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-Hi, everybody, I'm Julie Cooke.

We are with Kyle Spurgeon, the executive director of the Greater Jackson Chamber.

This is a big day to shine the spotlight on the businesses, the most enduring, the most successful, and those who have had the greatest impact on our community.

-Thank you, and appreciate you being here and all the 660 people who are about to show up.

What we do at this time of year, we do, we recognize small businesses, large businesses, industry of the year.

We've got several other awards, but the biggest thing is it gives us the opportunity as the Greater Jackson Chamber to all come together.

There's a lot of networking that occurs here and it's a big celebration because yes, we've got award winners, but this community is successful because all of the businesses, all the members of the chamber, the leaders in this community make this a successful place.

That's bottom line, that's what we're really celebrating.

-You've outgrown every venue -you've ever had this event in.

-That's right.

We need a bigger venue.

-We've got-- -So you came to the Civic Center.

-That's exactly right.

We're packing this thing out.

Next year, probably even more people here.

It's great to have that problem.

Jackson, we do need a bigger venue.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Kyle Spurgeon, Greater Jackson Chamber, the awards show is just ahead.

[music] -Welcome to the Greater Jackson Chamber's 2025 Annual .. 2024 saw many accomplishments and successes for the Greater Jackson Chamber.

To share our year-end review, please welcome Chamber board chair, Roger Smith, with Thompson Smith Insurance, a Higginbotham partner.

[applause] -Good afternoon, Jackson, Tennessee.

I think we have most of the city here.

I'm so glad that you've joined us today for our Greater Jackson Chamber's 2025 Annual Celebration and Awards.

Again, I'm Roger Smith with Thompson & Smith Higginbotham Insurance, and I'm fortunate enough to be the chairman of the Chamber's board.

Before I highlight our accomplishments, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the individuals who serve on our board.

Their commitment and leadership have been instrumental in our success.

Would recently retired board members, current board members, and our brand-new board members please stand, if you will, please.

[applause] -Thank you.

Again, we appreciate your commitment to the Chamber and all you do as volunteers, because this organization could not operate without volunteers.

How about those ambassadors?

They're always there for us and helped us get in the build..

Thank you, ambassadors.

[applause] -Greater Jackson Chamber has been and continues to be a catalyst for most of the positive accomplishments in Jackson, Madison County, and in the region.

Reflecting on 2024, our community achieved some remarkable milestones.

First, we were awarded Chamber of the Year Award.

We were honored with the Inaugural Chamber of the Year, awarded by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce executives, recognizing our dedication to fostering growth and community development.

The Economic Development Growth Engine Award, we won that.

EDGE named us as the regional economic development agency of the year, highlighting our strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Best Places to Work.

For the second consecutive year, the Memphis Business Journal recognized the Greater Jackson Chamber as one of the best places to work, underscoring our commitment to a positive workplace culture.

Here's one.

We landed Denver Air Connection at Jackson Regional Airp.. That deserves some applause.

[applause] -You see what I did there, right?

We landed Denver Air.

[laughter] -After a 40-something year hiatus, Jackson Regional Airport again offers regular jet service through Denver Air Connection, providing direct flights to Atlanta and Chicago.

Y'all, this has been nothing short of amazing.

Go read the reviews of travelers who have used Denver Air, and I hope many of you have already.

With the interline agreements with three major airlines, travelers can seamlessly connect to destinations worldwide, all right here from Jackson, Tennessee.

Now here's the audience participation part.

I'm going to say, fly Denver Air, and I want you to respond enthusiastically, okay?

Here we go.

Fly Denver Air.

[cheering] -Let's say, fly Denver Air.

Fly Denver Air.

Thank you, and I hope you will.

We had the Dixie Plant grand opening in October.

We celebrated the grand opening of the new Dixie Plant, a $425 million investment and the largest in our city's history.

The 900,000-square-foot facility produces Dixie plates, platters, bowls, cutting boards, and significantly boosts our local economy.

ALUKO Group's new facility.

ALUKO Group announced a $26 million investment in Jackson, creating 55 new jobs.

The facility will manufacture aluminum battery casings for Ford Blue Oval City, positioning us at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Bobrick Washroom Equipment expansion.

Bobrick is expanding its operations with a $17 million investment, adding 26 new jobs and reinforcing our manufacturing sector.

Jackson Regional Workforce Training Center groundbreaking.

After six years of planning, we broke ground on a 67,000-square-foot, $34.5 million facility dedicated to workforce development.

This center will house programs from TCAT Jackson and Jackson State Community College, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent for our industries.

State Games of Tennessee.

Looking ahead, we're excited to be the host city for the inaugural State Games of Tennessee in June of 2025.

