Page 549 – Second Wave

InterAct to be under one roof in $1.95 million downtown Kalamazoo project

By Newsroom

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May 20, 2010

By the first of next year a longtime downtown Kalamazoo community services center could be in a new home.InterAct of Michigan, now working out of three locations downtown, will be leasing a newly constructed headquarters built by The Hinman Company. Ground recently was broken for two-story, 24,000-square-foot building at 610 S. Burdick Street that is expected to cost $1.95 million to build. The building also is LEED Certified."We're extremely excited that this building will give us a barrier free, safer, more efficient opportunity to serve people," says Claudia Wink-Basing, InterAct Executive Director. "We're grateful for this opportunity."The new building, which had been in the conceptual stages for about four years, will allow the agency to bring its 110 employees under one roof. There's also room for expanding the agency's staff by 10.Last year InterAct provided services to more than 1,300 people with mental illness, physical and developmental disorders or both. InterAct has been a tenant of The Hinman Company for 19 years.Due to their long term relationship and support of InterAct of Michigan's mission, The Hinman Company partnered with InterAct to make the project a reality, says Andy Wenzel, Director of Development for The Hinman Company.Incentives from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Brownfield Redevelopment MBT Credit also helped bring about the project."We are excited about the opportunities this project will bring to InterAct of Michigan, to the downtown Kalamazoo area," Wenzel says, "and to the citizens that depend on InterAct's services to better their lives."Writer: Kathy JenningsSources: Claudia Wink-Basing, InterAct of Michigan, Andy Wenzel, The Hinman Company

Allegan hospital will spend $300,000 on expansion

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

Community residents and the Perrigo Foundation are teaming up to help a local hospital become bigger and better. More specifically, Allegan General Hospital will be expanding its infusion center, where treatments are administered into a patient's vein using tubing.Chemotherapy treatments, immune system medications, steroids, iron, antibiotics, blood count stimulants and other medications, as ordered by a physician, are some of the treatments offered.The center will serve cancer patients and patients with anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, and other diseases requiring transfusions and IVs.Other features are private treatment areas with heated, massaging rocker-recliner chairs for patients and TVs, music systems and headphones for each patient. DVD players and laptop computers with wireless Internet access also will be available. A waiting area with more space for families and friends, and a patient education center are part of the plans.The infusion center renovation and expansion is funded with $200,000 from the Perrigo Foundation and $100,000 from the Allegan community. In July 2009, the Perrigo Foundation made an initial donation of $100,000 to the hospital and challenged the community to raise a sum that the company would then match. Community donations totaled $100,000, allowing the hospital to receive the full amount of the challenge grant from the Perrigo Foundation. "To reach the $300,000 mark in our fundraising efforts is a tremendous achievement, allowing us to move forward with the renovation and expansion of the infusion center," says Gerald Barbini, president of Allegan General Hospital. Allegan General Hospital is a 25-bed community hospital governed by an 11-member board of trustees. Perrigo is the world's largest manufacturer of OTC pharmaceutical products for the store brand market. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Gerald Barbini, Allegan General Hospital

Sunshine provides power for RVers, retailers

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

The strong winds that often rock Michigan's shorelines and the beating sun are creating energy in Southwest Michigan. And that's creating opportunity for local retailers. "In the upper Midwest, solar business is really starting to pick up," says Jay Quickel, category team leader for general merchandise for Harbor Freight, in Kalamazoo. "We have entry level panels that can power up to 10 hours." For Brian and Leslie Pitts of Vicksburg, "10 hours of electric" is music to their ears. Last summer, they purchased a single solar panel that connects to their deep cycle RV/Marine battery. "It allows us to run our RV without being plugged into electricity," says Leslie. "All functions of our RV can be run as long as the battery stays charged, and it stays charged pretty much indefinitely as long as it's sunny." The Pitt's found out about the solar option from another well-traveled RV couple who had been using their own for years to power their RV. "The panel is about 18 inches by 36 inches and has what looks like jumper cables extending from it," adds Leslie. "It fits nicely against the front of the RV and is small enough so it's easy to tuck away during traveling. Plus, it enables us to travel to more rustic areas while maintaining certain levels of comfort that we like when RVing." Quickel says Harbor Freight is "pleased to provide alternative-power options and many of our products are highly mobile."Currently, Harbor Freight also offers a solar panel that rolls up like a mat for easier transportation.Writer: Stacie CarlsonSources: Jay Quickel, Harbor Freight, and Leslie and Brian Pitts

Borgess again named one of 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

A familiar name is among companies recently recognized by Michigan Business & Professional Association for having exemplary practices in human resources.For the seventh consecutive year, Borgess Health was named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For by the MBPA and was among those honored at a celebration at The Pinnacle Center, Hudsonville, Mich., marking the accomplishments of the 101 leading businesses. Those recognized are companies that work with "imagination and conviction to create organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management," says the MBPA."This award reflects the professionalism and dedication of Borgess nurses, physicians, therapists and all members of the healthcare team who provide and support high quality patient care," says Paul Spaude, President & CEO, Borgess Health.To get that recognition, companies provide information about their practices and an independent research firm evaluates each company's entry based on key measures in the areas of communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection and work-life balance. "The honorees have clearly demonstrated why each of them would be an ideal place for employees to work," said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. Borgess Health includes more than 130 sites of care in 15 southern Michigan cities, as well as eight owned or affiliated hospitals, a nursing home, ambulatory care facilities, home health care, physician practices, managed care services, a cancer center and an air ambulance service. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Paul Spaude, President & CEO, Borgess Health

Contest calls for photos showing Michigan’s architectural heritage

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

Old is the New Green is the theme of a photography contest sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).From now till June 1 the agency will be accepting photos that showcase Michigan's architectural heritage. Historic preservation plays a significant role in environmentally and economically sustainable development, leading the National Trust for Historic Preservation to adopt the green theme for this year's National Historic Preservation Month, May 1 to June 1. By submitting one or more Old is the New Green-themed photos, entrants become eligible to:• Have their photography displayed on the Michigan.gov/shpo website;• Be featured in media coverage supporting the contest;• Be highlighted on SHPO and MSHDA social media sites;• Be entered to win a Meijer gift card donated by the Michigan History Foundation, or one of three weekend getaway prizes to the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit, the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, and Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey. The Book Cadillac Hotel is a 2009 winner of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation, and both the Park Place Hotel and Perry Hotel are listed in the State Register of Historic Sites. The getaway prizes were donated by the three hotels."We hope to spread the word throughout Michigan that preservation is inherently green by supporting sustainability," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway.Submit photos via email to or by mail to: Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Complete rules and details of the contest are available online. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Keith Molin, MSHDA

Kalamazoo Foundation receives $200,000 grant to fight racism

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

A national effort to promote racial healing, led by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has enlisted the efforts of one of Kalamazoo's leading organizations. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has been awarded a $200,000 grant, one of 119 organizations to be funded in the Kellogg Foundation's new five-year, $75 million "America Healing" racial equity initiative. The effort is intended take on structural racism and expand opportunities for vulnerable children.The national initiative will address the effects of such issues as residential segregation and concentrated poverty. Its aim is to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families by eliminating barriers to opportunities. Children of color are over-represented among the 29 million low-income children and families in the United States. About 61 percent of African American, 62 percent of Latino, 58 percent of children with immigrant parents live in low-income families, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty.In Kalamazoo, two nonprofit groups that works with young people, a group of young people and the Community Foundation itself will be looking at local practices and policies "to get to the meat of overcoming structural barriers," says Dr. Sharon Anderson.The work undertaken by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation will go beyond conversation. "We think people want to do something more than just talk about it, but no one has asked them to do more," Anderson says. "Our objective is to find various examples of how structural change plays out. We will be learning as we go."Participants will be asked to commit to a three-year process. They will evaluate programs being used elsewhere and learn how certain systems now in place locally discriminate against people of color. Projects and policies that reduce institutional racism are expected to emerge."When we are done," Anderson says, "we hope people will have a real sense of achievement."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Dr. Sharon Anderson, Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Local marathon invites people to run for the health of it

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 20, 2010

Kalamazoo is jumping to the front of the pack in helping Southwest Michigan sustain a healthier lifestyle, one of the motivating factors behind plans for the city's first marathon.The event has been set for the weekend of May 6-8, 2011, to accompany a weekend of running events that will showcase what the city has to offer.The Kalamazoo Marathon will build on the success of the Borgess Run for the Health of It, a local road race that has been drawing runners to the area for more than 30 years. In 2010 there were 5,000 people who turned out for the various race events, including a half-marathon, health walk, 5k and kids run.Director of the Borgess Health and Fitness Center Janeen Dosca, this year's race director, is working with Blaine Lam and Gazelle Sports co-owner, Chris Lampen-Crowell, to develop the event.Organizers expect the marathon to draw runners from across the Midwest. People were asking how to sign up even before formal announcement of the event took place, Lam says.Chris Lampen-Crowell, owner of Gazelle Sports, says there is a pent-up demand for a marathon in Kalamazoo, home to the state's largest running club.Lampen-Crowell says the event will be a "very special marathon that celebrates health."Major sponsors for next year are already in place. Meijer and Priority Health will remain sponsors, and support will also come from AVB Construction, Discover Kalamazoo, Gazelle Sports, K-Valley Orthopedics, Kalamazoo Orthopedic Clinic, Pfizer, Premier Radiology and RiverRun Press.For further details and the latest updates on routes and other information, visit Borgess Run for The Health of It.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Janeen Dosca, Borgess Health and Fitness Center

Dog mushing: It’s not just a winter pastime

By Zinta Aistars

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General

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May 20, 2010

If you thought dog sledding was strictly a winter activity for Alaskans, think again. Writer Zinta Astairs talks with a Kalamazoo computer jockey and avid musher whose dogs love to run during all four seasons.

