STURGIS JOURNAL: Expansion expected at Americraft Carton

Sturgis — Americraft Carton Inc. in Sturgis is expanding.

“In the very near future, we will be breaking ground on the northwest corner of our property to start the first phase of our expansion,” said Eric Hansen, general manager and divisional vice president.

James Ware Construction of Sturgis is contractor for the 25,000-square-foot addition. Expected completion is early December.

CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS: Southwest Mich. tribe targets manufacturers, other industries in diversification push

Borrowing a page from Warren Buffett's playbook, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribe is redirecting money from its highly successful Four Winds Casinos into brick-and-mortar businesses outside of gambling to build its sovereign nation into an economic powerhouse ... The Pokagon Band has created its Mno-Bmadsen development arm, whose name means "walking the good path" in the tribe's language.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First adds four staffers and four interns to bolster regional development efforts

KALAMAZOO, MI – The organization whose focus is job-creation -- Southwest Michigan First – is expanding its staff by four and bringing on four new interns.

MiBIZ: SIDE BET: SW Mich. tribe targets manufacturers, other industries in diversification push

Borrowing a page from Warren Buffett’s playbook, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribe is redirecting money from its highly successful Four Winds Casinos into brick-and-mortar businesses outside of gambling to build its sovereign nation into an economic powerhouse.

With fewer than 5,000 people spread throughout 10 counties in Southwest Michigan and northern Indiana, the Pokagon Band is looking ahead to the time when an oversaturation of casinos here could choke off the steady revenue it has been enjoying recently.

MLIVE: 2013 Catalyst Awards: More than 50 Southwest Michigan companies and individuals praised

KALAMAZOO, MI -- More than 50 regional companies, organizations and individuals -- from long-entrentched businesses to those still under development -- were named 2013 winners Wednesday of Catalyst Awards, care of Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: New Launch MI Lab and other Kalamazoo operations playing roles in diabetes breakthroughs by Metabolic Solutions

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Those familiar with the research into diabetes treatments being done by Metabolic Solutions Development Co. in Kalamazoo say that work has been and is being facilitated by several other life-sciences companies started here during the last 10 years.

Significant to Metabolic Solutions publishing data last week on a new drug target it has identified for improving the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is Launch MI Lab, a 6-month-old, 2,300-square-foot wet laboratory located inside the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center that supports bioscience companies by providing affordable testing space and specialized lab instrumentation.
 

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL: Metabolic Solutions breaks through at life sciences incubator

Breakthrough research on a type 2 diabetes drug target by Metabolic Solutions Development Co. in Kalamazoo underscores the key role of a life sciences incubator, according to local industry leaders.

At laboratories located in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, MSDC has been investigating potential treatments for diabetes involving new kinds of insulin sensitizers that do not cause the side effects of previous forms.

MLIVE: Metabolic Solutions Development Co. of Kalamazoo publishes break-through data involving diabetes treatment

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Researchers at Kalamazoo-based Metabolic Solutions Development Co. have identified a new drug target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Called mTOT (for mitochondrial target of thiazolidinediones), the drug target is a cellular protein complex through which new anti-diabetic drugs exert their insulin-sensitizing effects.

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE: Buchanan company expects to add 50 jobs by 2016

BUCHANAN -- Vickers Engineering is undergoing a very nice growth spurt. Except it's not really a spurt. It's actually steady growth.

And the growth will continue, according to Matt Tyler, CEO and president of Vickers Engineering. He said he expects to add 50 more jobs by 2016, with more to follow.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo Beer4Kzoo organizers congratulate Grand Rapids in Beer City USA title

KALAMAZOO, MI - More than 11,000 people voted for Kalamazoo to be the next Beer City USA, but beer-drinkers an hour north in Grand Rapids will continue to carry the title.

Kalamazoo ranked second in nation for the Beer City USA title. Kalamazoo came ahead of Asheville, NC, which tied with Grand Rapids for the title last year, and Ann Arbor came in fourth place in the national poll featuring 22 cities which cherish local craft beer.

MiBIZ: Kalamazoo Community Foundation makes education its top priority

KALAMAZOO — When anonymous donors in Kalamazoo committed millions of dollars to local schoolchildren, the city cemented itself as the “education community.”

So perhaps it’s only fitting that leadership at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation is focusing its efforts on education.

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL: What makes Southwest Michigan First the Best of the Best?

Southwest Michigan First was honored this year as the Best of the Best overall winner for its cutting edge human resources practices by the Michigan Business and Professional Association during its annual Best and Brightest Companies to Work For program. It also was recognized as Best of the Best National Elite Small Business.

The whole organization makes a commitment to every employee, and every employee to the others.

PURE MICHIGAN CONNECT: Eight Reasons to Vote Kalamazoo as Beer City USA 2013

As you likely know, the annual competition to be named “Beer City USA” is underway. Voting continues until 1:59 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

While there are many worthy destinations being considered for this annual recognition (including our friends in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids), let me share with you eight reasons why Kalamazoo deserves your consideration (and vote) to be named Beer City USA 2013...

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL: West Michigan companies make strong showing on national Best and Brightest list

A handful of West Michigan’s best and brightest firms are worthy of a spot on the national Best and Brightest Companies to Work For list ...

“West Michigan is a true gem as far as best practices go,” said Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO of the Michigan Business and Professional Association, which presents the program. “The West Michigan elite winners definitely stand out, and there were a significant number of national Best and Brightest winners from the West Michigan region, including Southwest Michigan First (which received the Best of the Best Award for the region)"

MARKET WATCH: West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Elite Winners Announced Today

HUDSONVILLE, Mich., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA), honored 101 West Michigan companies that set the standard for innovation and implementation for human resources initiatives. This year's winning companies were honored at West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For(TM) annual awards luncheon. Of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies honored, 12 Elite Winners were named.

The 12 Elite winners are selected based on their overall high scores and then named an Elite winner in their highest performing category. (See list of Elite winners following.) The most prestigious award, the "Best of the Best," was presented to Southwest Michigan First of Kalamazoo, which demonstrated excellence in all categories.

CNBC: Going Green on the Frontlines of the Economy

To celebrate Earth Week, we asked members of our exclusive CNBC-YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) Chief Executive Network to tell us how their companies go green and what economic benefit they see from these initiatives.

Marc Schupan, CEO of Schupan & Sons, a Kalamazoo, Mich.-based recycler of aluminum, plastic and scrap metal gives his thoughts on "Fueling Up Savings."

WKZO: Southwest Michigan Innovation Center 10th Anniversary Radio Interview

Lori Moore, host of the daily Lori Moore Show on WKZO Radio AM-590, interviews Dr. Rob DeWit, president and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, on April 30, 2013. Dr. DeWit discusses the 10-year history of SMIC, its successful clients and the partnership behind the life science incubator.

MiBIZ: 15 West Michigan firms honored as companies to watch

The Edward Lowe Foundation recently named its 2013 50 Companies To Watch in Michigan with the Innovation Award going to RealBio Technology Inc., one of the incubator companies at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: Newell Rubbermaid land sale to Southwest Michigan First approved; plus options on two additional land parcels

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved the sale of 8.55 acres of land to Southwest Michigan First, who plans to develop the future design center for Newell Rubbermaid on the property.

Southwest Michigan First is constructing the $4 million facility at the WMU Business, Technology and Research Park.

STURGIS JOURNAL: Forum explores employment outlook

Centreville -- About 40 people gathered Tuesday for a manufacturing forum at Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville. The event was presented by several organizations, including Southwest Michigan First.

Representatives attended from local manufacturing companies such as Owens Products, Central Manufacturing Services, Krontz Machine, Sturgis Molded Products, Vaupel, Metalloid, LTi Printing, Abbott, American Metal, Manchester Industries and TH Plastics.
 

THREE RIVERS COMMERCIAL-NEWS: Manufacturing jobs explored at recent forum

CENTREVILLE — Two facts emerged from a roundtable discussion Tuesday morning between county manufacturers, employment specialists, and educators: manufacturing is alive, well and vital to St. Joseph County, and qualified employees are hard to find.

