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No cats allowed in Kalamazoo pooch park

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In The News

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May 20, 2010

Dogs in Kalamazoo soon will have a place to romp unleashed, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. Work is expected to begin soon on the first phase of a city dog park. With a low bid of $208,197.88, the project will be built by 5 Leprechauns, of Jackson. The company came in nearly $40,000 under the next low bidder in the nine-bidder field. For unlimited use of the facility, the city plans to sell annual passes at a cost estimated at $30 to $60. Non-city residents will be assessed a higher charge to use the dog park. Excerpt: Plans for the Fairmount dog park include a fenced area with entrance gates for pooches, waste receptacles, drinking fountains for dogs and their owners, activity areas for the canines, picnic tables, benches, signage, landscaping and parking improvements, vehicular security gates and barrier-free walkways. Once open later this summer, the park will be the first public space in the city of Kalamazoo where dogs can legally roam without a leash. The story goes on to say, a buy-a-brick campaign is now under way to create an endowment for ongoing operating and maintenance costs. For more on the plans for the city's first dog park, read the entire story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Growing gardens from the ground up

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

A grass-roots effort supported by the Battle Creek Community Foundation is growing not only vegetables, but neighborhood leaders and a sense of community all at once.The program grew out of a forum in January in which 80 people turned out to brainstorm ideas for getting neighborhood gardens planted.From that discussion has grown a network of community gardeners, a plan to donate surplus produce to local food banks, and a way to address the need for fruit and vegetables in parts of the city where healthy food has not been available -- sometimes called food deserts. Today there are 14 SPROUT Urban Farms, gardens ranging in size from 300 square feet to a single acre, across the city.  "We focused on a grass roots strategy, asking people who wanted to participate," says Jeremy Andrews, of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. "We put it on Facebook and it took off."The Battle Creek Foundation has made neighborhood grants available for tools, soil, seeds and seedlings. By the first week of June the plots should be tilled and planted.At harvest time a crop swap and at least one harvest dinner is planned. The urban farmers are developing business ideas that could build the local economy as well, Andrews says. Funding for the program has been provided by the Penny Kelly Center for Sustainable Consciousness. Partnerships have developed with Battle Creek Unlmited, the W.K.Kellogg Foundation, Leila Arboretum, Neighborhoods INC., various neighborhood associations, the County Land Bank, City of Battle Creek, the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative and the homeless ministry the Haven.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jeremy Andrews, Battle Creek Foundation

InterAct to be under one roof in $1.95 million downtown Kalamazoo project

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

By the first of next year a longtime downtown Kalamazoo community services center could be in a new home.InterAct of Michigan, now working out of three locations downtown, will be leasing a newly constructed headquarters built by The Hinman Company. Ground recently was broken for two-story, 24,000-square-foot building at 610 S. Burdick Street that is expected to cost $1.95 million to build. The building also is LEED Certified."We're extremely excited that this building will give us a barrier free, safer, more efficient opportunity to serve people," says Claudia Wink-Basing, InterAct Executive Director. "We're grateful for this opportunity."The new building, which had been in the conceptual stages for about four years, will allow the agency to bring its 110 employees under one roof. There's also room for expanding the agency's staff by 10.Last year InterAct provided services to more than 1,300 people with mental illness, physical and developmental disorders or both. InterAct has been a tenant of The Hinman Company for 19 years.Due to their long term relationship and support of InterAct of Michigan's mission, The Hinman Company partnered with InterAct to make the project a reality, says Andy Wenzel, Director of Development for The Hinman Company.Incentives from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Brownfield Redevelopment MBT Credit also helped bring about the project."We are excited about the opportunities this project will bring to InterAct of Michigan, to the downtown Kalamazoo area," Wenzel says, "and to the citizens that depend on InterAct's services to better their lives."Writer: Kathy JenningsSources: Claudia Wink-Basing, InterAct of Michigan, Andy Wenzel, The Hinman Company

