Consumers Energy Announces Changes to Government Affairs and Corporate Giving Departments
Consumers Energy announced that Carolyn Bloodworth, executive director of Corporate Giving, will retire after 42 years with the company with Cathy Wilson, being named as her successor, effective Aug. 1. Wilson currently serves as the company’s executive director of State Governmental Affairs. Amy Plaster, executive director of federal governmental affairs, will also retire after 15 years with the company. Chris Iannuzzi will be named executive director of governmental affairs, combining the company’s efforts in state and federal policy, advocacy and strategy.
“Carolyn Bloodworth has been the smiling face and bearer of good news to many communities and nonprofits all across Michigan as our company’s philanthropic leader,” said Brandon Hofmeister, senior vice president of Sustainability and External Affairs. “Carolyn’s historical knowledge, strategic vision, leadership, and love for this company have made a tremendous impact both within and outside of the walls of Consumers Energy, and I wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
“Amy has been a staple of Consumers Energy for decades representing our company to legislators and stakeholders in Washington D.C.,” Hofmeister said. “She has championed many key policy proposals to drive affordable, reliable, and clean energy for our customers and I with her the best in her future endeavors.”
Wilson is well known inside and outside of Consumers Energy as one of Lansing’s most respected and effective government affairs professionals, as evidenced by numerous rankings as a top lobbyist in surveys of her peers and in media publications. She has led dozens of successful policy initiatives for Consumers Energy, including major energy law revisions in 2008 and 2016. Chris is a deeply skilled and experienced lobbyist, both with this company and previously with a multi-client lobbying firm that lobbied dozens of issues for different clients. He has experience achieving major company objectives such as successfully settling the 2021 Clean Energy Plan and managing the company’s recent electric rate case.
“Cathy’s huge heart for her coworkers, our company, and our customers will set her up for success in this role managing our corporate giving strategy,” Hofmeister said. “Chris has worked cross functionally in many teams throughout his tenure at Consumers Energy – most recently in Regulatory Affairs and Federal Governmental Affairs – showing his ability to tackle complex projects.”
Ella Sharp Museum Says Goodbye; Begins Search for New Executive Director
Effective Thursday, July 13 Julie Johnson has left the Ella Sharp Museum as its Executive Director. Julie leaves the legacy of Dinosaurs, a record-breaking and extremely popular exhibit, and the re-opening of the well-loved museum gift store, now called Ella’s Corner Shop.
“We thank Julie for her contributions and look forward to continuing the trajectory of growth at Ella Sharp Museum,” said Board of Directors President, Andy Merritt.
The board has appointed Kacy Cooper, of OneSource Consulting, as the interim executive director of the museum and will immediately begin searching, with the help of Tony Hollow and Linda Brian of Executive Search and Coaching, for a new executive director.
Kacy brings years of leadership experience backed by a degree in communication and business management and a master’s in human resource management. Kacy has also taken developmental and leadership courses through Eastern Michigan University and Echelon Front, and has a certification as a GAP specialist.
“The staff and board are dedicated to Ella Sharp Museum’s mission. We are committed to retaining an exceptional leader who will serve the best interests of all museum stakeholders on behalf of our community,” Merritt said.
As the staff and board navigate this transition, the museum will remain steadfast in its duty to deliver exceptional experiences, preserve cultural heritage, and serve as a hub for events, artistic expression, and education.
Alro Steel to acquire Heimansohn Steel
Alro Steel has announced an agreement to acquire Heimansohn Steel in Clarksville, Tennessee. The expected close date is July 28, 2023. Heimansohn Steel was founded in 1896 by Lui Heimansohn, and owned by Curt and Lawrence Mize, representing the third and fourth generations of the family. Heimansohn Steel is a metals service center with processing services that include metal cutting, shearing, drilling, punching, and bending. This purchase will allow Alro to grow its customer base in Tennessee and Kentucky, while providing enhanced product offerings, processing and delivery for cut to order metals.
