FEMALE_1: The following program is a West Tennessee PBS special presentation made possible for the generous financial support of 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.

Peter Noll: Hello, I'm Peter Noel, West Tennessee PBS General Manager and CEO, and we're at Union University where Old Hollywood has come to life.

Lots of activity going on here and I'm with the Greater Jackson Chamber President and CEO, Kyle Spurgeon.

Kyle, what's going on here today?

Kyle Spurgeon: Good morning, Peter.

This is going to be a great day.

We do an annual celebration every year.

By the way, this is going to be the biggest and best one we've ever had.

We recognize businesses and individuals in this community who have had a great 2023 and have caused Jackson in West Tennessee to be one of the best places in the world.

So we're going to celebrate all that today.

Peter Noll: Very exciting.

For the first time ever, West Tennessee PBS is bringing it to television, streaming and on air.

So let's get on with the show.

Solomon Hammond: I believe in me.

Emery Love: Do you believe in me?

Solomon Hammond: Do you believe that I can stand up here fearless and talk to a room full of executives and community leaders?

Hey, West Tennessee Healthcare, do you believe in me?

That's right.

They do.

Because here is the deal.

I can do anything.

I can be anything.

I can create anything.

I can dream anything.

I can become anything because you believed in me and it rubs off on me.

Emery Love: Let me ask you a question, Jackson Chamber members.

Do you believe in our peers?

Do you believe that every single student in West Tennessee schools can graduate ready for college or the workplace?

Do you believe that we can be talented enough to work for you?

Solomon Hammond: Whether it's Toyota.

Emery Love: In 20 years, I could be CFO.

Solomon Hammond: Whether it's Simmons Bank.

Emery Love: Imagine me your next loan officer.

Solomon Hammond: Or Leaders Credit Union.

Emery Love: Absolutely.

Solomon Hammond: Our success tomorrow begins with your support today.

Emery Love: When you support community schools, it sends out a powerful message to our teachers and our families that their education matters and that the community is behind them.

Solomon Hammond: So whether you're a partner in education or a one time sponsor for a community school event, your support is a powerful.

Emery Love: Sponsor.

Solomon Hammond: Yeah, sponsor.

Emery Love: Together, our schools and community partners can shape the future, ensuring that teachers have the resources they need and our students, like me, have the opportunities they deserve.

Solomon Hammond: Now, let's celebrate community partnerships and recognizing that when local businesses support teachers and schools, our entire community reaps the rewards.

Emery Love: Do you believe in me?

Solomon Hammond: Do you believe in me?

Emery Love: Because I believe in me.

Solomon Hammond: Because I believe in me.

You've helped us get to where we are today.

Thank you.

Christy Little: Wasn't that wonderful?

Let's just go home.

I think it goes without saying that we have a proud daddy here in the house.

Greg Hammond: Yeah.

That was Emery Love and Solomon Hammond.

I may or may not know him.

Christy Little: You may or may not have had something to do with him.

Greg Hammond: Well, I'm not going to take credit for that.

That was all mom.

Christy Little: Oh, come on.

Greg Hammond: They're students at Community Montessori and we are proud of them and we do believe in them and in their peers.

Christy Little: Hello and welcome to this year's annual celebration.

Haven't they done an amazing job turning this building around?

It's awesome.

Today, we are going to recognize chamber members' accomplishments for 2023 and honor business excellence in our community so that we can help young people like these precious children who were standing here today, and we're not going to let them down.

Greg Hammond: So with that, it's going to be a fun event.

If you haven't found out already, today's theme is.

Christy Little: Cowboys.

Greg Hammond: Nope.

Old Hollywood.

Christy Little: We want you to take lots of pictures.

That's scary.

Get my good side, stomach in.

Please, just give me a warning if you're going to take my picture.

Don't say a word.

My nephew's here, Clay Bowler.

Don't say a word about that.

Good, let's get one.

Greg Hammond: Do the same thing.

Christy Little: Everybody, have fun.

This is going to be cool.

At today's event, post them.

Because people look at that much more than any other thing in the world, I found out.

On social media, with the hashtag, JacksonTennessee, and tag, The Greater Jackson Chamber.

At this time, we're going to have Todd Swims swimming up, coming up, and he is going to give us our invocation for the food.

Thank you, Todd, for being here from Leaders Credit Union.

My buddy.

Todd Swims: How are you doing?

If you join me in a word of prayer.

Father God, we are just so thankful for being able to reside in this wonderful community that's so full of diversity and big hearts, and Father, we're so thankful for the leadership in this community.

