Organization

Blackman a SmartZone

Township earns designation that could spur economic growth

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
By Chris Gautz
cgautz@citpat.com
768-4926

Blackman Township is now one of 15 SmartZone technology clusters around the state. Word of the sought-after designation was set to be announced this morning by Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO James Epolito at a meeting at The Enterprise Group offices in downtown Jackson.

SmartZones allow local governments to capture taxes generated by new businesses and use the money to provide infrastructure—such as roads, utilities and fiber optics. That infrastructure could help draw potential developers. There are 12 SmartZones in the state.

Last year, the community rallied behind the effort, encouraged by the grassroots organization Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth, and pushed lawmakers to draw up legislation creating three more SmartZones.

The bills to allow for the creation were sponsored by state Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, and state Rep. Mike Simpson, D-Blackman Township.

Richardville said he was invited to attend this morning’s reception by the MEDC.

``I’m pretty excited to be there,’’ he said.

Simpson said he was glad he could play a part in getting the SmartZone approved and applauded the bipartisan effort involved.

``I’m excited to see this come to fruition,’’ he said.

The Enterprise Group, the county’s economic development agency, filed the SmartZone application in June on behalf of Blackman Township.

Jackson County’s proposed SmartZone in Blackman Township is 1,100 acres of mostly county-owned property and privately owned farmland.

The intent is to attract, retain and expand businesses focused on alternative energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Partners include Spring Arbor University, Baker College and Jackson Community College.

``This is incredible news and provides incredible momentum for Jackson County’s economic development efforts,’’ said state Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, who worked with local and state leaders early on in the process.

Four other communities—Macomb County, Wayne County, Saginaw and Sault Ste. Marie—were competing with Jackson for as many as three SmartZone designations around the state. There was no word which, if any, other communities were also awarded the designation.

Since the start of the program in 2002, more than 845 businesses have started or expanded in these zones, and that has led to the creation of more than 16,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in private investment in the state, according to the MEDC.