The Olympic-style event will feature up to 14 sports, including basketball, soccer, and pickleball, and will bring athletes from across the state to Jackson.

It's a testament to our community's growing reputation as a hub for sports and culture.

Over the past year, Jackson has seen an incredible $396 million in capital investment from both new and expanding industries, fueling economic growth and creating 436 new jobs in our community.

This level of investment demonstrates the confidence businesses have in Jackson as a place to grow and thrive.

Additionally, our economic momentum has generated more than $6 million in new annual state and local sales tax revenue.

These achievements reflect the strong sense of collaboration within our community.

Thank you to our board members, our staff, our partners, and all of you for your support.

Together, we're building a brighter future for Jackson.

Thank you very much.

[applause] -Now, a special message from Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, and chair of the Accrediting Board of the US Chamber of Commerce.

-Good afternoon.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Greater Jackson Chamber's annual celebration.

Having previously worked and lived down the road in Nashville, I have a great fondness for the state and the wonderful people of Tennessee.

Greater Jackson Chamber President CEO Kyle Spurgeon is one of the absolute best in this business.

At least that's what he tells me over and over and over.

Which brings me to today, in this festive occasion.

Because of its hard work and dedication, the Greater Jackson Chamber recently became a member of a select group, earning a five-star accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

With this distinction, the Greater Jackson Chamber becomes 1 of only 194 accredited chambers of commerce in our country and 1 of only 5 accredited chambers in the state of Tennessee.

This elevation in stature from a four-star accreditation to a five-star accreditation really symbolizes many things.

It confirms the strengths and effectiveness of your internal processes.

It shows that you embrace continuous improvements, ensuring that you are evolving better to serve the greater Jackson community.

It also demonstrates your excellence, showcasing that you have met the highest industry standards in placing you among the very top chambers in our country.

Congratulations to your fine staff, your excellent board of directors, and your very supportive membership.

Again, on behalf of the US Chamber of Commerce, congratulations on this well deserved accreditation, and enjoy the rest of your celebration.

Thank you all.

[applause] -Five-star accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce, the only one in West Tennessee, such an important distinction.

For the why please welcome Kyle Spurgeon, president CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber.

[applause] -Let me tie that together just a little bit.

Mike Neal started his chamber career in Monroe, Louisiana.

Remember our good friend Roy Heatherly.

Roy is in Monroe, Louisiana.

Now Mike then left Monroe, and he was the president CEO of the Greater Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

He's been out in Tulsa.

If you watch Tulsa King or anything else, Tulsa is absolutely killing it right now.

We appreciate Mike's comments.

I will tell you, it is a privilege to stand in front of you today and talk about what sets our chamber and our community apart.

That's excellence.

With nearly 7,000 chambers of commerce across the United States achieving accreditation from the US Chamber is no small feat.

It really is a mark of distinction, a symbol of high standards, and a reflection of strong leadership across this community.

Right now, only 174 chambers in the country hold this honor.

Here in Tennessee, and Mike said this, only five have earned accreditation.

If you look at West Tennessee, we are the only chamber to hold accreditation.

That's a huge accomplishment.

Here in West Tennessee, we're the only one.

[applause] -Why does accreditation matter?

First, it means we are constantly reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices.

It's because a thriving economy doesn't just happen by chance, it requires strategy, collaboration, and accountability.

Second, it recognizes leadership and outstanding contributions to our community.

Our chamber doesn't just support businesses, we work to shape a stronger Jackson, one that attracts talent, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for everyone.

Third, it reaffirms our commitment to pro growth policies, whether at the local, state, or federal level, we are advocating for policies that fuel economic success, and empower businesses to flourish.

Finally, accreditation ensures that we are staying ahead of industry changes, and implementing best practices to make our chamber more effective, more responsive, and more impactful.

Simply put, this accreditation is not just an achievement.

It's a promise, a promise that we will continue working to make this the very best place to live, work, play, and be educated.

Thank you.

[applause] -Time to acknowledge all those who helped make this work possible, and to honor those who helped strengthen our community.

Without further ado, please welcome back Cassandra Fuller.

-Five stars, that's pretty awesome.

Woo.

Thank you, Kyle.

Once again, thank you to our presenting sponsor Ronald McDonald House of Jackson, our award sponsors Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Jackson, Tennessee, and Sunstar Insurance Tennessee, and others listed on the screen, and in your fabulous program book, which you can take home, by the way.

There may be something special on the inside, maybe not, I don't know, but it is free for you to take home.

I do want to give special thanks to EplusTV6 productions, and the fabulous Steve Bowers for our voiceovers today.

