Jackson News Briefs July 26, 2024

Spring Arbor University Announces New Brand Promise:   Grow Deep Roots

Spring Arbor University announced this week the launch of a new brand promise that will replace their most recent brand slogan, “Let Your Light Shine.” This new brand promise captures SAU’s commitment to fostering a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ across students, alumni, and community members, cultivating academic excellence, and nurturing a close-knit community.

A brand promise is a proclamation of what an institution stands for and what it promises to deliver to its community. It is a clear and compelling statement that communicates its core values and vision for what students, alumni, and friends are investing in when they decide to become a part of the Spring Arbor University community.

Spring Arbor University’s new brand promise revolves around the phrase Grow Deep Roots:

At Spring Arbor University, you will grow deep roots in Jesus Christ and our Christian community to thrive in a world of constant change.

The process for developing this brand promise was a collaborative effort with TG Three, a higher education consulting firm that specializes in working with Christian colleges and universities. An interdepartmental brand committee utilized extensive research, interviews, surveys, and feedback from staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to identify the key elements of what makes SAU unique in higher education.

“With a history of over 150 years, we wanted to make sure we had a diverse group of people, including current staff, alumni, and community members, help us develop our new brand promise,” says Marla Sanford, the Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at SAU. “With TG Three helping to guide our process, our brand committee truly feels that we were able to uncover the essence of what makes Spring Arbor University such a special place. We have heard countless stories of people who grew deep roots here at Spring Arbor.”

This new brand promise acts as a support to Spring Arbor University’s mission, called The Concept, which was established in the 1960s:

Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.

SAU’s President, Dr. Brent Ellis, comments, “We believe this brand promise captures the truth of SAU expressed throughout our history; who we once were, who we are today, and what we aspire for in the future. We believe that Grow Deep Roots articulates a promise that goes with students beyond graduation. We’re excited for future students who decide to plant themselves in Jesus Christ at Spring Arbor University.”

Christi O’Neil Named Interim Executive Director of AWARE

AWARE is pleased to announce the appointment of Christi O’Neil as its interim Executive Director, effective August 7, 2024. Christi brings over 25 years of distinguished leadership experience in K-12 education, making her exceptionally suited to lead AWARE during this critical period.

Christi O’Neil’s career highlights include her tenure as Principal at Columbia Central High School where she oversaw operations for 400-600+ students and faculty, emphasizing student achievement and a positive school climate. Under her leadership, students consistently outperformed state averages on various assessments through her data-driven instructional improvement plans. Christi has also been instrumental in crisis management, curriculum development, and fostering community partnerships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christi O’Neil to AWARE,” said Terry Langston, President of the Board of Directors. “Her extensive experience in leadership, crisis management, and community engagement along with her counseling experience will be invaluable as we continue to provide essential services and support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Jackson. We are confident in her ability to lead AWARE through this transitional period.”

“I am honored to join AWARE and look forward to working closely with the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners who are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors,” said Christi O’Neil. “Together, we will continue to build on AWARE’s strong foundation of compassionate care and advocacy.”

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust Announces Appointment of Chad Perrine

John Waldron, President and CEO of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT) recently announced the appointment of Chad Perrine to Vice President, Wealth Management Officer.

Perrine joins Southern after serving as Vice President and Private Bank Trust Team Lead of the Great Lakes Region for Huntington Bank. During his nine years with Huntington, he also held the titles of Senior Trust Advisor, and Fiduciary Team Lead – Estate Settlement.

Perrine earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State University, and Juris Doctor, graduating Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He then practiced law as a general business and estate planning attorney in the Jackson area before moving into the banking industry.

“We are pleased to welcome Chad to the Wealth Management team here at Southern,” said Waldron. “His extensive experience in several facets of the industry, furthered by a background in law, will serve as a valuable asset to our clients and the bank.”

Perrine resides in Jackson with his wife, Angie. Together, they have three children. Outside of work, he serves as a member and former President of the Jackson Area Estate Planning Counsel; Director and Board President of LifeSpan; Director of Family Services and Children’s Aid; and Volunteer for Junior Achievement.

Experience Jackson Announces Tech Upgrade Grants for Jackson County Venues

Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, is excited to announce the availability of micro grants designed to enhance the technological capabilities of event venue spaces within our community. This grant aims to support venues in acquiring technology equipment, including projectors, audio systems, microphones, and screens, to improve the overall experience for event attendees.

“We have so many beautiful venues across the county where meeting planners can choose to host events and meetings,” said Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Marketing and Development Manager. “This is how we can help make those venues even more attractive when people are deciding to book the venue for their event.”

