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President Obama coming to Kalamazoo Central commencement

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In The News

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May 6, 2010

Talk about a "wow factor" that puts Kalamazoo front and center in the national spotlight. The White House announced this week that President Barack Obama will be the graduation speaker for Kalamazoo Central High School June 10.Central was declared the national winner of the Race To The Top High School Commencement Challenge. The competition included   applications from over 1,000 schools. The list of applicants was narrowed down by the White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education to six high school finalists. President Obama personally chose the winner among the final three schools. Read all about it on the White House site:Excerpt:Congratulations Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the winner of the 2010 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge! We received over 1,000 applications that were narrowed down by the White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education to six high school finalists. Between April 26th and April 29th, over 170,000 people weighed in on short videos and essay from the six finalists. President Obama selected the national winner from the three high schools with the highest average ratings.Source: thewhitehouse.gov

Green manufacturing is topic for two days of events at WMU

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Innovation News

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May 6, 2010

A broad-based group of Southwest Michigan companies came together May 5-6 on the campus of Western Michigan University to pursue green manufacturing projects and programs. Representatives from about 75 companies gathered May 5 at WMU for presentations from a number of Southwest Michigan firms using green practices.The gathering is part of a green manufacturing initiative funded last fall with a $1 million federal award to WMU.The meeting was called to help build a critical mass of West Michigan companies actively pursuing green manufacturing techniques. Executives from Herman Miller, Subaru, Cummins, Perrigo, Kellogg Co., Cascade Engineering and DENSO are expected to offer presentations.The next day a smaller group launched an industrial consortium to explore how to develop greener manufacturing and supply chain. The day of activities was intended to provide the companies attending with an opportunity to learn and network with university representatives as well as companies that represent a broad cross-section of the manufacturing sector and are committed to green manufacturing. The initiative will provide services to help companies become greener. Status reports and updates of some initial projects undertaken by a new university and industry consortium that focuses on green manufacturing were presented the morning of May 6.The reports reviewed work done by WMU researchers and their industry partners at Armstrong International, Burroughs Corp. and Ottawa Gage. Those attending heard presentations by Randal Hountz, associate director of Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program, and Dr. Michael Sharer, WMU's director of intellectual property management and commercialization.A smaller group of industry leaders in green manufacturing also gathered in the afternoon May 6 for the inaugural meeting of the new consortium.The Green Manufacturing Industrial Consortium is an industry and university cooperative research and development body modeled after the National Science Foundations successful Research Centers Program.The group's members are companies engaged with the university to collaborate on green manufacturing projects and programs. The consortium will identify and promote projects of mutual interest throughout the manufacturing enterprise. The efforts they undertake will range from focused projects such as material selection in product design and green manufacturing processes to general activities such as waste reduction or elimination in manufacturing (lean manufacturing), and energy conservation, says Dr. David Meade, associate director of the Green Manufacturing Industrial Consortium.The Consortium also is supported by the federal funding received by WMU last fall, but is primarily funded through the dues paid by member organizations. Thursday's afternoon meeting will be the Consortium's first official gathering. The afternoon is a closed business meeting for members only. Writer: Kathy JenningsContact: Cheryl Roland, Western Michigan University

The National Center for Food Protection receives $3.8 Million grant

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Development News

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May 6, 2010

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a $3.8 million, 3-year grant to the National Center for Food Protection this week.The grant supports the national center's work advancing food protection and its role facilitating the exchange of information, generating new ideas and accelerating processes that will enhance the safety of the global food supply."By connecting food safety professionals and scientists, our aim is to influence policies and practices that will advance food protection," says International Food Protection Training Institute President and COO Stephen Benoit. "We are extremely grateful for the support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as its generosity will enable us to make great strides toward realizing our overarching goal of improving public health."The NCFP will use the grant funds on three intiatives:• training for state and local food protection officials throughout their careers through the International Food Protection Training Institute;• development of new food protection technologies at the Emerging Technology Accelerator; and• the exchange of knowledge and generation of new ideas at a Global Food Protection Symposia.An estimated 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to food pathogens; and about one of every four Americans will develop a food-borne illness each year, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The NCFP, a catalyst for the advancement of food protection, also is a lynchpin in redevelopment efforts for downtown Battle Creek. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jennifer Dama, National Center for Food Protection

