March 2016

CHAMBERCONNECTION

Oe Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Bus’ Mobile Innovation Lab,above, powered by theCO, traveled West Tennessee. At far leL,inside the bus, theCO co-founders Ben Ferguson and Barrett Gaytest out the technology.

Annual Celebration honors businesses and volunteersThemusic was from the 1980s. “Ferris

Bueller’s Day Off ” was playingsilently on the video screens. Jackson

Chamber’s Annual Celebration earlierthis month was a Throwback Thursday(#TBT) to several decades ago.

The event, though, was a luncheon to celebrateJackson as it is today and the many businesses thatmake it great. The Carl Grant Events Center atUnion University was packed, sold out, as peoplefrom throughout the community were on hand tohear the winners of the Jackson Chamber’s 2015business awards.

The winners are …Emerging Business of the Year: Bravo! HairGallery & Color BarBusiness of the Year, 1-49 Employees: JacksonGenerals Baseball ClubBusiness of the Year, 50+ employees: DeltaElectrical Inc.Industry of the Year: GerdauNonprofit of the Year: STAR Center Inc.West Tennessee Healthcare Health &WellnessAward: Simmons BankVolunteer of the Year: Landon PrestonLike many of the other winners, Brice Meeks,

owner of Delta Electrical (DEI), credited hisemployees and clients for winning the award. “Ijust happen to be the one that got to go up onthe stage, but we are all a part of DEI getting thisaward.”

Meeks began his business in his backyardworkshop in 2006 when he was 24. In 2015, thecompany completed 750 projects, brought inmore than $8 million in revenue and started

a free apprenticeship program for

employeesto betterthemselves.

JacksonGeneralsBaseball Club,which wonBusiness of theYear with under50 employees,thanked itsfans. In 2015,The JacksonGenerals sawan attendanceincrease for the second-consecutive year and won the SouthernLeague Community Service Award.“This award is especially meaningful for the young girls

in my business who are just starting their careers and get tosee that the way we do things really does work,” said DawnGarofalo, owner of Bravo Hair Gallery & Color Bar Salon,which won the Emerging Business of the Year.“We have 42 full-time employees and 100 part-time

employees that get up everyday and live out our mission tohelp any person with a disability to reach their full potential;the Jackson Chamber simply recognized what I see them doingeveryday,” said Dave Bratcher, president of the Star Center,Nonprofit of the Year winner.Gerdau’s 2015 accomplishments included two important

safety awards and breaking ground on an expansion that willincrease the industrial recycler and steel maker’s revenue,employees and the amount it can recycle.“Receiving this award most impacts our employees,” Bill

Kipp, people manager of the local mill, said. “This awardis recognition for all the hard work they do, and none ofthis would have been possible without their motivation and

engagement.”Simmons Bank won for its successful employee health

initiative. “When we started our health and wellnessprogram two years ago, our goal was to get everyone in thecompany involved,” said Liz Coley, wellness coordinator forSimmons Bank. “People are feeling good and taking care ofthemselves and their families. Its a win win for everyone.”Volunteer of the Year Landon Preston said winning the

award is “extremely humbling. To be honored with thisaward means much to me because it’s given by people whoserve our community through their work at the chamber.”“It’s great to be a part of this community,” said Steve

Bowers, the Annual Celebration’s emcee more than once atthe luncheon. Those present agreed.Sponsors of the Annual Celebration were West

Tennessee Healthcare, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC,Commercial Bank and Trust Company, Horne CPAs &Business Advisors, Steele Martin Jones & Co. PLC, TheJackson Sun, Voya Financial Advisors Inc. – Steve & BradLittle, andWest Tennessee HealthcareFoundation.

West TN Regional Health Summit coming March 31 - pg 2

The Cumberland House opens for events - pg 3

White House asks Jackson to join TechHire Initiative - pg 4

Southwest Tennessee reconnects adults to educationn March, the Southwest TennesseeDevelopment District launched its latestregional initiative to encourage adults

between 25 and 64 to get a postsecondarydegree, certikcate or diploma.

ne Southwest Tennessee ReconnectCommunity began helping adults acrossthe region to navigate the various paths ofreturning to college or enrolling for the krsttime.

