With an economic development organization that is the envy of many communities, Battle Creek is building on its food industry roots and maximizing the space that makes it the state's third largest city in land area. For fun each year Cereal City, world headquarters to the Kellogg Co., celebrates the most important meal of the day with the World's Longest Breakfast Table. Bikers, joggers and nature explorers have a trail system of parks, forests and streams linked by a 24-mile linear park. Campers and outdoor-lovers visit Fort Custer Recreation Area for fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and boating. For animal lovers, Binder Park Zoo is a must. The Battle Creek Art Center and Battle Creek Symphony stoke the city's many cultural offerings and the new Firekeeper's Casino adds to the city's fun side. B.C's Math and Science Center is acclaimed and secondary education needs are met by Kellogg Community College, Robert B. Miller College and a branch of Western Michigan University. As a touchstone to the city's history, Sojourner Truth, who lived here, watches over downtown from a memorial built in her honor.

Battle Creek is the next city being covered in the “On the Ground" series which amplifies the voices of  the city residents. Over the next year, Second Wave journalists will be embedded in the city of Battle Creek to explore topics of importance to residents, business owners, and other members of the community. 

The On the Ground program is made possible by funding from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, BC Unlimited, Michigan Works!, the City of Battle Creek, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the Miller Foundation, the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Calhoun County Administration, Binda Foundation, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.