Jackson Free Press

Sept. 1, 2011

As the director of development of The Plant on Highway 80, James Hatten wants to bring more economic activity and creativity to the Highway 80 Corridor in South Jackson.

Hatten also is organizing a birthday party and celebration on Sunday for civil-rights advocate Charles Evers who is turning 89. The birthday party is open to the public and will feature live blues bands at The Plant. The event is also a fundraiser for the Medgar Evers Homecoming Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to college students. Performers include Steve Jay, Mel Waiters, Sir Charles Jones, Nellie "Tiger" Travis, Steve J, Ms. Jody, Robert "The Duke" Tillman and Dr. D.

Hatten, 52, started his position June 1 and owns his industrial and marketing business, Jim Hatten School of Management. He's helping the old Coca-Cola bottling plant manage leases for warehouse and office space, prepare site plans and day-to-day operations. Hatten said that the plant could turn into an art, entertainment and business hub that encourages cooperation between business owners.

"Our concept is to create a marking cooperative for all of our tenants," Hatten said. "It's not so much an incubator as a cooperative where each tenant can find savings for their business by doing business with other tenants."

The Jackson native graduated from Mississippi State University with bachelor's degrees in philosophy and religion in1984. He worked 28 years in the air and space industry and served five years in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant and jet engine technician from 1977 to 1982.

Hatten is a supporter of the Jackson arts scene.

"The greatest commodity of Jackson is that we have a bumper crop of artist and a huge artist community of all strides--filmmakers, painters, sculptors, writers dancers--Jackson can't consume all the talent that we have and we need to export that. ... We hope to highlight the artist talent of Jackson."

Charles Evers' birthday concert is Sunday, Sept. 4, at The Plant on 80 (1421 Hwy. 80 West). Gates open at 1 p.m. and music starts at 4 p.m. Admission is $30. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drinks, coolers and chairs. For information, call 769-218-1503.

CORRECTION: Jame' Hatten's name was spelled wrong in a previous version of this story. We apologize for the error/