Greater Jackson Chamber leaders discuss successes, why Jackson attracts new industry
In a presentation on Wednesday, members of the Greater Jackson Chamber discussed the "why" behind the agency's successes and what makes Jackson attractive for new industry.
At the Jackson Rotary Club, Chamber President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon and Chief Economic Development Officer Mandy White revealed that Jackson is in the top 1.5% of best chambers in the country.
Representing more than 1,000 business members in Jackson-Madison County, the Greater Jackson Chamber, along with Dyersburg, is one of two accredited branches in West Tennessee.
In 2023, the chamber's economic impact was reflected in the 747 direct jobs brought to the area, resulting in a direct income of over $52 million.
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Of those jobs, Spurgeon added that the $1.4 million in sales tax earnings funneled into the local economy is what "keeps our taxes low in this community."
Noting that 80% of new jobs are created through existing industry, Spurgeon believes supporting them before welcoming new business is important.
"Those companies that are looking to move here, they are going to talk to existing companies," he said. "So we strike that balance by, first, paying most attention to our existing companies that are here."
Seven reasons were cited why Jackson is believed to be a magnet for enticing new industry: team approach, well-vetted sites, single source of utilities, low union presence, workforce, location/transportation, and professional business leaders.
Between new capital investments and the expansion of existing industries, 2023 investments amounted to $447,587,546. This number is over $1 billion between 2022 and 2023.
Dixie plant to begin operations summer
Georgia-Pacific's Dixie plant, announced in 2022 and poised to begin operation on June 14, is the single largest capital investment in Jackson's history, totaling $425 million.
In April 2023, the world's first plasma cathode factory to produce sustainable battery material, 6K Energy, announced a $230 million investment to build a revolutionary manufacturing plant in Jackson.
Currently, the chamber is investing in sites, supporting both public and private schools, and practicing selectivity in company recruitment, while inviting a new and retaining an existing workforce.
"We do business with people we know, like, and trust," Spurgeon said.
Under a standard of recruiting companies with a high capital investment and low employment count to promote higher wages, selectivity has become an amplified luxury earned over decades.
"Because this community for 40 and 50 years has invested in economic development and has been intentional about the practice," he said. "We've always been selective. Otherwise, we wouldn't have companies like Toyota and six other Japanese companies, wouldn't have Kellanova here and others."
He encouraged citizens to put their best foot forward in representing Jackson by getting involved in quality-of-life initiatives, supporting law enforcement, supporting the public school system, and using social media to leave positive reviews — all to continue attracting new people and industries to Jackson-Madison County.
Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Why does Jackson entice significant industry investments?
