2020 Greater Niles Chamber Guide

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING THE

future

Organizations, entrepreneurs investing in Niles’ next chapter

What’s on the menu?

Dining opportunities abound at our member restaurants

100 years & counting East Main Gardens nearing centennial anniversary

Health is trending Niles welcomes several new fitness businesses

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2020

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3

contents

TABLE OF

ABOUT THE GREATER NILES AREA

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

5 FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO Welcome to the 2020 Chamber Guide!

33 A DINING DESTINATION Niles Main Street DDA focused on food

6 GOVERNMENT OVERVIEW Get to know our political overview

35 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Veni’s Linda Skwarcan

8 DEMOGRAPHICS What makes Niles, Niles?

36 WHAT’S ON THE MENU IN NILES? Try tons of meals at our members restaurants

10 DOWNTOWN NILES MAP Lots to offer on Main Street and beyond 12 MAP OF NILES The official map of the city of Four Flags TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS 14 ON THE TRAIL River Valley pathway connects Michiana

RETAIL 39 BUDDING OPPORTUNITY With marijuana legal, entrepreneurs plant roots 42 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Ten Thousand Villages’ Courtney Kubly HEALTH & WELLNESS

15 GOLF COURSES Hit the links at these locations in Michiana

44 HEALTH IS TRENDING City welcomes several fitness businesses

16 PARKS & RECREATION Lots of spots for outdoor fun

48 A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE Study says Niles is ideal for fitness trainers

17 HANDS ON LEARNING Michiana museums offer history, science lessons COMMUNITY 19 CREATING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY YMCA merger, expansion connects Michiana 21 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Fernwood director Carol Line EDUCATION 25 EDUCATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS TrineOnline offers web-based learning

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 52 100 YEARS AND COUNTING East Main Gardens approaching centennial 54 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Brown Funeral Home’s Tim Brown 57 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Edwards Jones’ Becky Brown

RESIDENTIAL & CONSTRUCTION 60 BUILDING THE FUTURE General Capital, city partner to create living space

GREATER

NILES

Chamber of Commerce Chamber STAFF Jeff Rea, President and CEO Eileen Villanueva, Membership Coordinator BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ron Barger | Classic Communications Barbara Craig | Lake Michigan College Bill DeLuca | Teachers Credit Union Dave Eifler | Horizon Bank Steve Hicks | Bertrand Township Ric Huff | City of Niles Deb Johnson | Spectrum Health Lakeland Jim Keenan | Walter & Keenan Financial Consulting Co. Bill Marx | City of Buchanan Jeff Rea | Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce Sara Senica | Law Office of Sara Senica Scott Tyler | Tyler Automotive Mark Weber | YMCA of Greater Michiana CONTACT US 333 N. 2nd Street, Suite 302 Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-1833 CONTRIBUTORS Beau Brockett Christina Clark Sarah Culton Evan Loss Ian Hassan Debra Haight Ambrosia Neldon Emily Sobecki Eileen Villanueva ADVERTISING Phil Langer Ambrosia Neldon

MANUFACTURING 28 POWERING NILES Indeck brings new energy to community 29 Q&A Indeck addresses frequently asked questions 4

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

This edition of the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce Directory was produced in partnership with

FROM PRESIDENT & CEO: Jeff Rea

Welcome to the 2020 Chamber Guide!

I

would like to welcome you to the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce’s annual guide to Southern Berrien County, including the communities we serve such as the City of Niles, the City of Buchanan, Niles Charter Township, Bertrand Township, the Village of Galien, and the Village of Three Oaks. We hope you will enjoy this inside look at our communities and that you will make plans to come see all that southern Berrien County and Southwest Michigan has to offer!

I want to thank our partners at Leader Publications for their assistance in pulling this great guide together. You may know Leader Publications as the voice of the communities we serve, working each day to bring you all of the latest happenings through the Niles Daily Star, the Dowagiac Daily News, the Cassopolis Vigilant, the Edwardsburg Argus, the Leader, Michiana Life, and South Bend Life. If it happens in our region, Leader knows about it and is writing about it.

Now 101 years ago, business leaders in our community came together to launch the Chamber to serve as an advocate for local businesses and the community, to promote and raise the profile of the region, and to drive economic growth within the companies and communities we serve. Today we have grown to more than 300 member businesses across the region.

