BCU’s Fall 2021 Newsletter

BCU is pleased to share its Fall 2021 Quarterly Newsletter 

This edition includes:

    Viking-Cives Purchases 40 Acres

    WMU Dedicates Expanded College of Aviation

    BCU Competes in 2021 Kickball Classic

    John Hughes Joins BCU Team

    Aviation Director Larry Bowron Retires

….plus other news and information.  The newsletter is available to view as a PDF here

Our goal is to provide useful information to people who live and/or work in Battle Creek.  We welcome your feedback and story ideas. Email your comments to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org. You can also follow Battle Creek Unlimited on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

John Hughes joins Battle Creek Unlimited as economic development specialist

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce the addition of John Hughes to its team. Hughes will further BCU’s efforts in business retention, expansion, and workforce development. As an economic development specialist, Hughes will collaborate alongside the BCU team as it continues to generate jobs and investment in Battle Creek.

Hughes brings experience in the industrial and commercial real estate industries. Most recently, Hughes held the position of EQS manager and lead trainer for GCI located in Coldwater, Mich. Prior to GCI, Hughes spent time working in the Battle Creek area as a commercial sales advisor for Waterland Properties where he gained local market knowledge working closely with businesses and the community.

Hughes is currently furthering his education in business management at Kellogg Community College.

State Senator John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek secures $2 million in state funding toward major renovation of McCamly Plaza Hotel in downtown Battle Creek

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce a $2 million state investment for the special use of revitalizing McCamly Plaza Hotel, which plans to reopen in 2022.

The Michigan Legislature this week passed the 2022 state budget, which included a one-time $2 million allocation to BCU. Funds will be used toward a $46MM renovation to convert the 239-room hotel into a Hilton DoubleTree. The property makeover will include a new restaurant, façade and entryway, refreshed lobby, conference rooms, gym and pool amenities, lounges, and other mixed-use spaces.

“A flagship hotel is integral to the continued redevelopment in downtown Battle Creek,” said Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of BCU. “This project will accelerate the economic growth already afoot. We are grateful for support by Sen. Bizon and Rep. Hall and their recognition of this highly leveraged and transformative project in our community that wouldn’t be possible without contributions such as this and among many other community partners. This is just one critical piece of funding among many others.”

State Senator John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is in his sixth year as a legislator, and has worked tirelessly to ensure continued prosperity and revitalization of the downtown Battle Creek business district. It is his pleasure to make the hotel project a priority at the state level.

“When Battle Creek’s downtown hotel closed and the promised plans for a revitalized hotel and conference center fell through, I, like many others in my hometown of Battle Creek, was left wondering how the downtown would survive. Then another layer of uncertainty hit when the state shutdown for months. This generous funding that State Rep. Hall and I were able to secure will have a long-lasting effect in Battle Creek’s city-center for decades to come.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has the final authority on approval of the 2022 state budget, which has an October 1 deadline. She could approve the line-item or veto it.

Plans for the new DoubleTree include a teaching-hotel component. BCU is planning to partner with universities, local educational institutions, and workforce partners to establish programs that introduce students and residents to the hospitality industry. The approach provides more career paths and opportunities for upward mobility within the Battle Creek community.

Rep. Matt Hall, R-Marshall, said he’s certain this funding will assist in attracting the business community and people to downtown Battle Creek again.

“This was a top priority for the Battle Creek community. Vibrant attractions and hospitality are needed to attract more people downtown and a top-notch hotel will help the community accomplish this,” Hall said.

Hall continued, “This project was identified as a need by our local economic development and community leaders, and I worked hard with Sen. Bizon to deliver for the people of Battle Creek and people across Calhoun County. I will continue to fight for measures that will help attract people and business to Battle Creek and the surrounding area.”

BCU’s Summer 2021 Newsletter

BCU is pleased to share its Summer 2021 Quarterly Newsletter 

This edition includes:

    Handmap Brewing Grand Opening

    BCU Announces Changes to Board of Directors

    Welcome Consul General Yusuke Shindo

    Dr. Charles Seifert (1933-2021)

    FTZ 43 Update

….plus other news and information.  The newsletter is available to view as a PDF here

Our goal is to provide useful information to people who live and/or work in Battle Creek.  We welcome your feedback and story ideas. Email your comments to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org. You can also follow Battle Creek Unlimited on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Join the BCU Team – Economic Development Specialist

Does making an impact and positioning the community for future growth through economic development intrigue you? Do you enjoy working with companies to understand their opportunities and concerns? Are you a critical thinker with the ability to solve problems? Do you want to work with a dynamic organization that serves a diverse community and is on the upswing by bringing jobs and investments to the Battle Creek Community? Look no further, Battle Creek Unlimited has the job for you. Our work is mission-driven, fulfilling, and fun.

