Economic Development

Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.

Super Saturday: It’s not just a one day event anymore

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Arts & Culture
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June 3, 2010

From 30,000 to 40,000 people are expected to turn out in Kalamazoo this weekend to take in the largest downtown event of the year.The event that began years ago as Super Saturday has morphed into the kick off of the summer season for retailers, restaurateurs and entertainment venues across downtown.The fun begins Thursday with the Greek Fest at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Musical headliners are the Spin Doctors Friday and Night Ranger Saturday.Next up is the expanded Art Hop featuring art work in nearly 60 different locations across the downtown. Art on the Mall, traditionally a Saturday event, will open Friday night to cater to the Art Hop crowd. From 5 to 10 p.m. there will be a sneak preview of the KIA Art Fair in Bronson Park.Silliness steps off Saturday morning with the Do-Dah parade, a Kalamazoo tradition in which participants spoof just about anything as they march through downtown. Throughout the day people will be flocking to the 59th annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair where they'll find 200 artist booths, a kids art yard, live music, a beer garden and food court on South Street.Friends of the Library Book Sale, at the Kalamazoo Public Library, will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is a Ladies Library Ice Cream Social and a Historical Walk that starts in front of Gazelle Sports, 241 S. Kalamazoo Mall.The weekend concludes with the Concerts in the Park series at Bronson Park beginning at 4 p.m. with Kalamazoo Singers, one of the area's premier choral organizations.Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Vicky Kettner, DKI

Latest in Economic Development
St. Joseph sponsors a summer of dog gone fun
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Economic Development
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June 3, 2010

Dogs from the past and the future were part of the fun when St. Joseph unleashed its summer public art display, Hot Diggity Dogs. Think Dyno-Mutt in a dinosaur costume and a mechanized Robo Dog solar panel and you'll get the picture. The dogs will remain downtown until Oct. 1.Some, like artist James O'Haver of St. Joseph, dressed for the occasion the day the dogs went on display. O'Haver in overcoat and deerstalker cap matched his creation, the basset hound Sherlock Hound. Numbers on the statue's base read 221, a tip of the deerstalker cap to 221 Baker St., the home of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.Excerpt: "I'm a Sherlock Holmes fan, along with Hercule Poirot and other British mystery genre that's on television," O'Haver said. "I really love that stuff. I loved the whole idea of doing one of the animals as Sherlock Hound."O'Haver said initially he wasn't going to do Sherlock Hound, but when he came downtown and learned there was no address between neighboring Marie's Hallmark at 219 State and Signal Travel and Tours at 223 State, he couldn't resist. There had to be a 221, he said."I thought that would add a little mystery to it, and I thought of doing Sherlock Hound on a base that has 221 - the missing address," said O'Haver, an artist with a studio at the Box Factory for the Arts. "I seem to be creating a quite little stir. The costume helps a little bit, but the kids like the idea of Sherlock Holmes."For more information on St. Joseph's sixth year as sponsor of a downtown public art project, read the entire story.Source: Herald-Palladium

Increase in tourism expected to heat up summer business in South Haven
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Economic Development
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June 3, 2010

Last summer leasing agents in South Haven reduced rental rates in anticipation of a season slowed by harsh economics. Those days are gone, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. Already, Shores Vacation Rental in South Haven has seen a 3 percent increase in bookings over last year. Other rental firms in the city also report bookings are up over last year. Statewide, tourism travel is expected to increase 2 percent over last year while spending is expected to rise 3 percent. Excerpt: The South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau also is encouraged by early season indicators, such as the 30 percent increase in traffic on the bureau's website this year over the same period in 2009, said Lisa Shanley, executive director of the bureau. "A lot of those turn into actual visitors," Shanley said. "We're very optimistic about this year."           The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council markets hotels, resorts and other tourist activities in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.  The office has been flooded with calls from people from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and other southern states inquiring about vacationing in Southwest Michigan, said Millicent Huminsky, the council's executive director. The reason? The massive oil slick lapping on the shores of several Gulf states that are home to popular tourists sites.  "We've gotten calls from all over," Huminsky said. "People are looking for clean water and clean beaches. I feel bad about the disaster down there, but it actually might help us." Information on vacancies at local marinas also is reported in the story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Battle Creek saves money with innovative software
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Economic Development
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June 3, 2010

