Kalamazoo, Michigan Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! == Economy == [[File:Hotelkalamazoo.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Radisson Hotels|Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites]] hotel in Kalamazoo is a popular site for conventions.]] In 2007, Kalamazoo was named to [[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]]'s 'Fast 50: Most Innovative Companies 2007',<ref>{{cite news |last = Park |first = Andrew |date = December 20, 2007 |title = 18_KALAMAZOO - MICHIGAN, A city using "Community Capitalism" to restore itself |url = http://www.fastcompany.com/node/99116 |newspaper = Fast Company |access-date = January 11, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150111070404/http://www.fastcompany.com/node/99116 |archive-date = January 11, 2015 }}</ref> in recognition of the city's [[community capitalism]] approach to revitalize the economy. In 2012 [[Kiplinger's Personal Finance]] ranked Kalamazoo fourth of the ''Ten Best Cities for Cheapskates''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/10-best-cities-for-cheapskates/8.html |title = 10 Best Cities for Cheapskates |publisher = Kiplinger |access-date = May 22, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120604233959/http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/10-best-cities-for-cheapskates/8.html |archive-date = June 4, 2012 }}</ref> The city was named in [[NerdWallet.com]]'s 2014 'Top 10 Best Cities for Work-Life Balance'.<ref>{{cite news |last = Raghavan |first = Divya |title = Best Cities for Work-Life Balance |url = http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-cities-work-life-balance-2/ |newspaper = NerdWallet.com |access-date = January 11, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150111080104/http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-cities-work-life-balance-2/ |archive-date = January 11, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Dill |first = Kathryn |date = August 5, 2014 |title = The Best And Worst Cities For Work-Life Balance |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2014/08/05/the-best-and-worst-cities-for-work-life-balance/ |newspaper = [[Forbes]] |access-date = January 11, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150209013644/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2014/08/05/the-best-and-worst-cities-for-work-life-balance/ |archive-date = February 9, 2015 }}</ref> === Breweries === Kalamazoo has many local [[brewery|breweries]] and [[brewpub]]s that produce a variety of [[beer]] styles. Perhaps the best-known is [[Bell's Brewery, Inc.|Bell's Brewery]], established as the Kalamazoo Brewing Company in 1985 by Larry Bell.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.bellsbeer.com/ |title = Bell's Brewery, Inc. :: Home |work = bellsbeer.com |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160329114941/http://bellsbeer.com/ |archive-date = March 29, 2016 |access-date = December 28, 2012 }}</ref> The brewery has expanded from its original Kalamazoo location, which houses the Eccentric Cafe, to another brewery in nearby [[Comstock, Michigan|Comstock Charter Township]]. Bell's beer is distributed to 40 US states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bellsbeer.com/beer-finder/|title=Beer Finder|website=Bellsbeer.com|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = March 17, 2017 |title = Bell's Brewery to distribute to New Mexico in 2017 |url = http://www.mlive.com/beer/2017/03/bells_brewery_to_distribute_to_2.html |work = [[MLive.com]] |publisher = [[Booth Newspapers]] |access-date = April 13, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170317220756/http://www.mlive.com/beer/2017/03/bells_brewery_to_distribute_to_2.html |archive-date = March 17, 2017 }}</ref> Other local breweries include Tibb's Brewing Company,<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = December 6, 2013 |title = Tibbs Brewing Co. owners 'excited to finally be open and serving people' in Kalamazoo |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/12/tibbs_brewing_co.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = November 29, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141101221501/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/12/tibbs_brewing_co.html |archive-date = November 1, 2014 }}</ref> Rupert's Brewhouse {{small |(2013-2019)}},<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = October 25, 2013 |title = Rupert's Brew House opens Friday in downtown Kalamazoo with 7 beers on tap, live music |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/10/ruperts_brew_house_opens_frida.