Displaying items tagged: Southwest Michigan First
Democrats pass ‘right-to-work’ repeal and prevailing-wage mandate
LANSING — Michigan’s decade-old “right-to-work” laws are in peril now that Democratic legislators are acting to rescind them — as promised — two months after taking power in Lansing.
FUNDING FIREHOSE: State Revitalization and Placemaking grants aim to bridge funding gap for many West Michigan housing projects
Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Berrien County will receive large chunks of funding to regrant to various housing projects that the state approved Wednesday through the Revitalization and Placemaking Program.
Michigan life sciences industry perseveres in face of major talent shortage
Like virtually every other sector, Michigan’s life sciences industry faces a key obstacle in trying to attract and retain talent, many of whom are leaving for opportunities out of state.
State lawmakers mull restoration of R&D tax credit
Michigan could restore a tax credit for companies that conduct research and development here, which supporters say would make the state more competitive for high-tech business investments.
New economic development coalition calls for change to help Michigan compete
Nearly two dozen economic development and trade organizations have formed the Winning Michigan Jobs coalition with the goal of helping the state regain a competitive edge for new jobs and investments.
After ‘soul searching,’ Southwest Michigan First finds new CEO
KALAMAZOO — The new CEO at Southwest Michigan First sees the job as an opportunity to come home to the Midwest and run what he considers “one of the best” economic development organizations in the country.
Career tech donation tips recent anonymous giving past $1B in Kalamazoo
Over the past four months, anonymous donations to support talent development, education and public services in the Kalamazoo area have now exceeded $1 billion, which local officials call a transformative and unique sum for the community.
Southwest Michigan First announces new CEO
KALAMAZOO — Southwest Michigan First has selected a new CEO from Las Vegas, roughly eight months after the economic development organization’s previous executive resigned following his controversial hiring.
Zoetis’ COVID-19 vaccines for animals bolster Southwest Michigan’s life sciences profile
KALAMAZOO — Nine months ago, some of the first COVID-19 vaccines left Portage and found their way into the arms of patients around the country.
Office workers gradually return to downtowns as officials forecast a new landscape
The short-term outlook of city officials and commercial real estate experts is improving as office workers gradually return to in-person work, and they share an optimism as downtowns reawaken from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Midwest Fastener investing $10.8M in Portage HQ expansion, Decatur operations
PORTAGE — Midwest Fastener Corp. plans to create up to 90 jobs as part of a $10.8 million investment to expand its headquarters and distribution center in Portage and operations in Decatur.
Organizations, residents set to occupy newly constructed Warner Building in downtown Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO — Prominent businesses and community organizations will soon move into the newly constructed mixed-use Warner Building in downtown Kalamazoo.
$550 million gift to Western Michigan University a ‘catalyst’ for the community
KALAMAZOO — Representatives from Western Michigan University announced on Tuesday that the school has received the largest private gift ever bestowed on a public university.
MiBiz Growth Report: March 15, 2021
Here's the MiBiz growth report for March 15, 2021.
Bethany Christian adoption policy draws cautious optimism from LGBTQ advocates
GRAND RAPIDS — Bethany Christian Services’ announcement this month that it would begin to help LGBTQ parents nationwide adopt children was a major policy reversal for the global adoption agency and, for civil rights advocates, appeared to be a step toward progress.
Kalamazoo County suspends contribution to, pursues ‘better relationship’ with Southwest Michigan First
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted 7-4 Tuesday to suspend its 2021 funding to Southwest Michigan First as the fallout continues over the organization’s brief hire of former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield as CEO.
Southwest Michigan First regroups after Chatfield resignation; questions remain over event center
KALAMAZOO — Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s weeklong run as CEO of Southwest Michigan First spurred a wave of backlash from the community that has damaged the economic development organization’s reputation, officials say.
Chatfield resigns as Southwest Michigan First CEO after week of controversy
KALAMAZOO — Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield has resigned as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, a week after his appointment generated controversy among local officials and some in the local business community.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation drops Southwest Michigan First membership as CEO backlash continues
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has dropped its membership with Southwest Michigan First effective immediately as backlash continues over the economic development organization’s hiring of former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its CEO.
State awards nearly 6,000 businesses with COVID-19 relief grants
State officials announced today that nearly 6,000 Michigan businesses have received grant funding totaling $52.5 million under a COVID-19 relief program signed into law late last year.
Advocates call on Southwest Michigan First to back civil rights expansion after CEO controversy
KALAMAZOO — LGBTQ advocates say Southwest Michigan First should support expanding Michigan’s civil rights law following backlash to the appointment of its new CEO, former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
Kalamazoo pulls Southwest Michigan First funding after Chatfield appointment
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously voted to withdraw $10,000 in annual funding for Southwest Michigan First on the same day former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield started as the economic development organization’s CEO.
Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield named new CEO of Southwest Michigan First
KALAMAZOO — Former Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield has been named CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the economic development agency announced Thursday.
Economic development leadership changes could lend ‘fresh eyes’ to mission
West Michigan economic development organizations are in a transition period — much like the industry itself during the COVID-19 pandemic — as multiple agencies take on new leadership.
Despite new state law, no solid plans for Kalamazoo event center
KALAMAZOO — A new funding tool recently signed into law is intended to help finance an event center in downtown Kalamazoo, but it’s unclear if there is a desire or solid plans to move forward with the venue.
MEDC pilot program seeks to connect corporate purchasers with small biz during holidays
Calls to support small businesses during the holiday shopping season have perhaps never been louder than this year.
State COVID-19 relief grants reach thousands of West Michigan small businesses
Thousands of small businesses across West and Southwest Michigan have received grant funding from a state COVID-19 relief program.
Thousands seek small biz pandemic relief grants in West Michigan
Nearly 4,000 small businesses across a 13-county region of West Michigan have applied for state pandemic relief grants.
SBAM backs legislation to provide liability protection to businesses during pandemic
If an employer follows the rules and complies with requirements to maintain a safe workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, business advocates argue the company should not have to face liability claims if someone there contracts the coronavirus.
State launches $115M grant program for small biz, agriculture relief
A pair of state grant funds totaling $115 million launches today as another source of financial assistance for small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.