Jackson News Briefs December 26, 2023

County National Bank Announces New Team Members

Joseph R. Williams, President and CEO of County National Bank (“CNB”), is pleased to announce the recent additions of Matt Chrome as Vice President – Chief Credit Officer and Rachel Garrett as Branch Manager of our Horton Road office in Jackson.

Matt Chrome joined CNB in November 2023 as Vice President – Chief Credit Officer. Matt brings a diverse background in commercial banking and over 30 years of experience, with his most recent role being Senior Vice President – Chief Credit Officer at a local financial institution. He is a graduate of Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and he later attended Wayne State University to complete his Master of Science degree in Accounting. He and his family reside in the Mason area where he currently serves on the Board for the Mason Soccer Club.

Rachel Garrett joined CNB in November 2023 as Branch Manager of our Horton Road office in Jackson. Rachel has over 21 years in the financial industry, with local credit unions and banks. She has held positions in both lending and retail departments, such as Lending Specialist Manager, Certified Lender, Relationship Banker, and Assistant Branch Manager. Rachel holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University and is a graduate of Jackson Chamber’s Leadership Jackson program.

Local Flagstar Bank Diversity Team Members Donate 667 Bus Passes to Jackson Interfaith Shelter Residents

The Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) is pleased to share the news of a gift from the diversity, equity and inclusion committee from local Flagstar Bank diversity team members: $500 for the purchase of 667 bus passes for the senior, adult and teen residents of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter. This donation aims to alleviate transportation challenges for individuals and families at the shelter as they work towards rebuilding their lives.

Residents of the Interfaith Shelter frequently face significant transportation challenges. “We are so grateful to Flagstar Bank for blessing the shelter with the purchase of bus tickets! Especially in the cold winter months, supporting our clients’ transportation needs, many of whom are parents with kids of all ages, is crucial as they work towards long term stability,” said Steve Castle, CEO of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.

The Jackson, Mich. Flagstar Bank diversity equity and inclusion team was established for all teammates in the area to engage in activities to raise awareness and better support the people who live in their community.

“Our team is passionate about finding meaningful ways to go beyond the branch and make a positive impact on our neighbors’ lives,” said Kate Osman, Flagstar Branch Manager and DEI Committee co-chair. “We learned that residents of the Jackson Interfaith Shelter had a need for bus passes to provide reliable transportation so these individuals could access necessary resources such as healthcare facilities, job opportunities, food banks and other support services so partnering with JATA was the perfect fit for us.”

JATA’s services are crucial in enhancing the quality of life in the Jackson community by providing essential transportation solutions. Ensuring reliable and accessible transportation options, JATA fosters greater connectivity, enabling residents to access education, employment, healthcare, and social opportunities. This, in turn, promotes community well-being and prosperity. For more information, please visit www.MIJata.org.

TRUE Community Credit Union Scores NIL Partnership

TRUE Community Credit Union is excited to announce its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with Michigan State University basketball player Carson Cooper. As a Jackson native, Cooper will be instrumental in creating opportunities to showcase TRUECCU’s mission of being true to their community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carson Cooper to the TRUE family,” said TRUE Community Credit Union President and CEO Chrissy Siders. “We recognize the importance of supporting our own and investing in the future. Having witnessed Carson’s growth as an athlete within our community, we are honored to be a part of his legacy-defining moments and to contribute to our community’s sense of pride.”

Cooper attended Northwest High School and graduated from IMG Academy. He is currently a sophomore at MSU where he plans to major in business.

South Central Credit Union Announces New Branch in Jackson, Michigan

South Central Credit Union is pleased to announce they will open a new branch location in Jackson, Michigan in 2024. The new-construction branch will be conveniently located just off the highway on E. South Street in Jackson.

“We are excited to find a new location in Jackson County to provide additional convenience in serving our members,” said Terri Papiersky, CEO of South Central Credit Union. “Member satisfaction and ease in banking remains a top priority for us. Providing a new branch location where there is significant demand is one of the most important ways we give back to our members.”

The full-service branch will be 2,900 square feet and will feature three teller stations, four member service offices and a drive-thru lane. The new branch is the Credit Union’s second branch location in the Jackson area. Full construction is expected to begin this fall.

Final Week for Resident Input for Jackson Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Residents can help craft the future of parks and recreation in Jackson. The new City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Master Plan is approaching the final week of a public review period that ends on  Wednesday, Jan. 3.

A draft of the Master Plan can be viewed on the City website, cityofjackson.org. A paper copy is also available on the 5th Floor of City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave. The Parks and Recreation Department launched the Master Plan process earlier this fall with a resident survey and public meetings. The next step is a review process with residents giving more feedback on what improvements they’d like to see for parks, trails, programs, and recreation centers. Residents may submit comments and proposed improvements by emailing recreation@cityofjackson.org or in-person at the Parks and Recreation Department. Comments will be added to the Master Plan. The review period ends Wednesday, Jan. 3.

Following the review period, the Parks and Recreation Commission will make final changes to the plan before sending it to the City Council for consideration and adoption. The adopted Master Plan will be used as a guiding document over the next five years for City staff to implement improvements to parks and recreation offerings in the City of Jackson.

Chelsea Hospital Recognized as “Top Teaching Hospital” for Third Consecutive Year

Chelsea Hospital, a joint venture between Trinity Health Michigan and University of Michigan Health, has earned the “Top Teaching Hospital” award from The Leapfrog Group for a third straight year. The Top Teaching Hospital is a category within the Top Hospital award program, which is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive.

To qualify for the distinction, hospitals must rank at the top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety and achieve top performance in their category. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2023 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

“I would like to congratulate all the physicians and clinicians at Chelsea Hospital for making this recognition possible three years in a row,” said Ben Miles, president of Chelsea Hospital. “As a Top Teaching Hospital, the communities we serve benefit from our strong commitment to attracting and retaining top medical talent, as well as the high standards we demand of ourselves in the areas of quality and patient safety.”

In 2023, more than 2,100 hospitals were considered for the Top Hospital distinction, with 132 hospitals being selected, including:

• 75 Top Teaching

• 34 Top General

• 15 Top Rural

•  8 Top Children’s

“Protecting patients from preventable harm is the cornerstone of The Leapfrog Group’s mission,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Chelsea Hospital has demonstrated that patient safety is their top priority, and we’re truly pleased to recognize them as a Top Hospital this year. Congratulations to hospital staff at all levels who made this national recognition possible.”