Along with grant partners, theCO andWayne County Chamber of Commerce,Southwest Tennessee Reconnect touredall 13 counties using theCO’s MobileInnovation Lab to inform adults aboutoptions for obtaining a postsecondary degree orcredential.

During the week-long launch, 43 adults completedan intake form and met with an advisor and arepresentative from a regional higher educationinstitution to start the process of gettingtheir degree.

“ne bus is one tool in our toolbox to reach adults where theylive, work, and play– especially in someof our more ruralareas where accessto technology can bea barrier to getting andcompleting an education,” saidCedric Deadmon, Southwest Tennessee Reconnectcommunity director.

“ne bus, owned and operated by theCO, hasbeen retroktted with ‘computer pods’ and internetconnectivity to allow us to work with prospectivestudents on board.”

Nearly one million Tennessee adults have started

I

college, but never knished, Deadmon said. Under Gov.Bill Haslam’s leadership, the state is on the “Drive to 55,”an initiative with a mission to see 55 percent of Tennesseeadults equipped with a college degree or post-high schoolcertikcate by 2025.

Under that initiative, various programs exist to make the“Drive to 55” a reality, such as the Tennessee Promise andTennessee Reconnect programs.

nough cities like Philadelphia and Antonio have beenproviding these services to adults for anumber of years, Tennessee, is the krststate in the nation to provide these high-touch, high-impact services to adults in acoordinated state-wide emort, Deadmon

said.ne Southwest Tennessee Reconnect is more

than a program with a website and forms; the SouthwestTennessee Reconnect Community provides professionalcollege access and community advisors at more than 10higher education partners in the region. nese advisors areembedded in local communities and work with individualsto provide a path to and through college.

“We want to build a support system, and that’s why this

process has to be relational,” said Deadmon. “Going backto college is a personal decision, but it is a decision that canchange someone’s life. Having a degree doesn’t make you abetter person, but it can open up doors of opportunity thatmight not exist without having a postsecondary credential.”

nere is currently no deadline to apply for schoolin order to receive help from the Southwest TennesseeReconnect Community; the program is ongoing. Potential“Reconnectors” are encouraged to start the process bycompleting an online intake form at swreconnect.com or bycalling 668-6423.

From there, an advisor will contact “Reconnectors” andschedule an initial meeting to discuss their postsecondarygoals and objectives. Deadmon said that the initiative isfocused on making sure that, whatever college a studentreconnects to is a good academic, knancial, and social kt.

Students are guided through the college admissions andFAFSA process where the various grant, scholarship, andloan options are discussed.

From there, the advisor collaborates with the highereducation institution which best kts the students’ needs andthe two entities work together to provide a pathway backthrough the doors of the institution.

Annual Celebration attendees show oN the free “shades” they received at the 1980s-themed event.

R2 • THE JACKSON SUN • SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ADVERTISING SECTION

CHAMBER NEWS

ennifer Stone Lawson is the JacksonChamber’s new membershipcoordinator.She will assist Lisa Cothran, vice

president of membershipdevelopment, in the overallgrowth and retention of thechamber’s membership andmaintaining membership-related databases. She alsoprovides direction for thedevelopment of the annualMembership Directory andBusiness Guide.“I am so excited and

honored to join the Jackson Chamberfamily,” said Lawson. “I hope that mygenuine desire to make a difference,combined with my passion for people,will shine through in everything that I dofor this organization.”“Jennifer is a great addition to our

staff,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEOof the Jackson Chamber. “She brings apositive attitude, friendly disposition andstrong work ethic. Combined with herexperience and knowledge of Jackson,she makes a great team player.”

Jennifer is a Memphis native with rootsfirmly planted in Jackson. She attendedLambuth University where she studiedart and mass communications. With a

diverse resume, including salesand operations management,Lawson began to cultivate herknowledge of art and leadershipskills into a career as a weddingand event planner. In 2010, shebegan working with a majorevent planning company basedin Memphis.Eventually bringing her event

“toolbox” home to Jackson, shecreated a home-based event planningbusiness and worked as the event andmarketing coordinator for JacksonDowntown Development Corporation in2013.Lawson has volunteered with the

Jackson Exchange Club, JacksonDowntown Development Corporationand on the Advisory Council for theJackson Young Professionals group.Connect to Jennifer by emailing

jlawson@jacksontn.com, calling423.2200 or visiting jacksontn.com.

