By Jack Criss, Publisher
Consider this a rah-rah column.
While there are those who seem to take some perverse joy out of any problems Jackson faces (see the recent water crisis) it is crucial to keep in mind that, as our capital city goes, so goes the entire Metro area. That’s the truth whether it is admitted by our residents or not.
Moreover, since Jackson is the hub of the entire state, it is important that people recognize the critical need to support the city, both morally and economically. Morally, by staying positive about what Jackson offers to one’s neighbors and friends and, economically, by taking advantage of the rich cultural, culinary and retail offerings the capital city has.
While I’m singling out Jackson, we can’t overlook our sister cities in our neighboring counties of Rankin and Madison. While unnecessary turf wars are still fought in our midst everyday to lay claim to some sort of territorial supremacy, the truth is that the tri-county area is only as strong as its’ parts. My commercial real estate friends have long told me that outside investors and developers don’t look at Ridgeland, Flowood, Brandon or Jackson: they look at the entire Metro area as an economic composite. So while many natives play the local municipality versus municipality game—with no clear winners, coincidentally—the money we would like to entice into our area looks at us as just that: a Metro area.
Still, I tend to pull for Jackson because it’s my hometown and I am actually now truly seeing some tremendous strides taking place here that bode well for the City With Soul’s future. To wit: a new, emerging group of young entrepreneurs and community leaders, from all walks of life, who have committed themselves to bettering the city on an almost daily basis; a gradual, but significant, overcoming of racial barriers that so often held us back in social progress for many years; a strong and vibrant entertainment and hospitality renaissance in the downtown area that appears to be doing well financially; a new commitment to unique events that will bring out of towners to our city such as the tremendous BlueCross BlueShield Mississippi Blues Marathon that was held in January, an event that didn’t even exist four years ago; and a handing down of the leadership torch from the old guard of Jackson to the new, most of whom are idealistic, well-educated and love their city. In addition, a new creative class has emerged in our city, especially visible in the Fondren district that, I believe, will soon be reaping national attention which equates into national attention for Jackson.
I also believe that, in due time, the in-fighting that has often existed among our cities and counties will fade away as our economic situation continues to change. As I argued in my last column, we are living in the midst of a new business paradigm and we all must, literally, work and trade together to survive. Because of this, I submit that the old geographical barriers will give way to what business deal makes the most sense, wherever it is ultimately located. That’s why I, personally, shop at Renaissance, Dogwood and Fondren as many others also do. Sure, I try and pick locally-owned businesses to trade with but, as long as these businesses are within the tri-county area, I think we all win. That point could be argued, but I believe it.
Symbolism also plays a part in the success of Jackson and the Metro. Take the re-opening of the King Edward Hotel: I was present at the ribbon-cutting and even had the pleasure of spending the night there at the hotel and I must say that it is a beautiful, wonderful and well-managed facility that our city, and whole state, can and should be proud of. To think that, just a few short years ago, the serious possibility existed that the whole, grand structure would be razed. And now? The King stands as testament to perseverance, faith, economic ingenuity and the commitment of a whole lot of Jackson businesspeople to bring back the splendor that was the original King Edward. I would say that have succeeded in doing so…maybe even surpassing the halcyon days of the hotel. We shall see.
So, yes, while it is was recently announced that $214 million is needed for repairs in the City of Jackson in light of the water crisis and, yes, crime is a problem, these issues can be addressed. It won’t be easy and I would imagine that unpopular solutions will be proposed, e.g., a commuter tax to raise revenue. However, these kinds of problems are faced by metropolitan cities all over the county and I have confidence that Mayor Johnson and his team will work hard to do what needs to be done for the capital city.
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the incredible things—events, restaurants, exhibits, concerts, etc.—that Jackson, and the Metro area, have to offer. And, through the Greater Jackson Business, my staff and I will constantly work to promote the businesses and the people here who strive to make our area a great place to live and do business in while also pointing out our problems and, hopefully, positing feasible solutions to them.
I will can say, with full confidence, for the first time in many years, that I honestly believe Central Mississippi’s best days lie ahead. Intangibly, there’s something in the air. Tangibly, there are workers on the ground.
I welcome your comments, suggestions and criticisms. Please write to me at jack@greaterjacksonbusiness.com. Thank you very much!
