Jackson Magazine Impact Awards Community Voting 2026

This award honors a newly established business that has demonstrated early success and earned the support of the Jackson County community. Whether through innovation, strong leadership, customer satisfaction, or operational excellence, the recipient will be recognized for contributing to the county’s economic vitality and showing promise for long-term sustainability.

Criteria

• Must be a for-profit business based in Jackson County, Michigan
• Must have been established within the past three years (incorporated on or after January 1, 2024)

Finalists Include

• La Casita Napoleon
• Prates Place Sports Bar and Family Restaurant
• The Luna Lux Lounge
• The Talebearer Bookstore
• The Theodore Event Center

This award recognizes an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to protect and serve the Jackson County community. It may honor a lifetime of service or a singular act of heroism that placed the individual in harm’s way for the benefit of others. This award may be given posthumously with the family’s consent.

Criteria

• Must work within Jackson County in front line, military, or emergency services.

FINALISTS INCLUDE

• Adam Brooker, Officer, Jackson Police Department
  • Officer Adam Brooker has served the Jackson Police Department since 2013 and is known for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to public safety. A respected road patrol officer and mentor, he has built strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders throughout Jackson. In 2025, he ranked among the department's top-performing officers in several key categories, reflecting both his work ethic and commitment to service. His steady presence, leadership, and willingness to help others have made a meaningful impact on the community he serves.
• Kirk Carter, Law Enforcement Officer, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department
  • Kirk Carter dedicated 29 years to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, including 28 years on the Special Response Team. Throughout his career, he consistently put the safety of others first, responding to dangerous situations and supporting families during difficult times. In 2019, he was shot twice in the line of duty while locating an armed suspect, then spent 17 months recovering before returning to full active duty. His courage, resilience, and commitment to protecting the community exemplify a lifetime of public service.
• Ryan Hendricks, Fire Captain/EMT, City of Jackson Fire Department
  • Captain Ryan Hendricks has served the City of Jackson Fire Department for 13 years, rising through the ranks from firefighter to captain while becoming a respected leader, mentor, and educator. He oversees emergency operations, trains and develops firefighters, and serves as an instructor at the local fire academy. Hendricks is also a strong advocate for firefighter mental health and volunteers in charitable efforts that support the community. His dedication to public service, leadership, and helping others has made a lasting impact both inside and outside the fire service.
• Jeremiah Wheeler, Detective, Blackman-Leoni Twp Department of Public Safety
  • Detective Jeremiah Wheeler has spent the past decade serving Jackson County through dedicated and professional law enforcement. As a detective with the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety and a member of the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, he investigates serious crimes while helping protect some of the community's most vulnerable victims. Known for his integrity, thoroughness, and willingness to support both victims and fellow officers, Wheeler has built a reputation for service that strengthens public safety and trust throughout Jackson County.
• Tyler Whitehead, Fire Inspector, City of Jackson Fire Department
  • Tyler Whitehead serves Jackson as both the City of Jackson Fire Department's Fire Inspector and an active firefighter. Alongside responding to emergencies, he leads fire prevention efforts through code inspections, construction reviews, public education, and the department's smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program. His work has helped improve safety for families throughout Jackson and has contributed to documented lives saved through alarm installations. Whether responding to emergencies, educating residents, or working behind the scenes to reduce fire risks, Tyler is committed to protecting the community he serves.

This award honors a company that has demonstrated sustained philanthropic commitment to Jackson County over the past five years. Nominees must submit a questionnaire and optional supporting documentation.

Criteria

• Must be a registered corporation with a headquarters or physical business location in Jackson County, Michigan

FINALIST INCLUDE

• Alro Steel
  • Founded in Jackson in 1948, Alro Steel has combined business success with a long-standing commitment to supporting the community it calls home. Through the Alro Steel Foundation and the Alvin Glick Foundation, the company invests in workforce development, education, healthcare, and community initiatives that create lasting impact. Recent gifts include major support for the Jackson Interfaith Family Shelter's new family shelter, helping expand services for local families in need. Alro also funded the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in partnership with the Jackson Area Manufacturing Association and Shop Rat Foundation, creating new opportunities for manufacturing skills training. In addition, Alro helped strengthen the future healthcare workforce through significant investments in Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson College, and Spring Arbor University to support scholarships and educational resources. Guided by the philanthropic legacy of founders Al and Robert Glick, Alro continues to make meaningful investments that strengthen Jackson County for future generations.
• American 1 Credit Union
  • American 1 Credit Union is more than a financial institution, it's a neighbor and community partner in Jackson and beyond. For more than 75 years, American 1 has supported the people and they communities of Jackson County through financial services, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts. In 2025 alone, the credit union gave more than $180,000 to local causes that matter most to residents, including youth education, housing stability, health, and community development. American 1 supports more than 100 organizations and events throughout the year and provides free financial education to help residents build a brighter financial future. By investing in people, supporting local organizations, and staying active in the community, American 1 continues to be a trusted partner and cornerstone of Jackson County.
• American Title Company of Jackson
  • Locally owned and operated since 1976, American Title Company has built a reputation for giving back to the Jackson community it has served for nearly five decades. The company provides financial support, sponsorships, in-kind donations, and fundraising assistance to schools, youth programs, charities, churches, local nonprofits, and community events. Employees actively participate through workplace fundraising efforts that support local causes, and company leaders have continued a strong tradition of philanthropy under multiple generations of ownership. Through both financial contributions and hands-on involvement, American Title has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to helping strengthen Jackson County.