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.

Golf course starts $80 million project that could transform SW Michigan

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April 22, 2010

The start of the second season at the Golf Club at Harbor Shores on April 23 is just one of several signs of progress and accomplishments at the long-awaited Harbor Shores Resort Community along Lake Michigan.In July, depending on weather, the final eight holes will open, completing the Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Currently, 10 holes, which opened to the public last year, are playable. Tee times became available as of April 23.On Aug. 10, Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and some of his other still-to-be-announced, famed pro golfer buddies come to town for the official opening and celebration of the course, says Ron Eng, director of marketing for Evergreen Development, the master developer of the project.The golf course is the centerpiece of a Harbor Shores, a 538-acre planned community that straddles Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Benton Township. Harbor Shores is a mix of residential, retail and resort developments on waterways, golf courses and in town, Eng says.The target market are tourists and second-home buyers from Detroit, Chicago and Indiana, Eng says."We are looking to outside residents to come in and invest in our community," he says.About $80 million has been spent over the last five years on the project, Eng says. Construction has begun or is starting next week on model homes, spec homes and custom homes. The community is divided into four districts: the River District, the Harbor District, the Fairway District and the Shores District.Cottages along the river, houses along the golf course, and townhomes and condos, all within walking distance of Lake Michigan, will make up the residential component. There also will be retail developments and a resort hotel, spa and restaurant, Eng says.All of it will mean new jobs and more investment.Already the golf club has 50 seasonal employees and many of the builders and their employees are local residents. "We're really trying to influence the economy and create a tourism and hospitality economy," Eng says. "This will result in all kinds of direct and indirect jobs," from hotel housekeepers, restaurant managers and workers to golf pros, massage therapists, builders and electricians.Evergreen Development was retained by Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Inc., a nonprofit charged with economically remaking the region by capitalizing on the waters and outdoors and the people who seek them out to live, work and play. Once the nonprofit begins to turn a profit, funds will go back into the community, maintaining roads, supporting schools, improving public spaces and more.For more information, check out the Golf Club at Harbor Shores website.Writer: Kim North ShineSource: Ron Eng, Director of Marketing, Evergreen Development

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New spa and salon in St. Joseph is more than $100,000 investment

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Economic Development

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April 22, 2010

The Reva' Salon & Spa in St. Joseph opened a little more than month ago, and the investment the owners made to pay for gutting and renovating an old building is paying off.Three new stylists and three receptionists have been hired, bringing to 21 the total number of Reva' employees, said Kristy Sandmann, a resident of nearby Baroda who owns Reva' with her husband John Sandmann.John Sandmann, his father and brothers are in the hair-cutting business too. They work in a barber shop behind Reva'. Sandmanns, a separate business with its own entrance, is a family barber shop started by his grandfather 55 years ago.The Sandmanns have invested at least $100,000 on the interior of the Reva' Salon & Spa alone, Kristy Sandmann estimates.Much more than that was invested in building an addition, property for a parking lot behind the barber business and other renovations. While Sandmanns barber shop is old school, Reva' is about the latest in beauty.The spa, which is located in a customized addition off of the existing building at 2036 Washington Ave., offers massages, pedicures, manicures, facials and waxing and also steam therapy for detox treatments such as mud wraps.The salon, which is about 1,900 square feet, was designed with separate cutting rooms, coloring rooms and washing rooms, Kristy Sandmann says. "It's been so exciting," she says.Regina Ciaravino of the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce shares the excitement. "This is a great business for the city," she says.The chamber plans to celebrate the new business in town with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 May 10.Source: Kristy Sandmann, Reva' Salon & SpaSource: Regina Ciaravino, Chamber Development, Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce

Art Shop Too brightens downtown Battle Creek

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April 22, 2010

Officials with the Art Center of Battle Creek are painting a brighter picture for downtown Battle Creek with the May 3 opening of a satellite gift shop and smaller exhibit area at 80 W. Michigan Avenue.Linda Holderbaum, executive director of the Art Center, says road construction in front of the organization's East Emmett Street location prompted the opening of the downtown shop and exhibit area, known as Art Shop Too.The shop will feature the work of 170 Michigan artists, some of whom live in the Battle Creek area.A reception on May 2 for downtown merchants to welcome their new neighbor will precede the opening to the general public the following day. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Holderbaum says the move will enable patrons to avoid the road construction and make it easier for them to access the Art Center's shop. The move to the downtown is a temporary one, but there is no set date to leave the new site. A seven-block area of roadway along Emmett from Fremont Street to McKinley Avenue is scheduled to be closed until mid-September for street, sidewalk, water and sewer work.As part of a deal worked out between the Art Center and Battle Creek Unlimited, the arts organization will not pay rent for the previously vacant West Michigan Avenue property and will pay only those utility costs which go above what BCU previoulsy has paid to maintain the storefront.Holderbaum says downtown workers or those with a receipt from a downtown eatery will receive a 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases.For more information about the Art Center of Battle Creek, call (269) 962-9511 or visit their Web site. Writer: Jane ParikhSource: Linda Holderbaum, Art Center of Battle Creek

Battle Creek students create snack bar for the stars

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Economic Development

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April 15, 2010

Battle Creek students' snack bar creation may feed astronauts one day. For now, it wins them money and opportunity.The winning students, from the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, won one of three grand prizes in the Spirit of Innovation Awards' Innovation Summit at the NASA Ames Conference Center in Moffett Field, Calif., by creating a healthy snack bar for astronauts.The competition took place from April 8 to 10 and winners, none of whom have reached the junior year in high school, were chosen from 21 finalists from around the country. Top winners receive grant money that can be used to turn their projects into commercial reality, and winners in each category receive $5,000. All finalists receive $1,000 in matching grants.On top of that, venture capitalists often check out the participants' ideas and inventions for possible product and program launches.The competition encourages high school students to solve the challenges of the 21st century by creating breakthrough technologies in one of four categories: aerospace, green schools, renewable energy and space nutrition. Battle Creek's team, AM Rocks, created Solar Flare the Star Bar. The snack became a favorite not only of the judges but of the public as it took the People's Choice Award. The award went to the team with the most votes cast during an online, public voting period. As the top vote-getter, AM Rocks received two seats on a zero-gravity flight. The team describes the bar as a "light textured satisfying snack with a blend of whole oats, puffed rice, and dried fruits with a touch of honey and cinnamon. ... It is a chewy granola bar with an apple cinnamon craisin flavor. Solar Flare the Star Bar is a delicious and healthy 'pick-me-up' bar that keeps you going through anything." The team says the light and portable bars can be enjoyed any time as either a meal or snack whether you are in space or on Earth. "Our bar has the just right mix of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals that a body needs for sustained energy," the team says.Team Members were Mikayla Diesch, Ethan Rutherford, Shannon Diesch, Naomi Joseph, They were coached by Diane Schear.The Spirit of Innovation Awards and Innovation Summit are presented by the Conrad Foundation in partnership with the NASA Ames Research Center.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Julie Arnold, Griffin Communications Group

Inclusive attitude promotes solutions for Landscape Forms

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April 15, 2010

Landscape Forms, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial outdoor furniture and accessories, with headquarters in Kalamazoo, has been named one of the 101 the Best and Brightest Companies in West Michigan by the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA).This year's winners excel at practicing innovative strategies and represent best practices in human resources.Only companies with the highest quality human resources initiatives receive the honor.Landscape Forms President Bill Main says, "The economic turndown we have all experienced has strengthened our dedication to our successful business model created by involving our people in determining the future of the company. We share the news -- good and bad -- with the whole team, so creativity is always top-of-mind, and solutions tend to come quicker. "This award, added to that which we received from the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the United States, is a clear indication that we are continuing to follow the right track as we move forward in always placing our employees first."An independent research firm judges the companies on key measures in various categories, such as communication, community Initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development and several others. The winning 101 companies also vie for 10 elite awards, one granted for each category. A "Best of the Best" award will be granted to an overall winner who has excelled in all categories. The 2010 winners of West Michigan's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For will gather May 6 in Hudsonville to receive their awards and meet other recipients. They all will get involved to a further extent by learning about other winners' ways of doing things. Landscape Forms is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting and accessories. Since its founding in 1969 the company has worked with municipalities, transit centers and corporate, college and health care campuses. Its clients include Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Bill Main, President of Landscape Forms

