BATTLE CREEK, – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) presented a check for $180,000 to Cosma Casting, Michigan and a check for $60,000 to Post Consumer Brands for their completion of the Battle Creek Jobs Fund Program.
The Battle Creek Jobs Fund (BCJF) is a performance-based, incentive program funded by a grant through the W. K. Kellogg Foundation aimed at reducing the number of families living below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This program provided an incentive to new prospects looking to locate in Battle Creek and existing employers looking to create new positions. In addition, the program offered support services for its participants including employment and job readiness skills, assistance from a company provided “Employer Champion,” and awareness in the local business community of the unique contributions and concerns of low-income families.
“Post Consumer Brands was pleased to be able to work with Battle Creek Unlimited to continue to support the community through the Battle Creek Jobs Fund Program,” said Don Holtan, Plant Manager. “This is a wonderful program, benefitting both the Company and the Battle Creek area. We greatly appreciated the opportunity.”
“It gives us great pleasure to provide job opportunities to the people of Battle Creek,” said Todd Latouf, general manager at Cosma Casting Michigan. “We value our employees and their dedication, and as our organization grows we look forward to continuing our participation in community involvement programs.”
The program was first launched in 2012 and ended March 31, 2017. “BCU and our workforce partners will continue to explore different strategies and other opportunities for job creation incentive programs that will help reduce poverty in Battle Creek, said Joe Sobieralski, BCU President and CEO. “Having additional incentives that are unique to Battle Creek provides a very strong economic development tool and an advantage in attracting new companies and assisting our existing companies with their growth in Battle Creek.”
“A wonderful aspect about this grant opportunity is that it encouraged employers to hire from a targeted population so that these residents could earn higher wages and reduce the poverty levels in our City,” stated Chris Walden of Michigan Works! Southwest.
This program was in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, W.E. Upjohn Institute, Michigan Works! Southwest, Goodwill Industries, and Kellogg Community College.
The mission of Battle Creek Unlimited is to generate investment and job creation in our community.