Father, as we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we pray, Father, that we will recognize all the good gifts that you give us and for the provisions that you have provided this community throughout the years.

Father, we are especially thankful for the many opportunities that are coming our way, for growth and expansion in this area, and Father, we just pray for your blessings during that and for our growth to be successful.

Father, we also pray for the Jackson Chamber and the good things that they're doing for us today and for what they'll do for us tomorrow.

Father, we thank you for those successes, and Father, we're just excited to be here today to celebrate with so many different businesses and volunteers throughout our community.

Father, we pray that you will continue to lift up this city to glorify you, and Father, thank you for this food.

We thank you for the hands that prepared it and for the hearts that were here as well.

In Christ's name.

Amen.

Greg Hammond: Todd Swims with Leaders Credit Union.

Thank you, Todd, for that prayer.

Let's see what our academia award sponsors have been up to the past few weeks.

Brad Little: Partner, whatever you do, don't go toward the light.

Caitlin Kent: Cut.

See, I don't believe you.

Your best friend, he is dying.

Where's your cowboy hat?

Jessie Walker: Hey, so I have the set for the card playing scene ready, but we're having a little disagreement about the props.

Caitlin Kent: Running a business, it's a lot like making a movie Tina Prescott: You feel lucky?

Roger Smith: No.

Scott Beard: Where did you get these?

These are coffee mugs.

This is a saloon, not a coffee shop.

Caitlin Kent: You have to get everyone together on the same page and working together.

Scott, this is a family friendly film, so the coffee mugs are going to stay.

Hey, Monte, so some of the extras keep fainting near the trailers.

Can I get you to check for a gas leak?

Monte Cooper: Nice, but I'm on it.

Caitlin Kent: Things are getting a little steamy in Studio B and not in a good way.

Can you run a check on the AC?

Jason Pruitt: Yes, ma'am, my moment.

Caitlin Kent: Cut.

All right.

Great job, guys.

I think we got it.

Let's move on to the next shot.

Jill Crocker: Frankly, my dear, I don't give it.

Caitlin Kent: A quick note.

Try to play it a little cooler, more subtle delivery.

Alyson Fite: I'm going to make an off a game reviews.

Caitlin Kent: Goose bumps, Alyson.

I'm getting goose bumps.

Running a business is also about getting the best players to work together to make a winner, and action.

Kevin Kirksey: What is it, Gracie?

Tell me, is it Will?

Caitlin Kent: In film and business, we all know it's the people behind the scenes that make the biggest difference.

Running a business, making a movie, it all requires everyone working together for the greater good.

Now, can someone please get me a cowboy hat?

Christy Little: Wow.

I didn't know we had so much, they have talent in here.

I think it's more "talent".

You and I could trick this out, but we'll do okay with what we got here.

But I will say that the best actor award goes to our baby.

Gracie gets the best actor award.

Hands down.

No offense to anyone.

Just that she had more, I don't know.

Just get up and go about her.

Greg Hammond: Star power.

Christy Little: Star power.

Because I'm a legend in my own mind.

But she's a legend in her own time.

Greg Hammond: It's about time for some awards, but first, we need to say a very special thanks to our Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy level sponsors to make this event possible.

This is a long list and I'm a little nervous.

Not because of them, but because of you.

Christy Little: No, but a cow goes to sleep.

I'm gonna hang him right down, 10 days, buddy.

Watch it.

If they get sleepy, well, I'll work something out for you.

I know them all.

No more.

Greg Hammond: Let's thank our sponsors.

Aire Serv: Heating and Air Conditioning.

Allen Samuels of Jackson, Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory, FSB Insurance, Jackson Energy Authority, Prosper Realty Group, Regions Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Steele Martin Jones CPAs and Business Advisors, Thompson & Smith, Risk Management and Insurance.

Christy Little: Now, he did good.

I liked that.

Greg Hammond: I thought he did.

Christy Little: A big cigar.

Greg Hammond: He's a JCM guy.

Christy Little: I know.

Absolutely.

Me too.

Me, you.

Greg Hammond: Toyota Manufacturing, Tennessee, Voya Financial Advisors, West Tennessee Healthcare, ATA, CPAs and Advisors, Community Bank, H&M Company, Hiller, Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical.

Christy Little: It's your happy face, was it?

Greg Hammond: That's how it goes.

Yeah.

Christy Little: It's your happy face.

Greg Hammond: Jackson State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Adams Burger Marketing.

Christy Little: My kids call that TCAT, and it's excellent.

Greg Hammond: Yeah, TCAT.

Blue Oval City Ford, Blue Oval SK, Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper.

