Greater Jackson Chamber is first to receive Chamber of the Year award

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local chamber of commerce receives a prestigious award.

The Greater Jackson Chamber has received the “Chamber of the Year” award by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives. This is the first year this award has been given. The Greater Jackson Chamber team tells us they are honored to have been selected in a large category.

“We are one of the larger chambers in the area but this award–you know, all of the chambers are doing great work and it’s just making their communities better and so we thank them and their partnership but also we want to just continue supporting them in the work that they’re doing,” said Lindsay Dawkins, chief of staff.

The award focuses on four key areas: networking and communications, community engagement, social impact, government relations and advocacy, and education and workforce development.

“The mission of the Greater Jackson Chamber is to create jobs and enhance the quality of life for the citizens not only in Jackson but all of West Tennessee. To do that we engage with partners from around the community to do everything we can to make Jackson a better place to live work and play,” said Mandy White, chief economic development officer.

There’s a lot of excitement for the future of Jackson and the chamber hopes to set a solid foundation for growth throughout the entire region. Staff members say they’re proud of their impact on the McKellar Sipes Regional Airport, as it has influenced an expansion of resources.

“We’ve been working with the McKellar Sipes Airport and to get jet service out there and Denver Air Connection they just announced last week and that’s not just benefiting Jackson but that is the whole West Tennessee region and that’s what we want to be a part of is make Jackson and West Tennessee a great place,” said Dawkins.

The Greater Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905, seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, and executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and over a thousand business members.

“Our almost 11 hundred chamber members certainly have a great impact on what we’re able to do and how we’re able to make this community as great as it is but also our board of directors, our investors, and of course our staff. We have many new people moving here. Companies that are excited to grow here and I think the best is yet to come,” said White.

The Greater Jackson Chamber aims to pursue innovation and building towards the future. They are also the first-ever recipient of Chamber of the Year.

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