The greater Jackson Chamber annual celebration is our way of celebrating successes, awarding businesses that have reached major milestones, and recognizing our chamber ambassadors.

Chamber members get nominated, they provide criteria relative to the nomination category, and are judged by an independent panel of judges.

The following categories are awarded: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Industry of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Let's get on with the show.

Yay.

[claps] [laughs] [applause] -To present our first three awards, please welcome Brandon Gray, general manager of Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Jackson, Tennessee.

[applause] -Good afternoon, everyone.

Allen Samuels is proud to be an award sponsor for the greater Jackson chamber 2025 annual celebration and awards.

Today we have the honor of recognizing outstanding businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact in Jackson.

Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community help drive growth and inspire progress.

Let's celebrate their achievements and the difference they make every day.

We begin with Small Business of the Year (1 to 49 employees), which recognizes a company that exemplifies leadership, innovation, and commitment to the community.

This year, that honor goes to Bramblett group.

[music] [applause] -Since 2006, Bramblett Group has grown from a 2-person team to a thriving agency of 23, revitalizing a main street building along the way.

In 2024, they donated over 20% of their profits to local nonprofits and provided hands-on learning experience for college students.

Please join me in congratulating Bramblett Group, our Small Business of the Year.

[music] [applause] -Next up is for Large Business of the Year (50+ employees), which company that goes beyond business, it serves as a pillar of our community.

That company is Home Instead.

[music] [applause] -Home Instead not only provides compassionate care for our seniors, but also strengthens Jackson through fundraising, workforce development, and community engagement from supporting the West Tennessee Alzheimer's Walk to delivering holiday cheer to senior veterans, they make a lasting impact.

Please join me in celebrating Home Instead, our Large Business of the Year.

[music] [applause] -This year's Industry of the Year Award honors a company that has shaped the industry while investing in the growth of Jackson.

That company is Kellanova.

[music] [applause] -For 50 years, Kellanova Jackson plant has been a cornerstone of our economy, empowering over 1,200 people and supporting countless businesses.

Beyond job creation, they actively engage with schools, nonprofit, and civic organizations from food drives to workforce development, programs with TCAT.

Their commitment to their employees includes leadership training, career-building initiatives that keep the workforce thriving.

Please join me in recognizing Kellanova.

[music] [applause] -To present the Greater Jackson Chambers 2024 Nonprofit of the Year Award, please welcome Frank McMeen, president of Community Foundation of West Tennessee.

[applause] -The Community Foundation of West Tennessee is proud to be the presenter of this year's Nonprofit of the Year.

Nonprofit organizations are the heart of our community.

They provide vital services, support, and hope to those that are in need.

Their dedication strengthens Jackson by addressing challenges, uplifting individuals, and creating opportunities for a better future.

We honor a nonprofit that makes an extraordinary impact in our community, providing hope and support to women and children in need.

The Dream Center of Jackson is this year's Nonprofit of the Year.

[music] [applause] -The Dream Center provides shelter, resources, life skills, and training for women and children facing homelessness.

In the past year, they served over 500 women and children, provided more than 350,000 meals, helped 213 families secure stable housing.

Through partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, they continue to transform lives and create lasting change.

Please join me in honoring the Dream Center of Jackson as this year's Nonprofit of the Year.

[music] [applause] -To present our next three awards, please welcome Kevin Kirksey, risk advisor, Sunstar Insurance, Tennessee.

[applause] -Thank you.

Sunstar Insurance is proud to be an award sp.. for the Greater Jackson Chamber 2025 Annual Celebration Awards.

The heart of our community is its people, those who give their time, talents, and energy to support others and create a stronger Jackson.

Today, we honor the volunteers and leaders who go above and beyond to serve and uplift those around them.

The Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in their service to the chamber.

This year, we are proud to honor Jess June.

[music] [applause] -Jess has been a dedicated and dependable ambassador, consistently showing up and stepping in whenever needed.

His leadership and enthusiasm are evident in his willingness to attend nearly every chamber event, fill in at ribbon cuttings, and support the team without hesitation.

His commitment and reliability have made a lasting impact on the chamber and the business community.

Please join me in celebrating Jess June, the Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year.

[music] [applause] -Our next award is Volunteer of the Year.

This award goes to an individual whose commitment to service and leadership has left a lasting impact on our community.

This year, we recognize Paul Taylor.

[music] [applause] -Paul's passion for giving back spans from supporting early childhood education at Hands Up!

Preschool to fostering entrepreneurship through JDDC's The Local.

He has played key roles in shaping Jackson's future, from serving on the city's Master Plan Advisory Board to leading improvements in parks and recreation.

