BCU Adopts New Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Battle Creek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BCU Adopts New Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Battle Creek

The plan identifies key growth sectors and prioritizes community development.

Battle Creek, Michigan – The Board of Directors for Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) approved a new strategic plan for the organization at their August meeting. The plan aims to strengthen Battle Creek’s economy and improve the city’s vibrancy. The plan identifies three primary growth sectors: Energy, Food & Beverage, and Aviation & Defense. Notably, it expands BCU’s scope to include more community development, as opposed to BCU’s historical focus on attracting industrial investment and creating manufacturing jobs. The plan also takes a long-term view, looking out to 2030.

BCU’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan was a tremendous success. Despite the global pandemic, more than $293 million was invested in Battle Creek.  906 new jobs paying more than $17 per hour were created.  21 new companies established operations in Battle Creek.  BCU received more than $90 million in grants and leveraged more than $44 million in support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Between 2018-2023, BCU stepped up its community development efforts, which include the redevelopment of McCamly Plaza Hotel, the RecordBox project, New Holland Brewing, the acquisition of several blighted properties, and securing state funds for the Kalamazoo River naturalization project.  This new strategic plan will include more community and revitalization efforts.

While the global pandemic has officially subsided, businesses continue to deal with the aftereffects of COVID-19, including remote work, higher interest rates, increased labor and material costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Given the growth in the automotive industry in Battle Creek, the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EV) will create new challenges as well as opportunities for the region. In nearby Marshall, Ford is building the BlueOval Battery Park which will manufacture lithium phosphate batteries. With an anticipated workforce of 1,700 people, this will increase competition for workers in Battle Creek. Housing is another critical issue: existing housing stock is old and new construction has not kept pace with demand.  As Battle Creek’s lead economic development organization, it is important that BCU evolves as the needs of the community change.

The 2030 Strategic Plan lays out several specific targets by which success will be measured. These include:

  • 1000 units of new housing
  • 1000 jobs impacted, including 400 new jobs at or a above the state average wage, and 600 wage-positive jobs impacted by technology advancements
  • $750 million in capital investment in Battle Creek, including $450 million in community development
  • 20 placemaking projects
  • 20 new companies in Battle Creek, with 12 related to community development/placemaking
  • 10 Direct Investment Fund (DIF) loans
  • 10 Socio-Economic Projects
  • $5 million in operational private capital

The document identifies Battle Creek’s strategic advantages, including its location, cost of living, existing company base and history of successfully attracting investment. It calls special attention to the role the military and the federal government play in Battle Creek. It also identifies transformational placemaking projects which would have significant impact on the Battle Creek region. Importantly, the plan emphasizes BCU’s commitment to partner with the City of Battle Creek, and other community stakeholders, such as the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, and the public schools, just to name a few.

The new strategic plan will help BCU prioritize its human and capital resources to have the greatest impact on Battle Creek. This will include focusing on specific initiatives, such as MICH-AIR and Battle Creek Food Reimagined. Meeting these ambitious goals should result in improvements in the labor participation rate, growth in median household income, increased population, improved educational outcomes, and greater vibrancy in Battle Creek, which will help Battle Creek to become a community of choice.

BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said, “For more than 50 years, BCU has had unrivaled success attracting companies and creating jobs in Battle Creek. This new strategic plan builds on our past success and expands our focus to have the greatest impact on Battle Creek. As the needs of our community change, so too must BCU change in response. Growing our economy today requires that we include more community development, which includes housing, placemaking, and community revitalization. We want to lead on this front and develop a reputation as a leader in Michigan, the Midwest, and the country.”

Erick Stewart, Chair of the BCU’s Board of Directors said, “The BCU Board is excited to adopt this new 2030 strategic plan. It represents an evolution of BCU’s role in the community and the momentum that contributes to Battle Creek’s continued economic prosperity. Our previous plan had a tremendous impact on Battle Creek and the continued improvements we see today, however this new document is even more ambitious. It outlines a firm pathway to exceptional achievement, community development and inclusiveness for industry and residents. With initiatives like MICH-AIR, Food Reimagined, the naturalization of the Kalamazoo River channel, the soon-to-be open DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Battle Creek, as well as countless other efforts, BCU has excelled at measuring and meeting the needs of our community. I commend BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski and the entire BCU team for their work to create this forward-looking plan and for their ceaseless efforts to foster the continued vibrancy of Battle Creek.”

