Jackson Area BPW: Helping women for 100 years
In 1919, when Jackson Area BPW was formed, World War I had come to a close on November 11 1918. The Spanish flu pandemic had begun in January 1918 and was raging across the world. It would not abate until December 1920. Then came Prohibition, strikes across the land and anarchist bombings.
In time of upheaval, the business women of 1919, who led industry and business due to the men being off at war, had proven they were worthy. They had organized the National Federation of Business Women under the guidance of the White House War Work Council. Business training sessions began across the nation.
Women marched in the streets dressed in white. They sought the ability to vote nationwide through the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Anti-suffrage leaders proclaimed the morality of the South would fail if women had the vote.
Suffragist Sue Shelton White of Jackson led the way in Tennessee’s ratification vote on August 18, 1920. Her courage and perseverance changed America.
Today, we face much upheaval in our world, including the deadly outbreak of coronavirus, which has become a national emergency. We won’t be marching in crowds, but we will persevere.
Take a look at our Sterling Award 2020: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee recipients, and you’ll know that women in our state have achieved tremendous success in business, industry, education, health and other career fields. We can list one-woman at-home business owners, teachers, police officers, industry CEOs, doctors, nurses and wealthy entrepreneurs among our winners. The question is what they bring to develop quality of life in their communities.
Now we celebrate 10 years of hosting the Sterling Awards, honoring these outstanding women, in partnership with WBBJ-TV. We also recognize the Sue Shelton White winner and our Outstanding Woman Military Veteran.
Our JABPW president from 1927 to 1931 was Sue Shelton White, who protested at the White House in February 1919 and was put in jail. As an attorney, she later helped write the Social Security Act. Sue White never forgot growing up impoverished. After her father died, she saw her mother struggle to feed her children, trading piano lessons for food from neighbors’ gardens. Orphaned at 14, Sue White was working hard by age 18 as a stenographer. As an attorney, she helped write Tennessee’s married women’s property act, the widow’s pension act and an old age pension act before she went to Washington, D.C.
As president of Jackson Area BPW, I celebrate our hard-working fellow members who who support other women in their endeavors. One hundred years later, we are still offering education, business training, and health advice, with networking and legislative action.
We attend Day on the Hill each March when we visit with our state legislators on bills in progress. We educate ourselves on political candidates’ positions through forums. We listen to elected officials, and we report monthly on legislation that affects women in the workforce and their families.
JABPW works every year to help women meet their personal career goals. We give scholarships to women returning to college to better their educational level, increase their skills and/or change careers.
We finance our Margaret Faulkner Scholarship Fund with our Downtown Ghosts Dinner Theatre, held the last Friday in October. This has been such a huge success that we may add another evening for the event. In 2019, Tonya Mutter won a $2,000 scholarship. Tonya Mutter is a widowed mother rearing five children ages 12 through 22, working three jobs, and completing her degree at Jackson State Community College to become an occupational therapist.
In 2020, because of the marvelous support through the Sterling Awards magazine ads, we are awarding a larger scholarship to Heather Grewe of Beech Bluff, a single mother who is completing her juris doctorate. As a paralegal, Heather was pretty incensed when a male attorney once told her, “A woman’s place is NOT in the courtroom, it’s in the kitchen.” She knew she’d finish law school or else.
At JABPW meetings, our monthly speakers include health leaders, attorneys, city leaders, rescue groups, nonprofit leaders, and law enforcement. We post job openings through social media and email.
We celebrate National Business Women’s Week when we award the Woman of Achievement at the Sterling Social held in August. The 2019 winner was Vicki Lake, director at West Tennessee Healthcare. At the Sterling Social, winners and friends enjoy talking with women of similar interests and fascinating backgrounds.
To acknowledge Equal Pay Day in April, the city and county mayors present us with a proclamation. Usually, we hold the Sterling Awards ceremony on Equal Pay Day, but not this year. That’s OK. We want to come out on the other side of this national coronavirus emergency focused on the future.
For 100 years, Jackson Area BPW has been setting goals and reaching them. In 2021, we will power ahead. Join us!
jacksonareabpw.com.
Jacque Hillman is president of Jackson Area Business and Professional Women, 2019-2020. She is the senior partner/editor of The HillHelen Group Publishing Co. in Jackson, Tenn. She is also an award-winning jewelry designer.
