One of Jackson’s newest events took place on November 9 at Hub City Brewing. VIP Jackson Magazine hosted an exclusive event to celebrate the winners of Best In Jackson. The business owners and leaders of each of the winning businesses for Best In Jackson 2023 were invited to an elevated cocktail party with food prepared by Jackson’s Kitchen & Catering.
Read MoreDancing with The STARs was held Thursday, October 26 at the Jackson Fairgrounds. The event was sold out as members of the community came to root on their favorite dancers as they competed for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. This was the eighth annual Dancing with the Stars, presented by Leaders Credit Union, that directly benefits the Star Center in Jackson.
Read MoreOn October 19 the West Tennessee community came together for the fight against breast cancer at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. West Tennessee Health Care|Alice and Carl Kirkland Cancer Center was the presenting sponsor for Runway for a Cure, an annual event that raises money for breast cancer research and resources, both locally and internationally.
Read MoreThis is where I met my wife, and it is where we raised our family, worship, made a lot of true friends, have become part of this community and strive to meet the needs and make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with every day. Jackson is a community that has embraced and supported my family and me.
Read MoreI was born here, raised here, and am provided for here. I have been immersed in the fabric of this community and am in a unique position to have my finger on the pulse of our city’s heartbeat simply by listening, participating, and serving. I have a vested interest in seeing Jackson thrive, not only for my fellow Jacksonians, but for my employees, my friends, and my children.
Read MoreJackson is fortunate to have senior nationally experienced leadership committed to Jackson Theatre Guild productions. The recent show, “To Kill A Mockingbird” was directed by Billy Worboys and Lauren “LOLO” Pritchard Cobb.
Read MoreThe Animal Care Center in Jackson held their annual Fur Ball at the Jackson Country Club Saturday, April 29. At this spectacular event, guests enjoyed delicious food and entertaining music by the band MAGI.
Read MoreThis place, these people have embraced me at my best and my worst. I am Jackson because I believe in all this town has to offer and desire to help others to find their place in our city.
Read MoreThe Scarlet Rope Project held their 6th annual Crawfest Saturday, April 22 at Hub City Brewery. Many people came out to support a great cause presented by Town and Country Realtors. Tons of crawfish, shrimp, and all the sides were prepared.
Read MoreThe 10th Annual First Ladies’ Luncheon was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds on April 13, 2023. It was the largest turnout in the event’s history. There were 126 tables that were beautifully decorated by each sponsor.
Read MoreOn March 21, the Jackson Exchange Club held its 77th Man of the Year Ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel. The Man of the Year is a prestigious title given to one man each year based on their service, community impact, and influence in the City of Jackson and Madison County.
Read MoreOn March 24, the Jackson Symphony hosted its second iteration of Ballads & Boots on the grounds of Madison Downs. The songwriters’ night began with a sponsor appreciation tent where The Bar-Bees concocted smoked bourbon cocktails in themed glasses as guests enjoyed live acoustic music.
Read MoreThe 100 Black Men of West TN held their Holiday Splendor Gala Friday, December 30 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Attendees raised proceeds to support 21st Century Scholars, F.A.M.I.L.Y. mentoring, and Book Buddies. During the evening, several young men received scholarships.
Read MoreThe 7th annual Dancing with the STARS presented by Leaders Credit Union was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Community members came to support the STAR Center as they work to “Crush the No” for individuals with disabilities.
Read MoreThe The 31st Annual Charity Gala for The Foundation was held on November 12 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Proceeds from this fundraiser are designated to the Ayers Children’s Medical Center and a new Hospice House.
Read MoreRon Canter of Jackson, whom many of you know, was a student at The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. This school is a non-profit organization that was established in 1937. It is the longest continuously running Santa Claus School in the world. The Santa School is located at the Santa House in downtown Midland, Michigan. The school is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2022. Bill Geist, formerly of CBS News, described this school as “The Harvard of Santa Schools.”
Read MoreJoe Barker currently serves as Executive Director of Southwest Tennessee Development District (SWTDD), an eight-county regional planning and economic development organization located in Jackson. He has a diverse background in public service in both state and local government. Barker has served as both Mayor of the City of Savannah and of Hardin County.