BCU’s Strategic Plan is available on our website at: BCU’s 2030 Strategic Plan

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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 nearly 90 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 CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-962-752

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

BCU’s Newsletter Summer 2024

BCU is pleased to share its Summer 2024 Quarterly Newsletter 

This edition includes:

  • From the President’s Desk;
  • BCU Adopts New Strategic Plan;
  • W.K. Kellogg Foundation Awards GVSU $10.3 Million Grant;
  • WMU College of Aviation Launches Drone Certificate Program;
  • Burma Center Hosts Grant Award Ceremony;

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

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 BCU on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

BCU Congratulates Grand Valley State University on its $10.3 Million Grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024

GVSU will move to a building owned by BCU and expand programming in Battle Creek.

BATTLE CREEK, MICH – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) congratulates Grand Valley State University (GVSU) on the $10.3 million grant award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), announced on June 3, 2024. The funds will be used to expand GVSU’s activities in downtown Battle Creek, which will include new educational programming and community outreach. GVSU will utilize the Kendall Center, which BCU acquired in July 2022.

This announcement builds on a 2019 grant from WKKF to GVSU, which provided $15.5 million for the university to partner with Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS). GVSU provided teacher mentoring, support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum development, and career pathway exploration for high-paying, high-demand jobs in STEM and healthcare.

In May 2024, BCPS became the first public school district to join the Eighth Grade Pathways to GVSU Program, which provides qualifying students opportunities for early admission to Grand Valley upon graduation. Participants gain access to recruitment events and college-preparedness workshops provided by faculty and staff members. University leaders surprised eighth grade students with the announcement during a promotion ceremony held at the Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center on May 29, 2024

The new WKKF grant will allow GVSU to add degree programming, starting with courses for the Bachelor of Applied Science. GVSU will also provide in-person learning as well as remote courses through its OMNI platform for continuing education. Courses will be offered in person at the Kendall Center, located on West Jackson Street in the heart of downtown Battle Creek.

In 2022, BCU purchased the Kendall Center from Western Michigan University (WMU) following WMU’s decision to consolidate operations in Battle Creek at the expanded Aviation Education Center at the Battle Creek Executive Airport. The building is located a block away from the new DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek and across the street from the headquarters of WK Kellogg Co and Kellanova’s Battle Creek campus. The BCU team has been working closely with WKKF and GVSU as they develop plans for the building. Renovations to the building’s first floor will add a cafe, offices, classrooms, and multi-purpose spaces.

BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski remarked, “This is the latest move in the ongoing effort to revitalize downtown Battle Creek. Having GVSU in the Kendall Center returns the property to productive use and will bring people back to downtown. It also creates new partnership opportunities. For example, the Food Reimagined initiative may be able to collaborate with GVSU on programs on entrepreneurship, nutrition, and sustainability. This is a great use of the space, and I am grateful to the Kellogg Foundation for their continued generosity.”

Renovations to the Kendall Center will begin this summer and are expected to be complete in late 2025.

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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 CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

TEL 269-962-752

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

 

GVSU expands programming in Battle Creek with $10 million grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2024

Contact: Michele Coffill, GVSU University Communications
coffillm@gvsu.edu
(616) 331-2221

GVSU expands programming in Battle Creek with $10 million grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Media note: photos can be downloaded via https://gvsu.edu/s/2Jx

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Grand Valley State University received a three-year, $10.3 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand the university’s community outreach and educational opportunities in Battle Creek, which includes renovating the Kendall Center to accommodate new programs.

The grant enables Grand Valley to serve Battle Creek area residents through three main areas: increasing access to GVSU degrees and certificates by offering programs at the Kendall Center, growing the food innovation economy, and investing in an aging workforce and new industry opportunities.

GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said the grant enables the university to build on its past and present work of helping Battle Creek learners of all ages, including through the new GVSU OMNI platform for adults.

“We’re proud of our success in breaking down barriers to increase access to education in Battle Creek,” Mantella said. “The W.K. Kellogg Foundation continues to be a great partner as we collaborate to build Michigan’s future.”

Kara Van Dam, chief executive for OMNI, added that this grant builds off a 2019 partnership among Grand Valley, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Battle Creek Public Schools that created college and career pathways for BCPS students.

“We’re so grateful to the Kellogg Foundation,” Van Dam said. “From their vision and discussions with leaders, we’re able to bring in programs that are tailored to the needs of the community.”

La June Montgomery Tabron, CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, said this grant fits the foundation’s goal of building leaders through education.

“I’m excited that we continue to build and grow the workforce ecosystem in Battle Creek. Having Grand Valley as a workforce partner, along with all of the other key partners, expands and accelerates our ability to build talent for today and for the future,” Montgomery Tabron said. “That will help Battle Creek move forward on its journey of becoming a more equitable place of opportunity for its children and families.”

Van Dam said renovations to the Kendall Center, 50 Jackson St. W., will begin soon, with an occupancy goal of late 2025. Renovations to the building’s first floor will create a main entry with cafe, office, classroom and multi-purpose spaces.

Academic programming will begin this fall in partnership with Kellogg Community College, and will include the Bachelor of Applied Science program. Battle Creek youth will also have increased opportunities for after-school programming and summer camps.

The grant will expand a collaboration with Battle Creek Unlimited, the city’s economic development agency, on use of the Kendall Center’s demonstration kitchen. Van Dam said that could mean future academic programs related to nutrition and sustainability.

Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited, said the city’s “Food Reimagined” accelerator program has early-stage food entrepreneurs using the kitchen to grow their small businesses. He said the potential collaboration with Grand Valley, through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, will enhance that initiative.

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BCU’s Newsletter Spring 2024

BCU is pleased to share its Spring 2024 Quarterly Newsletter 

This edition includes:

  • From the President’s Desk;
  • Battle Creek Named a Top Tier-3 Metro by Site Selection Magazine;
  • BCU Receives 2024 Mac Conway Award for Excellence;
  • Battle Creek Welcomes Americas Competitiveness Exchange Tour;
  • Michigan Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation;

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

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 BCU on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Rising tide of optimism eddies around Battle Creek River naturalization project

Article written by:  Jane C. Parikh, Second Wave Southwest Michigan

BATTLE CREEK, MI  — Ripples of hope are being felt by an organization that has been working since 2014 to naturalize a portion of the Kalamazoo River in the city’s downtown.

In late April, Battle Creek Unlimited issued a press release about the city’s acquisition of buildings that formerly housed Ralston/TreeHouse and Graphic Packaging International. Members of  Battle Creek Whitewater Inc., the nonprofit that wants the river restored to a natural-looking state, say they are encouraged by these latest developments.

“Those acquisitions are the result of gifts made to the city by the developer that acquired those properties,” says John Macfarlane, founder of Battle Creek Whitewater and an attorney in Battle Creek. “That’s significant because the state of Michigan allocated $13 million in 2022 to acquire property, accomplish demolition, and do environmental work. The fact that the city has received these properties gratis clears more money for other work. There’s considerable expense for the demolition work.”

There are approximately 3,800 feet of concrete river channel with an additional 1200 plus feet of river restoration to the Monroe Street Dam and the Dickman Hwy River crossing, says Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) which is spearheading the effort to naturalize the river.

“This will not only address a wide variety of fish and wildlife ecosystems and related environmental issues, but it will also increase recreational opportunities by connecting 46 miles of river, improve pedestrian access, and connect the downtown with the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods to spur economic opportunities in and around the downtown Battle Creek community,” he says.

Photo courtesy of John Grap

The Kalamazoo River flows to the west south of Hamblin Avenue near downtown Battle Creek. Proponents of a plan to remove that channel say that it has exceeded its life expectancy. They use words like “ugly,” “eyesore,” and “a detriment,” to describe the 4,000-foot channel and the way they view the concrete embankment constructed as a flood deterrent during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“This project is located in the downtown Battle Creek area of the Kalamazoo River from the Dickman Highway Culvert going downstream northwest approximately one mile to the convergent with the Battle Creek River,” he says.

Macfarlane says he’s heard from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) and they support the project. However, that was not always the case.

ACE was at one time reluctant to endorse modifying the river because they didn’t believe there was an alternative design within the existing footprint that would accommodate for possible flooding.

“The acquisition of the former Ralston/Treehouse and GPI structures allows for a lot of other options to be explored for widening the river and creating little floodplains or oxbows as ways of dealing with increasing water levels when rain or snow is dumping water into the river,” Macfarlane says. “The Army Corps  appreciates that the city has that property.”

Ted Dearing, Battle Creek Assistant City Manager, agrees there is reason for optimism.

“I’m glad we’ve reached a point where the logistics and land ownership in that area have put us in a position to move forward,” Dearing says. “This is going to take a while. The last couple of years we’ve been studying the feasibility of the project and had to have the Corps of Engineers on board saying ‘Yes, it’s feasible.”

Photo courtesy of Battle Creek Whitewater

One possible way the river could look if it were freed from its concrete channel.“It is very important to help restore the downtown vibrancy by removing abandoned industrial facilities and allowing for the river restoration to take place within this project area,” Sobieralski says. “This allows the project to be feasible by having more land to restore the river, create a linear park, and redevelop adjacent property with mixed-use development.” 

The estimated timeframe for the project is between seven and 15 years because there are so many moving parts, he says.

“The Army Corps of Engineers needs to have this project authorized and to have this project be included in the final Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) passed by the Federal Government. Then after the WRDA is passed the second big goal is to have Federal funding appropriated to this project. Then the United States Army Corps of Engineers would be able to conduct its GI (General Investigation) study,” he says. “We are hopeful that this could take place within the next three to five years. The GI study could take up to three years to complete. Then the project would need to seek additional federal appropriations and local funding match needed for the implementation of river restoration that could include the removal of the concrete channel. So, this final completion stage could take place in the following three to seven years.”

The Army Corps of Engineers has a program that provides financial support and assistance for river naturalization projects.

Under the authority provided by Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, the Corps may plan, design, and build modifications to existing Corps projects, or areas degraded by Corps projects, to restore aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife, according to the Army Corps of Engineers website.

Sobieralski says BCU will be seeking additional funds to augment whatever the Corps of Engineers contributes.

“The large amount of federal funding we are pursuing is through the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA), followed by state funding grant opportunities from the DNR Department of Natural Resources and EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) and pursuing other local and community grants.”

Photo courtesy of John Grap

he Kalamazoo River merges with the Battle Creek River southwest of downtown Battle Creek.Part of Battle Creek Whitewater’s involvement in the naturalization project as it moves forward will include fundraising, Macfarlane says.

“While there are many grant opportunities and funding at the state and local level, any grant sources want to see some level of local involvement and the way to do that is fundraising and showing people in the community who are willing to donate to the cause.”

In addition to the fundraising, Macfarlane says he believes his group also will be involved in the selection process for a consultant who will focus on creating a comprehensive design for the project and pre-engineering work.

“I’m very interested in doing that because I have very definite ideas about the type of engineering firm we should be looking for. There are several companies in the country devoted to river restoration work and they create kayak courses.”

Dearing says project stakeholders will want to engage the public in the design and what the possibilities are when the project is at that point.

Although still very much in the planning/feasibility design phase, Sobieralski says once completed there is the potential for recreational activities that “could include but are not limited to, non-motorized trail to connect into the Battle Creek Linear Trail, a fishing pier, universal design boat launch for kayaks and canoes, playground and youth-focused recreational activities.”

The naturalization project is vital to continuing efforts to increase a sense of vibrancy in Battle Creek, Macfarlane says.

“I think it’s going to have a huge transformative effect on the city and invigorate a real sense of community pride — and give the community a wonderful gathering space,” he says.

Editor’s note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s On the Ground Battle Creek series.

Battle Creek Hosts Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) Delegation on Michigan Tour

May 9th, 2024

BATTLE CREEK, MICH – Battle Creek was host to over 70 senior-level government, business, policy, and economic leaders from 20 countries as part of this year’s Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) tour of Michigan.

The delegation toured two locations, considered among Michigan’s best of the best in Southeast and Southwest Michigan: WK Kellogg Co and Duncan Aviation. Each company showcased Battle Creek’s penchant for innovation and our continuous growth in key industries. Both WK Kellogg Co and Duncan Aviation have made significant investment into the Battle Creek community in the past year.

For their first tour, delegates were treated to a visit with the iconic Tony the Tiger as well as breakfast provided by WK Kellogg Co.  They also learned about the company’s history in Battle Creek as well as their recent investment into the city. Stacy Flathau, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for WK Kellogg Co, remarked: “Participating in ACE Michigan presents a fantastic opportunity for WK Kellogg Co to highlight our longstanding heritage and commitment in Battle Creek, as well as our vision for the future. It is an honor to be recognized among Michigan’s best, and we are grateful to the ACE team and the MEDC for promoting and supporting business here in our hometown.”

Next on the visit to Battle Creek was Duncan Aviation to showcase their top-of-the-line work in the aviation industry. Participants were able to tour the original Duncan facility as well as their recently completed expansion. Duncan shared insight into their industry and their global impact as well as their history in Battle Creek. Travis Grimsley, Vice President of Aircraft Services, stated “Duncan Aviation is thrilled to have been chosen as a tour site by ACE. This chance has enabled us to highlight not only our innovative business and company culture but also our commitment to our community. We are thankful to ACE and the MEDC for selecting Duncan as a site to be featured among the best of the best in Michigan.”

President & CEO of BCU, Joe Sobieralski, stated: “This event highlights Battle Creek among the best cities in the state of Michigan due to companies like WK Kellogg Co and Duncan Aviation that continue to invest in Battle Creek. We are thrilled to showcase Battle Creek and are grateful to the MEDC for choosing our city as an ACE tour location and to both WK Kellogg Co and Duncan Aviation for opening their doors for this opportunity.”

ACE is the premier economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurial network of the Americas. Beginning in 2014, tours have been held in rotation between two different countries. Each location must go through a bidding process to be considered. Displaying an aptitude for innovation, investment, and leading industries, Michigan was selected. In addition to Battle Creek, delegates toured Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. The 16 total ACE events have resulted in over 1160 showcased projects.

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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. Visit BCUnlimited.org for more info.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

www.bcunlimited.org

TEL 269-962-7526

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

 

Battle Creek Unlimited Receives 2024 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development

Mac Conway 2024 Award Logo

BATTLE CREEK, MICH – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), has been awarded a 2024 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development by Site Selection Magazine. The award is named for Conway Data founder Mac Conway was created to “recognize the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to bring projects large and small to their communities.”

Economic development organizations who receive the award are being recognized for their diligence in attracting new projects of all sizes to their communities for the greater good of the entire region. Organizations were determined by an index of corporate facility investment according to Site Selection Magazine’s Conway Projects database. Six criteria determined scoring: total projects, total investment and jobs associated with those projects, and per-capita calculations by those same metrics.

BCU was chosen based on a wide range of projects of all sizes including the expansions and future investments made by WK Kellogg Co, Denso, United Federal Credit Union, SJS Electric, New Holland Brewing, and Duncan Aviation. The Battle Creek Food Reimagined (BCFR) initiative was also recognized as a community-led effort and inclusive food innovation hub for food and beverage start-ups in Battle Creek. Additionally, Ford Motor Company Blue Oval project located in Marshall, part of the Battle Creek Metro Area, which was spearheaded by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was highlighted.

President & CEO of BCU, Joe Sobieralski, stated: “BCU is honored to receive the Mac Conway Award. This award reflects the hard work that our team has put in to promote growth and prosperity in Battle Creek and the value of our partnerships in the community and throughout the state. Prosperity is a team sport in Calhoun County, and I also want to acknowledge our partners MAEDA and the MEDC on their monumental success with Ford Motor Company. As part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Area the Ford project signifies that our area will continue to rise and set the pace for the region, and we look forward to continued growth in the years to come. We thank Site Selection Magazine for the recognition and award, but also recognize MEADA and the MEDC’s role in bringing the Ford project to the region.”

Site Selection Magazine is published by Conway Data Inc and began publication in 1883. Since then it has grown to reach over 45,000 readers across business, consulting, and real estate. It serves as the leading publication in corporate real estate, economic development, site planning, and direct investment. The Mac Conway award was created in 2016 and replaces the former Top Groups award for the publication.

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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. Visit BCUnlimited.org for more info.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski

President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

www.bcunlimited.org

TEL 269-962-7526

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

 

New Mill Capital Holdings Partners with Battle Creek Unlimited to Demolish Former Graphic Packaging Facility

New Mill Capital Holdings to donate land to BCU after demolition.

April 23, 2024

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – New Mill Capital Holdings and Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) have partnered together, as part of the ongoing River Naturalization project, to demolish the 350,000 square foot former Graphic Packaging International (GPI) facility. Work has been underway on the interior for months and major demolition work is set to begin within weeks. Upon completion of the demolition, New Mill Capital Holdings will donate the land to support the overall river naturalization and redevelopment plan.

The GPI facility officially shuttered its doors in August of 2022 and is located on the banks of the Kalamazoo River at 79 E. Fountain Street. The demolition, projected to be completed over 10-month period, will include the removal of the parking lots between the former Ralston/Treehouse facility and GPI. New Mill Capital Holdings previously donated the Treehouse facility to BCU, which spans 450,000 square feet, to support the same river naturalization and development project.

“New Mill Capital Holdings is proud to partner with the Battle Creek Community and BCU on this monumental redevelopment effort. We believe we have created a win win for everyone involved and although the full-on naturalization/redevelopment may be years out, we are excited to see the naturalization project come to fruition,” Greg Schain, Principal New Mill Capital Holdings.

Prior to this project BCU controlled nearly 40 acres along the river, all of which will be a part of the overall river naturalization and redevelopment of the area; increasing Battle Creek’s vibrancy and serving as a hub for the greater community. In 2022 BCU secured $13 million dollars from the state budget for activities associated with beginning the process to naturalize the river and additional grant dollars are being pursued as the project evolves. The 4,000 ft aging concrete channel, placed as a flood control measure in the late 1950s, has exceeded its lifespan; bringing the opportunity for an environmental and community asset to be developed.

Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) stated, “Partnering with New Mill Capital Holdings on these donations have given us a leg up and has shaved years off the process to naturalize the river. It has also allowed us to stretch the $13 million dollar grant from the state and make those dollars go further. We are grateful for their partnership and understanding of Battle Creek’s vision to redevelop this area.”

 

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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. Visit BCUnlimited.org for more info.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO

Battle Creek Unlimited

269-962-7526

sobieralski@bcunlimited.org

 

 

 

 

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Enhancing State’s Defense and Aerospace Ecosystem

Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) applauds Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the MEDC on the creation of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). BCU is focused on growing the Defense/Aerospace industry in Battle Creek, especially in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.

The Defense/Aerospace sector is critically important to Battle Creek. The city is home to more thank 6,000 servicemen and civilian employees working at the Fort Custer Training Center, the Defense Logistics Agency at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, 110th Wing at the Michigan Air National Guard Base, and Battle Creek VA Medical Center. BCU is also hard at work developing MICH-AIR, a hub for large commercial drone manufacturing and operations. In 2018, BCU received a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Defense Center, the ODAI’s predecessor, to conduct a study to determine Battle Creek’s attractiveness to the AAM industry. In 2023, BCU received a $7 million state appropriation to develop MICH-AIR; funds will be used to upgrade the airspace surveillance system to accommodate remotely piloted and autonomous aerial vehicles.

BCU looks forward to ODAI’s incoming executive director Col. John Gutierrez and his team to grow this industry in Battle Creek.

https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2024/04/office-of-defense-and-aerospace-innovation/

Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Enhancing State’s Defense and Aerospace Ecosystem

Monday, April 22, 2024

Col. John Gutierrez, USMC (Ret.) announced as executive director with decades of military expertise

defense-northern-strike_750x500.jpg

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), which will help grow the state’s defense and aerospace industry.  

ODAI will build on the storied legacy of the Michigan Defense Center, increasing awareness of Michigan’s capabilities, supporting attraction and expansion of businesses that champion Department of Defense-related activities, and enhancing commercial and defense-related aerospace segments poised for growth.  

“Michigan is all-in on defense,” said Governor Whitmer. “With our new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and its new director, we are positioning Michigan to build on its long, proud legacy of leadership in these sectors. We will compete with other states and nations to grow our defense and aerospace economy, harnessing our strong base of talent and building on our powerful ecosystem of businesses in this space. Let’s keep growing and diversifying our economy while supporting our service members and uplifting our industry partners.” 

The office also announced Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) as its new executive director. Col. Gutierrez has more than thirty years of experience in acquisition, operational, and joint assignments. He began his military service in 1990, enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Hospital Corpsman and served until 1995. In 1996, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until 2024. He most recently served as the portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. 

