JMCAACC’s 16th Annual JEWEL Awards at Jackson Oman Arena – Feb. 24
JMCAACC’s 16th Annual JEWEL Awards
at Jackson Oman Arena – Feb. 24
Outstanding contemporary businesses and Historic Pioneer
pro athletes from rural West Tennessee to be recognized
JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce (JMCAACC) will present its 16th Annual JEWEL Awards Banquet featuring The Bar-Kays on Friday, February 24, 2017, 6:30 p.m. at Oman Arena. The theme is “Celebrating the Best and the Brightest.” The Hilarious Chris Cherry will serve as master of ceremonies for this Black History Month event which annually recognizes outstanding African American entrepreneurs and business owners and raises funds for the Follow Me Into Business® youth development program. Tickets are available at Nell Huntspon Flower Box and the Carl Perkins Civic Center Box Office in Jackson, online at www.jmcaacc.org via Eventbrite.com, and from tickets agents in Alamo, Bells, Dyersburg, and Milan. More details are available at http://jmcaacc.org/buy-tickets.html or by calling 731-424-2030.
Sponsored by Toyota Bodine Aluminum, the City of Jackson, MIG Steel Fabrication, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, West Tennessee Healthcare, and Lane College along 96KIX, Jammin Jackson 97.7, The Jackson Sun, Lamar Advertising, WOJG-FM, and the West Tennessee Examiner, this year’s fundraiser seeks to present brand name entertainment while celebrating historical and contemporary business leaders. Award nominations are open through January 24th for contemporary business in four categories based on the age of the business and follow up information received from the business owner. Nomination forms are available on the chamber website, in the chamber office and by emailing fhoward@jmcaacc.org.
This year’s event will feature a concert performance by The Bar-Kays. Featuring STAX legends bassist James Alexander and vocalist Larry Dodson, The Bar-Kays are an icon R&B/Soul band formed in Memphis in 1966. They were the backup band for Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and other major artists at Stax Records. Most recently, the group performed in Tokyo during the Christmas holidays.
In the Historical Pioneers segment of the Jewel Awards, the African American Chamber will recognize outstanding athletes born locally and throughout rural West Tennessee and who played professionally through the 1990’s. Among those nominated for recognition are Tony Champion, Wayne Chism, Sylvester Delk, Artis Hicks, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Casey Prather, Junior Reed, Kacy Rodgers, Avery Williamson and others. The final list of honorees will be announced on February 10th.
While regular VIP banquet seating is available for $75 per person on the African American Chamber website and from board members, $25 general admission tickets are also available -- from ticket agents and the Carl Perkins Civic Center. JMCAACC President Duane Cherry says that general admission tickets will allow more people to be exposed to the event and enjoy concert by The Bar-Kays, who have not performed in Jackson in five years.
During the February 24th awards ceremony, the African American Chamber will announce and honor the winners of outstanding business awards four categories: the Ruby Award for a new business of one to five years, Diamond Award for a business of six to 10 years, Emerald Award for a business of 11 to 20 years, and the Jewel Award for a business 20-plus years. The winners for 2016 included Ruby Award winner Jazzii Anderson of N-DA-KNO with Jazzii A. and WHML Radio, Diamond Award winner Collene Commage of Nyela’s Salon and Spa, Emerald Award winner Michael Herron of Doc’s Landscaping and Lawn Service and Jewel Award winners Henry Poe of Poe Electric and nonprofit Jonah Affordable Housing Org.
For more information on tickets, tables, booklet ads and sponsorships, contact the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber at 731.424-2030 or email fhoward@jmcaacc.org. The office is located at 351-C North Royal St., Jackson, TN 38301.
