(Community Matters 31) SW Michigan First CEO Talks Renewed Focus, Kalamazoo Event Center and Regional Development

First Aired May 31, 2023Economic development entity Southwest Michigan First, focused on Kalamazoo and surrounding area, announced in 2023 confirmation of something that has been discussed for more than 20 years: A downtown Kalamazoo event center. CEO Jonas Peterson talks about that development and how it fits in the region.Peterson also tells Community Matters about a renewed focus at the organization - with more emphasis on community development, not unlike that announced by Battle Creek Unlimited. He also gives accolades to BCU and calls for more regional economic development teamwork between the two organizations.Episode ResourcesSouthwest Michigan First websiteMLive: 10 things to know abou tthe new $300M arena planned for downtown KalamazooBattle Creek Unlimited websiteABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERSFormer WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8-8:30 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln.Battlecreekpodcast.com and The Richard Piet Show are Livemic Communications podcasts. Livemic Communications helps businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs create customized, purposeful podcast content.