,000 $2,515,000
Commercial NumberIssued 12 10 12 18PermitValue $987,719 1,667,093$11,217,248$7,977,673
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