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.
Cherie Parker honored by City, County for 29 year career at LIFELINE Blood Services
A very special day became even more special when Cherie Parker was presented with the ‘Key to the City,’ by Jackson Mayor Scott Conger for her 29 years of service at LIFELINE Blood Services.
Conger and Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris also proclaimed the (Thursday) ‘Cherie Parker Day.’
Cherie, the public relations/marketing coordinator for LIFELINE Blood Services, retired Friday, Dec. 4.
“This is a total surprise, and it’s very humbling,” Cherie said, “I’m almost speechless that the mayors (Conger and Harris) and my boss and all the folks here worked together to commemerate my career on this day.
“Today would have been my mom’s birthday, so it’s very fitting she would be in my heart always, but I’m honored … I would not be here it it were not for the wonderful people the Blood Center.”
She began working at the Blood Center in donor recruitment in 1987, and eight years later moved into her position as public relations/marketing coordinator.
Through blood donations, Cherie – who helped save the lives of 580,000 West Tennesseans during her career – was also a 10 gallon donor.
Parker’s duties will be assumed by Caitlin Roach, who has joined the LIFELINE team as Marketing Manager.
Business Spotlight – Arrington Funeral Directors welcomes Christie Keen – licensed funeral director and embalmer
Jackson, Tennessee — Arrington Funeral Directors always seeks to provide those they serve in the Jackson area with the most compassionate and comprehensive care possible.
One aspect of achieving this mission is acquiring a staff that can ensure that families receive expert advice and assistance in all areas of the funeral process. Christie Keen joins the Arrington staff with numerous certifications and experience that will make her an invaluable addition to the team.
Christie is originally from Monticello, Kentucky, but 26 years ago she settled down in Clay County,
Tennessee, northeast of Nashville.
In December of 2014, she graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science with an Associate of Arts. One month later, she passed the National Board Examination.
Along with being a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Tennessee, Christie went on in 2015 to become licensed in Kentucky.
As a requirement for her degree, in 2015, Christie completed an apprenticeship at Upton-Hay Funeral Home in Celina, TN, where she continued to work as a funeral director after graduation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work at the Upton-Hay Funeral Home and the skills I have gained can now be carried with me to Arrington Funeral Directors,” Christie said. “It was through fervent prayer that I found myself fulfilling my childhood desires to become a funeral director, and I will continue to do all that I can to honor what that means. I will represent those who I serve in the Jackson community with the highest of standards and utmost integrity.”
In 2013, Christie completed the necessary courses at Kaplan University in Nashville to become a licensed insurance agent, going on to become a Tennessee-licensed Preneed Sales Agent.
In 2020, she attended and completed the National Funeral Directors Association Cremation Certification Program, passing the required tests to become a Certified Crematory Operator.
Jim Ayers to step back from executive chairman role at FIRSTBANK
Jim Ayers, who bought a tiny, rural West Tennessee bank in 1984 and turned it into an $11 billion regional powerhouse, announced today he was stepping down as Executive Chairman of the board of directors of FirstBank and its parent company FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK) effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Ayers, who owns 29 percent of the publicly traded bank, will retain a board seat and expects to continue working at the bank, focusing his time calling on customers.
“Having just celebrated my 77th birthday, I thought this would be a good time to dial back some of my responsibilities to give me more time to spend with my family and on my hobbies,” Ayers said. “The bank is strong, we have excellent leadership at the top with Chris Holmes as President and CEO, and we have a strong and diverse board. I can go hunting and fishing, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Holmes, age 56, joined FirstBank as Chief Banking Officer before being named President in 2012 and adding the CEO’s role the following year. Holmes is a native of Lexington, Tenn., and worked previously in executive roles at The South Financial Group in Greenville, S.C., and National Commerce Financial in Memphis. He serves as the current chairman of the Tennessee Bankers Association along with several other boards including Delta Dental of Tennessee and the Tennessee Hospital Association.
In a special called meeting, the board elected Stuart McWhorter as Chairman and named Ayers as Vice Chairman and Founder.
#GivingTuesday731 – Toyota Tennessee donating $20,000 to United Way of West TN
JACKSON, Tennessee – Toyota Tennessee, formerly Toyota Bodine, is kicking off the holiday season by spreading cheer on #GivingTuesday731, a day of generosity celebrated December 1st.
According to a press release from Leah Almeling – analyst Toyota Motor North America Corporate Communications – the United Way of West Tennessee will receive $20,000 to support Snack Backpacks, Meals on Wheels and local counseling services. The donation brings Toyota’s total community investment in non-profits across West Tennessee to over $400,000 in 2020.
The $20,000 grant will provide support for over 3,000 people across West Tennessee:
Snack Backpacks – As so many students are still required to learn virtually, many of them miss the meals that their school provides. This funding will help deliver 1,845 Snack Backpacks to students in need.
Meal on Wheels – Seniors have been detrimentally impacted by COVID-19 and highly dependent on the delivery of meals. Funding will help deliver 1,500 meals to seniors in the community.
Counseling – There has been a significant need for counseling and mental health services due to the isolation created by the pandemic. Toyota funding will provide counseling to 50 people, for a total of 200 counseling hours.
Restaurant, tavern approved for beer permits
Logan’s Roadhouse and the Downtown Tavern were approved for beer permits when the Jackson Beer Board held its monthly meeting at City Hall, Tuesday.
Aaron L. Newton was approved for a business known as Logan’s Roadhouse, 604 Carriage House Drive, for selling, storing and serving on the premises where sold.
Aaron Newton is the general manager of the restaurant.
Business hours at Logan’s Roadhouse are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
Owners Robert and Melanie Lupino were approved for a business known as The Downtown Tavern, 208 N. Liberty St., for selling, storing and serving on the premises where sold.
Robert Lupino said the Downtown Tavern is scheduled to reopen at the end of January or early February, 2021.
Business hours are 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week.
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