Episode 11: Pocket Change Podcast
Jackson, Tennessee is a city with a rich history and culture. In recent years, downtown Jackson has seen a resurgence, with new businesses and restaurants opening up. There are also a number of exciting events and festivals that take place downtown throughout the year.
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss all the exciting things that are happening in downtown Jackson with the director of the JDDC, Beth Ann Simpson.
"I think downtowns are the core of our cities. And I think Jackson especially demonstrates that with our downtown because it's an intersection of all of our neighborhoods. Whether you're coming together for a cultural event or music or to support a local business, there's a community that is built and a sense of belonging that I think you can't recreate in other parts of the city."
Summary
On this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, Beth Ann Simpson, director of Jackson Downtown Development Corporation talks about the work JDDC does and how we can support the exciting things happening in downtown Jackson. She has a passion for helping downtown businesses succeed and for making downtown a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.
"There's just so much life going on downtown. And so if you're not there, you're missing out. So I would encourage people to check out what's happening because there's a lot of cultural arts and family friendly and good food and drinks to experience downtown."
Key Takeaways
- JDDC is running a walkability campaign to promote walking and wellness in downtown Jackson. The campaign includes monthly itineraries, placemaking projects, and a lavender trail in June.
- Food Truck Fridays are a weekly event that features a variety of food trucks from around the area. The trucks will be located at the Farmer's Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can always find your favorites.
- Downtowns are the heart of our cities, and it is important to invest in the small businesses and events that are happening there.
- No matter your budget, there are fun things to do downtown for everyone.
Downtown Jackson is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are always new things to do and see, and the community is welcoming and supportive. If you're looking for a place to explore, be sure to check out downtown Jackson. You won't be disappointed.
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Full Transcript
Shea:
Hey, this is Shea.
Mary Helen:
This is Mary Helen.
Shea:
Welcome to the Pocket Change podcast.
Mary Helen:
Where you’ll learn better ways to spend, save and invest and take control of your financial journey.
Shea:
You know, Mary Helen, we got started at Leaders over 65 years ago. 66 years we're celebrating this year. And there's been so much growth that's happened not only with Leaders but in Jackson, in West Tennessee. And we're really excited to focus on Jackson, Tennessee, specifically downtown Jackson and all that there is to offer and what is coming up in our downtown.
Mary Helen:
Absolutely. And I think it's so important to take care of the place in which we live and learning better ways and how to invest in the community and how to support people that are local. And really in order to see our community and our downtown thrive.
We are so excited to welcome our special guest today, Beth Ann Simpson, who's the director of JDDC. Welcome to our show. Welcome to the Pocket Change podcast.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Thanks for having me.
Shea:
Thanks for being here.
Mary Helen:
Yeah, I think it'll be a great episode today. I'm excited to hear what you have to say and get to talk more about downtown. So tell us a little bit about yourself, what JDDC is and then how you ended up in Jackson.
Beth Ann Simpson:
I came to Jackson about 18 years ago to be a student at Lambuth University, met my husband there, didn't really intend to stay, but then the more we got involved, we dug our heels in deeper to the community and we thought we would just be looking for a Jackson if we left. So we just stayed and got even more involved and have really stayed in the midtown downtown area.
I worked at Lambuth for the past 12 years in Student Affairs and Adam, my husband, [has] been in public education all this time as well. And we have raised or raising three kids in midtown, only a few blocks from the campus. And so this is new that I've transitioned from higher education to downtown development role. I started that in August of this past year.
And so when that opportunity presented itself, like I said, we spent our whole time kind of in the midtown downtown area, and I really couldn't pass up an opportunity to be even more involved in downtown and the exciting things happening there. So that's how I landed in this role. And then what is JDDC?
Shea:
Yeah, what does that stand for?
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, it’s Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, and it's been an organization and an essential part of downtown for a really long time, over 30 years, and it's an accredited main street program. So what it is, is a community, an economic development organization that serves to promote downtown and work with partnerships, whether it's property owners, business owners to not only sustain the businesses and the community that is there, but also to enhance and recruit what's to come next.
And so I find myself really being a champion to those that I'm working with and partnering with and really see myself as an advocate and a resource, kind of bridging this gap. Like I might be connecting a property owner to a resource or a business owner to another business owner as they plan an event or a community member in ways that they can engage downtown.
So we kind of serve as just this advocate and bridge building organization.
Shea:
You're really helping to sustain that downtown area.
Beth Ann Simpson:
And the neat thing too is we're now in partnership with theCO. So while we're our own nonprofit, theCO's infrastructure and leadership and marketing team supports JDDC and that's been really helpful for our recent growth and success.