We seek a candidate who is motivated, a team-player, deadline-oriented, and a creative thinker who wants to make a difference. In this cultivating environment, there is an opportunity to learn and grow quickly with the Battle Creek Unlimited team – as you work side by side with energetic business professionals on the forefront of economic development. Remote work systems are in place to allow for flexibility within reason. This job offers excellent benefits and unlimited possibilities. Minimal economic development experience required but preferred.

Job Title: Economic Development Specialist (Exempt-Fulltime)

Job Description:
The job encompasses a wide variety of work, including economic, business and workforce development support services; coordination of projects, programs, and activities in support of the mission; meeting with companies for retention visits; working with city officials, educators, businesses, and workforce development partners to connect resources; assists with managing projects for the tax increment finance authority, brownfield development authority, local development finance authority, and downtown development initiatives; grant writing/fundraising, creates proposals and presentations; researches and compiles demographic and economic data in response to inquiries; meeting coordination; community engagement; and assists with special projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Three (3) years of full-time work experience or a post-secondary resume in a closely related area of business, public relations, or communications.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is desired unless you have relevant work experience.
• Possess the temperament and flexibility to work effectively in a fast-paced and energetic environment.
• Availability to attend in-person meetings on nights/weekends and to reach the office in cases of emergency.
• Very strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills, meeting deadlines, and performing under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Must be a self-starter, requiring minimal direction for completing assignments.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce (CRM) preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. Absolute integrity and discretion are essential.

Pay Range: $55,000 – $70,000 with an excellent benefit package. Desired residency established in the City of Battle Creek within six months. Relocation packages offered.

Deadline to Submit: Please submit resume, cover letter, references to: joinourteam@bcunlimited.org
Resumes are due by July 23, 2021. Interviews will occur in August.

More about the Company:
Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc. (BCU) is a private, nonprofit corporation, serving as the business and economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. For nearly 50 years, BCU has had a rich history of bringing investments and jobs to the Battle Creek Community. BCU manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park and is engaged in Community/Downtown Development initiatives. BCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit our website at www.bcunlimited.org.

Join the BCU Team – Economic Development & Innovation Coordinator

Does making an impact and positioning the community for future growth through economic development intrigue you? Looking to launch your post-secondary career? Do you want to work with a dynamic organization that serves a diverse community and is on the upswing by bringing jobs and investments to the Battle Creek Community? Look no further, Battle Creek Unlimited has the job for you. Our work is mission-driven, fulfilling, and fun.

We seek a candidate who is motivated, a team-player, deadline-oriented, and a creative thinker who wants to make a difference. In this cultivating environment, there is an opportunity to learn and grow quickly with the Battle Creek Unlimited team – as you work side by side with energetic business professionals on the forefront of economic development. Remote work systems are in place to allow for flexibility within reason. This job offers excellent benefits and unlimited possibilities. Minimal economic development experience required but preferred.

Job Title:
Economic Development & Innovation Coordinator (Exempt-Fulltime)

Job Description:
The job encompasses a wide variety of work, including administrative and marketing support services; coordination of projects, programs, and activities in support of the mission; leading website and social management and initiatives; drafting of proposals and presentation; research; meeting coordination; event planning; community engagement; general office duties; and assists with special projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Three (3) years of full-time work experience or a post-secondary resume in a closely related area of business, marketing, public relations, or communications.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is desired unless you have relevant work experience.
• Experience with desktop publishing, graphic design, Adobe products, Publisher, Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, Social Media platforms, and Salesforce (CRM) preferred.
• Availability to attend in-person meetings on nights/weekends and to reach the office in cases of emergency.
• Possess the temperament and flexibility to work effectively in a fast-paced and energetic environment.
• Very strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills, meeting deadlines, and performing under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Must be a self-starter, requiring minimal direction for completing assignments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. Absolute integrity and discretion are essential.

Pay Range: $45,000 – $55,000 with an excellent benefit package. Desired residency established in the City of Battle Creek within six months. Relocation packages offered.

Deadline to Submit: Please submit resume, cover letter, references to: joinourteam@bcunlimited.org
Resumes are due by July 23, 2021. Interviews will occur in August.

More about the Company:
Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc. (BCU) is a private, nonprofit corporation, serving as the business and economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. For nearly 50 years, BCU has had a rich history of bringing investments and jobs to the Battle Creek Community. BCU manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park and is engaged in Community/Downtown Development initiatives. BCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit our website at www.bcunlimited.org.

BCU’s Spring 2021 Newsletter

BCU is pleased to share its Spring 2021 Quarterly Newsletter 

This edition includes:

    Washington Heights Entrepreneurial Fund

    Cosma Casting, Bowers Aluminum Announce Expansions

    Torti Taco Shifts Downtown Plans

    McCamly Plaza Hotel Donations Help Community Partners

    Kmart Demo Complete

….plus other news and information.  The newsletter is available to view as a PDF here

Our goal is to provide useful information to people who live and/or work in Battle Creek.  We welcome your feedback and story ideas. Email your comments to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org. You can also follow Battle Creek Unlimited on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Bowers Aluminum Submits Plans for Expansion in Battle Creek

PRESS RELEASE

March 12, 2021

Bowers Aluminum Submits Plans for Expansion in Battle Creek

  • Bowers considers investing $7.8M in Battle Creek.
  • Expansion would create at least 17 new jobs.

