Jackson Chamber's annual celebration honors community influencers

Angele Latham, Jackson Sun
·3 min read

Local business owners, government officials and influential community members gathered Tuesday to celebrate the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s annual celebration at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University.

Themed “The Chamber Games,” attendees were treated to a lavish atmosphere and a raucous lineup of office games to participate in, including cup stacking, paper bin tossing and desk chair races.

Participants in the paper bin throwing contest compete to throw the bin farthest, startling onlookers.
Participants in the paper bin throwing contest compete to throw the bin farthest, startling onlookers.

The main feature of the event however was the lineup of community awards, recognizing those who went “above and beyond” in 2020.

Among the many awards included a nod to institutes who adapted to the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the “Best Pivot During a Pandemic” award given to the Jackson-Madison County School System, and the “Best Leadership During a Crisis” award given to Kim Tedford, regional director of the Madison County Health Department.

A tearful Kim Tedford (far right), regional director of the Madison County Health Department, accepts the award of "Best Leadership During a Crisis."
A tearful Kim Tedford (far right), regional director of the Madison County Health Department, accepts the award of "Best Leadership During a Crisis."

The newly-created Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year Award—named after the late Shirley Jones, a well-beloved member of the Jackson Chamber who passed away in July—was given to Jackson Chamber member Jonathon Chung for “exemplifying the spirit of ambassadorship” so prominent in Jones.

“For those of us who were lucky to know (Jones), we were loved and cared about so much (by her), and she treated us like her own family,” said award presenter Alexis Long, marketing director at Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC. “She was the embodiment of a great community ambassador, and she was fully invested in the city of Jackson.”

Curtis Mansfield won the also newly-created Curtis F. Mansfield Volunteer of the Year Award, due to his long history of selflessly serving the community.

Described as “a leader in the community” who’s work often goes unnoticed, Mansfield “has been a volunteer since 1997, and a community leader for the Chamber” who “prefers to work in the background.”

“This person cares as much about Jackson and Madison County and this entire region, as much as anyone I’ve ever worked with in my chamber career,” said award presenter Kyle Spurgeon, president and CEO of the Jackson Chamber. “He has been such a presence in our community, and is so invested in Jackson and continues to be a quiet and often behind-the-scenes leader.

“Let me just say—I did not ask for his approval to do this, because the answer would’ve been no. He does not want the recognition, but he has earned it. And we are going to give him that well earned-recognition.”

Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris expressed his appreciation for being able to meet with and appreciate the community, even after losing dismally at the office chair race due to slamming into a table.

Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris (in chair, right) spins out of control as Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger tries to shove his way to the front of the pack in the Chamber Games' office chair race.
Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris (in chair, right) spins out of control as Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger tries to shove his way to the front of the pack in the Chamber Games' office chair race.

“It was great event—it’s good to be back to have these kinds of events,” he said. “The awards they pass out are very deserving and it’s really good to see the celebration of the community, and some of the things we’ve accomplished this year, as well as the contributions of some of our people.”

Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger agreed, though he also expressed his dismay at losing in the office chair race—though not from slamming into a table.

“It was a great event, though I was cheated,” he said, laughing. “I should’ve won first place. The decks were stacked against me, of course.

“It was good though. This was our last big event before COVID-19, so it was nice to come back and celebrate this, and celebrate the great things going on in our community and West Tennessee.”

The full list of awards include:

  • Adapted Best During a Pandemic: West Tennessee Healthcare

  • Best Pivot During a Pandemic: Jackson-Madison County School System

  • Hometown Hero: Amy Garner

  • Best Leadership During a Crisis: Kim Tedford

  • Non-Profit of the Year: Hands Up! Preschool

  • Shirley Jones Ambassador of the Year Award: Jonathan Chung

  • Curtis F. Mansfield Volunteer of the Year Award: Curtis F. Mansfield

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 731-343-5212, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson Chamber's annual celebration honors community influencers