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = November 29, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141205010356/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/10/ruperts_brew_house_opens_frida.html |archive-date = December 5, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lippe |first=Emil|date=10 Sep 2019 |title= Rupert's Brew House closes; owner hopes to open Kalamazoo cannabis club|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2019/09/ruperts-brew-house-closes-owner-hopes-to-open-kalamazoo-cannabis-club.html|work=mlive.com |location=Kalamazoo, MI, USA |access-date=29 Sep 2019 }}</ref> Boatyard Brewing Co. {{small |(2014-2019)}},<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = June 21, 2014 |title = Beer lovers tip a glass to officially open Boatyard Brewing Co. in Kalamazoo |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/06/patrons_tip_a_glass_to_officia.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = November 29, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141205005817/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/06/patrons_tip_a_glass_to_officia.html |archive-date = December 5, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= Miller|first=Kayla |date= 13 Aug 2019|title=Kalamazoo's Boatyard Brewing closing; owners urge support for local brewers |url= https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2019/08/kalamazoos-boatyard-brewing-closing-owners-urge-support-for-local-brewers.html|work= mlive.com|location= Kalamazoo, MI, USA|access-date=29 Sep 2019 }}</ref> One Well Brewing,<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = November 24, 2014 |title = One Well Brewing opens Friday in Kalamazoo with a neighborhood bar feel |url = http://www.mlive.com/beer/2014/11/one_well_brewing_1.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = November 29, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141128083317/http://www.mlive.com/beer/2014/11/one_well_brewing_1.html |archive-date = November 28, 2014 }}</ref> and [[Latitude 42 Brewing Company]], the latter in the southern suburb of Portage. On a smaller scale, Olde Peninsula Brewpub, Bravo! restaurant, and Bilbo's Pizza and Brewing Company<ref>{{cite news |last = Barr |first = Jeff |date = March 7, 2009 |title = 'Be smart ... be brave': Bilbo's Pizza partners share their recipe for success |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/03/staying_power_bilbos_story_goe.html |work = Kalamazoo Gazette |access-date = April 13, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170904203343/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/03/staying_power_bilbos_story_goe.html |archive-date = September 4, 2017 }}</ref> serve their own brews. The area is also a hotbed for home brewing and partners with neighboring [[Grand Rapids, Michigan|Grand Rapids]] to form what is widely considered one of America's more important regions in American craft beer explosion. In recent years, at least two community events have evolved from the growing craft beer industry in the Kalamazoo area (Kalamazoo Beer Week (annual),<ref>{{cite news |last = Evans |first = Pat |date = January 7, 2015 |title = Breweries descend on Beer Week |newspaper = Grand Rapids Business Journal }}</ref> Kalamazoo Craft Beer Festival<ref>{{cite news |last = Wetterholt |first = Rob Jr. |date = November 1, 2014 |title = Kalamazoo Craft Beer festival educates consumers, brings brewers together to share ideas and techniques |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/11/kalamazoo_craft_beer_festival.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = January 9, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150109154330/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2014/11/kalamazoo_craft_beer_festival.html |archive-date = January 9, 2015 }}</ref>). In 2015, the '''Give a Craft''' beer trail and passport were introduced.<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = May 18, 2015 |title = New Kalamazoo Beer Trail to Promote Craft Brewers |url = http://www.mlive.com/beer/2015/05/new_kalamazoo_beer_trail_to_pr.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = May 24, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150524174706/http://www.mlive.com/beer/2015/05/new_kalamazoo_beer_trail_to_pr.html |archive-date = May 24, 2015 }}</ref> A shuttle bus (''Kalamazoo Brew Bus'') service<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = September 3, 2016 |title = Kalamazoo Brew Bus offers new shuttle service to downtown brew pubs |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2016/09/kalamazoo_brew_bus_offers_new.html |work = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = April 13, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170419112005/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2016/09/kalamazoo_brew_bus_offers_new.html |archive-date = April 19, 2017 }}</ref> and party bike tour service<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = September 12, 2016 |title = Party bike tours to get moving in downtown Kalamazoo with P3 Tours |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2016/09/pedal_pub_tours_get_moving_in.html |work = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = April 13, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170405011414/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2016/09/pedal_pub_tours_get_moving_in.html |archive-date = April 5, 2017 }}</ref> became available in 2016. [[File:Olde Peninsula.jpg|thumb|Olde Peninsula, one of Kalamazoo's small breweries]] === Distilleries === In 2015, Rupert's Brew House entered the Kalamazoo craft spirits market.