Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Presents Annual Community Awards

Award winners assembled on stage at Jackson College Potter Center. Photo by Carson Durocher, JTV.

(December 3, 2024 4:26 PM ET) The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Community Awards last night, honoring the outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a significant impact on Jackson’s growth and quality of life. The event celebrated excellence in various categories, including the prestigious Brick Awards, new Quality of Life Award, Reach HIRE Award, and Small Businessperson of the Year. Winners were selected for their dedication to driving progress, embodying community values and inspiring others within Jackson County.

Brick Awards

The Brick Awards celebrate businesses and individuals who have improved their facilities through remodeling or new construction.  Sponsored by the Jackson Commercial Contractors Association, whose mission is to keep local work for local contractors.   The 2024 Brick Award recipients were:

John Griswold – Griz Chiropractic

John Griswold grew up with parents who owned a local business, instilling in him the value of buying local, staying local, and serving the community. These lessons have shaped his dedication to giving back and supporting Jackson in meaningful ways.   Showing his commitment to buying local, just some of the vendors and contractors involved in this project include Lammers Heating and Cooling, School Electric, Johnson Sign Company, RJM Marketing & Design, and Griswold Carpet One, in addition to help from his own family.  

The Center for Family Health

The Center for Family Health has made remarkable strides in improving access to care for our community. With a larger facility that includes two additional exam rooms, a second patient bathroom, and separate areas for sick and well patients, they have created a more efficient and welcoming space that enhances the patient’s experience. Additionally, the new pharmacy drive-through provides a much-needed convenience, addressing feedback directly from their patients. The project’s general contractor was Jackson’s own RW Mercer, with Covalle Group Architects handling the design of the renovated walk-in clinic. 

da Vinci Primary School

The da Vinci Primary School renovation is a transformative project that has impacted our community.  By transforming the school into a state-of-the-art learning environment, the project enhanced educational opportunities, fostered economic growth and improved community safety. Renovations provided students with a more conducive learning environment, leading to improved academic performance and increased engagement. Additionally, the new facilities equip students with the tools and resources necessary to excel in STEM fields. Economically, the project created jobs and could contribute to increased property values, attracting new residents to the area.  The renovation project was managed by Jones Construction Solutions, based in Jackson.

 Quality of Life Award – RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co.

Presented by Experience Jackson, this award recognizes individuals or organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the quality of life in our community. From supporting recreational activities to enhancing our cultural and natural resources, today’s honorees make Jackson a better place to live. RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co. demonstrates exceptional hospitality and quality service by offering unique, trendy, and delicious food options that cater to a wide variety of tastes. Robert and Yvette Wilkie and their daughter Jaylah, pride themselves on serving up 9 assorted flavors of seasoned fries, allowing guests to explore new and exciting combinations. RJs has been honored as one of Michigan’s best small businesses and recognized as a destination shop in the state, including being featured on the PBS travel show Under the Radar in 2023, which continues to bring in visitors from Michigan and the Midwest.  

Reach HIRE Award – Henry Ford Jackson Hospital

The Reach HIRE Award honors a business or individual dedicated to creating job opportunities and promoting workforce development in Jackson. This year’s recipient has gone beyond supporting employment initiatives, workforce training, and community engagement.

  Henry Ford Jackson Hospital was nominated for the Reach HIRE award for its long-term commitment to workforce development throughout our community. From their Healthcare Camp that engages middle school students to expose them to a career in health fields, to their partnership with the Jackson Area Career Center to provide career spotlights, mock job interviews and resume development, to their work in the adult population through their Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant Training programs, in partnership with the MLK Center and Michigan Works! Southeast, Henry Ford Hospital Jackson is working to provide exposure and opportunity to healthcare careers to members of our community. Henry Ford Jackson Hospital also recognizes that earning a single credential and having a job is not the end for many people. That is why they developed the annual “Grow My Career” event for their existing employees to learn about advancement opportunities in the organization and offer tuition discounts through their partnerships with 4-year universities.

Jamie McKibbin Community Enthusiast Award – Rachel Buchanan

Named in honor of Jamie McKibbin, this award celebrates a community enthusiast who embodies passion, dedication, and a relentless commitment to Jackson. This year’s recipient has shown an unwavering love for our community, just as Jamie did.

Rachel Buchanan has chosen to call this community home for 25 years. She began her experience in Jackson as a student at Spring Arbor University, where she met her husband, David, and spent 20 years after graduation promoting the community through positive stories and news during her time in radio at HOME.fm.  During this time, Rachel developed a passion for spending her time to make our community the best Jackson it can be as a leader and advocate for its growth and development. Because of this passion for our community, Rachel transitioned her media skillset four years ago to Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, where she can take on an even more active role marketing our community to its residents and visitors. Her work with Experience Jackson has elevated our community’s opportunities to tell the story of Jackson County to both locals and visitors alike.

Small Businessperson of the Year – Doug Shafer, Shafer Redi-Mix

Presented by County National Bank, this award honors a small business leader who has shown dedication, innovation and a commitment to growth within Jackson’s business community.

Doug Shafer has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, guiding Shafer Redi-Mix through significant growth and enhancing operational efficiency through modern technologies.

See the individual award-winner stories at Jacksonchamber.org and the Chamber social media pages.

“It was an incredible honor to celebrate the outstanding contributions of these individuals and businesses who play such an important role in shaping our community,” said Ryan Tarrant, President & CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. “Their dedication to excellence inspires us all to strive for greater success.”