Christy Little: I like them both.

Greg Hammond: Community Foundation, Flatiron Grille and Bistro.

Christy Little: I saw Frank coming in over there.

Yes.

Greg Hammond: Jackson Madison County Schools.

Le Bonheur Children's Outpatient Center.

Premier Dental.

Christy Little: They pay for them.

Greg Hammond: Simmons Bank.

West Tennessee Bank, a division of Decatur County Bank, and West Tennessee PBS.

Thank you for supporting us.

Christy Little: Let's thank them.

We wouldn't be here without them.

You will hear from representatives of some of our sponsors throughout the event.

As a little reminder to all of today's winners, our timeline does not allow for acceptance speeches, as I said, I know, you can cry, but you got to have to just get off the stage.

Sorry.

Maybe a picture.

I don't know, we'll see.

But we do have a hook, so don't try to play that game on me.

But we do ask that you gather in the lobby after the conclusion of the luncheon for photos and media, and there will be a lot of media people here because we're in Hollywood.

Before we give out the first award, I want to remind you all that this is a celebration event.

Everybody's supposed to be having fun.

They look like they're half asleep.

Are you tired or something?

I got my gap, I'm ready to use it, because hey, everybody should be happy, fun.

I don't know what day it is, I've lost track of time.

But it is a day that we should celebrate.

We're going to celebrate.

We're all here.

We're all healthy and glad to be here.

Before we give out the awards, just know that you can applaud.

We want you to cheer.

We want you to have fun.

We want you to act as you would normally act, which in Jackson can be questionable, but we want you to do that.

Now, let's give out our very first award.

Frank McMeen.

Where are you, Frank?

Will present this year's nonprofit.

This is the Nonprofit of the Year Award, and here mic, go.

Frank McMeen: Thank you.

Christy Little: Let's watch a short video clip about this year's winner.

Then, like I said, come up, but don't do anything.

But if you want to cry, you can cry.

Thank you, Frank.

MALE_1: This organization is deserving of the Non-profit of the Year award, because of their outstanding rescue efforts in the Jackson community.

FEMALE_2: Under a great director, I have seen a dedicated and compassionate staff save several thousand animals in the city of Jackson since January 2020.

MALE_1: Because of their community outreach through charitable events, they have successfully maintained their status as a no kill shelter.

FEMALE_2: From reuniting lost pets with their families, saving animals from cruelty cases, to providing low cost spay and neuter programs.

They do an excellent job for the animals in our growing city, which makes Jackson a wonderful place to live and work.

Frank McMeen: Hello.

I'm Frank McMeen, President of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee.

We've been giving this award since its beginning in 2009.

Although our name has changed, we're still committed to doing all the wonderful things in our community that we've been doing for the last 38 years.

This past year, we put $4.2 million back into our community with $3.6 million going to nonprofits.

Today, I'm proud to announce the winner of the Non-profit of the Year, and that is the Jackson Animal Care Center.

They do a wonderful job.

Whitney is sick, so accepting this on behalf of Whitney is Frank McMeen.

FEMALE_2: Congratulations, Jackson Animal Care Center, Whitney and the entire dedicated staff.

You do a wonderful job, 365 days a year and I can't think of anyone that is more deserving of this award.

MALE_1: Whitney, Michael, Barbara, and all the rest of you, fantastic staff.

Thank you for being a voice to the voiceless.

Greg Hammond: Let's keep this celebration moving and hand out the next award as Bob Arrington with Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory makes his way to the stage to announce Small Business of the Year and we'll play the first video.

FEMALE_3: This company is deserving of this award because these two founders are both passionate about made in America products.

FEMALE_4: When I think of this company, I see them all over town.

I see them working with young life, I see them volunteering for the Dream Center, for the symphony.

Just all over town, I see them.

FEMALE_3: They have taken their 25 years of combined sourcing and procurement efforts in Southeast Asia and China, and as a result, have maintained 40 jobs for people here in West Tennessee.

FEMALE_4: I think of how many people that are not from the West Tennessee community, that they have employed.

That is so exciting to see all of the energy from this particular company, and the number of people they've brought into West Tennessee and employed right here in our Jackson community.

Bob Arrington: It's a great day to be in Jackson, Tennessee.

If you agree with that, say, "Jackson".

I'm Bob Arrington with Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory, a proud locally owned small business, and small business is big business in Jackson.

I know that we hear about the industrial recruitment, industrial development, and that's very important.

Small business is very important.

Because I can tell you, at the recruitment tables that Mandy and Kyle and Tim are involved in, small business is going to come up because they're not going to bring 400, 500 families into a community if there's not a good base, diverse small business community to support and serve those families.

