South Haven City Marinas keep boaters connected to the Internet
For boaters who just can’t stand to be cut off from the Internet the city of South Haven has a solution. This year, for the first time, Wi-Fi is available […]
Economic Development
Latest in Economic Development
Summertime in the city is festival time
Summertime is festival time in downtown Kalamazoo. Lots of towns host a festival or two during the summers. But for Kalamazoo that's just not enough. Greek Fest kicked off the festival season. Next up is Island Fest. Yet to come are Blues Fest, the Black Arts Festival, the Irish Festival, Rib Fest, Rock for Kids, Taste of Kalamazoo, Woofstock and Boiling Pot, the area's newest festival. Community Relations Director for Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. Vicky Kettner says over years the festival season has continued to expand as residents have found new ways to use the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The $2 million festival site opened in 2004, developed through private funding, is managed by DKI. in 2009, an estimated 180,000 people were drawn to various events there from mid-April to mid-October. To promote a sense of community, all the festivals downtown must have a theme, Kettner says. "All our festivals have deeply rooted community connections." Some raise money for local causes. For example, proceeds from RibFest benefit Community Advocates, an organization that supports those with developmental disabilities. Others are simply a place to meet up with people from across the region. Once local retailers and restauerters dreaded the way the festivals siphoned off their business. Now, through a survey, local businesses have a say in the hours of operations of new festivals requesting to use the downtown site. As attendance at the festivals as burgeoned local businesses are finding their ... is brisk. Kettner says she heard reports that during Greek Fest the local bar and restaurant Ouzo Taverna -- within walking distance of the festival site -- was standing room only. "We are not hearing the complaints we once did." When a festival is not in full swing, Arcadia Creek Festival Place is a spot for picnics, weddings and other low key uses by people who want to be near the creek. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Vicky Kettner, Community Relations Director
South Haven’s shore, shopping and more attract attention
It's the time of year when publications are putting out their recommendations for summer getaways. This year the Chicago Tribune Travel section suggests South Haven, a place that lures families with its beaches and berries. Excerpt: There's little that can compare with traveling the world and exploring new places; the rewards are endless. But there's something comforting and nurturing in returning again and again to a familiar destination. Part of it is that the trip becomes easier: You know which restaurants you prefer, where to shop for necessities, what to do when it rains. There are fewer decisions to make. And there is the anticipation of being able to repeat, or share with others, the thing that you enjoyed most the last time around. Either way, South Haven is a winner. It has small-town charm with world-class beaches, a variety of attractions and decent restaurants. And there's just something about the sunsets. For advice on places to stay and where to eat, read the entire story. Source: Chicago Tribune
St. Joseph sponsors a summer of dog gone fun
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
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
Magazine for boaters raves about South Haven
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
Kalamazoo’s Larry Bell gets a cheer from his peers
The Brewers Association has recognized Larry Bell of Bell's Brewery for his dedication and service to the industry, reports Draft Magazine. The magazine that ranks the best beers of the year says the industry recognition came at the opening session of the Brewers Association's annual Craft Brewers Conference April 7 in Boulder, Colo. Excerpt: The Brewers Association Recognition Award went to Larry Bell, Founder and Owner of Bell's Brewery, Inc. Bell started the Kalamazoo Brewing Company and Bell's Brewery, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1985, the earliest craft brewery in the eastern half of the United States. Larry's dedication to the industry includes serving as a former chair of the Brewers Association's predecessor organization and acting as a driving force with current Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for the creation of American Beer Month (which evolved into American Craft Beer Week). "Larry is a leader in our industry known for his innovative beers and the passion he brings to craft brewing," said Brewers Association Board of Directors Chair Nick Matt, CEO of Matt Brewing Company. Mountain West Brewery Supply's David Edgar noted in documents supporting Bell's nomination that "Larry is continually pushing the envelope with experimenting with different grains, different yeast strains and plenty of hops." For a look a who else was recognized, read the entire story. Source: Draft magazine