Shea:
Well, it's great that we have that in Jackson that, you know, we can really help small business owners or the community bring, you know, new business and new life to downtown and continue, like you said, sustaining and bringing those businesses to our area. So I think it's great that we have this vital resource in our community.
Mary Helen:
And in a lot of ways, downtown is like the heart of the city. It's kind of where a lot of people will gravitate towards. There's so many things to do, so many things to see, people to meet, things to get involved in, which I think is awesome. So what are some exciting things happening in downtown?
Beth Ann Simpson:
Oh gosh, there's lots of movement and excitement for downtown right now. From a development standpoint. You have lots of people renovating and restoring properties and getting spaces ready for new tenants and there's going to be some things over the next few months to the year that we'll really see unfold, and that's exciting. I could name several restaurants and businesses that are soon to open, and so we will keep people in the loop about those announcements.
And then JDDC, we are working on several initiatives to promote downtown and enhance our spaces. So one of those is our walkability campaign that we are running from spring until fall to promote walkability, connectivity, safety, really encouraging folks to park their car in these, you know, no limit parking lots and walk from space to space, or when they're running errands or walk to lunch, whether you work or live or shop downtown.
We want folks to walk it and see what they discover in between. And it promotes wellness and all these benefits and quality of life pieces and several things in that walkability campaign are going to include some monthly itineraries that we roll out each month with Visit Jackson, some placemaking projects. So there's more to come with that. And it's exciting.
We have a lavender trail we're doing in June, the month of June. And so businesses will have like a lavender themed food, drink, gift available and will encourage folks to go shop and experience those things. So those are a few. But, you know, there's lots of things in this season. The farmer's market, the AMP shows the Art Walk that's happening every first Friday.
There's events happening all the time at Hub City and the NED. There's just so much life going on downtown. And so if you're not there, you're missing out. So I would encourage people to check out what's happening because there's a lot of cultural arts and family friendly and good food and drinks to experience downtown.
Shea:
There’s probably a festival or an event happening like most weekends.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yes.
Shea:
I'm sure there will be things coming up and we can just stay connected with downtown Jackson calendar and events and newsletters and social media because I mean, there's things going on all the time.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, and I think that's only going up from here. I think that what's been really cool to watch is some of that happened just organically between business owners and people that are already invested downtown, just creating those experiences for people. So we're here to cheer them on and promote it.
Mary Helen:
So tell us a little bit about Food Truck Fridays. I want to know more.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, so we're starting Food Truck Friday every Friday that'll run through the summer season and into the fall. And we really did that to give space for food trucks. We have lots of them in our community and to have a designated place that you know that they're going to be. So, we're going to have it during that 10-2 spot down at the farmer's market every Friday and they'll change out who's participating.
And I think the neat thing about that, too, is on Fridays when there's special events like the Art Walk or an AMP show, they're going to stick around and participate in those events too.
Shea:
So there are so many things going on in downtown, like the Vintage Makers Festival that was just hosted. I mean, that was great to bring so many artists and community contributors together and that was just a great time downtown and I'm looking forward to the concerts, going to those and going to the farmer's market every Saturday. I mean, there's something all the time.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, I think the festival was a great example of businesses and partners that worked together to pull that off in a short amount of time. You had the Local, the Nine Oh Six involved and B3 and No Reverse Records.
Shea:
And hopefully everyone got their Leaders t-shirt.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That's right. And then you had Hub City do a special beer. It's just been a really cool experience of watching them collaborate and pull this off to make it an event that I hope to see year after year.
Shea:
Yeah, I think it's definitely going to comeback. So why is it important to support downtown Jackson? Specifically, you know, the downtown area?
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, because I think downtowns are the core of our cities. And I think Jackson especially demonstrates that with our downtown because you have it's an intersection of all of our neighborhoods where we can often kind of get, I don't know, situated in our own neighborhoods and not get out with other folks different than us. And I think downtown allows those opportunities, whether you're coming together for a cultural event or music or to support a local business, there's a community that is built and a sense of belonging that I think you can't recreate in other parts of the city.
So I think it's unique and I think when you invest in that part of the city, it makes a healthier environment and I think it's a reflection of your community as a whole.
Shea:
And all roads lead there. You can come from north, south, east, west and come to downtown right in the center.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah. And my hope is that it remains that way, that it's for everyone, you know, that there's something for everybody downtown.
Mary Helen:
So tell us a little bit about some hidden gems that people may not know about that they should.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, I think people are comfortable coming to the farmer's market on a Saturday morning.
Shea:
Getting those donuts.