“We are thrilled to join another family-owned company whose top priority is also customer service. It has been our pleasure to serve Clarksville and the surrounding areas with superior customer service for the last 127 years. We want to thank each and every one of our customers for the many years of success. With this acquisition, we will be able to fulfill even more of your metal needs with the addition of more inventory and processing capabilities. You will still be greeted with the same faces when you walk through the door. We are proud to continue serving you under the Alro name.”
Lawrence Mize, Vice President, Heimansohn Steel
“We are excited to welcome Heimansohn Steel to the Alro family. This acquisition will benefit our customers with expanded inventories of metals and plastics plus additional processing capabilities.”
Randy Glick, CEO, Alro Steel
Dahlem Center Receives $226,000 Grant
The Jackson Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has announced a $226,000 grant from the Berlet Fund for Nature, a component fund of the Foundation, to the Dahlem Conservancy. The Fund was established in 2021 by the estate of Myrna I. Berlet with a $5.1M gift, the Foundation’s largest to date. The purpose of the fund is to support the Dahlem Conservancy in perpetuity. Myrna was a longtime resident of Jackson and lifelong conversationist.
“It is very exciting to see Myrna’s vision to provide a sustainable source of income to the Dahlem Conservancy at work,” said Monica Moser, President and CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation, “This grant will ensure residents of Jackson County have a place to learn about and experience nature in our community’s own backyard”.
“We are so incredibly grateful to the Berlet Fund for Nature for their support of the Dahlem Conservancy. Dahlem provides a unique place for the Jackson community to connect with the natural world through our five miles of trails and nearly 300 acres of nature preserve featuring a diversity of animals, plants, and ecosystems,” said Hannah Schauer, Executive Director, “Dahlem’s education programs for schools, adult programs, summer camps, as well as our nature preschool, all thrive because of the Berlet Fund for Nature. With the generosity of the Berlet Fund for Nature, Dahlem continues to be a place for everyone to commune with nature and experience year-round environmental education programming for all ages”.
- Dahlem’s programs, events and conservation activities are made possible by generous donors, sponsors, members and volunteers.
- Dahlem’s trails are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.
- To learn more about the Dahlem Conservancy visit DahlemCenter.org.
- Myrna Berlet, inaugural member of the Dahlem Founders’ Circle, was a passionate educator whose impact on Dahlem continues today:
- https://www.dahlemcenter.org/about/berlet-fund-for-nature/
American 1 Credit Union Breaks Ground on their Marshall Branch
American 1 Credit Union officially broke ground at the site of their new Marshall location.
The new branch, located at 106 Winston Drive, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023 and will focus on building financial wellness in Calhoun County by offering personal, everyday banking to their new and existing members.
The Marshall Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development joined the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the growth of American 1 and welcomed them to Marshall, located in Calhoun County.
“We could not be more thankful for the support we have received from the Marshall Community, including the Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development,” said Kristi Edgar, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for American 1. “Serving Calhoun County continues to be a priority for American 1 and building a new location in this county that better serves our needs and the needs of the community is an exciting venture for us.”
The branch will feature teller stations, member service areas, drive-thru lanes, and two convenient ATMs.
As the branch prepares to open, American 1 is hiring team members that are engaged, trustworthy, humbly confident, focused, and achievers. With a focus on taking great care of employees, American 1 offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage at little to no cost to their employees, responsible time off, and an above-industry-average 401(k) contribution. Applicants can apply at american1cu.org/careers.
TRUE Community Credit Union Partners with Nuestra Comunidad to Support Scholarship Fund for Hispanic Students
Nuestra Comunidad has announced that TRUE Community Credit Union has pledged its support to the Nuestra Comunidad scholarship fund, benefiting Hispanic students in the Jackson community. TRUE Community Credit Union’s financial support and resources will go specifically toward the scholarship fund that will empower and uplift Hispanic students, helping them pursue their academic goals.
“We take great pride in our support of Nuestra Comunidad and our contribution towards the establishment of the scholarship fund. By investing in the educational aspirations of Hispanic students, we are investing in the future of our community and cultivating legacy defining moments that will shape the people and places we serve,” said Chrissy Siders, President and CEO of TRUE Community Credit Union.