Jackson Chamber announcesnew membership coordinatorJ

Customer Service:The key to ‘Connect Here’e generally think of customerservice in terms of our ownbusiness – the eject it has

on us as owners, our personnel, ourvendors and, most importantly, ourcustomers. Rightly so, because howwe treat our customers and vendorsgoverns the strength of the business andits ultimate sustainability.

At a recent meeting I attended, oneof the participants stated that the keyto making small businesses grow in ourcommunity is customer service. Put in that context, itsuggests that we take a much broader look at customerservice rather than confining it to one’s own servicebusiness or shop.

The Small Business Administration defines small

business as any business with 500 or feweremployees. With few exceptions, that means thatalmost every business – service, manufacturing,wholesale and retail in Jackson/Madison Countyand the surrounding counties – is a smallbusiness.Did you ever stop to think how your business

impacts the rest of the community? Suppose theway you treat your vendors and customers is notperceived in the same manner you perceive it tobe. You know the old adage: “if someone has agood experience, they will tell five people; if they

have negative experience they will tell 15 people!” Theobjective is getting you, your staff and your customer onthe same page.

Believe it or not, what you do has a major effect onthe whole community. It helps to support the community

brand – it affects shoppers, service users, tourism, sportsteams and a host of others.

Bringing people into Jackson and giving them theopportunity to have a positive experience will surelybring them back. Conversely, if they are mistreated, havea poor experience, or if they leave with the impressionthat “no one cares,” they will be reluctant to return.Jackson spent a lot of time and effort creating the

“Connect Here” brand. It is a creative and meaningfullogo. However, it is just that – a logo. What makes thebrand resonate is what each of our businesses brings tothe effort.

The conscious effort to maintain outstandingcustomer service not only makes the cash register ring,but will grow your business, and very importantly, bringpeople back to Jackson.It benefits our whole community.

W

Paige Reid joins tourism bureau

Employees graduate fromstate Chamber Institute

ackson Chamber employeesKristy Dew and AlexisLong graduated from theTennessee Chamber of

Commerce Executives Institutein March aher completing twoyears of training. ke ceremonytook place in Nashville withthe Tennessee Chamber ofCommerce Executives (TCCE).key received their graduationdiploma from Bryan Daniels,2016 institute chairman.TCCE was organized to

enhance the professional growthand development of chamberexecutives, staff and volunteers inTennessee. The institute, a two-year program sponsored by theTCCE, helps people who workwith chambers to advance theirleadership skills. Graduates learn aboutall aspects of chamber management.“Kristy and Alexis put their talents to

work every day for chamber membersand programs,” says 2015-2016 TCCEPresident and Jackson ChamberPresident/CEO, Kyle Spurgeon.“Connecting and learning from fellow

Tennessee chamber administrators is agreat benefit to them and our chamber.”Other Jackson Chamber staff

attending the institute were Julie Danielsand Jennifer Lawson, who are both intheir first year of training, and formergraduates Lisa Cothran, Shirley Jones,Lori Nunnery and Kyle Spurgeon. Jones,Nunnery and Spurgeon taught classes.

J

2016 Institute Chairman Bryan Daniels, center,presents graduation certiHcates to Kristy Dew,leG, and Alexis Long, right.

Jennifer Stone Lawson

Joel Newman

he Jackson Regional Partnershipwill sponsor the West TennesseeRegional Health Summit on March

31 at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Cen-ter in Jackson-Madison County GeneralHospital.The summit begins at 8 a.m. with

registration and a healthy breakfast. Theprogram kicks off at 8:45 a.m.The Jackson Regional Partnership is an

economic development initiative repre-senting Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Gibson,Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Mad-ison and McNairy counties. It pools thestrengths of various communities to attractnew business and industry while market-ing West Tennessee to the world throughthe collaborative efforts of a coalition ofarea chambers of commerce.The health summit will focus on

improving health and wellness in WestTennessee communities. Its target audi-ences are local, state and federal publicofficials; business and industry leaders; andhealth and health care professionals. It alsotargets school systems; higher education

and faith-based organizations; nonprofits;law enforcement; judiciary; chambers ofcommerce; and economic developers.“The central purpose of this project is

to strengthen community-based efforts toimprove health, wellness and preventionby enhancing multi-sector collaboration,”said Kingsley Brock, executive director ofJackson Regional Partnership.Dr. Randy Wykoff, dean of East Ten-

nessee State University College of PublicHealth, will present the keynote address,“Understanding and Improving Health inWest Tennessee.”Four $1,000 mini-grants will be offered

to public and not-for-profit agencies toimprove health, wellness or preventionefforts of the local and regional workforceand their families.The project is funded by the Blue