Gutierrez-headshot-edit.jpgCol. Gutierrez holds a B.S. in biology from Arizona State University, an M.S. in management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, an M.A. in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a masters of military studies from the U.S. Marine Corps University. He has also completed post-graduate studies in project management at George Washington University and in advanced project management at Stanford University. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.  

Additionally, Col. Gutierrez holds multiple personal, unit, campaign, and foreign awards, is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and holds the highest level certifications in program management and contracting. 

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as the executive director for the newly established Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said Col. Gutierrez. “I feel privileged to join this critical effort at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Democracy is under threat on a global scale, not seen since the Cold War. Recent events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s attempt to disrupt freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Straits, along with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, underscore the challenges confronting the United States and its Allied Nations. Michigan, renowned as the Arsenal of Democracy and a beacon of industrial prowess, holds immense potential. I look forward to working with government officials, business leaders, stakeholders, and partners to leverage Michigan’s defense and aerospace capabilities in order to meet the evolving needs of our nation and its allies at this decisive time.” 

“Michigan has a proud legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and this new office will ensure our state continues to be a national leader in this critical mission,” said Sen. Webber, R-Rochester Hills, who co-chairs the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus. “I commend our legislative, administration, and MEDC leadership for their shared vision and dedication in charging forward to grow our state’s aerospace and defense industry.” 

“On behalf of the Michigan House of Representatives and the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus, we are proud to build on Michigan’s legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and usher in a new era of industry and national security leadership with the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said Rep. McKinney, 14th House District and caucus co-chair. “I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation to bring additional investment and economic development to our great state.” 

“I am exceptionally proud of the work that we’ve accomplished over the course of the past several years at the Michigan Defense Center, and I am excited to see this important work advance to the next level within the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation under Colonel Gutierrez’s leadership,” said Mark Ignash, interim executive director of the Michigan Defense Center and senior sector development director and defense advisor for the MEDC. “It’s an honor to welcome him in and I look forward to working hand in hand with him to continue to drive growth within Michigan’s robust aerospace and defense industry, as well as elevate and support our second-to-none defense community here in Michigan.” 

 

Michigan’s Defense and Aerospace Ecosystem 

The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries. 

The Michigan National Guard also boasts five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the nation at Selfridge in Macomb County. 

ODAI will support the growth of defense and aerospace-related jobs in Michigan while increasing federal Department of Defense spending and industry-related R&D in the state.  

The new office will also support growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation, testing, and attraction in both defense and commercial-related applications, leveraging the work of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) around Advanced Aerial Mobility.   

 

Additional Support for the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and its executive director, Col. Gutierrez: 

“Michigan has always played a pivotal role in the security of our nation,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The budding relationship between the ODAI and the Michigan National Guard will help us promote the full potential of our training facilities through investment and awareness. This combination will help us live up to our professional obligation to provide service members with the most relevant and demanding training experience so they will excel on the battlefield of tomorrow.” 

“The NDIA Michigan Chapter is pleased to hear the MEDC has selected Col. John T. Gutierrez, USMC (Ret) as the new Executive Director for the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said Valde Garcia, president, NDIA. “Col. Gutierrez is a known entity here in Michigan, and we look forward to supporting him and the MDC, to continue to move Michigan’s defense sector forward to bring additional recognition, funding and programs its way.” 

“In 2022 defense contract awards performed in Michigan reached $5.5 billion, ranking Michigan 22nd among states. There’s great potential to rank even higher, with tremendous opportunity for our defense and aerospace industry to compete, win, and drive greater economic impact,” said Tammy Carnrike, chief operating officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber and civilian aide to the secretary of the Army (CASA) Michigan. “Establishing an Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation in Michigan shows the state is invested in protecting and growing this sector and the jobs that come with it.”  

“For years Macomb County and our partners across the region and state have helped protect and grow the defense industry,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Through private sector innovation and installation modernization we have positioned ourselves as the defense center of the Midwest. With the announcement of the creation of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, we have made another major commitment to ensuring that we continue to protect those who protect us.” 

“Oakland County would like to thank retired Colonel Gutierrez for his service to our country and we look forward to partnering with him as we advance defense and aerospace initiatives and opportunities,” said Oakland County Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson.   

  

Learn more about the new Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and the state of Michigan’s robust defense industry.  

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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