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.

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

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

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Economic Development

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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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Economic Development

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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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Economic Development

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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

Once the butt of jokes, Kalamazoo designer’s pants become serious business

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April 8, 2010

Colorful, multipattern designs are the trademark of designer Delainie van Almelo, who has been creating them for seven years. They make her totes and wallets unmistakeable, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette.No matter the style, the 27-year-old's items often feature small pieces of different colored cotton fabric and patterns sewn into a whole, the story says.Excerpt:In addition to bags and wallets, she's done snap pouches, magnets and mirrors, hats and legwarmers, "pillow cube" toys and bibs for babies, dresses and tank tops, even camera cases and coasters."Anything colorful," she said, laughing.Her most popular items, however — sold like the rest of her items through her online store hosted through Etsy.com — are her custom "ninja pants," wide-legged pants with a fold-over waist typically crafted from 100 percent cotton fabric or a 50/50 cotton-poly blend."They're like yoga pants, but I didn't want to just call them yoga pants," van Almelo said. "My husband and his best friend used to make fun of these pants all the time, and they'd call me a ninja in them, and that's where (the name) kind of came from."Van Almelo's had the last laugh, however, having sold more than 250 pair of the pants since she began making them three or four years ago. Through her online store alone, she's sold her goods to individuals in 41 states and 10 countries.To find out what else Alemlo makes, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Wind and solar energy training takes off at Kellogg Community College

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

Training and certification for working with wind and solar energy systems will be available as part of new program at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek. The Renewable Energy Certificate Program will be offered at the school's Regional Manufacturing and Technology Center, 405 Hill Brady Road.The 16-credit hour course, which is currently being developed, is on track to begin enrolling students in July.The program has been in the works since July 2009 when KCC developed a Renewable Energy Advisory Committee. "We are building this program to help grow our local economy and aid local businesses in fulfilling their renewable energy training needs, so this committee is essential to make sure that the program meets the needs of the community," says Laura DePompolo, director of the RMTC at KCC. The focus will be training industrial electricians to install, monitor and maintain small-scale wind and solar energy systems in industrial facilities.The curriculum also will cover the history and theory of renewable energy systems, health and safety guidelines for working with renewable energy systems and energy assessment. Funding comes from the Michigan Community College Association as part of an effort to develop alternative energy training in community colleges. KCC received $132,300. Of that, $108,300 will go toward supplies and $24,000 to curriculum development. Costs to install two solar systems and a wind turbine are not included but will be partially covered by a donation of approximately $24,000 and labor from five local unions and five local contractors. Contractors Hunter-Prell, W. Soule, Hoffman Brothers, Laborers Local 355, Southwest Michigan Building Trades Council and Schweitzer Construction are contributors. So are UA Local 333, IBEW Local 445, IBEW 445 LMCC (Motor Shop, Current Electrical, Union Electric), Ironworkers Local 340. School officials say the project would not have been possible without the unions' money and labor.The Renewable Energy Advisory Committee is made up of the Lawton-based renewable energy consulting firm Four Elements Energy, Union Electric, IBEW, the IBEW Local 445 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, Western Michigan University, the Branch Area Careers Center, the Calhoun Area Career Center, the Michigan Technical Education Center and Battle Creek Unlimited.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Laura DePompolo, KCC

Benton Harbor course may be ready for golfers by May 1

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April 8, 2010

By May 1 golfers will be able to try out 10 holes of The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course near downtown Benton Harbor. Officials say they hope the entire 18-hole course will be up and running by July 1, reports the South Bend Tribune.A grand opening, featuring golf legends Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, is slated for Aug. 10, the story goes on to say."We're very excited," said Wendy Dant Chesser, trustee of Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment Inc.The par-71, 6,900-yard course is near downtown Benton Harbor, and officials say it could have a major impact on the city's economy as well as surrounding communities. There are also plans for townhouses, cottages, condominiums and a family hotel.The 530-acre development is situated near Lake Michigan and the Paw Paw and St. Joseph Rivers. Excerpt:"All individuals will be driving (through) downtown Benton Harbor to get there," said Mark Hesemann, managing director of Evergreen Development. "It will change the image of Benton Harbor." Dant Chesser said there could be $500 million in tax base incentives over the next 20 years, meaning job creation and increased consumer spending.The story continues, saying officials envision 20,000 rounds of golf played each year. They decided to release the latest news regarding the golf course in South Bend to emphasize the importance regionalism will play in the use of the course, and how the entire area could benefit from the success of such a venture.To find out other plans for the golf course, read the rest of the story.Source: South Bend Tribune

Benton Harbor, MSHDA team up on Downtowns of Promise

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

Benton Harbor is one of seven communities taking part in the Downtowns of Promise program. The program will create a strategy for revitalizing the city's traditional downtown. Goals will be set and progress monitored as part of the program. "The goal of the Downtowns of Promise program is to ensure these Michigan communities have attractive downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood districts to live, raise a family and to start and grow a business," Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), says."In order for the state's overall economy to succeed, its traditional downtowns and neighborhoods must gain population, generate business and attract private investment."The Downtowns of Promise program was created by the state as a way to assist with downtown housing development, build strong neighborhoods and help shape cities into places where people want to spend their working hours and free time. MSHDA's programs focus primarily on four areas: providing affordable rental housing, supporting home ownership, ending homelessness and creating vibrant cities and neighborhoods overall.The six other Downtowns of Promise are: Detroit, Flint, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Muskegon Heights and Saginaw.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Keith Molin, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Partnership puts Whirlpool appliances into thousands of dwellings

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April 8, 2010

Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corp. has tapped into a whole new market for its appliances through an arrangement with one of the largest owner and operators of apartment properties in the United States. Equity Residential, also the largest publicly traded owner of apartment units, has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Whirlpool, crediting the company's dedication to quality, outstanding products and service and its commitment to environmentally-conscious technology and practices."Equity Residential owns or has investments in 495 properties totaling 137,007 apartment units in 23 states and the District of Columbia," says Tom Halford, general manager of contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. "As their exclusive appliance partner for new construction, rehab projects and appliance replacement, this will mean additional business for Whirlpool and we are honored to play this role." "Whirlpool Corporation brings many great things to the table as an appliance manufacturer," said Michael Manelis, senior vice president of property operations at Equity Residential. "They help support our commitment to creating places people are proud to call home."The agreement not only brings more Whirlpool appliances to consumers, it also uses a system called SmartWay Transport — a collaborative program between the Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry — to deliver them with cleaner-operating, fuel-efficient motor vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. About 3,000 are employed in Benton Harbor.Writer: Stacie Carlson, Freelance WriterSource: Whitney Dean, Whirlpool Corp.