MLIVE: Manufacturing forum roundtable is April 16 at Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville

CENTREVILLE, MI -- Von Washington Jr., of regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First, and George Erickcek, of the employment think-tank W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, will help stimulate conversation among area manufacturers at an upcoming forum roundtable Tuesday (April 16) at Glen Oaks Community College.Those interested in participating should RSVP with Diane Zinsmaster at 269-294-4233 or dzinsmaster@glenoaks.edu.
 

BUSINESS INSIDER: leading small

brand as business bit: “Leadership requires we do small things well.”  That gem was one of several I gleaned from Ron Kitchens‘ opening to Catalyst U, a conference I had the privilege of speaking at a couple of months ago.

BRIDGE: Top challenge to business is cost of health care

Businesses play an essential role in Michigan’s economy. Business is the economic engine that pays people for their time and contribution and converts their work into products and services that customers need.

CORE77: Newell Rubbermaid to Open Huge Design Center in Michigan

Sharpie, Irwin Tools, Dymo, Calphalon, Rubbermaid, Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Graco, not to mention Goody, Waterman, Lenox, Paper-Mate, Parker, Aprica and more—are all owned by Newell Rubbermaid, which owns 40 brands in total. And having that much product diversity may be good news to those of you ID students set to graduate in 2014, and willing to move to Michigan: Newell Rubbermaid has announced they're consolidating 15 industrial design teams into one massive one, to be located at their first global design center.

FM 106.5: The Catalyst Community Challenge at the Borgess Run

Jennifer Owens, vice president of Southwest Michigan First, joined host KenLanphear to talk about the inaugural Catalyst Community Challenge at this year's Borgess Run.

MLIVE: Newell Rubbermaid to bring 100 new jobs to Kalamazoo, Gov. Rick Snyder announces

KALAMAZOO, MI — Gov. Rick Snyder announced on Wednesday that Newell Rubbermaid will bring 100 new design jobs to Kalamazoo.

WWMT: Newell Rubbermaid to bring 100 jobs to Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Up to 100 jobs are coming to Kalamazoo, as a firm that markets some of the best-known consumer brands in America plans to build a facility in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: Newell Rubbermaid jobs in Kalamazoo will pay $70,000 to $90,000, economic development chief says

KALAMAZOO, MI — The jobs at the Newell Rubbermaid design center in Kalamazoo will pay $70,000 to $90,000 annually, said Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: City offers Newell Rubbermaid $164,000 in tax breaks for Kalamazoo design center

KALAMAZOO, MI – As part of the package to lure Newell Rubbermaid to Kalamazoo, city officials are offering $164,000 in tax abatements.

MiBIZ: Newell Rubbermaid plans R&D site in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO — Newell Rubbermaid Inc. plans to open a design center in Kalamazoo, creating what Gov. Rick Snyder calls “well-paying” design jobs that pay an average of up to $80,000 annually.

MLIVE: Best and Brightest Companies list includes Southwest Michigan First of Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI – Regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First has been named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2013.

WKZO: Southwest Michigan First wins honor

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Southwest Michigan First has been awarded the honor of being among West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2013.

MLIVE: Sturgis ranked No. 23 'micropolitan' in U.S. by Site Selection magazine

STURGIS, MI – Sturgis is being ranked No. 23 in Site Selection magazine’s March 2013 issue of Top Micropolitans for 2012.

LEADERS & INNOVATORS by Lawrence Technological University featuring Jennifer Owens

Congratulations to our Jennifer Owens featured as a Leader & Innovator by Lawrence Technological University.

CNN MONEY: World's Most Admired Companies

Kellogg's, Stryker Corporation and Whirlpool rank among the Most Admired Companies.

BUSINESS INSIDER: fantastic breakthroughs, frustrating failures

In her second installment in what is turning out to be a series of posts on choice words from the Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst 2013 conference, Denise Lee Yohn shares a brand as business bit: “You can’t have fantastic breakthroughs without frustrating failures.”
 

MiBIZ: Q&A|Tim Terrentine, Southwest Michigan First & Kalamazoo Area Chamber of Commerce

Find out what from Southwest Michigan First's Tim Terrentine's previous roles prepared him for his new role at The Chamber.

AWESOME MITTEN: Southwest Michigan First

This feature is proudly sponsored by our awesome friends at AmeriFirst Home Mortgage:

The main goal of Southwest Michigan First’s mission is to assist companies in growing jobs; that manifests itself in various ways through employment, innovation, leadership and capital. SWMF’s passion and unique approach to community development has garnered the much-deserved attention of similar organizations across Michigan and throughout the United States.

FORBES: The New Three R's Every Business Must Learn

Sometimes you learn the best lessons when you look in your own backyard.

That thought that crossed my mind as I prepared my keynote address for Catalyst 2013, sponsored by the economic development group, Southwest Michigan First held last month in Kalamazoo...

MLIVE: American Axle investing $100 million in Three Rivers plant, expects workforce to top out around 1,300

THREE RIVERS, MI – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) is investing more than $100 million in its manufacturing facility in Three Rivers, which includes the addition of 500 jobs.

MLIVE: The spinoff of Pfizer's Animal Health business -- Zoetis -- is exciting on Wall Street and in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI – The initial offering of Zoetis Inc., the former animal health business of Pfizer Inc., had investors excited Friday on Wall Street, but taking a wait-and-see approach in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: American Axle to hire 500 in 2013 at Three Rivers plant for new EcoTrac driveline system

THREE RIVERS, MI – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is on track to hire 500 hourly factory workers and about 40 salaried employees at its Three Rivers facility, the company announced Friday.

MOLD MAKING TECHNOLOGY: Advanced Manufacturing Consortium: Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage

In 2011, Kalamazoo Community College/Groves Center reached out to 26 local companies and seven service provider organizations to help the college develop an integrated model to attract, screen and train qualified candidates for current and future Advanced Manufacturing career opportunities in Southwest Michigan. A direct result of the consortium’s work is the formation of the Production Technician Academy— six-week, fast-track training designed to provide people with an easy way to gain entry-level skills for careers in moldmaking and manufacturing.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell inspired by meeting with Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker

KALAMAZOO, MI — Every mayor needs a mayor to look up to. For Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, it's Newark's Cory Booker.

Hopewell met privately with Booker after the Newark, N.J. mayor spoke to an audience of nearly 800 people at Southwest Michigan First's Catalyst University on Wednesday morning.

MLIVE: Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker tells Kalamazoo audience: 'There's still battles to be fought'

KALAMAZOO, MI — Mayor Cory Booker said there is still work to be done. While many people see life as a "spectator sport," our calling, Booker said, "is to get into the game" and do something.

Booker, the mayor of Newark, N.J., spoke to a crowd of nearly 800 people here as part of Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst leadership event.

MLIVE: Jon Acuff lends insight, humor to afternoon session at Catalyst University leadership event in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI – Jon Acuff tells a good story about attending a New York Knicks basketball game.

Acuff was among 12 featured speakers at Catalyst, a graduate-level, day-long training event focused on motivating area business people, professionals, civic leaders and others to take the next steps to effect positive change in the community, their working lives and their personal lives.

MLIVE: Jennifer Owens of Kalamazoo named to list of Top 40 young economic developers in the U.S.

ORLANDO, FLA – One of Southwest Michigan First's business-growth specialists has been named to a list of the Top 40 up-and-coming economic development professionals in the United States.

Jennifer Owens, vice president of Southwest Michigan First, has been named a member of Development Counsellors International's “40 Under 40," the first-ever awards program to recognize young talent in the economic development profession.

MLIVE: Business-growth pro is assigned to Southwest Michigan by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Southwest Michigan’s connection with the state of Michigan’s business development and job-creation resources has to be considered stronger with the announcement Tuesday that the state’s business growth team is expanding here.

MLIVE: More than 800 expected at the Catalyst University leadership event Wednesday in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI – The 2013 Catalyst event, an annual graduate-level business leadership experience hosted by Southwest Michigan First, is breaking new ground.

The day-long event, which features a phalanx of educational and motivational speakers to inspire business people, professionals and others to greater heights of leadership, expects record attendance Wednesday in downtown Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: International Automotive Components expected to add 90 new jobs in Mendon

MENDON, MI — International Automotive Components, the largest employer in Mendon, is expected to increase its workforce by more than 10 percent over the next two years, a company official said.

