Battle Creek, Mich. – The Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Sobieralski as its next President and CEO. Sobieralski joined BCU in December of 2015, as Vice President and was appointed Interim President & CEO in July 2016.  “We feel Joe has done a great job during his tenure as Interim President & CEO, he has demonstrated many of the qualities that the Board seeks in a President & CEO,” said John Gallagher, BCU Board Chair. “We feel those qualities are imperative to move the organization forward, build a dynamic team and to raise the bar on our economic development activities in Battle Creek.”

“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Battle Creek and we have seen him in action over the past year and feel his energy and enthusiasm will help Battle Creek continue to be a global leader in the realm of economic development. His commitment to collaboration and partnership make him the ideal candidate to move BCU forward,” said Rebecca Fleury, City Manager for the City of Battle Creek.

Al Bobrofsky, Chair of the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority (BCTIFA), “The TIFA Board has had the pleasure of working with Joe for nearly a year and we are pleased to see his appointment.” “We look forward to working with the team at BCU under his leadership.”

“I am honored that the Board has given me the opportunity to lead BCU as it’s the next President & CEO. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to build upon decades of success and play a vital role on shaping the future direction of BCU,” said Joe Sobieralski, BCU President & CEO. “We have a lot of work ahead of us but I am confident that we are up to the challenge and will continue to cultivate economic development in Battle Creek by constructing a vibrant and energetic team and positioning our current dedicated staff to win.”

Sobieralski past economic development experience includes leadership positions with a variety of organizations and roles including Executive Director and City Manager.  Sobieralski has extensive experience working in Southwest Michigan, building public and private sector partnerships for the long-term benefit of the region.  Sobieralski holds a BA in Public Administration from Michigan State University and an MPA from Western Michigan University with a Local Government concentration. Sobieralski also earned credits in the leading industry designation for economic developers: Community Economic Development Certification (CEcD).

About Battle Creek Unlimited
Battle Creek Unlimited is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development organization for the City of Battle Creek.  Battle Creek Unlimited facilitates generation of investments and job creation in our community.

Media Contacts:
John Gallagher, BCU Board Chair
269-209-1564 jgallagher@GallagherUniform.com