OPINION: IT’S TIME: Why Jackson needs its own chamber of commerce

By Brian Grizzell

Jackson Advocate Guest Writer

Jackson, Mississippi, stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development, and it is time for our city to have a chamber of commerce dedicated exclusively to its unique needs. While the Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce has contributed significantly over the years, Jackson now requires a focused and agile organization that champions the city’s business community and economy without competing priorities.

Every municipality surrounding Jackson – from Byram to Clinton to Ridgeland to Flowood to Madison – maintains its own chamber of commerce, tailored to local businesses, economic development, and community interests. Jackson, the state’s capital city, deserves no less. A dedicated Jackson Chamber would provide targeted advocacy, streamlined support, and a unified voice for the city’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and emerging industries.

Jackson faces distinctive challenges and opportunities that are not fully addressed by a regional chamber. Issues such as urban redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and crime prevention demand concentrated attention. A Jackson-specific chamber could mobilize resources, partnerships, and policy initiatives uniquely suited to foster a thriving local economy and improve quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

Moreover, a local chamber would enhance business networking, attract new investments, and promote Jackson’s rich cultural and historic assets. It would become a rallying point for community pride and economic revitalization.

For Jackson to regain its economic momentum and compete effectively with surrounding cities, the time has come for an independent chamber of commerce – one that puts Jackson’s business future front and center.