Portage-based Clark Logic LLC, in partnership with Industrial Partners USA, held a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction of a new speculative (spec) building in Battle Creek, Michigan on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Regional economic...
Business
Taking a Shot for the Community
Fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, or fatigue. These symptoms are common for both the flu and COVID-19. The good news is you can get a vaccine to prevent the flu! More than 80 years ago, the first flu vaccination was developed. While technology has advanced, the...
Celebrating a Star-Spudded Vegetable
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...
Celebrating Those Driving Success in Our Region
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...
$4.7 Million in Additional Loans Made to 71 Businesses Through MEDC Michigan Small Business Relief Program
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...
Michigan Small Business Restart Grant Recipients Announced
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...
Southwest Michigan July Jobless Rates Continue to Fall
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...
Regional Companies Recognized for PPE Efforts
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...
Gibson Grants Employees This Unique Work-from-home Opportunity
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...
An Apeeling BBQ Food Truck That Will Make You Go Bananas
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,...










