Berrien County Manufacturers Council Seminar

Mike Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), will be the guest speaker for the Berrien County Manufacturers Council (BCMC) meeting October 7, 2011.

This seminar, "Moving the Manufacturing Agenda," will provide a legislative update on the changes that have already occurred this year, and what the MMA sees as potential for manufacturers in the future. This seminar will be beneficial for all manufacturers to attend, as well as anyone interested in learning more about what our state legislators and the MMA are doing to assist Michigan manufacturing. 

 
Speaker: Mike Johnston
Date: October 7, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Bertrand Crossing Campus of Lake Michigan College

Cost: $10

For more information and to register for the event please call either Shelley Klug or Maddie Stelter at 269-683-1833 or email Southwestern Alliance 

Delta Industrial Valves Receives Business Award 

 From left to right: Keith Stelter, President of Delta Industrial Valves; Barry Visel, SMEGA Executive Board member; Dominick Saratore, SMEGA President; and Tom Grant, SMEGA Vice President 

SMEGA recognizes Jerry French with President's Individual Award 

The Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance presented their "President's Individual Award" to Mr. Jerry French, President of French Paper Company, at their August board meeting.

Mr. Tom Grant, Vice-President of SMEGA, presented the award to Mr. French as recognition of his lifelong personal commitment and dedication to supporting economic development and his community. "Jerry's leadership of his company and support of community economic development sets a high standard for us to follow" said Mr. Grant.

French Paper Company is celebrating their 140th Anniversary this year and has been recognized as the oldest family-owned and operated business in Niles, and in the State of Michigan. In addition to leading the company, Mr. French has been involved in numerous boards and organizations for many years, and has always provided positive support for Niles.

 Pictured from left are Jerry French, President, French Paper Company and Tom Grant, Vice President, SMEGA

Lakeland Care's Worksite Flu Immunization Program 

Employers know that flu illness may cause a significant amount of lost work time. Influenza has a propensity to spread rapidly in closed working environments, leaving several employees off sick at the same time and the remainder struggling to cope with the increased workload. The best way to prevent influenza and limit its spread within the workplace is to offer the opportunity for employees to get a flu shot. The most convenient and cost-effective place to immunize employees is at your worksite. More than 91 million people in the United States were considered at high-risk* of getting the flu last season, yet only 47% of them received flu shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lakeland Care's Worksite Flu Immunization Program can help you maximize employee health protection through the flu season and minimize employee absenteeism. Worksite flu clinics are conducted by registered nurses who adhere to Lakeland's high quality and service standards. Flu clinics start in early October.

Benefits to Organizations:

• Decrease the spread of influenza to co-workers
• Decrease employee presenteeism / absenteeism
• Reduced potential associated medical / insurance costs
• Reduce cost of replacement personnel
• Increase productivity

Benefits to Employees:

• Provide an opportunity to receive the flu vaccine in a convenient location
• Decrease the risk of catching the influenza virus
• Decrease the spread of flu to family members
• Increase the chances of having a "flu-free" Christmas and winter vacation


If you would like more information on scheduling a flu clinic at your business, please e-mail Melissa Schultz at mschultz@lakelandregional.org or call 269-927-5275. 

GRAND OPENINGS!

Sports Warehouse Link 

**We look forward to seeing you there!**

More New Businesses in Southwest Michigan 

Homesource- Opened 6/16/11
1990 S. 11th Street, Niles, MI 49120

Greater Michiana Healing Arts Center- Opened 6/16/11
109 N. 3rd Street, Niles, MI 49120

Computer Trainers 4 You- Opened 6/22/11
2527 S. 11th Street STE 2, Niles, MI 49120

Wireless Land Sprint Store- Opened 6/30/11
1260 S. 11th Street, Niles, MI 49120

Niles Family Pharmacy- Opened 7/7/11
70 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

Hibiske Barber Shop- Opened 7/7/11
115 N. 2nd Street, Niles, MI 49120

Troy's Muffler & Brake- Opened 8/24/11
1012 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

Link of the month        

This State of Michigan website is for contracts and procurement. Through this site, you will find information on more than 1,100 state contract opportunities, along with instructions on how to register and bid on these contracts.  You will also find the MiDEAL program which allows Michigan local units of government to benefit from the state's negotiating and purchasing power by permitting them to purchase from state contracts with the same terms, conditions, and prices as the state.                                    

Check out this "Link of the Month"

Michigan.gov/buymichiganfirst

We are pleased to welcome two new staff members to our Southwestern Alliance team.

Maddie Stelter is a graduate of Niles High School and is currently a business student at Southwestern Michigan College.  Maddie's skills and interest in business development have made her a great addition to the office.  She has already completed a number of projects this summer and is taking the lead to develop a Berrien County Manufacturers database that will enable us to better promote our companies and position southwest Michigan as the place for high-level, diverse manufacturing companies to grow and prosper. Maddie has also been updating our general database, the SMEGA and BCMC websites, and our SMEGA and Business Expo Facebook pages.

Katie Furner is also a Niles High School graduate and holds a degree in Design and Graphic Art Technology from Southwestern Michigan College.  Katie has taken on the business management aspects of the office and has made several positive changes that have increased our efficiency and our ability to respond to business and information requests. Katie will also be using her graphic design skills to help update our office brochures and other marketing materials.

Welcome Maddie and Katie!