Cross Blue Shield Foundation; TennesseeInstitute of Public Health; and EastTennessee State University, College ofPublic Health.Those wanting to attend the health

summit can register that morning.

West Tennessee Regional HealthSummit coming March 31

T

Paige Reid hasjoined the JacksonConvention

and Visitors Bureauas visitor servicescoordinator. Reid willbe in charge of updatingand maintaining theJackson events calendar,preparing and trackingvisitor fulfillments,assisting with social media campaignsand helping with other daily operationswithin the visitors bureau.Reid comes to the tourism office

through her work with the JacksonChamber, where she served asreceptionist for a year and a half.Before that, she was an office managerfor her family’s business in Bolivar forsix years.“I’m excited to be a part of this new

chapter for tourism in Jackson,” Reidsaid. “Wonderful things are happeninghere in Jackson, and I feel honored

and privileged to be a part ofit all.”“Paige is a tremendous

asset to our team,” said LoriNunnery, executive directorof the Jackson Conventionand Visitors Bureau. “She wasselected for her enthusiasm,work ethic and understandingof today’s tourism needs.”Reid studied merchandising

at the University of Mississippi andobtained her associates degree inbusiness management from JacksonState Community College. She isinvolved with the TEAMMICA Fundand Jackson Service League. She isalso a room mother for her daughter,Isabella’s first grade class at JacksonChristian.To learn more about the many

events happening in Jackson andWest Tennessee, visit jacksontn.com.Connect socially on Facebook andTwitter or call 423.2200.

Paige Reid

ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 • THE JACKSON SUN • R3

reekside Center for Depression and TMS isexpanding its services and has a new name:Neurohealth Solutions. fe center was opened in

2012 by Pepper Pratt Ph.D. and David Vickery Ph.D. andremains in the same location at 174 Murray Guard Drive.Besides their involvement in Neurohealth Solutions,

Dr. Pratt is executive director of Youth Town and Dr.Vickery continues as professor of psychology at UnionUniversity and maintains a private practice.Kevin Turner M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist,

is medical director. He prescribes and oversees TMS(Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment, which isan FDA-cleared safe and effective treatment for patientswith depression who have not benefitted from priorantidepressant medication. It works by stimulating areas

of the brain that are underactive in patients with severedepression.Because it is not a drug, TMS therapy is free from

side effects that patients often experience fromantidepressants. During the procedure, the patientis awake and alert and may continue daily activitiesimmediately after treatment. TMS therapy usuallyconsists of five treatments per week for about six weekswith each treatment lasting about 40 minutes.While the treatment of depression is the priority at

Neurohealth Solutions, the staff also addresses othertreatment applications, including migraine headachesand Parkinson’s disease.“It is our hope that everyone can get back to the

business of living while discovering and experiencingpersonal joy in life,” said Dr. Vickery.For more information, visit NeurohealthTennessee.com.

Sam Turner coaches businesses aboutcontinuous improvement

hen Sam Turner learned about the BaldrigeCriteria for Performance Excellence, he knewit would change the way he looked at business

forever. Twelve years later, Turner uses the criteria as aframework for coaching businesses that react to problemsto developing businesses that create a strategic plan.

“Is your business doing as well as it could be?” askedTurner, the owner of Baldrige Success Strategies. “Betterperformance is within your organization’s reach.”

Using goals and measurements and improvingprocesses, Turner coaches abusiness on how to balance theneeds of the organizationwith the customer’s needs.“It’s all about adoptinga culture of continuousimprovement andlearning,” said Turner.