<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = January 29, 2015 |title = Rupert's Brew House becomes first Kalamazoo County business to distill spirits, make craft beer and cider |url = http://www.mlive.com/beer/2015/01/ruperts_brew_house_distilling.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = March 20, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150327052051/http://www.mlive.com/beer/2015/01/ruperts_brew_house_distilling.html |archive-date = March 27, 2015 }}</ref> Two additional distilleries, [[Green Door Distilling]], formerly Revival Distilling<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = September 8, 2015 |title = Green Door Distilling Co. gets local approval for Kalamazoo northside location |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/09/green_door_distilling_co_gets.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = October 10, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151016091141/http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/09/green_door_distilling_co_gets.html |archive-date = October 16, 2015 }}</ref> and Kalamazoo Distilling Company, are in the licensing stage.<ref>{{cite news |last = Feinberg |first = Robbie |date = February 18, 2015 |title = Craft Spirits Ready to Boom in Kalamazoo |url = http://wmuk.org/post/craft-spirits-ready-boom-kalamazoo |publisher = [[WMUK]]-FM |location = Kalamazoo, MI |access-date = March 20, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151123/http://wmuk.org/post/craft-spirits-ready-boom-kalamazoo |archive-date = April 2, 2015 }}</ref> === Flavorings === The [[A.M. Todd Company]], one of the lead producers of [[peppermint]] oil and other flavorings, is headquartered in Kalamazoo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.amtbotanicals.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801004827/http://www.amtbotanicals.com/|url-status=dead|title=Folexco/ East Earth Herb|archive-date=August 1, 2015|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> Its founder, [[Albert M. Todd]], was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] for the [[55th United States Congress|55th Congress]]. Kalamazoo is also home to [[Kalsec]], another flavorings company, which was founded by [[Paul H. Todd Jr.]], Albert Todd's grandson and U.S. Representative in the [[89th United States Congress|89th Congress]]. Founded as the Kalamazoo Spice Extraction Company, Kalsec is owned and managed by Todd family descendants.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.kalsec.com/ |title = Kalsec - Natural Flavors, Colors, and Extracts |work = kalsec.com |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051029075455/http://www.kalsec.com/ |archive-date = October 29, 2005 |access-date = November 10, 2005 }}</ref> === Manufacturing === [[Stryker Corporation]] is Kalamazoo-based and makes medical equipment.<ref>{{cite news |agency = Associated Press |title = Kalamazoo-based Stryker to buy California surgical business |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140102/NEWS01/140109994/kalamazoo-based-stryker-to-buy-california-surgical-business |newspaper = Crain's Detroit Business |date = January 2, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180428180730/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140102/NEWS01/140109994/kalamazoo-based-stryker-to-buy-california-surgical-business |archive-date = April 28, 2018 }}</ref> Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet designs and manufactures outdoor kitchen equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/07/kalamazoo_outdoor_gourmet_name.html |title = Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet |date = July 28, 2012 |access-date = February 1, 2013 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130524180958/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/07/kalamazoo_outdoor_gourmet_name.html |archive-date = May 24, 2013 }}</ref> [[Fabri-Kal]], a supplier of food service and other containers produced from [[Thermoforming|thermoform]] [[plastic]] or plant-based materials (Greenware product line), has operated corporate headquarters in Kalamazoo since the 1960s.<ref name="plastics">{{cite news |last = Bregar |first = Bill |date = April 11, 2012 |title = Kittredge's Fabri-Kal more than family biz |url = http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20120411/NEWS/304119929/kittredges-fabri-kal-more-than-family-biz |newspaper = Plastics News |access-date = May 25, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150512141023/http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20120411/NEWS/304119929/kittredges-fabri-kal-more-than-family-biz |archive-date = May 12, 2015 }}</ref> The company closed the Kalamazoo-based manufacturing facilities in 1991, but returned and expanded manufacturing capacity in 2008 with the opening of a [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]]-certified {{convert|400,000|sqfoot|sqm}} facility.