We may not be talking to the industry, but believe me, small business is at the table.

So it's my honor to announce the Jackson 2023 Small Business is Yukon Outfitters.

FEMALE_3: Congratulations, Yukon Outfitters.

Preston and Adam, I'm so proud of you and the work you're doing here in the community.

FEMALE_4: Do I love them; do I?

I certainly do business with them.

Preston Powell and Adam Scherer have done such a good job.

FEMALE_3: The journey from you two being great friends at university to your time together in China, carving out this path to the beautiful company you've built in the lives that you're helping impact with all of your employees, I am so proud of you both.

FEMALE_4: It is wonderful that they have chosen West Tennessee.

I'd like to thank them for all they've brought to Jackson in West Tennessee.

Greg Hammond: Now, it's time, Judge, for the next award.

Christy Little: Wow, is it already that time again?

Greg Hammond: It is.

Large business of the year.

Christy Little: That's why I was hesitating because I was like, are they large or the larger because we're the short business award.

I was trying to figure that out.

Greg Hammond: We're going to invite Jason Pruitt with Aire Serv: Heating and Air.

Just make his way to the stage.

FEMALE_5: This organization so deserves this award because they have not just built a business, but they have built continuously a community of love and service.

MALE_2: They give people a chance to start over; people who need second chances and maybe even third chances, people who need somebody to believe in them.

FEMALE_5: Jackson would not be Jackson without them.

Jason Pruitt: Hello, everyone.

I'm Jason Pruitt and I'm with Aire Serv: Heating and Air.

If you need anything, reach out to us.

Always remember, stay cool, stay comfortable, stay Aire Serv.

The larger ward goes to the Old Country Store.

FEMALE_5: Congratulations, Old Country Store and the whole Shaw family, Juanita, Brooks, Meghan, Elizabeth.

MALE_2: This business not only offers a great product, but it reaches beyond its doors to other agencies and other ministries in our city.

Their years of generosity and hospitality have been demonstrated in their care for those who come to their business.

FEMALE_5: You guys are the example of business owners who give their business to God and then everybody benefits.

I'm so proud of you guys and so happy to be a part of your lives.

Thank you for all you do for the community, especially the recovery community.

We just love you so much.

Congratulations.

Christy Little: We're going to move on to our next award as Brandon Clenney with Steele Martin Jones makes his way up here.

We'll play the first video for Emerging Business of the Year.

FEMALE_6: I'd like to congratulate the winners of this year's Emerging Business Award.

MALE_3: The secret source of any business is their people.

I can tell you, quality people make quality products and put a quality spin on what they do every day, and this business does that.

FEMALE_6: They started this so many years ago based on passion, a love for their family, a love for God, and true grit.

MALE_3: This business is a place that's inviting, it's always a place where you're going to see friends, it's a place where big things can happen.

Major business deals happen inside these walls, as well as just family get together and just catch up sessions.

It's a great place and we're proud to have them a part of our community.

FEMALE_6: I can't imagine a more deserving winner.

Brandon Clenney: Good afternoon.

My name is Brandon Clenney.

I'm with Steele Martin Jones & Company, a firm that's been around since 1979.

I always tell people when we interview people, I've not been around since 1979, I was born in 1988.

But we focus in small to mid-sized businesses.

Gary Martin, Michael Steele, those were our two founders and the changes that have taken place, not only in the firm but in Jackson.

Going back to what your son said, we believe in those kids, we believe in Jackson because we know when Jackson is growing, that means industries like us are growing as well.

We really appreciate all those represented here this afternoon.

I had the honor to do one that's affected my waistline a little bit on who wins this award.

The Emerging Business of the Year Award goes to Skillet Junction.

FEMALE_6: Congratulations to the entire Richmond family.

Skillet Junction, this year's Emerging Business Award winner.

MALE_3: Great people, great atmosphere, great food.

FEMALE_6: I've had the privilege of working with this family for years and I can't imagine anyone that's more worthy of winning this award.

MALE_3: We're so glad that you're a part of our community, and you are well deserving of this award.

We expect to stay around a long time and keep keeping our bellies full in downtown Jackson.

Greg Hammond: It's time to hand out another award.

We'll have, it says Brad Little.

Christy Little: He thinks he's related to me.

There's another side of long family.

Greg Hammond: Okay.

Christy Little: I think his eyes, they were like this, they're like this, but we're working on it.

But anyway, thank God.

Greg Hammond: Brad Little with Voya Financial makes his way to the stage.

