Displaying items by tag: Southwest Michigan First
Stryker expansion builds on Southwest Michigan’s life sciences corridor
KALAMAZOO — A major expansion by Stryker Corp. could provide a welcome shot in the arm for Southwest Michigan’s life sciences sector.
Kitchens of Southwest Michigan First sets sights on talent retention, attraction
Talent will continue to reign as the top issue Southwest Michigan First needs to tackle in 2017, according to CEO Ron Kitchens. He believes that the future of communities will depend on their ability to attract and retain Generation X and Millennial workers. To do that, his organization plans to integrate some of its employees into universities around the region, advocate for affordable downtown housing and promote an “open culture,” he said. Kitchens spoke with MiBiz about how economic developers’ jobs are shifting to focus on talent.
Major developments could get funding boost under proposed incentives
To help make Michigan more attractive for large-scale real estate developments, lawmakers want to give developers new options to help fund their projects.
Rerouting trains through Kalamazoo could speed Amtrak travel to Chicago for GR riders
Investments in rail infrastructure eventually will expedite the time it takes for Amtrak passengers to commute from Kalamazoo to Chicago, potentially cutting travel times by a half hour.
Economic developers prioritize educating legislators to keep West Michigan competitive
The budget cuts at the state’s economic development organization have forced industry executives in West Michigan to adjust their tactics.