Jackson Free Press

In an effort to improve the image of Hinds County and attract new residents and visitors, the Hinds County Economic Development Authority has contracted an urban planning firm to rebrand the entire county.

After newly released U.S. Census data showed that the city of Jackson lost 5.8 percent of its citizens over the last decade, some community members advocated for a formal rebranding process for the city. The development authority's process, however, will include other cities throughout the county such as Clinton, Raymond, Byram and Terry. Hinds County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Blake Wallace said his agency considered a county-wide rebranding process for several years, prior to the census data.

"This is the opportunity that we are taking advantage of," Wallace said prior to yesterday's evening information session at the Electric Building. "More and more organizations and people came forward (after the census data was released) and said we need to look at doing rebranding. ... It was coming through a lot of different areas through the county, which is why it's county-wide process."

Yesterday, Tripp Muldrow of Arnett Muldrow and Associates, held two information sessions with community members, business leaders and city officials to explain how the firm's three-day branding process works.

Muldrow's firm has conducted more than 200 community-branding projects specializing in small-to-medium size communities without large budgets for marketing and branding. The three-day process involves a series of meeting with community leaders as well as the public to form logos, taglines, marketing plans, web pages and signage. The firm has rebranded Spartanburg, S.C., Springfield, Vt., the Arkansas Delta (made up of 15 counties) and Clinton, Miss. The Greenville, S. C., firm also offers community planning and historic preservation services.

The focus-group meetings for Hinds County, scheduled for May, are thematically arranged and will include an open session for the public. During the first day, the firm gathers input and information from the community. On the second day, the firm presents a product for community critique and feedback. On the third day, the firm produces a revised, final product.

Muldrow acknowledges that Hinds County presented a unique opportunity because of the size differences of surrounding cities and the capital city.

"Up to this point, Hinds County is less of a prominent brand," Muldrow said during an evening presentation at the Electric Building in downtown Jackson. "If you look at most of your reference points, Greater Jackson is most often used, and that's an issue we will have to deal with."

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said in a statement yesterday that the city is currently undergoing discussions with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce to jointly develop branding materials for the city. City representatives were present at yesterday's noon information session.

Muldrow said each city the firm rebrands comes with its own set of existing circumstances, which is why open community dialogue is an essential part of the process. He added that Hinds County has many advantages, such as its medical industry, and the 40,000 college students enrolled at various higher education institutes. He said that branding a city must be authentic, or else it won't work.

"We are not real big on creating a new or artificial identity that doesn't exist," he said. "Local vernacular is very important. But just because this is a Hinds county project, it doesn't mean that Hinds County is going to be the predominant identity that comes out of the process."

Wallace said branding the county is a positive step for economic development.

"It's going to give us that common avenue to market ourselves, and it's going to link up different organizations all through the county," he said during the meeting. In a follow-up interview he added that-the process can offer a set of tools for cities in Hinds County that want to market their own traits.

Previous Commentsshow

I know, Knol, I thought that, too. I don't believe for one minute that they cannot find a design/branding firm in the city or at least state who can spend three days doing this just as well. Nothing personal, Arnett, but what's with the outsourcing? And if they don't get the, er, special circumstances of this capital city's urban politics and dynamics, this thing could really go poorly. Not saying they don't; Lacey was not unimpressed by the presentation. But there is much to watch out for.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

... which, of course, takes us full circle to the point I keep trying to raise about LOCAL jobs and economic opportunity being vital to attracting/keeping people here. Are people completely tone-deaf to this? LOCAL matters. Of course, DJP's "Jackson Now" magazine was printed out of state last year, and ask Ron Chane what he thinks of their choice of HEART-Jackson t-shirt makers. Not to mention, the Chamber is doing some sort of business guide with Gannett/Clarion-Ledger, which outsources its design to other states and, of course, is nothing near locally owned. The idea that the city/county uses resources, much less any taxpayer dollars they may get, to send work out of town/state that could be done more locally illustrates one of our big concerns with the whole "rebranding" concept: Are you keyed in to what the real issues are? You've got to be before you start outsourcing for a surface solution. With due respect, of course.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

While hiring someone who is local, is the most logical thing to do - but it is a very difficult thing to do. Most of the time, municipalities will reach outside the network to get an outside perspective for a balanced nonbiased opinion, basically a fresh perspective. So I understand on how you guys feel, but I see why they reached for someone on the outside.

