Testimonials
Dexter Stamping, LLC.
‘We are looking forward to working with The Enterprise Group of Jackson (EG) in the near future to expand our potential growth both with personnel and business opportunities. At the end of the day you are only as good as the people you work with.’
Chris Jacobson, President of Dexter Stamping, LLC
TransPharm Preclinical Solutions
I met the Enterprise Group for the first time three years ago on May 16th, 2007. At that time, I had an idea for my new company, but no facility, money or the connections I needed to move forward. This week, due to our success, TransPharm Preclinical Solutions was featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. Obviously, many factors contributed to our success, but it started with The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Inc. (EG). I remember thinking to myself, ‘Why are they so happy to meet me?’ I wasnt aware that I would be the first life science related company to open its doors in Jackson. The EG listened and gave me many options. One of the most important connections they made for me was the introduction to Valerie Hoag, Managing Director of the 21st Century Jobs fund, with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. A meeting was set and I was able to lay out my plan with Valerie and The EG. The end result of the meeting was a $400,000 loan from the Company Formation and Growth Fund. This was a program set up in response to Pfizer Global Research and Development closing its Ann Arbor facility, where I worked for 10 years. The EG also helped guide me to appreciate our local politicians along the way. One of them is Congressman Mark Schauer. I honestly didnt care much about politics until I started TransPharm. What I soon learned is whether you care or not, politics affects all of us in some manner. Mark really took the time to push our story to those that needed to hear it. This was critical for us to get the state loan we needed. The other local support came directly from Comerica. They did for me what no one else could. This came in the form of a personal loan to do the renovations on the building I moved into. I told my story to at least a dozen banks, credit unions and investors and no one would help. Comerica did and is a large part of our success. To date, we have done more business in 2010 than we did in the first two years combined.
Daniel Ross, President and CEO
Medical 24/7
‘It came to our attention that the Enterprise Group in partnership with Baker College has a Business Incubator program to assist local start up companies. We would like to get more information on the program and how our company can qualify. Medical 24/7 is not new to The Enterprise Group. We have been working with Roni Weaver, Pennie Kay Southwell and Ms. Fran LaRosa. They have been helping our company in many different ways including doing business with the government. We dont know how we would have made any progress without the Enterprise Group. The Business Incubator is another great program you have we hope you can help our company to qualify for.’
Claver Misago, President & CEO, Medical 24/7
Moretz Technologies, LLC
‘I have been out of town for the past week, and wanted to send you a message to tell you how much I appreciate your handling of the Smart Zone application process. You brought all the players together and marshaled the process extremely well. Our entire community is indebted to you. The process was much more than the actual application….It was a great example of how our community can come together to work in concert for the communitys betterment, and is the finest example of that I have seen since I have been in Jackson (since about 1970).
R. Dale Moretz, Moretz Technologies, LLC
Caster Concepts
‘Caster Concepts has worked extensively with Pennie Southwell, and the entire PTAC organization. Their guidance, support and assistance have assisted us in being awarded government contracts that have totaled in excess of $500,000 dollars. These awards have allowed us to hire 4-6 key Jackson County employees over the past 24 months. We are presently working on several other opportunities through PTAC.’
Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts
CP Federal Credit Union
‘You are truly an asset to this community. Thank you for all of your work on the SZ application. CONGRATS!!!!!!!’
John Crist, CP Federal Credit Union
RTD Manufacturing
‘Five years ago RTD Manufacturing was almost 100% geared toward the automotive industry. Last year we were only 15% automotive with the other 85% of our clients encompassing the Military, Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, Robotic, NASA, and Food Industry to name just a few. The Enterprise Group and The Procurement Technical Assistance Center were invaluable in helping us make this transition during this challenging economy. They continue to promote our growth with advice and assistance whenever we call upon them. We support this tremendous resource, because as we succeed, we all succeed together.’
Stephen Artz, V.P. Operations, RTD Manufacturing
Great Lakes Foam
I’ve noticed a lot of articles in the newspaper lately regarding companies who are staying in our area and expanding rather than leaving for “cheaper” locales. I also know that The Enterprise Group is a huge reason why these companies choose to stay. My client, Bill MacCready, with Great Lakes Foam (an extension of Michigan Seat), is one of those companies. He moved his company to Hanover a few years ago, renovated the building, and quickly outgrew the space. Even though he grew up in Jackson, Indiana was making the prospect of relocating there very inviting. We looked for a location here first, though, and found one in the village of Concord. We were able to negotiate a great deal for him, but his staying all came down to receiving tax abatements from the village. Amy Torres showed up unexpectantly at the village meeting and offered her support. She was also able to answer their questions. Although the village and township were very supportive, her presence made things move quicker and gave them more information than I could provide. As for Great Lakes Foam, they are taking their $45,000 a month payroll and moving to their new location early this month. They will be hiring more people once they are situated, and everyone is excited about what this will do for Concord. The building in Hanover is now for sale (and added to your website-thank you very much!) for $175,000. Even though Hanover (my home!) is off the beaten path, it is a great location for a business with people ready and willing to work. With Amy’s help, we were also able to make tax abatements available for a new owner. With all this being said, it was a hard decision for Bill to stay in Michigan at the beginning, but he is happy he did. He does a lot for our small town communities, and much of it goes unnoticed and unrewarded. He pushes people to buy within the villages and lends the businesses financial support. We are very fortunate that we didn’t lose his company to Indiana. Even though it isn’t a huge employer, he is a necessary employer for our small towns to survive.
Amy Gilpin, Coldwell Banker Archway
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Orchid MacDee
I would like to take this moment to thank the AMC and JAMA, without you I would have never accomplished my dream. You stuck by me through it all, had patience with me, helped me, and really took the initiative to see it through.
Dan Fritz, Orchid MacDee
Zimmer Marble Company
‘I want you to know that I am very pleased with the quality of service your organization provides. I sincerely appreciate your responsiveness and the way you conduct business. We have recommended the Jackson County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (JCBRA) to others because of our satisfaction with your services. From the beginning, the JCBRA has offered excellent suggestions for effective redevelopment of old industrial sites. But I especially appreciated the effort you made to untangle complex environmental issues and bring clarity to the business incentives that Brownfield redevelopment offers. Through your direct involvment and leadership in our project, the BRA helped clean up contaminated soil, save an industrial facility, keep an old neighborhood from turning into urban blight, and enhance the labor market in our community - all by having the vision and determination to apply resources appropriately. The prestigious Environmental Excellence Award we received from the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals Industry Association stands in public testimony to a job well done. Thank you for your expertise, your patience, and your commitment. Without your infectious interest and enthusiasm, our project would never have gotten off the ground. We look forward to doing business with you for years to come.’
Joe Campau, President of Zimmer Marble Company, Inc.
Eaton Corporation
The thought of continuing my formal education never really entered my mind until one fateful day. That was the day that Annette Norris from the Academy for Manufacturing Careers (AMC) and the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA) visited our facility. She presented a new apprenticeship program for skilled trades. Annette mentioned the possibility for Eaton employees participating in a program in conjunction with Baker College where Journeyman cardholders could get an associates degree in Applied Science.
Mike Andrews, Eaton Corporation