Printed pay stubs are a thing of the past for City of Battle Creek employees.They were eliminated as part of a money-saving effort."Like so many cities out there, we are looking at a deficit and budget cuts in 2010, so we are taking a close look at our processes and services to find better ways of doing business," says Linda Morrison, finance services manager for Battle Creek. The city is saving time and money by using New World Systems' eSuite to eliminate printed paystubs. "By empowering our employees, we are also freeing up time that would normally be spent processing paper or fielding calls for personnel information," says Morrison.Michigan-based New World Systems has more than 750 customers comprised of more than 1,500 public sector agencies across the United States.New World Systems, a public sector software company in Troy, has provided software solutions for public safety and public administration organizations since 1981. The Company designs, develops, markets, supports and implements the fully integrated Logos Public Administration Suite for local governments and the Aegis Public Safety Suite for Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Linda Morrison, City of Battle Creek

Magazine for boaters raves about South Haven
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

The June edition of Lakeland Boating Magazine has so many nice things to say about South Haven it devoted six pages to the city.Author Heather Steinberger writes: "Best known for its ample dockage, breathtaking sunsets and abundance of blueberries, the tiny community of South Haven, Michigan is a boater's paradise just waiting to be discovered."The magazine, which describes itself as the voice of the Sweetwater Seas for more than 50 years, offers in-depth boat tests to stories on weekend getaways, product roundups to features on colorful ports of call on the Great Lakes.  Excerpt:"All boaters must see a South Haven sunset off the lighthouse pier," Mayor Burr advised enthusiastically.That really is a must do. Local Ottawa, Miami and Potawatomi tribes called this area Ni-Ko-Kong or "beautiful sunsets." I can vouch for the sunsets; they are breathtaking.Visit the white-sand public beaches that are within a short walking distance from the city's transient dockage," the mayor continued. "Shop our well-established Farmer's Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. And the fishing is awesome, with salmon, steelhead, lake trout and perch from May through August."Both Mayor Burr and Robin Abshear encouraged boaters to enjoy the festival season as well.For pictures and more observations, read the entire story. Source: Lakeland Boating Magazine

Spring brings a fresh approach to eating local
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

Borgess Health's Farmer's Market is back for another season of fresh foods. Once again this year Borgess is making it easy for patients, visitors and employees to eat and shop local. Throughout the spring and summer, Borgess sponsors a farmer's market in its courtyard, just outside the Borgess Medical Center cafeteria, 1521 Gull Rd. Registered dietitians are also often on hand to provide counseling and meal suggestions.While customers shop, they can hear music performed by the students of Kalamazoo School of Music & Dance and Crescendo Academy of Music.The third edition of the Borgess Light Hearted Living Cookbook will also be for sale. Pick up a copy for $19.95.Market dates and times are: June 25, July 23, Aug. 27 and Sept. 24, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.Participating Farmer's Market vendors include: Pampered Chef, Riverstreet Flowerland, Fat Blossom Farms, Twice Maple Orchard, Nottawa Fruit Farm, Taste of Heaven, Russell Farm Market & Greenhouse, Apple A Day Farm, The Candy Lady, Water Street Coffee Joint, Country Life Natural Foods, Judy Vemma, Rykse's, Bella Joy Pottery, Sarkozy Bakery, Leduc Blueberries, DASH Minerals/Scentsy and Shelton Farms. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Borgess Health

Western Michigan University names new dean of business school
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

Following a national search, Dr. Kay M. Palan has been named to the leadership position of Western Michigan University's Haworth Business College effective July 1. Her appointment was made pending approval by the WMU Board of Trustees. She comes from Iowa State University where she was associate dean for undergraduate programs for the College of Business."Dr. Palan's academic and professional background, her engaging manner and her clearly communicated shared values and commitment resonated with members of this campus community," says Dr. Timothy Greene, WMU provost and vice president for academic affairs. "There's a genuine sense of excitement about the direction the college will go under her strong leadership."During her tenure at Iowa State University, Palan managed and coordinated both an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurial studies and a graduate certificate program in the same field. She also undertook a number of marketing-related consulting projects with civic, nonprofit and corporate entities throughout the state. Those projects dealt with marketing strategy, market opportunity analysis, feasibility studies, communication branding strategies, marketing plan development and customer satisfaction and loyalty.The Haworth College of Business, WMU's second largest college, is the academic home to nearly 5,000 students studying in six departments."I'm really very excited about leading the Haworth College of Business," Palan says. "The faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders all impressed me with their passion for the college and their desire to move forward. My experience and background are a good match with the college's and University's mission and direction." Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Cheryl Roland, WMU

