Page 7 - MVA Book

Welcome to Jackson!
When I was a sixteen-year-old student at the University School of Jackson and traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi, to compete for the title of Miss Teen USA, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I received from Jacksonians. I remember realizing how fortunate I was to have come from a town like Jackson where I had so many friends and family members who sent cards, flowers and well wishes—to the point that I had more flowers than I had space in my hotel room! Three decades later, I still stand in awe of the people of Jackson. The continued support, encouragement, and assistance this great city has offered is the main reason we are able to celebrate the young women competing on stage this week.
As I have spoken to various people in every state across the country over the past two and a half years, many of them have assumed I would be hosting the pageant in Nashville; however, I have never been more proud to welcome new and old friends to my hometown of Jackson. The hospitality in Jackson is unparalleled, the businesses are supportive, and the people are some of the most generous you will ever meet.
Thank you to Mayor Scott Conger for listening to my many requests, compromising, helping everyone and tolerating me. Our city is very fortunate to have Mayor Conger leading us into the next era of greatness.
I am very appreciative of Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris for his unceasing advocacy and for championing the development of our organization. His tireless service to Jackson/Madison County should be revered for both he and Lonnie have sacrificed unremittingly.
I am exceptionally grateful to Senator Ed Jackson for all of the many ways he has helped me promote this program to our state and its fine leaders. Thank you for your time, energy, and the care you pour into the people of our community every single day. You and Marilyn have always been so wonderful to me, and I am eternally grateful.
The Jackson Madison County Community Economic Development Commission has graciously granted the ability for us to anchor the national program in Jackson. A sincere thank you to Commissioners Dave Bratcher, Esther Milam, Mehul Patel, Jane Alderson, and Brad Little for providing the groundwork on which we have been able to build. Lori Nunnery has gone above and beyond her job requirements to help establish connections, answer questions and provide assistance on countless occasions.
It has been a sheer joy to welcome friends from Hawaii to Alaska, and from New Hampshire to California to Jackson so people from almost every state across our great country can experience what I have always known—that Jackson, Tennessee is THE place to be!
With gratitude,
Allison Alderson DeMarcus
Allison Alderson DeMarcus