Though more than 100 years have passed, we remain true to our mission and those core values that founded our organization in the first place. Publications like this one, as well as the work we do each day, is aimed at helping our businesses and communities prosper. We feel like we have made good progress, but much work remains to be done as well.

Southwest Michigan has a lot to offer! If you already live here, I am not telling you anything new. If you are visiting, we hope you will take a little time to explore our communities, visit our downtowns, check out our attractions, and

visit many of the businesses we’ve highlighted here in this guide. Make a day, weekend, or vacation of it, our residents and businesses will certainly show you the hospitality that will make you want to come back.

If you are a business owner or entrepreneur looking for that next opportunity, why not consider this area. Here you will find a diverse, skilled, and abundant workforce, a business-friendly environment, a low cost of living, and one of the better tax climates in the Midwest and Nation. Our team stands ready to help you make that decision and to navigate the path to re-opening right here in our communities.

For more information, start at https://www.greaternileschamber. com/.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

Jeff Rea, President & CEO

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5

CHAMBER MEMBERS

Berrien County Administrator (269) 983-7111 701 Main Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler (269) 983-7111 811 Port Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Berrien County Sheriff’s Department (269) 684-5274 1205 Front Street Niles, MI 49120 Bertrand Township (269) 695-5001 3835 Buffalo Road Buchanan, MI 49107 City of Buchanan (269) 695-3844 302 Red Bud Trail N Buchanan, MI 49107

PUBLIC SAFETY Police personnel: City of Niles — 16 full-time police officers and 39 support personnel, including reserve officers.

Buchanan Niles and Buchanan are also serviced by Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police.

Niles’ Howard and Milton townships are serviced by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

Fire department: City of Niles — 12 full-time firefighters and 21 support personnel including reserve firefighters.

CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT

City of Niles (269) 683-4700 333 N 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120

Niles City Police: (269) 683-1313 1600 Silverbrook Ave., Niles, MI 49120

Congressman Fred Upton (269) 982-1986 720 Main Street St. Joseph, MI 49085

Michigan State Police: (269) 683-4411 1600 Silverbrook Ave., Niles, MI 49120

Niles Township — six full-time firefighters and 19 support personnel.

Berrien County Sheriff: (269) 684-5274 1205 Front St., Niles, MI 49120

Buchanan Police consists of a Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police, two Sergeants, six full-time Patrol Officers, two part-time Patrol Officers, two Code Enforcement Officers and one Civilian Secretary.

Buchanan City Police: (269) 695-5120 720 E. Front St. Suite B, Buchanan, MI 49107

Howard and Bertrand Townships are served by their own fire departments.

Cass County Sheriff: (269) 445-2481 321 N M-62 Hwy., Cassopolis, MI 49031

HEALTH Spectrum Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, is part of Spectrum Health, a not-for-profit, communityowned health system that includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health services. An 89-bed facility serving Niles and southwestern Michigan with primary and specialty care services, the Niles location provides all general community hospital services, including obstetrics, surgery, emergency care, radiology, laboratory services, and outpatient oncology. More than 450 primary and specialty care physicians and other licensed providers from all over the world practice medicine at Lakeland Health — Berrien County’s largest employer.

Cass Family Clinic also serves Niles in a new, state-of-the art community health center. The new facility, located at 1951 S. Oak St. in Niles Township, includes obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, behavioral health and an on-site pharmacy.

Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service is a nonprofit governmental authority staffed by a full-time director and fully trained paramedics.

6

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Galien Township Supervisor (269) 695-8220 2261 Olive Branch Road Galien, MI 49113 Howard Township (269) 684-0072 1345 Barron Lake Road Niles, MI 49120 Niles Charter Township (269) 684-0870 322 Bell Road Niles, MI 49120 State Representative Brad Paquette (517) 373-1796 1097 House Office Building Lansing, MI 48909 State Senator Gary Peters (313) 226-6020 110 Michigan Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 State Senator Kimberly LaSata (517) 373-6960 S 310 Capitol Building Lansing, MI 48909

GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP CITY OF NILES

NICK SHELTON, MAYOR

RIC HUFF, CITY MANAGER

BERTRAND TOWNSHIP

CITY OF BUCHANAN

PATRICIA MOORE, MAYOR

BILL MARX, CITY MANAGER

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP

STEVE HICKS, SUPERVISOR

MALINDA COLE-CROCKER, SUPERVISOR

HOWARD TOWNSHIP

NILES CHARTER TOWNSHIP

BILL KASPRZAK, SUPERVISOR

JIM STOVER, SUPERVISOR

DEMOGRAPHICS

All data is derived from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation: https://siteselection.michiganbusiness.org/#.WskXI92IJZ4.email

CITY OF NILES Population: 11,070

CITY OF BUCHANAN Population: 4,744

52.44%

Sex distribution 47.56% male 52.44% female

GENDER 47.56%

AGE OF RESIDENTS

12.5%

RESIDENTS 60-64

6.1%

17.9%

HOUSEHOLDS

6.9%

RESIDENTS 65+

17.7%

HOUSEHOLDS

Households: 4,886

1-PERSON 2-PERSON

Average Household Income: $50,503

3-PERSON

12.67%

EDUCATION ATTAINMENT 35.53% 10.25%

4-PERSON

9.8%

5-PERSON

5.01%

6-PERSON

2.15%

Bachelor’s Degree 9.86% Graduate Degree 4.86%

ECONOMY EMPLOYED: 95.5% UNEMPLOYED: 4.5%

8

11.2%

RESIDENTS 50-59

12%

RESIDENTS 65+

High School Associate Degree

14%

RESIDENTS 40-49

10.4%

RESIDENTS 50-59

12.3%

RESIDENTS 30-39

13.1%

RESIDENTS 40-49

13%

RESIDENTS 20-29

14.4%

RESIDENTS 30-39

6.6%

RESIDENTS 10-19

12.1%

RESIDENTS 20-29

31.19%

5.7%

RESIDENTS 5-9

RESIDENTS 10-19

37.84%

51.08%

RESIDENTS 0-4

6.3%

RESIDENTS 60-64

GENDER

MEDIAN AGE: 37.87 YEARS

7.7%

RESIDENTS 5-9

Sex distribution 48.92% male 51.08% female

AGE OF RESIDENTS

MEDIAN AGE: 36.09 YEARS

RESIDENTS 0-4

48.92%

Households: 2,114

1-PERSON 2-PERSON

35.57%

33.16%

Average Household Income: $57,369

3-PERSON

13.72%

EDUCATION ATTAINMENT High School Associate Degree

40.59% 11.80%

4-PERSON

9.18%

5-PERSON

5.01%

6-PERSON

2.32%

Bachelor’s Degree 12.75% Graduate Degree 5.11%

ECONOMY EMPLOYED: 93.76% UNEMPLOYED: 6.24%

APPROXIMATELY 586 BUSINESSES IN 2019

APPROXIMATELY 586 BUSINESSES IN 2019

TOP 4 LEADING INDUSTRIES IN 2019: 1. Manufacturing 3. Accommodation & Food Services 2. Health Care & Social Services 4. Education

TOP 4 LEADING INDUSTRIES IN 2019: 1. Education 3. Accommodation & Food Services 2. Administrative & Support Services 4. Misc. Professional Services

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE HEART OF MICHIANA Niles (zip code 49120) is home to approximately 37,000 people. Niles is located in both Berrien and Cass counties, and is made up of the City of Niles, Niles Charter Township, Howard Township, Milton Township and Bertrand Township.

Niles is approximately 30 minutes from Lake Michigan, 21 minutes from downtown South Bend, less than two hours from Chicago, one hour from Kalamazoo, and two hours from Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Locals refer to the region encompassing southwest Michigan and northern Indiana as “Michiana.” While different people describe the region differently, this region expands as far as Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties in Michigan, and St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko and Marshall counties in Indiana.

Berrien County has 50 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and is home to a variety of agriculture and food processing operations, as well as the Whirlpool Corporation.

Cass County is home to hundreds of inland lakes — including Barron Lake in Niles’ Howard Township. It serves as a summer community for many regional residents. Cass County is rich in agriculture and industrial opportunities.

St. Joseph County, Indiana immediately neighbors Niles, has roots in the automotive industry, and is home to the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University South Bend and three other major universities.