Soon-to-be-built regional cancer center gets $500,000 gift

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April 15, 2010

Construction of Lakeland HeathCare's regional cancer center moved one step closer with a donation from the Lakeland Auxiliary.The philanthropic group from St. Joseph has pledged $500,000 toward the new medical facility at the Lakeland Health Park in Royalton Township, St. Joseph.The cancer center will be a two-story, 30,000-square-foot building that will connect to the existing Center for Outpatient Services Lakeland hopes to break ground for the new regional cancer center this spring at the Lakeland Health Park, with a projected opening date in the fall of 2011. "It's really exciting for the Auxiliary to be part of the new regional cancer center," said Tina Kirby, interim president of the Lakeland Auxiliary, St. Joseph. "Helping out with special projects like this one is what the Auxiliary is here to do." Lakeland HealthCare's regional cancer center will provide a full range of oncology services in one location.Services will include diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, screenings outpatient surgery and chemotherapy. The cancer center will feature infusion services, physical therapy and a pharmacy. It will have an educational component with a resource library. Plans also call for an on-site boutique and appearance center for current and former cancer patients."The generous gifts of the Lakeland Auxiliary, St. Joseph, have been the catalysts for the success of every major fundraising campaign at Lakeland," said Bill Johnson, president of the Lakeland Health Foundations. "We are deeply grateful that our St. Joseph Auxilians continue to support first-class medical care here in southwest Michigan." Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Erin Gerard, Lakeland HeathCare

New degree adds to growing line up offered by Southwestern Michigan College

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April 15, 2010

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has added a new bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology.The degree will be offered in fall 2010 at the Dowagiac campus in a partnership between SWC and Ferris State University.The addition of the bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology brings to seven the number of bachelor's degrees that can be earned without having to leave Southwestern Michigan College. Last month, SMC added three new associate degree programs and four certificate programs, bringing the total number of associate degree programs it offers to 24, and the school's number of certificate programs to 22.Considered leading edge, the CIT program prepares students for several industry computer certifications, including: CompTIA's A+, Network+, Linux+, Security+, and Microsoft's Systems Administration Certification (MCSA). The degree was developed through direct consultation with future employers in an effort to provide students with a strong core business understanding combined with industry certification. "The need for affordable access to high quality college education has never been greater. SMC will continue to expand academic offerings to serve the students and workers of this region," says Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews."The bachelor's degree in Computer Information Technology will be offered in SMC's state-of-the-art Information Technology Center in the Barbara Wood Building on the Dowagiac campus. Like each of the other programs approved last month, this program will provide students with the skills they need to get some of the best jobs available today."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: David Mathews, Southwestern Michigan College

Bank builds second branch in Kalamazoo area

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April 15, 2010

First National Bank of Michigan has broken ground on its second branch in the Kalamazoo area.Heavy equipment is at the site at 5313 West Main in Oshtemo Township in preparation excavation needed before laying of the foundation, says John Schreuder, First National Bank of Michigan Chairman and CEO.The bank branch will be a 3,200-square-foot office and will employ up to six people, Schreuder says. Some of the positions will be new and other employees will come from the bank's other locations. Schreuder anticipates the new branch office will open by Labor Day.First National Bank was encouraged to pursue a second branch based in part on its success with its Portage office, Schreuder says."When we expanded into Portage we found a good reception in the south county market. We thought the west side would be another good spot to expand."The decision to build the new branch was clinched when Martha Betke agreed to lead the new office, Schreuder says. "Buildings are nice, but the real indicator of success is people. Especially in banking. People like to bank with people they know and Martha Betke is well-known. People have worked with her for years."Before joining First National Bank, Betke was a senior vice president for National City Bank.First National Bank of Michigan also celebrated its fourth year in business this week."April 13, 2006, we opened our office downtown and we've had a good response from opening day."Schreuder attributes that to the bank's willingness to work closely with local small business owners."We got into this business because individual small business owners wanted to know the people who were making the decisions at the bank. Then if their request is denied they have someone to talk to, someone who can help them understand why the decision was made."Four years later, we're still convinced it's good business to serve the small business owner. We work with individuals in a way that they know we understand their business." Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: John Schreuder, First National Bank of Michigan

