Organization

EG on its way to $2 million goal

by Chris Gautz
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Monday December 29, 2008

Three months into a two-year capital campaign, The Enterprise Group is more than halfway to its goal of raising $2 million.

Given the state of the economy, EG chairman Ric Walton is surprised the county’s economic-development agency has done so well.

“We think we’re going to be in pretty good shape,” he said.

It has been five years since the last campaign, and the funds raised are for economic-development activities and to fund continuing operations.

Unlike a chamber of commerce, which typically generates revenue from fees it charges members, The Enterprise Group subsists on donations from individuals, business and governmental entities, and grants and fees for services it provides.

In September, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to pledge a one-time $100,000 contribution to the group’s capital campaign and raised the county’s annual contribution by $20,000.

Last month, the city of Jackson pledged $100,000 to the campaign; in previous years it has allocated $10,000.

“It’s very encouraging with what the county and city have done, along with the townships and a number of businesses,” Walton said.

Walton said Baker College, Jackson Community College and Spring Arbor University have also made pledges.

Since the arrival earlier this year of Scott Fleming, president and CEO, the organization has increased efforts to lure companies and make them aware of what the community has to offer.

“This is not the time to stop our marketing, it’s time to step up our marketing,” Walton said.