AWARDS

2007 Winner for Strategies & Innovation

In May 2007, CoreNet Global awarded Southwest Michigan First the Economic Development Leadership Award in the Leadership and Innovation category. Southwest Michigan First was noted for its ability to work closely with community and business leaders, educators and others to launch a series of innovative initiatives to reverse a long period of economic decline.

To read more, click here.

2007 Winner of FAST COMPANY magazine’s annual worldwide search for ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Celebrating entrepreneurial businesses that are doing something about the state of the world, Fast Company magazines’ 2007 list of the Fast 50 includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nike, Home Depot and…Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan First. Claiming spot #18, Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan First were selected for their use of community capitalism to achieve their economic development goals.

To read more, click here.

Click here to view video of Ron Kitchens in Chicago on July 19, 2007. (44 mb, video may take a minute to download depending on internet connection speed)

2007 Winner of the IEDC Multi-Year Economic Development Programs Award

Citing its ability to combine tried-and-true marketing techniques with innovative marketing campaigns, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) praised Southwest Michigan First for greatly improving its visibility in its target industries - the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, customer care center and logistics industries.

2007 Winner if the IEDC Overall Marketing Award

Southwest Michigan First was credited with the creation of a corporate network that redefined the region's economy and stimulated its human capital assets when it was faced with steady job losses and limited growth potential.

To read more, click here.

Office Location: 241 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Mailing Address: PO Box 50827, Kalamazoo, MI 49005-0827
(P) 269.553.9588 (F) 269.553.6897
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