Generals Named Business of the Year

Jackson, Tenn. - The Jackson Generals were honored with the Jackson Chamber's Small Business of the Year Award Thursday afternoon at the Chamber's Annual Celebration. The team saw an attendance increase for the second-consecutive year and won the Southern League Community Service Award in 2015.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the Jackson Chamber for a successful 2015," General Manager Jason Compton said. "The Generals strive to be an integral part of Jackson and West Tennessee by providing affordable family fun and through community service."

The Generals were one of six award winners at Thursday's Annual Celebration presented by West Tennessee Healthcare, which took place at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University. The yearly event celebrates professional and community achievements throughout West Tennessee. The recipients were determined based on history and growth, customer service excellence and community involvement by a panel of out of town judges.

Despite a losing record, the Generals saw increased attendance at The Ballpark at Jackson for a second-straight season in 2015. More than 135,000 made their way to a game last year. The team had more than 4,000 fans at 10 games, including a single-game franchise record 6,814 on June 6.  

Visits from Jep Robertson of A&E's Duck Dynasty and recording artist Kellie Pickler highlighted a successful year promotionally for the Generals. Pickler sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at an August contest against Jacksonville which was later featured on CMT's I Love Kellie Pickler. Jackson also placed seventh in MiLB's annual Clash of the Caps competition to determine the best hat in all of Minor League Baseball.

The Generals were also honored with the Southern League's Community Service Award in September for the team's charitable contributions and involvement in the community. In addition to countless appearances by Sarge and players in West Tennessee throughout 2015, the Generals raised almost $10,000 for organizations like the Children's Miracle Network, A Hope to Dream, the Madison County Fire Department, Autism Awareness and the American Cancer Society.

Jackson's front office is a part of a number of community initiatives. Last March, the team helped to improve the grounds at Hands Up! Preschool in Jackson and many full-time staffers mentor local high school seniors through the Tennessee Promise Program. In addition, local students that qualified for the honor roll and read 10 books in the spring were given free tickets to games.

The team has also helped make The Ballpark at Jackson a venue for more than just baseball. Last year marked the first time the Generals played host to Englewood Baptist Church's annual Easter event and service. Easter at The Ballpark is happening again in 2016, with a concert, fireworks, egg hunt and more on March 25 and 26. The Generals also raised money for the Jackson Fire Department's Survive Alive House with a free Labor Day event on the field for kids and families.

"Baseball season might run from April to June, but we hope that The Ballpark at Jackson is a venue for events year-round," Compton said. "Between Easter, Labor Day and Halloween, the Generals have made The Ballpark a place for families even when the team isn't playing."

While 2015 was a fantastic year for the team, the Generals are looking ahead to 2016. Jackson opens at home against Montgomery on April 7. Two nights later, the team plays the first of 12 Saturday home games featuring postgame fireworks and The Ballpark at Jackson will also host a July 3 contest against Mississippi.

Get in on another season of fun with the Generals now! Flex Packages and Season Tickets are available now! Flex Plans include 10 undated reserved seat vouchers and $100 in gift certificates-a $220 value-for just $50, and season tickets are only $300 for a limited time! Buy your tickets now by giving the team a call at (731) 988.5299, stopping by the park or going online at jacksongeneralsbaseball.com.