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.

Bank builds second branch in Kalamazoo area

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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April 15, 2010

First National Bank of Michigan has broken ground on its second branch in the Kalamazoo area.Heavy equipment is at the site at 5313 West Main in Oshtemo Township in preparation excavation needed before laying of the foundation, says John Schreuder, First National Bank of Michigan Chairman and CEO.The bank branch will be a 3,200-square-foot office and will employ up to six people, Schreuder says. Some of the positions will be new and other employees will come from the bank's other locations. Schreuder anticipates the new branch office will open by Labor Day.First National Bank was encouraged to pursue a second branch based in part on its success with its Portage office, Schreuder says."When we expanded into Portage we found a good reception in the south county market. We thought the west side would be another good spot to expand."The decision to build the new branch was clinched when Martha Betke agreed to lead the new office, Schreuder says. "Buildings are nice, but the real indicator of success is people. Especially in banking. People like to bank with people they know and Martha Betke is well-known. People have worked with her for years."Before joining First National Bank, Betke was a senior vice president for National City Bank.First National Bank of Michigan also celebrated its fourth year in business this week."April 13, 2006, we opened our office downtown and we've had a good response from opening day."Schreuder attributes that to the bank's willingness to work closely with local small business owners."We got into this business because individual small business owners wanted to know the people who were making the decisions at the bank. Then if their request is denied they have someone to talk to, someone who can help them understand why the decision was made."Four years later, we're still convinced it's good business to serve the small business owner. We work with individuals in a way that they know we understand their business." Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: John Schreuder, First National Bank of Michigan

New business picture calls for new way of thinking

By Newsroom

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Technology & Innovation

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April 15, 2010

Collaboration is bringing out the best of two area businesses, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports.Evan Eichhorn's Kalamazoo Screw Products is working with Pinto Products' owner Matthew Pinto to produce parts for a tank that holds disinfectant used to fog large areas, such as class rooms or hospital rooms. The tank design itself was developed by Altapure Health LLC, based in Carmel, Ind.One reason the collaboration works is small manufacturers like Kalamazoo Screw Products and Pinto Products can produce specialized parts quickly, a huge advantage for both, Eichhorn says in the story.Excerpt:Pinto said he signed on with Eichhorn because they have a relationship built on trust.He said he remembers a time when manufacturing companies didn't need to do anything special or out of the box to turn a profit. But, he said the downturn in the automotive industry shook up that sense of complacency and paved the way for an era of cooperation among businesses of all sizes."The fact that things are tight makes it a no-brainer and we're doing whatever we can to survive," Pinto said. "If we get this (Altapure business) it will see us through the next couple of months."Eichhorn said he lost about $2.5 million "almost overnight" when production of Volvo and Lincoln automobiles went overseas. He said his staff of 19 has decreased to six within the last three years.For more on how the businesses are collaborating, read the entire story.Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Promising companies aim to pair up with funders

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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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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Economic Development

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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

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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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

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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Economic Development

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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

By Newsroom

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Environment & Sustainability

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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

NuWave sees its future in electronic health records

By Newsroom

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

Electronic health records are propelling a growth curve that's gone steadily upward for NuWave Technology Partners.The Michigan-based company with offices in Kalamazoo, Richland, Grand Rapids and Lansing celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. For the Richland office the anniversary will be celebrated in new and bigger quarters across the street.Chad Paalman, NuWave vice president of sales, says electronic health records drive growth in all of the service areas the company provides. The new networks, telephone systems and equipment that are required to make the switch to electronic health records work pulls in all the divisions of the company he has built with his father, Rick, and brother, Kyle.Paalman expects electronic health records to continue to be a big driver for the company as the federal government moves toward making it a requirement that all physcians use them and away from simply encouraging doctors to make the switch.Paalman attributes the companies continuous growth in a time of economic downturn to a number of factors. He says he and his brother learned frugality from their father and have maintained an attitude of fiscal responsibility as the company has grown. Service is another another factor. "Everyone says we give great service," Paalman says. "We strive to provide white-glove treatment." He also is a big believer in the motto: "Surround yourself with people who know more than you do." That has led to good hiring moves and a staff that the company is proud of.Being recognized and recommended by the Small Business Association for its work has been a positive selling point for the company and one that it has been able to build upon. Right from the start, the company also has made the kind of strategic moves that have helped it grow, as well. Paalman says that the first day the company opened its doors it had three employees, him, his brother and his father. The next day they acquired another company, their 600 customers and their 10 employees. NuWave has continued to acquire companies, their customers and staffs as their original owners have left the field, Paalman says.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Chad Paalman, NuWave Technology Partners