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.

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

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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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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Economic Development

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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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Economic Development

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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

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.

Local marathon invites people to run for the health of it

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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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

Apartments spur redevelopment in Washington Square

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 20, 2010

Redevelopment has been slow in coming to the Washington Square district of Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood. But now it's happening, thanks to Roger Schmidt and his partners at TCS Properties LLC. The group acquired the property at 1336-1348 Portage Street two years ago for about $240,000. After extensive renovations they are now offering apartments for lease there. Schmidt said five of the 16 apartments on the second and third floors of the property are leased.The tenants thus far are professional people who work downtown and want easy access to it.Excerpt:The renovation work has included modernizing the building with new plumbing and electrical work, opening up interior areas, reconfiguring spaces and ameliorating damage from a fire that ravaged part of the interior of the structure after the acquisition, about 18 months ago."Eight of the 16 apartments are done and we will be getting a certificate of occupancy in a week or two," Schmidt said.Apartments in the location range in size from 600 square feet to about 800 square feet and will lease for about $500 per month. TCS will look to renovate commercial space on the ground floor of the building, which already has two tenants.The city of Kalamazoo, business leaders, economic-development officials and neighborhood groups continue to look for resources and ways to revive the area, particularly the now-vacant, one-acre lot that used to be the site of Deja Vu. It is directly across Portage Street from Schmidt's property.To learn Schmidt's vision for the neighborhood, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

No cats allowed in Kalamazoo pooch park

By Newsroom

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Environment & Sustainability

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May 20, 2010

Dogs in Kalamazoo soon will have a place to romp unleashed, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. Work is expected to begin soon on the first phase of a city dog park. With a low bid of $208,197.88, the project will be built by 5 Leprechauns, of Jackson. The company came in nearly $40,000 under the next low bidder in the nine-bidder field. For unlimited use of the facility, the city plans to sell annual passes at a cost estimated at $30 to $60. Non-city residents will be assessed a higher charge to use the dog park. Excerpt: Plans for the Fairmount dog park include a fenced area with entrance gates for pooches, waste receptacles, drinking fountains for dogs and their owners, activity areas for the canines, picnic tables, benches, signage, landscaping and parking improvements, vehicular security gates and barrier-free walkways. Once open later this summer, the park will be the first public space in the city of Kalamazoo where dogs can legally roam without a leash. The story goes on to say, a buy-a-brick campaign is now under way to create an endowment for ongoing operating and maintenance costs. For more on the plans for the city's first dog park, read the entire story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Wind turbine class winds up for round three

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 13, 2010

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is looking for a home for the wind turbines created by its first two classes. And for more students who want to learn how the first two classes did it.For the third time, KVCC will offer a course beginning in September that teaches wind turbine design, how to fabricate its components, assemble the power-generating unit and make sure it produces electricity. There are no technical prerequisites. The course that combines lecture and lab work is open to 18 students on a first-come, first serve basis. Students learn machining, drafting and design and welding and fabrication. "The goal is to produce a functioning wind turbine that generates one to three kilowatts of electricity," says Howard Carpenter, instructor and project leader.The students perform the basic functions and tasks in the design, critical machining and welding phases that produce shafts, blades and other components.The more detailed and complex jobs are handled by the instructors and advanced students."It's the process that is important for the students to see and understand," Carpenter says. "The turbine we build will produce electricity, but that's not the main function. Its function is to demonstrate the basic design, manufacturing, welding and electrical skills that are needed in making a turbine."To register for the course, go to the school's website or contact Sue Hills at 269-488-4371Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Howard Carpenter, KVCC

NIH grant for $1.83 million goes to Kalamazoo company

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Economic Development

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May 13, 2010

A Kalamazoo company working with researchers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is dedicated to finding treatments for human papillomavirus, or HPV, the cause of most cervical cancer.The National Institutes of Health continues to support that effort. Kalamazoo-based Nanovir and scientists at the University of Missouri–St. Louis have received a $1.83 million, five-year grant. The funding, designated as an ROI grant, is intended to support a specified research project. The grant is called "Biophysics of Drug Interactions with Viral Episomes," and will allow scientists to learn more about the small, circular pieces of DNA known as episomes.Three previous small business grants have specifically have been designated to help NanoVir work on commercialization of the treatments it is pursuing, rather than basic research. This grant, however, will fund studies of the fundamentals of the anti-viral drug necessary to take it to market, says Chris Fisher, director of biology at NanoVir, LLC.The lead investigator for the project, James Bashkin of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Center for Nanoscience at UMSL, is collaborating with Fisher."We are working toward an understanding of molecules that were designed to be therapeutic treatments for early intervention against cancer-causing forms of HPV," Bashkin says.Specifically, the researchers are seeking insight into how episomes binding the viral DNA results in its elimination from cells.Bashkin says there are two vaccines on the market that protect against two of the eight known forms of HPV that cause cancer. Further, the vaccines currently available aren't yet used by enough people to have realized their full potential impact. A new drug therapy would treat women who would not benefit from the vaccines.In 2007, the National Cancer Institute estimated that 11,000 women in the United States would be diagnosed with this type of cancer and nearly 4,000 would die from it. There are no drugs currently approved in the United States that specifically treats HPV infection. Cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer among lethal cancers that affect women worldwide.NIH supported the collaborative project through three previous Small Business Technology Transfer grants to NanoVir, one of which is still ongoing. Bashkin and Fisher founded the company in 2003.The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.Writer: Kathy JenningsSources: Chris Fisher, NanoVir, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis

Kalamazoo company takes top award for its hugs and more

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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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