Duan C.

Mar 29 2011

Yes, I can see that argument, Duan. It would feel better, I think, if it looked like the firm was an expert on urban "branding" issues. But we also understand that they are trying to take what they can afford. If there's anyone out there with experience/knowledge of such a branding process and whether or not it would make sense to do it in-state, please weigh in.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

Good point, Boyd. It also concerns me that there could be competing branding efforts going on. Come on: That's exactly what we need to get away from. I really, really hope that the city was front and center in the plans for this effort as it unfolded. Collaboration is key; not everyone has to agree on everything, but all the jockeying for position is absurd. They need more women throughout these efforts -- to bring more collaboration skills -- to be frank.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

I've reached a point where the word "rebranding" is for "me" like saying "what" is for "Jules Winnfield." If we're not going to spend this money on direct services like education and police, I humbly submit that we can get more bang for our image building buck by spending the money that would go to consultants on plane tickets and meals for people who do interesting things. I'm serious. If you get people to Jackson and put them in a position to do interesting work with the people here, I guarantee that they become evangelical about this place. Last year, I sponsored a number of artists, intellectuals and writers to come to Jackson. As part of FIGMENT (May 14-15), www.jackson.figmentproject.org, I'm sponsoring several more artists from around the nation to come to Jackson and work with some local artists for various pieces. For the price of a few planes tickets and a few meals, we've gotten tangible things like workshops done for area teens, art pieces, community presentations on relevant issues, etc. AND we've gotten the things you get from an image consultant such as positive social media buzz from tastemakers. So yeah, while I'd prefer to see us spend this money on other tasks, and while I'd prefer to spend this money on people here in our community, if we are going to go down the road of "rebranding consultants" lets make our rebranding technique less "consultant" and more "plane tickets and meals for people who do things."

mpriesterjr

Mar 29 2011

I'm with you, Melvin. I'm with you. I hate the whole "let's rebrand it to respond to bad publicity" thing. That's such corporate-think. How about: Let's get a strong group of community leaders together and go talk to each and every editor and station manager in this city about faulty, sensationalistic, constantly negative reporting. Beyond that, do so much good stuff (not necessarily expensive, but creative and exciting) that media, newcomers and residents alike will be thrilled. Like, for instance, what you're trying to do constantly. I have national media folks pass through here all the time, and they are enamored with "our" Jackson each and every time. Hell, they could bring in a speaker like Richard Florida to get people motivated and probably get more done (and just as much good press).

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

I like supporting local businesses so I understand the frustration, but I'd like to know how people define local. Is it citywide, metrowide or statewide? Does the business have to do everything in house? I believe Chane buys the t-shirts from a manufacturer and does all the design and printing inhouse (If I'm wrong, shoot at will. I like Chane so I don't want to misrepresent him). Or take Portico Jackson who produces Jackson Now that is basically a Jackson only content edition of Portico (DJP, Hinds Authority and others support Jackson Now so I guess when you stop supporting BOOM, you better get ready for the criticism). They are another Fondren business who uses local talent to produce the magazine, but as Donna pointed out, they outsource the printing to an out of state printer. If I'm correct with the two business examples, do we say these aren't really local businesses? I think Arnett will have more insight than a typical out of state group because they have done so much work with Main Street communities throughout the State. I know Mississippi Main Street recommends this group with head of Main Street speaking highly of them on more than one occasion.

