KALAMAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The new sports arena and event center proposed for downtown Kalamazoo is just one of a couple of major new projects that Southwest Michigan First is working on, with the economic development group saying they will be game changers for the region.
CEO Jonas Peterson says the other major project is the new Ford BlueOval Battery plant going in near Marshall.
He says they are the kind of projects that make folks who live outside the area take notice…
Peterson made a presentation to the Kalamazoo City Commissioners last night, and was asked directly if there was a timetable for the arena project. He said it’s too early to say.
Peterson says the two projects are part of a new strategy by Southwest Michigan First to do more than just economic development, but to do community development as well.
Southwest Michigan First CEO CEO Jonas Peterson
The private group, which began in Kalamazoo, now serves seven counties in the region, from Berrien to Branch, and from Calhoun County to the lakeshore.
reporting from John McNeill