NEWS IN 2019
Meeting topics hit BPW focus points: ERA, Economic Equity, Health, Civil Rights. Each meeting also covers legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly and in Congress.
June 3 Sharon Taylor-McKinney will speak at 6 p.m. on Economic Garden entrepreneurial support services for CEOs well beyond start-up. Taylor-McKinney is the founder and executive director of Transformations Economic & Community Development. The meeting starts at 5:15 p.m. at Panera Bread, 1145 Vann Drive in Jackson. The business session begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
2019
Jan. 7: Bruce Upchurch, Upchurch Homes. “The Power of Networking”
Feb. 4: Cathy Reed Nelson, Americare USA.”Easy Ways to Improve Your Communications/Follow-up Procedures.”
March 4: Jana Cardona, “Using Networking and Referrals to Grow Your Business.”
April 1: Hope Reasons, Reasons for Hope, DoTERRA Health Advocate. “Women’s Health and Managing Stress.”
May 6: Installation of Officers by Beth Bates. Discussion of Sterling Awards. Views on mayoral candidates from the online forum. Planning a visit to the new mayor elected on May 7 to promote our continuing 100th Anniversary Celebration, programs at the Sue Shelton White bronze statue in City Hall Plaza and our upcoming 2020 19th Amendment Celebration, Sterling Awards and Equal Pay Day.
2018
June 4: Hailey Golden, financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual. Financial health.
July 9: Candidates Forum. Candidates who spoke were Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris and his opponent Harrell Carter and for Jackson city court clerk, incumbent Daryl K. Hubbard and his opponent Monique Merriweather.
Aug. 6: Matt Hoover, Maximum Health and Fitness, Personal Trainer. “How Small Changes in Your Life can make Large Changes in Your Health.”
Sept.10: Lauren Ferguson, yoga teacher, “The Benefits of Yoga on the Mind and Spirit.”
Oct.1: Candidates Forum. State Senator Ed Jackson; James Baxter, candidate for State Representative in 73rd District; Ms. Watkins representing Phil Bredesen, candidate of U.S. Senate; Rep. Johnny Shaw; Yvonne Pearson, candidate for U.S. House; Jeannie Todd, representing Chris Todd candidate for State Representative in the 73rd District; and Rep.Jimmy Eldridge, candidate for Jackson mayor.
Nov. 5: Krisann Blair, Christmas Cottage. “Tradition and Holiday Gifts.”
Dec. 3: Christmas Party at The Blacksmith Restaurant in downtown Jackson.
Tonya Mutter of Pinson, a student at Jackson State, is the winner of Jackson Area BPW’s $1,000 Margaret Faulkner Scholarship. We were so impressed with Tonya that we increased the scholarship to $2,000. Tonya is a widow with five children; one has special needs. She works three jobs, including driving a school bus and working at Falcon Ridge Farm. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is working on her degree as an occupational therapy assistant. Congratulations to an amazing woman!
Bruce Upchurch to speak at JABPW on Jan. 7
Bruce Upchurch, of Upchurch Homes, will speak on “The Power of Networking” starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, at the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women meeting at Baudo’s Restaurant, 559 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson.
The winner of the JABPW $1,000 Mildred Faulkner Scholarship, Tonya Mutter of Pinson, a student at Jackson State Community College, will be honored. Mutter, a widow with five children, is maintaining a 4.0 GPA in her goal to become an occupational therapy assistant.
Nominations are now open for Sterling Awards 2019: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee, Sue Shelton White Award and Outstanding Woman Military Veteran Award. Forms are available at jacksonareabpw.com or by emailing Sterling Awards Director Wanda Stanfill at wandastanfill.9@gmail.com, or JABPW president Jacque Hillman at jacquehillman@gmail.com. Deadline is Jan. 18, 2019. Winners will be notified Jan. 21-25.
Mark your calendars: The Sterling Awards ceremony and the JABPW 100th Anniversary Celebration will be on April 2, 2019.
The Jackson Area BPW meeting is free and open to the public. Jackson Area BPW, a non-partisan organization, was formed in 1919 to promote women in business; the focus is on education and on legislative action.
