Hub City Now: Interview with JMCAACC’s Follow Me into Business Participants 2023

July 16, 2023

In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews participants of the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce’s Follow Me into Business program.

Tyrone begins the show interviewing JMCAACC Executive Director Don A. McCorry about the JMCAACC, its history, who it serves and about its programs, especially its Follow Me into Business program. Participants (their name, their age and the school they attend) interviewed in this episode include: Kenyon Manning, 17, Liberty Tech; Dana Jones, 15, Madison Academic; A’dereon Blalark, 13, North Parkway; Ashton Hart, 15, Madison Academic; Bray’lon Klyce, 14, Early-College High, and tony Billingsley, III, 13, West Bemis.

JMCAACC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a three-fold mission: The Growth and Development of Member Businesses, Youth Entrepreneurial Development and Community and Economic Development in West Tennessee and particularly in Jackson Madison County.

According to the organization’s website: “As the resource for African American business owners, partnerships and corporations in Rural West Tennessee, our objective is to help new and existing businesses reach their potential by using its resources to connect them with major corporations, community leaders, and other business owners so that they learn, grow and network for greater economic development and success. The strength of the businesses determines the strength of our communities and families. Our watchword is focus.”

The organization’s website also said: “In keeping with that mission, the organization highlights outstanding contemporary and historical business owners through our Annual Jewel Awards Banquet. We train and educate young people, ages 12-18, for success in business (and in life) through our Follow Me Into Business® youth workforce development program that offers soft skills training, shadowing, mentoring and internships or paid summer jobs. As part of the eight-week summer program, we also offer a tour of government offices and provide community service opportunities. We provide support for business owners with workshops and our latest effort is a new small business conference, the West Tennessee Business Showcase and Economic Development Conference.”

It also offers a morning of golf in fun with its Follow Me Celebrity Golf Classic held the second Tuesday in September.

For more information about JMCAACC, its programs, how to join and how to donate, visit jmcaacc.org.

Hub City Now

Hub City Now: Interview with JMCAACC's Follow Me into Business Participants 2023

Hub City Now: Interview with ZaeSkee ALAZAE

November 13, 2022 Uncategorized

In this episode of Hub City Now, host Tyrone Tony Reed Jr. interviews singer, songwriter and producer Zaeskee Alazae.

Zaeskee Alazae speaks about where his love of music came from, how it was cultivated and his family’s legacy in music.

Zaeskee Alazae comes from the West Side of Chicago. Zaeskee has been involved in the music industry since he was a child. He has won many awards and performed at numerous venues across Chicago. His mission is to bring people together with his inspirational lyrics and unique sound.

He is a new artist on the rise. His love for music was developed at a young age. His dedication to his craft shows and sets him apart from other artists. Zaeskee is becoming one of the most influential rising stars in today’s generation. The music industry has changed over the past few decades as technology advances. With all the various changes, it has become harder for artists to break through without the right connections, and following. A few ways artists can be noticed is through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Zaeskee Music Production is a blend of R&B, Hip Hop, and AfroPop. Influenced by the likes of Drake, Future, Omarion, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Dr Dre, Timberland, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Sly & The Family Stone FleetwoodMac, Rodney Jerkins, Ryan Leslie, Fred Hammon & The Winans.

Zaeskee Alazae also speaks about his style of music and what his motivation and mission is when he creates music.

Zaeskee Alazae also introduces us to the Belly Gang Project, why it was created and why he hopes it inspires.

For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You can contact him for business inquiries at zaeskeealazae@gmail.com.

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Hub City Now: Interview with Whitney Billingsley

June 10, 2024 Uncategorized

In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews Whitney Billingsley, Community Engagement Director for the City of Jackson Parks & Rec.

Billingsley spoke about several upcoming events and events that recent took place:

Youth Fishing Rodeo June 8

Heart of the Hub city Dance Night June 8

Bowls for the Hungry June 15

Afterschool Kid's Club 2024-2025 (Registration June 10)

A Dance with My Dad Sneaker Ball June 28

Summer Movies in the Park June 22, July 20 and August 17

See you at the Market

Youth Summer Tennis Clinic

Fall Youth Soccer Registration June 1st through July 12 and;

Soccer Camp July 15 through July 18

Find out more by visiting the City of Jackson's Parks & Rec website parks.kjacksontn.gov, farmersmarket.jacksontn.gov for the West Tennessee Farmer's Market, and athletics.jacksontn.gov for sports-related events.

Thank you to our sponsor, Baskerville Funeral Home!

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Hub City Now: Interview with Mary Ross

May 15, 2023 Uncategorized

In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews Mary Ross, Director of Sales, Catering and Marketing at Doubletree by Hilton Jackson.

Ross, who is a Sterling Award winner and was recently recognized as the "Most Influential Woman" by City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger, shared with listeners how she came to become part of the Cooper Hotels team and how that changed the trajectory of her career.

She also spoke about the recent announcement by DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson of a commitment of 100 volunteer hours to be spent among the West Tennessee Veterans Coalition, RIFA Jackson and Boys & Girls Club of Jackson. While the hotel already supports many local non-profits, this renewed commitment ensures an even stronger effort will be made by the DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson team.

The 100 volunteer hours are in celebration of the hotel’s parent company, Cooper Hotels of Memphis, committing to 100 years of future Hilton brand affiliation among its 16 hotels and its $100 million planned Hilton investment in hotel upgrades.

“Cooper Hotels and our team at DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson are thrilled to continue our company’s longtime relationship with Hilton for another 100 years and to provide $100 million in renovations and makeovers to ensure our hotels remain the leaders in their markets,” said Pace Cooper, president and CEO of Cooper Hotels. “What better way to celebrate these achievements than to share 100 hours of volunteer time with these organizations.”

The 16 Cooper Hotels properties each selected a special local organization to receive 100 hours of volunteer time. The chosen organizations have missions to help strengthen the community, help preserve the environment or foster youth opportunities.

About Cooper Hotels

Cooper Hotels is a privately owned hotel development and management company founded in 1959. The company owns and manages 16 Hilton Family of Brands hotels in four states including three Hilton hotels, seven DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, two Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels, two Hilton Garden Inn hotels, one Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and one Embassy Suites by Hilton. For more information about Cooper Hotels please visit www.cooperhotels.com.

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