Whether mentoring business owners at the Co, or coaching youth soccer, his contributions continue to strengthen Jackson.

Please join me in celebrating Paul Taylor, our Curtis F. Mansfield Volunteer of the Year.

[music] [applause] -Our last award of the afternoon is the Jonas Kisber, in Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

This award honors an entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have driven business success and strengthened our community through service.

We are proud to recognize Mark Taylor.

[music] [applause] -Inspired by his father's small business legacy, Mark launched six LLCs in Jackson, creating over 100 jobs and pioneering the nation's first registered apprenticeship program for biomechanical technicians.

His businesses continue to grow with plans to expand nationwide while keeping Jackson at the heart of the operations.

Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Mark is deeply committed to giving back, consistently supporting numerous local nonprofits, and making a meaningful impact in our community.

Please join me in congratulating Mark Taylor.

[music] [applause] -Thanks, have a great day.

-In 2024, we lost a remarkable individual who was not only a pillar of our community, but also a true beacon of kindness, integrity, and dedication.

James Ross, known as JR, was a man who lived his motto of meeting the need and making a difference.

Please join us as we take a moment to honor and to remember James Ross.

-James Ross, JR as we all knew him, served as the Greater Jackson Chamber Board Chairman 2021, 2022.

He was a 2001 Leadership Jackson graduate and recipient of the Leadership Jackson-Harbert Alexander Award for Servant Leadership in 2023.

He served on the CEO search committee that hired Kyle Spurgeon and was part of many industry prospect visits to help sell Jackson.

JR was characterized by his humble, compassionate, and kind nature.

He was not only a gentle giant, but also a true servant leader who touched the lives of everyone he met.

Beloved by many, he had the unique ability to make each person feel like they were the most important individual in the room.

He was a mentor to many, always willing to lend a helping hand and support those around him.

He was a visionary who highly respected those he met, and once you met him, you had a friend for life.

Always calm in a crisis, he was the leader whom everyone trusted and looked to in the toughest of times.

His commitment to service was evident in his dedication to the community by being active in numerous professional and civic organizations, and serving in leadership positions.

JR's motto was in meeting the need and making a difference.

Please help us remember JR with a moment of silence.

-Today, we celebrate past successes.

Tomorrow, we work to continue building a greater community.

To share what's ahead for 2025, please welcome back president CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber, Kyle Spurgeon.

[applause] -Good afternoon, everyone.

A lot of I'm a huge baseball fan.

Like any true fan, I've learned that sometimes my team wins and sometimes they don't.

I'm a Cardinals fan.

My team's not been winning lately.

No team ever steps onto the field expecting yesterday's home runs to win today's games.

Every inning, every at-bat, every play matters.

That's exactly how we approach our work at the Greater Jackson Chamber.

2024 was absolutely an incredible year.

Under Roger Smith's board leadership, our chamber hit a lot of big shots, some home runs, even a few grand slams.

As proud as we are of what we accomplished last year, we cannot expect past success to automatically lead to future wins.

Instead, we take what we've learned, we build on that momentum, and step up to the plate again in 2025.

We're focused, prepared, and ready to take another big swing.

When I say we, I mean the outstanding team that makes this chamber work every single day.

Success, we all know this, it doesn't happen alone.

It happens because of a team.

One that works together, leans on each other's strengths, and stays focused on a common goal.

We are very fortunate to have a chamber team that not only works hard, but they genuinely care about this community.

Sally Barnett, she is the welcoming face of the chamber, ensuring that every member and every visitor feels right at home.

If you have ever heard of the book Raving Fans, if you have or if you have not, just ask Sally and she'll tell you what it's about.

She practices that every day.

Kristy Dew, ensuring our members are engaged and maximizing their investment in the chamber.

Lindsay Dawkins, leading our strategy and keeping us on track as chief of staff.

Cassandra Fuller, we finally won a trade with JEA.

She is strengthening all of our marketing and events.

Cammie Hansbrough, driving membership growth and retention.

Logan McCoy, building deeper relationships with existing industries, focusing on workforce development, and managing public affairs work.

Lauren Saliba, shaping the next generation of leaders through her leadership in those development programs and building deeper relationships with our education leaders.

Mandy White, recognized as an economic development leader across the state and across the country, and occasionally landing those $425 million projects.

Well done.

This team is not just good at their individual roles, they are exceptional at working together, ensuring that we serve our members and our community at the highest level.

Our team is very fortunate to be supported by an exceptional board of directors and executive committee.

Thank you for supporting our team.

Also, a big round of applause and shout out to our Redcoats.

In case you haven't noticed, they're everywhere.

Look around today and every week at ribbon cuttings and events.

