Governor Snyder Names Roger Curtis Director of Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development
(Roger Curtis and Steve Arwood, courtesy photos) Gov. Rick Snyder today announced Roger Curtis will serve as director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development while Steve Arwood will continue in his role as CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Curtis left Michigan International Speedway in August, after serving as President for ten years. “Steve Arwood is a key part of our talent efforts here in Michigan,” Snyder said. “He was instrumental in the creation of TED and helping us truly coordinate talent departments to help Michiganders. His leadership at the MEDC will be a critical part of our state’s continued comeback.” Snyder created TED through Executive Order 2014-12, which took effect in March 2015. TED brings state job creation and economic development efforts together under one umbrella. The department includes the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Talent Investment Agency. As the new leader of TED, Curtis will be focusing on the continued collaboration of these departments while Arwood will be able to turn his full attention to leading economic development efforts. “We have seen our unemployment rate drop to its lowest point in 15 years, and the current challenge is matching people with the skill sets…
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Dr. Kent Collin, Emergency Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea; Patrick Burtch, Jackson City Manager; Amy Thomson, McDonald’s Remodeled Prospect St. Location; Karen Kelley, Personal Care Ministries; Jennifer Stanley, Asst. Mgr. Bob Evans E. Michigan Avenue
Proposed Downtown Market Receives Investment Award
Six healthy food retail projects in Jackson, Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids will share $380,000 in Catalytic Investment Awards from the Michigan Good Food Fund, a statewide loan fund working to increase healthy food access and spark economic development in communities that need it most. The Fund was created in partnership by Capital Impact Partners, Fair Food Network, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. These awards were designed to catalyze high-impact projects with the goal to grow their capacity to successfully secure financing within the next 12 months. The Jackson project, located at 134 Francis Street and its associated properties (commonly known as the Evanoff’s building) is a planned mixed use complex. Developer Andrew Kokas, owner of Bridgeport Development LLC, purchased the property with an eye to create a fresh foods market, along with dining, shopping and entertainment. “With these investments we are accelerating greater healthy food access, while also spurring job creation and economic development across our state,” said Dr. Oran B. Hesterman, spokesperson for the Michigan Good Food Fund and president and CEO of Fair Food Network. Four Catalytic Investment awardees will receive $75,000 each. They include: Bridgepoint Development LLC: Equity to…
Norey, Gilg Honored as “Persons of Achievement” by State BPW
BPW Jackson President Marie Bonkowski with award recipient Cheryl Norey (courtesy photo) The Michigan Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (BPW) presented the 2016 Person of Achievement Award to two area businesswomen. The Person of Achievement from Jackson BPW is Cheryl Norey. Cheryl is Community Relations Coordinator for Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. and has served the community through her employment at MACI and on several local boards. She is involved with the United Way of Jackson County, serving on the Board of Directors and the Campaign Cabinet. The Albion BPW Person of Achievement is Carolyn Gilg, the current President of BPW/Michigan. Carolyn has been deeply involved with BPW for many years in Albion, as well as at the state level. She is active in the Albion community and has also served on the Jackson County Rose Festival board. The awards were presented at the Fall State Board Meeting in Grand Rapids and recognize women and men throughout the state for their dedication to BPW and their enthusiastic willingness to help others in their communities. The BPW Mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. BPW’s Vision is to be the…