maybob95

Mar 29 2011

I agree Arnett might not get urban branding, but remember, this is a county wide process and Hinds is far from being an urban county with communities like Edwards, Learned, Carpenter, Raymond, Bolton and everyone else. I'm sure working with other Mississippi communities factored into Hinds Authority choosing Arnett. I think Figment is a great project, but since we're on a support local theme, why do we need out of state artists for the event? I fully support bringing in out town folks for projects and such, but it doesn't seem to jive with what's being advocated of late on here. Lastly, the Blake Wilson photo looks awfully like the one on the DJP's website. I'd give them credit if it was me (Again, if I'm wrong, show me no mercy).

maybob95

Mar 29 2011

Damn it, Maybob, I just lost a long post addressing all of your points. It's never as good the second time around, but I'll try quickly: Is it citywide, metrowide or statewide? Does the business have to do everything in house? That one's easy: the more local, the better. Put another way: city=very, very local; metro=very local; state=local; out-of-state=sinful (unless you can't help it). ;-) And, of course, you don't have to do everything in house--we don't print inhouse; we print in Hattiesburg (local) and Hederman (very local). But the more you do, the more you benefit the local economy and help the city. I believe Chane buys the t-shirts from a manufacturer and does all the design and printing inhouse (If I'm wrong, shoot at will. I like Chane so I don't want to misrepresent him). I'm pretty sure he doesn't own a t-shirt factory or spin the cloth, although with Chane you never know. ;-) But, it's not a hard argument to make that a build-up-Jackson organization just oughta have their heart-Jackson t-shirts printed by a local business, no? On principal? Or take Portico Jackson who produces Jackson Now that is basically a Jackson only content edition of Portico As I understand it, Portico is a local outlet of a Birmingham franchise -- it looks almost just like the Portico there (that you can get at Books-A-Million), and we're told the design and printing (and maybe editing?) is done there. That's great for Birmingham. More power to them, but it's not a little bit ironic that "JACKSON Now" is sent there to be produced. Obviously, the more a local business does in town or state, the more jobs we produce. And the more jobs we produce, the more people stay here. Thus, the *local* point. (DJP, Hinds Authority and others support Jackson Now so I guess when you stop supporting BOOM, you better get ready for the criticism) Come on, that's cheap: You don't know me very well if you think I engage in conversation or commentary based on who advertises and who doesn't. That wouldn't make me a very good newspaper editor. A newspaper or magazine editor can't ethically sell advertising, nor should we ethically engage in conversations based on who advertises. Not to mention, BOOM has grown dramatically over the last year -- to a quarterly and with well over a hundred advertisers (even if DJP did pull out because we criticized Two Lakes; common knowledge). The issue of BOOM that came out at the same time as Jackson Now had more advertisers, so the strategy backfired. And Hinds has advertised since DJP got mad at us. I think competition is great: It keeps us on our game. But when they outsource design, etc., people do need to know about it. Back on strategy, though, the whole point behind the new quarterly BOOM is to "rebrand" Jackson -- to show residents and newcomers alike that we are a diverse, smart, stylish city where young professionals and creative move to and want to stay. I suspect that, more than anything, has the most to do with our growth. BOOM makes people feel proud of Jackson (we hear that about every day). We're blessed that so many people share our positive vision for the city and want to share it with others. We're constantly asked for big stacks from recruiters, local universities, etc., and have to replenish local hotels because they're popular. And we didn't need any input from Birmingham or South Carolina on how to get the message out, what fonts to use, what to call our sections, etc. BOOM is a creation of local talent.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

