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.

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