October's First Friday Luncheon highlighting Jackson's industrial development

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - The Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial Commission hosted another First Friday Luncheon today focusing on taking a look back at industry development in the hub city.

This First Friday Luncheon focused on the many industries in the hub city’s past and present.

“So, fortunate to have Kyle Spurgeon, who is the CEO of the chamber, he’s going to be talking about yesterday, today, and tomorrow as far as industry growth. The importance for our community, and we will learn something today,” said Elaine Christian, Chair, Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Commission.

Just to name a few, Jackson currently has Kellogg's, Toyota, Black & Decker, and several more.

One of the big announcements at the First Friday Luncheon today was that Toyota donated 5 minivans to the Jackson-Madison County School System.

“Historically, Toyota has always been an automotive company. Recently, we wanted to change our focus to be about mobility. This donation of Sienna Minivans is a perfect way to help make things mobile for young people in our community to get from school to work,” said Jason Bates, the Senior Manager of Administration with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee.

The director of the workforce program with the school system says the cars will be a tremendous help to students.

“This gift of five vehicles will allow all our high schools to transport students to our workforce program, which is called Loop. They will be going to manufacturers all over our city and get workforce experience and hands-on experience vital as they prepare to go into the workforce after school,” said Nathan Lewis, the principal at JCM Early College High & Career & Technical Education Dir. at JMCSS.

The key-note speaker and CEO at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce spoke about how important industry development is to the city.

“If you look back particularly in the late 1970s with people who put economic development programs in place and what they did. Companies that they recruited are what’s enabling us to have the success we are having today," said Kyle Spurgeon, the CEO of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

The next First Friday Luncheon will be on November 5th and it will spotlight veterans in the community.