Turner uses theBaldrige Criteria as a framework for businesses to identifyareas in which they can improve. The criteria addressseven essential elements: leadership, strategy, customers,measurement, analysis and knowledge management,workforce, operations and results.

“The Baldrige Criteria represent the leading edge ofvalidated management practices,” he said.

Turner first became familiar with continuousimprovement while working at Jackson EnergyAuthority. After 36 years of experience in theutility industry and more than a decade ofexperience in continuous improvement, Turnerstarted his own company in 2010.

He offers a broad range of services, from gapanalysis and strategic planning to workforce andcustomer surveys and training.Two years ago, Turner joined the Jackson

Chamber. As a graduate of Leadership Jacksonand a member of the Leadership Jackson AlumniAssociation board of directors, Turner is morethan aware of how the chamber helps the community. Forhis own business, Turner relies on the Jackson Chamberto help him maintain business relationships and provideinformation about social and economic trends.“Supporting the chamber is an easy decision when

you consider what the chamber does for the businessenvironment in Jackson and the surrounding community.”Being a management coach requires a personal

commitment to learning. Every year, Turner receivesnew training and exposure to the latest best practices. Heis also active in a variety of state, regional and nationalorganizations and serves as a training facilitator and amember of the panel of judges for the Tennessee Center

for Performance Excellence. He is a master examinerfor the American Health Care Association and a seniorexaminer for the Malcolm Baldrige National QualityAward.

“Today’s operating environment can be bestdescribed with one word: change,” Turner said. “Rapidtechnological growth, exponential amounts of data,legislative and regulatory changes, political pressures anda changing economic environment are driving changes incustomer and stakeholder expectations and operationalrequirements. The future is filled with strategic challengesand belongs to those who plan to meet it.”

For more information, visit baldrigesuccessstrategies.comor contact Turner at 427.3568.

MEMBER CONNECTION

NEW MEMBER CONNECTION

Cumberland House open for eventsAlmost 150 years after The Cumberland House

was built as a wedding gift for WilliamWalsh’sdaughter, the house functions as a unique

venue for modern day brides. The CumberlandHouse’s romantic charm and history has set it apartas a venue for weddings and parties in Jackson.

Kathi and Rex Leatherwood enjoyed living in midtownfor several years before finding two houses and threeacres of land at Deaderick and Cumberland streets. TheWilliamWalsh house on Deaderick is the Leatherwood’sprimary residence. For awhile, they used The Cumber-land House for theirown personal use,but the demand fromlocals for a differentvenue in the down-town area changedtheir plans.

“In Nashville, Ilived on BelmontBoulevard where weenjoyed being a partof the revitalization inthat part of the city,” said Leatherwood. “When we movedto Jackson, we knew that we wanted to be a part of themovement to revitalize downtown Jackson. It is so excit-ing to be here and be a part of preserving this importantpart of the city.”

Lights string across the meadow in the back of The

Cumberland House where the Leatherwoodshave recently built a 40- by 50-foot garden pavil-ion to accommodate outdoor events. A woodedarea creates a natural room where guests can settables and hang chandeliers from the trees.

Inside, the white-toned “Stardust” room hasbeen the ideal backdrop for bridal photography.A veranda sweeps around the house, providingextra space for guests or food. The lion’s share ofthe Cumberland House’s charm, however, is itshistory, and the Leatherwoods intend to do all

they can to preserve it.During the yellow fever epidemic

in the late 1800s, Dr. Frank Hamilton, theoriginal owner of the Cumberland House,was instrumental in preserving the city fromextensive casualties by arranging bonfiresto be placed around the city. Though he wasunaware that the bonfires kept away themosquitos that were spreading the disease,(Hamilton was copying the example set by theIndians), Jackson had only a handful of deathscompared to the devastation in Memphis and

other railroad towns across West Tennessee.“It’s just so natural to me to love the history and old

houses in Jackson,” said Leatherwood. “I love preservingthose stories, and having a place where people can be apart of West Tennessee’s history.”

Leatherwood was the director of the Jackson Arts

Council for 12 years. As a promoter of various art or-ganizations in Jackson, Leatherwood used connectionsand resources at the Jackson Chamber. When she startedoffering the Cumberland House as a venue, joining theJackson Chamber was a natural part of her business plan.

