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.

Young owners, hip businesses headed downtown

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 13, 2010

The year's not even half over and already downtown Kalamazoo has welcomed five new retailers, two new restaurants, one bank branch and one theater. Two more retailers are in the wings. That doesn't even count a retailer and restaurant that opened their doors downtown during December -- the scooter store, Ace's Cycle, and fine European dining spot, Rustica.Rob Peterson, of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc., says this business boom is really not surprising. The newcomers simply are meeting a demand that has been growing in Kalamazoo for shops and restaurants not like those found anywhere else. "People in Kalamazoo have been craving something a little unique. They don't want the same store you can find in every other town."The new shops also are opening because other local retailers are running their businesses well and it is attracting business downtown. "They're focusing on customer service and they are creating something wonderful for patrons -- something more than putting merchandise on a shelf." As more shops continue to stay open later in the evening and patrons find there is more to downtown than athletic shoes and attire at Gazelle Sports, Peterson expects the current momentum to continue to build.Another encouraging note -- the majority of the new businesses are being started by young owners, so the next generation of downtown businesses could be growing up. Here's the roll call:• Retro, 240 S. Kalamazoo Mall, sells vintage furniture and accessories, primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s. The store moved from its previous South Westnedge Avenue location where it has been for the past 10 years;• An eclectic new store, i heart ipanema, 115 W. Lovell St., got its start at the online retail site Etsy. It offers apparel for women and men. It also sells art and vinyl; • Big Steps shoe store, 245 S. Kalamazoo Mall, sells sizes 13 to 22 for men and 10 to 17 for women. It fits into 850 square feet of the commercial space that formerly housed Terrapin. (Terrapin moved next door.); • Cakes Boutique, 245 S. Burdick, is a clothing retailer doing business in 1,000 square feet of the space, owned by Patti Reinholt. Its motto is bringing big city shopping for women's apparel and accessories to Kalamazoo at affordable prices. It shares space with Big Steps; • Isabel Soto Jewelry, 155 Farmers Alley, offers pieces designed by artisans from around the world. The new showroom is open only by appointment;• Consumers Credit Union, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall. The downtown Kalamazoo branch, will be Consumers' 13th credit union branch in West Michigan. The 3,000-square-foot branch is expected to employ four people;• Studio 246, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall, is the home to Crawlspace Evictions Productions, Fancy Pants Theater, and Kinetic Affect. The troupes appear in rotation at the theater; • Casa Bolero, fine Mexican restaurant with a full wet bar, now doing business at 116 Portage Road;• Studio Grill, 312 W. Michigan Ave., opened this winter as a bakery and coffee shop and now offers casual dining restaurant as well.Joining them soon will be Brewer's Garden, 248 N. Kalamazoo Mall. It will offer specialty ingredients that homebrewers otherwise might not find in the Kalamazoo area -- such as organic hops grown by Michigan farmers. The 800-square-foot space is in the 200 block of the North Mall across from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Confection, a specialty baker, 230 S. Kalamazoo Mall, will be a full-service bakery that will sell muffins, cones, cookies and donuts. When it opens the plans are for a full espresso bar, sandwiches, salads and some entrees for lunch. Peterson says downtown retailers and restaurateurs lobbied DKI two years ago to focus on recruiting and retaining businesses, duties that had been spread among several DKI employees. It became his job to pay attention to what could be done. "The first thing I ask myself each morning is what can I do to move the cause forward." And while he says he does not want to give himself too much credit, that attention has helped lead to success downtown.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Rob Peterson, DKI

Green manufacturing is topic for two days of events at WMU

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 6, 2010

A broad-based group of Southwest Michigan companies came together May 5-6 on the campus of Western Michigan University to pursue green manufacturing projects and programs. Representatives from about 75 companies gathered May 5 at WMU for presentations from a number of Southwest Michigan firms using green practices.The gathering is part of a green manufacturing initiative funded last fall with a $1 million federal award to WMU.The meeting was called to help build a critical mass of West Michigan companies actively pursuing green manufacturing techniques. Executives from Herman Miller, Subaru, Cummins, Perrigo, Kellogg Co., Cascade Engineering and DENSO are expected to offer presentations.The next day a smaller group launched an industrial consortium to explore how to develop greener manufacturing and supply chain. The day of activities was intended to provide the companies attending with an opportunity to learn and network with university representatives as well as companies that represent a broad cross-section of the manufacturing sector and are committed to green manufacturing. The initiative will provide services to help companies become greener. Status reports and updates of some initial projects undertaken by a new university and industry consortium that focuses on green manufacturing were presented the morning of May 6.The reports reviewed work done by WMU researchers and their industry partners at Armstrong International, Burroughs Corp. and Ottawa Gage. Those attending heard presentations by Randal Hountz, associate director of Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program, and Dr. Michael Sharer, WMU's director of intellectual property management and commercialization.A smaller group of industry leaders in green manufacturing also gathered in the afternoon May 6 for the inaugural meeting of the new consortium.The Green Manufacturing Industrial Consortium is an industry and university cooperative research and development body modeled after the National Science Foundations successful Research Centers Program.The group's members are companies engaged with the university to collaborate on green manufacturing projects and programs. The consortium will identify and promote projects of mutual interest throughout the manufacturing enterprise. The efforts they undertake will range from focused projects such as material selection in product design and green manufacturing processes to general activities such as waste reduction or elimination in manufacturing (lean manufacturing), and energy conservation, says Dr. David Meade, associate director of the Green Manufacturing Industrial Consortium.The Consortium also is supported by the federal funding received by WMU last fall, but is primarily funded through the dues paid by member organizations. Thursday's afternoon meeting will be the Consortium's first official gathering. The afternoon is a closed business meeting for members only. Writer: Kathy JenningsContact: Cheryl Roland, Western Michigan University