They hand out Industry of the Year.

Let's play that first video.

FEMALE_7: Industry of the Year, that's a big deal.

This year's winner is a company that I have a tremendous amount of respect for.

FEMALE_8: When we heard that this company was the winner of this year's Industry of the Year Award, our immediate thought was they are so deserving because this company has done so much for the Jackson community.

FEMALE_7: The way they treat their employees, the way they're connected in the community, the way they give back, it's no wonder they were selected.

MALE_4: In the past eight years, they have participated in the RIFA's largest fund raiser construction.

Through their participation in this event, they have collected and donated over 15 tons of food.

They've also donated over $50,000 to support the mission of RIFA.

FEMALE_7: We're extremely proud to have this industry called Jackson Home, and I know that they have a bright future here.

Brad Little: Well, good afternoon everybody.

My name is Brad Little.

I'm glad to see all of you.

How's it going so far?

Because it's going pretty good, you think?

Yeah.

I had the honor of emceeing back in March or February of 2020.

It was really weird they didn't ask me back and you've taken over, and that's all right.

But what time is it?

About 3:30?

Go ahead and cancel my four o'clock appointments, if you don't mind.

I do want to address something, and many of you may remember this from last year.

But I was unable to be here last year.

My father, Steve, who is here with us today, came up on stage and proceeded to tell all of the business leaders here in West Tennessee, some of you are already laughing again, that's great, and told everybody that I was supposed to be a girl.

Many of you laughed and laughed as you're laughing now and I saw the video.

Some of you though came up to me afterwards, a week or so later, and said, hey, we're really concerned.

We just don't understand why your father would get up there and tell everybody that and mock you and ridicule you like that.

But I want to come to his defense a little bit and let you know that what he told you is actually factual.

Back when I was born in the 1970s, in order to determine the gender or the sex of the baby, they would listen to the heartbeat.

Apparently, when they listened to the heartbeat, the characteristics of that heartbeat lended itself to the physicians thought that there was a chance that I might be a girl.

Maybe that's why I'm so kind and compassionate and sincere.

Sugar and spice and everything nice and all that thing.

Well, I'm here to tell you to set the record straight that I am a boy, but today with today's theme, I'm actually a cowboy.

This is the first time I've ever worn a cowboy hat.

I know that's a surprise.

But what I actually want to say in all sincerity is, when it comes to big business and when it comes to strong leadership, we are all cowboys, we are all cowgirls, we are all cow people, and we're in it together.

With that, let's give out our Industry of the Year Award, and this year, that goes to Tennalum.

FEMALE_8: Congratulations to this year's Industry of the Year, Tennalum.

FEMALE_7: Industry of the Year.

That's a big deal.

The way they treat their employees, the way they are connected in the community, the way they give back, it's no wonder they were selected.

MALE_4: It doesn't take long to see that the employees of this industry have the heart of a servant leader.

They know the benefit of supporting others and know the benefit of loving their community.

FEMALE_8: We're extremely proud to have this industry called Jackson Home and I know they have a bright future here.

Christy Little: So let's do it.

Roger Smith, the cigar man, I'll never, ever see you in the same way.

I thought it was so pure, but never.

Anyway, we'll work it out.

Let's play the first.

I still miss her, Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year video this time.

FEMALE_9: Today, I have the pleasure of recognizing the Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year Award.

MALE_5: She is one of the most remarkable people I've ever known.

She's kind, courteous, unselfish.

She's never met a stranger.

FEMALE_9: Very empathetic and caring and loving, and just generally a happy person.

MALE_5: She loves this community.

She loves the chamber, the red coats, her church.

She continues to serve all those, all while she's trying to make this community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Roger Smith: Good afternoon.

I'm Roger Smith with President of Thompson and Smith Risk Management and Insurance, and I'm here to present the award, the Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year Award.

But before we recognize this one ambassador, I want to recognize all the ambassadors and the great job they've done here today.

Our volunteers are so very important to our chamber and the ambassadors put in hours and hours, all the events they attend and help at, so we appreciate each and every one of you, and thank you for the job that you do as a volunteer for the Greater Jackson Chamber.

If you knew Shirley Jones, you were one of the lucky ones because she was a special person.

You appreciated her honesty, her perceptiveness, her love, her kind and caring nature.

When I think about her, I smile because I remember her smile and how special that was.

It was an award winning smile, if you will, and I'll always remember that about her.

The other thing I think about when I think about Shirley Jones is that there is something special about her and I think John Wayne said that, just like this recipient of this award, there's really something special to you.