From facilitating networking events and arrangingeducational classes to drawing new industries to the area,the work that the Jackson Chamber does is just so im-portant for both small and large businesses, said Leather-wood.

“I think that it’s important to be a part of the businessorganization of Jackson. I love this area of Tennessee, andthe Jackson Chamber is doing a great job of promotingJackson.”

The Cumberland House is at 428 N. CumberlandSt. For more information, call 394.0087 or visitthecumberlandhouse.info.

Kathi Leatherwood, co-owner of Fe Cumberland House.

Sam Turner relies on the Jackson Chamber to help him maintainbusiness relationships.

C

W

Creekside Center for Depression under new name

LeE to right, Kevin Turner M.D., David Vickery Ph.D. andPepper Pratt Ph.D.

LIFT Your Employees to Healthy HeightsThe LIFT Wellness Center can provide yourorganization with the wellness resources you need tohelp your employees become happier, healthier, andmore productive. With the guidance of our wellnessprofessionals, we can help your organization design,implement, and manage a comprehensive wellnessprogram that is specific to your needs and can helpdecrease the organization’s insurance costs andbottom line.

Program Goals and Objectives:

Improve the overall health and well-beingof employees through primary (decreasing oreliminating risk factors) and secondary (mitigatingthe effects of chronic disease) prevention efforts.

Increase workforce engagement, thus elevatingmorale and decreasing turnover.

Enhance employee productivity, particularly byreducing absenteeism (sick days), presenteeism,and short-term disability claims.

Demonstrate financial return on investment,especially through reduction in employeehealthcare utilization costs to the organization.

Create a positive community image of workforcewellness, including development of a sustainableand enjoyable program.

Work Plus Rehab CenterOur Physical and Occupational Therapists’ mission isto return you to your life’s pursuits as quickly, safely,and economically as possible. Whether it is a return towork or simply to improve the quality of your life in andaround your home, our focus remains on you.

Reasons to Choose Work Plus:

60+ years of clinical experience.

Multi-disciplinary, team approach to rehabilitationincluding physical and occupational therapy.

The most comprehensive Work Hardening programin West Tennessee comprising 10,000 square feet torehab an injured worker.

The only certified driver rehabilitation program inWest Tennessee.

The only low vision rehabilitation program in WestTennessee outside of Memphis.

Ergonomic Assessment of the work environment toidentify problem areas to prevent and enhance theproductivity of workers.

Physical Abilities/Pre-work Screening assessmentsto help determine if a prospective employee canphysically and safely do the job for which they arebeing considered.

Mobile, onsite therapy unit that can be utilized forhealth fairs or pre-work screenings at your place ofbusiness.www.wth.org

Because Employee Health MattersWest Tennessee Healthcare knows that employees are the heart ofan organization, and that the well-being of those employees is vitalto a healthy, thriving business. From corporate wellness initiativesto injury rehabilitation, we offer the tools to help keep yourworkforce healthy and, when necessary, get them back to work asquickly as possible.

Lift Wellness Center101 Jackson Walk PlazaJackson, TN 38301

731-425-6930www.liftjackson.com 343 Vann Dr., Jackson TN 38305

731-984-7640 1-800-235-9498

R4 • THE JACKSON SUN • SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ADVERTISING SECTION

RENEWING MEMBERS February2016

RIBBON CUTTINGSFebruary 2016

APRIL

1111:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

@ Jackson Country Club

MAR

315 - 7 p.m.

@ New Life Medical Group

APRIL

132 - 3:15 p.m.

@ Jackson Chamber

For more information, visit our eventscalendar at jacksontn.com

Jackson Chamber Events

NEWMEMBERS

February 2016

APRIL

411:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

@ Carl Grant Events Center

Kathy Canovan, Rodan + FieldsAmanda Davenport, Complete Restoration Inc.Amber Haynes, The Jackson SunRegetta Nelson, Madison County Mayor’s OfficeSabrina Young, Cancer Care Center

Ambassadors with perfectattendance for February:

White House asks Jackson to joinnational TechHire Initiative

Jackson was one of 15 communities recently chosenby the White House to join the national TechHireInitiative, which will enable Americans to be equipped

to use the latest technology in order to get better-payingjobs. Jackson was selected and invited to join the program.Only 50 cities are designated as a TechHire city.