Allegan hospital will spend $300,000 on expansion

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

Community residents and the Perrigo Foundation are teaming up to help a local hospital become bigger and better. More specifically, Allegan General Hospital will be expanding its infusion center, where treatments are administered into a patient's vein using tubing.Chemotherapy treatments, immune system medications, steroids, iron, antibiotics, blood count stimulants and other medications, as ordered by a physician, are some of the treatments offered.The center will serve cancer patients and patients with anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, and other diseases requiring transfusions and IVs.Other features are private treatment areas with heated, massaging rocker-recliner chairs for patients and TVs, music systems and headphones for each patient. DVD players and laptop computers with wireless Internet access also will be available. A waiting area with more space for families and friends, and a patient education center are part of the plans.The infusion center renovation and expansion is funded with $200,000 from the Perrigo Foundation and $100,000 from the Allegan community. In July 2009, the Perrigo Foundation made an initial donation of $100,000 to the hospital and challenged the community to raise a sum that the company would then match. Community donations totaled $100,000, allowing the hospital to receive the full amount of the challenge grant from the Perrigo Foundation. "To reach the $300,000 mark in our fundraising efforts is a tremendous achievement, allowing us to move forward with the renovation and expansion of the infusion center," says Gerald Barbini, president of Allegan General Hospital. Allegan General Hospital is a 25-bed community hospital governed by an 11-member board of trustees. Perrigo is the world's largest manufacturer of OTC pharmaceutical products for the store brand market. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Gerald Barbini, Allegan General Hospital

Sunshine provides power for RVers, retailers

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

The strong winds that often rock Michigan's shorelines and the beating sun are creating energy in Southwest Michigan. And that's creating opportunity for local retailers. "In the upper Midwest, solar business is really starting to pick up," says Jay Quickel, category team leader for general merchandise for Harbor Freight, in Kalamazoo. "We have entry level panels that can power up to 10 hours." For Brian and Leslie Pitts of Vicksburg, "10 hours of electric" is music to their ears. Last summer, they purchased a single solar panel that connects to their deep cycle RV/Marine battery. "It allows us to run our RV without being plugged into electricity," says Leslie. "All functions of our RV can be run as long as the battery stays charged, and it stays charged pretty much indefinitely as long as it's sunny." The Pitt's found out about the solar option from another well-traveled RV couple who had been using their own for years to power their RV. "The panel is about 18 inches by 36 inches and has what looks like jumper cables extending from it," adds Leslie. "It fits nicely against the front of the RV and is small enough so it's easy to tuck away during traveling. Plus, it enables us to travel to more rustic areas while maintaining certain levels of comfort that we like when RVing." Quickel says Harbor Freight is "pleased to provide alternative-power options and many of our products are highly mobile."Currently, Harbor Freight also offers a solar panel that rolls up like a mat for easier transportation.Writer: Stacie CarlsonSources: Jay Quickel, Harbor Freight, and Leslie and Brian Pitts

Borgess again named one of 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

A familiar name is among companies recently recognized by Michigan Business & Professional Association for having exemplary practices in human resources.For the seventh consecutive year, Borgess Health was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For by the MBPA and was among those honored at a celebration at The Pinnacle Center, Hudsonville, Mich., marking the accomplishments of the 101 leading businesses. Those recognized are companies that work with "imagination and conviction to create organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management," says the MBPA."This award reflects the professionalism and dedication of Borgess nurses, physicians, therapists and all members of the healthcare team who provide and support high quality patient care," says Paul Spaude, President & CEO, Borgess Health.To get that recognition, companies provide information about their practices and an independent research firm evaluates each company's entry based on key measures in the areas of communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection and work-life balance. "The honorees have clearly demonstrated why each of them would be an ideal place for employees to work," said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.  Borgess Health includes more than 130 sites of care in 15 southern Michigan cities, as well as eight owned or affiliated hospitals, a nursing home, ambulatory care facilities, home health care, physician practices, managed care services, a cancer center and an air ambulance service. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Paul Spaude, President & CEO, Borgess Health

A prosthetic limb that doesn’t look like a prosthetic

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Entrepreneurship

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May 20, 2010

Paul Rothchild is changing the tradition that says prosthetics need only be functional. He's making them beautiful, too.The Battle Creek Enquirer reports Rothchild believes the future for prosthetics is wide open to innovations that will create affordable, durable and comfortable pieces that look real."What I'm trying to do is change that whole conversation in the industry," Rothchild said in the story. "This isn't just for looks."As he tries to market his work, however, the young entrepreneur is fighting other prosthetists who believe the types pf prosthetics he makes don't work and he's bucking the notion that creating them is too difficult.He's also up against insurance companies that do not pay for cosmetic upgrades, only functional prosthetics. Rothchild said his products offer both, but convincing insurance companies of that can be a battle.The 28-year-old medical artist's dream is to have a one-stop shop for patients in which they can learn all the options and make the best choice for them. Alex Karsten said she not only supports Rothchild's efforts, but is grateful that he chose to start his business in Southwest Michigan, where he fitted her with a lifelike foot in time for her wedding day.Excerpt:Karsten stepped into the foot, pulled on a pair of sandals and strode confidently across the room. Only a faint seam between the silicone rubber and her ankle bone betrayed that it was fake."I look at this and I think, 'What's going to happen in the next 20 years?'" she said.Source: Battle Creek Enquirer