I think Arnett will have more insight than a typical out of state group because they have done so much work with Main Street communities throughout the State. I know Mississippi Main Street recommends this group with head of Main Street speaking highly of them on more than one occasion. Yes, I can see that point, and I hope it's true. Bob Wilson at Main Street invited us to attend, in fact, and I respect him immensely (as well as Blake and many others involved). Let me ask you a question, though: Instead of being defensive about the above comments by Knol, Melvin, Boyd, me, etc. (which make very good points, if not the only ones), why not put it all into the thinking pot? Those are the kinds of conversations we try to have around here; it's sad when people get so defensive that we dare to offer a slightly different point of view, or point out when locals are outsourcing our pro-Jackson business. Does that really help? I think Figment is a great project, but since we're on a support local theme, why do we need out of state artists for the event? I fully support bringing in out town folks for projects and such, but it doesn't seem to jive with what's being advocated of late on here. I think you're mixing apples and oranges. We're not talking about outsourcing our artwork to artists from out of town. I'll let Melvin speak for Figment, but it is about getting any local artist (or would-be artist) who wants to involved right here in JXN. His point about bringing in other artists and other speakers is to bring different ideas and inspiration directly to our young people to inspire them to do big things--and so they won't necessarily leave looking for creative permission like many of us did. When national journalists and editors come through our offices and speak to staff and interns, it's super inspiring and helpful for them. This is how you light a fire under people's butts -- show them people their age, race, background doing really cool stuff. And this is exactly the kind of point I wish we could get through to so many of the city "leaders" -- don't belittle efforts like Melvin's. He thinks large, and could live *anywhere* he wants (and has lived in SF, NYC, etc.) He *wants* to be here and to help JXN. He is doing his part, and should be applauded at every turn. Y'all need to open your minds a bit to the possibilities right here in JXN and support them instead of getting defensive when we upstarts challenge the status quo a little. If you support the immense talent we have right here at home every way possible, you won't need a rebranding campaign. And if you want the "creative class" here, you all are going to have to learn more tolerance, including for criticism of some of that ideas that sound incredibly obvious in your board rooms (see Richard Florida on tolerance). And I say that with respect. (Some great things have happened in board rooms such as folks like Ben and David W. and many others coming together to save the King Ed from Melton's wrecking ball, but I digress.) Put another way, if you want a world-class city, encourage intelligent dissent and thinking outside the box, instead of putting it down because it doesn't follow the script. If you don't, you'll just increase the brain drain of creative minds like Melvin (or Chane, etc.) who say "screw it" and go somewhere where they're appreciated for what they can offer.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

Lastly, the Blake Wilson photo looks awfully like the one on the DJP's website. I'd give them credit if it was me (Again, if I'm wrong, show me no mercy). Lastly -- funny; my redone post is much longer than the first! -- I believe it's Blake WALLACE, not Wilson. ;-) I asked Lacey about the photo, and she said it's a file PR photo that predates her being here. She's not sure who gave it to us in the first place. If DJP thinks it's theirs, and we should take it down or credit them, we'll be happy to. We don't intentionally steal (fuzzy press) photos if that's your insinuation. To sum up, Maybob: Why do some folks have to be so defensive about different voices chiming in over these issues? We should all be part of the puzzle, and our commentary (if coming from a place of love for the city) should all be rolled in. If it can't be, or people are defensive because the next generations of Jacksonians (who care a whole lot about "local," for instance) think we should try different ways, then doesn't that bring us back to square one? Unlike my friend Kamikaze, I don't think we have to wipe out all current city leaders to get new ideas on the table, but I do believe as he does that we need to encourage the people making huge decisions for Jackson (from flood control to what big projects go for public funding) to invite a variety of people to the table, and not just the ones who will echo what is already being said. There are so many things we could try and big ideas we can put on the Jackson table if people get over the idea that their thoughts can't be criticized or even disliked. I can get annoyed at people, but I don't like to dwell on negativity and drama. Ben Allen might have gotten really mad at us last year over Two Lakes, but I'd just as soon sit down with him tomorrow and talk and debate big ideas for the city. Life is too short to hold grudges over petty disagreements. And there is so much work to be done for the future; let's get as many ideas as possible to the table and see what we can make stick. And I promise you this: If city "leaders" will put every effort possible (and a few dimes) into supporting creative thinkers like Melvin every chance they get, we will get the positive press coverage. The media love to herald a "new" Athens or Austin or wherever. Hell, my network alone has brought us many of the national media stories that DJP has posted on its blog over the years. Many of us have the media connections; we've got to give them enough to write about, and a local/creative revolution will get us more press than you could ever imagine -- and without a rebranding campaign. And for God's sake, be willing to see when the glass is starting to refill itself -- for instance, that flight from Jackson actually slowed in the last decade and even as flight from other cities in the U.S. grew. This is good news for JXN, even as we still have challenges to face. Why not make our citizens feel good about that progress, especially being that so many of them are helping make this happen, rather than getting all wigged out about the fact that massive flight didn't reverse completely in a decade? Help us feel good about ourselves, so that we're up to the task that lies ahead. Not saying you personally are wigging out, but some people are. I've said it repeatedly (not that i made it up): people are inspired by successes, however small. It's one reason that we need to talk regularly and often about our race history: our young people need to know how incredibly far we've come to date, so they can be proud that we're not what we used to be and see that we can change things here. If you bury it all, then hopelessness rules, and they leave for greener, more creative, inspiring pastures. If they're inspired to be part of the solution locally, and are listened to and employed and asked to redesign cool LOCAL magazines and write amazing stories that win awards and show up in books (to use examples close to home for me), they *want* to stay and fight for our city, our metro and our state. Cheers.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

