Jackson Business Briefs February 28, 2025

TRUE Community Credit Union Donates $500,000 to Jackson Interfaith Shelter

TRUE Community Credit Union has announced it will be donating $500,000 to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter over the next five years. The donation is part of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter’s Capital Project to build a new facility dedicated to families to provide safe, stable housing and support services for those facing homelessness.

“We are honored to partner with the Jackson Interfaith Shelter to build a safe haven for families in need,” said Chrissy Siders, President and CEO of TRUE Community Credit Union. “This is more than a donation – it’s a legacy-defining moment, a commitment to writing a new chapter in the life stories of those seeking hope, stability, and a place to call home.”

The Jackson Interfaith Shelter is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work with people experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter, prepared meals, and assisting with other physical, emotional and spiritual needs when possible.

“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for this incredible gift,” said Steve Castle, Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Interfaith Shelter. “Every day our team sees firsthand the unimaginable struggles families are going through as we walk through this difficult season of life with them. Many of them feel unseen and overlooked. TRUE’s gift is a resounding acknowledgement that they are seen and that they matter. Thank you for leading by example in the Jackson community and beyond.”

Jackson Interfaith Shelter was founded in 1974 by Beverly Garges and a variety of other faithful individuals and religious organizations as a Christian organization based on biblical principles with its original goal of serving men experiencing homelessness due to chronic alcoholism. Today they have expanded services to include women and families, and the shelter currently has 76 beds for men, women, and families.

Jackson’s Tim Bos Inducted into The Michigan Auctioneers Hall of Fame

One of the better-known and respected professional auctioneers in the state of Michigan, Timothy Bos with Bos Auctions & Appraisal Service and co-owner of the Jackson Antique Mall, was enshrined in the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.   The prestigious honor is bestowed after a rigorous qualification process and ultimately voted by the Hall of Fame committee.   Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest recognition any auctioneer can receive in the auction industry.

“Tim Bos has been and continues to be such an asset to the public with his wide range of expertise and talents. His reputation within the industry and community is impeccable, and his contributions to the Michigan Auctioneers Association is enormous.” Said Executive Director and Hall of Famer, Tricia Wiltjer.

Bos was a former semi-professional tennis player who later applied his athleticism to men’s figure skating, where he completed a certification program with the United States Figure Skating Association. He then coached a young man who finished 5^th place in the Junior Olympics.

In 1984, he met Bonnie Kennedy, and the two embarked on a professional and personal journey. In 1987, he graduated from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana.  In 1988, the Jackson Antique Mall was born, and 39 years later, the mall was recognized as a premier location in lower Michigan.

Over the years, Mr. Bos has made significant contributions to his community and has helped raise millions of dollars with various charitable organizations, including, but not limited to, Jackson High School, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, United Way, YMCA, Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, America Red Cross, Jackson County Fair, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, and countless others.

He has received several awards, including 2012 Realtor of the Year, the 2016 Outstanding Service Award for Girl Scouts Heart of America, and the 2017 Ambassador Award from Jackson High School. Bos has been an instrumental asset to the Michigan Auctioneers Association, dedicating hundreds of hours to committee work and providing educational seminars. He was elected President of the organization in 2015.

Since 1951, thousands of auctioneers have become members of the Michigan Auctioneers Association, and only 45 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The MAA is honored that Timothy Bos will forever be remembered and treasured with the highest possible recognition any auctioneer can achieve.   

Consumers Energy Donates More than $15 Million to Michigan Communities and Nonprofits in 2024

The Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $15 million in grants and funding to nonprofits and communities across the state in 2024. The funding included the 6 grants worth $250,000 each for the Foundation’s Planet, People and Prosperity Awards, in addition to hundreds of other individual grants. In mid-Michigan, including Ingham county, giving totaled more than $2 million.

“We are deeply invested in the success of our state because of our shared past — and future,” said Angela Thompkins, chief diversity officer and vice president of community affairs for Consumers Energy. “Beyond powering Michigan’s homes and businesses, it is a privilege to be able to give back to the communities we serve.”

Regional highlights include:

• Grant funding to Downtown Lansing Partnship supporting the development of an entrepreneurial accelerator kitchen in downtown Lansing.
• Grant funding to Blackman Charter Township to support the enhancement of the township’s parks and recreation facilities.

