Month: June 2021

Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July celebrations since the first one back in 1777. Last year, the pandemic hampered most displays, but this year a few communities are bringing back the booms and bangs, along with the accompanying oohs and aahs. So, keep all your fingers and toes and let the experts handle […]

A true community servant with a heart for helping others, David Thomas is the owner and professional counselor at Insight Associates LLC. David served for over 20 years at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and his combined experiences in public safety and counseling make him a true champion for others, particularly serving oppressed communities […]

Whirlpool Corporation, founded in 1911 and the world’s leading kitchen and laundry appliance company today, is planning to invest more than $60 million to rehabilitate and reconstruct its Global Laundry and Dishwasher Technical Center in the city of St. Joseph. The investment is part of the company’s innovative approach to business growth and talent attraction […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce economic assistance for projects approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board today. One of the many projects announced includes the expansion of American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. (AAM) facility in Three Rivers. “Today’s projects help us continue to jumpstart Michigan’s economy by creating […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today accelerated the end of all COVID-19 epidemic orders on gatherings and masking as COVID-19 cases continue to plummet following increased vaccinations. Beginning June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100 percent and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask. “Today is a day […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked the legislature earlier today to expand Michigan’s Back-to-Work Incentive, which builds off of the state’s Work Share program, to give eligible laid-off employees a $300 per week bonus for returning to the workforce through September 4, 2021. The state is using the federal $300 per week in unemployment benefits to incentivize […]

266 Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, LLC plans to renovate a historic four-story building into a mixed-use development in the Haymarket historic district of downtown Kalamazoo. When completed, the project will include 11 residential units on the upper floors, with upgrades to the building including an elevator and an enhanced façade at the rear of the property. The first […]

Midwest Fastener Corp. is making investments at its Portage, Michigan headquarters located on Shaver Road, as well as expanding operations at its Decatur facility. The fastener manufacturer and distributor announced a $10.8 million investment that will create 90 new positions over the next three years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced her proposal to invest $1.4 billion in federal child care funding to expand access to high-quality child care, make child care more affordable, and support child care professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan. The plan helps people go back to work and support their families while giving them the peace of mind to know that their children are […]

Among the 265 urban areas that participated in the first quarter 2021 Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan), NY to more than 20 percent below the national average in Kalamazoo, MI.  The Cost of Living Index […]

Josh Fitzgibbon, system director of cancer care for Bronson Healthcare Group, is a lover of all things Southwest Michigan and cares for our community in big ways. Josh was a member of the 2015 cohort of Leadership Kalamazoo, the Southwest Michigan region’s premier leadership development program that started in 1987. The lessons and experiences from […]

Do you have an idea or a problem that needs to be solved? A product that needs to be created? Have you had an idea for a business that you’ve been itching to make a reality? Do you feel that with a little guidance, you’d be able to finally launch your concept? If this sounds […]