Battle Creek Health Systems chief gets national recognition

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Health

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May 6, 2010

One of the top 25 minority executives in the United States as selected by Modern Healthcare magazine is Denise Brooks-Williams, president and CEO at Battle Creek Health System (BCHS).She is one of only two executives from the Trinity Health system to be chosen in 2010, and one of just two in Michigan, according to a story in the Coldwater Daily Reporter.Excerpt:The annual award recognizes leaders who show the ability to effectively change the health care industry, demonstrate a willingness to share expertise and mentor others, and assume a leadership position in the industry outside the candidates own organization. Brooks-Williams serves as president of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)."Denise is known and respected across Trinity Health for her ability to lead in times of change," says Nelson Karre, chair of the BCHS board of trustees. "She has demonstrated over the past year the ability to enhance the quality of patient care and to strengthen the bonds between a hospital and its community.""One of her many strengths is addressing business challenges through financial and strategic planning," adds Neil Nyberg, chair of the BCHS Community Partners board. "She has been actively engaged with not only local groups, but also with strengthening bonds with our medical staff. She is most deserving of this award."To find out more about Brooks-Williams' background read the entire story.Source: Coldwater Daily Reporter

Making money in an explosive way helps community

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Entrepreneurship

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May 6, 2010

Churches commonly raise money through bake sales, bazaars and spaghetti suppers. Battle Creek's First Church of the Nazarene has found an uncommon fundraiser -- selling fireworks.The church partnered with TNT Fireworks as a way to help fund its food pantry last year, and it was so successful they're doing it again this year.In 2009, with an estimated $4,200 raised from the TNT Fireworks tent sale, the church purchased two modular buildings for its His Hand Compassionate Ministry Food Bank. The food pantry serves those in need from surrounding communities."We are making a difference in the lives of people who need encouragement, urgent assistance and life education," says Jim Spohn, pastor at First Church of the Nazarene. "Our partnership with TNT Fireworks greatly aided in our efforts to expand our food pantry last year, and we are again dreaming big as to how it may impact the lives of the more than 100 children we minister in this coming year. As a result, we feel these fireworks tents have a positive effect on our community." He said church members are praying for how the funds should best be used. One option is sending youngsters to camp.TNT works with more than 50 fundraisers in Michigan including church groups, marching band boosters to veterans groups. They raise money selling fireworks that are legal in Michigan.TNT advises the nonprofit organizations how best to conduct their fundraising campaigns. TNT conducts much of the preliminary work involved in setting up stands and tents at each location, lessening the labor-intensive burden on nonprofits. Part of this process is TNT University -- a required day of class -- to educate the group on what members need to know to run a successful fundraiser.The Alabama-based TNT has worked with nonprofit groups for more than 40 years. Groups use TNT stands and tents across the country to raise more than $20 million annually.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jim Spohn, First Church of the Nazarene

Conference offers opportunities for small businesses

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Development News

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May 6, 2010

Tony Rubleski wants entrepreneurs to be better marketers. He says businesses can grow, stand out and ultimately dominate their market if their marketing plan and strategy are good ones.He's written a book that breaks down the process into simple steps that real world businesses people can tackle. "Mind Capture - How You Can Stand Out in the Age of Advertising Deficit Disorder" is his guide to generating new leads, creating return customers and winning market share in an era when people are bombarded with advertising images.Rubleski will offer his proven, practical advice as the keynote speaker at the business leader conference "Celebrate Business - 2010: The Year of Growth," organized by the Strategic Small Business Initiative.  Rubleski keynotes the event that features seven other speakers and their topics:• Sales by Mary Jane Mapes, a certified speaking professional;• Entrepreneurship by David Kersjes, a principal at Breakaway in the field of Management Consulting and a coach at Resource Associates Corporation;• Small business' role in turning the Michigan economy around by John Schmitt, business consultant at the Small Business & Technology Development Center at Western Michigan University;• Branding by Kelly Duggan, owner and president of Kelly Duggan Image Consulting;• Social media by Terry Bean, founder of Networked Inc. and Motor City Connect;• Goal setting by Karen Vogelmann, a certified coach who developed her own intuitive coaching process;• Networking by Sandy K. Derby, president of Derby Financial & Associates, LLC.  The daylong conference takes place from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors, 5830 Venture Park Drive, Kalamazoo.Seats are $75. Online registration is open.The Strategic Small Business Initiative provides effective growth strategies to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide through networking, educational forums and peer support.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Gail M. Turluck, SSBI

Lawmakers ask Amtrak to add another train between Chicago, Kalamazoo

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In The News

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May 6, 2010

State legislators representing Southwest Michigan have asked the Michigan Department of Transportation to make a formal request to Amtrak for additional train service between Chicago and Kalamazoo, the Herald-Palladium reports.If approved, the train service would depart Kalamazoo earlier in the morning and depart later in the evening from Chicago than trains now in service. Lawmakers pointed out the train would allow southwestern Michigan residents the opportunity to spend a full day in Chicago -- conducting business, working, attending to medical needs -- and return home in one day on the train.Excerpt:The legislators last week sent a letter to MDOT asking for an additional train leaving Chicago Union Station every evening at 10 p.m., and a return trip leaving Kalamazoo at 6 a.m. each morning. The proposed train would make stops in Hammond, Ind., New Buffalo, Niles, Dowagiac and then Kalamazoo.Currently there are two trains between Chicago and Kalamazoo. Amtrak's Blue Water train leaves Chicago Union Station at 4:10 p.m., arriving in Niles at 6:51 p.m., and the Wolverine leaves Chicago at 6 p.m. and arrives in Niles at 8:43 p.m.Marc Magliari, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said Amtrak should be able to reach a decision on the request within a year, "perhaps even by this fall."For a list of the legislators who signed the letter to MDOT, read the entire story.Source: Herald-Palladium