<ref name = "plastics" /> In recent years, the company's product lines have introduced [[Sustainable packaging|sustainable]] and plant-based materials,<ref>{{cite news |last = Lauzon |first = Michael |date = March 20, 2015 |title = Fabri-Kal to expand its susatinable packaging with new Idaho plant |url = http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20150320/NEWS/150329990/fabri-kal-to-expand-its-sustainable-packaging-with-new-idaho-plant |newspaper = Plastics News |access-date = May 25, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150526024241/http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20150320/NEWS/150329990/fabri-kal-to-expand-its-sustainable-packaging-with-new-idaho-plant |archive-date = May 26, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = October 17, 2010 |title = Food industry packaging supplier, turning 60 this week, is growing in Michigan |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/10/food_industry_packaging_suppli.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = May 25, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151016091141/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/10/food_industry_packaging_suppli.html |archive-date = October 16, 2015 }}</ref> and innovations to reduce the plastic content of consumer and other packaging.<ref>{{cite news |last = Bregar |first = Bill |date = July 16, 2014 |title = Fabri-Kal introduces new HDPE packaging for mushrooms |url = http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20140716/NEWS/140719943/fabri-kal-introduces-new-hdpe-packaging-for-mushrooms |newspaper = Plastics News |access-date = May 25, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150525184901/http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20140716/NEWS/140719943/fabri-kal-introduces-new-hdpe-packaging-for-mushrooms |archive-date = May 25, 2015 }}</ref> Parker Hannifin Aerospace's Hydraulic Systems Division (HSD) is located at 2220 Palmer Ave in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The 170,000-square foot facility designs, manufactures, and services hydraulic components for both military and commercial aerospace sectors. It produces hydraulic axial piston pumps and motors, electric motor-driven pumps, hydraulic power transfer/supply units, electrohydraulic power modules, hydraulic thrust-reverser & landing gear actuators, accumulators, reservoirs, filter modules and valve packs.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/04/state_of_michigan_awards_parke.html |title = State of Michigan awards Parker Hannifin tax break for $15.5 million investment in its Kalamazoo plant |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |language = en-US |access-date = January 30, 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170904202212/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/04/state_of_michigan_awards_parke.html |archive-date = September 4, 2017 }}</ref> === Life sciences === The [[Upjohn|Upjohn Company]] was a pharmaceutical research and manufacturing firm founded in 1886 in Kalamazoo; through a series of mergers and acquisitions that took place between 1995 and 2003, the Upjohn Company assets became a part of the [[Pfizer]] Corporation.<ref name="Pfizer">{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = April 16, 2003 |title = It's official: Pfizer buys Pharmacia: Nine months after announcement, maker of Lipitor, Viagra snags Rogaine, Celebrex, Xanax, Nicorette |url = https://money.cnn.com/2003/04/16/news/companies/pfizer_pharma/ |work = [[CNNMoney]] |access-date = May 19, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Pharmacia">{{cite news |last = Cope |first = Nigel |date = August 20, 1995 |title = Pharmacia and Upjohn merge: Latest move in global shake-up creates pounds 4.5bn drugs group |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/pharmacia-and-upjohn-merge-1597299.html |work = [[The Independent]] |access-date = May 19, 2018 }}</ref> Most of Upjohn's original facilities remain, many have been renovated and some new buildings have been constructed. The bulk of the former Upjohn Company facilities in the area exist in [[Portage, Michigan|Portage]], under Pfizer or Zoetis operation; others, located in downtown Kalamazoo, have been re-purposed as the campus of the [[Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine]],<ref>{{cite news |last = Monacelli |first = Emily |date = February 23, 2017 |title = 15 ways the Upjohn family's impact lives on in Kalamazoo |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2017/02/upjohn_familys_influence_on_ka.html |work = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = May 19, 2018 }}</ref> the research and development headquarters of [[Zoetis]], and office space for [[Bronson Methodist Hospital]].