OK, I can't write another word. Good night and good luck, all. We can do this. Believe.

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

I'm no more defensive than you are. As for Figment, I see your point, but where I was coming from is that why do we have to bring in out of state folks to be inspired. Again, I'm all for bringing out of state folks for various purposes, but we have incredible artists who can inspire our young folks. And many of our artists aren't that old so our young people can empathize with them. I enjoy the Greater Chamber bringing in a motivational speaker or Leadership Jackson using an out of state person to lead their race relations topic, but again, why do we need to go in that direction? The Friday Forum brings in mostly local people to discuss issues and inspire us. The only times they don't use local folks is when the Chamber isn't the one who picks the speaker. Like the Buy Local speaker, why did the JFP have to use an out of state speaker? Again, it's great to use out of state folks, but for a group who advocates for local folks, there has to be one person in the state of Mississippi who can speak to the importance of buying local. Also, when the JFP had someone speak at the 5th Year Architecture program on arenas, why another out of state speaker? Again, I'm only picking on you because it seems that localism is important to you, but you also recognize the need to have a national perspective and bringing in outsiders. Whether it's bringing in outsiders to do jobs or to initiate conversation, it's all the same to me. I say it's the same because shaping ideas and molding our citizenry is just as impactful as having outsiders doing local work. We can do it ourselves, but in some instances it's good to outsource it. That's my point. If we welcome outsiders to lead discussion, inspire our folks or lead projects, it's not bad.

