By Elizabeth Lee Norris, GJB Contributing Writer

It’s no secret that Fondren is on a roll.  From the historic neighborhoods and active community organizations to the eclectic Arts and Commerce district, the energy is palpable.  Positioning themselves front and center to benefit from that energy and “Keep Fondren Funky” is the Fondren Association of Businesses (FAB), promoting the locally-owned restaurants, retail and professionals of their one-of-a kind community in Jackson.

“It’s been an amazing, quick growth,” states Elizabeth Robinson, FAB Board Member and co-owner of Professional Staffing Group in Fondren.  Fundamental to their nearly two-year-old formation, the Fondren Renaissance Foundation (FRF) served as a launching pad to the association’s creation and FAB now functions as the business arm of the Foundation.  “So many great people were a part of this, too.  We just caught on at the right time,” states Robinson.  By fostering relationships, FAB identifies areas of improvement and forms relevant, working committees to achieve those goals.  FAB members stay connected via meetings and weekly e-newsletters from President David Waugh, also of Professional Staffing Group, as well as a newly launched Facebook page and website, www.fabfondren.com.

Waugh describes the mission of FAB as, “Working in cooperation to heighten the identity of Fondren as the destination of choice for locals and tourists alike.  As our business district improves, the residential area improves and vice versa.”  As more people choose to live in Fondren, even more customers are created for businesses and likewise, more businesses choose Fondren to set up shop.

“The original merchants association limited the scope of service.  The Fondren Association of Businesses includes the medical community, lawyers, architects and the like, creating essential walkthrough traffic,”  Waugh says. Promoting the entire district as a quality place to live and work, Waugh notes the emphasis on Fondren as a one-stop shopping district.  “You can have a doctor’s appointment, meet with you lawyer or architect, get a hair cut, grab a great lunch, mail a package, buy a birthday gift, stop by the grocery… all right here.”

According to Grady Griffin, Director of Education at Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association, 2008 research reveals that for every $100 spent in a “big-box store,” only $12 stays in the community, compared to $45 out of every $100 spent in a locally owned business.  “Our members are local, invested in this community and have ownership of this organization,” shares FAB Vice President Jennifer Emerson who, with her chef-husband Derek, owns Walker’s Drive In, a longtime Fondren staple.

With a Board of Directors as diverse as Fondren itself, Emerson notes the mix of participants: “Artists, doctors, architects, chefs, interior designers, lawyers and bankers—there is an incredible synergy with this Board because we’re all working for a better Fondren—I just sit in amazement sometimes!”  Capitalizing on this cohesion, the FAB Marketing team facilitates group promotion by creating cooperative advertising opportunities, landing discounts collectively, something many might not otherwise afford.

“We already have the best hospitals, the best restaurants, the best art community.  As one entity, we can toot our own horn, accomplishing more than we ever could individually,” adds Emerson.

Led by Teams Organizer Ron Aldridge, attorney and State Director of the MS-National Federation of Independent Business, other committees were born from a variety of identified needs.  The Green team creates a more inviting environment by organizing district cleanups; the Membership team focuses on recruitment; the Visioning team for long-range planning and the Quality of Life team is charged with safety and security issues.  Not turning a blind eye to the obvious issue of crime, the Association has formed a strong bond with the City of Jackson and Jackson Police Department, both playing an active role in meetings and beyond.  Those relationships prove invaluable when coping with a water crisis, street light outages, security cameras and even in the creation of a brochure of emergency and community contact numbers.

“The City of Jackson and JPD both have a vested interest in our success and see Fondren as a shining example of what can be accomplished collaboratively.  Honestly, I can’t brag on them enough,” Jennifer Emerson states.  Members have a better sense of ownership and empowerment where crime is concerned, even making changes on their own. This translates into a sense of pride that permeates beyond just their own businesses, out to the district and city, as well.

All work and no play just won’t fly in Fondren, so FAB’s Giving Back to our Community team keeps things lively with the monthly Fondren After 5 event, the popular Arts, Eats & Beats, annual Unwrapping Fondren, carnivals and more. In addition, anticipation for the inaugural visit of The World Famous Sweet Potato Queens in March 2011 has resulted in the creation of Fondren Homecoming, celebrating the district and promoting family involvement, all while raising funds for the Blair E. Batson Chidren’s Hospital.

Challenges?  “Certainly,” responds Jennifer Emerson.  Lofty ideas and events require money to implement.  “Fundraising must be part of our mission, but even more than money, we need active, involved members to accomplish our goals.”  One such member is Joel Brown.

A Fondren institution since 1965, Brown’s Fine Art & Framing co-owner, Joel Brown is ready to recruit.  “I could talk all day about the advantages of being a small business owner in Fondren,”  he says. Growing from a 1,000 square foot shop to a 10,000 square foot art gallery, Brown has seen many changes even while some things have stayed the same—for the better.

“There has always been a great neighborly feel to our business community, where everyone looks after each other, making Fondren shoppers feel safe and welcome,”  he says. Instrumental in forming the original business association in 1994, Brown’s has helped lay the groundwork for the progress now coming to fruition.  “Fondren is the past, the present and the future.  We’re welcoming new businesses, but relish those that have remained prosperous.  We want an even more pedestrian community, young and old out shopping, visiting the best restaurants and our eclectic mix of shops,” he enthuses.

With the clear advantage of being like no other, the Fondren Association of Businesses promotes their district’s charming character, wealth of creativity and energy, distinctive mix of retail, restaurants, developers and professionals, all surrounded by neighborhoods rich in history and charm.  The common goal?  A better Fondren.  Jennifer Emerson sums it up best: “There is just no end to our growth!”

For further information on joining the Fondren Association of Businesses, contact Membership Team Chair, David Byrd at (601) 960-6520 or visit www.fabfondren.org.