Local briefs - July 2

Leadership Tennessee names Jackson’s Merriweather to NEXT Program

Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, has named City of Jackson, TN Human Resources Director Kelsea Merriweather to the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program for the program’s 13th class. 

A total of 32 individuals were chosen for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 13 Tennessee counties. The class brings diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.

The cohort is Tennessee’s only statewide leadership program focusing on existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries. 

During each class session, members engage with those from the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee, and engage in personal skill development. 

Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.

Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 900 members have graduated from both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization’s Signature Program. 

The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through November 2026, and the class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Paris, Tenn.

TIPS celebrating America’s 250th with giveaway

To honor and celebrate the historic 250th anniversary of the United States this July 4th, Tennessee Industrial Printing (TIPS) will be giving away free, custom-printed commemorative items to the local community. Visitors can pick up a special notepad featuring the official Semiquincentennial logo, a printout of the Declaration of Independence, and a custom-printed map of the United States.

This giveaway continues a proud company tradition that began in 2022 as a way to celebrate America’s history, encourage education about the nation’s founding documents, and give back to Jackson and the surrounding region.

All giveaway items are designed and produced entirely in house at the TIPS facility. The 250th anniversary logo notepads, maps, and historical documents showcase the shop’s premium print and paper capabilities. 

The promotional items will be available completely free of charge on a first come, first served basis. The community can pick them up between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from now through the Independence Day holiday. Pick ups are located at the main facility: 51 Miller Ave., Jackson, TN 38305.

Harris joins Town & Country REALTORS

Town & Country REALTORS welcome Telicia Harris to their real estate firm. A lifelong Jackson native, Harris brings a depth of experience, education, and personal passion to her new career in real estate.

Harris spent more than 12 years as a registered nurse before making the transition — and the skills she built in healthcare translate seamlessly. 

Real estate, however, is far from new territory for Harris. She grew up surrounded by it — her parents, brother, and grandparents were all real estate agents, and her family has owned investment properties for many years. 

Her decision to join Town & Country came down to shared values. 

Harris has further distinguished herself through her commitment to professional development, earning her Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA®), and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS®) designations, as well as completing the National Association of REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) program.

Bob Arrington, Arrington Funeral Directors, guest on West TN Business Podcast 

“40x45, The West Tennessee Business Podcast” has released the sixth episode of its second season with Bob Arrington, a local entrepreneur and owner of Arrington Funeral Directors & Crematory. Originally from Milan, Arrington developed a love for the funeral industry after growing up near a funeral home that was run by a neighbor who would give him rides home.
After a short career in insurance with his father, Arrington felt the need to establish a funeral home in the newly developed North Jackson, and to do it both differently and independently. Arrington Funeral Directors & Crematory is now a successful business that has grown deep roots in the original location, founded in 1995.
Throughout his career, Arrington has believed in his mission - being service driven in a personal way. 

His business emphasizes accessibility and accommodation in an empathetic way that brings those that are grieving the most comfort. In this episode, Arrington shares what makes the funeral industry unique and what sets his business apart from others.

“40x45, The West Tennessee Business Podcast” tells the story of business in West Tennessee. It is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, and 40x45.com. On this show, you will hear from guests around West Tennessee talk about how they have built their businesses. The second season is sponsored by Tennessee Industrial Printing and is produced by Adelsberger Marketing. 

LIFELINE blood drives

Here’s the schedule for blood drives for LIFELINE Blood Services in July:

• July 6 - Regency Retirement Village of Jackson, noon - 4 p.m.
• July 25 - Lowe’s- Jackson (Vann Dr.), 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• July 28 - West TN Healthcare Sportsplex, 9-11 a.m.
• July 28 - Northbrooke Post Acute- Jackson, 1-4 p.m.
• July 29 - Jackson Madison Co. General Hospital, 9-11:30 a.m. and noon-5 p.m.