Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.

Promising companies aim to pair up with funders

By Newsroom

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Development News

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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

Kalamazoo’s Larry Bell gets a cheer from his peers

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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April 15, 2010

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

International Keyboard Festival tunes up Southwest Michigan

By Newsroom

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Development News

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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

MBA business center opening celebrated at WMU

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Development News

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April 15, 2010

As business becomes increasingly global Western Michigan wants its students to be prepared.WMU's Haworth College of Business celebrated the opening of the new Master's in Business Administration Program Office and Global Business Center Tuesday, April 13. Members of the University community were there for a ribbon cutting ceremony and to hear remarks from President John M. Dunn.The center, under construction for months, occupies an area in the northeast corner of the large student study lounge on the main floor."Global business is the norm rather than the exception," says Dr. Ajay Samant, interim dean of the Haworth College of Business. "The primary focus of the Global Business Center," Samant continues, "is to facilitate and enhance the internationalization of the curriculum, faculty and students through multiple opportunities, including international internships, study abroad programs, competitions, conferences, partnerships and speaker series."In addition, the suite provides a permanent presence for our MBA program, which has been in existence for more than 50 years," Samant says. "Our graduate students are encouraged to use the space as a meeting place to interact with one another, work on team projects or hold networking events."The goals of the Haworth College of Business include:-- providing an environment supportive of student learning and achievement and faculty scholarship, development and achievement.-- being a strong partner with communities and business.-- advancing diversity and providing a positive work climate for students, staff and faculty.Dr. Zahir Quraeshi, professor of marketing, is director of the Global Business Center, while Dr. Jack Ruhl, acting associate dean for the Haworth College, is program director. Barb Caras-Tomczak is the center's academic advisor.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Valorie Juergens, WMU

Kalamazoo in 10 years … What do you want to see?

By Newsroom

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In The News

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April 8, 2010

During the next two months the public will be invited to share opinions about the city officials' plan for developing Kalamazoo over the next 10 years, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. The story goes on to say there are a number of ways the public can let the City of Kalamazoo know what it thinks of the plan. Comments can be phoned to (269) 337-8044. E-mail can be sent to cpd@kalamazoocity.org. Comments can be posted on the Plan Kalamazoo Facebook and Twitter sites.Excerpt:City Planner Keith Hernandez said the draft is being delivered to surrounding governmental units to assure Kalamazoo's plan complements future uses forecast for adjacent areas in Portage and neighboring townships.In addition, Hernandez said copies will be available for public review at Kalamazoo Public Library locations, Kalamazoo City Hall and the city's Department of Community Planning and Development office.The draft document also is expected to be posted on the city's Web site.Known as "Plan Kalamazoo," consultants sponsored a series of public meetings over the past year asking residents and business owners for their thoughts on how land can be best used to support Kalamazoo's neighborhoods, its commercial and industrial areas, green spaces and transportation needs. To find out more about the process for adopting the plan, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

WMU has tons of talent in engineering and design

By Newsroom

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Development News

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April 8, 2010

If you want to know what the next big thing is head over to Western Michigan University.A wind turbine designed for home use, an exterior protective shell for a three-wheeled, electric-powered vehicle, and product concepts to prevent falls and injuries in hospitals will be among the projects presented Tuesday, April 20, at Western Michigan University's 46th Conference on Senior Engineering and Design.WMU students will showcase and demonstrate their projects from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on WMU's Parkview Campus. Sponsored by the university, the event is free and open to the public.More than 200 seniors will present the results of 73 projects they have completed to solve problems facing business and industry.Many of the projects are sponsored by Southwest Michigan firms, including Flowserve Corp., Graphic Packaging, Kellogg Co., Pfizer Inc. and Stryker Medical.Participants represent a variety of disciplines, including construction engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and aeronautical engineering and paper and chemical engineering.The conference takes place twice a year, in April and December, to showcase the work of graduating seniors in the engineering disciplines who are required to complete a real-world capstone project.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Tamara Bergman, WMU

Triangle Associates named among West Michigan Best and Brightest

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Development News

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April 8, 2010

Triangle Associates is proud of its community involvement, and it's one reason it's been named one of West Michigan's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For. The Michigan Business & Professional Association compiles the list, and this is Triangle's seventh year in a row to receive the recognition. It is "a good test of the culture of a company," says Norm Brady, Triangle Associates Inc. vice president of human resources."Community involvement is one of the areas in which we rated very high," says Brady.Triangle Associates has 11 construction projects in progress across Southwest Michigan totaling $173 million.The company, which has a team of four full-time staff members devoted to the Southwest Michigan region, is involved in many community boards and organizations, including the Kalamazoo DDA, YWCA of Kalamazoo, US Green Building Council-Southwest Michigan Branch and the Kalamazoo Humane Society.At the company's monthly organizational meetings, Brady says, one of the topics of discussion is always community involvement projects. To make the Best and Brightest list, Brady says, companies complete a 20-page nomination application. The application asks for such information as the size of the company, its revenues, the benefits it provides and other facts about the company's business and community involvement practices.After making it through the first-round of scrutiny, an independent research firm contacts employees through an e-mail survey to verify the information provided. Nominees are evaluated in a number of categories including communications, 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 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.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Norm Brady, Triangle Associates Inc.

Gallery taps into buy-local enthusiasm

By Zinta Aistars

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General

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April 8, 2010

People are discovering they don't have to go to the big city to get world-class art. Writer Zinta Aistars talks to Terry Nihart about how he got the nerve to open a downtown Kalamazoo gallery to show that art in the teeth of a fierce economic downturn. Sometimes he shows art so edgy it tickles.

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

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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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

Kalamazoo County takes step that could lead to arena funding

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In The News

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April 8, 2010

A resolution to declare Kalamazoo County a recovery zone so it can take advantage of $46 million in low cost bonds — which could be used to help build an $81 million downtown event center — has been approved by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. The low cost bonds are available through the federal stimulus program and $27.65 million can go to private borrowers in the form of tax-exempt financing. The county can use another $18.43 million to build public infrastructure, like roads or water and sewage systems. In the story, County Board Vice Chairwoman Deb Buchholtz says few local projects would qualify for the bonds. Excerpt: "Whatever project is funded with those bonds has to have the financial backing to pay off the bonds," said Buchholtz, R-Cooper Township. County officials are looking to use the facility bonds toward the $81 million arena proposal in downtown Kalamazoo, if the project moves forward. The county board is considering whether to ask voters in August to approve a new tax on food and drinks in bars and restaurants, as well as an increase in the hotel tax, to pay off the construction debt. Buchholtz said the $27.65 million was a "sizable amount," but that Kalamazoo County was still working to access the unused bonding allocation that had been granted to other counties in the state. For more on other funding the county is seeking, read the rest of the story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette