Public Affairs

 After four years of road closures and construction projects, new infrastructure, jobs and businesses are now being seen throughout Battle Creek, Mich. These improvements are a result of Battle Creek Unlimited’s $85 million downtown revitalization project.

The project, which started in 2008, was aimed at bringing businesses and modernizing 20 to 30 acres of Battle Creek’s central business district, according to Battle Creek Unlimited’s Downtown Transformation Strategy. Streetscape enhancements including new bike lanes, walking paths, lights and a festival square were built on and around Michigan Avenue this summer.

The improvements, which were completed this fall, were made to strengthen downtown Battle Creek’s image as a business destination and make the area more accessible to the public, said Jim Hettinger, senior adviser at Battle Creek Unlimited.

“The downtown is the signature of the community. We wanted to build on the strength of the current businesses and revamp it with lights and beautify it to reflect that strength,” Hettinger said.

This project was funded almost entirely by private donors, according to Battle Creek Unlimited. More than $62 million was donated from various private sources all over the United States, including the largest donation of $35 million from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, according to Battle Creek Unlimited.

The rest of the $85 million came from Kellogg Co., which allocated $22.5 million to build a six-story office building downtown, according to Battle Creek. The building, completed in 2010, brought more than 600 new employees and provided a venue for high skilled workers downtown, according to Battle Creek Unlimited.

Though some remain skeptical of Battle Creek’s potential, 1,000 jobs have been added since the revitalization project started in 2008, Beard said. The newly created International Food Protection Training Institute, which was opened downtown in 2010, has trained 2,000 new professionals since opening, some of whom have chosen to stay in the city, said Cheryl Beard, director of commercial development at Battle Creek Unlimited.

Even though more businesses have come to Battle Creek because of the downtown revitalization project, one-fifth of the storefronts downtown remain vacant, Beard said. Even so, Beard said she is confident that her organization can turn downtown Battle Creek into a vibrant business district.

Part Time Jobs - Localization Story Multimedia

Binger Shipping Supplies- Business Multimedia

 

Interview with Tim Binger, president of Binger Shipping Supplies

Business Story- Binger Shipping Supplies

After the majority of his life, Tim Binger decided at 31 that he couldn’t take working for others any longer. So he quit his job, sold his Corvette for inventory and opened his own business.

In 1988, Binger opened Binger Shipping Supplies Inc., a packaging materials distributor in Battle Creek, Mich,. Binger Shipping Supplies is breaking sales records annually and is completely debt free, Binger said.
Many other businesses in Battle Creek have struggled to achieve the same level of success that Binger Shipping Supplies has because of the recent economic recession which has increased unemployment, stopped businesses from opening and lowered resident incomes, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

While Binger said the recession has hurt Battle Creek’s economy, his company has expanded throughout the economic downturn. Because it is a small business, the company has small expenses, high efficiency and is therefore more profitable than larger corporations, Binger said.

Though companies have struggled, locally owned businesses have a greater potential for success in Battle Creek than larger corporations, said Cheryl Beard, director of commercial development at Battle Creek Unlimited. This is because people in the Battle Creek community recognize small businesses as contributing directly to the local economy, she said.

“Battle Creek has a strong Midwestern tradition. We will never get the large retail chains back into the area because Battle Creek’s current demographic just doesn’t support those kinds of stores,” Beard said.

When he started his business, Binger said he had to remember to take baby steps and put a strong plan together which could survive Battle Creek’s economy. He said his success in business has ultimately come from making smart decisions about his money and not relying on outside sources.

“Business success all comes down to four things: have passion for whatever you’re doing, pick an industry that fits the area you are working in, don’t use credit when possible and take baby steps,” he said.

Because of its profitability, Binger said he plans on expanding his company in the future. Instead of expanding their building, Binger said he plans to buy delivery trucks, new products for customers and hiring new employees.

“Because we don’t depend on the bank we aren’t limited with what we can do with the company. The sky is the limit,” said Binger.

The Voice Review

Most contestants received positive comments from the coaches following their top 12 performances on the Voice Monday night. During the live results show airing Tuesday at 8 p.m., the results of America’s voting will eliminate two contestants.

Along with the results, the results show will include performances by the contestants, coaches and guest performers. Viewers can vote online , via text, by phone or by buying the contestant's singles on I-Tunes.  This season if a contestant’s single is in the I-Tunes top 10 when voting closes, their vote totals will be multiplied by 10.

Voting opened at 9:55 p.m. Monday and closes at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

 

The Voice Top 12 Preview

On NBC’s the Voice, the top 12 contestants will be competing for America’s votes on the second round of live shows Monday night. Last week, America voted for two members of each team to move onto the next round and each coach picked one of their team members to be saved from elimination. Recap of last week's episode
 Blake Shelton’s team is comprised of Michaela Paige, Cassadee Pope and Terry McDermott. The remaining members of Adam Levine’s team are Bryan Keith, Melanie Martinez and Amanda Brown.
Team Ceelo’s remaining contestants are Trevin Hunte, Nicholas David and Cody Belew. Team Christina’s consists of Adriana Louise, Dez Duron and Sylvia Yacoub.
Team member profiles   
The Voice airs on NBC Monday at 8 p.m.