Contest calls for photos showing Michigan’s architectural heritage

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

Old is the New Green is the theme of a photography contest sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).From now till June 1 the agency will be accepting photos that showcase Michigan's architectural heritage. Historic preservation plays a significant role in environmentally and economically sustainable development, leading the National Trust for Historic Preservation to adopt the green theme for this year's National Historic Preservation Month, May 1 to June 1. By submitting one or more Old is the New Green-themed photos, entrants become eligible to:• Have their photography displayed on the Michigan.gov/shpo website;• Be featured in media coverage supporting the contest;• Be highlighted on SHPO and MSHDA social media sites;• Be entered to win a Meijer gift card donated by the Michigan History Foundation, or one of three weekend getaway prizes to the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit, the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, and Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey. The Book Cadillac Hotel is a 2009 winner of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation, and both the Park Place Hotel and Perry Hotel are listed in the State Register of Historic Sites. The getaway prizes were donated by the three hotels."We hope to spread the word throughout Michigan that preservation is inherently green by supporting sustainability," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.Submit photos via email to or by mail to: Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Complete rules and details of the contest are available online. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Keith Molin, MSHDA

ChemLink’s green products seal the deal

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Development News

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May 13, 2010

The construction business is going green. ChemLink, Advanced Architectural Products is leading the way. It was green before green was in demand.Founded 20 years ago, the privately held company has grown from a three-person operation to one with 45 employees, distributors and sales reps across the country.At a time when the U.S. construction industry has been down by 20 to 40 percent in some places, ChemLink has experienced sales growth of 20 percent in Michigan and 15 percent for its North American sales. Longtime employee Gail Nelson attributes much of that growth to the company's unique commitment to creating products that are safe for people and the environment.Equally important is that the sealants, adhesives and similar products the company develops and sells are strong and durable.ChemLink products are made with polyethers. That means they do not give off the toxins that harm the nervous system, kidneys and lungs of people who use them on a regular basis. Third party testing companies have certified the safety of ChemLink products."Contractors have told us for years they like the products because they work and they (the contractors) don't have to worry about being sick when they get old," Nelson says.And the company that prides itself on being contractor driven listens carefully when people in the business tell them what they need or how a product can be improved.At the heart of the operation is owner Phillip Georgeau, a chemist who turns out products one after the other in response to customers' requests. "We've become known as problem-solvers. That's why we've been able to do what we have done," Nelson says.  She says in the early years the company did not tout the environmental soundness of its products because then the prevailing attitude was that if it was green it probably was inferior quality. Now manufacturers are coming to ChemLink to find out more about their product line. Some of the early days were lean. Georgeau worked in the lab to create the products he believed in as his wife, Betty, supported the family on her nurse's salary.The company was built with no grants, loans or outside help. "In many ways, the company has grown solely from the sacrifice of its owners," Nelson says.As the company grew it expanded into three locations, but after an exhaustive search, three years ago it moved under one roof in Schoolcraft. The 50,000-square-foot building houses state-of-the-art labs, offices, manufacturing operations and warehousing. Nelson says the company also is unique in its loyalty to employees. She cites ChemLink's  continued coverage of  employees' health insurance at a time when the cost has driven many employers to drop coverage. "They care about their employees," Nelson says.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Gail Nelson, ChemLink

Can you say vaccination in Spanish?

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Health

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May 13, 2010

Vacuna is the word for shots in Spanish -- flu shots that is. It's one of the first Spanish words learned by Dr. Karen Janson in the Spanish club offered by South Haven Community Hospital for its staff and their spouses, reports the Herald-Palladium.The pediatrician has learned to use the word carefully so as not to set off tears among her young patients. Excerpt:The Spanish club has nearly 60 participants who meet weekly. It was the brainchild of Dr. Sylvia Mustonen, who works at the hospital's Covert clinic, said hospital President and CEO Joanne Urbanski. The meetings are led by Mustonen and Alex De La Cruz, the husband of another hospital physician, Jeanne Alvarado.At a recent class the group reviewed Spanish words that start with "ch."One of the words mentioned was chata, which means bedpan in Spanish. That's an example of a word that could be helpful for hospital staff.The story goes on to say the hospital has a number of translators but there never seem to be enough. So they decided to use a fun approach to get more people speaking Spanish.Source: Herald-Palladium