Strictly Business - In case you missed it, here's a look at this week's highlights - sponsored by Wes Harris STATE FARM

Strictly Business – In case you missed it, here’s a look at this week’s highlights – sponsored by Wes Harris STATE FARM

Wes Harris, State Farm Insurance Agent – home, auto, life & banking – 319 Vann Drive, sponsors Strictly Business, a weekly column that takes a look at a few of this week’s business highlights.

Unemployment rates for counties in West Tennessee

The unemployment rates are sponsored by PERSONNEL PLACEMENTS, LLC, 621 Old Hickory Blvd., which is a full service, competent, and professional staffing agency that handles the needs of Fortune 500 companies as well as local small businesses – for more information, call (731) 668-5056.

December’s average unemployment rate statewide – 3.3 percent

Benton County, 5.1
Carroll County, 4.7
Chester County, 3.0
Crockett County, 3.2
Decatur County, 4.8
Dyer County, 4.5
Fayette County, 3.5
Gibson County, 4.1
Hardeman County, 5.3
Hardin County, 4.3
Haywood County, 4.3
Henderson County, 3.9
Henry County, 4.1
Lake County, 5.0
Lauderdale County, 5.0
Madison County, 3.1
McNairy County, 6.0
Obion County, 4.3
Tipton County, 3.7
Weakley County, 3.3

Conagra makes move to Jackson official with $100 million + investment

Conagra Brands, Inc. announced it is expanding operations in Jackson, during a press conference at the Jackson Chamber, Wednesday.

The announcement was made in partnership with the Jackson Chamber and Jackson Energy Authority, City of Jackson, Madison County, and Tennessee Valley Authority.

Conagra will invest $106 million, and add over 400 jobs to its existing facility at 96 Pinnacle Drive.

“Conagra is pleased to announce a strategic investment and expansion of our presence in Jackson,” said John Goodwin, Jackson plant manager, “We have an outstanding relationship with Team Madison County and we appreciate all the support we have received for this expansion.”

Tropical Smoothie Cafe selects Thomsen Farms for Jackson location

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is in the process of opening in mid- to late Spring at 1280 University Drive in Thomsen Farms, across from Huck’s.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a casual health-conscious chain cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

The Cafe – which has more than 900 locations nationwide – will occupy 1,280-square-feet, and have a drive thru.

Tracy Sterling – FirstChoice Property and Development – is the project coordinator.

Ann-Marie Kelley negotiated the lease for FirstChoice Property and Development.

Neonatal Care ICU expanding at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital

Due to increasingly high census and changes that have developed for neonatal care, the West Tennessee Healthcare Board of Trustees determined the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit should be expanded and renovated at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

The NICU will have 26 single patient private rooms, one twin private room and an open bay space for 15 patients, a family lounge with shower space, a neonatal waiting room, an education room, and additional upgrades and enhancements to provide state of the art care for the smallest patients.

A bidding process has taken place and construction costs, including renovation and new construction will total $4,870,736, and equipment, information systems and other reasonable and necessary costs will total $4,176,455 for a total expenditure of $9,047,191.

Popularity in food trucks increasing in Jackson

It doesn’t appear the popularity of food trucks in Jackson is about to diminish any time soon.

In fact, it’s growing.

There are 41 food trucks roaming Jackson and Madison County, which is an increase from the 31 that were on the streets in January, 2019.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF FOOD TRUCKS CLICK HERE

FOR MORE LOCAL BUSINESS CLICK HERE

(PHOTO: Wes Harris STATE FARM)

David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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