Jackson Free Press

TEDxJackson is hosting the second "Ideas Worth Spreading" event at the Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.) on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Liftoff," which reflects Mississippi's contributions to space exploration and a move to help Mississippi "lift off" to improve its quality of life and job opportunities.

TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, is an annual event where various business professionals, scientists and other people of influence share their thoughts on technology, philosophy, social matters and other topics. The TEDx program supports independent organizers who want a TED-like event in their community.

Jackson native Cherita Brent, a host and producer for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, will emcee this year's TEDxJackson, which features more than 15 speakers, including Dr. Robert Blaine, the dean of undergraduate studies and cyberlearning at Jackson State University; Dr. Scott Milroy, associate professor of marine science at the University of Southern Mississippi; and Mississippi-based editorial cartoonist and author Marshall Ramsey.

The entire event will be live-streamed at https://new.livestream.com/tedx/TEDxJackson and is viewable on computers, tablets and other mobile devices. Speakers and times are subject to change. Tickets to the event are $100 for individuals and $60 for groups of five or more. For tickets and more information on TEDxJackson, visit http://www.tedxjackson.com/ or check out the JFP event listings.

Mississippi Blues Marathon Seeks Volunteers

The ninth annual Mississippi Blues Marathon is seeking volunteers to serve as course marshals for the race on Jan. 9, 2016. Marshals will help to direct runners around the course and manage light traffic control in less busy areas along the 26.2-mile route.

Mississippi Blues Marathon uses an online system that allows volunteers to select the specific time and location they would like to work when they register. In addition to a free "Road Crew" T-shirt, course marshals can receive free entry into the 2017 Mississippi Blues Marathon, half marathon or "Quarter Note" quarter marathon.

The Mississippi Blues Marathon also includes a marathon relay and kids' run. The event benefits the Musician's Benevolent Fund of the Mississippi Blues Commission, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi is the sponsor.

For more information or to register as a volunteer, go to www.msbluesmarathon.com or e-mail [email protected].

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Celebrates 10-Year Plan

The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and the Talent Attraction and Retention Committee will host a reception Thursday, Nov. 5, at The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State Street, Suite 100, 601-398-4562) from 6 to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the chamber's recently completed 10-year strategic plan to attract, recruit and retain talent for the metro Jackson area. The chamber will also host a breakfast for students and local employers at The Manship on Friday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. A tour of the Metro area and lunch at The Iron Horse Grill follow.

This event promises to bring top-level students together with potential employers who are hiring for professional positions in administration, engineering and health-related fields. The chamber hopes that by demonstrating the availability of suitable employment and the attractiveness of the area, more graduates will be convinced to remain in Mississippi.

For more information, call the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership at 601-948-7575 or visit http://www.greaterjacksonpartnership.com/.

Hope Enterprise Corporation Receives $2 Million Grant

Jackson-based Hope Enterprise Corporation was one of three community-development finance institutions nationwide that Wells Fargo selected Nov. 2 to launch the Wells Fargo Works for Small Businesses: Diverse Community Capital Program. The other institutions were OBDC Small Businesses Finance in Oakland, Calif., and the Black Business Investment Fund Florida in Orlando, Fla.

Through the program, Hope Enterprise will receive a $2 million grant to support commercial lending, outreach and technical assistance programs for minority- and women-owned and led small businesses. Over the next three years, Wells Fargo will invest $75 million directly into CDFIs that serve businesses with diverse leaders.

Hope Enterprise has provided financing to small businesses, nonprofits, affordable-housing providers, health-care providers, charter schools and healthy-food retailers since 1994. The company has provided $356 million in financing to more than 900 businesses, which have supported more than 17,000 jobs.

This story has been edited to clarity that free entry in the 2017 Mississippi Blues Marathon is available only to people specifically volunteering for course marshal positions.