Help on the way for area gardeners

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 6, 2010

Gardening is about to get easier. Fair Food Matters, a Kalamazoo-area nonprofit organization that supports and promotes local food, has launched a new program to help area gardeners. As interest in community gardens, school gardens and backyard gardens has picked up around Kalamazoo so has the demand for information. The Garden Network will offer gardening information, resources and networking opportunities to anybody who grows vegetables, fruits or herbs throughout the region. Shelly Claflin has been hired to coordinate the program for 2010. As program coordinator, Claflin will also connect gardeners with one another through an online discussion group and Facebook page. She will offer advice on how to find plants, equipment and other garden necessities. Claflin will conduct educational workshops and help coordinate the 2010 Kalamazoo Community Garden Tour. She also will help make sure excess produce is delivered to regional food banks. Claflin is a seasoned gardener and community organizer, and has coordinated garden projects in the Vine and Oakwood neighborhoods of Kalamazoo. She also has experience in the hospitality industry, as well as in nonprofit program management, event creation and fund development. Claflin earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Cultural Anthropology from Western Michigan University. The Garden Network program is free of charge and available to all gardeners in Kalamazoo County. For more information, please contact the Garden Network. Writer: Kathy Jennings Scource: Paul A. Stermer, Executive Director, Fair Food Matters

Gilmore biennial keeps Kalamazoo in tune with global vibes

By Zinta Aistars

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General

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May 6, 2010

Kalamazoo is proud of the high level of its cultural offerings. One of those is the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. Writer Zinta Aistars talks to members of the Kalamazoo community to hear their thoughts about how The Gilmore influences Kalamazoo.

Conference offers opportunities for small businesses

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 6, 2010

Tony Rubleski wants entrepreneurs to be better marketers. He says businesses can grow, stand out and ultimately dominate their market if their marketing plan and strategy are good ones.He's written a book that breaks down the process into simple steps that real world businesses people can tackle. "Mind Capture - How You Can Stand Out in the Age of Advertising Deficit Disorder" is his guide to generating new leads, creating return customers and winning market share in an era when people are bombarded with advertising images.Rubleski will offer his proven, practical advice as the keynote speaker at the business leader conference "Celebrate Business - 2010: The Year of Growth," organized by the Strategic Small Business Initiative. Rubleski keynotes the event that features seven other speakers and their topics:• Sales by Mary Jane Mapes, a certified speaking professional;• Entrepreneurship by David Kersjes, a principal at Breakaway in the field of Management Consulting and a coach at Resource Associates Corporation;• Small business' role in turning the Michigan economy around by John Schmitt, business consultant at the Small Business & Technology Development Center at Western Michigan University;• Branding by Kelly Duggan, owner and president of Kelly Duggan Image Consulting;• Social media by Terry Bean, founder of Networked Inc. and Motor City Connect;• Goal setting by Karen Vogelmann, a certified coach who developed her own intuitive coaching process;• Networking by Sandy K. Derby, president of Derby Financial & Associates, LLC. The daylong conference takes place from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, at the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors, 5830 Venture Park Drive, Kalamazoo.Seats are $75. Online registration is open.The Strategic Small Business Initiative provides effective growth strategies to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide through networking, educational forums and peer support.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Gail M. Turluck, SSBI

President Obama coming to Kalamazoo Central commencement

By Newsroom

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Education

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May 6, 2010

Talk about a "wow factor" that puts Kalamazoo front and center in the national spotlight. The White House announced this week that President Barack Obama will be the graduation speaker for Kalamazoo Central High School June 10.Central was declared the national winner of the Race To The Top High School Commencement Challenge. The competition included applications from over 1,000 schools. The list of applicants was narrowed down by the White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education to six high school finalists. President Obama personally chose the winner among the final three schools. Read all about it on the White House site:Excerpt:Congratulations Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the winner of the 2010 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge! We received over 1,000 applications that were narrowed down by the White House Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education to six high school finalists. Between April 26th and April 29th, over 170,000 people weighed in on short videos and essay from the six finalists. President Obama selected the national winner from the three high schools with the highest average ratings.Source: thewhitehouse.gov