The gathering begins at 5:15 p.m. with dutch treat dinners ordered. The speaker begins at 6 p.m. The business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. JABPW will announce its new February dinner meeting location soon since Baudo’s is closing Jan. 19.
For more information about JABPW, visit jacksonareabpw.com or Facebook. Or contact Jacque Hillman, president, at (731) 394-2894,
Krisann Blair to speak on the Christmas Cottage
Krisann Blair will speak on the tradition and delightful holiday gifts at the Christmas Cottage at 6 p.m., Nov. 5, at the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women meeting at Baudo’s Restaurant, 559 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson.
The 2018 FCE Christmas Cottage, a long-time Jackson tradition, will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Madison County Ag Auditorium, 309 North Parkway, in Jackson. The event is sponsored by the Family & Community Education Clubs of UT Extension in Madison County. Pictures with Santa by Roger Markin of The Family Album will be a fundraiser for Madison County 4-H.
The JABPW gathering begins at 5:15 p.m. with Dutch treat dinners ordered. The speaker begins at 6 p.m.
The Jackson Area BPW meeting is free and open to the public. Jackson Area BPW, a non-partisan organization, was formed in 1919 to promote women in business; the focus is on education and on legislative action.
Other topics to be discussed during the Sept. 10 meeting include: Sterling Awards: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee, April 2, 2019, on Equal Pay Day; Day on the Hill, March 2019; and state convention in Pigeon Forge, June 6-9.
Plans for the 100th anniversary of Jackson Area BPW to be celebrated on April 2, 2019 will be discussed.
During the business meeting, committee chairs will report on the sold-out success of the Oct. 26 Downtown Ghosts Tour and Dinner Theater which funds the Margaret Faulkner Scholarship. Scholarship forms for nominations will be on the website.
The Dec. 3 Christmas party will be held at The Blacksmith in downtown Jackson at 5:30 p.m. Members are invited to bring a guest to the Dutch treat dinner. The event will include door prizes and dirty Santa for those who wish to participate.
For more information about JABPW, visit jacksonareabpw.com or Facebook. Or contact Jacque Hillman, president, at (731) 394-2894, or Wanda Stanfill, vice-president, at (731) 693-8359.
Time to travel: The world awaits!
Brandon Battershell, travel agent and co-owner at Anita’s Travel Station, will speak on international travel at 6 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at the Jackson Area Business & Professional Women meeting at Baudo’s Restaurant, 559 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson.
Battershell will talk about the best locations in the world to visit, about cruises as well as flying, and things to know about airport security, passports and more.
The Jackson Area BPW meeting is free and open to the public. Jackson Area BPW, a non-partisan organization, was formed in 1919 to promote women in business; the focus is on education and on legislative action.
The gathering begins at 5:15 p.m. with dutch treat dinners ordered. The featured speaker begins at 6 p.m.; the business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information about JABPW, visit jacksonareabpw.com or Facebook. Or contact Jacque Hillman, vice-president, at (731) 394-2894.
JABPW also invites the public to the Sterling Awards 2018 ceremony at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson General Hospital. The event is free; the auditorium is usually full so arrive by 5:30 p.m. if possible. The 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee will be honored as well as the Outstanding Woman Military Veteran and the Sue Shelton White Award winner.
March 5 meeting: Prep time for Sterling Awards!
Members discuss all preparations for Sterling Awards magazine, the photo shoot, and the ceremony set for Tuesday, April 10, at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson General Hospital. Twenty Most Influential Women in West Tennessee will be honored, along with the Outstanding Woman Military Veteran and the Sue Shelton White Award winner. The photo shoot is set for Sunday, March 11, at the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Hall.
JABPW Feb. 5 meeting focuses on cybersecurity.
Dawn Mooney, owner of PC Paladins, will speak on “How practicing good cyber security will improve your sex life” at 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, at the Jackson Area Business & Professional Women meeting at Baudo’s Restaurant, 559 Wiley Parker Road in Jackson.
Mooney has been in business in Jackson since 1983. She opened PC Paladins in 1995 because of the poor support she was receiving from her support company.
PC Paladins is a family-owned and managed company. Her oldest daughter, Nicole, is the office manager, and Merlin, her white fluffball of a puppy, is the official guard dog.
Mooney listens carefully to her clients and explains technical issues in plain English, not Geek-speak. She understands how vital her clients’ business and time are to them. Mooney is a Microsoft Certified Professional, a Microsoft Small Business Specialist and CompTia Certified. She has extensive knowledge and experience with Fortinet, Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Servers, Microsoft Office, Android, and IOS.
The Jackson Area BPW meeting is free and open to the public. Jackson Area BPW, a non-partisan organization, was formed in 1919 to promote women in business; the focus is on education and on legislative action. The gathering begins at 5:15 p.m. with dutch treat dinners ordered. The featured speaker begins at 6 p.m.; the business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information about JABPW, visit jacksonareabpw.com or Facebook. Or contact Jacque Hillman, vice-president, at (731) 394-2894.
JABPW, in partnership with The Jackson Sun, has extended the Sterling Awards deadline to Feb. 8 due to requests from the public. If you would like to nominate a woman for the 2018 Sterling Awards: Twenty Most Influential Women in West Tennessee, the Outstanding Female Military Veteran Award or the Sue Shelton White Award, message Jacque Hillman on Facebook, email her at jacquehillman@gmail.com, or go to jacksonareabpw.com to download the Sterling Awards nomination form.
JABPW speaker Jan. 8 is Jacque Hillman on ‘The Write Stuff’
Jacque Hillman, senior partner in The HillHelen Group Publishing Co., is the featured speaker on Monday, Jan. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson Area Business & Professional Women (JABPW) meeting held at Baudo’s Restaurant, 559 Wiley Parker Road, in Jackson.
Her topic is “The Write Stuff: Your Story, Your Business, Your People.”
The dinner meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the speaker at 6 p.m. and a business meeting after the program. The public is invited.
JABPW, organized in 1919, provides opportunities for networking, business education and legislation insight to businesswomen in the Jackson area.
JABPW co-sponsors Sterling Awards: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee annually with The Jackson Sun. Nominations are now open for 2018. Call (731) 394-2894 for a nomination form, send a message through the JABPW Facebook page, or email jacquehillman@gmail.com.
Jackson Area BPW awards scholarship to Robin Marek
Congratulations to our Scholarship winner Robin Marek of Jackson State Community College who is working on her Masters from Western Governors University. Great job!
She was presented her $1,000 Margaret Faulkner scholarship at the December members dinner at Logans Roadhouse.
Tickets will be available at Middlebrooks & Gray, 1651 Hollywood Drive, Jackson. Call 423-2234.
Jackson Area BPW Awards Faulkner Scholarship
Jackson Area Business and Professional Women awarded the $1,000 Margaret Faulkner Scholarship to Shalique Farr-March, 24, a nursing student from the University of Memphis-Lambuth in Jackson. She received her award at the Oct. 3 business meeting held at Baudo’s Restaurant in Jackson.
“Nursing is my passion and my calling,” said Farr-March.
Farr-March holds a B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in chemistry. She decided to change her career field to nursing after helping care for her father in ICU who was critically injured in a tragic accident that ultimately ended his life.
Karen Carver, Associate Clinical Coordinator, recommended her student for the scholarship. “Her commitment and diligence is evident in her coursework, clinical settings and her community service. She is conscientious, dependable and capable of managing projects without the need for structure or supervision. She demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills for problem-solving and creativity.”
Shalique Farr-March began her collegiate studies at community college and then progressed to MTSU. She has maintained A’s and B’s in her recent nursing courses, said, “My ultimate career goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and care for patients across their lifespan.”
BPW 2016 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT
In conjunction with National Business Women’s Week, October 17-21, the Jackson Area Business and Professional Women (BPW) is seeking nominations for their 2016 Woman of Achievement. The Woman of Achievement will be recognized at the BPW Brown Bag Lunches held during National Business Women’s Week at the Jackson-Madison County Library. The deadline for entry is noon Wednesday, October 5, 2016.
The Woman of Achievement is chosen by the following criteria:
- Woman working and/or living in west Tennessee, excluding Shelby County
- Woman who has achieved distinction in her field
- Woman who has served as a role model and/or mentor for other working women
- Woman who embodies the BPW motto: “Women Helping Women”, especially in the work force.
For nomination forms or for more information, contact:
BPW Woman of Achievement
c/o Middlebrooks & Gray, PA
PO Box 1985
Jackson TN 38302
731-423-2234
jacksonareabpw.com 