BERRIEN COUNTY

CASS COUNTY NILES

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9

DOWNTOWN

Niles

MICHIGAN

This map does not include every business in downtown Niles.

Participating businesses are featured based on paid advertising.

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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April 19, 2017

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The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail is a trail system that spans from the heart of Niles to the center of Mishawaka.

The trail is 34 miles long and connects: • 4 universities and several schools • 4 downtown district (Niles, Roseland, South Bend and Mishawaka) • 16 parks and 2 YMCAs • 5 hospitals or major medical facilities • Several historical and cultural attractions • Countless businesses offering food, lodging and shopping The Friends of the River Valley Trail have worked hard for the better part of a decade to earn grant funding to connect these communities, and the majority of the trail is already complete.

Cyclists, runners, walkers and hikers can enjoy several miles of paved trails that are maintained rigorously, creating a clean, free opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the natural amenities of Niles, South Bend and Mishawaka.

BENDIX DR

TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS

RIVER-VALLEY TRAIL

331

8TH ST 12TH ST JEP

Source: US National Park Service 1653_MIIN

Last year, the trail grew 1.2 miles longer, as engineers spent summer 2019 connecting the state line to the Brandywine Nature Park, just north of U.S. 12 in Niles Township. The trail also joined the city’s trail at Fort and Third streets. Find more information about the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail atswmpc.org/ inmitrail.asp, or on the Friends of River Valley Trail’s Facebook page.

14

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS

GOLF COURSES BENTON HARBOR

HARBOR SHORES GOLF CLUB 201 Graham Ave. (269) 927-4653 LAKE MICHIGAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 2520 Kerlikowske Road (269) 849-2722 BLOSSOM TRAILS GOLF CLUB 1565 E. Britain Ave. (269) 925-4951

BUCHANAN

BROOKWOOD 1339 Rynearson Road (269) 695-7818 ORCHARD HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 2841 Niles-Buchanan Road (269) 695-5991

CASSOPOLIS

DIAMOND LAKE GOLF CLUB 22041 M-60 (269) 445-3143

DOWAGIAC

ELKS GOLF COURSE 300 Riverside Drive (269) 782-3889

GARVER LAKE GOLF COURSE 25320 May St. (269) 663-6463

HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB 29592 Pokagon Hwy. (269) 782-7476

GRANGER

SPRUCE RIDGE GOLF CLUB 26831 Dutch Settlement Road (269) 782-5827

EAU CLAIRE

INDIAN LAKE HILLS 55321 Brush Lake Road (269) 782-2540

EDWARDSBURG

FOUR LAKES COUNTRY CLUB 22786 U.S. 12 (269) 699-5701

JUDAY CREEK GOLF COURSE 14770 Lindy Drive (574) 277-4653 KNOLLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 16633 Baywood Lane (574) 277-1541

MISHAWAKA

EBERHART PARK GOLF COURSE 801 N. State St. (574) 255-5508 MICHIANA GOLF AND FITNESS 308 S. Byrkit Ave. (574) 217-0292

NILES

PLYM PARK 401 Marmont St. (269) 684-7331

NOTRE DAME

WARREN GOLF COURSE 110 Warren Golf Course (574) 631-4653

SOUTH BEND

BLACKTHORN GOLF CLUB 6100 Nimtz Pkwy.

(574) 232-4653 BOWLERS COUNTRY CLUB 55839 Pine Road (574) 237-9150

ELBEL GOLF COURSE 26595 Auten Road (574) 271-9180 ERSKINE PARK GOLF CLUB 4200 Miami St. (574) 291-3216 MORRIS PARK COUNTRY CLUB 2200 McKinley Ave. (574) 233-9474 SOUTH BEND COUNTRY CLUB 25800 Country Club Drive (574) 282-2527 STUDEBAKER PARK 718 E. Calvert St. (574) 287-6634 *This list is not exhaustive. It lists the most popular courses in the Michiana area.