Former Upjohn Jet taxis back into Kalamazoo

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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May 6, 2010

A new airplane for RAI Jets / Air Ambulance Provider and Mott Enterprises is one that's flown local skies before.Phil and Mardee Mott of Mott Enterprises announced that N2UP once owned by the Upjohn Company has returned to Kalamazoo.RAI Jets pilot Doug Swartz welcomes back the stand-up cabin Citation jet and remembers it well. "As the director of aviation for Upjohn, I picked this plane out brand new from Cessna," Swartz says. "Now I get to fly it again! It was a great plane for Upjohn and will be a great addition to the other executive aircraft RAI Jets operates."Many local Upjohn employees used this plane extensively. When Pfizer bought out Pharmacia / Upjohn, they sold the plane and it went to the other side of the country. Many of pilots and passengers that flew in this plane are excited to have it back for their use.Mardee Mott says the plane was purchased to offer the community quality medical assisted transportation. "The plane will be equipped with special medical equipment to allow non-emergency medical transports as well as executive charter," she says.Air Ambulance Provider LLC, a company that has been in business less than a year, will provide the medical team and equipment for all medical transports.For charter clients, the Citation VIs streamline offers seating for up to nine passengers. Its airframe and quiet, efficient engines allow it to fly non-stop from Kalamazoo to Los Angeles."Combining the resources of Mott Enterprises, RAI Jets and Air Ambulance Provider will give us the ability to offer an amazing service to the local community," says Becky Bakeman, president of both Air Ambulance Provider and RAI Jets.Bakeman adds: "The Mott family owns the plane. RAI Jets is the Air Carrier that will operate the aircraft. Air Ambulance Provider will supply the medical personnel and medical equipment when a medical flight is necessary. All three companies work together to accomplish the mission as necessary."RAI Jets LLC has been in business for a little more than one year, though Bateman says its personnel has been providing this type of service for many years. The company provides charter air service, aircraft management and maintenance throughout North and Central America. RAI Jets' flights cover destinations throughout the continental U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Air Ambulance Provider transports medical patients with varying need levels, for both domestic and international flights. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Becky Bakeman, President, RAI Jets / Air Ambulance Provider

Three Kalamazoo-area companies team up to compost cups

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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April 29, 2010

Three Kalamazoo-area companies have cups in common.Kalamazoo-based Fabri-Kal makes the cups, Bell's Eccentric Cafe serves up its brew in them, and Mulder's Landscape Supplies, Inc., mulches them after they have been used.Greenware, made by Fabri-Kal, are the cups. The cold drink cups and lids are made entirely from plants -- not petroleum. The resources used in the polymer that goes into the cups can be replenished naturally within one year. Made from a biopolymer, the Greenware product line is 100 percent compostable in municipal or industrial facilities.Greenware products require a specific temperature and level of humidity to compost correctly, which is why they are certified by the Biodegradable Plastics Institute, and meet international standards for composting.Since Southwest Michigan does not have a composting facility operated by a municipality the three companies teamed up to make sure the cups would be properly returned to the earth. Fabri-Kal's Vice President of Marketing John Kittredge calls this the cradle-to-cradle approach and says such local efforts are "smart, simple and truly beneficial economically, socially and environmentally." Mulder's handles the composting of leaves and yard waste for the city of Kalamazoo and has the capability to compost the Greenware cups alongside other natural waste."The Greenware cups are amazing to work with because they are 100 percent compostable," says Art Mulder, president and owner of the landscape supplies company. "We mix them in our leaf compost, and the compost in turn is sold and used in gardens throughout the Kalamazoo area."Bell's Eccentric Cafe has reduced its trash output 80 percent by volume, just by diverting their Greenware cups from landfill, says Evan Meffert, Sustainability Coordinator at Bell's Brewery.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Kate Kirkpatrick, Fabri-Kal

A harvest of sunshine

By Stacie Carlson

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Environment & Sustainability

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April 29, 2010

A solar array surrounded by corn and soy bean fields is an experiment on a grand scale for Connor Field and his father, Sam. Writer Stacie Carlson talks to them about what their learning about creating solar power from their massive do-it-yourself project.

Federal funds will pay for Kal-Haven Trail $1.2 million face-lift

By Newsroom

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Environment & Sustainability

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April 29, 2010

The resurfacing of the eastern half of the Kal-Haven Trail will begin this month, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports.The portion to be resurfaced reaches from the 10th Street trailhead in Kalamazoo County to the west village limits of Bloomingdale in Van Buren County. Excerpt:Most of the funds for the $1.2 million project were obtained by the road commission through the federal stimulus package.Battle Creek-based contractor Hoffman Brothers will resurface the limestone and asphalt as well as mark the pavement.The work is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 31.The surface of the 34-mile-long trail is about 20 years old.Hoffman plans to resurface the trail in one-mile sections and will set up detours to keep the trail open during the construction project. Riders are encouraged to check in with trail staff at the various trail heads for up-to-date project information.For information on the number of riders who use the trail, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette