Jackson, chamber create new retail development position

The city of Jackson and Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed to create a new position devoted to developing the area’s retail industry.

The board of aldermen approved a contract between the city and chamber that would split the salary for the new director of retail development. The salary has not been set yet, Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs said.

“The purpose of this position is to have someone on an ongoing basis to first help to promote our present retailers,” he said, “as well as bring new retailers to the city.”

The arrangement, Hahs said, is the first of its kind in recent memory but appropriate, given the city and chamber’s shared interest in growing Jackson’s retail presence.

The city had contemplated establishing a specialized retail directorship but decided a full-time spot would not be feasible.

Meanwhile, chamber director Brian Gerau found himself in similar need of an extra hand.

The fund-sharing proposition is expected to satisfy both needs. The eventual hire will work with Gerau handling day-to-day chamber business while being the city’s official emissary in retail matters. The official job description states the director will seek and recruit retail projects that complement and expand existing development.

“The chamber is really excited about this opportunity,” Gerau said via email. “With the growth of Jackson goes the growth of its chamber.”

The city established the position a few weeks after hiring the consultancy firm, Catalyst, to conduct market research and identify retail opportunities in the area.

“This will be a position that will work very closely with Catalyst,” Hahs said.

While Catalyst’s contract will be a one-time rendering of services, the new position will be an ongoing part of the city and chamber.

“This shows good cooperation between the Jackson city and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce,” Hahs said. “This is kind of a step we’ve decided to make to emphasize retail development, which is a goal for both entities.”

Hahs said the salary will be set based on those of retail directors in similar markets.

Gerau said the position will fill an important need, especially considering Jackson’s growth and development.

“We have seen our active position within the community, along with our chamber membership grow, yet our staff has not increased. It is our mission to grow Jackson, and this is a great step forward,” he said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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