Grants will be awarded for up to $3,000 per venue while funds are available to reimburse costs associated with purchasing new audio/visual equipment for event spaces.

To be eligible, event venues must be located within Jackson County. Funds can be used to purchase installed projectors, screens, microphones, and/or speakers. Ineligible items include free-standing equipment (portable screens, projectors, etc.).

“As the crossroads in Southern Michigan, Jackson should be top-of-mind when it comes to choosing where to host small to medium sized events,” said Buchanan. “If they come for an event, they’re more likely to invest in our retail shops, hotels, restaurants and team-building activities as well.”

Once online grant applications are received, they will be reviewed by the Experience Jackson team. Successful applicants will demonstrate a need for tech upgrades based on the anticipated impact on event quality and attendee experience, and feasibility and clarity of the proposed tech enhancements

Applications must be received by October 1, 2024.

For more information about Experience Jackson’s tech upgrade grants and application, visit https://www.experiencejackson.com/home/tech-upgrade/. 

Ambs Call Center Wins ATSI Award for Outstanding Customer Service

Ambs Call Center is honored to accept the exclusive ATSI 2024 Diamond Plus Award of Excellence for the 14th year in a row. This award is presented annually by the Association of TeleServices International (ATSI), the industry’s Trade Association for providers of telecommunications and call center services including telephone answering and message delivery across North America and the UK. Ambs Call Center, Inc. was presented with the award at ATSI’s 2024 conference in Detroit, MI.

Independent judges are contracted by ATSI to evaluate message services over a six-month period. The scoring criteria includes:

• Response Time
• Courteousness of Rep
• Accuracy of Call
• Knowledge of Account
• Overall Impression of Call

“With all calls graded by a neutral third party, members receive an unbiased evaluation of service quality. Companies that earn this award are consistently focused on delivering excellence in customer call handling. Many of our members have participated in this program for decades and take great pride in winning the award each year,” says ATSI President, Brianna Burke.

The award started 28 years ago as a means to improve the overall quality of the call center industry by setting expectations and measurements to ensure a successful call handling experience.

“Commitment to quality is a core value at Ambs Call Center. This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise our call center agents demonstrate in serving our clients’ customers. We’re honored to receive this award on behalf of all of them.” says Aaron Boatin, President of Ambs Call Center.

Jackson Public Schools Names Alicia Curtis as New Principal of John R. Lewis Elementary School

Jackson Public Schools is pleased to announce Ms. Alicia Curtis as the new Principal at John R. Lewis Elementary School.

Ms. Curtis began her journey in education at Olivet College where she earned her undergraduate degree in Education. In 2020 she completed her Masters in Administration from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Ms. Curtis is a proud JHS alumni. She was an Assistant Principal at Jackson High School and taught multiple grade levels during her time at Dibble Elementary.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be back “home.” My love for JPS runs deep, and I am so honored to continue to grow the excellence that is happening at John R. Lewis. I am grateful to give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ms. Curtis back to Jackson Public Schools” said Julie Baker, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Curriculum. “She has a strong vision for inclusive education which aligns well with the vision shared by the excellent staff already in place at John R. Lewis. We look forward to seeing how this very special school community will continue to grow and evolve under her leadership.”

TRUE Community Credit Union Receives Community Enrichment Award

TRUE Community Credit Union is proud to be the recipient of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) Community Enrichment Award. TRUECCU accepted the award during the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) Annual Convention & Exposition (AC&E) in June.

The MCUF Community Enrichment Award recognizes a credit union or chapter for one outstanding community impact initiative aimed at improving the financial wellbeing of people, families, businesses, or communities in Michigan. TRUECCU was recognized for partnering with Michigan Saves to create a program that eliminates the use of the credit score for approval or denial of loans for qualified energy saving upgrades, focusing instead on the borrower’s ability to pay.

“We are deeply honored to receive the MCUF Community Enrichment Award,” said TRUECCU President and CEO Chrissy Siders. “This recognition underscores our commitment to serving our members and community. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion of our team at TRUE Community Credit Union, and we remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate legacy defining moments in the lives of those we serve. Equity is at the heart of our operations, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all members of our community, especially the underserved, have access to the financial resources and support they need to thrive.”

Michigan Saves is a non-profit organization that provides a clean energy lending program that assists homeowners with finding an authorized contractor, an online application for financing, and connecting with a qualified lender. To learn more about Michigan Saves, visit www.MichiganSaves.org.

