News from the Southwestern Alliance

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SMEGA Annual Meeting

The Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance's Annual Meeting will be held April 22, 2009 at the Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles. The breakfast meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m.

Every year, members who support the Southwestern Alliance gather to hear a review of SMEGA's activities, acknowledge those who have shown strong leadership throughout the previous year, and hear presentations about various aspects of the local economy.

With the renewed interest in the economic impact of energy and alternative energy resources, this year's presentation is very timely. Bill Schalk is the Communications Manager for American Electric Power's Cook Nuclear Plant. Schalk is responsible for internal communications, media relations, community affairs and governmental relations. He also manages the Cook Energy Information Center and has worked at Cook for 24 years. Energy infrastructure is vitally important to the growth and development of new technologies and advanced manufacturing methods as well as providing a wide range of jobs both directly and indirectly. Schalk will share information regarding Cook's present and future roles in southwest Michigan.

Reservations ($15 per person) are requested by April 20, 2009. Please call 269-683-1833 or email smega1@sbcglobal.net.

Recap of the Berrien County Manufacturers' Council Annual Meeting

The Berrien County Manufacturers' Council Annual Meeting was held Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Orchard Hills Country Club in Buchanan. Ed Faulkner, president of the BCMC, welcomed members and guests and presided over the election of officers and board members. Elected to serve as officers for 2009-2010 were Mike Dreher, President, Michael Oros, Vice-President, and Pat Brandstatter, Secretary/Treasurer. Ed Faulkner will assume the position of immediate past president. Regional representatives elected for three-year terms are Larry Holben, Region 4, Donald Balzer, Region 6, and Christopher Tapper, Region 7. (Pictured in the photo below are: (left to right) Pat Brandstatter, Ed Faulkner, Mike Oros, Larry Holben, Fred Upton, Rob Woerdehoff, Margaret Anderson, and John Proos)

Man with megaphone

Following the business meeting, Faulkner introduced the keynote speaker, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph). Congressman Upton presented an overview of topics including those particularly relevant to manufacturers and updates on the progress of the stimulus package and upcoming 2010 budget. Upton spoke about the importance of nuclear energy as a safe alternative to coal and emphasized the number of jobs needed to support nuclear plants including the manufacturing of parts. As co-chairman of the Congressional Auto Caucus, Upton is keenly aware of the impact the auto industry has on not only the Detroit area, but also the southwest Michigan region.

Shelley Klug, Executive Director of the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance presented each of the guests with a packet of resource materials from a variety of agencies and organizations with services and programs designed to help businesses in Berrien County reach maximum potential.

The mission of the Berrien County Manufacturers' Council is to represent and address the interests, concerns, and needs of the manufacturers of Berrien County, Michigan as a unified voice with respect to legislative, community and economic development, civic, workforce, educational, and other issues of common interest to the manufacturing community. If you are interested in joining, please call the Council at 269-683-9965. (Or see contact information for the Southwestern Alliance below.)

Members in the News

Two of the Chambers of Commerce in Southwest Michigan recently hosted their annual award dinners - some of the nominees and winners are also members of SMEGA!

The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Redbud Awards Dinner March 5. The awards are given to those who have dedicated their time to volunteerism and promoting the community.

The Redbud Small Business Award - The Hilltop Caf� Restaurant, George and Kim Bouzas.
The Redbud Large Business Award - Express-1, President Jeff Curry, CEO Mike Welch.
The Dale E. Florey Volunteer of the Year Award - Mary Lister
The Redbud Award for Lifetime Achievement Award - Liz Miller

The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their Salute to Business Awards and dinner March 25 and presented the following awards.

Woman of the Year - Liz Capron, Creditors Service Bureau
Man of the Year - Paul Rifenberg, Rifenberg Life & Health
Business of the Year - Mike Clayton, Niles Pro Muffler I & II
Industry of the Year - Larry Barrett, Berrien Metal Products
Service Club of the Year - Niles Noon Optimist Club
Lifetime Achievement Award - Jerry Hunziker, Hunziker's Nursery

Congratulations to all - your involvement in our communities is appreciated.

Successful Robotics Team Sponsored by Local Groups

Congratulations to the EXCEL team 2474 for making the quarterfinal rounds of regional competitions at the Lansing Convention Center and at Grand Valley State University. Competing against 40 other teams, the mostly home-schooled high school age students built their robot over a six-week period from the competition kit. Teams designed and built a robot able to collect banded balls, "moon rocks," and shoot them into the opposing teams' trailer, without letting any balls into their own. The competition was made more challenging this year because the surface of the competition arena and the material finish of the wheels were built to simulate the 1/6 gravity of the moon's surface. Man with megaphone

Teams garnered sponsorship from Lake Michigan College, Berrien Springs Schools, AEP, the Niles Optimist club, MAAC Properties, AACOA, Mid-States Bolt and Screw, and Bauer Soft Water, who also graciously donated time and expertise to the project. The team and their families are also grateful of the support of Lowes in Niles and Derrick Sousley and Kevin Lewis of the Marriott group.

The team (pictured above) included Brennan, Britney, and Conner Miller, John and Aaron Stewart, Matthew and Ross Sergio, rookies Lance Rensberger, Eric Woodring, and Matthew and Jon Hollister. In addition to their very active parents, the team was lead by Head Coach Paul Oblak.

There will be a reception on Thursday April 16, 2009 at the Bertrand Crossing Campus of Lake Michigan College for the sponsors, friends, and supporters of the First Robotics Team. The reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. For more information please contact (269) 695-1391.

Shelley Klug, Executive Director
Southwestern Alliance

Phone: 269-683-1833

Fax: 269-683-7515

Email: smega1@sbcglobal.net