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 |
