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The Southwestern Alliance
CONNECTIONS
Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and
the Berrien County Manufacturers' Council |
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August, 2009 - Volume 1, Issue 7 | |
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| Greetings! |
| This is the time to expand our horizons - learn something new, do something new. You'll notice several articles in this newsletter announcing something "new". There are also several learning opportunities coming up before the end of 2009 - I hope you will find them interesting and hope they will bring new information that will be of benefit to your business. (See full announcements below.)
We are currently starting to develop our calendar of events for 2010. This is a great time for you to offer your suggestions for topics and/or speakers. If you have heard a presentation that really impresses you or want to know more about a topic that may also be of interest to others, please contact the SMEGA office - the best speakers are booked far in advance so please let us know right away.
A question heard too often in Michigan is, "where did the summer go?" This summer is no exception - with only a few "warm" weeks left, we're all acting like typical Michiganians trying to get it all in - the vacations, the gardening, the remodeling jobs, and taking care of business all at the same time. I hope the rest of the world notices the amazing midwestern work ethic exhibited nowhere better than right here in southwest Michigan!
Shelley Klug |
| Members in the News - Express-1! |
| The Buchanan-based company, Express-1 (a wholly owned subsidiary of Express-1 Expedited Solutions, Inc.) recently announced that it was the recipient of the prestigious 'Ground Expedite Provider Award' for 2009. Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions, presented the award. The award was based upon the level of customer services and on-time deliveries provided by Express-1.
Commenting on the award, XPO's CEO (and SMEGA board president), Michael Welch said, "We are very proud of this award because it represents the culmination of hard work for our employees and independent contractors at Express-1. This award validates our commitment to customer service."
Jeff Curry, President of Express-1 added, "I share Mike's enthusiasm with our employee dedication to get the job done. Express-1 has worked diligently with Johnson Controls to provide viable solutions to their expedite needs and we have delivered."
Express-1 serves more than 2,000 customers through operation centers staffed with experienced inside sales staff using the latest operational software. These business units are focused on premium services that include: same-day delivery, time-sensitive shipping, premium freight brokerage and dedicated transportation throughout North America, as well as domestic and international freight forwarding.
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| New Members |
SMEGA welcomes the Niles-Buchanan YMCA as a new member this month.  Southwest Michigan can be proud of this facility where "programs and services build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all". We're proud of this beautiful facility; as an outstanding community amenity the YMCA plays an important part in our community's overall health and economic vitality. Niles-Buchanan YMCA
905 N. Front Street
Niles, MI 49120
Phone (269) 683-1552 |
| New Business |
Almost a too-well kept secret, the word is out and the tables are filling at Buchanan's newest dining venue - Wheatberry Restaurant and Tavern. Wheatberry serves regional American dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients featuring award-winning pit barbecue, fresh-caught fish and seafood, prime steaks, free-range poultry and vegetarian options.  Local developer Kevin Barker brought the Chicago team of owner-operators, (Rob, Mike, Tony, and Gavin) to the area. The team purchases their fresh ingredients from local purveyors and vendors including the area's most unique selection of spirits, wines, small batch and craft beers highlighting the best from Michigan and around the world.
Purchasing locally helps our local economy!
Wheatberry strives to be an integral member of the community, home to fundraisers and sponsors of local events, not-for profit organizations, clubs and teams.
For hours and information call 269-697-0043
15212 North Red Bud Trail
Buchanan, Michigan |
| News from Niles |
| The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce has had a busy summer with very successful After-Hours events (The July event was held at Fernwood Botanical Gardens) and several more businesses becoming members.
Ron Sather, President of the Chamber welcomed David Miller, State Farm Insurance; Sophia's Closet; Blue Heron at Blackthorn; Jeff D. Bolton, D.C.; AME General Store; Jazzercise; Light's Barbershop; Putnam Appraisal Services; City Delivery Service; and the Mount Calvary Baptist Church (ribbon cutting on August 20 at 11:00).
