From adding a flight from Jackson to the Gulf Coast to the most recent unemployment figures for West Tennessee, here’s a review of this week’s business highlights.
Flight to Gulf Coast from Jackson may be in future
Improving air service in the Jackson region continues to be one of our most important economic development and quality of life opportunities.
Air Choice One continues to experience a constantly improving trend as more and more passengers utilize the Jackson to St. Louis route.
That said, the possibilities exist a flight from Jackson to the Gulf Coast of Florida might be in the making – but the public needs to make its voice heard.
The team at Air Choice One is evaluating the route and needs data to justify adding the flight in 2018.
Take 5-7 minutes to take this survey –
Solar Project planned near Airport Industrial Park
Jackson Energy Authority has been awarded a two (2) megawatt solar generation project through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Distributed Solar Solutions (DSS) pilot program.
This Solar Farm will be an Industrial Community Solar project located near McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport and the Airport Industrial Park.
“Sustainability is an important aspect of the industrial community’s culture,” said Jim Ferrell, President/CEO of the Jackson Energy Authority. “Jackson Energy Authority is proud to partner with TVA and Silicon Ranch Corporation in the development of this community solar project which will allow us to assist our local industrial community in meeting their corporate sustainability goals in a cost effective manner.”
Under the agreement, Nashville-based Silicon Ranch Corporation will fund, build, own, and operate the solar energy facility.
Silicon Ranch Corporation is the largest developer, owner, and operator of solar facilities based in the TVA service area and one of the largest independent solar power producers in the United States.
“This pilot program allows Local Power Companies to get into the renewable energy market,” said Bruce Dorris, Commercial Relations Manager at Jackson Energy Authority. “In the past, due to TVA contracts, local power companies have not had that option. This solar install will be the largest solar array on JEA’s power grid.”
Planned construction should start in 2018 with the system coming online in late 2018 or early 2019.
WTH Trustees pass 3 resolutions at monthly board meeting
The passing of three resolutions highlighted the West Tennessee Healthcare’s Board of Trustees monthly meeting at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Tuesday.
The Board passed a resolution to establish an appropriate rate of return on assets for calculation of the annual distribution for fiscal year 2018 at six percent, consistent with previous years.
The Trustees also authorized James Ross, the chief executive officer of the District to implement an Investment Policy that will carry out the Board’s goal of maintaining a minimum financial profile equivalent to that held by an institution of similar size and mission.
The Board also approved a resolution to acquire necessary beds and mattresses as part of West Tennessee Healthcare’s desire to provide its patients with the highest quality care services.
Specifically, management recommended the replacement of 32 beds on C7 at a total cost of $350,363.20 of current year and budgeted District funds.
Buff City Soap Company
Buff City Soap Company is scheduled to open at 1319 Union University Drive, in Thomsen Farms, by mid November.
“Buff City Soap is a handmade plant based soap company,” Nick Kunkel said. “We operate a lot like a “soap bakery,” (where) people can come into our stores and customize their own bath products, or choose from huge variety of favorite fragrances.”
Buff City Soap Company has stores in Bartlett, downtown Memphis, Covington and Clarksville in Tennessee; Olive Branch, Tupelo and New Albany in Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama and Castle Rock, Colorado.
Nick, who manages the Bartlett location, said Buff City Soap Company uses a special blend of palm, coconut, and olive oils to create loaves of soap that are colored using mica rock, and scented with essential oils or food grade fragrance oils. Scents include oatmeal and honey, toasted coconut, tea tree and lavender.
Nick said the Jackson location will employ a staff of six-to-eight people.
Buff City Soap Company is in the same complex with The Corner Boutique, Polished Salon and Tulum Fresh Mexican Grill in the 14,000-square-foot facility.
Holiday Mart
The 48th annual University School of Jackson’s Holiday Mart will be held Nov. 17-19, at the
Carl Perkins Civic Center.
USJ’s largest fundraiser will feature more than 125 merchants featuring gifts, clothing and accessories, holiday and home decorative items.
Holiday Mart hours –
Friday, November 17 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Jingle Belle Mingle, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 18 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 19 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Unemployment rates fall in all West Tennessee Counties
The most recent labor force estimates for West Tennessee counties.
Benton County, 4.2
Carroll County, 4.1
Chester County, 3.1
Crockett County, 3.1
Decatur County, 3.8
Dyer County, 3.6
Fayette County, 3.2
Gibson County, 3.6
Hardeman County, 4.2
Hardin County, 3.6
Haywood County, 4.2
Henderson County, 3.7
Henry County, 3.6
Lake County, 4.1
Lauderdale County, 4.6
Madison County, 3.1
McNairy County, 4.3
Obion County, 4.5
Tipton County, 3.5
Weakley County, 4.8
(PHOTO: The Jackson Chamber)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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