JACKSON CHAMBER COMMENTARY

Jackson has welcomed several new businesses recently, including industries, retail and food service establishments, communication and information systems and financial service institutions. Other existing businesses have expanded or modernized their facilities, and many have declared 1995 an excellent year for sales despite a struggling economy nationally.

The city is poised for continued growth in the business sector.

Jackson had over 400 new single-family housing units constructed in the last four years. With the current development rate and declining interest rate, it appears this trend will continue through 1996 and beyond.

Infrastructure improvements through the city are being completed or planned for the near future, which will provide more efficient operations for industry. The Jackson Industrial Development Company recently contracted for the sale of two tracts of land in the Industrial Park.

The following Jackson-area industries have expanded their plants in equipment or employment: Unistar Polymers, A.C.F., Midwest Sterilization, Ceramo, Eagle Pallet and Procter & Gamble. This indicates a healthy economy and stable employment and will provide stimulus for new retail and service businesses.

The Town & Country grocery chain recently made a large investment in the community when it opened a new supermarket at Highways 61 and 25. A Save-A-Lot store will open in the old Town & Country site.

Jackson has two golf courses -- Kimbeland Country Club and Bent Creek Golf Club. Bent Creek, only 6 years old, continues to add trees and shrubs and is adding two bathroom facilities on the course. A 10-acre lake was completed in the fall and is about 85 percent filled with water.

The Kimbeland Country Club recently purchased additional land and will be enlarging and modernizing its course to facilitate the demand for more rounds of play.

The Jackson Public School System continues to grow and is fully supported by the community. The system features top-notch schools, as is well documented, with excellent leadership and staff.

If you're looking for the ingredients for a successful business location, seek a growth area with good schools, cooperation between the city, schools and businesses, and a good quality of life. Jackson is that location.

Larry Hall is president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.