Organization

EG leader gets high marks

Thursday, February 05, 2009
By Chris Gautz
cgautz@citpat.com
768-4926

A year ago this week, Scott Fleming walked into the offices of The Enterprise Group as the new president and CEO of Jackson County’s economic development agency.

Almost immediately, he was tasked with saving 200 manufacturing jobs at Production Engineering, which decided to stay and expand. He bookended his first year on the job Tuesday, when he helped secure state tax incentives for a high-tech packaging company after months of behind-the-scenes effort to bring the jobs to Jackson County.

``This whole deal would never have come about if it hadn’t been for him,’’ said Thomas Grace, president of the new company, Maverick Industries.

``He has gone out of his way to get this place up and running,’’ Grace said. ``He’s probably one of the best things that has ever happened to Jackson.’’

Said former Enterprise Group Board Chairman Ric Walton: ``He’s opened a lot of doors for us and given us a lot of opportunities.’’

Being the county’s top salesman in tough economic times has not been easy, nor has it been easy rebuilding the EG’s reputation.

``When I first came here, restoring credibility and confidence were major issues,’’ Fleming said. ``I think I’ve achieved that.’’

Jackson County officials were so dissatisfied with the EG before Fleming arrived that they were close to pulling the county’s annual $80,000 contribution. Later, after Fleming had made a positive impression, the county ended up increasing the amount to $100,000.

``I think he has done a fantastic job,’’ said Randy Treacher, county administrator and EG board member. ``I think Scott has not just brought a breath of fresh air, but a whole new atmosphere and set of goals.’’

Enterprise Group Board Chairwoman Sandy Petykiewicz said the board is pleased with Fleming’s work.

``I give him very high marks,’’ the Citizen Patriot publisher said. ``He has accomplished a lot, given the tough economy and the troubles getting financing these days.’’

Fleming was instrumental in securing the county’s SmartZone designation, which holds promise in attracting jobs. He has also worked to heal relationships and form partnerships with the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth.

Fleming now sits on the boards of both groups. The chamber and JCEG both have representation on the EG board.

``There’s a real spirit of cooperation in the community,’’ Petykiewicz said.

Amy Torres, economic development director for the EG, praised Fleming for his role in creating an award-winning Web site, marketing materials and a brand for the organization.

``He has elevated the Enterprise Group’s organization, and its employees’ stature and respect in the community,’’ she said. ``Through his ability to bring diverse interests together in collaboration, he has opened doors which had been closed; removed obstacles which had been constructed, and provided transparency to opaque perceptions.’’