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS

PARKS & FISHING ARTHUR DODD MEMORIAL PARK 61437 Creek Road Niles, MI 49120 (269) 445-4456 Fishing, playground, picnics, horseshoe pits, hiking, volleyball, canoe landing BATTELL PARK 301 W. Mishawaka Ave. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 258-1664 Lighted tennis courts, playground, rock garden, gazebo

OUR BACKYARD Niles is home to Fernwood Botanical Garden, which is made up of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley.

Visitors are invited to several events throughout the year, or to simply wander the grounds and immerse themselves in nature. Afterwards, guests can enjoy lunch at the cafe.

Visit fernwoodbotanical. org for more information!

BUCHANAN CITY PARKS 302 N. RedBud Trail

(574) 299-4765 ext. 3261

Buchanan, MI 49107

Rafting, kayaking

(269) 695-3844

GRAND MERE PARK

RUM VILLAGE PARK

7337 Thornton Drive

2626 S Gertrude St.

Stevensville, MI 49127

South Bend, IN 46614

(269) 426-4013

(574) 235-9455

Birding, hiking

Nature center, bird watching, biking and walking trails, picnic areas

KAMM ISLAND PARK 600 W. Front St.

SILVER BEACH COUNTY PARK

Mishawaka, IN 46545

101 Broad St.

(574) 258-1664

St. Joseph, MI 49085

Fishing, riverwalk trail

(269) 982-0533 Swimming, beach volleyball, fishing,

LOVE CREEK COUNTY PARK

concessions, kayaking, boarding

9292 Huckleberry Road Berrien Center, MI 49102

ST. PATRICKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARK

(269) 471-2617

50651 Laurel Road

Nature center, hiking, birding, biking

South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 277-4828

MADELINE BERTRAND PARK

Scenic barns, hiking and biking trails, canoe rental, boat ramp

Softball field, pavilion, playground

FRED RUSS FOREST PARK

3038 Adams Road

equipment

20379 Marcellus Highway

Niles, MI 49120

Decatur, MI 49047

(269) 683-8280

WARREN DUNES STATE PARK

DR. T.K. LAWLESS PARK

(269) 445-8611

Disc golf, hiking and biking trails,

12032 Red Arrow Hwy.

15122 Monkey Run St.

Equestrian trails, horseshoe

picnics, playground

Sawyer, MI 49125

Vandalia, MI 49095

pits, fishing, playground, picnics,

(269) 445-4456

volleyball

Biking and hiking trails, horseshoe

(269) 426-4013 ROCKY GAP COUNTY PARK

Campgrounds, hiking trails,

1100 Rocky Gap Road

swimming

pits, fishing, playground, picnics,

GALIEN RIVER COUNTY PARK

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

volleyball, disc golf

17424 Red Arrow Hwy.

(269) 983-7111, ext. 8435

GEORGE WILSON PARK

New Buffalo, MI 49117

Swimming, picnics, shaded areas

2605 S. Clover Road

EAST RACE WATERWAY

(269) 983-7111, ext. 8435

Mishawaka, IN 46544

126 South Niles Ave.

Canopy walkway, marsh overlook

(574) 258-1707

South Bend, IN 46617

tower, boardwalk, fishing, hiking

Disc golf, tubing (winter)

FISHING DESTINATIONS

16

BARRON LAKE Barron Lake Road Niles, MI 49120

MUD LAKE Creek Road Niles, MI 49120

ROUND LAKE E. Clear Lake Road Buchanan, MI 49107

BRANDYWINE CREEK 1739 S. Third St. Niles, MI 49120

DOWAGIAC RIVER M-139 Niles, MI 49120

MCCOY CREEK Bakertown Road Buchanan, MI 49107

ISLAND PARK 404 Parkway St. Niles, MI 49120

BUCHANAN DAM 15551 E. River Road Buchanan, MI 49107

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS

MUSEUMS BENTON HARBOR

MORTON HOUSE MUSEUM 501 Territorial Road (269) 925-7011 mortonhousemuseum.org

BERRIEN SPRINGS

BERRIEN COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 313 N. Cass St. (269) 471-1202 berrienhistory.org SIEGFRIED H. HORN MUSEUM 9047 US Hwy. 31 (269) 471-3273 andrewsarchaeology.org/museum/