Thank you for what you do.

[applause] -Let's talk about 2025.

Yes, we're already six weeks into 2025, but one of the key ways we are ensuring success this year is by strengthening relationships with decision makers at every level.

We just returned from our first day on the hill in Nashville in 35 years.

46 of our community and regional partners joined us to engage directly with state leaders and advocate for Jackson.

That's just the beginning.

In September, we are taking the same approach to Washington, DC, where we will spend two days connecting with key federal leaders to make sure Jackson and West Tennessee remain at the forefront of economic growth and opportunity.

By showing up, strengthening relationships, and speaking with a unified voice, we ensure that Jackson and West Tennessee remain a top priority, not just in Tennessee, but on the national stage.

We're not just participants in these conversations, we are leading them.

Another way we're looking ahead is by helping our members stay competitive in an ever-changing world.

That's why, in 2025, we are partnering with Jackson State Community College to offer an introduction to artificial intelligence.

AI isn't the future, it is the present.

We want to make sure that our businesses, especially those small businesses, aren't left behind.

This course will take the mystery out of AI and give business owners the tools that they need to work smarter, and sometimes harder, but mainly smarter.

Whether it's automating tasks, improving customer service, or streamlining operations, AI can and will be a game-changer.

This is just the beginning.

We will always be committed to keeping our members ahead of the curve.

Economic development will always be one of our strongest competitive strengths.

We will continue, always, recruiting high-value companies that bring significant capital investment, create high-paying jobs, and align with Jackson's evolving workforce needs.

At the same time, we will continue prioritizing the growth of our existing industries.

They are the true backbone of West Tennessee's economy.

I know a lot of existing industry folks are here today.

Your expansion is critical to our region's future, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

We cannot continue creating jobs and capital investment without the continued growth and leadership of our educational institutions.

Jackson-Madison County School System has become one of the most innovative and fastest-improving school systems in the region.

Our private secondary schools provide an affordable choice for many families in this region.

Jackson State Community College, Lane College, Union University, University of Memphis at Lambuth, and TCAT Jackson are all post-secondary education options that drive career advancement and training for students from around the world in this region.

UT Martin, Bethel, Freed-Hardeman are all regional institutions that contribute to this success.

Jackson is called the hub city for a reason.

Think about it.

Nashville is the state capital.

Memphis, a little further to our south, they are the economic capital of a multi-state region.

Jackson, we are the capital of rural West Tennessee.

When you are a capital city, you don't wait.

You lead.

People moving to West Tennessee have choices where they will live.

We will keep encouraging them to choose Jackson like many already have.

We do that through a blend of marketing activities.

One of those is about to become very visible.

Your capital city will soon have a new billboard on I-40 East.

Speaking of choosing Jackson, as Roger Smith mentioned, and I think this is worthy of spending a few more minutes on, Denver Air chose Jackson.

They are now quickly becoming an airline that makes us recognized as a true regional airport.

Our service options and our airport amenities will continue to be enhanced as long as we utilize this new air service.

I know many of you have already flown with Denver Air.

If you haven't, buy yourself a ticket, go to Atlanta, go to Chicago, go somewhere else in the country or the world, but keep flying and use that service because the more we use it, the more flight options we get.

Let's fly.

Everything we do is made possible by the 1,060 businesses that make up our chamber, and the 75 investors of Forward Jackson 3.0.

Your investment in this chamber is an investment in the future of this capital city of West Tennessee.

It allows us to advocate for business, drive economic development, and create opportunities that benefit everyone in our community.

We don't take that lightly.

We are grateful for the trust that all 660 of you place in us.

Let's get back to baseball for just a moment as we end.

The best teams, as I said, don't dwell on last season's st..

They step up to the plate, ready to swing again, knowing that success isn't guaranteed, it's earned.

The Greater Jackson Chamber, we're not standing still.

We're not relying on last year's wins.

We're stepping up, swinging hard, and staying focused on what's next.

As we take the field in 2025, we won't just play to win, we will continue to swing for the fences, because Jackson's success is not about luck, it's about leadership.

We have the team, we have the vision, we have the momentum.

Now it's time to go make it happen.

Jackson's future will not be built by spectators, it will be built by leaders.

Now let's go play ball.

[music] -The program you've been watching was made possible through the generous financial support of West Tennessee PBS viewers like you.

Please visit westtnpbs.org and make a donation today so that we can continue to make local programs like this possible.

Thank you.

[music] -[sings] It's all about home.

[drumming] [crowd cheering] [drumming] [crowd cheering] [drumming] [crowd cheering] [applause] [drumming] [crowd cheering] [drumming] [crowd cheering] [drumming]