Key community events supported across the state included the Put Your Town on the Map competition, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, ArtPrize and SmartArt, the FIRST robotics competition and the WomanUp and Pitch Competition.

Employees and retirees donated over $618,000 as part of the annual company-wide United Way campaign. An additional $755,550 was donated through the Consumers Energy Foundation to United Way agencies across the state, including more than $77,000 to help with recovery efforts in the southwest portion of the state following last spring’s tornadoes. Charitable donations made by the Foundation, the corporation, employees and retirees are not funded by customer rates.

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to a variety of boards and commissions including a Jackson representative to the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

Colleen Sullivan, of Jackson, is the AFL-CIO community service labor liaison at United Way of Jackson County. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, sociology, and anthropology from Albion College. Colleen Sullivan is appointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing February 10, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2028. Sullivan succeeds Elizabeth Kohler, whose term has expired.

American 1 Credit Union Announces 2025 Scholarships and Educational Grants Availability

American 1 Credit Union announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Scholarships and the Board of Directors Educational Grant. These programs provide valuable financial assistance to high school seniors and individuals pursuing their educational goals.

Since 2004, the scholarship program has been proudly funded through American 1’s Skip-a-Pay program. This initiative allows credit union members to skip one month’s loan payment for a $25 fee, with a portion of the fee directly supporting the scholarship fund. For 2025, 10 high school seniors will be awarded $1,000 scholarships to support their academic endeavors.

In addition to the scholarships, American 1 is proud to offer the Board of Directors Educational Grant. This grant is available to individuals at any life stage who are pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university or are enrolled in a trade school program. One recipient will receive $2,500 annually, renewable for up to four years, for a total of $10,000.

“We are thrilled to continue supporting education through our scholarships and to expand opportunities with the Board of Directors Educational Grant,” said Kelly Grygiel, Vice President of Communications at American 1 Credit Union. “Each year, we look forward to seeing the incredible determination and potential of our applicants. Education and community support are at the heart of American 1’s mission to give back.”

Both scholarship and grant applications are due April 7, 2025. Scholarships are available to high school seniors, while the grant is available to community members pursuing higher education or trades. Applicants of both the scholarships and grant will have the opportunity to explore internships with American 1 Credit Union. For more information and an application, visit www.american1cu.org/scholarships.

Howard S. Holmes II Donates Car Simulator to Chelsea Hospital’s Newly Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Chelsea Hospital, a joint venture hospital between Trinity Health Michigan and University of Michigan Health, announced it received a TRAN-SIT Car Transfer Simulator, which will help patients in the newly expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit reclaim independence by allowing them to practice getting in and out of a vehicle safely within a controlled environment. The generous donation was made by philanthropist Howard S. Holmes II, president and CEO of Chelsea Milling Company.

To honor his father, Howard “Howdy” S. Holmes, chairman of the board and cultural and strategic advisor of Chelsea Milling Company, and his legacy as a racecar driver and leader in the community, Holmes II had the TRAN-SIT painted to look like the car Howdy drove during his celebrated career as a racecar driver. In his 20 years on the track, Howdy won many regional races and honors. He competed in the Indy 500 a total of six times before retiring from racing in 1988 to rejoin and lead his family’s business in Chelsea.

“We are so appreciative to Howard for this generous gift and the support it will bring to everyday people looking to regain their independence following a medical event,” said Ben Miles, president of Chelsea Hospital. “Not only does this donation honor the legacy of his father Howdy, but it is a testament to the man Howard is and the leader he has become in our community.”

In giving the gift, Holmes II acknowledged that his mother also instilled in him a desire to give to the hospital through her generous and tireless support of the Chelsea Hospital Cancer Center.

“As a not-for-profit organization, Chelsea Hospital relies on the generosity of civic leaders like Howard, who through a sense of community and service, give with an understanding of the vital role a strong community hospital plays in all our lives,” said Doug Ferrick, regional vice president of Philanthropy, Trinity Health – Southeast Michigan. “We are grateful for Howard’s support as we carry out our mission to be a transforming, healing presence within our community.”

The TRAN-SIT was recently unveiled in a small dedication ceremony attended by the Holmes Family and staff from Chelsea Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.