Leticia Albarran, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors for Nuestra Comunidad, said, “Partnering with TRUE Community Credit Union is momentous for us at Nuestra Comunidad and a win for the community. Witnessing their dedication and actively taking a role in uplifting the Jackson Hispanic/Latino community is inspiring and aligns with our mission of providing accessibility and resources to Hispanic/Latino students for higher education. Their generosity is going to have a lasting impact and make significant changes in students’ lives for decades to come, as it impacts the family unit, not just an individual.”
In addition, the 2023 Jackson Hispanic Heritage Festival will generate additional resources for the scholarship fund and Nuestra Comunidad. The festival is an annual celebration that brings together communities and showcases Hispanic culture’s vibrant traditions, music, dance, art, and cuisine. It will take place on September 16 from 12 to 9:30 p.m. in Downtown Jackson. This year, attendees may take part in the fun while contributing to the Nuestra Comunidad scholarship fund via ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.
For more information about the scholarship fund please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBlqonR7VtmXxJiJWNUVUveGqgWJ4W-tqM7ifLxUBNvcWKXQ/viewform
County National Bank Ranks #43 on American Banker’s Top 200 Publicly Traded Banks List for 2023
CNB Community Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of County National Bank announced that CNB has once again been named to American Banker Magazine’s Top 200 Publicly Traded Banks Under $2B of Assets at 43 on the list.
“We believe in our community strategy and being named to American Banker’s top 200 list is certainly evidence of the financial benefit of that strategy,” said Joseph R. Williams, President & CEO. “Our strong relationships with our communities and our clients are paramount, and being nationally ranked and recognized as a high-performing bank is further testament to our outstanding results, driven by a strong team that is proud to be part of our community bank.”
As of December 30, 2022, County National Bank reported the following:
- Total assets increased year-over-year $16.4 million, or 1.4%, to $1.17 billion.
- Net loans increased $88.6 million, or 11.2%, to $880.1 million at December 31, 2022 compared to $791.5 million at December 31, 2021.
- Total deposits increased approximately $18.3 million, or 1.8%, to $1.06 billion at December 31, 2022.
- Book value per share increased $3.14, or 8.3%, to $40.77 at December 31, 2022, up from $37.63 at December 31, 2021.
- Total equity increased $7.3 million to $88.1 million.
- Net income increased $901,000, 40.6%, to $3.1 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022 and basic EPS increased $0.41, or 39.7%, to $1.45 from $1.04 in the fourth quarter of 2021.
- Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2022 increased $1.1 million to $10.5 million while for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 net interest income increased $4.0 million or 11.2%.
- Pre-tax, pre-provision income increased approximately $1.2 million to $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, compared to $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. For 2022, pre-tax, pre-provision income was $16.4 million, compared to $15.6 million for 2021, an increase of 4.8%.
American 1 Credit Union Awards over $10,000 to Members during their Lucky 10 Promotion
American 1, starting in January of 2023, ran their Lucky 10 promotion, paying off three auto loan payments on behalf of two members per month. Cumulatively, American 1 awarded $10,452.60.
“Our members will always be at the heart of what we do, and awarding members is a true honor,” stated Carolyn Duncan, Chief Member Experience Officer for American 1. “We pride ourselves on being boldly generous, convenient, and uncomplicated, and this promotion allowed us to showcase our commitment to these values.”
The Lucky 10 promotion allowed the credit union to interact positively with members across all of the communities they serve, emphasizing their focus of being boldly generous.
“I was extremely excited to be part of this promotion,” stated Kim Cowen, Manager of the Milan Branch. “Having a Milan member win loan payments from American 1 shows how important it is to have access to local banking that stays in the community. American 1’s commitment to our members is evident through our fun promotions and dedication to quality member service.”
The winners of the Lucky 10 promotion were as follows:
Keith C., Hillsdale Branch
Kevin D., Hillsdale Branch
Adam B., Adrian Branch
Curtis M., North Street Branch
Alec K., Parnall Branch
Christopher H., Milan Branch
Cindy R., North Street Branch
Michael W., Michigan Center Branch
Ruth Ann W., Hillsdale Branch
Reese R., Manchester Branch
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