Senator Hunter offered the following resolution:

           Senate Resolution No. 117.

           A resolution of special tribute honoring George W. Jackson, Jr.

Whereas, George Jackson, Jr., has been president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) since February of 2002. It is with deep appreciation for his diligence and dedication over the course of his exemplary career that we commend Mr. Jackson; and

Whereas, During Mr. Jackson’s tenure, the DEGC has attracted national and international recognition for the success it has had negotiating major redevelopment deals, attracting and retaining businesses--especially in key industries that have high growth potential--and managing significant infrastructure projects that attract private investment and create a better environment for the people who live, work, or play in Detroit; and

Whereas, Prior to his appointment to the DEGC, Mr. Jackson worked for 27 years at DTE Energy, rising to the position of director of Customer Marketing. Under Mr. Jackson’s leadership, the DTE Energy Economic Development Department gained national recognition and was a recipient of the Site Selection magazine Utility Economic Development Award; and

Whereas, Mr. Jackson has worked in the field of economic development since 1984, and he has played an influential role in the various economic development programs, initiatives, and organizations in the city of Detroit, southeastern Michigan, and the state of Michigan.  He has also served as an advisor to many corporate, political, government, community, civic, and educational executives and leaders on economic development issues; and

Whereas, Under Mr. Jackson, the DEGC has led or played a key role in dozens of landmark projects, such as the Lower Woodward Improvement Program in connection with Superbowl XL; the transformation of the Detroit Riverfront from industrial to multiuse recreational, residential, and commercial--including negotiations for the remediation and redevelopment of the former Uniroyal Tire plant site; the restoration and renovation of the historic Book-Cadillac Hotel now known as the Westin Book Cadillac; the renovation of more than 100 vintage buildings; the attraction of new jobs and investment into the central business district, including Quicken Loans, General Motors, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan that account for most of the 25,000 new jobs and $2.5 billion in investments since 2009; the Gateway Marketplace Shopping Center--the largest retail development in Detroit in 40 years; the successful negotiations that led to the establishment of the Cobo Hall Convention Center Regional Authority; and many others innovative programs that target and assist businesses in key sectors and improve the quality of life for Detroiters, such as the Green Grocer Project, SmartBuildings Detroit, Jefferson Avenue Retail Readiness, and Renewable Energy Detroit Initiative; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we join together to offer our most sincere and profound thanks to George W. Jackson, Jr., for his many years of service to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, the city of Detroit, and the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to George W. Jackson, Jr., as evidence of our highest esteem and best wishes in his retirement and future endeavors.