bcunlimited
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.
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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.
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.”
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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.
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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.
CONTACT
Shabaka Gibson
Battle Creek Unlimited www.bcunlimited.org TEL 269-579-2576 gibson@bcunlimited.org
BCU’s Winter 2021 Newsletter
BCU is pleased to share its Winter 2021 Quarterly Newsletter
This edition includes:
KCC to Participate in Michigan’s New Free Tuition Program
Kellogg Co. Commits $150,000 to BCU TRAIN Program
Michigan Works! Announces Going Pro Training Program
BCU Projects Around Town
WACO Kitchen Opens at Battle Creek Executive Airport
….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.
BCU’s Spring 2020 Newsletter
BCU is pleased to share its Spring 2020 Quarterly Newsletter. This edition includes:
- BCU Responds to COVID-19 with $1.6 Million in Local Support
- Pure Michigan Business Connect Helps Companies Source PPE
- Michigan’s Works Share Program: Bringing Workers Back From Unemployment
- Upcoming Road Projects
- Neighborhoods Inc. Announces Grants for Home Rehab
… 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.
If you would like to unsubscribe, please send an email to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org.
BCU’s Winter 2020 Newsletter
BCU is pleased to share its Winter 2020 Quarterly Newsletter. This edition includes:
- The Announcement of Two New BCU Board Members
- Lori Schroll of BCU Retires
- BCU Hosts BCPS Junior Achievement
- Save the Date: Fort Custer Spring Mixer
- Company Spotlight, Cask & Kettle
… 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.
If you would like to unsubscribe, please send an email to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org.
BCU’s Newsletter Fall 2019
BCU is pleased to share its Fall 2019 Quarterly Newsletter. This edition includes:
- Downtown Progress
- Tom Davis of Prairie Farms Retires
- MEDC MarComm Team
- Hi-Lex Executive Meets with BCU
- Consular Corps Reception
- Save the Date, Economic Outlook 2020
… 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.
If you would like to unsubscribe, please send an email to BCUNewsletter@bcunlimited.org.