Jackson News Briefs March 25, 2024

Energage Names TRUE Community Credit Union a Winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces US

TRUE Community Credit Union is excited to announce it has earned the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards.

“At TRUE CCU, we understand that excellence is achieved when every member of our TRUE family is empowered and valued,” says Chrissy Siders, President and CEO of TRUE Community Credit Union. “This national recognition underscores the unwavering dedication and passion of our employees, whose commitment to excellence and impact fuels our success. Our employees are the heart and soul of our organization, and I am so grateful for our collective desire to cultivate legacy-defining moments for the people and places we serve.”

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey, issued by Energage.

“Receiving Top Workplaces designation regionally nine times is an honor, says Heather Harback, Chief People Officer at TRUE CCU. “Receiving Top Workplaces designation at the national level for the first time is humbling, and we’re grateful for the recognition of the work we’ve been doing to create an exceptional workplace for our team. Our employee feedback informs these results, so when Top Workplaces says we’re at the top nationally, it really is because our employees said so. We are deeply grateful and will continue doing the good work to partner with our employees in their pursuit of a life well-lived.”

Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” says Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Emma Scholfield Named the Recipient of MAB Jamie McKibbin Memorial Scholarship

Emma Scholfield, midday host on McKibbin Media Group’s 99.5 FM The Dale in Hillsdale, Mich., has recently been announced as the recipient of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Jamie McKibbin Memorial Broadcasting Scholarship.

Scholfield received recognition of the award at the MAB’s annual Student Broadcast Awards Celebration at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lansing on Monday, March 18.

Scholfield is currently a broadcast student at the University of Michigan. She has served as host of “The Middays with Emma Rae” on 99.5 The Dale, Hillsdale’s country station, since early 2022.

“Congratulations to Emma for being selected as the recipient of this year’s Jamie McKibbin Memorial Broadcasting Scholarship,” McKibbin Media Group President/Owner and Jamie’s wife Katina McKibbin said. “Jamie was a big believer in recruiting the next generation of young broadcasters in Michigan so I think he would have been proud of Emma and what she has accomplished thus far in her career. She has been a big part of our success with 99.5 FM The Dale in Hillsdale, while also going to college full-time at UM for broadcasting. She is a deserving honoree for the award.”

The MAB Jamie McKibbin Memorial Broadcasting Award was created after the passing of Jamie in November of 2020. The scholarship is awarded to a worthy student seeking a career in broadcasting annually by the MAB.

US Staffing Provides Bus Passes to Students in Need at Jackson Public Schools

The Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) is delighted to announce a collaborative effort with US Staffing, a prominent provider of staffing solutions, aimed at supporting Jackson High School students facing transportation insecurity. Through this partnership, US Staffing will provide bus passes to qualifying students attending after- school activities such as tutoring or other academic endeavors until the end of the school year.

“We applaud US Staffing’s generous gesture in providing bus passes to students in need within the Jackson Public School district,” said Mike Brown, Executive Director of the Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA). “This initiative will undoubtedly alleviate transportation barriers and enable students to access educational opportunities without hindrance. By fostering such community-oriented support, US Staffing sets a commendable example of corporate social responsibility, positively impacting the lives of students and enriching our community as a whole.”

US Staffing Agency, a family-owned business with a vision to be the preferred human resources partner for economic development and community prosperity, operates offices in Jackson, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Clarkesville, Tennessee.

Ben Jones, President of US Staffing, remarked, “US Staffing is a community-focused organization. Providing support to students by securing safe and reliable transportation from after-school activities, JATA and US Staffing are enabling these students to access educational opportunities and empowering them to reach the goals that they have for themselves. At US Staffing, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community, one connection at a time.”

Monica Pierce, Principal for Instruction at Jackson High School, expressed gratitude for the donation from US Staffing. She stated, “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation from US Staffing of bus passes for students at Jackson High School. This contribution will make a significant impact in the lives of these students, allowing them to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities without the burden of transportation costs. Thank you for investing in the education and well-being of our students. Your generosity will not go unnoticed and will be remembered by all those who benefit from it.”

Walberg Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) is seeking submissions from high school students in the 5th District for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. The winning piece of artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, along with the winners from the other congressional districts across the country.

“I consider it an honor to host this competition each year, and provide a platform for art students in Michigan’s 5th Congressional District to highlight their work and creative gifts,” said Rep. Walberg. “I am continually impressed by the art pieces created by high school students across the country, especially those from Michigan. I look forward to seeing all the great artwork submitted!”

Entries should be photographed and emailed with a typed copy of the 2024 Student Release form to Julie.McGuire@mail.house.gov by midnight on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The artwork size should not exceed 26″ high x 26″ wide x 4″ deep, including the frame. For more information on the exact guidelines for artwork submissions and a link to the 2024 Student Release form, please visit walberg.house.gov or call 517-780-9075.

Consumers Energy Expands MI Clean Air, Allowing Customers to Offset Carbon Emissions

Consumers Energy announced today the expansion of MI Clean Air, a program offering customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint associated with natural gas use. The program’s expansion will now include several renewable natural gas projects (RNG) developed in partnership with farmers across the state, increasing options for customers to offset a portion — or all — of the emissions associated with their natural gas use through carbon offsets.

“Consumers Energy has some of the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation, including net zero emissions by 2040,” said Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy vice president of gas engineering and supply. “While we know that natural gas will continue to be an important part of the energy landscape for years to come, MI Clean Air is an opportunity for customers to be part of this historic shift, ensuring we’re able to make better choices for the planet while still providing the energy needed to heat Michigan homes and businesses.”

The RNG Program will use Michigan resources to produce a clean fuel used for customers in Michigan. The RNG Program will initially produce enough RNG to offset approximately 170,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of taking 37,000 gasoline cars off the road.

The tiered subscription plan allows customers to add a small monthly fee of their choosing to their bill to pay for certified carbon-reducing projects, including forest preservation in the Upper Peninsula and RNG. Depending on customers’ budgets and goals, they can opt to offset anywhere from 10 to 100 percent of the carbon produced by the average Michigan home.

Customers seeking to enroll in the program can do so here.

Nominations Sought for 2024 Governor’s Service Awards

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission are encouraging Michiganders to nominate individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a difference for others for the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards.

The Governor’s Service Awards ceremony is an annual statewide recognition event acknowledging the contributions made by Michigan volunteers.

“The Governor’s Service Awards honor exceptional Michiganders who make Michigan a better place to live, work, and play,” said Gov. Whitmer. “By recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond, we can all be inspired by the power of their example and give back in our own ways too. I encourage every Michigander to find a way to serve their community and submit nominations of exemplary Michiganders for these awards.”

The awards will honor organizations, individuals and businesses in several categories including volunteerism, national service and philanthropy. To recognize those who go above and beyond, Michigan’s governors have presented the Governor’s Service Awards since 1994.

“Michigan has a long tradition of service and helping others,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “We ask that you share the stories of those around you serving others and making a difference in people’s lives.”

The deadline to submit a nomination is April 5.

The Michigan Community Service Commission supports Michigan volunteers, organizations and businesses that are committed to service and play a critical role in improving the lives of people and our communities.

To learn more about the Governor’s Service Awards and how to apply visit Michigan.gov/GovernorsServiceAwards.