MLIVE: Lynx Network Group moves headquarters to Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI –The operating center for more than 1,500 miles of high-speed fiber optics stretching around the fringe areas of Michigan is now located in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: Telecommunications firm Lynx Network Group to showcase new headquarters in WMU's business-tech park in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Lynx Network Group is ready to show off it's new headquarters. The wholesale provider of telecommunication services to businesses has new digs in the F & V Engineering Technology Center, at 4798 Campus Drive in Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce officials say alignment with Southwest Michigan First will make Chamber stronger

KALAMAZOO, MI — As president of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tim Terrentine says he will help small businesses, work hard to implement what Chamber member want, and the Chamber will not become a subsidiary of Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: Live chat, changes at the Chamber of Commerce: Hear from Southwest Michigan First's Tim Terrentine, the new Chamber president

KALAMAZOO, MI – Starting Feb. 1, Southwest Michigan First will administer and oversee the programs of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, under contract to the Chamber’s board of directors and its 800 business members. Join Live chat today to hear from Southwest Michigan First's Tim Terrentine, the new Chamber president.

CBS DETROIT: SW Michigan First, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber In ‘Strategic Alliance’

KALAMAZOO — Southwest Michigan First and the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce Friday announced a strategic alliance designed to take advantage of regional dynamics and improve the overall competitive position of the region.

MLIVE: A focus on job creation was the catalyst for bringing the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Michigan First in line

KALAMAZOO, MI – It’s about jobs, leaders at Southwest Michigan First say of their organization being contracted to oversee programs and services for the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First and the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce align missions; SWMF's Tim Terrentine named president of the Chamber

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Southwest Michigan First is getting together with the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Southwest Michigan First, the regional economic development organization, and the Chamber, a business advocacy organization with more than 800 members, say they have aligned missions and services "to better meet the needs of small business and advocate public policy to improve the region’s overall competitive position in the state and nation."

MLIVE: Kalamazoo's Maestro wins two silver awards for excellence in technology

KALAMAZOO, MI – A Kalamazoo-based high-tech company has won two industry awards for medical-related apps. Maestro won silver in the Best Advance in Unique Sales and Marketing Technology and Best Advance in Performance Support Technology categories from the 2012 Brandon Hall Excellence in Technology Awards.

MLIVE: New brewery in the works for downtown Kalamazoo, tentatively slated to open late fall

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Greg "Gonzo" Haner, a longtime homebrewer and the former brewmaster at Olde Peninsula Brewpub, said he plans to open a new microbrewery in downtown Kalamazoo.

PRESS RELEASE: Mno-Bmadsen Acquires Accu-Mold Inc.

Portage, Michigan - Mno-Bmadsen, the economic development enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Accu-Mold Inc., a plastics engineering and tooling company that specializes in metal to plastic conversions.

MiBiz: Crystal Ball 2013 Edition with Ron Kitchens

Looking ahead at 2013, what keeps you up at night? That's one of several questions MiBiz asked more than 100 of the region's executives and business owners, including Southwest Michigan First's Ron Kitchens.

MiBiz: Mining growth fuels manufacturer’s expansion in SW Michigan

BANGOR — Driven by projected long-term growth in the global mining industry and strong demand for metals, one Southwest Michigan-based mining equipment supplier plans a major expansion of its capacity that could nearly double its workforce.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Battle Creek group becomes important food safety ally

WASHINGTON -- Food makers, including Kellogg and Post, made Battle Creek the cereal city decades ago.

But the south-central Michigan city is attracting increased federal attention -- and funding -- for one of the hottest and most important issues on the planet these days: food safety.

MLIVE: The Monroe-Brown Internship Program helps Kalamazoo-area companies and talented students find one another

KALAMAZOO, MI – A coordinated effort began about seven years ago to help companies in greater Kalamazoo find talented young people and help college students find meaningful career opportunities here.

“The goal is to keep kids who have a connection to Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo after graduating high school,” said Petey Stephanak, of Southwest Michigan First.

STURGIS JOURNAL: County commission reviews 2012 highlights

St. Joseph County Commission chairman Rick Shaffer had mixed feelings as he presented his list of 2012 highlights to commissioners Dec. 18. Shaffer’s list of 2012 highlights included: Approved an agreement with the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corp. which developed a partnership with Southwest Michigan First and Southwest Michigan Partnership, LLC...

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE: Partners bring progress

One of the keys to success in economic development today is regionalism. Cornerstone is pleased to be working in partnership with three different regional groups including the Michiana Partnership, Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and being a part of region six in the state of Michigan as led by Southwest Michigan First out of Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo County considered ideally positioned for future investment and growth in 'Fourth Economy Community Index '

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo County is ideally positioned to attract modern investment and managed economic growth, according to a nationwide index that tries to track future success. Kalamazoo was ranked 9th among the top 10 large communities (those with populations between 150,000 and 499,999) in the Fourth Economy Community Index.

THE IEDC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL: The JOBS Act - Crowdfunding and Beyond

For those communities looking to establish an entrepreneurial environment, crowdfunding opens up a new "port of entry" for sustainable business ventures.

AREA DEVELOPMENT: Getman Corporation Invests $5.5 Million To Expand Southwestern Michigan Manufacturing Facility

Getman Corporation plans to invest $5.5 million to expand its operations in Comstock Charter Township, Michigan, a project expected to generate up to 150 new jobs east of Kalamazoo. The manufacturer of custom mobile equipment for the underground mining industry, said it has outgrown its existing facility and plans to open a second facility in Comstock.

WOOD TV 8: Getman Corp. to expand in Comstock Twp

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Getman Corporation announced Wednesday plans to open its second manufacturing facility in southwest Michigan.

MFR TECH: Getman Corporation Investing $5.5 Million, Creating 150 Jobs in Comstock Township

LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program incentive for Getman Corporation to expand its operations in Comstock Charter Township, a project that will generate up to $5.5 million in new private investment and add 150 new jobs.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan economists and union leaders weigh right to work's impact on area

KALAMAZOO, MI – Two controversial bills that would make Michigan the 24th right-to-work state moved one step closer to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk Tuesday.

STURGIS JOURNAL: EDC partnership pays off

Last February, the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation and Southwest Michigan First formalized a partnership for economic development services.

A lot has happened since February. Members of the EDC attended Tuesday’s meeting of the St. Joseph County Commissioners to say they are very satisfied with the partnership.

MLIVE: AmeriFirst Home Mortgage of Portage is among Inc.com's Hire Power Award winners for job growth in U.S.

PORTAGE, MI – Inc.com, the online presence of Inc. Magazine, has awarded AmeriFirst Home Mortgage with two of its inaugural Hire Power Awards for job creation.

RIVER COUNTRY JOURNAL: First year with Southwest Michigan First yields "very successful partnership" for St. Joseph County EDC

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN -- “Overall, I’ve got to tell you that I’m really pleased with the partnership.”

These were the words Ken Jones, president of the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board, used to sum up the working relationship with Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First in 2012.

MLIVE: Portage tax breaks help bring more than 100 new manufacturing jobs

PORTAGE, MI – More than 100 new manufacturing jobs coming to Portage in the next two years can be likened to a Christmas present, its happy mayor said.

With the approval of its most recent tax break Tuesday to Bowers Manufacturing, Portage will see nearly 120 new manufacturing jobs coming out of the dormant industrial sector that is battling back from the Great Recession.

SECOND WAVE: New start-up, Impact Athletic, will make athletic training equipment

A new start-up, Impact Athletic, is the latest company to emerge from the Michigan Medical Device Accelerator.

The company has been growing inside Tekna, Inc. for the past two years with the help of Michigan Medical Device Accelerator's connections to the region's existing health science infrastructure and its related services.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo County's unemployment rate drops below 6% for first time in four years

KALAMAZOO, MI – Kalamazoo County saw its lowest unemployment rate in more than four years in October, falling below 6 percent for the first time since April 2008, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

WKZO: Kitchens: Southwest Michigan First contract good for Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Southwest Michigan First's success with attracting firms to the overall region has given way to a more focused effort on the City of Kalamazoo itself.

MLIVE: Personal income in Kalamazoo-Portage jumps to highest rate since Great Recession

KALAMAZOO, MI – Kalamazoo and Portage residents had a little more cash in their wallets in 2011, according to new figures released by the government.