Albemarle recognized by American Chemistry Council
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in delivering innovative specialty chemicals and clean energy solutions, recently was recognized for acting with care when it comes to environmental stewardship -- and its facility in South Haven helped it earn the accolades. Albemarle received four awards from the American Chemistry Council for the company's contributions to the improved performance of the chemical sector.The company received the Responsible Care Performance Award, given to those that excel at helping the American Chemistry Council meet industry-wide safety and product stewardship targets. Since 1988, members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have significantly improved their environmental, health, safety and security performance through the Responsible Care initiative. Participation in Responsible Care is mandatory for ACC member companies.Albemarle is one of only 10 companies to receive the award, and also received a Responsible Care Facility Safety Certificate, presented to companies with particularly high-standard achievements in employee health and safety performance.Two Responsible Care Significant Improvement in Manufacturing awards also went to Albemarle for two plant projects. The Bayport Facility in Pasadena, Texas, and the South Haven facility were recognized for their continual efforts in energy conservation."For more than twenty years, Responsible Care has represented a common commitment of companies working together to continuously improve our industry's performance. The companies and individuals recognized today have distinguished themselves as leaders in our commitment to sustainability," ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley says.Niomi L. Krzystowczyk, Albemarle's Division Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment  said the awards "formally acknowledge our commitment to promoting sound sustainability practices throughout our organization and the communities in which we work and live."Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., employs approximately 4,000 people and serves customers in approximately 100 countries. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Stephanie Dixon, Albemarle

Seneca Medical Inc. gets to work at Midlink
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

Work is under way on an 83,000-square-foot warehouse for medical supplier Seneca Medical Inc.'s distribution operation across Southwest Michigan and beyond.By the time the project is done, Seneca Medical expects to have invested $3.5 million in land and building costs, including the purchase of 10.6 acres of land in Midlink Business Park.There may be as many 25 employees working at the site by the end of the warehouse's first year of business. There already are 10 employees working at the site. The warehouse and related operations in the Kalamazoo area expands the medical supplier's reach into Southwest Michigan and northern Indiana, says Todd R. Howell, Chief Financial Officer."It represents our long-term commitment to the State of Michigan that Seneca will be providing medical supplies for the foreseeable future," Howell says.The move also benefits the health care continuum -- acute care hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, surgery centers -- in Michigan by providing Seneca, a large regional option, as a viable alternative to the large national companies in the medical-surgical supply distribution space.If business goes well, the operation at the site could employ up to 50 workers in coming years. "It depends upon how the State of Michigan welcomes us to the area in terms of revenue growth," Howell says.Seneca Medical, founded in 1990 in Tiffin, Ohio, has five distribution facilities and provides a wide spectrum of product distribution and support services to health care providers and other market segments throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and surrounding states. Seneca Medical also has well-established distribution relationships with more than 1,200 high-quality market-leading manufacturers for a wide range of products and services. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Todd R. Howell, Seneca Medical Inc.

Portage resident offers favorite dining picks at updated online site
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Economic Development
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May 27, 2010

Terry St. Louis of Portage sells insurance, and he spends a lot of time traveling Southwest Michigan, dining out at least five days a week. So many people asked St. Louis for advice on where to eat he decided to start Terry's Guide to Dining and Drinking to chronicle his picks for the best places to dine in Southwest Michigan. After a little over a year, the site has reviews and pictures of 350 places where St. Louis has found good food. Wineries, bakeries and breweries are all part of the mix. The site recently relaunched with a new look and features that are more friendly to mobile phone users and is constantly updated as St. Louis finds new places to eat. There are no negative reviews, only places where St. Louis can recommend good food. "When I go into a restaurant I ask what they are known for, what are their top sellers and build my review from that," St. Louis says.The restaurant guide covers all kind of eateries from dives to fine dining spots such Webster's in downtown Kalamazoo. The site also can be searched by city, cuisine and specialties. Hidden-away spots only the locals know about are also part of the package."One of my spots is two miles down a dirt road," St. Louis says. "I have reviews of places that are out in the middle of nowhere."The site recently has seen a lot more traffic -- 4,000 visitors last month -- and St. Louis attributes that to its redesign by Team Hypernet. He said the company not only provides attractive graphics but services to help drive traffic to the site.If the site continues to grow he hopes to eventually branch out and offer reviews from Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Grand Haven. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Terry St. Louis, Terry's Guide to Dining and Drinking

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