maybob95

Mar 29 2011

For the love of all things holy, I just lost my response to your latest post. We are definitely having site problems (and mercury is going into retrograde; just sayin'.) I can't re-do all of that; too tired and hungry. But here's an effort: I'm actually not saying you're being overly defensive; some folks are, but I'm enjoying this conversation. Feels like we can disagree without fear of someone hiding in the bushes plotting the other's destruction or such. ;-) (We do have some drama kings in this town, but clearly not present company.) but where I was coming from is that why do we have to bring in out of state folks to be inspired. Is is very different to bring in two speakers (friends/acquaintances from our networks) for less than $500 total for both (food, drinks, a bed) to give talks at Friday Forum and at JCDC than to outsource huge projects that can be done in-state (still unclear to me if the branding could be; magazines, t-shirts and the like certainly can be). We shouldn't have a parochial view that we don't need input or inspiration from outside, but we shouldn't gladly ship our jobs and money elsewhere if we don't need to. Very different, and it's a false analogy to say it's the same. The AMIBA guy came through because he was going somewhere nearby to offer advice on how to start local group because he is the head of an association of such local groups and, well, knows how. Amy spoke at JCDC because she loves JXN and was coming to see us anyway (she also wrote and/or or assigned numerous CNN/Fortune Small Business articles about Jackson that have probably helped some local business' bottom line, or at least gotten people to stay at the King Ed). Her talk, btw, wasn't about arenas; it was about what she has observed in JXN since she helped us do the business plan for the JFP back in 2001-02; she loves it here, and also happens to know a bit about development, new urbanism and arenas due to her business reporting jobs. She spoke to mostly young creatives and professionals, some of whom then walked with us to the King Ed to continue a conversation about ideas (and a lot of local young-pros met each other at that event). All around very good, and it didn't cost us one single job or contract to someone in another state. Again, I'm only picking on you because it seems that localism is important to you, but you also recognize the need to have a national perspective and bringing in outsiders. You seem to be transposing the idea of local investment with being provincial about ideas from and communication with the rest of the world. Of course they're not the same thing, and I suspect you're smart enough to know it. We can do it ourselves, but in some instances it's good to outsource it. That's my point. Not when it can be done well locally and keep the financial investment and local jobs to boot. Again, I don't know if the rebranding can be, but I really do wish our "local" organizations would develop a local-first attitude, and not act like it doesn't matter. People notice, especially many of the same people we really don't want to leave. They should at least act like they're trying to invest locally first. If we welcome outsiders to lead discussion, inspire our folks or lead projects, it's not bad. Not necessarily, but it can be. ;-) OK, gotta fly now. Really. Starving. Ciao, and think local first!

DonnaLadd

Mar 29 2011

Hi I am writing to respond to the following comment: "I think Figment is a great project, but since we're on a support local theme, why do we need out of state artists for the event? I fully support bringing in out town folks for projects and such, but it doesn't seem to jive with what's being advocated of late on here." I really want to emphasize that what we're doing is supporting collaborative projects between teams of artists in Jackson with artists from other places as a way to inspire here and also inspire artists there. Jackson artists are super capable and I think they don't get the credit they deserve on a nationa/international scale. One way for them to get that exposure and to expose people to our great artists and develop respect for our scene is by fostering joint projects. For example, one of the big projects for Figment will be a piece called "playhaus." This art installation is basically be an interactive, musical sculpture, where people will climb through the form triggering musical samples. The structure is being designed and built by Jackson artist Austin Richards, electronics and computer components are being designed and programmed by a team from San Francisco that built some big pieces at burning man http://galleries.burningman.com/photos/rickegan/rickegan.18249?b=true and music that will be used in the piece is coming from artists here in Jackson, San Francisco, and Berlin. I see this as the ultimate in supporting local, in that it puts Jackson artists in a position to really be the peers and compatriots and on equal footing with world class artists. Also,it's not like we're denying Jackson artists a chance at Figment by bringing in people from out-of-state. Anyone who wants to participate in Figment is welcome to participate(please submit project ideas to www.jackson.figmentproject.org). We want to make jackson a showplace, and part of the way we do that is by inviting people from all over to our home.

mpriesterjr

Mar 29 2011

*raises hand* Two Things: 1) I just popped up to collect the major props I'm due for actually making the SUGGESTION under the ORIGINAL drama-filled Census data article that maybe "white flight peaked a few years in to this cencus and it is actually slowing down at this point since the Census is only ONCE every ten years." (those are not my exact words. Someone less lazy than I can probably find them quicker and with less angst.) I SAID THIS AND EVERY ONE IGNORED ME LIKE I WAS "SPECIAL" --which I totally am (at least according to my mother). But, now you know that is what happened (or seem to be addressing that as truth) and I just think I deserve at least a concerted group "snap" or some sh1te. Clap. Hell, buy me some Rooster's french fries and a beer. Damn. 2) If I'm being truthfully honest I will say that I read this article and my FIRST authentic thought was, "So, um, where the hell is Springfield? Or Spartanburg? Or the Arkansas Delta (?) Hell, I barely know Clinton and I worked there for three years. So, I'm hoping I wasn't the target population of his rebranding scheme. My synapses obviously didn't take to it. You know who we should hire to rebrand this city? The advertising agency that takes care of my Norton Internet Security Protection. The one currently popping up on my screen is so freaking scary and speaking of imminent death that it makes me want to get a new alarm on top of my old alarm and pay double for both of them. "At one time, you didn't need to wory about who you were friending on a social network. At one time, you could safely shop online, at one time, you had the software that earned the wallstreet journals presigious techniology innovation avard....and the reason was Norton." Screw that, let's just get NORTON FOR JACKON!

