The king (Daniel 6:17

Huff brings the same skills to family as she does to hercareer

By Lucy Weber

Walk into Jessica Huff's office at the McNairy County EDC and Chamber in Selmer, Tenn., and the Post-It Notes are everywhere, a long-held habit that grew out of being a working mother. "I'm a big note-taker," said Huff, the director of the Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Tourism, and the mother of two sons, Jack, 25, and John, 18. "When the boys were playing sports, being scouts, playing music in the bands and all of the other activities that they had, it was always a balancing act with me and my husband," she said about her organizational skills. "But believe it or not we were both there for them at every activity."

For Huff, raising a family and working at a job share the same skill set. "I treat my sons with respect and interest in what they think and believe. This is the same way I treat all the people I come into contact each and everyday. I treat them with respect," the native of Selmer said. "I am as organized as possible. I keep a lot of notes. "For instance, being organized, taking care of problem, I always listen and then try to respond to problems to the best of my ability. There is always two sides to every story and any one person should always be ready to admit that they may not be right. We should pay attention and listen more. "I am that generation who still believes in paper but can also do the digital. That's where we can be on the move and still be able to do work and have family time," Huff said.

Family time is important for the Huffs who enjoy being together. "We like to go on mini trips together. From this small community, we can travel anywhere and see and do many things. We are big movie and games people too. We love art and photography," she said.

For Huff, being able to raise her children in Selmer where she was born and raised and where her mother's family has lived for many generations is special. "It is home. Our family is very close because of our commitment to one another."

Huff is also committed to her job and showing people the best of Selmer. "I love everything about my job. Each and everyday is different. It makes it very exciting to do," she said.

Her advice for her job is the same as advice for raising children. "Be able to roll with the punches. Keep your head held high and wait for the good times. They do arrive," she said. "I am always here to support my sons' dreams and ambitions."

Huff believes in service. "When you invest in your community, no matter where you live, you help it thrive. What better way to make it a great place to live by you simple investing your time and passion to make it a better place to live with your family," she said. "I get to love two very important people in my life. I believe my boys are kind, smart and generous. They are the best and they make me want to be the best for them."

Jessica Huff