Total personal incomes in the Kalamazoo-Portage area rose 4.66 percent in 2011, the highest amount since the Great Recession began, according to figures released Monday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First will take over some economic development for city of Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Part of the city of Kalamazoo's economic development duties will be outsourced to Southwest Michigan First in a $225,000 agreement unanimously approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission Monday. The contract will start Dec. 1 and will run through Nov. 30, 2015.

SECOND WAVE: Little life science businesses can rent a bench at SMIC

KALAMAZOO, MI -- On the first level of the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, 2,300 square feet of secure wet lab space complete with sophisticated scientific equipment has been put in place to help tiny life science businesses grow.

MLIVE: Vote for Southwest Michigan's Ones to Watch in 2013 (poll)

KALAMAZOO, MI – Who should we be paying attention to in 2013? MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette will be sending theTop 3 nominees from Southwest Michigan next week for a special year-end MLive report, and requests your help.

On the business front, Southwest Michigan First's Ron Kitchens has been nominated. Vote today!

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan's new Launch MI Lab gets science startups in the lab for less

KALAMAZOO, MI – It just got a little easier for scientists to strike out on their own in Kalamazoo.

The Southwest Michigan Innovation Center on Tuesday, Nov. 13, unveiled its new core wet lab, complete with centrifuges, nitrogen generators, autoclaves, incubators and mass spectrometers.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First, Greenleaf Trust and several locals are among 2012 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

KALAMAZOO, MI -- "Jobs" is the answer you are most likely to hear if you ask an employee of Southwest Michigan First about its mission.

“The most powerful force for change is a well-paying job,” Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of the economic development organization, is known to say.

But it turns out that having a job at Southwest Michigan First isn't such a bad thing either.
 

PRESS RELEASE: Southwest Michigan First named an Elite National Best and Brightest Company to Work For

KALAMAZOO, Michigan - The National Association for Business Resources named Southwest Michigan First to its 2012 list of the nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Additionally, Southwest Michigan First was selected the overall Elite winner in the category of Small-Size Business.

CRAINS: Southwest Michigan First named one of Michigan's Healthiest Employers

Southwest Michigan First is proud to be named one of Michigan's Healthiest Employers. See the feature on page 15 (17 of the .pdf).

MLIVE: Survey seeks feedback from business leaders on Kalamazoo's vitality

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Researchers want to know what business leaders think are Kalamazoo's best assets and greatest challenges. The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and Southwest Michigan First are conducting an invitation-only online survey about the vitality of Kalamazoo and how that translates into economic development for the region.

MiBIZ: ULI Forum: State needs to invest in urban cores, education

KALAMAZOO — The Urban Land Institute of Michigan’s first-ever Kalamazoo event sparked some interesting conversation about Michigan’s future and the prospects ahead of the state.

The program, “Industry Insights: The Catalysts of Urban Growth & Economic Development,” brought MPI Research CEO William Parfet and Taubman Centers Inc. CEO Robert Taubman together to share their thoughts on the opportunities for Michigan’s next economy.

THE BIG SHOW WITH MICHAEL PATRICK SHIELS: Detroit's resurgence helping the entire state's job creation efforts

KALAMAZOO -- Ron Kitchens at SouthWest Michigan First says Detroit’s comeback is helping make it easier to market the rest of Michigan to developers.

MLIVE: Mueller Plastics looks to make a comeback in Portage with its $26.5 million project

PORTAGE, MI – Mueller Industries’ announcement that it will spend $26.5 million to expand on Sprinkle Road in Portage is actually a homecoming for the company.

WOOD TV 8: Mueller Industries to expand in Portage

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Tennessee-based company has selected Portage, Mich. for a $26.5 million investment. The City of Portage has approved an industrial property tax abatement worth $862,627 over five years for Mueller Industries, Inc. Seventy-eight jobs will be created over two years locally as a result of this facility and equipment investment.

MLIVE: 'Vote No' statements on ballot Proposals 2-6 are a 'yes' to the legislative process, Kalamazoo business groups say

KALAMAZOO, MI – The leader of Southwest Michigan First says ‘Vote No’ statements the economic development organization will release late Tuesday or early Wednesday regarding several Michigan ballot proposals, are intended to help clear away impediments to job-creation. “It’s about job-creation,” said Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First.

THREE RIVERS COMMERCIAL-NEWS: Southwest Michigan First’s plan aired

STURGIS — A luncheon audience Wednesday at the Sturgis Rotary Club included a Three Rivers contingent as well as legislators Matt Lori and Fred Upton, all there to hear a progress report from Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First, whose agency has been hired by St. Joseph County to boost its economic development.

MLIVE: Urban development pros head to Kalamazoo for statewide meeting of the Urban Land Institute

KALAMAZOO, MI – Urban development issues, with Kalamazoo experiences in focus, will be highlighted next week when this city hosts a gathering of the Michigan District Council of the Urban Land Institute. The program will feature a discussion between William U. Parfet, chairman and chief executive officer of Mattawan-based scientific research firm MPI Research, and Robert S. Taubman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Taubman Centers Inc., the Bloomfield Hills-based international developer of shopping malls. Their conversation will be moderated by Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First.

PRIVATE EQUITY HUB: Open Prairie Ventures Hires Local Michigan Talent as Venture Partner

Sam Hogg has joined Open Prairie Ventures’ West Michigan office as a venture partner, with primary responsibilities including screening new investments and managing existing ones in the Open Prairie Ventures II and Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund portfolios. Hogg joins OPV as part of a program administered by the Michigan Venture Capital Association – aimed to encourage venture funds to hire local Michigan talent.

BioCENTURY: Axonia: Stretching axons

Kalamazoo-based Axonia Medical Inc.'s method for engineering and transplanting nerve grafts could enhance the function of damaged peripheral nerves more quickly and robustly than current methods.

MLIVE: American Axle & Manufacturing to give $400,000 to the city of Three Rivers

THREE RIVERS, MI – American Axle & Manufacturing plans to donate $400,000 to the city of Three Rivers to allow the municipality to purchase more police, fire and/or other needed service vehicles.

THE DETROIT NEWS: Group moves Michigan up in ranking of tax friendly states

Michigan has the 12th-friendliest tax system in the nation, thanks to the elimination last year of a complicated business tax, according to the Washington D.C.-based Tax Foundation.

CBS DETROIT: Michigan 2013 Economic Outlook Results to be Unveiled in January

ANN ARBOR — The Michigan 2013 Economic Outlook Survey is a flagship report that will be issued the first week of January. More than 70 associations across the state will be participating in this program, including Southwest Michigan First.
 

MLIVE: Local, state and goverment officials welcome Hark Orchids to the Kalamazoo area

KALAMAZOO, MI – With a hearty “Willkommen in Kalamazoo,” local, regional, state and federal officials welcomed German orchid cultivation company Hark Orchids to Comstock Township on Thursday afternoon.

WKZO: Hark Orchids welcomed to Kalamazoo with beer and brats

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Hundreds of local dignitaries turned out to welcome Hark Orchids to Kalamazoo for an official groundbreaking ceremony and mini-Octoberfest.

MLIVE: Pretty flowers may mean lots of jobs at new Hark Orchids operation in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI -- “It’s 70 jobs next year,” economic development leader Ron Kitchens said, providing the bottom line on Hark Orchids’ decision to locate its first international operation here.

WWMT NEWSCHANNEL3: Orchid Laboratory Breaking Ground

Thursday, October 4, marked the groundbreaking for a $6.5 million state of the art laboratory for Hark Orchid's at the Midlink Business Park.

MLIVE: Lynx Network Group's expansion in Kalamazoo results from the vast network it is building

KALAMAZOO, MI – The 3,800-square foot office that Lynx Network Group is establishing in Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park will give it its first-ever home base as it grows its business all over the state.

MLIVE: Craft beer blossoming as an economic development driver for Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo area's growing craft beer industry has seen the announcement or fruition of more than $25 million in investment since spring, and more could be on tap as Kalamazoo grows its label as a "beer city."