Beth Ann Simpson:
And getting those donuts.
Shea:
That's not a hidden gem anymore.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That's right. Or exploring Jackson Walk. And I would just encourage people to keep walking. Park your car over there, but then don't move it. Just keep walking and go to the core of downtown, where you're going to discover some new shops, local coffee, books, plants, bakery, the NED for a show or the library. I think there's just some things when you start heading east that you would miss if you just come to the farmer's market and leave.
And so I would tell people to walk and discover something new and enjoy. You know, I think we wouldn't think a thing about it in a bigger city, walking block after block. And we have...in our walkability campaign, we have these signage, these temporary signs that say it takes 4 minutes to walk to local coffee or 7 minutes.
It's not a long walk. And we would encourage people to just do it and see what you discover in more of the core of downtown.
Shea:
Grab those itineraries and go.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That's right.
Shea:
So if I was on a budget and maybe I want to spend $20, $50 in downtown, what are some suggestions you can give us for my $20 budget and my higher end $50 budget? On a Saturday or a weekday, whenever.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Okay. So if it were me, I would suggest for a $20 budget to maybe start at the farmer's market and get that donut.
Shea:
That's right.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Okay and then...
Shea:
$4 for the donut. I already know that.
Beth Ann Simpson:
And maybe, again, walk to the core of downtown and support a local business and buy a small gift or grab coffee or a pastry at Turntable. But then maybe stick around for Song and Story Time with your kids. That is like a $5 donation or go to the library for a free program or walk around the NED's gallery or the Havner’s Frame shop gallery that's free. And you can look at art. That's what I would do.
Shea:
Yeah, for that $20. I mean, we've done that. Go to the farmer's market, get a donut, grab a coffee, take our family to the library, or, I mean, another free event. So I think that's a great idea for just under $20, probably.
Beth Ann Simpson:
You can do a lot for $20.
Shea:
So if I up it to $50. Maybe it's a date night or something. What can I do?
Beth Ann Simpson:
Okay. If I was in the $50 to $100 range. Gosh, if you're also doing childcare, you got to factor that in.
Shea:
We got a free babysitter.
Beth Ann Simpson:
I would do a dinner and a show of some sort. I would go to Doe’s Eat Place. That's a special, you know, occasion. You’re in a historic building.
Shea:
Right across from the NED.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Walk across the street and go see a show at the NED. So that's what I would do.
Shea:
Dinner and date night.
Beth Ann Simpson:
You might need a little more than $50 to do that.
Shea:
Well, that's the higher end for a date night. So that works. We got the free babysitter, so we'll be able to make it work. Well, thank you for those suggestions. I mean, there's so many different ways we can interact with downtown, whether it's I'm going to a free event, supporting a local business for an event they’re having, or spending my money down there. There are multiple ways we can invest in downtown Jackson.
Mary Helen:
So we have one final fun question for you. Are you ready? If you had extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?
Shea:
Has to be downtown, obviously.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That's where I would spend my money. I would probably add to my plant collection. I would save that money and add to my plant collection or throw it in the tip jar for the local coffee barista. Because I spend a lot of time there and they deserve it, that's probably what I’d do.
Mary Helen:
Thanks so much for being on the podcast today. We loved hearing what you had to say, sharing more about downtown, and what we can look forward to.
Shea:
So how can we connect with downtown on social media or other platforms?
Beth Ann Simpson:
Yeah, we would tell you to go to the website downtownjacksontn.com. That's where you're going to find a listing of businesses, an event calendar. You can also...
Shea:
You got some business spotlights, right?
Beth Ann Simpson:
We do. We like highlight them in a blog, but we also highlight those people on Instagram too, and that's downtownjacksontn. You can sign up for our newsletter that comes out every two weeks. And you can do that on the website. So those are the best ways to stay engaged with downtown.
Shea:
So downtownjacksontn.com and downtownjacksontn Instagram handle.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That's right and Facebook is downtownjacksontn.
Mary Helen:
One thing that I love about your website too as I was looking on it a couple of days ago and y’all also have like Airbnb’s where if you have family coming in from out of town like they can come stay and visit downtown.
Beth Ann Simpson:
That’s right. And we just added to that so there's a stay and do section and it did have like just midtown Airbnb’s, but there's been five downtown Airbnb’s added in the last few months. And so we just recently updated that. So we want people to stay overnight and park their car and just enjoy downtown.
Mary Helen:
Walk around all the blocks, everything. Thanks so much for being on the podcast today. We loved hearing everything that you had to say and giving us more reasons why we should invest in downtown.
Beth Ann Simpson:
Thanks for having me. It was fun.
