Among the 258 urban areas that participated in the second 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...
Business
AZO Air Traffic Continues to Climb to New Heights
The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) reports continued growth in passenger traffic for June and July 2021. In June 2021, passenger traffic at AZO increased 351 percent, and in July, traffic increased 183 percent from what was reported in last year’s...
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Calls for Passage of Employment Opportunity Act
Today, Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) and Southwest Michigan First called for quick passage of the Michigan Employment Opportunity Act. The legislation would restore economic incentives from Good Jobs for Michigan, a key tool in attracting...
Meet Damon Allison
As a 2017 participant of Leadership Kalamazoo, Damon Allison has not only built on the lessons taught in the program to develop his own leadership, but now, he is also helping others develop their leadership, too! One of the most memorable experiences that Damon...
Flying High With Local Aviation Superstars
On this day 150 years ago, Orville Wright of the famous flying Wright brothers was born. Today, we celebrate National Aviation Day—a holiday established by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt— honoring and celebrating all those who have contributed to and innovated...
Little Change in June for Michigan Regional Jobless Rates
Not seasonally adjusted jobless rates were largely unchanged in most of Michigan’s 17 labor market areas during June, according to data released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Michigan major area jobless rates had a minor median...
Kalamazoo County Updated COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations
On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendation for mask wearing. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC recommends everyone – including fully vaccinated...
All Roads Point to St. Joseph County for These 450 New Jobs
Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced economic development grants for RV manufacturers Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland RV) and Cruiser RV, LLC in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis, further evidence of continued economic recovery...
Governor Whitmer and LEO Announce Training Support to Get Residents Back to Work
Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Southwest Partnership serving about 444 participants was awarded nearly $1.13 million. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of grants...
Regional Michigan Jobless Rates Move Up In May
Not seasonally adjusted jobless rates rose in 14 of Michigan’s 17 major labor market areas between April and May, according to data released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). “Michigan regional jobless rate gains in May were...