CBS DETROIT: Hark Orchids Breaks Ground Oct. 4 On $6.5M Flower Laboratory

A ceremonial ground-breaking event will be held Thursday, Oct. 4 at the five-acre lot purchased by Hark Orchids from Midlink. “Southwest Michigan First thanks Hark Orchids for selecting our region for location. On behalf of our community partners who were instrumental in our attraction efforts, we welcome Hark and look forward to watching the company grow here in Southwest Michigan,” said Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First.

MODEL D: Business Evolution: From Incubation to Visibility

Welcoming environment draws growing biotech Tolera to downtown Kalamazoo.

SECOND WAVE: Business evolution: From incubation to visibility

Re-charging and re-energizing entrepreneurship in incubators: Tolera Therapeutics selects downtown Kalamazoo for its ongoing efforts.

SECOND WAVE: PharmOptima explores new directions, keeps growing

When it comes to work, PharmOptima in Portage is a company that emerged from the life sciences incubator Southwest Michigan Innovation Center to grow into an enterprise that is helping to solidify the region’s reputation as one offering knowledge-based employers that can attract and retain talented professionals

THE DETROIT NEWS: Incentives by MEDC will help create jobs

RSB Transmissions NA, which makes auto and heavy equipment parts, plans to build a 66,000-square-foot factory to expand in the village of Homer and create 100 jobs. The firm plans to invest $14.4 million and will be awarded a $350,000 incentive from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE: Why These Kids Get a Free Ride to College

A better future awaits...Kalamazoo promises. For the vast majority of the 500-plus students who graduate each year in Kalamazoo, a better future really does await after they collect their diplomas. The high-school degrees come with the biggest present most of them will ever receive: free college.

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY: WMU makes 22nd appearance on U.S. News' list of top universities

Western Michigan University (WMU) is just one of four Michigan public universities included in the U.S. News & World Report's annual list of top-tier national universities.  This is the 22nd year WMU has appeared in the magazine's top grouping of best national universities.

MLIVE: Going region-wide: Southwest Michigan First works to live up to its name

"The whole idea of a regional strategy makes great sense and we've had great buy-in," says Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First.

STURGIS JOURNAL: Nature’s Fuel to set up shop

Nature’s Fuel has announced it has secured funding for the purchase of the former Rexam building, relevant upgrades and equipment. The company plans to hire at least 130 employees.

THREE RIVERS COMMERCIAL NEWS: Firm will purchase, upgrade Rexam building

Jobs planned for plant! Bill Sinish, CEO-chairman of Nature’s Fuel, announcing the purchase of the former Rexam plant in Constantine. The company plans to create more than 130 jobs.

MLIVE: Gov. Rick Snyder: Southwest Michigan may have an associate director for urban redevelopment

Governor Rick Snyder visits Kalamazoo to talk with community leaders on urban and metropolitan initiatives.

WOOD TV 8: Snyder meets in Kzoo, speaks in GR

Gov. Rick Snyder was in Kalamazoo to meet with local stakeholders on issues surrounding the state's vital urban cores.

NEWS CHANNEL3: Gov. Snyder in Kalamazoo on Thursday

Governor Snyder hit Kalamazoo on Thursday to focus on positive talk surrounding jobs and the state's urban core cities.

MLIVE: Gov. Rick Snyder to talk urban development strategies in Kalamazoo visit Thursday

Southwest Michigan First will host Governor Rick Snyder and regional leaders in business, the private sector, the nonprofit sector, government, education and other areas during a special closed session to help develop a statewide strategy for urban development and growth.

AMERICA'S PROMISE ALLIANCE: Kalamazoo named to 100 Best Communities for Young People List

Kalamazoo, a four-time 100 Best Communities for Young People winner as named by America's Promise Alliance, continues to be recognized for its ongoing commitment to helping young people grow in a healthy, save and supportive environment.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: American Axle to add 400 to 500 jobs; CEO handing reins to son

American Axle expects to “add 400 to 500 jobs in the next couple years” at its Three Rivers driveline plant in Southwest Michigan.

BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER: Battle Creek basks in glow of Janesville Acoustics move

Battle Creek’s cluster of automotive parts suppliers, and its innovative industrial training center played into Janesville Acoustics’ decision to expand to Battle Creek. The company announced it would spend $10 million to renovate and equip a plant at 2500 Logistics Drive, off Skyline Drive. It said 225 workers will be employed there.

PR NEWSWIRE: Marrone Bio Innovations Breaks Ground on Michigan Manufacturing Facility

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. (MBI), a leading global provider of natural pest management products for the agricultural and water treatment markets breaks ground on its Marrone Michigan Manufacturing facility in Bangor, Michigan!

MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN JOURNAL SENTINEL: Stem cell company debuts service to screen new drugs

Kalamazoo-based CeeTox has teamed with Cellular Dynamics International located in Madison, Wisconsin to introduce a service that uses stem cells to help researchers screen potential new drugs for cardiac toxicity.

STURGIS JOURNAL: Long-dormant council to get re-organization

Southcentral Michigan Planning Council is in the process of reorganizing after a 10-year lapse in activity.

MICHIGAN BUSINESS RADIO: Business Beat with Tim Terrentine

Tim Terrentine, featured on Michigan Business Radio's Business Beat, talks about economic development in Southwest Michigan and looking forward to the future.
 

MLIVE: Gretta Terrentine named director of the Greg Jennings Foundation in Kalamazoo

Gretta Terrentine has been named executive director of the Greg Jennings Foundation. Terrentine will take over all operations and programming for the Kalamazoo-based foundation and carry out the vision of Greg and Nicole Jennings, working to help and empower young people throughout the Midwest.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN'S SECOND WAVE: Michigan roots deepen for mophie with expansion at BTR park

A designer and manufacturer of accessories that let users do more with their portable devices, mophie, is expanding and its growth is happening in Kalamazoo. The company announced plans Wednesday for a 30,000-square-foot facility at Business Technology and Research Park on the Western Michigan University campus.

MLIVE: iPhone juice pack maker mophie to relocate into Western Michigan University's business park in Kalamazoo

Mophie, the growing company that develops the "juice pack" power cells for Apple Inc.’s iPhone, will soon relocate its distribution operations from Paw Paw into the Business Technology and Research Park at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids researchers target treatments for Alzheimer's disease; look for clinical trial candidates

Results from that work being done by Kalamazoo-based Metabolic Solutions Development Co. may reveal strategies to treat people with dementia that results from Alzheimer’s disease.

THREE RIVERS COMMERCIAL NEWS: Washington on job in Three Rivers

Von Washington Jr. plans to put an especially large number of miles on his car in the next several months as he engages in the project of familiarizing himself with St. Joseph County and its business community.

SECOND WAVE: Arcadia Brewing Co. to build brewery, eatery on Kalamazoo River

Standing before a gentle bend in the Kalamazoo River, Tim Surprise -- owner and founder of Arcadia Brewing Co. -- began the final leg of what has become a 16 year journey.

THREE RIVERS COMMERCIAL NEWS: Development specialist named for TR office

Following a lengthy search, Von Washington, Jr. has been selected to become the second economic development specialist employed by the Kalamazoo non-profit agency Southwest Michigan First to operate within St. Joseph County to promote economic growth and business retention and expansion.

BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER: Arcadia Brewing Co. begins construction in Kalamazoo

Arcadia Brewing Co. broke ground Thursday on the site of its new pub, production facility, brew house and eatery along Kalamazoo’s riverfront after a news conference in which owner Tim Suprise expressed excitement about the expansion.

WOOD-TV: Arcadia Ales plans 28K-sq-ft expansion

Arcadia Ales is expected to build a 4,500-square-foot barbecue-themed brewpub and 24,000-square-foot beer production facility on the Kalamazoo riverfront, according to a release from the brewery and Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: Arcadia Brewing Co. breaks ground on new Kalamazoo site, plans to utilize river, develop city-specific brand

It was a homecoming party of sorts for owner Tim Suprise and his Arcadia Brewing Co. during a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the brewery's primary production facility along the Kalamazoo River. Suprise told the crowd at the event he intended to open his brewery in Kalamazoo 16 years ago, but the project transitioned to Battle Creek, where it opened in 1996. But thanks to an aggressive campaign from Kalamazoo and several local organizations, Arcadia's expansion project will move the brewery's primary production facility to downtown's east end by next summer.