CASSOPOLIS

MICHIGAN LIGHTS IN TIME GALLERY 177 S Paw Paw St. (269) 470-1244

MISHAWAKA SPORTS MUSEUM 109 Lincolnway E (574) 257-0039

DOWAGIAC

NEW BUFFALO RAILROAD MUSEUM 530 S. Whittaker St. (269) 469-8010 new-buffalo-railroad-museum.org

DOWAGIAC AREA HISTORY MUSEUM 201 E. Division St. (269) 783-2560 dowagiacmuseum.info HEDDON MUSEUM 414 West St. (269) 782-4068 heddonmuseum.org

EDWARDSBURG

PIONEER LOG CABIN MUSEUM 400 S. Broadway St. (269) 445-3759 facebook.com/ pioneerlogcabinmuseum/

EDWARDSBURG AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM 26818 W. Main St. (269) 663-3005 facebook.com/pages/EdwardsburgArea-Historical-Museum/

COLOMA

MISHAWAKA

NORTH BERRIEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM 300 Coloma Ave. (269) 468-3330 northberrienhistory.org

HANNAH LINDAHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1402 S. Main St. (574) 254-4540 hlcm.org

NEW BUFFALO

NILES

NILES HISTORY CENTER 508 E. Main St. (269) 683-4700 nileshistorycenter.org

SOUTH BEND

THE HISTORY MUSEUM 808 W. Washington St. (574) 235-9664 historymuseumsb.org SOUTH BEND MUSEUM OF ART 120 Dr. MLK Blvd.

(574) 235-9102 southbendart.org

STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM 201 Chapin St. (574) 235-9714 studebakermuseum.org

ST. JOSEPH

CURIOUS KIDS’ MUSEUM 415 Lake Blvd.

(269) 983-2543 curiouskidsmuseum.org THE HERITAGE MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER 601 Main St. (269) 983-1191 theheritagemcc.org

THREE OAKS

REGION OF THREE OAKS MUSEUM 5 Featherbone Ave. (269) 336-9688 regionofthreeoaksmuseum.com

CHAMBER MEMBERS LODGING Holiday Inn Express and Suites (269) 684-0300 1000 Moore Drive Niles, MI 49120 Quality Inn and Suites (269) 684-3900 1265 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 The River House

by The Morris Estate (269) 262-2325 1997 Morris Drive Niles, MI 49120 PARKS & RECREATION Chapel Hill Arts and Crafts Show 4021 Naomi Road Sodus, MI 49103

Doe Wah Jacks Canoe Rental (269) 782-7741 52963 M51 Dowagiac, MI 49047

Ruff & Tumble Dog Park (269) 683-2829 950 Bond Street Niles, MI 49120

Four Flags Area Apple Festival (269) 683-8870 PO Box 672 Niles, MI 49120

South Bend Cubs Baseball (574) 235-9988 PO Box 4218 South Bend, IN 46601

Niles Scream Park (269) 687-FEAR (3327) 855 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120

The Mendel Center (269) 927-8700 1100 Yore Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Orchard Hills Country Club (269) 695-5991 2841 Niles-Buchanan Road Niles, MI 49120

Wonderland Cinema (269) 683-1112 402 Front Street Niles, MI 49120

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMMUNITY

Preparing businesses for safe reopening, putting recovery plans into place, and reimagining a more sustainable and resilient Southwest Michigan economy.

REGIONAL EFFORTS TO SUPPORT

SMALL BUSINESSES

DURING & AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The average person spends up to six hours a day surfing the internet.

How do you redirect that traffic to your business?

We can help.

BERRIEN REOPENS COALITION AÂ community-wide collaborative effort to assist companies of all sizes across the region in a planned and thoughtful restart of the local economy by consolidating information in one location and providing useful resources to the business

Call us today about digital targeted marketing.

community. We appreciate the Greater Niles Area Chamber for their participation and contributions to this important effort. Visit www.berrienreopens.org to learn more.

