Jackson Business Briefs July 7, 2025

Experience Jackson and Jackson County Chamber Announce New Appointments

  Experience Jackson and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce announced the promotion of one employee and the addition of two new employees.

Mike Pulgini was hired in May 2025 as the Sales & Investor Relations Manager for both Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson, a new role within the Chamber. He will be working with the membership and community partners to attract business and individuals to visit and invest in Jackson County.

Pulgini has been deeply involved with the Chamber community for years, as a Chamber member, Chamber board member, and remains as current chair of the JAXPO committee. Pulgini’s new role focuses on elevating both new and existing business connections while showcasing the many assets in Jackson County that attract people to visit and call the community home.

“These experiences have given me a front-row seat to witness the incredible energy and pride of Jackson’s business community,” said Pulgini. “I’ve seen firsthand how powerful our business community can be when we work together.”

Steve Trosin joined Experience Jackson in fall of 2024, and fills the role of Outdoor Recreation Manager. As an avid cyclist, Trosin helps translate his personal passion for the outdoors into a mode of increasing the quality of life for both Jackson residents and visitors alike. His background with leadership roles in the community, including his most recent role as Executive Director at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, bring connections to a variety of resources and individuals who assist in Experience Jackson’s overall efforts as a tourism bureau.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Experience Jackson team as we work together to make Jackson County the best place it can be,” said Trosin.

Matt Prysiazny joined the Chamber as the Membership Manager in early 2024 and is now promoted to the Chamber’s Director of Community and Business Engagement.

“I am thrilled about my new role with the Chamber,” said Prysiazny. “I am so fortunate to be on a team that sees what I have to offer the organization at a different level. Being able to serve and help build the community that raised me is truly a privilege.”

Prysiazny brings valuable experience to the new position from his time working at Michigan International Speedway, and in the office of State Representative Kathy Schmaltz, where he gained insight into public service and community engagement. His education and background in marketing and advertising enhances his ability to communicate effectively and manage strategic outreach initiatives.

“Mike, Steve and Matt bring a wealth of experience and passion for Jackson County to their new roles,” said Ryan Tarrant, President & CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson. “Along with the rest of the incredible team, their work will continue to develop Jackson County as a destination for businesses, residents and visitors.”

County National Bank Announces the Promotion of Erik Lawson to Executive Vice President

Joseph R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank, has announced the recent promotion of Erik Lawson to Executive Vice President

– Chief Financial Officer. “Erik has been very instrumental in the overall success of CNB over the past seven years. His financial and accounting experience are critical to the continued growth of CNB,” said Williams. “Erik has a great ability to think strategically and does a great job communicating our financial results so that all can understand.”

Erik joined CNB in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer and has 28 years of experience in banking. He is a Certified Public Accountant with an extensive background in accounting and audit. His previous experience in working in larger financial institutions has been a tremendous asset as CNB continues to grow and evolve. Erik is a graduate of Hobart College, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in U.S. History. He also holds an MBA and Masters of Science Degree in Accounting from Northeastern University.

Erik serves the community as a board member for Junior Achievement of the Michigan Edge and as Treasurer of the CNB Foundation. He and his wife, Marliese, have one daughter, Sedona.

Consumers Energy Touts Early Success of “Green Giving” Program, Enrolling Nearly 3,000 Customers So Far

Consumers Energy announced major progress in its milestone commitment to expanding customer renewable energy options to more Michiganders. Michigan’s largest energy provider launched “Green Giving” earlier this year. The one-of-a-kind program allows everyone to contribute to our sustainable energy future.

“Green Giving” saves income qualified customers money and provides access to the financial and environmental benefits from renewable energy projects with the help of community sponsored dollars. It means that regardless of income or location, customers can count on Consumers Energy and each other to be part of our  energy future.

“Green Giving is a game-changer! We’re thrilled to empower our most vulnerable customers with access to sustainable energy products which will enable cost savings. Together, we’re making Michigan’s energy future brighter for everyone,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president, chief customer and growth officer.

Here’s how it works:

• The company utilizes sponsored dollars from those wanting to help fund low-income customer subscriptions tied to our projects.
• Consumers Energy, alongside our community-based organization agency partners, enrolls eligible customers to subscribe to renewable resources.
• Those resources then generate clean electricity, which is sold back into the grid.
• Then, the value we receive from renewable energy sales, gets passed along to those customers enrolled in “Green Giving” through a direct line-item credit on their bills of $10-$20/month.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, anyone with an income of 200% or lower of the federal poverty level Consumers Energy is working to get you enrolled in programs that will help you reduce your energy use, save money, and protect the planet.

