News & Announcements Archives - Page 9 of 12

Dennis Group Opening New Office in Downtown Battle Creek

October 1, 2018September 19, 2018 by bcunlimited

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

PRESS RELEASE
September 12, 2018

Dennis Group Opening New Office in Downtown Battle Creek

Battle Creek selected for the company’s first Midwest office
Plans to hire 60 people over 3 years

Battle Creek, Michigan – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce that Dennis Group will expand into downtown Battle Creek. The company provides design, engineering, and construction management services for the food and beverage industry. Dennis Group expects to invest more than $600,000 and hire more than 65 employees over the next 3 years.

Dennis Group was established in 1987 and is based in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company employs approximately 425 people worldwide and has branch offices in Salt Lake City, Utah; San Diego, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Toronto, Canada; São Paulo, Brazil; and Porto, Portugal.

Dennis Group is leasing office space at 49 West Michigan Avenue. The building, which previously housed the International Food Protection Training Institute, is centrally located in historic downtown Battle Creek, a block away from the headquarters of the Kellogg Company.

Robert C. Miller, Business Development for Dennis Group said, “This is an exciting time at Dennis Group. We once again maintained our rank as the largest food design firm in the country through continued year over year double digit revenue growth. The key to fueling that growth is retaining and recruiting top talent. Having lived and worked in Battle Creek most of my life I know the skilled and hardworking people in the region will be a great asset. We are also pleased to be in close proximity to top manufacturers we have worked with for decades who call Southern Michigan home.

Anmar Atchu, Vice President of The Hinman Company, which owns the building, remarked, “I cannot say enough about the public/private partnership. When you can sit down in a room and walk away with a handshake agreement and watch it come to fruition, it speaks volumes. Working with Dennis Group leadership and BCU, we (Hinman) could not be more excited for this win for Battle Creek.”

“BCU will provide a performance-based incentive to Dennis Group over the next three years to support their expansion in Battle Creek. This support will be dispersed as the company meets employment benchmarks,” stated BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski. “Dennis Group has a sterling reputation as one of the leading design-build firms specializing in food and beverage facilities. Based on the companies here in Battle Creek, this is the perfect location for their Midwest office.”

Before choosing Battle Creek, Dennis Group considered Chicago, Illinois and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company will be hiring a mix of professional engineering, project management, and administrative positions. The company plans to begin recruiting employees immediately. Interested applicants can visit dennisgroup.com/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
Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO
Battle Creek Unlimited
sobieralski@bcunlimited.org
269-962-7526

Ground-based Midcourse Defense Supply Chain Opportunities

December 26, 2018September 18, 2018 by bcunlimited

Friday, August 24, 2018

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Battle Creek, Michigan – August 24, 2018, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) has partnered with Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) to provide an opportunity for a detailed briefing on the scope of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system project, what the project means to Michigan, and how Michigan companies can participate. This event will be held on September 27^th in Battle Creek.

The Fort Custer Training Center (between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo) is the leading candidate being considered for construction of an intercontinental missile defense system called the Ground-based Midcourse Defense. A tour of the proposed Fort Custer Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile field site is planned for registered participants.

The Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system is designed to detect, intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase of flight. It provides early detection and tracking during the boost phase, as well as midcourse target discrimination, precision intercept and destruction of the target through the force of collision.
Officials estimate the project will have a $3.2 billion positive impact on Michigan’s economy, including hundreds of new direct jobs and over a thousand new indirect jobs.

Space is limited. Register today at www.michman.org/GMD-Update-September-27-2018 to attend this event.

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About Battle Creek Unlimited
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited 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
Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO
Battle Creek Unlimited
sobieralski@bcunlimited.org
269-962-7526

BCU Adopts New Strategic Plan for 2018-2023

October 1, 2018August 27, 2018 by bcunlimited

PRESS RELEASE, August 27, 2018

 Plan identifies key growth sectors and attraction strategy 

Battle Creek, Mich – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) released a new plan for the organization’s next five years. BCU’s strategic plan spells out how the organization will prioritize its human & capital resources and outlines specific metrics by which success will be measured. By July 2023, BCU’s goal is to generate $250 million in new capital investment in Battle Creek and create 750 new jobs paying an average of $17 per hour.

