Buchanan Realty Group CLICK HERE located in Hamilton Hills Shopping Center, 621 Old Hickory Blvd., sponsors Strictly Business, a weekly column that takes a look at a few of this week’s business highlights.

The Buchanan Realty Group – (731) 300-3071 – provides commercial real estate services throughout Tennessee. The group specializes in leasing, tenant representation, investment sales and acquisition – concentrating on retail, hospitality, c-store, medical, industrial and multi-family sectors.

Nation’s largest independent insurance company joins Thompson & Smith Insurance of Jackson

(Fort Worth, Texas) – Higginbotham, the largest independent insurance, financial and HR services firm headquartered in Texas and one of the top firms in the country, has teamed up with independent agency Thompson & Smith Insurance of Jackson, Tennessee.

After celebrating Higginbotham’s 75th anniversary in 2023, Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid is focused on the future with a platform of strategic growth, joining forces with agencies across the country that share Higginbotham’s commitment to client service, team support and community investment.

“With Thompson & Smith, we’re getting a partner with great geographic representation, decades of experience, and specialized knowledge — particularly in the construction space that’s so strong in the Southeast,” Reid said. “But more than that, we’re getting a partner that shares our mission and our approach to doing business.”

Thompson & Smith CEO Chuck Thompson explained the Tennessee firm’s client-service mission and the consultative approach they follow to make sure clients are matched with the insurance products that best fit their individual needs.

“Our number one goal is to take care of each client, making sure they’re insured appropriately,” Thompson said. “Insurance is a complicated industry, and our clients need someone on their side to navigate the complexities. We are proud to go above and beyond what a standard agency might do. As a result, our customers trust us, and we’ll do whatever we can to maintain that trust.”

BlueOval City campus in Stanton ‘progressing on track’

The creation of the BlueOval City campus – Ford’s new advanced auto production complex that includes the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center assembly plant – is progressing on track.

In addition to paint shop and vehicle assembly equipment, installation is also underway for nearly 4,000 tons of stamping equipment that will produce the sheet metal stampings for Ford’s next all-new electric truck.

Ford plans to begin customer deliveries of the new truck in 2026 and gradually ramp up production to help assure quality. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will be Ford’s first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to help elevate quality and efficiency.

Prospective employees can meet with Ford representatives at the new Ford Tennessee Discovery Center in Brownsville, Tenn., once it opens.

The plant’s management team brings together strong leaders from around the world, including Ford veterans and talent from Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Toyota, FedEx and more.

Community members also will be welcome to experience advanced manufacturing through virtual reality simulations at the Discovery Center.

Planning Commission approves request for new housing in Shepherd’s Field

The consideration of a final plat for Shepherd’s Field, consisting of 18 lots on approximately 6.97 acres, was approved by the Jackson Municipal Regional Planning Commission during their monthly meeting at Jackson City Hall, Wednesday.

The plan was submitted by Surveying Services Inc. on behalf of Diffee and Holmes Partners.

Jackson Beer Board approves 4 special occasion, 4 business permits during monthly meeting

The Jackson Beer Board approved eight permits – four special occasion and four business – during their monthly meeting at Jackson City Hall, Tuesday.

Melanie Lupino was approved for a special occasion permit for an event known as The Downtown Tavern – Hemp Fest, to sell, store and serve on April 20 at the Farmers’ Market.

Julanne Stone was approved for a special occasion permit for an event known as Craw-fest 2024, to sell, store and serve on April 20 at Hub City Brewery.

Ashley Adams was approved for a special occasion permit for an event known as Vintage Makers Music & Arts to sell, store and serve May 4 & 5 at the Farmers’ Market.

Randy Hall was approved for a special occasion permit for an event known as the Rodney Carrington Concert to sell, store and serve on May 11 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Ali Alqartahi was approved for a business known as Best Stop, Inc., 1215 Whitehall Street, for selling, storing, and distributing for consumption off the premises.

Grace Crocker was approved for a business known as Jackson Rockabillys Food & Beverage LLC, 4 Fun Place, for selling, storing, and serving off the premises where sold.

Teresa Page/Jason Power were approved for a business known as Tap Bar & Grill, TJJP LLC, 719 Old Hickory Blvd., for selling, storing and serving on the premises where sold.

Marlen Gonzalez-Valle was approved for a business known as La Guacamaya Restaurant, 1869 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass, for selling, storing, and serving on the premises where sold.

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(BUCHANAN REALTY GROUP CLICK HERE sponsors Strictly Business)