Cass County: (269) 687-7725 Berrien County: (269) 687-7728 Indiana: (269) 687-7724

BUY LOCAL BERRIEN! The Buy Local Berrien! Facebook Group was launched by the SW MI Regional Chamber to inspire the community to rally behind our local businesses and share safe and creative ways to support them through the shutdown. It has amassed over 9,000 active followers and continues to encourage consumers to explore local options. Visit us at Buy Local Berrien! on Facebook to learn more.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SAFE Southwest Michigan Safe seeks to encourage public, private, and nonprofit entities throughout SW MI to voluntarily pledge to uphold a basic set of health and safety recommendations. Entities that take the pledge are entitled to Southwest Michigan Safe window decals and other visual reinforcement that signifies their commitment to protecting public health. It is free to take the pledge, and the more that do, the better chance we have of keeping people safe and increasing consumer confidence throughout our region. Visit www.swmisafe.org and take the pledge today!

Stay Safe

Take Care

WWW.SMRCHAMBER.COM

18

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMMUNITY

CREATING A HEALTHY

COMMUNITY Merger, expansion allows YMCA to better serve greater Michiana

Story by Beau Brockett Jr.

A

t the turn of the calendar year, the YMCA of Michiana and the YMCA of Southwest Michigan associations merged together to form one larger association.

The merger combined the following branches: Niles-Buchanan YMCA and

Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA — which together make up the YMCA of Southwest Michigan — and Riverview Family YMCA in South Bend, which has since closed, and Camp Eberhart near Three Rivers, Michigan — which together make up the YMCA of Michiana.

The future merger was announced

Aug. 7, 2019, after three executive boards associated with the YMCA of Michiana and the YMCA of Southwest Michigan voted to combine.

The association serves approximately 20,000 members and participants and employs 500 people through an operating budget of about $11 million, said Mark Weber, CEO of the new

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

19

COMMUNITY

The merger expands programming both inside and outside each YMCA facility for both members and non-members, he said. It also allows members of YMCA to attend the other two.

“It’s about community, and it’s about our programs,” he said. “Some of the changes they are putting in place with this merger is to ensure that Niles, Buchanan, St. Joe, Benton Harbor, South Bend [and] Mishawaka do not lose focus on community.”

Weber said the association’s programming mission ref lects the community-oriented programs the Niles-Buchanan YMCA has put on, such as Summer My Way. “I think from a programming standpoint, this is our flagship, if you think about it,” he said of the Niles site. “I’ve been here seven years, and [COO] Denise Peters and I have really focused on community collaboration, and it all started here in Niles.”

The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA has already begun implementing

20

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

community programming, he said. With the merger, the other YMCA branches began implementing the same sort of activities with more ease thanks to a larger budget and stronger organization partnerships.

Back in August 2019, Weber said the merger would not create any job losses but could expand job and volunteer opportunities through increased programming across all branches.

The merger is expected to redirect $250,000 to $500,000 a year toward programs by combining administrative staff.

“Instead of having two CEOs, you have one CEO,” he said. “Instead of two COOs, you have one. You take those savings, and it allows you to apply them to programming. We are a nonprofit, so we don’t make a profit. The revenue we generate goes back into our programming for the community.”

He said the national YMCA organization found that a budget of $10 to $15 million is ideal for a YMCA association

to best function. When Weber joined the staff seven years ago, the Niles-Buchanan YMCA budget was only $2.5 million.

An increased budget allows for better allocation of money and the ability to hire top talent, Weber said.

As like other associations, each YMCA branch is independently operated. That means someone could still donate to branch’s particular project, like its “Changing Lives and Improving Health” capital campaign.

Costs not funded by donors, like everyday operations, are covered by the combined $11 million budget.

While the merger cut the two smaller associations’ 28 combined board positions, Weber said advisory boards of seven to 10 members for each branch were created.

“They’re whole focus is about community,” he said. “What’s the Y doing in the community? Should we be doing more? They will be advising not only the management team but the board as well.”

CHAMBER MEMBERS

Berrien County Community Development (269) 983-7111 701 Main Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (269) 695-3291 324 E Dewey Street Buchanan, MI 49107 Cornerstone Alliance (269) 925-6100 80 W Main Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Edward and Irma Hunter Foundation (574) 287-5977 202 S Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601 Fernwood Botanical Garden (269) 695-6491 13988 Rangeline Road Niles, MI 49120 Ferry Street Resource Center (269) 687-9860 620 Ferry Street Niles, MI 49120 First Church of Christ (269) 683-3404 2240 Yankee Street Niles, MI 49120 First Presbyterian Church (269) 683-7600 13 S 4th Street Niles, MI 49120

“

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Carol Line, Fernwood Botanical Garden

“I came to Fernwood 13 years ago and discovered a proud and passionate community, deep in history with longstanding traditions.