The strategic plan was developed with input from BCU staff and board members, as well as members of the Battle Creek business community. The plan addresses industries with deep roots in Battle Creek while also including new sectors which leverage the region’s strengths. The new plan identifies five key growth industries:

Automotive/OEM Supply Chain
Aviation/Defense
Food/Beverage
Logistics/Services
Energy Storage

The document discusses Battle Creek’s strategic advantages, including its location, cost of living, existing company base and history of successfully attracting investment. BCU calls special attention to the role the military and the federal government play in Battle Creek. As a part of the Strategic Plan, BCU acknowledges the importance of workforce development and community development. The plan also emphasizes BCU’s commitment to partner with the City of Battle Creek, the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the public schools and other community organizations.

BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said, “Since 1972, BCU has had unparalleled success attracting companies and creating jobs in Battle Creek. Today the Fort Custer Industrial Park is the largest facility of its kind in Michigan and is home to more than 80 companies employing over 13,000 people. Our new strategic plan will continue this tradition of growth while expanding BCU’s focus to include next-generation technologies like drones and batteries. We also recognize the need for greater engagement on issues like housing, education, workforce, and placemaking – all of which are pillars of comprehensive economic development. BCU will deploy its resources to make Battle Creek a vibrant community.”

John Gallagher, Chair of the BCU’s Board of Directors said, “The BCU board is very pleased with the BCU strategic plan. It offers a unique blend of our winning strategy along with practical knowledge of the Battle Creek Unlimited success story. The board is also very proud of the entire BCU staff for their team effort in putting this plan together. Clearly, this will be an outstanding tool for the growth of Battle Creek.”

Download a copy of our Strategic Plan here.

About Battle Creek Unlimited
Established in 1972, 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

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Announcement – $10 Million Small Business Fund

August 30, 2018June 5, 2018 by bcunlimited

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

Battle Creek Unlimited is excited to partner with the WKKF and other community members to help establish a $10 million Battle Creek Small Business Loan Fund. Working together as a community, we can change lives.(PRESS RELEASE WKKF)

June 5, 2018

Contact:
Mary Cohen or Kathy Reincke
Tel: 269.969.2079
mary.cohen@wkkf.org or kar@wkkf.org

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. – BCVision’s economic development efforts received a significant boost at a Steering Committee meeting today, with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) announcement of a $10 million investment to establish a Battle Creek Small Business Loan Fund.

READ MORE HERE

15 Carlyle Building Awarded to Restore (269) and Startup Brewery Awarded $200,000 to Locate in Facility

January 18, 2021May 1, 2018 by bcunlimited

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

PRESS RELEASE

May 1, 2018

Battle Creek, Michigan – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) has awarded the building at 15 Carlyle Street to local developer Restore (269). Restore (269) plans to renovate the three story building and convert the space into a brewery on the first floor, office space on the second floor, and a multipurpose event space on the third floor.

In December 2017, BCU announced a request for proposals for three buildings in downtown Battle Creek. At the same time, BCU announced a $200,000 incentive to attract a brewery/distillery to downtown Battle Creek. As a result of their proposal, Restore (269) will assume ownership of 15 Carlyle and rebrand it the Record Box, a nod to its historic past. The building was originally built for the Record Printing and Box Company, a manufacturer of paper cartons and boxes for breakfast foods.

BCU will award an additional $200,000 incentive to a startup brewery, which will occupy 6,000 square feet on the ground floor. This brewery expects to be up and running by fall 2019. This is the second announcement, of three, regarding new developments in downtown Battle Creek.

Restore (269) was founded by Battle Creek residents Cody and Caitlynn Newman in 2017 as a mechanism to restore the Battle Creek community through building restoration and development. Its namesake 269 refers to the area code for Battle Creek. Less than a year ago, the Newmans purchased the Ratti Building at 115-117 W. Michigan Avenue, located in the heart of downtown Battle Creek. Restore (269) transformed the property into a hip mixed-use space, with commercial and residential tenants. The building even includes a loft apartment which can be rented on Airbnb, showcasing downtown living.

“We wanted to continue this positive momentum and restore another historic building in downtown Battle Creek,” the Newmans stated. “Being a part of Battle Creek, we see opportunities for growth and hope to have some positive impact on our community. There are a lot of exciting projects happening in our city and we are thankful to be a part of it.”

BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said, “Battle Creek is fortunate to have millennial visionaries like Cody and Caitlynn who are able to look into the future and see the potential in Battle Creek. The Newmans have the drive and desire to be a part of it.” He added, “BCU is doubling down on our brewery incentive. We received a number of strong proposals, and we feel multiple options are needed in downtown to help make Battle Creek a destination.” The Record Box will be located one block from New Holland’s Pub, which will sit at 64. W. Michigan Avenue.

Battle Creek City Manager Rebecca Fleury commented, “We couldn’t be happier to see Cody and Caitlynn continue to invest in and reimagine downtown Battle Creek! The Record Box will create an additional gathering space to allow people to enjoy not only the historic character of the Carlyle building, but also the beauty of the Battle Creek River. The excitement around all the great things happening in Battle Creek just keeps growing.”

Restore (269) will host an open house on May 18 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. This coincides with the Spring into the Arts event to be held in downtown Battle Creek. The community is invited to attend. Further information regarding the future plans for the Record Box will be shared at that time.

Click on the links below to see the renderings.

First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Exterior

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About Battle Creek Unlimited
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited 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 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 Contacts
Cody and Caitlynn Newman, Restore (269) Co-Founders
restore269bc@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/restore269
TEL 269-753-8040

Joe Sobieralski, BCU President and CEO
sobieralski@bcunlimited.org
TEL 269-962-7526

New Holland Brewing Awarded $200,000 Incentive for New Battle Creek Location

January 18, 2021April 20, 2018 by bcunlimited

Friday, April 20, 2018

PRESS RELEASE

April 20, 2018

New Holland Brewing Awarded $200,000
Incentive for New Battle Creek Location

Battle Creek, Michigan – Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) will award $200,000 in incentives to New Holland Brewing Company in support of a new location in Battle Creek. New Holland is known for its award-winning beer and spirits. The company operates the New Holland Pub on 8th Street in Holland and the Knickerbocker in Grand Rapids as well as a production facility in Holland.

In December 2017, BCU announced a request for proposals for three buildings in downtown Battle Creek. In addition, BCU announced a $200,000 incentive for a new brewery/distillery. As a result of its proposal, New Holland will take ownership of the building located at 64 W Michigan Avenue. The property is centrally located in historic downtown Battle Creek, steps away from the headquarters of the Kellogg Company.

New Holland Brewing Company was founded in 1997 in Holland, Michigan. The company’s goal was to produce beer that was uniquely West Michigan. Over the past 20 years, the company has become one of Michigan’s largest craft brewers. New Holland is known for Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout, Mad Hatter IPA and seasonal brews like Cabin Fever and Ichabod. In 2005, the company began distilling whiskey, rum and gin, with sales beginning in 2008. Today, New Holland sells its beer and spirits across 38 states and 4 countries.

New Holland’s President and Founder Brett VanderKamp stated, “We are pleased to expand our footprint into Battle Creek and look forward to partnering with the community to bring a vibrant venue, authentic beer and spirits, and quality service to downtown Battle Creek. We see several key downtown projects on the horizon as a turning point for downtown Battle Creek and are excited to be a part of the equation.”

New Holland’s plans for The Pub in Battle Creek include onsite brewing and distilling; lunch and dinner options; a seasonal beer garden; retail; and possibly a coffee bar. Renovations to the building are expected to begin in summer of 2018, with construction anticipated to be completed by spring 2019. Once fully operational, The Pub expects to employ approximately 50 people.

BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said, “The New Holland team sees great opportunity in our City. Their proposal was outstanding and we truly hit a homerun with New Holland and their leadership team. The New Holland Brewing team will invest substantially into the property as they work to remodel this prime downtown location into their newest facility. We are beyond excited to have New Holland set up shop in downtown Battle Creek.”

Battle Creek City Manager Rebecca Fleury said, “We are honored and thrilled that New Holland has recognized the great potential in Battle Creek. Their partnership will help bring our spectacular downtown into the spotlight. They understand the importance of place and will build on the synergy that is already underway. We look forward to collaborating with New Holland to further build upon our culture of vitality in Battle Creek.”

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Media Contacts:
Sheila Cunningham, Director of Administrative Operations
sheila@newhollandbrew.com

Joe Sobieralski, BCU President and CEO
sobieralski@bcunlimited.org
269-962-7526

United Way BCKR stopped into BCU this week

April 20, 2018March 15, 2018 by bcunlimited

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Thank you, United Way BCKR for stopping by this week! We know, by coming together as a community, great things can be accomplished! We were glad to have played a small role in helping make big changes… ChangeTheStory