September is National Potato Month, an important celebration as the potato is one of the staples in American cuisine. Whether you prefer them fried, baked, roasted, or as chips, the potato is quite a stud. Did you know that 1.7 billion pounds of potatoes are harvested...
We’re honking our horns this week to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation week! Truck drivers are a staple to our economy, powering the flow of goods that keep retail shelves stocked, food on the table, manufacturing processes running, and keep America moving...
New awards bring total of loans to $9 million, along with $10 million in grants already awarded through the program Low-interest loans intended to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce in the face of...
Southwest Michigan First, the regional economic development catalyst based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, today announced 1,434 small business recipients are receiving average grant awards of $5,000 each as part of the state’s Michigan Small Business Restart Program. Grants...
Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined in all 17 of Michigan’s major labor market areas during July 2020, according to data released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). Michigan regions had particularly sharp July...
Just like during WWII, companies throughout our country have stepped up to help fight the most recent battle against COVID-19. Locally, we’ve seen retooling and innovation from companies to equip our frontline workers and the entire community with the personal...
During these changing times, many employees are transitioning back to an office setting with safety measures in place, but a lot of people are still working on a flexible or hybrid schedule between office and home. For Gibson, insurance advisors and consultants...
With a heart for community, faith, and good BBQ, Ken Smeader, owner of Skinny Kenny’s BBQ food truck, launched into the BBQ business following his retirement from serving as a pastor for 18 years. With a logo designed by a friend, a smoker gifted for his retirement,...
During the pandemic, the impact on business was felt very differently by every organization. For Naylor Landscape Management, a Kalamazoo family-owned full-service lawn and landscape service company, it was a weed that stopped its work altogether. However, eventually...
Fueled by a deep love for food and bringing people together that dates back generations, Curtis Woods Junior was inspired to open his food truck, PJW Creole Cuisine as a way to support his goal of one day opening a restaurant where he could provide musicians a space...