Read MoreKyle Spurgeon is president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber, Jackson, TN. The organization represents over 1000 business members in Jackson-Madison County and parts of West Tennessee.Before joining the Chamber, Spurgeon was vice-president, corporate relations for Jackson Energy Authority. He has also served as marketing director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. He has helped facilitate project locations representing more than $2.5 billion in capital investment.
Read MoreThe Friends of Heart Black Tie & Blue Jeans 2022 is presented by West Tennessee Healthcare, was a rousing success as a large group turned out for the silent and live auctions, the amazing meal, and great music by G-3. A fun photo booth was set for some impromptu pictures. A unique Whisky Pull offering special brand and flavor to the custom line of liquors is always a competitive opportunity. This combo of fun, entertainment and financial support to provide heart-saving AED defibrillators to the Jackson community. Jackson is designated as a four-minute heart-saver community, according to Friends of Heart.
Read MoreNo matter where life or my career has taken me, this has always been home. My family’s roots here run deep, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and give back to the community that has meant so much to us.
It is where I am from, it has provided a great life, and it’s my family’s history and its future!
I strive and work every day to make Jackson and rural West Tennessee a better place to live.
I remember PoFolks Restaurant and want to start a petition to bring it back! And if that’s not Jackson enough, then it’s because I’m proud to build homes in a community that values hard work, relationships, and doing things the right way.
Jackson is engrained in me. One can seek out a place to live where they are comfortable, but it is special when you live in a place that fulfills you. Yes, family heritage, family friends, business success, and one’s faith can be fulfilling, but the Jackson community is special. Jackson provides all the elements for me that make life good.
I want Jackson to be visionary and strategic. I have always, and will be, FOR Jackson in all ways possible to make Jackson better. It is going to take a team effort to accomplish all of the opportunities before us, and no doubt it will take vision and change. Our community is ready to take Jackson to the next level, and I look forward to seeing it happen!
I believe in building better — homes, businesses, and relationships — right here in the community that built me.
Because I don’t just live here, I have a passion for seeing Jackson become the very best it can be.
Since I moved to Jackson 47 years ago this town has offered our family life-long friendships, career opportunities, and the desire to continue to grow with our community as a wonderful place to call HOME.
I believe in where we’re headed. Whether it’s helping our airport grow, supporting small businesses, or just being a good neighbor, I’m proud to be part of Jackson’s story. This city is taking off, and I’m glad to be on board. (Couldn’t resist the airport puns.)
I absolutely love this community. My family, my friends, my education, and my career are all rooted in this great community, and I only foresee it just getting better and better with time. We have so much to be grateful for to be able to call this place our home!
This is where I can make the greatest difference, where collaboration thrives, and where a brighter future for our children is not just a hope, but a shared reality we are actively building together. #winning
...this city has shaped me, inspired me, and given me the opportunity to serve and grow alongside an amazing community.
I am Jackson because I have aimed to improve both myself and the West Tennessee community.
Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead.
After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare -- to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.
Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.
I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love.
In this one unique location, mountains meet music…art meets adventure...culture meets cuisine…and no one meets a stranger. The walkability of downtown allows people to explore and discover vibrant murals, local music, historic sites, art museums, parks, greenways and more. With its sophisticated mix of culture and cuisine, experience a destination served up with genuine hospitality.
On Sunday night, May 19 The Jackson Symphony continued the popular Symphony on the Move concerts in the lovely Vann Gardens neighborhood. Many gathered on the lawn to listen to the beautiful music by members of the Jackson Symphony.
Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together.
On June 6 hundreds of participants gathered at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson for the Heaven’s Cradle Twilight Run and Downtown Rendezvous. The Twilight Run is a special occasion to honor and remember the children of bereaved families and is Heaven’s Cradle’s largest fundraiser.
I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community. I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it. To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!
VIP Jackson Magazine
Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
I AM JACKSON because…
Our team sells Jackson every day, and I believe in what we are selling. I believe in this community, our people, and where we are headed.