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JEA Board of Directors approve 7 resolutions during monthly meeting
The Board of Directors of Jackson Energy Authority approved seven resolutions during their monthly meeting at the Tennergy Center, Thursday.
“Today the JEA board of directors approved seven resolutions for various items related to electric transmission poles, equipment for multiple divisions, upgrades to the water treatment facilities and a contract for grease collection,” Monte Jones said. “The board also heard a presentation from its investment advisor regarding the retirement and benefits plans which showed good gains in the funding for both.
“The presentation served as continuing education for board members as required by the State of Tennessee.
“Also, JEA employees with service times in increments of five years were recognized from five to 35 years of service at this meeting.”
Monte Jones is the chairman of the Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority.
Resolutions approved –
The purchase of steel distribution and transmission poles for capital improvement projects.
Authorizing the inspection and treatment of wood distribution poles for FY26.
Authorizing the purchase of four new 48’ articulating telescopic aerial devices on cab & chassis for the Electric Division.
The purchase of 1,700 residential & commercial gas meters.
The purchase of filter control valves for the North Water Treatment Plant.
Authorizing the purchase of three new excavators for the Water and Wastewater Divisions.
Authorizing a contract for grease trap pumping and hauling on JEA’s Wastewater Collection System.
Jackson Regional Airport honors Executive Director Steve Smith on his retirement
More Than 150 Attend Celebration for a Leader Who Helped Transform Regional Aviation
(Jackson, TN) November 18th, before a crowd of well over 150 community leaders, partners, and friends, Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Jackson-Madison County Airport Authority, was honored for his extraordinary 17-year career at Jackson Regional Airport.
Though Smith announced his retirement back in January, guests couldn’t resist noting, with a bit of fun, that it took him until November to actually walk out the door. As one attendee joked, “He’s giving Tom Brady and Michael Jordan a run for their money when it comes to retirement announcements.”
The event featured a custom celebration cake adorned with the Jackson Regional Airport logo and the words “Happy Retirement,” symbolizing the close of a remarkable chapter in West Tennessee aviation.
A Career Defined by Progress and Vision
Smith began his role as Executive Director in January 2009, following a thorough nine-month national search. Prior to his work in Jackson, he spent 12 years as Airport Manager at Selmer’s Robert Sibley Airport, earning a reputation for dependable leadership and operational excellence.
During his tenure at Jackson Regional Airport, Smith oversaw more than $50 million in transformational improvements, including:
- Runway 11-29 resurfacing (2012)
- Taxiway Alpha reconstruction (2015)
- Runway 2-20 reconstructed (2024)
- Numerous facility and safety enhancements that strengthened the airport’s long-term infrastructure
His leadership played a pivotal role in modernizing the airport and positioning it as a critical asset for regional economic growth.
Toyota investing $71.4 million in Jackson casting plant; adding 33 jobs
PLANO, Texas – Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing presence is expanding again to meet growing demand for hybrid vehicles. As a part of Toyota’s recent commitment to invest up to $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, the company announces a $912 million investment and 252 new jobs across five manufacturing plants to increase hybrid capacity and bring hybrid-electric Corollas to its production lineup.
This investment in Toyota’s plants in West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri further builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting profits in its U.S. operations.
“Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our U.S. manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand,” said Kevin Voelkel, senior vice president, manufacturing operations. “Toyota’s philosophy is to build where we sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to that philosophy.”
“Toyota’s continued investment in Jackson-Madison County is a clear testament to the strength of our workforce and our community’s commitment to supporting advanced manufacturing,” stated Madison County Mayor AJ Massey. “We’re proud to see this facility play an important role in Toyota’s hybrid future — one that brings more quality jobs, innovation and opportunity to West Tennessee.”
“We’re grateful for Toyota’s ongoing partnership and investment in Jackson,” stated Jackson Mayor Scott Conger. “This expansion reinforces our city’s position as a hub for innovation and skilled talent, and it’s another example of how global companies continue to grow right here in Jackson. We’re proud to see this investment create new opportunities and strengthen the foundation for Jackson’s continued growth and success.”
A state-by-state look at the new investments, totaling $912 million and 252 new jobs:
Toyota Tennessee: $71.4 million, 33 jobs
Toyota’s casting plant at 301 James Lawrence Road in Jackson, Tenn. will add 33 jobs to increase production of hybrid transaxle cases and housings and engine blocks for hybrid vehicles. The investment includes three all-new production lines and will increase production capacity by nearly 500,000 units annually. Production on the new lines will start in 2027 and 2028. The plant represents a $497 million investment.
Toyota West Virginia: $453 million, 80 jobs
Toyota’s Buffalo, W.V. plant will add 80 jobs to increase assembly of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. The expansion, which will begin production in 2027, also includes new shift patterns for greater efficiency. Toyota West Virginia assembles more than one million engines, transmissions and hybrid transaxles annually and represents a $3.3 billion investment.
Toyota Kentucky: $204.4 million, 82 jobs
Toyota’s largest plant globally, located in Georgetown, Ky., will add 82 jobs and install an all-new machining line for 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, lining off in 2027. The powertrain facility can assemble up to 700,000 units annually. Toyota Kentucky employs nearly 10,000 team members and represents an investment exceeding $11 billion.
Toyota Mississippi: $125 million
Toyota’s Blue Springs, Miss. plant will add the hybrid-electric Corolla – marking the first electrified Corollas assembled in the U.S. The plant employs 2,400 and represents a $1.3 billion investment.
Toyota Missouri: $57.1 million, 57 jobs
Toyota’s casting plant in Troy, Mo. will add 57 jobs and a new cylinder head production line for hybrid vehicles. The new line, which will start production in 2027, will increase plant capacity by more than 200,000 cylinder heads annually and bring the total investment to $629 million.
Commercial property sells for $1.7 million plus in Thomsen Farms
Commercial real estate property at 429 Walker Road has been sold for $1,761,236.39
IBB investments LLC purchased the 9,847-square-foot facility in Thomsen Farms from Jamal Albarati.
Constructed in 2019, tenants are Domino’s, CryoSculpt, Westside Cleaners, Party Mart, and Bank3.
108 room hotel under construction in Park Place West
A new extended stay hotel – Candlewood Suites – is under construction at 2391 Christmasville Cove in Park Place West.
The four-story, 108 room hotel will offer 130 parking spaces.
It is the third hotel being constructed on Christmasville Cove.
StayBridge Suites, 2511 Christmasville Cove, will offer 106 rooms and 128 parking spaces when work is completed on the 19,768-square-foot facility.
TownPlace Suites, 2467 Christmasville Cove, will offer 95 rooms and 114 parking spaces when work is completed on the 15,331-square-foot facility.
BUCHANAN REALTY GROUP CLICK HERE highlights this week’s business activity in Jackson and the area.