<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = July 2, 2008 |title = Bronson Healthcare Group completes $6.6 million renovation of former Upjohn Co. building, staff will move in Monday |url = http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/07/bronson_healthcare_group_compl.html |work = Kalamazoo Gazette |access-date = May 19, 2018 }}</ref> [[Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine]] (WMed) is a collaboration involving [[Western Michigan University]] and Kalamazoo's two teaching hospitals, [https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/michigan/mikal/kalamazoo-ascension-borgess-hospital Ascension Borgess] and [[Bronson Methodist Hospital|Bronson Methodist]]. The new medical school has been in planning since 2008, and was granted Preliminary Accreditation from the [[Liaison Committee on Medical Education]] in October 2012. Welcoming its first class in August 2014, the school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenue, research activity, student tuition, and endowment income. In March 2011, [[Western Michigan University]] received a gift of $100 million for the medical school from anonymous donors. The global [[Research and Development]] organization of [[Zoetis]], the world's largest producer of [[medicine]] and [[vaccinations]] for [[pets]] and [[livestock]], is headquartered in downtown Kalamazoo.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.zoetis.com/node/91 |title = Zoetis Research & Development |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website = Zoetis.com |access-date = November 29, 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141205171644/http://www.zoetis.com/node/91 |archive-date = December 5, 2014 }}</ref> The city is also home to the [[Stryker Corporation]], a surgical and medical devices manufacturer. Kalamazoo hospitals include: [[Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital]], [[Bronson Methodist Hospital]], and [[Ascension Borgess Hospital]]. === Industrial design === In 2014, [[Newell Rubbermaid]] established a global product design center in Kalamazoo, consolidating fifteen global design units at a single location within the [[Western Michigan University]] Business Technology and Research Park.<ref>{{cite news |last = Zerelli |first = Ursula |date = March 28, 2013 |title = Newell Rubbermaid consolidating 15 global design units in Kalamazoo with new company strategy |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/03/newell_rubbermaid_consolidatin.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = February 17, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218001059/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2013/03/newell_rubbermaid_consolidatin.html |archive-date = February 18, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Jennings |first = Kathy |date = May 22, 2014 |title = Newell Rubbermaid opens Kalamazoo design center |url = http://swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com/devnews/Newell-Rubbermaid-opens-Kalamazoo-design-center-0522.aspx |newspaper = Southwest Michigan's Second Wave |access-date = February 17, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150218004507/http://swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com/devnews/Newell-Rubbermaid-opens-Kalamazoo-design-center-0522.aspx |archive-date = February 18, 2015 }}</ref> The Business Technology and Research Park is also home to design firm TEKNA Solutions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/2005/03/018.html |title = Firm expands with new BTR Park facility |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = March 7, 2005 |publisher = Western Michigan University |access-date = February 17, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160118021333/http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/2005/03/018.html |archive-date = January 18, 2016 }}</ref> In 2015, Kalamazoo-based landscape design and manufacturing firm [[Landscape Forms, Inc.]], received five National Design Awards.<ref>{{cite news |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Landscape Forms Receives Five National Design Awards |url = http://www.interiorsandsources.com/article-details/articleid/18851/title/landscape-forms-receives-five-national-design-awards.aspx |newspaper = Interiors & Sources: Excellence in Commercial Design |access-date = May 25, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150525184914/http://www.interiorsandsources.com/article-details/articleid/18851/title/landscape-forms-receives-five-national-design-awards.aspx |archive-date = May 25, 2015 }}</ref> === Research and economic development === The [[W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research]], a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research organization, has operated in Kalamazoo since its establishment in 1945. The institute conducts research into the causes and effects of unemployment, and measures for the alleviation of unemployment. The institute also publishes ''Business Outlook for West Michigan'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.upjohninstitute.org/regional/index.