As I'm presenting this award, I would say welcome to the club, the really something special about your club and the winner of the Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year award, which goes to Joyce Corley.

FEMALE_9: So congratulations, Ms. Joyce.

You are so deserving of this award.

MALE_5: Joyce, you have earned and deserved this recognition.

We are awful proud of you.

You mean the world to me and my family and this community.

FEMALE_9: Mama would be so proud of you and thank you for being a pillar of this community.

Christy Little: It's time for our next award.

As we wait for Alyson Fite with Prosper to come to the stage, we'll watch a short video clip with a few people talking about the recipient of Volunteer of the Year.

MALE_6: Each year, it gets harder and harder to name a Volunteer of the Year because we've got so many volunteers from the chamber and folks doing such great work in the community.

It's hard to narrow that down to one.

FEMALE_10: This person has been investing in this community for a long time, a few more years than me.

His love and compassion for this community far surpasses anyone's passion that I know.

He wants to see the community grow, he wants to see the community be better than it was when he found it many years ago.

MALE_6: This year's recipient is someone that I can tell you since they've become even more involved with the chamber, has become an extension of our staff.

I've seen them show up at meetings that are related to the chamber and some that aren't, but it's all about improving Jackson and Madison County.

FEMALE_10: I know that I am proud of him and I applaud him for all that he is doing for our community today.

Alyson Fite: Hello, my name is Alyson Fite, President and CEO of Prosper.

But I'm sure many of you know my secretary R. E. Butts.

He takes really good notes, he's been helpful.

We're the hub city's real estate, home and commercial services, property management, and community boosting company.

I'm here to introduce Volunteer of the Year.

This is truly a special award to me because it shines a light on those who give countless hours of their time toward helping others and asking for nothing in return except for maybe a litter coordinator and a spot on the parks board.

Thank you, Mayor.

I've had the honor of getting to know this person and work alongside them in the past year.

He is committed to helping Jackson move forward, a leader and champion of others.

My good friend, Mr. Roger Smith.

MALE_6: Congratulations, Roger.

I told everyone this year's recipient is someone that's been an extension of our staff, and Roger has been, he will be our chairman next year, starting in February.

Roger, I look forward to you blowing up my phone even more as we get accomplish even more in Jackson.

FEMALE_10: Congratulations Roger.

Again, I'm so proud of you and I appreciate all the time and effort and decisions that you are making to impact Jackson and make Jackson a better place to live for all of us.

Christy Little: Now, it's time for our final award of the day, and it's really special to me.

This is the inaugural Jonas Kisber Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

I'll say it again.

Jonas Kisber Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

What an entrepreneur he was.

This award is given to someone who is dedicated to the community and has brought business to Jackson and the surrounding areas and has continued to give back.

As we wait for Nick Hayes with Hiller Plumbing Heating and Air to come to the stage, we'll watch a short video clip with a few people talking about the recipient of the Jonas Kisber Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

MALE_7: The inaugural Jonas Kisber, Entrepreneur Award goes to an individual who started Northside Junior High in 1969, who founded a professional a cappella group in 1981, and a successful financial services firm in 1986.

MALE_8: This person deserves this award because of their servant nature, their listening heart, and their historical past of bringing Jackson activities to come to life.

MALE_7: He has served on numerous boards and committees throughout the years, from the Miss Tennessee Pageant, West Tennessee State Fair, and Forcier Festival, to the Carnegie Museum.

Nick Hayes: Hello, I'm Nick Hayes with Hiller and Jackson.

I'm the general manager.

I just wanted to take a moment here to recognize a couple of programs that the Chamber has that if you're not involved in, I would recommend checking out and getting involved with, which is Leadership Jackson for professionals and Leadership University for high school students.

Those have been impactful for my family and I would encourage you to check them out if you could.

For this inaugural Jonas Kisber Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the winner is Steve Little.

MALE_8: Wow, Steve, congratulations.

Even though it's hard to believe, you definitely are deserving of this award.

MALE_7: Steve is a wonderful counselor, mentor, and leader, not only to me but to the entire community, and he's my very best friend.

MALE_8: Much love and appreciation to you, and continue the great work.

MALE_7: Congratulations, dad.

Well deserved.

Matt Kisber: I'm disappointed, I can't be with you in person today, as we're having our quarterly Board of Directors meeting of Silicon Ranch.

But I wish to extend my congratulations to all the award winners.

It's an honor to be a part of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

When Kyle and I conceive this award, our goal was to recognize a business leader who embodied the spirit of civic engagement and philanthropy that my father lived by during his career in retail business at Kisber's.

