Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped make this year’s 2020 Economic Outlook a success.  It was great to see so many smiling faces bright and early this morning.  If you missed the event, don’t worry, Access Vision was there to film the entire presentation.  As soon as we have the dates it will be shown on Access Vision and the link to the video we will update this information, stay tuned.  In the meantime, here is a copy of the presentation that was shown at the event:

Slides: 2020 Economic Outlook Presentation

Video:

The video is also scheduled to air on Accessvision channel 17 at the following times:

Saturday 2/29/20 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday 3/3/20 at 5 p.m.

Thursday 3/5/20 at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday 3/7/20 at 5 p.m.

Press Release
February 4, 2020

Battle Creek Unlimited Announces Two New Board Members

Battle Creek, Michigan – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors.

Joining the Board of Directors are Dr. Adrien Bennings and Andrew (Drew) Schweitzer.  “Both new Board members will bring new talent and expertise to the table.  We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to work together with local partners and stakeholders to strengthen our community,” said Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of BCU.

Dr. Adrien Bennings is the President of Kellogg Community College (KCC).  Dr. Bennings joined KCC on January 6, 2020, after a national search.  Dr. Bennings previously was the Vice President for Finance and Administration at Clovis Community College in Clovis, New Mexico.  Dr. Bennings earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Texas Tech University, a Master of Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University.

Drew Schweitzer is the President and CEO of Schweitzer, Inc.  Schweitzer is a local construction company that was founded in Battle Creek in 1962.  Mr. Schweitzer has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Building and Construction Management from Michigan State University.  In addition to his new duties on the BCU Board of Directors, Mr. Schweitzer is the Chair of the KCC Foundation and is on the Binder Park Zoo Board of Directors.

The BCU Board of Directors is comprised of 15 community partners and stakeholders who provide governance and guidance to support BCU.  BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation. BCU’s vision is to engage the community to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.  Working together with our partners, BCU has been able to make a significant positive impact on Battle Creek over the years and will continue to do so in the future with the continued vision and support of our dedicated Board of Directors.

###

ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED

Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek and manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to over 80 businesses, including 25 international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO, BCU

TEL 269-962-7526

January 15, 2020

New Holland Brewing Co. is now projected to open in Battle Creek in the summer of 2020.

It hasn’t been easy for New Holland Brewing Co. to begin construction of its downtown Battle Creek brewing, but they are finally ready to begin.

The brewery received a $968,500 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation… READ MORE HERE

Join Battle Creek Unlimited and 250 local business and community leaders for the annual 2020 Economic Outlook on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The 2020 Economic Outlook is one of the most anticipated economic forecast events in our community.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Robey, Director, Regional Economic Planning Services of the W.E. Upjohn Institute, will review regional, state, and national industry trends as they relate to Battle Creek, providing employment projections and an overall economic forecast for our area.

Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, will provide the community with an overview of BCU’s ongoing economic development projects and initiatives.

Janet Ady, President and CEO of Ady Advantage, is an experienced economic development and business strategy consultant, author, and speaker who focuses on helping both communities and companies meet their growth and diversification goals.

The event will be held at the Kellogg Arena in downtown Battle Creek. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:00 AM; program 7:30-9:00 AM. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and seating is limited. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/2SUfPvn.

PARKING INFORMATION:

Downtown Battle Creek offers multiple parking options, including the McCamly Street parking structure.  Please note, parking in the McCamly Street parking structure typically costs approximately $5 for the duration of this event.

For additional information, please contact Paula Young at 269.441.1667 or young@bcunlimitstg.wpengine.com.

January 6, 2020

Battle Creek, Michigan – Jay Andrew Development Co. has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Battle Creek Unlimited, through the downtown Real Estate Improvement Fund, for its plans to rehabilitate 103 W Michigan Ave.

The funds will go toward a phased redevelopment of the property, starting with a full roof repair. Additional plans for the property redevelopment include white-boxing the first floor, which can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate tenants of different sizes, and residential/office use for the second floor, including some affordable apartments.

The Real Estate Improvement Fund was made possible by a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation aimed at addressing significant hurdles faced by those wanting to invest in downtown by focusing on revitalizing vacant space, improving code compliance, structural and mechanical issues, and other upgrades.

Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, said, “We are happy to partner with another Real Estate Improvement Fund recipient devoted to improving such a recognizable property in downtown Battle Creek. The first phase will focus on fixing the roof.

“With different square-footage possibilities, facility upgrades to the ground floor will make way for a variety of commercial tenants,” Sobieralski added. “The upstairs housing component is a great fit, too, as more consumers look to live in a downtown, walkable setting.”

Jay Andrew Development Co. is a management and development company based in Battle Creek. It is anticipated the project will begin immediately. Jay Andrew Development’s other recent project includes Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Cocktails.

###

ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek and manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to over 80 businesses, including 25 international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited
TEL 269-962-7526