Lori G

Mar 29 2011

Lori, I should have called you out more when you said that; honestly, I didn't know, yet, whether it was and was waiting to see. I suspected you were right, and it seems that you were. If we were serious about "rebranding," we would be screaming from the treetops already that flight has actually started *slowing* -- but for some reason, it seems to make folks who jumped on the Ledger's faulty meme mad that you turned out to be right about that. Oh well. I'm not an expert on branding, but I tend to think Knol is right. Based on what this company plans to do in three days, I cannot imagine that one of our local firms, or a collective of them, could not do it, and probably better, because they understand the dynamics and challenges here.

DonnaLadd

Mar 30 2011

Also, thinking about my conversation with Maybob, it dawned on me that what disturbs me me about this whole rebranding thing, I think, is that we don't have people calling for *everything* to be laid on the table so we can see what our "perception" problems really are. This rebranding effort is starting to sound like what our city does too often: pay outsiders to come to the table and tell us how we're great and then design us a cool logo. And if anyone challenges the process, they are suddenly a big enemy and *against* progress, blah, blah. We're told to cheerlead projects and efforts and candidate or get out of the way. We've seen this happened repeatedly over the years, such as with Two Lakes, the arena project, the Convention Center hotel even candidate Melton. Our job as a news organization is to bring as much information as we can to the table, not function as a PR agency for one or another group. But when we do that, the whisper campaigns start. We're against progress! We don't like bodacious ideas! (Yeah, right, tell me this company isn't a bodacious idea in these parts; smile.) So on, and so on. But here's the thing, folks: A lot of projects don't come to bear, but linger, precisely because everyone involved isn't demanding to know every bit of information and intelligence possible. Take Two Lakes: There are people to this day who do not understand that Mr. McGowan wants eminent domain and public funding involved (meaning higher property taxes). Last year on FB, Ben Allen's son seemed shocked when I mentioned eminent domain in connection with the project. How is it possible after all these years that people honestly have not been given the pros and cons of such a massive project? And take the arena: this could be a really good idea. But the firm studying to tell us if it is was the one who wants to build it. We brought other information to the table, and some people got pissed at us. We're the bad guys because we researched the company/companies associated with the supposed convention center hotel development. And even with Melton: we tried to give people the information they needed to make a good decision about him, causing massive attacks on us as a company and personally. But guess what? We were right. Not because we have a damn crystal ball, but because we are willing to take the time to do homework and then put it all out there. (Now, I understand why some people wanted Melton in there. He would just rubberstamp projects without any vetting. For instance, one time in his office, he just gave me his Two Lakes presentation binder, saying he didn't need to read it. It sounded like a great idea. I still have it.)

DonnaLadd

Mar 30 2011

Lying in bed this morning, it dawned on me that Jackson's future is too wound up in these kinds of small-minded, echo-chamber politics. For any project that even touches public money (or eminent domain) or is a large-scale private project that effects communities, we need to see our leaders work to bring all information to bear. They need to show us that they are vetting their own projects and ideas, not just cheerleading them. And they should welcome public discussion of all ideas, as well as questions, challenges, concerns. What the public (and we, frankly) want is to hear the answers. We all want to be reassured *before* making public investments that all stones have been unturned. Sure, every project comes with a risk, but there is no excuse not to find every possible hurdle and deal with it. That's just good business and planning. Instead, what we too often get are people trashing others who try to bring ideas to the table and raise questions. I've heard stories of people's bosses being called because they spoke out to friends against a project, or raised concerns. I've seen people go on website under fake names who are in charge of projects and lie about my business because we dared research an idea and raise questions. This kind of squelching of dissent and information is going to hold the city back. It is already (think of the Melton fiasco and how long flood control has lingered). What we need to see, Maybob, is a welcoming of new ideas and dissent, and a willingness to entertain and answer questions, such as why DJP and other agencies outsource so much to other states. That is a real question that deserves an answer, not belittlement because it was asked. Such an approach will keep Jackson small, and it will run out people who want to have real discussions about efforts that affect us all. We can change this. Why not start today?

