Our Team’s Favorite Moments of 2024
In 2024, theCO celebrated its 10th anniversary with a big birthday party! This past year, we continued to evolve to meet the needs of our communities, developed several new events, hired new team members, and so many other memorable moments. Before we dive into 2025, we want to take a moment to reminisce on our staff’s favorite moments in 2024, ranging from our new ScaleUp Kitchen program to new Our Jackson Home journals and community events. It was an exciting year for our team! Read on to learn about just a few of the fun projects we tackled together. We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming year and the transformations it will undoubtedly bring.
CircleUp
LISA GARNER, CEOOne of my favorite new things we launched last year was CircleUp (sidenote: this is the second program we named last year with the word "UP" in it-- can you tell where we're looking?!). I've been saying for years that we would do a woman focused event but this was the time. I love this event because it brings together business owners AND community leaders-- knowing that when we're all at the table, great things will come from it. Our first gathering was this speed networking event with like 60ish women circled up in our event space spending one-on-one time getting to know each other in a deeper way. Looking around that room and seeing everything from tears to women holding their bellies laughing was wonderful. We plan to do more of these in '25 and beyond-- so watch for them if you're wanting to grab arms with some fellow dreamers & doers to get some good things stirred up around here!
ScaleUp Kitchen Showcase
KATIE WEATHERFORD, Communications DirectorThere’s something so exciting about planning a brand new event, and I loved organizing the ScaleUp Showcases in both Brownsville and Jackson this year. A big part of that process was creating the branding for ScaleUp Kitchen, our business development program for food-based businesses looking to scale. Bringing the brand to life for the showcases was a fun and rewarding challenge. Meeting West Tennessee food entrepreneurs and sampling their amazing food at the events made the experience even better— I mean what’s not to love about sampling incredibly tasty food? I can’t wait to see how this program grows and evolves in the coming year.
Dream Journal Release + Gallery
LIZZIE EMMONS, Our Jackson Home Program DirectorOne of my favorite moments of the year was the launch of the 'Dreams' spring 2024 journal in collaboration with Havner's Frame Shop. It was a perfect example of how Our Jackson Home brings together our most creative folks and collaborates with our neighbors to make special moments for our community to enjoy together. This was the first journal that Maddie and I worked on together, and the first collaboration Our Jackson Home did with Havner's Frame Shop on a journal release event and community art gallery. The 'Dreams' event holds special 'firsts' for me in those ways. It felt like a launch of some big dreams that we all have for Our Jackson Home.
New Signage at Jaxon Station
TRUNETTA ATWATER, SOUL Collective Program DirectorMy favorite moment of the year was documenting Crystal Brown’s joy after hanging her vegan cafe sign. It was another milestone reached in her business worth celebrating. Often times we hang signs before the concept takes place, but Crystal wanted to wait until her 1st anniversary. Her idea started as a juice bar with vegan entrees, however while incubating it evolved into a Vegan Cafe. Her vegan entrees are what her patrons love the most. The day she installed the sign, she was one hundred percent sure that this journey has been the right thing.
Small Business Saturday + Downtown Passport
BETH ANN SIMPSON, JDDC DirectorMy favorite moment of 2024 was felt during the Downtown Jackson Passport program and Small Business Saturday. There was an excitement and intentionality to shop small this season. It was encouraging to watch our community choose downtown small businesses to dine, shop, and participate in holiday events that directly impact our local economy and business owners. Let’s continue that spirit in 2025!
Producing + Releasing OJH Journals
MADDIE MCMURRY, Communications Manager + OJH Editor-in-ChiefGetting to tell stories of people in our community and share those in a beautiful print journal through Our Jackson Home has been the best experience this past year. Stepping into a role that was new was a challenge, especially coming in and filling the shoes of two amazing women who came before me. But, the Jackson community and theCO welcomed me back with kindness and grace. There are incredible stories to be told and there’s always an endless amount of ideas. My favorite moments have been seeing the community pick up the journals and touch and feel the stories that make Jackson into our home.
Hub City Film Festival
SHELBY TYRE, Community ManagerHosting the 2024 Hub City Film Festival at theCO was an incredible experience. The opportunity to showcase films, connect with filmmakers, and engage in seminars within a space that naturally fosters creativity and community was truly inspiring. The event space at theCO was the perfect setting, enhancing the collaborative and vibrant spirit of the festival. theCO has played an instrumental role in the growth of the Hub City Film Festival, and bringing the event “home” felt deeply meaningful. What began as a small idea has flourished into a thriving celebration of artistry, storytelling, and a creative business the community can truly take pride in. This year’s festival not only celebrated films but also the people and partnerships that make it all possible.