Visit Jackson Names Hometown Heroes
March 7, 2024
![](https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4bde17874beb4453ba0d1a076d24e939 320w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3bc13e70ef98b3157d2b21ef1137526b 540w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6d9475aed420ca8ec254f459203045ac 768w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=329f12c6718705774aa11646eef966d1 1024w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=6d31b74e72edd5d7e020e02040eede10 1200w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=0ee36c9b0a3583c6cb1e084b098c9f90 1440w, https://visit-jackson.imgix.net/images/HH_Winners_2024Web.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0b064b2dc169fd8f4fa2c5a0c8dd8749 1920w)
Visit Jackson named its 31st annual Hometown Hero and S.U.M.I.T.T. award recipients in a ceremony held this afternoon at the Capri Theatre.
The organization joins tourism industry partners annually to recognize individuals and entities who continue to play an essential role in developing Jackson, Mississippi as a tourism destination.
Dr. Rickey Thigpen, Visit Jackson's President & CEO, opened up the event before introducing the hosts for the event, the Vibe Controllers, Merc B. and Cocky McFly.
The event was established as a culmination to reflect the industry’s deep appreciation for long-time commitment, accomplishments, and service by both individuals and entities that have enhanced the Jackson visitor experience and elevated the travel and tourism industry.
"As we continue to promote the vibrancy and economic benefits that the tourism industry brings to our local community," said Dr. Rickey Thigpen, Visit Jackson Presiden & CEO. "It’s because of you that Jackson Tourism served as a catalyst for a productive local economy in 2023 supporting over 48 thousand jobs in tourism, $33.7 million in tourism payroll, and $19.4 million in total tax revenue in federal, state and local taxes."