Anchor Initiative offices are located in the Consumers Energy Innovation Center in Downtown Jackson (photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV)
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Anchor Initiative have signed a 16-month agreement to align missions and share staff and resources.
Mindy Bradish-Orta has served as the President/CEO of the Jackson County Chamber and Experience Jackson for 9 years. She assumes the additional role of Anchor Initiative President/CEO, effective today.
“In its search for a new Anchor Initiative President/CEO, the Board of Directors for both the Anchor Initiative and the Jackson County Chamber decided a partnership was the most efficient and effective way to accomplish both missions,” said Terry Mierzwa, chair of the Anchor Initiative and chief of staff for Consumers Energy.
In 2014, 16 local businesses, schools and the Chamber formed the Anchor Initiative in an effort to create a more vibrant downtown that would attract and retain a talented workforce. Since then, it has been working under the leadership of Allan Hooper who recently elected to start a consulting firm.
“The alignment of both missions made this a natural fit for both organizations,” said Josh Burgett, chair of the Jackson County Chamber and vice president of business development and partnerships at Michigan International Speedway. “Our mission is to be a leading driver and advocate for business and economic development in Jackson County and this partnership will strengthen the Chamber, our members and the entire Jackson Business Community.”
“The Anchor Initiative is Jackson, Michigan’s private sector effort focused on transforming its downtown, making the entire community a more vibrant and valued place to live, learn and work, which is the overall goal of the Chamber” said Bradish-Orta. “The sharing of resources will help us all achieve our objectives more efficiently.”
In order to fulfill the demands of the positions and to meet the needs of all organizations, there will be two new hires: Executive Assistant and Anchor Initiative Director. For information on the openings and to apply, contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 517-782-8221.