In case you missed it, here’s a look back at a few business highlights for the past week.
Concerns about added congestion mount before Cook Out opens on Stonebridge Blvd.
For Complete Story Click Here
Cook Out, an American privately owned fast food restaurant chain is in the process of opening at 4 Stonebridge Blvd., in Jackson.
While an opening date has not been announced, concerns about an already congested intersection – Vann Drive, Emporium Drive and Stonebridge Boulevard – increase, considering the popularity of Chick-fil-A.
WNWS.COM visited with Kris Gordon, E.I., City of Jackson Engineering Department, and discussed the traffic count and traffic signals located between Emporium Drive – near Lowe’s – and Pleasant Plains Extended.
“We recounted the volume of traffic at these intersections in November 2017,” Gordon said. “It was determined that the overall traffic volume at the intersections has decreased anywhere from 5.5 percent to 11.7 percent from our counts in 2012.
“The only increase was at the Emporium Drive intersection, in which it increased 13 percent, but it is not coordinated with the other signals at this time.
“Since you assume a growth factor for the area when determining new timings, we determined that the current timings were sufficient once growth was assumed and that no changes were needed.”
Continuing, Gordon said “We have worked diligently to ensure that all signal components such as detectors, clocks, etcetera, that also affect the amount of allocated time that is actually used are working properly.”
Gordon said improvement is noticeable in this area, but the short queue lengths between the signals still make it congested.
“The simple solution that is usually called for is to add more time but that is not feasible when all directions are equally congested,” Gordon said. “You cannot add time to one direction without causing the others to be delayed further which is always the cause for concern.”
Gordon said the City rides this corridor frequently, while trying to self monitor the issues.
“We are also citizens of Jackson that shop and eat in these areas and experience the same frustrations as everyone else,” Gordon said. “We hope that some people have experienced some of the better coordination in this area, but a single component malfunction or a clock simply losing time by 30 seconds can make this corridor back up incredible fast.
“This corridor will always be difficult and require acute attention. We will work to keep everything functioning as smoothly as possible – but please – be patient and work with us.”
JEA Board passes 6 resolutions during monthly meeting
For Complete Story Click Here
The Board of Directors at Jackson Energy Authority passed six resolutions during the organization’s monthly meeting, Thursday.
Board members approved resolutions –
Authorizing a contract for the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Authorizing a construction contract agreement for Customer Center site improvements at 351 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Authorizing a contract for rehabilitation of the Johnson Creek & South Fork Lift Stations on JEA’s wastewater system.
Amending Jackson Energy Authority’s Purchasing Policy.
Approving the Jackson Energy Authority Investment Policy Statement for the Other Post-Employment Benefits Plan.
Authorizing the purchase of natural gas from the Southeast Alabama Gas Supply District; Approving the execution and delivery of a gas supply agreement assignment of certain obligations under the gas supply agreement in connection with the issuance of bonds by the Southeast Alabama Gas Supply District.
Central Distributors holds grand opening on new facility near Airport Industrial Park
For Complete Story Click Here
Central Distributors pulled out all the stops during its grand opening at 1876 Lager Lane, near the Airport Industrial Park, Thursday.
Best known as the distributor of the “King of Beers,” its new 80,000-square-foot facility replaces its offices and warehouse at 361 U.S. 45 Bypass.
At its new location, Central Distributors has over four times the amount of acreage compared to where they have been operating out of since 1981.
“This is a special day for us,” said Mike McWherter, president/CEO of Central Distributors, “This is a family-owned operation, and my family is delighted to be out here with all the people who make up Central Distributors … what a great team we have.”
Gander Outdoors moves closer to opening at 1523 Vann Drive
For Complete Story Click Here
With work continuing on the interior, new signage was being placed on the exterior of the facility Wednesday, for the retailer that replaces Gander Mountain.
Gander Mountain – the company – filed for bankruptcy in March 2017, and was purchased by Camping World, which is headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Camping World is one of the largest Recreational Vehicle and camping supply stores in the United States with more than 100 locations and 2,000 employees.
Gander Mountain had 162 stores involved in the bankruptcy.
Camping World officials could not be reached for comment, but the Jackson facility is one of 69 locations scheduled to reopen under the Gander Outdoors name.
For those interested in working at Gander Outdoors, apply online at www.ganderoutdoors.com for full time or part time positions in customer service, apparel & footwear, fishing, camping, marine, hunting, archery, shooting and active sport – bike and paddle.
West Tennessee Healthcare – Danny Wheeler elected to serve as chairman of the board of trustees
For Complete Story Click Here
Danny Wheeler, Curtis Mansfield and Phil Bryant accepted new leadership roles when the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tuesday.
Danny Wheeler becomes the new chairman of the board; Curtis Mansfield is the vice chairman and Phil Bryant is the board’s secretary.
“I’d have to say the board is a team, and being chairman really just gives me the opportunity to lead the meetings,” Danny said. “It’s an honor to be chairman, and I look forward to working with the quality council on things as we go forward.”
Danny replaces Vicki Burch, who has served as chair since 2016.
Danny, who filled an unexpired term in 2013, was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 2014.
Wheeler, Mansfield, Bryant, Burch and Greg Milam make up the five-member board.
Monica White – West Tennessee Healthcare employee of the month
For Complete Story Click Here
Monica White, a three-year employee in the food service department at West Tennessee Healthcare is the employee of the month for April.
The announcement was made when the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tuesday.
Monica is recognized as someone who represents WTH in the best light, and her cheerfulness and genuine heartfelt connection she has with each person patient, and family member is exceptional.
According to a press release, she is truly the unsung hero of healthcare.
The food service staff never craves recognition or awards, but performs their tasks behind the scenes.
Monica has taken it upon herself to treat those around her with her laughter, kind and supporting words, and a helping hand for those in need.
Tim Adams, vice president, Hospital Services, and Frank Matchem, Food and Nutrition presented Monica with the award.
Victory Honda moving pre-owned business to Vann Drive
For Complete Story Click Here
Victory Honda, 1408 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass, is expanding its operations in Jackson.
The dealership will sell its pre-owned vehicles at 531 Vann Drive, which was the home of Gwatney Mazda of Jackson.
“We’re hoping to open in the next two or three weeks,” said Chase Channell, general manager, Victory Honda. “This will help us to be even more customer friendly in the community, and it will help with our traffic … growing is a good thing.”
WNWS.COM listed the sale of the property – about three acres and 18,000-square-foot building – March 23.
John Russell Gwatney SUC TR etal Harold Gwatnney Revocable Trust Syble E Gwatney Revocable Trust to Cappo Real Estate Holdings LLC, 531 Vann Drive, $1,950,000
(PHOTO: Gander Outdoors, 1523 Vann Drive)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/