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060524213534/http://www.upjohninstitute.org/regional/index.htm|url-status=dead|title=West Michigan Data Center/Business Outlook<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=May 24, 2006|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> a quarterly journal that provides economic analysis and forecasts on the West Michigan [[economy]]. The [[Fetzer Institute]] promotes and funds [[holistic]] solutions to everyday problems.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.fetzer.org/about-us |title = Our Mission |work = fetzer.org |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130825040106/http://fetzer.org/about-us |archive-date = August 25, 2013 |access-date = August 9, 2013 }}</ref> It was founded by [[John Fetzer]], a broadcasting magnate and former owner of the [[Detroit Tigers]] and WKZO [[WKZO (AM)|radio]] and [[WWMT|television]] in Kalamazoo.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.fetzer.org/about-us/timeline |title = Timeline |work = fetzer.org |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130909084612/http://www.fetzer.org/about-us/timeline |archive-date = September 9, 2013 |access-date = August 9, 2013 }}</ref> The economic development organization Southwest Michigan First was established in Kalamazoo in 1999, with a focus on [[community capitalism]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/about_us/about_us.cfm |title = About Southwest Michigan First |date = 2015 |website = Southwest Michigan First |access-date = January 9, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150109234452/http://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/about_us/about_us.cfm |archive-date = January 9, 2015 }}</ref> The organization was recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.101bestandbrightest.com/home |title = The Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For! |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date = 2014 |website = 101bestandbrightest.com |publisher = National Association of Business Resources |access-date = January 9, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150101070733/http://www.101bestandbrightest.com/home |archive-date = January 1, 2015 }}</ref> in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/userfiles/file/2013%20National%20Best%20and%20Brightest%20Companies%20to%20Work%20For_Southwest%20Michigan%20First.pdf |title = National Association for Business Resources Names the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ in the Country |date = November 20, 2013 |publisher = National Association of Business Resources |access-date = January 9, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150109234254/https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/userfiles/file/2013%20National%20Best%20and%20Brightest%20Companies%20to%20Work%20For_Southwest%20Michigan%20First.pdf |archive-date = January 9, 2015 }}</ref> and has received [[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]] commendations for innovative strategies to improve the economy.<ref>{{cite news |last = Slater |first = Chuck |date = August 1, 2007 |title = INNOVATION: KALAMAZOO (Cont'd) |url = http://www.fastcompany.com/679231/innovation-kalamazoo-contd |newspaper = [[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]] |access-date = January 10, 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150111061239/http://www.fastcompany.com/679231/innovation-kalamazoo-contd |archive-date = January 11, 2015 }}</ref> In 2015, two members of Southwest Michigan First were selected for Development Counsellors International's "2015 40 under 40," top 40 young economic developers in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Al |date = February 8, 2015 |title = 40 Under 40: Katie Perry and Tim Terrentine of Southwest Michigan First among top young economic developers in nation |url = http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/02/40_under_40_katie_perry_and_ti.html |newspaper = MLive.com |publisher = Booth Newspapers |access-date = February 17, 2015 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150216112542/http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/02/40_under_40_katie_perry_and_ti.html |archive-date = February 16, 2015 }}</ref> === Businesses === Other notable Kalamazoo businesses include: * [[PNC Financial Services|PNC Bank]]—Kalamazoo was formerly the corporate HQ of First of America Bank, which merged with [[National City Corp.|National City Bank]] in 1997. National City has since been purchased and merged with [[PNC Financial Services|PNC Bank]] which still maintains a large corporate building in Texas Township, and several locations downtown, along with numerous branches in the region. * [[Henderson Castle]], an 1895 Queen Anne-Style house that sits on West Main Hill across from Mountain Home cemetery, overlooking the city. It is privately owned but open to the public and currently functioning as a bed and breakfast, restaurant and spa. Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page