It is that legacy that I'm so excited to support with a financial commitment that provides a contribution to the charitable cause of the recipients choosing.

Steve Little is a great recipient and has given so much to the community over his career.

He well embodies the spirit of my father, who believe business people had a responsibility to give back to the community through civic engagement.

It's a belief that was instilled in my sisters and me and is at the heart of this company, I co-founded, Silicon Ranch.

I'm pleased that will be contributing to the charitable cause of Steve's choosing in recognition of this achievement.

On behalf of the entire Kisber family, congratulations Steve.

I can't think of a better recipient for the first award.

Greg Hammond: Congratulations on receiving that award, and I'm sure that makes you feel extra special as well.

Christy Little: So very proud.

Greg Hammond: Now, let's welcome the President and CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber, Kyle Spurgeon, to come up and say a few words and make a few announcements.

Round of applause, please, for the President and CEO.

Kyle Spurgeon: Thank you.

I'm last.

Some of you are happy about that.

This has been a great long event and I appreciate all of you attending today.

I'm going to add to it because I have an award and it goes to the Wife of the Year Award goes to Melissa Spurgeon.

I know all of the rest of you guys out there are upset that you didn't think about that, but I'll bring this home to you.

If I can have about 10 minutes, I got some wrap ups, some thank yous, and some comments about this community.

I just want to say thank you to all of you for attending the largest Greater Jackson Chamber annual celebration in history, 600 people.

Very well done.

To tell you, we could have sold a lot more tickets.

Thank you to Union University, and I heard a lot of comments when you walked in, you said, this was a chapel.

It's still a chapel.

We're just doing something different in here today.

Thank you to Union for working with us to turn this into a space that can handle all of you.

Speaking of thank yous and I've got a lot of them, so just hold your applause.

But I want to start with our executive committee.

2023 has been a great year for our organization.

Any success that we've had would not be possible without the volunteer leadership from each member of our executive committee.

James Ross is past chairman.

He is rolling off the board in February, concluding six years of service.

That's a six year term.

You could have served in the Senate during that time, JR. so thank you.

In February, Todd Swims will be ending his two year term as Chairman.

He will then move into the past Chairman position.

Todd, thank you for what has been two very prosperous years under your leadership.

Roger Smith, who now serves as first Vice Chairman, will become Chairman February 1st, 2024, and then in early '24, the Chamber Board will name a new first vice chairman who will become chairman in 2026.

Also on our executive committee are Mayor Conger and Mayor Massey.

Let me share something about our two mayors.

I can't see them, but I promise both of you, I'll be very careful.

Seriously, I want you to know that our team has the opportunity to sell Jackson on a daily basis.

Our two mayors, they are with us every step of the way as we sell this community to investors from around the world.

It's happened twice this week.

We've had companies in from two continents looking at this community.

I want to thank you both for what you do and let all of you know they represent us very well.

Great job.

I also want to take a minute to recognize our Chamber Board of Directors.

I'm not going to mention all your names, but if you would just stand and be recognized because your time and your investment enables us to be successful, I want to thank all the 1,100 Chamber members.

We're not quite to 1,100, but rounded up.

You play a huge role in the growth of this organization in this community.

Additionally, I want to thank our forward Jackson investors.

I know many of you are here today.

Your increased investments, those investments are the reason this chamber is able to function at a level that you would expect from a chamber in a much larger city.

Quite honestly, this chamber functions like we're in Knoxville or Chattanooga or Nashville.

Your investments allow that to happen.

Also, a big thank you to our team at the Chamber.

It's because of their hard work.

Let me tell you, there are no 40 hour weeks.

There's a whole lot of 50 and 60 hour weeks for this team.

It's because of them we get to celebrate throughout the year.

We sit at a lot of tables in this community.

Our people sit in seats and we represent this community very well at those tables.

Mandy White is our chief economic development officer, Vicki Bunch, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Kyle Barron, Chief Community Development Officer, Joyce Welch, Office Manager, Lindsay Dawkins, Vice President of Investor Relations, Lauren Saliba, Director of Leadership Development, Logan McCoy, VP of Existing Industry, and our newest team member, Jake Wiley is here.

He is our manager of accounting.

I've saved two for last.

That's Christi Dew, Director of Membership Engagement, and Cameron Hansbrough who is Director of Member Relations.

You hear me mention team a lot, and that's because we work as a team.

When Mandy is working to secure a new investment for this community, she leads the team.

The rest of us work to accomplish the mission.

When leadership Jackson has a success, Lauren Saliba leads that team, the rest of us help her achieve that mission.

Christie and Cami lead our annual celebration, the rest of us support the mission to make this event bigger and better every year.