MLIVE: Kalamazoo Central Principal Von Washington Jr. joins the business development team at Southwest Michigan First

Von Washington, Jr. joins the Southwest Michigan First team to focus on the organization's business growth initiatives.

THE DAILY REPORTER: Electric rate system used in 90s discussed

Coldwater Board of Public Utilities is thinking about bringing about bringing back special economic development electric ratese that spurred local conomic development in the 1990s.
 

MLIVE: Plans for Kalamazoo riverfront will bring Arcadia Brewing Co. to city that inspired its name

Arcadia Brewing Co. plans to build a barbecue-themed brewpub and production facility on Kalamazoo's riverfront in 2013. Tim Suprise, president and founder of Arcadia Brewing Co., said Arcadia will help Kalamazoo reclaim its riverfront and add a new dimension to the River's Edge area.

SECOND WAVE: Venture capital funds enter new agreement

Open Prairie Ventures and Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund have collaborated for five years. Now the former will be moving into an advisory role over both funds as part of a management agreement entered into by both.
 

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund formalizes management ties with Open Prairie Ventures

Illinois-based venture capital fund Open Prairie Ventures has inked a management agreement with the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund. Patrick Morand, who has been managing director of the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Venture Fund, becomes president of Open Prairie Ventures and becomes a managing partner of Open Prairie Ventures III.

THE NEWS-GAZETTE: Open Prairie strengthens ties with Michigan fund

Effingham-based Open Prairie Ventures is increasing its ties with the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund based in southwest Michigan.
 

TIPS FROM THE TOP: Advice for New Graduates from Leaders in Economic Development

What advice would you give a recent graduate entering the economic development profession?  Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens and Mike Finney, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, share their perspectives.

DOWJONES VENTURE WIRE: Open Prairie to Join Forces with Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund

The two venture firms based in the Midwest that have a five-year history of working closely together have decided to join forces, investors told VentureWire.

TODAY IN ENTREPRENEURIAL HISTORY: June 18 | Checkered Cab

On this day in 1923, the first Checker Taxi hit the streets. The Checker Taxi, one of Kalamazoo's innovations, is the most famous taxi in the United States.

MIDWEST LIVING: It's time to do the zoo

Looking for something to do?  Try Kalamazoo.  Midwest Living features the Midwest city in its July/August 2012 issue.

XCONOMY DETROIT: Metabolic Solutions Announces New Findings in Diabetes Treatment

Kalamazoo, MI-based Metabolic Solutions Development Company, a company formed to develop drugs and discover new molecular targets in the treatment of insulin resistance, spent the weekend in Philadephia for the American Diabetes Association conference. While there, company officials presented findings about a newly discovered protein complex through which anti-diabetic drugs exert their insulin-sensitizing effects. 

THE DAILY REPORTER: Commissioners hear good economic news

Area leaders got an update on the economy in general from experts last week at the annual Branch County Economic Summit, and there was good local news as well.
 

CBS DETROIT: GLEQ Names Winners, Presents $216,000 In Awards

At the Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest 12th Annual Statewide Business Plan Competition Award Ceremony at Entrepreneur Connect 2012, the Michigan Medical Device Accelerator Innovation Award in the amount of $10,000 was presented to Ann Arbor-based Warmilu LLC by Kevin McLeod, vice president, Southwest Michigan First, and managing director, Michigan Medical Device Accelerator.
 

MLIVE: Pfizer's spin-off of its Animal Health business may give the new company -- and Kalamazoo -- a higher profile

Having Pfizer’s Animal Health business spun off as a separate company has the potential to give it -- and Kalamazoo -- a higher profile.

BRIDGE: On tax tactics, Snyder picks ‘all of the above’

“In today’s market cash and availability of capital are critical issues,” said Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First.  Michigan has been making strides to speed up that process.

WTVB: Branch County Economic Summit

Ron Kitchens will be featured "forecaster" today in Coldwater at the CHC Conference Center for the 2012 Branch County Economic Summit.
 

MLIVE: Zeigler Auto Group rounds out expansion spurt with dedication of Honda dealership in Kalamazoo

Zeigler Automotive Group invests in Southwest Michigan! “People who are going to change this economy, who are going to create the path for our ship to go forward, and who are going to set that course, are the people in this room,” said Ron Kitchens at Monday's dedication of the group's Kalamazoo Honda dealership

MLIVE: Michigan's GDP is outpacing national growth, among fastest growing in country

Michigan had the 6th fastest-growing gross domestic product in the nation last year!  The state’s GDP rose 2.3 percent last year after growing by 4.9 percent in 2010, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Comeback state? Still a long way to go for Michigan

How do people who give advice to companies about where to expand, invest and hire new workers think about Michigan? Southwest Michigan First brings leading site consultants this week to the Mackinac Policy Conference to weigh in on these issues with Governor Snyder.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Mackinac conference to start with a $2M bang for promoting metro Detroit

As the annual Mackinac Policy Conference opens today, the Detroit Regional Chamber will announce plans to launch an economic development campaign for the region, with a goal of raising about $2 million a year to start.  In setting this goal, the chamber looked at regional groups like Southwest Michigan First in Kalamazoo that have historically put money behind economic development.

WALL STREET JOURNAL: Flat U.S. Wages Help Fuel Rebound in Manufacturing

Productivity revives manufacturing employment. The Wall Street Journal features American Axle's Three Rivers' plant in how production is returning to the U.S.

THE DEAL MAGAZINE | PRINT: Reinventing Kalamazoo

David Holley, "The Deal" reporter, visits Kalamazoo to report on how that city is reinventing itself as "a burgeoning Midwestern center for life sciences."

SECOND WAVE: $400,000 grant goes to Michigan Medical Device Accelerator to grow jobs

The region’s unique incubator program will be better able to do its job -- fostering the ideas of inventors of medical devices that have the best potential for creating jobs in Michigan -- with $400,000 in support it’s received from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

CBS DETROIT: KVCC Offers Free Training To Prepare For Careers In Advanced Manufacturing

Ready to roll!  The first Production Technician Academy is scheduled to begin on May 29 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Sponosred by area manufacturers the Academy was designed to meet the growing demand for qualified production workers and fill local manufacturing jobs.

MLIVE: W.K. Kellogg Foundation provides $400,000 to support regional initiative to create medical devices, grow jobs

The Michigan Medical Device Accelerator, a program started two years ago by Southwest Michigan First to stimulate the development of medical devices – and thereby create more local jobs – has $400,000 in new funding care of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, of Battle Creek.

MLIVE: Warehousing specialist Kenco expands at Midlink Business Park in Comstock Township

Warehousing and distribution specialist Kenco is expanding its operations at the Midlink Business Park to serve a U.S. company that manufactures products for the food industry. The expansion is expected to create 12 new jobs.

STURGIS JOURNAL: ‘Economic gardening’ a focus at open house

Economic Gardening holds interest for those as young as 7 at a Sturgis 2022 open house where Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First, explored the topic starting with history from 190 B.C. 

CBS DETROIT: Tech Tour Day Eight - Kalamazoo, BC Shine

CBS Detroit's Tech Tour stops in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek!  Stops included Forensic Fluids, Metabolic Solutions Development, Axonia Medical, the Core Lab at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center and the Global Food Protection Institute.

MLIVE: PNC Bank unveils restructuring and expansion of its West Michigan market

Market Growth: PNC Bank today announced it will expand its Western Michigan market to include 41 counties from Kalamazoo to Traverse City. Sean Welsh, director of Southwest Michigan First, has been appointed to serve as regional president of the expanded region.
 

STURGIS JOURNAL: Looking ahead a decade

Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First and professional with 28 years of economic development experience, will be keynote speaker on Wednesday, May 14 to kick-off the "Sturgis 2022" initiative.

CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS: Think locally, act regionally is new economic strategy

Southwest Michigan First has long had a strong relationship with site consultants who can bring corporate investments and jobs. Now, the organization is helping counterparts around the state benefit from its contacts and expertise in that arena.
 

MLIVE: Kalamazoo-based Axonia Medical gets $2 million for treatment of strokes and severe nervous system conditions

Kalamazoo-based Axonia Medical nets $2 million to develop new treatments to help repair injuries to the human nervous system.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Detroit-Wayne County collaboration a possibility

"You have to have somebody who's willing not to take the credit," encouraged Tim Terrentine during the Michigan Chronicle's recent "Pancakes and Politics" forum that studied urban cities.