Consumers Energy so far has enrolled over 2,828 customers in the program through its My Personalized Offerings tool and automatic enrollment for eligible customers. Of those enrollments, nearly 12% are in environmental justice communities, which are those communities identified as most in need. Consumers Energy is working to expand eligibility for the program in the future to serve even more Michiganders.

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Employees Volunteer for Annual Community Service Day

On Juneteenth, while the Federal Reserve was closed in observance of the holiday, employees of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT) took the opportunity to serve their local communities. Through the Bank’s annual Community Service Day, 220 SMBT employees volunteered their time and talents to support 35 different organizations across the region.

Southern’s Community Service Day initiative is dedicated to assisting non-profits, municipalities, schools, senior centers, county fairgrounds, and other community-focused groups. From cleaning headstones and painting signs to pulling weeds, moving furniture, and spreading mulch, employees tackled a wide variety of tasks aimed at helping organizations meet their seasonal and ongoing needs.

“Community Service Day is one of our most meaningful traditions at SMBT,” said John Waldron, President and CEO. “While we support many of these organizations as their financial partner, having the opportunity to contribute in a hands-on way is incredibly rewarding.”

This year’s efforts continue to reflect SMBT’s mission: To be a trusted partner, working for the betterment of our communities.

TRUE Community Credit Union Announces Internal Vice President Promotion

TRUE Community Credit Union has announced the promotion of Chris Chaney to Vice President of Finance.

Chaney has been with TRUECCU for six years, most recently as Director of Business Intelligence where he was responsible for leading TRUECCU’s data strategy to ensure business decisions were driven by accurate, timely, and actionable insights. In his new role as VP of Finance, Chaney will oversee the credit union’s financial health and strategy, and support key business decisions.

“Chris has been incredibly impactful across every corner of the credit union, bringing insight, innovation, and integrity to the many teams and projects he supports,” said Lance Schnitkey, TRUE Community Credit Union Chief Financial Officer. “His promotion to Vice President of Finance is a well-earned advancement, and we’re thrilled to see the impact he’ll make with a dedicated focus on financial strategy and growth. We’re confident that under his leadership, our financial future is in exceptional hands.”

County National Bank Announces the Promotion of Christopher Phillips to Executive Vice President

Joseph R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank, has announced the recent promotion of Christopher Phillips to Executive Vice President – Chief Wealth Management Officer. “Christopher’s strategic vision has been very instrumental in the growth and success of our Wealth Management Team and assets under management,” Williams said. “He is a great asset to the leadership team, with an emphasis on serving our communities and clients.”

Christopher joined CNB in 2016 as Vice President-Senior Trust Officer. His career in banking spans 18 years and has included financial planning, wealth management, trust administration, and trust fiduciary work. Christopher has a legal background in estate planning and trust and probate administration, and his client-centric approach provides outstanding service to CNB’s Wealth Management clients. Christopher is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana and Valparaiso School of Law.

Christopher is very active in the Lenawee community, serving as a board member for the Hope Center and as a member of the Kitchen Cabinet for the Croswell Opera House. Christopher and his wife Erin live in Sand Creek. They have two children, Miley and Ephraim.

American 1 Credit Union Receives Volunteer of the Year Award and State Resolution

American 1 Credit Union announced that it has been selected by Junior Achievement of the Michigan’s Edge as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award recipient. This award recognizes the credit union’s Financial Wellness team’s dedication

to improving financial wellness for youth in the community. In addition, the team received a resolution from the State of Michigan for their outstanding efforts in empowering youth in Michigan with financial education and resources.

This recognition underscores the credit union’s commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of their members and supporting the communities that they serve.

Kelly Grygiel, Vice President of Communications, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly honored to receive this award and state resolution recognizing the dedication of our Financial Wellness team in empowering Michigan’s youth with essential

financial education. Our growing partnership with Junior Achievement has been instrumental in this mission, and we’re proud to align with an organization whose values so closely reflect our own—preparing young people for a financially secure future.”

American 1 Credit Union remains committed to serving their members with innovative financial solutions and supporting their local community through various initiatives. The credit union thanks Junior Achievement and the State of Michigan for this recognition and looks forward to furthering their positive impact in Michigan.