Whirlpool Building Blocks will help in company’s own backyard

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 13, 2010

This year, the fifth for the program, homes will go up in communities in which Whirlpool Corporation has manufacturing, customer service and administrative offices: Benton Harbor, Mich.; Cleveland, Tenn.; Findlay, Ohio; Williamsburg, Iowa; and Yakima, Wash. Homes also will be built on university campuses to involve college students in the program.Details regarding build dates, university campus build locations and volunteer opportunities will be posted to the Whirlpool brand Web site and the Whirlpool Building Blocks Facebook page when available.In total, 36 Habitat homes have been built with partner families in Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas and Atlanta as part of the Whirlpool Building Blocks program. The program, created in 2006, is an extension of Whirlpool Corporation's support of Habitat for Humanity. Whirlpool has donated more than 10,000 products to Habitat ReStores and has engaged more than 6,000 employee volunteers.The company's commitment to Habitat also includes sponsorship of and participation in Habitat's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the donation of a range and refrigerator to every new Habitat home built in the United States, totaling more than 110,000 appliances to date. In 2011 Whirlpool Corporation also will support every Habitat home built globally, either through home sponsorship, product donation or volunteerism.Whirlpool's marketing partnership with Habitat for Humanity recently was named the No. 6 most influential cause marketing program of the past 30 years by Advertising Age.Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International, says, "We are grateful for all the ways that Whirlpool Corporation -- and its employees -- help strengthen families, and we are excited about what the next phase of the partnership holds."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Jeff Noel, Whirlpool Corporation

Kalamazoo company takes top award for its hugs and more

By Newsroom

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Development News

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May 13, 2010

It was an award ceremony recognizing elite companies in West Michigan, the 101 Best and Brightest.As the awards were announced one-by-one, nerves mounted for the owners of Valley Oak Financial as they tried to imagine telling their employees the award for Elite Small Business had gone to another company. Matthew and Amber Rzepka didn't have to deliver that talk. Valley Oak Financial was named "Best of Best" among West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Not best of just the small companies, best of all companies.All 101 companies were honored at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville, Mich., and 11 Elite winners were named. There were awards for: Communication, Community Initiatives, Compensation and Benefits, Diversity and Multiculturalism, Employee Education and Development, Employee Engagement and Commitment, Recognition and Retention, Recruitment and Selection, Work-Life Balance, Small Business and the "Best of the Best." The "Best of the Best" award from the Michigan Business and Professional Association goes to the company that excels in every category and hits a high score in all areas its human resource practices.Amber Rzepka can barely contain her excitement as she tells how the 10-person financial services company in Kalamazoo with 550 clients came to receive the coveted recognition. She attributes it to the company's dual ownership system that calls for one person to focus on serving the clients and another that places equal emphasis on Valley Oak Financial's employees."We believe that any environment goes toxic if left untended," she says. "We work to maintain an excellent culture for both our clients and our employees."From hiring to every-day operations, the company works to keep employees happy in the belief that engaged employees better serve its clients.In the interview process, prospective employees' families are invited to come in to find out about the company. Valley Oak Financial also uses reverse interviews for prospective employees. Once employees have joined the company and they are using their strengths every day, further programs offer frequent rewards and recognition. Through the company's HUG program any supervisor can award an employee $50 whenever they recognize a job well done. Employees are treated especially well on their birthdays when they get to go on a shopping trip. There is a more serious side of employee engagement, as well. Using the Harvard Business School case study model employees are brought in on business decisions to see how they are made. Reviewing the case studies also serves as training. "We want our employees to be not just good CPAs but good business people." For the Best and Brightest award, companies initially nominate themselves. Information they submit is corroborated and evaluated by a third party. Each company's entry is evaluated by an independent research firm. "It is with careful consideration that we have chosen our Elite winners this year. We are proud to provide a platform for West Michigan companies to demonstrate all they provide to their employees," says Jennifer Kluge, COO and executive vice president of the Michigan Business and Professional Association. "These select 101 companies recognize employees with competitive community initiatives, as well as other significant factors."Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Amber Rzepka, Valley Oak Financial, PLC