Help on the way for area gardeners

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Innovation News

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May 6, 2010

Gardening is about to get easier. Fair Food Matters, a Kalamazoo-area nonprofit organization that supports and promotes local food, has launched a new program to help area gardeners. As interest in community gardens, school gardens and backyard gardens has picked up around Kalamazoo so has the demand for information. The Garden Network will offer gardening information, resources and networking opportunities to anybody who grows vegetables, fruits or herbs throughout the region.   Shelly Claflin has been hired to coordinate the program for 2010. As program coordinator, Claflin will also connect gardeners with one another through an online discussion group and Facebook page. She will offer advice on how to find plants, equipment and other garden necessities. Claflin will conduct educational workshops and help coordinate the 2010 Kalamazoo Community Garden Tour. She also will help make sure excess produce is delivered to regional food banks. Claflin is a seasoned gardener and community organizer, and has coordinated garden projects in the Vine and Oakwood neighborhoods of Kalamazoo. She also has experience in the hospitality industry, as well as in nonprofit program management, event creation and fund development. Claflin earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Cultural Anthropology from Western Michigan University. The Garden Network program is free of charge and available to all gardeners in Kalamazoo County. For more information, please contact the Garden Network. Writer: Kathy Jennings Scource: Paul A. Stermer, Executive Director, Fair Food Matters

Battle Creek casino chips in for clinic to serve employees

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Development News

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May 6, 2010

FireKeepers Casino isn't gambling on the health of its employees. On May 1 the Battle Creek casino opened a 766-square-foot clinic for its 1,500 workers.The clinic is being offered in partnership with Borgess Health, which participated in a competitive bid process. The clinic will feature two exam rooms and a Borgess Health mid-level care provider, also known as a nurse practitioner, will be on staff 40 hours a week. A doctor will be available on an as-needed basis.FireKeepers Casino's team members can get regular check-ups, preventative care and treatment for minor work related injuries. Team members can also come to the clinic if they are not feeling well or have general health questions or concerns. They can come from home or drop in while they are at work. Team members can visit the clinic during regular hours with or without an appointment.Pre-screens for new team members also will be offered at the clinic.The health clinic was a concept jointly initiated by FireKeepers Casino's Director of Human Resources Peggy Houston, General Manager Bruce McKee and the Tribal owners of the casino, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. All see the clinic as an added benefit for team members that promotes healthy life styles."The new clinic is an example of our continuous commitment to our team members' well-being, while striving to be an employer of choice," Houston says.Borgess Corpfit Services Executive Director Vince Marcinek, says, "FireKeepers Casino is applauded for the extra steps they are taking to foster good employee health. Caring for employees is the right thing to do and it is also a win-win situation for both the employee and the employer."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Michael Facenda, FireKeepers Casino

The proof the arts make a difference is in the data

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Development News

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May 6, 2010

Battle Creek will host an opportunity for arts organizations to get their act together.At the informational event, representatives of arts organizations will learn about the Michigan Cultural Data Project. It's an online management tool designed to build arts and cultural organizations by giving them the information they need to analyze financial and other related information. The information collected allows organizations to put together 70 different reports that can then be used to bolster the case made in grant applications. The information also can be used to seek out funding partners and to keep board members, potential donors, advocates and policy makers informed.After completing an online form each year, nonprofit groups can generate instant annual reports and trend analysis, benchmark performance against other organizations and use the data as part of applications to participating foundations.  Michigan launched its Cultural Data Project May 3, the eighth state to do so nationally.Among those attending the Battle Creek informational session will include Jennifer Hill, Director of Special Projects, ArtServe Michigan; Linda Holderbaum, Executive Director, Art Center of Battle Creek; Katie Nelson, Collections Manager, Kingman Museum and Jennifer Sellers, Special Projects Manager, Kingman Museum. The event is 2 - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, One Michigan Avenue East, Battle Creek. It is one of 14 events ArtServe is sponsoring across Michigan through October.Sponsors of the program include: ArtServe Michigan, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Council of Michigan Foundations, Frey Foundation, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, MASCO Corporation Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Southfield Community Foundation.The Michigan Cultural Data Project is operated by the Pew Charitable Trusts.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jennifer Hill, Director of Special Projects, ArtServe Michigan