http://enterprisegroup.blueseaonline.net en dkelly@enterprisegroup.org Copyright 2008 2008-07-03T12:57:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/314 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/blackman-developing-site/#When:14:22:00Z Tuesday, July 01, 2008 By Chris Gautz cgautz@citpat.com—768-4926 Regardless of whether the state approves Jackson County’s SmartZone application, Blackman Township is moving forward with development plans to bring jobs to the area. Blackman Township Supervisor Raymond Snell, who also chairs the township’s Local Development Financing Authority, said the township will be building a road, to be known as Technology Drive, inside an 80-acre site on County Farm Road, adjacent to TAC Manufacturing. The site, within the 1,100-acre proposed SmartZone along I-94 and M-60, could be home to the SmartZone’s first new tenant. ``We’ll be finalizing the deal this week,’’ Snell said. The unnamed manufacturing company, which is currently leasing space in the county, plans to build on four acres, he said. It would create a minimum of 10 jobs in five years, according to the SmartZone application. Snell said the company hopes to be open by the end of the year. He also hopes companies inside the proposed SmartZone boundaries will choose to stay and expand. Today is the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s deadline for submitting applications. The MEDC is not releasing how many communities have submitted applications until a decision is made, according to spokeswoman Bridget Beckman. Scott Fleming, president and CEO of The Enterprise Group, the county’s economic-development agency, delivered the county’s application for the SmartZone to the MEDC on Friday. SmartZones allow local governments to capture business and school taxes generated by new businesses and use the money to provide infrastructure—such as roads, utilities and fiber optics—to support economic development and job growth. Fleming said he is proud of the final product and doesn’t think other communities could put together a proposal with so much support between governmental entities and the community. It contains a signature from a representative of every municipality in the county, members of the private sector and a letter of support from the county’s three higher-education institutions. ``We’re showing that we work together,’’ Fleming said. The EG was paid $10,000 by the Blackman LDFA to write the 30-page SmartZone proposal, Snell said. It also contains a detailed financial plan and describes its mission as attracting, retaining and expanding businesses focused on alternative energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Snell said the LDFA board also plans to allocate another $50,000 to the EG to market the SmartZone area. Bruce Inosencio, a member of Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth, which helped push for the legislation that allowed three new SmartZones across the state, said he is pleased with the results. ``It will certainly benefit the community in the long run,’’ he said. News 2008-07-01T14:22:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/313 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/business-plan-is-given-to-state/#When:14:18:00Z Monday, June 30, 2008 By Chris Gautz cgautz@citpat.com—768-4926 Scott Fleming hand-delivered a high-tech pen Friday morning to officials at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The computerized file inside the pen contained the blueprint to Jackson County’s economic future, the county’s Smart-Zone application, said Fleming, President and CEO of The Enterprise Group, the county’s economic-development agency. ``This is a business plan for the whole community,’’ he said. Tuesday is the MEDC’s deadline for submitting applications, and Fleming said he believes Jackson may be one of the only communities to submit one. If that’s the case, he said officials might hear soon if the application is granted. In April, Gov. Jennifer Gran-holm signed legislation that allowed three new SmartZones across the state, which was pushed for by the Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth. SmartZones allow local governments to capture business and school taxes generated by new businesses and use the money to provide infrastructure—such as roads, utilities and fiber optics—to support economic development and job growth. More than 30 members of JCEG and its Youth Task Force were there to see Granholm sign the bill, and drive home the message that Jackson County wants a Smart-Zone. The SmartZone area is a large portion of Blackman Township’s Local Development Financing Authority, consisting of about 1,100 acres along I-94 and M-60. The 30-page proposal contains a detailed financial plan and describes its mission as attracting, retaining and expanding businesses focused on alternative energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. It also contains a signature from a representative of every municipality in the county, members of the private sector and a letter of support from the county’s three higher education institutions. Ron Griffith, Spring Arbor University’s executive director of corporate and community relations and a JCEG member, said because of that, he thinks Jackson has a good chance of having it approved. ``We feel very confident that what we put together is a sound plan and benefits all aspects of the community,’’ he said. Griffith and Fleming said it was important for all groups in the community to have input on the plan, which made it harder to put together, but all the more worth it. ``It was one of the best efforts and evidence of a collaborative venture of so many entities that I’ve ever seen in all my years in Jackson,’’ Griffith said. ``It will demonstrate to outside investors that we have unity in the community.’’ News 2008-07-01T14:18:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/312 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/smartzone-is-one-step-closer/#When:14:47:00Z 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. News 2008-06-30T14:47:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/308 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/production-engineerings-expansion-plans-bring-new-jobs-to-jackson-community/#When:14:08:01Z JACKSON, MICH.  Production Engineering Inc., a manufacturer of precision machined components for specialty truck and construction equipment axles, has announced plans to relocate to the 440,000-square-foot former Goodyear warehouse in the City of Jackson and invest over $11 million to revamp the building. This move will create and retain 234 jobs, and potentially generate an additional 202 indirect jobs in the Jackson community.  The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc., in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, has been working with Production Engineering for the past year to find a location and financial package that meets their growing needs. We are thrilled that Production Engineering has chosen to continue their position as a valuable asset to the Jackson community, said Scott Fleming, president and CEO of The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. Production Engineerings refurbishing plans include new electrical service enhancements, compressed air systems, lighting, water system, overhead cranes, offices and manufacturing support facilities. Based on the MEDCs recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a state tax credit valued at $3.4 million over 10 years. To support the project, the City of Jackson has proposed a 20-year personal property tax abatement and Renaissance Zone designation for a combined value of over $3.4 million. The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc (EG) was established in 1997 to lead business recruitment and retention in Jackson County, Michigan. The EG is a private/public partnership organized to promote and coordinate economic development initiatives and create wealth within Jackson County. The EG is comprised of Jacksons leading business organizations. Visit The EG Web site at www.enterprisegroup.org News 2008-06-18T14:08:01-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/307 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/jackson-area-manufacturers-association-and-the-academy-for-manufacturing-ca/#When:18:14:00Z The Jackson Area Manufacturers Associations (JAMA) Academy for Manufacturing Careers is proud to announce the graduation of our students who have completed a Certificate Program.  Graduates will be presented their certificates in a special ceremony and reception at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008 at the Lenawee Economic Development Corporation (5285 West US Hwy 223, Suite A, Adrian, MI 49221- Lower Level of the Greenstone Farm Credit Services Building). Graduation is a collaborative effort between JAMA, The Academy and South Central Michigan Works!  (SCMW!).  The Graduates include students who have completed 256 hours earning 16 college credits in the Welding Certificate Program, students who have completed 208 hours in the Screw Machine Certificate Program and students who have completed 224 hours earning 14 college credits in the CNC Certificate Program.  Manufacturers looking to hire skilled workers or anyone interested in learning more about The Academy for Manufacturing Careers are invited to attend the June 30th ceremony.  To attend, please RSVP to Susan Soltis at susan@enterprisegroup.org or by phone at 517-782-8268 x 101. Founded in 1937, the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is a not-for-profit association with members throughout South Central Michigan.  Through The Academy for Manufacturing Careers, JAMA offers skilled trades training designed by manufacturers to meet the needs of manufacturers while providing employees and potential employees the skills to be productive, highly qualified workers.  For more information, please contact Annette Norris, The Academy’s Program Director by phone at (517) 782-8268, by fax at (517) 782-0061 or by email at anorris@enterprisegroup.org For information about JAMA you can visit www.jacksonjama.org on the Web. News 2008-06-16T18:14:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/306 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/artists-complex-is-more-than-half-full/#When:19:09:00Z Wednesday, June 11, 2008 By Fredricka Paul fpaul@citpat.com—768-4927 Jane Robinson thinks of herself as a proud mother to the artists who live in the Armory Arts Village. Since opening in December, 45 of the 62 apartments have been leased and artists are making use of the studio and gallery space, said Robinson, director of the complex located near Cooper and Ganson streets. Robinson said she hoped that the income-restricted community would be full by now, but was pleased occupancy is above projections that it would be half-filled by now. She expects it will be full before January. ``We are way ahead of schedule, so I am not concerned,’’ she said. Resident Brandon Irish, 25, a music and art graduate of Hillsdale College, said the studio and gallery space are among the things that attracted him to Armory Arts. He also loves the huge windows that brighten his apartment. Irish, a sculptor, decorated his apartment with driftwood he has collected from family trips to the Great Lakes. Each piece has a different memory, he said. He even turned one large piece into a pot rack attached to the ceiling of his kitchen. He hopes to live in Europe