“Thank you so much for Consumers Energy Foundation’s continued support of the Anchor Initiative. We have been amazed with the continued momentum in making downtown Jackson a better place to live, work, and play, even through the pandemic,” said Anchor board member Terry Mierzwa. “We're going to come out of this with several hundred new downtown residents, new office workers, new restaurants and retail outlets, and fun events that we will no longer take for granted. Consumers Energy Foundation’s support is the straw that stirs the drink!”
The Consumers Energy Foundation donation will allow the Anchor Initiative to move forward with plans to be actively involved in the renovation of the Hayes Hotel, the creation and redevelopment of additional residential units, attraction of new retail stores that address the needs of millennials and marketing the benefits of living in downtown Jackson.
“Consumers Energy is dedicated to ensuring Michigan businesses and communities are growing and thriving. We are thrilled to support the Anchor Initiative in its efforts to bring energy and vibrancy to downtown Jackson and attracting talent to many open jobs.” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “By focusing on filling empty storefronts with unique retail, appetizing food options, and new market rate housing, the Anchor Initiative has found success in revitalizing this urban core.”
ABOUT THE CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Consumers Energy Foundation enables communities to thrive and grow by investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2020, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $19 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.
ABOUT THE JACKSON ANCHOR INITIATIVE
The Anchor Initiative is Jackson Michigan’s private sector effort focused on transforming its downtown; and in doing so, making the entire community a more vibrant and valued place to live, learn, and work. Find out more at www.jaxanchor.org.