“Jackson was chosen because of the efforts bycommunity leaders, the Jackson Chamber andlocal businesses to explore every avenue to createhigh-paying jobs and to equip locals to be betterworkers,” said Ben Ferguson, founder of theCO.

“As a city, Jackson has had a lot of movement towardsusing technology to achieve our goals. At theCO, we’vebeen really excited to be a part of the efforts to bringJackson to the forefront of modern technology.”

The TechHire Initiative was launched by PresidentBarack Obama in March 2015 to empower Americans withthe skills that they need to get well-paying jobs by creatingcoding boot camps, high-quality online courses and othernon-traditional approaches to workforce development.

Rather than waiting for workers to get a traditional,four-year college degree, workers will be able to quickly get

theCO leads partnership to train and place adults into high-paying jobs in West Tennesseethe training that they need to join the workforce.The initiative will create avenues for employeesto get well-paying tech jobs and will also meetthe workforce demands of local employers.

Using the TechHire designation, theCOhas partnered with employers to expandits Code Catalyst program, which teachesstudents of all ages how to build a website,code, build an application or start a business.

The program is based on Treehouse, a self-pacedweb platform that challenges students and rewardsthem for continued progress. theCO’s goal for 2016is to train and place 100 adults into paid internships,apprenticeships and jobs with the help of PersonnelPlacements, Allygn and the Jackson Chamber.

“Workforce development is a criticalcomponent to recruiting jobs to WestTennessee,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president andCEO of the Jackson Chamber. “The TechHireInitiative is a major step forward in providingour workforce with the skills they need tocompete in the 21st century and beyond.”

731-426-7533 800-960-7533www.lanecollege.edu

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ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 • THE JACKSON SUN • R5

Alba Coffee,Tea & Food,112 E. Baltimore

A Matter of Taste,Too LLC,2841 U.S. Hwy. 45 Bypass

Asahi Japanese Steakhouse,1364 Vann

Backyard Barbecue, 186 OldHickory

Baker’s Rack, 203 E. LafayetteBaudo’s Restaurant,

559 Wiley ParkerBrooksie’s Barn, 561 Oil WellBuffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar,

1242 VannBurrito Kick, 1938 Hwy. 45 BypassCatfish Cabin, 1290 S. HighlandChandelier,The Neely House,

575 S. Roya]Charleston Catering Company/

Backyard BBQ, 703 E. Main,Brownsville

Chick-fil-A of Old Hickory Mall,2021 N. Highland

ComeUnity Cafe, 218 E. MainCoyote Blues, 4 StonebridgeDairy Queen, 2294 N. HighlandDonut Connection,