Consumers Energy Plans to Power 1,500 Public Fast Charging Locations for Electric Vehicles by End of 2030

Consumers Energy expects to power 1,500 new fast charging locations  for electric vehicles by the end of the decade, a huge expansion in public charging that highlights still-strong EV growth and a bright future for clean transportation in Michigan.

The forecast is part of Consumers Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan that it is filing with state regulators. In the report, the energy provider shared successes in residential and business EV programs, vehicle charging at night that helps the electric grid – and offered a plan for new rebates for battery-powered public EV chargers.

“Despite some of the naysayers in the news lately, the trends in EV growth are unmistakable. EV numbers in Michigan have tripled since the end of 2020, and we’re seeing strong signs growth will continue,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience.

“We want you to think about Consumers Energy when you’re buying an EV. We should be your next call to make your EV experience convenient and affordable. We are a one-stop shop for EV drivers, while we work more and more with Michigan businesses to build out charging locations and support more EVs taking to the road.”

Consumers Energy today has provided over 135 rebates for locations for public fast chargers that can fully power an EV’s battery in less than half an hour. The energy provider expects over 1,500 locations, each with four or more fast chargers, will be built over the rest of this decade as EV numbers climb. Most EV charging takes place overnight at home, but public locations provide confidence for drivers as they travel long distances across Michigan for work or pleasure.

To support that growth, Snyder said Consumers Energy will start offering rebates next year for the next generation of fast chargers – ones that are powered by on-site batteries. Those will allow chargers to be installed more quickly, and they will draw power from the electric grid overnight, the lowest-cost time, to charge vehicles during the day when people are on the road.

Consumers Energy has actively provided solutions that support Michigan’s EV transformation, including rebates for home and public charging through its PowerMIDrive program and a companion program, PowerMIFleet, that helps businesses electrify their fleets.

More recently, Consumers Energy has developed programs for multifamily and community charging and is supporting Michigan school districts that are adding more than 100 electric school buses. People who have questions about EVs can also connect with an EV specialist and learn more about rebates and programs at ConsumersEnergy.com/EV.

Snyder said the company’s EV outreach has allowed Consumers Energy to connect with Michiganders and help them charge vehicles in ways that benefit all customers. Over 90% of Consumers Energy customers’ EV charging takes place outside of peak afternoon times, reducing costs for everyone even if they don’t drive an EV.

“We know electric vehicles are good for the planet and they’re a good experience for drivers,” Snyder said. “We also know we’re taking the right steps to speed up Michigan’s EV transformation in a way that helps the grid and lowers costs for everyone. Whether you drive an EV or not, you come out ahead.”

City of Jackson Receives Financial Transparency Award

The City of Jackson is getting international recognition for its transparency in financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Jackson for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. This is the 32nd consecutive year the City of Jackson has been given this award for financial transparency.

The City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides a broad view of the City’s finances, showing audits, revenues, expenditures and how local government is using tax revenue and grant funds. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate people to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

City Finance Director Heather Ehnis thanks the association for this award. “This is great for the City of Jackson as a whole because it improves our bond rating. I also hope the award shows residents the extra steps we take to be transparent with the City’s finances and tax dollars,” Ehnis said.

Bond Ratings are letter grades assigned to bonds that indicates good or bad credit for an entity like the City of Jackson. Having a strong bond rating gives the City opportunities to pay back interest at lower rates. The annual financial report can be viewed on the City website and is accessed through the Finance Division section.

Chelsea State Bank Employees Make Donation with Bank Match to TimberTown Reimagine.

Chelsea State Bank donated $2,401.70 to TimberTown Reimagine earlier this month.  The dollars raised for this donation included jean money from employees from January – June 2024, which was matched by the Bank.

Over 10 years ago, Chelsea State Bank employees kicked off their Blue Jeans for Charity fund to raise money for local charities. Employees donate $3 per person each week, which allows them to wear jeans to work on Fridays.  Chelsea State Bank then matched the employee donations for the selected non-profit donation.

“Chelsea State Bank continues our involvement and unwavering support for the TimberTown Reimagine Project,” said Nicole Bell, Marketing, Communications and Community Relations Director, Chelsea State Bank. “Our employees were excited to add their contribution to this project, which is a separate donation from the Bank’s $50,000 community match earlier this summer. We look forward to seeing our legacy fence picket next to the other fence pickets, sponsored by members within the Chelsea and surrounding communities.”

TimberTown Reimagine’s leadership makeup is a variety of volunteers from the Chelsea Community.  Shawn Personke has been an active member, and a local voice of the project since the kickoff event earlier this year. “One of my favorite parts of the project has been how the community has been so supportive.  Everyone just keeps on saying ‘yes, I can help’, said Shawn.