JACKSON Tenn – Chambers of Commerce field a variety of questions, requests, and inquiries from tourists and residents. Undoubtedly one of the most common FAQ’s is, “What is there to do around here?” Being the economic center for more than a dozen counties, and a popular tourism destination, it is a question the folks at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce hear regularly. To help get out the word about Jackson the Chamber organized the “411 on the 731”.
Jill Erling is the chamber event coordinator who helped plan Thursday’s speakers. She said that it all came together quickly. According to Erling, once they started telling people what they wanted them to do they were all excited to get on-board. “Everyone was eager to talk about their projects, ” said Erling. “Not everyone knows what’s going on in Jackson all the time so the main goal is to get the word out,” added Erling.
Jackson Chamber President Kyle Spurgeon said, “The chamber staff is privy to information of things that are going on in the community. We thought we needed to get the word out, so that’s what this event is about.”
12 speakers were featured in very brief vignette style and given the chance to promote their idea or projects.
City of Jackson Planning Director Stan Pilant talked about the North Highland Roundabout, a new road design for a downtown Jackson roadway.
Pilant said construction on the North Highland Avenue Roundabout should begin in the next few months, and it is expected to be completed in 12 months. According to Pilant, the roundabout was the best solution for slowing down traffic, reducing the potential for pedestrian and traffic hazards while creating an attractive gateway to the area in downtown Jackson.
Pilant said, “People going southbound come up on top of the hill and see all green lights they hurry to go through that intersection, a signalized intersection wouldn’t have fixed the problem. If they see the roundabout it will slow people down, but it won’t keep them from going where they want to go because they won’t ever stop.”
Patrick Hewitt introduced KlickGo, an on-demand transportation company servicing Jackson and West Tennessee. The business connects riders with drivers to take them anywhere, anytime. By simply downloading an app (Android or iPhone), then entering your destination, within minutes a driver will be there to take you on your way. KlickGO services riders with drivers from the local area who use their own vehicles. KlickGoapp.com is the website.
Details aren’t complete but Kyle Spurgeon teased that Zagster, a start-up company that designs and builds bike sharing projects, will announce bike stands in Jackson. Spurgeon said sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the near future.
Other speakers included:
TDOT – discussed an interstate widening project on I-40
CEDC – Director Lori Nunnery and JDDC director Matt Altobell talked about “Visit Jackson Tennessee, and Jackson Downtown Development projects.
Also featured at the event were speakers from, the Kayak Project, Workforce Development, West Tennessee River Basin Authority, and JMCSS.
Jill Erling said she likes the way this gets out the word about projects in the works and she hopes this can become a bi-annual event for the community.
BY Keith Sherley
TWITTER: @keithsherley
EMAIL: [email protected]