638 Old HickoryThe Downtown Tavern,

208 N. LibertyDumplin’s of Jackson,

31 C Wiley ParkerElegant Events by Mike &Troy,

415 E. Lafayette, Ste. AFirehouse Subs, 907 Vann, Stes. A&LFive Guys Burgers and Fries,

1259 VannFlatiron Grille and Bistro,

1160 VannFleur de Lee Restaurant,

1143 RushmeadeFuji Yama Japanese Restaurant,

10 StonebridgeGigi’s Cupcakes of Jackson,

907 Vann, Ste. KGourmet Your Way,

2058 HollywoodHeavenly Ham, 480-1 Wiley ParkerHibachi Grill Supreme Buffet,

105 C StonebrookHoneyBaked Ham Co. and Cafe,

841 Vann

Jason’s Deli, 6 StonebridgeThe Krystal Company,

12 StonebridgeLittle Caesars Pizza,

3189 N. HighlandLonghorn Steakhouse, 631 VannLos Portales, 127 Old HickoryL & T Cakery, Inc.,

19 A North StarMaggieMoo’s Ice Cream and

Treatery, 1032 VannMcAlisters Deli, 1012 VannMoe’s Southwest Grill,

1923 EmporiumMulligan’s, 1037 Union UniversityOld Country Store, 56 Casey JonesOld Hickory Steakhouse,

624 Old HickoryOld Town Spaghetti Store,

550 Carriage HousePanera Bread, 1145 VannPicasso Bistro Pizzeria,

10 StonebridgePizza Hut, 104 W. ChesterPopeyes Louisiana Kitchen,

1921 N. HighlandPour Me Some Juice, LLC,

101 Jackson WalkRed Lobster, 123 StonebrookRedbone’s Grill and Bar,

584 Carriage HouseReggi’s BBQ, 292 ParkstoneRock’n Dough Pizza & Brew Co.,

16 Jackson WalkSmoothie King, 241 A StonebridgeSnappy Tomato Pizza, 1187 VannSnappy Tomato Pizza-South

Jackson, 1649 S. HighlandSparky’s Pizzeria & Grill,

224 ParkstoneSubway Downtown Jackson,

122 E. BaltimoreTulum Fresh Mexican Grill,

71 Carriage HouseUmphy’s, 745 Old HickoryU.S. Donuts Northside,

3189 N. Highland, Ste. CWoodstock Bake Shop, LLC,

80 C InnsdaleZaxby’s, 1155 VannZen Japanese Steakhouse,

660 Carriage House

Jackson Chamber encourages you to choose an eatery thathas invested in the community by becoming a member of thechamber. `e following is a list of restaurants and caterers that arechamber members as of March 18, 2016 …

EATING OUT?

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

New Ambassadors:Elner GrayMegan Henry, Coca-Cola ofJacksonDebra Kee, Diet Center

Ken Keim, The Jackson SunGabe Mudd, Allison Insurance GroupColleen Owens, Crye-Leike Blue SkiesReal Estate

Pinnacle’s manufacturingfacilities were recognizedby the Supply Chain

Leadership Team (SCLT) for its2015 accomplishments at theFourth Annual Supply Chain TeamDinner in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Parisppany is the home ofPinnacle’s corporate office. MikeWittman, EVP and chief supplychain officer, and the SCLTpresented awards to the plants for safety, quality,service, motivation, maintenance, sustainability,MVP, most improved plant and plant of the

year. In addition, Supply Chain Team ExcellenceAwards were presented to acknowledge the cross-functional teamwork that was recently highlightedas part of Pinnacle’s Winning Moments program.

Pinnacle Foods, leG, receives the MVP– Jackson award. Pictured from leG areMike Wittman, EVP and chief supplychain oHcer; Mike Pace, Pinnacle Foodsplant manager; and Melissa Nippert, vicepresident of innovation and productivity.Below, Pinnacle Foods receives MostImproved Plant – Jackson award. Picturedfrom leG are Wittman, Pace and PabloCussatti, SVP of manufacturing.

Pinnacle Foods recognized

erdau’s Jackson Mill has received twoimportant awards because of its attentionto employee safety.

The local steel manufacturer received theSteel Manufacturers Association Safety Awardfor working a calendar year without a lost timeaccident, an injury significant enough that anemployee had to miss at least one day of work.

It also receivedthe TennesseeCommissioner’sAward ofExcellence inrecognition forworking morethan one million hours without a lost timeaccident and having an injury rate for the lastthree years that is 10 percent or more below themost current national average for its industry.In fact, the Jackson mill’s actual numbers are

even greater than those stipulated for winningboth awards.“Our focus on continuous safety improvement

and engagement of each individual employeeresulted in the mill’s completing two years and

more than 1.5 million hours worked without aday lost from an injury,” said Ricardo Anawate,vice president and general manager of the localmill. “These achievements are a testament toour employees’ dedication to safety and reflectsthe establishment of a zero-tolerance cultureregarding safety.”Safety is a core value at all of Gerdau’s locations,

said Bill Kipp, people manager ofthe local mill. “We’re committedto the safety of our employees, andwe work to continuously improvepractices and processes to ensurethe safest working environmentpossible.”

“The most satisfying part of receiving theseawards is knowing that each employee is able tosafely return from work to their family each day.”

The mill, located off U.S. 45 in north MadisonCounty, melts and re-manufactures recycled steelthat it obtains from vehicles and other sourcesthat are no longer usable. The quality steel isthen used in a variety of ways, including majorcommercial buildings, freeways, bridges andother concrete structures throughout the world.

GGerdau receives two safety awards

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R6 • THE JACKSON SUN • SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2016 ADVERTISING SECTION