Organization

SmartZone is one step closer

On behalf of the community and the Blackman Township Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. submitted the Jackson Technology Park Smart Zone (JTPSZ) application to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in Lansing on June 27. A SmartZone allows a community to capture taxes from an LDFA to create infrastructure improvements to attract high technology companies.

The proposed Jackson SmartZone encompasses a majority of the Blackman LDFA property. The Blackman LDFA, chaired by Raymond Snell, has been positioning itself to incorporate a high technology park over the years by expanding its boundaries and amending plans to place road and utility infrastructure into the 80-acre LDFA-owned property. 

Capitalizing on the area’s best assets, the Smart Zone will serve as the catalyst to launch a technology cluster, targeting the same key industries that the State of Michigan targets. The entire Jackson community is committed and motivated to diversify its current economy, and is ready to embrace and become the home to the critical industries of tomorrow.

We are hopeful the community will receive a Smart Zone designation, said Scott Fleming, President & CEO of The Enterprise Group of Jackson. It would make our community much more attractive to potential new businesses.

The application process was a collaborative effort involving The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth, Baker College, Jackson Community College, Spring Arbor University, Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, State Representatives Griffin and Simpson, State Senators Richardville and Schauer; and was endorsed by all local units of government.

The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. (EG) was established in 1997 to lead business recruitment and retention in Jackson County. Their goal is to streamline the economic development process. The EG is comprised of Jackson’s leading business organizations: Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, Academy for Manufacturing Careers, Jackson Small Business & Technology Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center of South Central Michigan, Armory Arts Village and the Economic Development Division - former Jackson Alliance for Business Development. For more information, visit The EG’s website at www.enterprisegroup.org.