Promising companies aim to pair up with funders

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April 15, 2010

Two Kalamazoo companies will soon pitch products and plans to venture capitalists looking to invest their money.RealBio Technology, Inc., a company working to develop a better system for growing cell cultures, and Vestaron Corp., a developer of innovative pesticides from snake venom, have been asked to be part of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium, May 11-12, in Ypsilanti, Mich. The symposium invites leaders in the venture capital investment world to connect with entrepreneurs, startups and emerging growth companies that are actively searching for partners and funding. The event will host more than 400 attendees and 65 investment firms. The 32 emerging and growth business ventures slated to present made it through a rigorous screening process. The businesses seeking capital that would take them to the next level come from the areas of life sciences, energy, IT and technology.At Vestaron, scientists are unlocking the mystery of how spiders kill insects -- work that is leading to a new generation of insecticides. So far, more than 50 unique insecticidal spider peptides have been identified. A patented technology, exclusively licensed to Vestaron, has proven highly effective against insects and related pests and harmless to non-target species, including humans. Target markets include agriculture, animal health and specialty non-crop uses such as household insects. RealBio has developed a new cell culture that allows human stems cells to grow and be maintained for more than a year. Stem cells also can be harvested for the same amount of time without adverse affects. RealBio's technology can be tailored to culture numerous tissue types.Overall, RealBio's Culture System promotes the growth, function, and harvest of a variety of human and animal cells for use in a range of research, study and production applications.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jean Serra, Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

International Keyboard Festival tunes up Southwest Michigan

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Economic Development

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April 15, 2010

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival opens the piano lid April 17 and doesn't close it again until May 8.In between, Kalamazoo becomes the place for all things piano. There's classical, jazz, chamber music, the ever unpredictable fringe events (a harpsichord performance and piano improv are two this year) and the many collaborations between pianists and a variety of vocalists.Concerts and recitals are the main attraction during the 22-day event, but there also are keyboard education master classes and pre-concert talks where the music is illuminated for the audience. Plus there are piano-themed films.The festival brings music lovers from across the nation and the world to Kalamazoo and shines a spotlight on the depth of the area's cultural offerings.Keyboard Festival events also take place in Allegan, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Richland, Three Rivers, Vicksburg and Zeeland. Ticket prices vary depending upon the event and range form $12 to $50.One of the most prestigious honors for pianists, the Gilmore Artist Award, is presented every four years on a non-competitive basis. Pianists never know that they are being considered for the award and all observations of a pianist's performances leading up to their selection are conducted in secret.The 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein takes the stage at 8 p.m. May 3 in Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., in Kalamazoo, and again for the festival's closing May 8 at the Festival Gala Concert for a performance with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, also at Chenery Auditorium.Born in Voronezh, in southwestern Russia, Kirill Gerstein studied piano at a special music school for gifted children and taught himself to play jazz. He came to the U.S. at 14 to continue his studies in jazz piano at Boston's Berklee College of Music. He also continued to study classical piano repertoire. Following two summers at the Boston University Young Artist program at Tanglewood, Gerstein moved to New York City. There he studied with Solomon Mikowsky at the Manhattan School of Music. By the age of 20 he earned both his Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees. Now 30 years old, he peforms with esteemed orchestras and conductors and in recitals throughout the world.The Gilmore Artist receives a $50,000 cash grant to be used at the artist's discretion and $250,000 typically disbursed over a four-year period for projects and activities that will enhance the artist's musicianship and career."Over the past ten years we have observed Kirill Gerstein develop into one of the most compelling and profound musical artists of his generation," said Daniel Gustin, festival director. "He is the epitome of what we seek in the Gilmore Artist -- a musical thinker and performer who will continue growing and who can, and we believe will, attain a career as a major concert pianist for the 21st Century."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Daniel R. Gustin, festival director