Today's event is a success because of a team effort, but every team has to have a leader.

In this case, there's two, Christie and Cami.

You can clap now.

Thank them for what they've done.

I could spend the rest of my time, and I promise you, it's not going to take very long, but I could stand up here and brag about the successes the Greater Jackson Chamber has experienced in 2023.

They've been numerous, there's a lot of them, and they've been very well publicized.

But let's don't look back, let's look forward.

There are more announcements coming.

Maybe we'll have one prior to the end of the year.

I believe success builds success.

This chamber, this city, this county, this region, all have the opportunity for even greater success in 2024.

It's a given that we're going to experience growth.

What is not given is the type of growth.

I'm so proud to be a part of an organization and a community team, team Madison County, that is being very selective about the type of growth we pursue and facilitate.

Not every project is a good project.

You see the announcements, what you don't see are the wise decisions made by leadership that may discourage projects that don't fit the short and long term vision of this community or region.

Our vision must remain at a very high level, our expectations must remain high.

Jackson is the capital of rural West Tennessee.

Our growth is important to our neighbors, some of those are here today representing chambers throughout West Tennessee.

We must not settle for a Jackson in West Tennessee that's just okay, or a little bit better.

We have the opportunity to be the next Huntsville, to be the next Greenville, South Carolina.

We all have to aspire to be the very best version of Jackson in West Tennessee.

Let me tell you how we're doing that in economic development.

We are no longer in the chasing prospects game.

Let me repeat that.

We are no longer in the chasing prospects game.

I probably need to explain because all those investors I bragged on, it's like we're not writing you anymore checks if you're not out there pursuing investments.

What we're doing now is we focus on pursuing meaningful relationships.

When you pursue meaningful relationships, you do a more intentional job of getting to know company leadership, the company culture, you can make better and more informed decisions about how the company can grow and prosper in our community.

Bottom line, getting to know the people first instead of being driven by capital investments and jobs, pursue relationships with the right people and you will attract the best companies and the best people.

When you pursue relationships instead of numbers, you attract investments that are the best fit for the community.

Companies locate here that will become true community partners.

That's something we've done for years with our existing industry base, spending time with local company leadership, traveling to Japan, Chicago, Los Angeles, wherever that is, to meet with corporate leadership that represents plants that are here in Jackson.

When we do that, we just simply say thank you for investing in our community.

We will continue to focus on building meaningful relationships.

I mentioned some more good news prior to the end of the year, be looking for an announcement in early December.

I'll tell you, it's not an industrial development announcement, although we've got several projects we're working on, but it is certainly an economic development announcement that will generate millions of dollars of economic activity in Jackson.

I need to hurry up and get off the stage.

Christie and Cami gave me a limited amount of time to stay up here.

I don't use this platform to give a speech, I get to express appreciation to people and give a few remarks.

If it was a speech, I would be digging deeper and spending more time on some topics.

But let me just hit some bullet points and know that these things are what the chamber.

It's not everything, it's just some bullets that we view are very important to us, this community, and to all of West Tennessee, and they're not in order.

The decisions we make today will dictate the type growth we see over the next 2-3 decades and longer.

The amount of money and time we invest in quality of life improvements will be critical to what this community looks like in 2040.

The people we elect and send to Nashville to represent us, that's critical to our success.

Local elections matter.

Elect and keep in office people who understand how to best grow this community.

Support our local public school system.

As Jackson Madison County School system continues to move the needle, opportunities for students in this community and region increase exponentially.

Our expectations must be higher than ever before.

We can achieve more than any of us realize.

Now, I could add dozens of things to this list.

This has been a great annual celebration.

I don't want you to remember it as the time the chamber president spoke too long, I want you to leave here knowing we live on one of the best places on this Earth.

It is up to us to take care of this place, make it better, and leave a legacy that will ensure success for decades.

John F. Kennedy said, "For of those to whom much is given, much is required."

In the Bible in Luke 12:48 says, "For unto whomsoever much is given of him, so much be required."

Much has been given to Jackson in West Tennessee, now much is required from all of us.

Picking up where Solomon and Emery left off when they started this celebration, do you believe in Jackson?

Do you believe in Madison County?

Do you believe in West Tennessee?

I do.

Thank you.

MALE_9: Well, that does it.

The 2023 Greater Jackson Chamber annual celebration is over and West Tennessee PBS wants to congratulate all of this year's winners and all of the businesses that make Jackson such a great place to live and work.

From all of us at West Tennessee PBS, thank you for watching.

FEMALE_1: 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.