The annual Riverfest events are underway this weekend - if you're still in the office this Friday afternoon (August 7), there's still time for you to get out early enough to take part in the Niles Riverfest Opening Ceremony Riverfront Park Amphitheater at 6:00 p.m.
See the Event Schedule at:
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August 19, 2009 |
Plan to attend the Manufacturing Diversification Summit to be held on the Southwestern Michigan College Campus in Dowagiac.
Economic and workforce development partners in the Southwest Michigan region are working together with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Keep Michigan Working to bring experts from four targeted and growing industry sectors to provide your manufacturing company with opportunities in the following high growth markets:
- Wind Energy
- Aerospace
- Defense and Homeland Security (Government contracting)
- Medical Devices
Presenters will provide information about:
- What it takes to thrive in a global economy by breaking into new in-demand markets
- The components of a diversification strategy
- The barriers to market entry (and how to overcome them)
- Your company's potential to adapt and flourish in the rapid and dramatically changing global 21st Century Economy
Participating companies will receive a thorough menu of services provided by a network of high quality contracted industry specialists. Companies that follow the diversification process may qualify for a $10,000 matching grant from the MEDC's Economic Development Job Training program to assist in their diversification process!
WEB ADDRESS TO REGISTER AND
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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| September 9-10, 2009 |
| The Trade North America Conference, hosted by the United States Department of Commerce, will provide opportunities for new and experienced exporters to learn more about the trade environment between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Keynote speakers include John Engler, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Robert Noble, Canadian Consul General, Vicente Sanchez Ventura, Consul of Mexico. Topics will include the Future of NAFTA; Getting Paid: Financing Canada/Mexico Deals; Smart, Secure Borders: What You Need to Know Now; and Appointments with U.S. Embassy Specialists from Canada and Mexico.
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| September 30, 2009 |
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Sell your products and services to the nation's largest consumer... the government!
The Berrien County Manufacturers Council will host Jan Campbell, director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), who will share how PTAC's electronic bid matching service can assist you with finding the right opportunity for government contracts. PTAC also provides one-on-one counseling, subcontracting assistance, procurement histories, and military government specifications as well as provide assistance in finding and downloading drawings. Almost all of PTACs services are free.
The government purchases billions of dollars in goods and services each year. Your company should take advantage of this enormous market - many Michigan companies already do!
This meeting is open to Berrien County Manufacturers Council Members and Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance Members. Guests of members are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Shelley Klug or Barb Motuelle at 269-683-1833.
The meeting will be held September 30, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Location to be announced. To learn more about PTAC, check out www.ptacsofmichigan.org. |
| Website of the Month |
This "Website of the Month" might seem more like homework (A-Z) but you might want to glance through the incentives and programs Michigan has to offer. There are a lot of "fact sheet links" on this web page so if you find something that seems interesting but you don't have the time to read it all the way through - call me and I'll try to help you determine if there is value for you and your company.
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| MEGA Tax Credit Controversy |
The 2009 allotment of MEGA tax credits has been awarded - no new credits will be available until January 2010 unless Michigan expands the number of tax credits the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) can award. While some see the value of inducements to businesses retaining or creating jobs, others ask for proof that the incentive works.
"Jobs mean people being able to pay their bills," said state Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Township, "But I have to be convinced that without this tool, Michigan will lose jobs. We need to know if we are really getting a good return on our investment in these hard times." (M-Live.com, July 23, 2009)
Others believe we need the tools to compete, without the MEGA credits other states with incentive programs will have the advantage. "If Michigan can't award more credits until next year, we could miss out on tens of thousands of new jobs and even lose existing jobs," says Governor Jennifer Granholm. (Rick Pluta and Laura Weber, www.publicbroadcasting.net, July 27, 2009)
What do you think? Has your company benefited from receiving MEGA tax credits? Did you make the decision to move to, or stay in, Michigan because of this incentive? Do you think tax credits have helped or hurt Michigan's economy? | |
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Shelley Klug, Executive Director
Southwestern Alliance
Phone: 269-683-1833
Fax: 269-683-7515
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