MARKET WATCH: West Michigan's 101 Best and Brightest Company Elite Winners Announced Today | Southwest Michigan First Recognized

Southwest Michigan First named 101 Best & Brightest Elite winner in the category of Employee Achievement and Recognition.

KIPLINGER: 10 Best Cities for Cheapskates and #4 Kalamazoo just makes "good common sense" for affordability

In some circles, "cheapskate" is a derogatory term. But in a world where everyday expenses seem to be rising, well, every day, thriftiness isn't shameful. In fact, it's just good common sense.  Kalamazoo Ranks #4 on Kipilinger's 10 Best Cities for Cheapskates.
 

MLIVE: Western Michigan University will be a site Friday for 2012 Chick-fil-A Leadercast

Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First, will speak at Chick-fil-A Leadercast on Friday, May 3 at the Western Michigan University Fetzer Center.

CBS DETROIT: What’s In The Future For Detroit?

During the most recent "Pancakes and Politics," an ongoing state-wide discussion on urban collaboration, Tim Terrentine of Southwest Michigan First shared some ideas that his organization is working on from a regional approach.  

MLIVE: Living on the cheap in Kalamazoo and loving it (Editorial)

Sometimes being cheap is a good thing...(and Kalamazoo is definitely a good thing!)

MLIVE: Kalamazoo listed among the 10 Best Cities for Cheapskates by Kiplingers

Kalamazoo ranks #4 on Kiplinger's 10 Best Cities list where a "dollar stretches futher." Kalamazoo's living costs were said to be the lowest among the best 10 cities on the list -- 13 percent below the national average.

CBS DETROIT: ‘Pancakes And Politics’ Tackles Urban Redevelopment

At the latest installment of the Michigan Chronicle’s “Pancakes and Politics” series, held at the Detroit Athletic Club, Panelist Tim Terrentine, vice president of the Kalamazoo economic development agency Southwest Michigan First, reported collaboration is on the rise. 

STUGIS JOURNAL: Feedback sought for 'Sturgis 2022'

What should Sturgis look like in 10 years?  City commissioners are seeking input from residents. An open house for Sturgis 2022 will be held May 16 at Sturges-Young Auditorium and will feature Ron Kitchens of Southwest Michigan First as a speaker.
 

MLIVE: Whirlpool Corp. makes list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens for the 10th consecutive year

Whirlpool Corp. has pushed ahead 16 places on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens.  It is the 10th consecutive year Whirlpool has made the list, which is regarded as the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly available information.
 

CBS DETROIT: Pancakes & Politics: Spotlight On Cities As Engines For Growth

Southwest Michigan First's Tim Terrentine will join the talk of urban cities as economic catalysts as well as what the east side and west side of the state can learn from each other, during the next “Pancakes and Politics” this Thursday at the Detroit Athletic Club.

MLIVE: Portage designated a Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation for 22nd straight year

Portage earns Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 22nd straight year.

MLIVE: Four years after a major downturn, American Axle & Manufacturing has upgrades and additional work in Three Rivers

With additional work and site upgrades in Three Rivers, American Axle has reached the "turning point in the road for the better."

MiBIZ: Kalamazoo as Chicago exurb?

Experts hope high-speed rail would closely link SW Michigan to Chicago

NILES DAILY STAR: Upton tours Delta Industrial

Niles-based Delta Industrial keeps finding a way to spur job creation. The manufacturer which supplies valves for oil refineries has tripled its work force in the past five years, according to president and co-owner Keith Stelter.

MLIVE: NFL quarterback Tim Tebow to be part of a May 4 satellite leadership seminar available in Kalamazoo

Business leaders will be able to have a little Tebow Time soon in Kalamazoo! During the Chick-fil-A Leadercast on May 4, Tim Tebow will be a featured speaker at the event sponsored in Kalamazoo by regional economic development firm Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: Local employers to give 42 full scholarships for new Kalamazoo Valley Community College technician academy

Local employers have vowed to help students seeking manufacturing jobs pay for training through Kalamazoo Valley Community College's new Production Technician Academy. Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Glen Oaks Community College, Michigan Works! Kalamazoo/St. Joseph Counties, Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency and Southwest Michigan First have collaborated to launch the training academy.
 

MLIVE: Kalamazoo City Commission approves development district for Dimplex chilling company expansion

Things are warming up for a Kalamazoo chilling company! Dimplex Thermal Solutions Inc. plans to almost double its current production space.  The firm, which employs 180 people fulltime, plans to hire another 100 people.

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS: Michigan business development exec sells state amid Detroit's financial crisis

10 high-powered site-selection consultants who help businesses make decisions about where to locate or expand operations met last week with representatives from top sites in the nation.

Mike Finney, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Ron Kitchens, CEO of the Kalamazoo area's Southwest Michigan First economic development agency, gave Michigan two of the seven seats at the summit arranged by Development Counselors International
 

MLIVE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church Community Job Fair draws a large crowd

In Kalamazoo, over 600 job seekers, 30 employers and community-driven organizations, including Southwest Michigan First, helped make the second annual Mt. Zion Baptist Church Community Job Fair a resounding success.

MLIVE: Officials say orchid-breeding operation coming to Kalamazoo is great complement to Michigan's agriculture industry

Gov. Rick Snyder, second from right, meets Friday with officials of Hark Orchids L.P. to announce company's new Kalamazoo location. From left, they are: Anja Hark-Bormann, Oliver Bormann, Ingrid Hark, Fritz Hark, Snyder and Karl-Heinz Lapornkik.

WNEM: German company to invest five million dollars in Michigan

A flower company headquartered in Lippstadt, will invest approximately $5 million to establish its first orchid facility outside of Germany in Kalamazoo.

MLIVE: German firm Hark Orchid to build facilities and employ 80 people as part of $5 million investment in Kalamazoo

A German company will invest about $5 million in the Kalamazoo area over the next few years to establish a U.S. base to breed orchids.

Hark Orchids has plans to build its first U.S. facility at the Midlink Business Park on Sprinkle Road, south of I-94, and create up to 80 jobs here in the next three to five years.
 

WOOD-TV 8: German orchid company to open in Kzoo

An orchid propagation company headquartered in Germany plans to invest about $5 million to build a facility in Kalamazoo.

BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK: German orchid company to open Mich. facilities

Orchid propagation Hark Orchids L.P., based in Germany, plans to invest about $5 million to build a facility in Kalamazoo, Mich.

WHTC: Governor Snyder announces million dollar German orchid investment for Kalamazoo

The company Hark Orchids L.P. will be opening its first facility outside of its headquarters in Kalamazoo. The German based orchid company plans to invest roughly $5 million to build a 30,000 sq. ft. climate controlled laboratory operation to hybridized and cultivate orchids.
 

WDIV: Orchid company from Germany investing millions in Michigan

Hark Orchids L.P. will spend $5 million to build facility in Kalamazoo

MLIVE: Greater Kalamazoo United Way raises $9.4 million, exceeding campaign goal for 2011

The Greater Kalamazoo United Way surpassed its goal of raising $9.3 million for its 2011 campaign, while increasing the number of donors and volunteers.  Southwest Michigan First partners with local organizations to help lead effort!

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First is among 14 area companies named Best and Brightest Company to Work For

There are a lot of great places to work in Southwest Michigan and Southwest Michigan First is one of them!

THAT MICHIGAN SHOW visits Southwest Michigan First

That Michigan Show hits "the road" with a stop in Kalamazoo to interview, Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First.  Ron discusses the economic strategy for the Southwest Region as well as his personal motivations for success.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan will be represented as Gov. Rick Snyder visits Germany and Italy this week

Jennifer Owens, vice president of regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First, will join a delegation from Michigan on Wednesday and Thursday in Germany to court business there.

THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Gov. Rick Snyder heads to Europe to attract foreign investment in Michigan

Gov. Rick Snyder is heading to Italy and Germany for a week-long trade mission to encourage investment in Michigan and promote the state’s export offerings.

