Accomplishments

JCEG wins a SmartZone!

A celebratory air filled the room as James Epilito, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC), gave Jackson the news we’ve been waiting for: our application for a SmartZone in Blackman Township was approved. The Oct. 15 announcement culminated more than a year of effort by Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth (JCEG) and numerous other community organizations, including The Enterprise Group, the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County, Blackman Township and the City of Jackson.

SmartZones allow local governments to capture taxes generated by new businesses and use the money to provide infrastructure such as roads, utilities and fiber optics. These improvements could help attract new business to the community. Efforts will be aimed at attracting businesses focused on alternative energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. According to the MEDC, the first SmartZones created in 2002 have given rise to more than 845 new or expanded businesses, more than 16,000 jobs and more than $1 billiion in private investment.

Last year, JCEG invited Epilito to speak on the future of economic development in Michigan. During this event, JCEG and our supporters rallied to show Epilito that Jackson was serious about the need for increasing the number of SmartZones in Michigan.

Through a community-wide effort, JCEG succeeded in encouraging Michigan lawmakers to pass legislation creating three more SmartZones. Then JCEG joined forces with a variety of community organizations to create the winning application, which was submitted by The Enterprise Group in the spring. A great big thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their talents to help make this project a success. We could not have done it without your support.

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

High quality educational programs for children are an essential component to attracting businesses, high-tech jobs and a well-educated workforce to our community. To that end, JCEG has been working with the Jackson Public Schools and Sharp Park Academy to bring the globally-respected International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) to Jackson.

Thanks to the hard work of Ellen Seguin, Jane Schultz, and the IB Committee on Oct. 6, we received approval from the school board to complete the application and process for transforming Sharp Park Academy into an International Baccalaureate school. Sharp Park Academy was selected because it was the only elementary school that already had a foreign language program in place.

The International Baccalaureate program is the most popular K-12 educational program in the world and just recently began to build momentum in the United States. Currently, the only International Baccalaureate School PYP in Michigan is located in Bloomfield Hills. JCEG would like Jackson to become the location for the second school.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), one of three programs offered by the International Baccalaureate, is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development. The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children. Curriculum documents are published in English, French and Spanish but schools may offer the program in other languages under certain conditions.

To learn more about the program visit http://www.ibo.org/ If you would like to participate in making the International Baccalaureate PYP a reality in Jackson, please contact us at info@growjackson.com.

JCEG founded The Jackson Seed Fund as a separate 501(c)(3) organization that will enable all residents in Jackson County to contribute toward their economic future. The fund has been established as a means of supporting all new and expanding business enterprises with an emphasis on those bringing new technology to the area.

The Seed Fund supports the Business Plan for the Community; which is part of the SmartZone Application submitted to the State of Michigan by the Enterprise Group of Jackson in June of 2008.

What is the Jackson Seed Fund?

The Jackson Seed Fund is the only local in-county fund designed to aid the startup or fund the expansion of local businesses in Jackson County. The Fund’s focus is high technology businesses with the potential for rapid growth. Low interest loans or grants will be awarded to eligible businesses.

Who is directing the Seed Fund?

The Fund will be administered by a volunteer board of directors who have demonstrated their ability to analyze new or growing business opportunities, are committed to the economic success of the Jackson area, and have a passion for the community.

Board of Directors:

David W. Hockenbrocht, Chairman

L. Richard Schneider, President

Karen F. Dunigan

Patrick J. McCleer

Dennis Decosta

Jerry Baglian

Allan Hooper

How can businesses apply?

Interested businesses may request an application from the Fund by phone or in writing and submit it along with a 5-year business plan. The Board will review each case on its own merits and determine if the company is eligible for a loan or grant. Funds may be combined with the applicant’s personal funds and bank loans. Funds awarded to a business may be marked for repayment to the Fund at a future point. If a company relocates outside of Jackson County, any funds awarded from the Seed Fund will be due and payable immediately.

How can contributions to the Seed Fund be made?

Anyone interested in investing in the economic future of Jackson County can make a contribution to the Seed Fund by sending it to P.O. Box 4367, Jackson, MI 49201. The Fund is a registered 501(c)3 organization and as such a federal tax receipt may be granted for all contributions.

Jackson Seed Fund

P.O. Box 4367

Jackson, MI 49201

Phone: 517-788-2782

Fax: 517-788-2776