someday. Robinson said there are only a few residents who are not full-time artists. Because of fair-housing laws, the community is open to all who meet the requirements, but its amenities, such as the gallery and studio, appeal primarily to artists. Painters, graphic designers, poets and musicians are among the artists who live in the complex, she said. Residents are helping Robinson promote the village by spreading the word on blogs and online forums. The residents have become part of the Jackson community by having their work displayed around town and teaching classes to area youth. Some of the residents have also started giving private lessons, she said. Residents are also taking business classes once a week, Robinson said. News 2008-06-12T19:09:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/305 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/local-governmental-units-must-act-immediately-to-recover-lost-tax-revenue/#When:18:40:00Z The Michigan Townships Association announced that Local Tax Capture Authorities Have Until JUNE 15 to Recover Lost Tax Revenue Legislation that allows local tax capture authorities to receive compensation for revenues that were lost due to the exemption of certain personal property from taxation was signed into law on Thursday, creating Public Acts 154-157 of 2008. Last Fall, the Legislature exempted industrial personal property from both the 6 mill State Education Tax and the 18 mill school operating tax. They also exempted commercial personal property from 12 mills of the school sperating tax. Generally, this impacted school operating revenue. However, in certain situations, those revenues are captured for economic development programs such as Downtown Development Authorities (DDA), Tax Increment Finance Authorities (TIFA), Local Development Finance Authorities (LDFA) and Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities (BRA). The Department of Treasury has created an application form--4650 Request for State Reimbursement of Tax Increment Revenue Decreases--for local tax capture authorities to seek reimbursement for revenue loss caused by the change in the tax law.  DDAs, TIFAs, LDFAs and Brownfield Authorities which capture school taxes have until JUNE 15 to file the form seeking approval for compensation for this year’s revenue loss.  The new law requires pre-approval by the state before locals can be compensated. All applications must be filed online.  The form can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751---,00.html. Helpful links: www.michigan.gov/treasury www.michigantownships.org News 2008-06-11T18:40:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/289 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/pharmaceutical-support-firm-already-planning-expansion/#When:17:48:00Z Tuesday, May 20, 2008 By Keith Roberts kroberts@citpat.com—768-4922 At most ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new companies, officials say how happy they are to be in business. Dan Ross, president of TransPharm Preclinical Solutions, said it’s been exhilarating to start his own business and he’s excited about the prospects of making money. But his focus isn’t on opening the business. It’s on growing it. After Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s 6,200-square-foot facility in Napoleon Township, Ross said he plans to lease space to other companies for use during off hours, add more office space for his employees and expand the facility for other companies interested in moving there. TransPharm Preclinical Solutions opened in mid-April at 7190 S. Brooklyn Road and has five employees. All of them, including Ross, are former employees of Pfizer in Ann Arbor. Ross said he learned of Pfizer’s closing in January 2007, and unlike some of his colleagues there who considered taking jobs with other companies, he was determined to start his own business. So by the time he left Pfizer in July, he was well on his way to starting TransPharm. ``I think the advantage for me was this was Plan A from the beginning,’’ Ross said. TransPharm, whose motto is ``Working with us is contagious,’’ does infectious-disease studies for pharmaceutical companies. About 70 people attended the ceremony Monday, including numerous state and local representatives and leaders of the Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth and the Brooklyn, Napoleon and Greater Jackson chambers of commerce. State Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, who helped TransPharm get a $400,000 loan from a special fund within the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s 21st Century Jobs Fund, said the turnout showed how much the community cares about jobs in times like these. ``This is not only a success story. It’s a signal to folks in the community and from outside the community this is fertile ground for entrepreneurial activity and high-tech job creation,’’ Schauer said. Valerie Hoag, director of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, said she was glad to help TransPharm. ``I think it’s great for Jackson,’’ Hoag said. ``I hope they grow fast and create a lot of jobs.’’ Ross plans to seek another loan to help pay for the expansion. Hoag said she couldn’t say what TransPharm’s chance of getting it is, but judging from what she already knows about the company, its application should be competitive. Tom Grace, director of Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth, said TransPharm might be small now, but it has a lot of potential to grow and help bring other companies here to grow with it. ``Each little company is going to create its own little satellite,’’ Grace said. ``I think this is only the beginning.’’ News 2008-05-29T17:48:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/273 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/city-has-a-say-in-effort-to-keep-company-in-county/#When:18:18:00Z Monday, April 21, 2008 By Fredricka Paul fpaul@citpat.com—768-4927 Keeping Production Engineering in the county is now in the hands of the Jackson City Council. The city and Blackman Township are in negotiations about a proposed revenue-sharing agreement that would allow 15 acres—planned for Production Engineering’s new plant—to be designated as a Renaissance Zone and qualify for a tax abatement. City officials hope to meet with township officials soon to discuss the package. ``For the most part we are pretty comfortable with it,’’ Councilman Andrew Frounfelker said. Production Engineering, 2330 Brooklyn Road in Summit Township, has outgrown its plant and has said it may move to northern Indiana. It employs 130. The township board Thursday approved an agreement in concept that would help keep the company here. The next step involves getting approval from the City Council for the Renaissance Zone, and getting the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to approve a tax incentive package. If the deal goes through, Production Engineering would buy the 15 acres from the Blackman Township Local Development Finance Authority for $100,000. The company would invest $12.75 million in a new plant and equipment. It would add 25 workers the first year and 15 workers a year for several more years. There is legislation in place that allows Jackson five Renaissance Zones; one would be used in Blackman for the project, City Manager William Ross said. Councilman John Polaczyk said it would be ideal for Production Engineering to utilize brownfield space within the city. However, he would be happy to see the company stay within the county. ``We need to do everything we can to keep them here,’’ Polaczyk said. News 2008-04-21T18:18:00-05:00 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/news-story/269 http://www.enterprisegroup.org/index.php/site/tax-break-eyed-to-keep-plant/#When:13:32:00Z Tuesday, April 15, 2008 By Keith Roberts kroberts@citpat.com—768-4922 Production Engineering has outgrown its Summit Township plant and could move to Indiana. But Blackman Township and Jackson officials are considering an agreement to give the company a tax break to keep the plant—and its 300 jobs—here. Production Engineering’s 65,000-square-foot plant at 2330 Brooklyn Road was built in 1982, expanded in 1989 and 1994, and can’t be expanded any more, said Jim Jansen, president and co-owner of the company. ``We have to look at our best viable options,’’ Jansen said Monday. ``We have to find or build a larger facility.’’ Jansen said the company is looking at an existing building in northern Indiana but would rather build a new, 100,000-square-foot building on 15 acres on County Farm Road owned by the Blackman Township Local Development Finance Authority, a move proposed by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The Blackman land is next to TAC Manufacturing. Production Engineering, a family-owned business started in 1974, makes precision-machined parts—primarily drive train and steering components for heavy trucks, construction equipment and materials-handling industries. The company has about 130 employees and expects to add 15 to 20 jobs per year if it can expand. ``We do expect continued growth,’’ Jansen said. The Blackman Township Board has called a special meeting for 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss an agreement with the Jackson City Council to facilitate the move. Jansen said he is optimistic the township board will approve the agreement. ``You never know the results of the vote, but I think it’s in the best interest of Jackson County and the best interest of Production Engineering if we have a positive vote,’’ he said. Blackman Township Supervisor Raymond Snell was cautious but said the board is always looking to do what it can to promote economic development. ``It’s easier to keep what you have than try to recruit new (businesses),’’ Snell said. ``That’s what the board is considering.’’ Snell said even though the property is in the township, only the city can designate it as a Renaissance Zone and make it eligible for property tax abatement for up to 20 years, so the township needs the City Council’s help. ``This all depends on everything working together,’’ Snell said. Under the agreement, the township would transfer jurisdiction of the property to the city for tax purposes, but the city would have limited authority over it. Snell said he didn’t have an estimate of the property tax savings for the company, but it would be substantial. Jansen said he didn’t have an estimate either and the tax savings aren’t as important as having room to grow. If the township approves the agreement, the city would consider it. City Manager William Ross said the company has roots in the community and no one wants it to leave because it doesn’t have room to grow. ``Certainly in today’s economic times you don’t want to be losing those jobs in the community if you can help it,’’ Ross said. But Ross said while he has discussed the agreement with Snell, City Council members haven’t had a chance to discuss it with their counterparts on the township board. ``There needs to be some discussion of issues so this can move forward,’’ Ross said. Summit Township Supervisor James Dunn said he doesn’t want to lose Production Engineering, but the company looked for other locations in Summit Township and didn’t find any, and he would much rather see it go to Blackman Township than Indiana. ``We need to make sure we are supportive of businesses that want to be in the Jackson area whether it’s Summit Township or not,’’ Dunn said. News 2008-04-16T13:32:00-05:00