Why Jackson, TN, is a Great Place to Build Your Business

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Jackson offers a plethora of business-friendly assets, from its robust labor region of over 300,000 people to its impressive infrastructure. It’s why industries and companies that service them grow and thrive in the region. 

S.M. Lawrence: A Century of Comfort Solutions

For example, S.M. Lawrence was founded as S.M. Lawrence Coal Co. in 1917 by Sam M Lawrence Sr. The comfort solutions company remained family-owned and operated through 1997 when third-generation family owners merged with mechanical service and construction contractors around the country to form what is now Comfort Systems USA. 

They continue to operate as S.M. Lawrence but are supported by the national Comfort Systems umbrella of service partners. 

“We have the means and flexibility to self-perform as well as partner with other Comfort Systems companies all over the country for mechanical projects, but S.M. Lawrence Co. has had and will always have strong service roots in Jackson,” says Allison Moore, strategic accounts executive. “It is home. Jackson has always been a hub city for growth and development, and we, like Jackson, have been blessed to be able to thrive and prosper with that growth.” 

Several other companies with deep Jackson roots. Williams Steel has been in the region for nearly a century. Additionally, Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s), a consumer brand that has thrived in Jackson for over 50 years. Kellanova’s Jackson location is the North American production plant for Pringles. 

Hannah Gore

Talent Pipeline: A Skilled Workforce Fuels Growth

The region’s nine-county workforce is home to several colleges and universities, including campuses of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. 

In addition, Jackson’s quality of life, excellent public school system and low cost of living attract talent from major cities across the country. 

“Jackson and West Tennessee’s continued industrial growth and expansion definitely provides us with a lot of great opportunities for our business,” Moore says. 

Team Madison County: Supporting Business Success

Team Madison County, a group led by the Greater Jackson Chamber that includes representatives from the City of Jackson, Madison County, Jackson Energy Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority and the State of Tennessee, provides ongoing support to businesses in the area. They stay in contact with companies through visits, training sessions and other strategic communication initiatives. 

Team Madison County brings the right people to the table at the right time, helping industrial prospects feel well taken care of and confident in the process. This relationship continues throughout the announcement and ribbon cutting for a new industry – and beyond. 

“We consistently hear from consultants and the companies they represent that it’s the team here that makes a difference,” said Mandy White, chief economic development officer with the Greater Jackson Chamber. “If you are honest, transparent and do what you say you are going to do, the company feels secure about investing here. They know that we are going to support them not only during the recruitment process but we are here to support them for decades to come. That’s why we see consistent growth and expansion of our existing companies.” 

Strategic Location: Connecting Jackson to the World

Jackson is conveniently located on Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville. Tennessee is within a day’s drive of 76% of the U.S. population. 

Four-lane highways are available from every direction, ensuring that a company’s raw materials and supplies easily get to Jackson and finished products reach customers in a timely manner. 

In addition, CSX, Norfolk-Southern and the West Tennessee Railroad connect Jackson to the rest of North America via rail infrastructure. 

These transportation assets support product and supply distribution, delivery times and business travel. 

“Our community offers much opportunity and connectedness, and our goal is to continue to be here as we have been for the last 107 years to meet and exceed those needs,” Moore says. “We were founded on honest hard work, integrity and ingenuity. Above all else, that is our cornerstone in continued success as a company here in Jackson and West Tennessee.”