Benton Harbor course may be ready for golfers by May 1
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
Summertime in the city is festival time
Summertime is festival time in downtown Kalamazoo. Lots of towns host a festival or two during the summers. But for Kalamazoo that's just not enough. Greek Fest kicked off the festival season. Next up is Island Fest. Yet to come are Blues Fest, the Black Arts Festival, the Irish Festival, Rib Fest, Rock for Kids, Taste of Kalamazoo, Woofstock and Boiling Pot, the area's newest festival. Community Relations Director for Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. Vicky Kettner says over years the festival season has continued to expand as residents have found new ways to use the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The $2 million festival site opened in 2004, developed through private funding, is managed by DKI. in 2009, an estimated 180,000 people were drawn to various events there from mid-April to mid-October. To promote a sense of community, all the festivals downtown must have a theme, Kettner says. "All our festivals have deeply rooted community connections." Some raise money for local causes. For example, proceeds from RibFest benefit Community Advocates, an organization that supports those with developmental disabilities. Others are simply a place to meet up with people from across the region. Once local retailers and restauerters dreaded the way the festivals siphoned off their business. Now, through a survey, local businesses have a say in the hours of operations of new festivals requesting to use the downtown site. As attendance at the festivals as burgeoned local businesses are finding their ... is brisk. Kettner says she heard reports that during Greek Fest the local bar and restaurant Ouzo Taverna -- within walking distance of the festival site -- was standing room only. "We are not hearing the complaints we once did." When a festival is not in full swing, Arcadia Creek Festival Place is a spot for picnics, weddings and other low key uses by people who want to be near the creek. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Vicky Kettner, Community Relations Director
South Haven’s shore, shopping and more attract attention
It's the time of year when publications are putting out their recommendations for summer getaways. This year the Chicago Tribune Travel section suggests South Haven, a place that lures families with its beaches and berries. Excerpt: There's little that can compare with traveling the world and exploring new places; the rewards are endless. But there's something comforting and nurturing in returning again and again to a familiar destination. Part of it is that the trip becomes easier: You know which restaurants you prefer, where to shop for necessities, what to do when it rains. There are fewer decisions to make. And there is the anticipation of being able to repeat, or share with others, the thing that you enjoyed most the last time around. Either way, South Haven is a winner. It has small-town charm with world-class beaches, a variety of attractions and decent restaurants. And there's just something about the sunsets. For advice on places to stay and where to eat, read the entire story. Source: Chicago Tribune
St. Joseph sponsors a summer of dog gone fun
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
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
Magazine for boaters raves about South Haven
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
Kalamazoo’s Larry Bell gets a cheer from his peers
The Brewers Association has recognized Larry Bell of Bell's Brewery for his dedication and service to the industry, reports Draft Magazine. The magazine that ranks the best beers of the year says the industry recognition came at the opening session of the Brewers Association's annual Craft Brewers Conference April 7 in Boulder, Colo. Excerpt: The Brewers Association Recognition Award went to Larry Bell, Founder and Owner of Bell's Brewery, Inc. Bell started the Kalamazoo Brewing Company and Bell's Brewery, Inc. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1985, the earliest craft brewery in the eastern half of the United States. Larry's dedication to the industry includes serving as a former chair of the Brewers Association's predecessor organization and acting as a driving force with current Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for the creation of American Beer Month (which evolved into American Craft Beer Week). "Larry is a leader in our industry known for his innovative beers and the passion he brings to craft brewing," said Brewers Association Board of Directors Chair Nick Matt, CEO of Matt Brewing Company. Mountain West Brewery Supply's David Edgar noted in documents supporting Bell's nomination that "Larry is continually pushing the envelope with experimenting with different grains, different yeast strains and plenty of hops." For a look a who else was recognized, read the entire story. Source: Draft magazine
Benton Harbor course may be ready for golfers by May 1
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