DonnaLadd

Mar 30 2011

I'm going to buy you some Rooster's french fries and a beer anyway to make up for sleeping 12 hours and completely missing your party, so we're going to have to think of some other compensation mechanism that could work here. Tom-I have a kid. Please NEVER apologize for sleeping 12 hours! ;) But you did miss a good party! Don't worry. We are party people (if you haven't figured out). We'll have another one soon. I would like my french fries please, NOW, (Yes, at 10am!) Donna-I agree with you that the fact flight is slowing down makes people angry. Its sort of amusing to me. Everybody wants to be "right" and to feel good about the decisions they've made in their life. If Jackson starts "coming back" sometimes I think the people who left take it personally. Like, they made the wrong decision for leaving. That's just stupid. I agree that people have valid reasons for leaving. Hell, I'm learning that personally right now as I watch a family member face the decision of leaving Jackson because of school options (and she LOVES Jackson! She would rather shoot herself than live in Rankin County--which is why she might end up in Madison.) But, she does not WANT to leave. I really truly believe that everything hinges on what happens in our public school district in the next five years. If we don't get creative and start thinking out of the box and "rebranding" JPS we will continue to see people leave that can't afford $7,000.00-$10,000.00 worth of private school tuition a year. And that's a shitload of people. I'm working with a kid right now who hasn't attended school since DECEMBER and no one at JPS has called, checked, or seems concerned about that. These are our CHILDREN, people. OUR CHILDREN. And, if you don't educate them, support them, and love them now they will be breaking into your car or house in ten years. I'm just being honest. Every positive thing you do with a kid today reduces crime in the future. I understand that conservatives think more money and support in schools is wasted and that "starts at home". But, can we just go ahead and concede that IT IS NOT HAPPENING IN A LOT OF HOMES and suck it up? I keep waiting for people to see that, but I guess its not going to happen. I had a very honest discussion with The Man last night because I went to Catholic school so the decision of sending Terror to a Catholic or private school doesn't seem like that big of a deal to me (minus all the expensive lip gloss I'll have to stop buying). But, The Man is a product of a small town MS public school system and BELIEVES in public schools. He does not want to put our kid in JPS and that makes him angry. I guess I have a different perspective because I never attended public school. His viewpoint made me understand why people get so angry at the fact that the Jackson Public School system is not an option for their children. I said all that to say this (WHEW!): I think the whole "rebranding" thing is fine But, if we don't start looking at primary preventative measures regarding our youth and crime, well, you can wrap a pig in an ear but it don't make it a purse with lips....or some crap like that.

Lori G

Mar 30 2011

I said all that to say this (WHEW!): I think the whole "rebranding" thing is fine But, if we don't start looking at primary preventative measures regarding our youth and crime, well, you can wrap a pig in an ear but it don't make it a purse with lips....or some crap like that. Amen, amen, amen. And I agree re JPS, and its politics. It's a side show to watch Edwards fight being fired right now, just as the whole mess around last superintendent hurt us. But we also shouldn't say nothing good is happening in JPS; it is. We've got to get specifics about the positives and negatives, instead of blanket praise or blanket denouncement. *That* is killing us. Of course, people do that when they don't know what to do, or don't really want to be part of the solution. I love that little girl of yours, by the way. Invite us over to see her, please. Soon.

DonnaLadd

Mar 30 2011

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Queen601

Mar 30 2011