Jackson promotional video to debut at Home and Garden Show

During this weekend's Home and Garden Show at the Show Me Center, Jackson will offer the first official public viewing of a video designed to promote the city to potential businesses.

Approved during the Oct. 19 board of aldermen meeting, the project was produced by Relentless Media Productions of Jackson at a cost of $10,000 to the city.

Mayor Barbara Lohr said it is hoped that the five-minute video and an accompanying catalog will lead to relocation of retail businesses to Jackson, which was a popular request during a time of public input while the city was developing its comprehensive plan.

"One of the things our citizens mentioned in their input for the comprehensive plan was that they wanted us to recruit more retail business to Jackson," Lohr said. "We're hopeful when we have inquiries over the telephone that we can also tell them 'let us send you the information' rather than just telling them about our city over the phone.

"That way people will be able to see some action shots through a link on our website and have a catalog that includes more detailed information about demographics in our city," Lohr said. "It's great for people out of town who are wanting a better view of the city rather than just looking online."

Shown for the first time during Monday's board of aldermen study session, the video features scenes of the city's parks, churches, homes and thoroughfares. Also highlighted is information about Jackson's schools, the city's ranking as the 59th best small town and possibility of building on the 7,000 acres of available vacant land.

A catalog that will include much of the information presented in the video as well as detailed demographic information should be finished by the end of the month. Lohr said that at that time the DVD and catalog will be ready for distribution to anyone interested in locating a business in Jackson.

Teresa Blankenship, co-owner of Tractors Classic American Grill, 124 S. High St., is one of two business owners featured in the video. Dennis Vinson, owner of Signature Packaging and Paper, was the other businessman featured.

Blankenship said that the video will allow for the promotion of what she considers an up-and-coming community.

"The more people who come and locate in this community, the better all of the businesses will do," Blankenship said. "I think Jackson is ready for even more business and this video will hopefully achieve that purpose."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent addresses:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

124 S. High St., Jackson, MO