General

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Daycare filling up a sign of improved economy

Jobs are returning to Battle Creek's industrial park and so is growth in the businesses that support them, reports the Battle Creek Enquirer.Manpower Inc. at 4661 W. Dickman Road now employs five times more workers than it did during the worst of the economic recession, Branch Manager Betsy Sanford said in the story. The temporary staffing service center has about 380 workers on its roster, up from 75."It is turning around. The jobs are coming back," Sanford said.Excerpt:The hope of a brighter industrial future led Nicole Lewis to expand her home-based day care into the former Altrusa Day Nursery in the 4661 W. Dickman Road office complex alongside Manpower.Lewis' former business, called Urbandale Day Care, could accommodate only 12 children, but her new Fort Custer Child Care Learning Center is licensed for 100.At full capacity, she would need to hire an additional seven to 12 child care workers and she expects to need them eventually, she said. Already parents in the industrial park are clamoring to secure places for their little ones.For other signs of recovery, read the entire story.Source: Battle Creek Enquirer

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Gilmore biennial keeps Kalamazoo in tune with global vibes

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Benton Harbor, Berrien County Land Bank work to turn around neighborhoods

Blighted houses and vacant property in parts of Benton Harbor will be removed and improved under a three-year plan that uses economic stimulus money from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, reports the Herald-Palladium. The residential revamping of parts of the city was formally approved April 8 by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. The board agreed to accept $6.82 million in grant money. The agreement lets the county's Land Bank work with the city on rehabilitating homes, demolishing blighted property to turn them into new residences, the Herald Palladium reports. It goes on to say that Michigan received $263 million in economic stimulus money for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and the Michigan Housing Development Authority approved the grant request. This project was approved as part of one grant request for 12 cities and nine county land banks. A total of $15.43 million was allocated for the project, including $13.89 million for the work being performed by the city and Land Bank, the story continues. Excerpt: The three targeted areas for project funds include the southern part of the city where housing is generally in better condition, official said.The second area is bounded by Colfax Avenue, Pipestone Street, Main Street and Empire Avenue, and the third is the Morton Hill area. The city aims to buy and rehabilitate 69 houses at a total cost of about $7.45 million. Purchasers will receive $10,000 in home-buyer assistance to reduce mortgage payments, and financial counseling. For more on the program, read the entire story.Source: Herald-Palladium

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