THE DETROIT NEWS: Mich. gov heads to Italy, Germany on trade mission

Gov. Rick Snyder embarks Saturday on a week-long trade mission to Italy and Germany for meetings with auto executives and other businesses.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Michigan needs to sell itself to job creators

Reaching out to site consultants nationwide for impressions of Michigan and suggestions for change, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently teamed with the Southwest Michigan First development group from Kalamazoo to quiz site selectors from Atlanta, Chicago, South Carolina and Cleveland. Future trips are planned to Dallas, Boston and other markets to solicit -- and hopefully improve -- opinions of site consultants in those areas about Michigan.

MLIVE: Gov. Rick Snyder talks in Kalamazoo about public safety, highlights local collaboration

Gov. Rick Snyder stopped in Kalamazoo today to talk about his plan to improve public safety and to highlight some of the collaboration efforts made by law enforcement agencies in Kalamazoo County.

MLIVE: Western Michigan University board names Bill Johnston chairman, approves tuition bargaining for international partners

Bill Johnston, Past Chair of Southwest Michigan First, has been named Chairman of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees.

ENCORE: Grateful Ambassador

Tim Terrentine gives back to his community through his duties at Southwest Michigan First. Through First 50, he is working to help create the area's future leaders.

MLIVE: Exporting and investments from abroad are in sharp focus at Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan has an important place in the world of exporting, based on the products and technologies that are developed here. A recent report indicates that exporting from the Kalamazoo/Portage area has the potential to grow by 79.5 percent by the year 2020.
 

THE BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER: In search of economic growth

For Calhoun County, experts say pockets of real opportunity exist in region.

RECYCLING TODAY: Maine Plastics' move to Kalamazoo makes headlines

To accommodate its growth in Michigan, Maine Plastics recently moved to a 140,000-square-foot building in Kalamazoo, Mich. The company was also awarded a 2011 Catalyst Award from Southwest Michgian First for their commitment to job creation in Southwest Michigan.
 
 

STURGIS JOURNAL: New equipment is part of growth at Sturgis Molded Products

Job boost expected at Sturgis Molded Products with arrival of new machinery.

MLIVE: Racing through at 110 mph

Amtrak celebrates increase in train speeds in Kalamazoo Corridor! "This is tremendous for Kalamazoo," says Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First: Job creation has to be an 8-county effort

Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens talks about the organization's plans for job creation in the region.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First announces new partnership with The Charter Group

Southwest Michigan First and Grand Rapids-based The Charter Group have formed a new partnership that will bring the mergers and acquisitions advisory fund to Kalamazoo.
 

WMU NEWS: Dozens of local internships up for grabs

Western Michigan University students have a chance to earn a minimum of $8,000 in wages, scholarship funds and other compensation by participating in the 2012 Monroe-Brown Internship Program.

MLIVE: Inspiration for leaders: Catalyst University gets underway in downtown Kalamazoo

Doc Hendley, president of international clean water provider Wine to Water, kicks off Southwest Michigan First's 2012 Catalyst University gathering this morning in Kalamazoo. The self-described underachiever from North Carolina explained that there are days when everyone thinks they can't get things done, but a team of people who work together help. And finding something he is passionate about has become his life's work.

MLIVE: Tererai Trent, Oprah all-time favorite guest, thanks Western Michigan University

Tererai Trent spoke at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center on Wednesday, Jan. 25, before her appearance at Catalyst University.
 

MLive: Stryker named to Fortune magazine 100 Best Companies to Work For

Stryker Corp. has been named one of the top 100 companies to work for in the United States by Fortune magazine.

LIVABILITY: Kalamazoo Named Top 10 Beer City

Kalamazoo named Top 10 Beer City!

MLIVE: Commercial development in Kalamazoo: Developers look to plug gaps within, between retail hot spots

What will the retail landscape look like in Kalamazoo in the next 5 to 10 years?

"A lot of what we're seeing is redevelopment and meeting the market for the customer's changing palate," says Ron Kitchens, ceo of Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: WMU's Seita Scholars Program mentioned by Gov. Rick Snyder during State of the State

LANSING — Western Michigan University's Seita Scholars Program was mentioned by Gov. Rick Snyder tonight during his second State of the State address. WMU was also the only university to be mentioned by the governor.

MLive: American Axles granted tax break for expansion that could add 300 jobs in Three Rivers

American Axle is planning a $102-million investment at the Three Rivers site, part of an overall $1.1 billion corporate expansion to create components for a passenger/crossover vehicle being developed and introduced by a yet-unnamed manufacturer. The move could allow the company to create around 300 jobs.

MLive: Monroe-Brown Foundation announces 43 internships for Southwest Michigan college students

Southwest Michigan college students: Looking for a job this summer that's more than just scooping ice cream? The Monroe-Brown Internship Program has announced 43 paid internships at 33 area companies for summer 2012 — up from 34 in 2011.

WMU NEWS: Oprah's favorite guest Tererai Trent will speak at WMU

Dr. Tererai Trent, whose moving story of being "the woman who buried her dreams" earned her the designation last May as Oprah Winfrey's favorite guest of all times, will speak at Western Michigan University Wednesday, Jan. 25, before her appearance at Southwest Michigan First's Catalyst University later in the afternoon.
 

XCONOMY: Axonia Medical Raises $1 Million in Seed Financing

Harry Ledebur, Kalamazoo-based Axonia’s president and CEO, recently let Xconomy know that the company has just raised its first million in seed financing from the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Venture Fund and expects to close on another $500,000 to $1 million in the next six months, bringing Axonia within reach of its goal of $3 million.
 

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan Innovation Center awarded $600,000 grant by state

In a move that could help Kalamazoo strengthen its base as a life sciences center, the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

MLIVE: Tererai Trent, WMU grad and favorite guest of Oprah, will speak on campus this month

Western Michigan University alumna (and Oprah's favorite guest ) Tererai Trent will be on her alma mater's campus Jan. 25 while in town for a Southwest Michigan First's Catalyst University.
 

MLIVE: Retail development in Kalamazoo: Developers search for their sweet spots

With the Kalamazoo area slowly emerging from the recession, more companies will be looking for the best available place to do business. The process of finding that special location often boils down to two basic, interlocking questions: "how big?" and "where?"

MLIVE: Residential Opportunities, WMU begin renovations to create new autism center

Lt. Gov Brian Calley was among more than half a dozen community leaders and a crowd of more than 50 who appeared at a former Moose Lodge late Monday morning to to voice their support for the construction of a new autism and research center. Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First, attended the "wall breaking" event for the center that is expected to create more than 30 jobs when completed this summer.

MiBIZ: Taking time to say thank you

Ron Kitchens' Community Capitalism column featured in MiBiz reminds you take time to say thank you to those who make a difference.

KALAMAZOO GAZETTE: Regional focus expected to help Southwest Michigan First grow jobs

Southwest Michigan First announces regional focus and expanded Board of Directors.

MLIVE: Southwest Michigan First contracted to do economic development for St. Joseph County

Southwest Michigan First has been contracted to provide economic development services in St. Joseph County.

MEDCITY News: Biotech startup puts new spin on regenerative medicine for nervous system repair

Axonia Medical raises $1 million to help carry the Kalamazoo, Michigan-based biotech through large-animal trials of its regenerative nervous system repair technology.
 

STURGIS JOURNAL: County set to invest $1.2M

St. Joseph County has entered into economic development partnership with Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First.

MLIVE: Top Kalamazoo business stories of 2011: Pfizer Animal Health business

KALAMAZOO GAZETTE:  New York-based drug giant Pfizer Inc. announced plans on July 7, 2011 to explore “strategic alternatives” for its Animal Health and Nutrition businesses.

MiBIZ: Crystal Ball Edition

Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, makes his crystall ball predictions for 2012.

MiTechNews.com: Strategic Fund Gives $6 Million In Grants To Dozen Michigan Biz Incubators

The Southwest Michigan Innovation Center is among a dozen Michigan business incubators that will split $6 million in grants from the Michigan Strategic Fund to help launch and grow start-up companies throughout the state.

CBS DETROIT: Incubators Statewide Get State Help

Southwest Michigan Innovation Center receives incubation funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

MLIVE: New building means more room as Perrigo grows in Allegan

Perrigo Co.'s new 50,000-square-foot building on Eastern Avenue will provide needed office space for its growing staff now and room for growth in the future, the company's top leadership says.