    BATTLE CREEK, MICH Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce that Bowers Aluminum is considering expanding its manufacturing operations in Battle Creek’s Ft. Custer Industrial Park. Bowers Aluminum provides contract anodizing and fabrication services for aluminum products to manufacturing companies throughout the Midwest, East, South, and West. Their anodizing operations serve multiple sectors (automotive, healthcare, appliance manufacturing, office furniture, etc).

    Bowers will seek a local tax-abatement for this project. If approved, this project would generate more than $7,800,000 in investments at the site. In addition, Bowers would hire a minimum of 17 new employees over the next 12 months. There is a strong potential for more employees beyond the initial 17.

    “We are excited about the possibility of expanding in Battle Creek. We will put an emphasis on hiring local” said owner, Jon Bowers. “When possible, we will hire locals because it benefits both of us. Local employees add value to our overall economy. Also, if they are closer to our facility, it is more likely that they will stay and grow with our company.”

    “We are pleased that Bowers is considering an expansion here in Battle Creek. Bowers Aluminum is a local company that continues to show commitment to the City of Battle Creek. This potential expansion sends a signal to local companies and potential new companies that Battle Creek is the right place to do business.” said Shabaka Gibson, Vice President at Battle Creek Unlimited.

    Bowers’ current facility, located at 1401 Shiga Dr., began operating in Battle Creek in 2018. The proposed expansion of 70,000 sf would double the company’s footprint. This potential expansion would allow the company to expand its processes to include extrusion and fabrication. That would allow Bowers to do more business and create more local jobs.

    ###

    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.

    CONTACT

    Shabaka Gibson
    Battle Creek Unlimited www.bcunlimited.org gibson@bcunlimited.org
    Press Release – Bowers Expansion 2021 FINAL

Magna Cosma Casting Expansion Planned for Battle Creek, Mich., Facility

PRESS RELEASE

April 12, 2021

Magna Cosma Casting Expansion Planned for Battle Creek, Mich., Facility

Magna plans to invest $31.9M in Battle Creek, Mich., facility and create 68 new jobs.
Magna will participate in the BC TRAIN talent attraction program for some of the new hires.

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce that Magna is considering expanding its Cosma Casting Michigan manufacturing operation in Battle Creek’s Fort Custer Industrial Park. Magna provides a comprehensive range of body, chassis, and engineering solutions to global automotive customers, including high-pressure aluminum castings from its Battle Creek facility, which contributes to lighter vehicles with reduced environmental impact. Magna will seek a local tax-abatement for the expansion. If approved, this project would generate more than $31,900,0000 in investments at the site. In addition, Magna would hire 68 new employees over the next three years, with starting wages between $15 – $35 per hour, depending on position.

“Magna has been a proud member of the Battle Creek community since 2013, and we’re pleased to have an opportunity to expand our operations and continue supporting our customers with great products,” said Bryan Bowersox, general manager of Cosma Casting Michigan. “In addition, this expansion is about our employees and the team. We strive to attract, develop and retain the best talent by providing a challenging and rewarding environment in which to grow both personally and professionally.”

As part of the expansion and additional jobs, Magna will participate in BCU’s Battle Creek TRAIN (Talent Retention, Attraction, and Inclusion iNcentive) program, which is a partnership between BCU and Battle Creek-area companies designed to attract employees to the city of Battle Creek. “We are pleased that Magna is considering Battle Creek as the site of their expansion. We are also excited to partner with them on the BC TRAIN program to bring additional employees and residents to Battle Creek. Battle Creek is a great place to do business and this announcement is another example of that.” said Shabaka Gibson, Vice President at Battle Creek Unlimited.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project with a six-mill State Education Tax exemption estimated at $309,000 over 12 years. “Magna’s continued investment in Michigan means good jobs for our residents and further solidifies our state’s continued leadership in advanced automotive manufacturing and mobility,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support this expansion as we continue to work toward economic recovery for all Michiganders.”

Page 1 of 2

Magna’s current facility, located at 10 Clark Road N., will be expanded by roughly 50,000 square feet to support additional manufacturing for the automotive sector. Before choosing Battle Creek, Magna considered other locations around the country. The company will be hiring a mix of engineering, project management, and skilled employees. The company plans to begin recruiting employees soon. Interested applicants can visit www.magna.com/company/careers.

###

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.

CONTACT

Shabaka Gibson
Battle Creek Unlimited www.bcunlimited.org TEL 269-579-2576 gibson@bcunlimited.org

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