I found an inviting riverfront, a vibrant downtown historic district, a respected hospital, good schools, and noted architecture. Niles made the Forbes list of The Best Small Places for Business and Careers in 2019 for all of these reasons and more.”

Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project (269) 387-3981 1903 W Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Four Flags Garden Club (269) 684-3427 Four Flags Toastmasters Club (269) 409-3716 33890 US Hwy 12 Niles, MI 49120 Gateway Services (269) 487-9839 1440 E. Empire Ave. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce (574) 293-1531 418 S Main Street Elkhart, IN 46515 Greater Niles Senior Center (269) 683-9380 1109 Bell Road Niles, MI 49120

Home Builders Association of Southwestern Michigan (269) 375-4225 5700 W Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49009 COMMUNITY

FRIENDS OF THE COMMUNITY Berrien County Cancer Service (269) 429-3281 3900 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085

Jam Central Basketball Elite (269) 240-8876 Niles, MI 49120 Kinexus (269) 927-1064 499 W Main Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022 LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America (574) 289-0337 1340 South Bend Avenue South Bend, IN 46617 Life Action Ministries (269) 697-8600 2727 Niles-Buchanan Road Buchanan, MI 49107 LifePlan (269) 684-6200 527 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Meals on Wheels (269) 683-5510 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue Niles, MI 49120 Michiana Business Support (269) 684-6898 PO Box 954 Niles, MI 49120 Michiana Christian Embassy (269) 683-3518 1922 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Michiana Christian Service Camp (269) 683-4403 7383 Steinbauer Road Niles, MI 49120

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

21

CHAMBER MEMBERS Michiana Metro Lighthouse Chorus (269) 471-4559

COMMUNITY

Michigan Chamber of Commerce (517) 371-2100 600 S. Walnut Street Lansing, MI 48933 Michigan Economic Development Corporation (888) 522-0103 300 N Washington Square Lansing, MI 48913 Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (269) 695-3521 111 Days Avenue Buchanan, MI 49107 Michigan Works!

(269) 927-1799 499 W Main Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Mno-Bmadsen (269) 783-4111 415 E Prairie Ronde St Dowagiac, MI 49047 Mount Calvary Baptist Church (269) 683-0243 601 Ferry Street Niles, MI 49120 NAACP (269) 357-4365 PO Box 1202 Niles, MI 49120 Niles District Library (269) 683-8545 620 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Niles Downtown Development Authority Main Street (269) 687-4332 333 N. 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120

22

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Niles Elks Lodge (269) 683-0133 1322 Canal Street Niles, MI 49120

St. Mark Parish of Niles (269) 683-8650 3 N 19th Street Niles, MI 49120

Niles History Center (269) 845-4054 508 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish (269) 683-5087 219 S State Street Niles, MI 49120

Niles Noon Optimist Club (269) 684-4205 PO Box 63 Niles, MI 49120 Niles Service League (574) 286-3469 PO Box 704 Niles, MI 49120 Psi Iota Xi (269) 591-0265 Relevant Church (269) 262-4546 103 N 2nd St Niles, MI 49120 South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce (574) 234-0051 101 N Michigan Street, Suite 300 South Bend, IN 46601 Southwest Michigan Chapter American Red Cross (269) 353-6180 5640 Venture Court Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce (269) 932-4042 811 Ship Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Spay Neuter Assistance Program of Michigan (269) 340-0330

St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lutheran Church (269) 683-0771 1340 Sycamore St Niles, MI 49120 Summit Church (269) 683-9245 1700 West River Road Niles, MI 49120 The Avenue Family Network (269) 925-1725 2450 M 139 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 The Salvation Army (269) 684-2660 424 N 15th Street Niles, MI 49120 United Way of Southwest Michigan (269) 982-1700 2015 Lakeview Avenue St. Joseph, MI 49085 Wesley United Methodist Church (269) 683-7250 302 Cedar Street Niles, MI 49120 Wood Foundation (574) 287-5977 202 S Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601

Tami Gould, Executive Director

COMMUNITY

tgould@gatewayvro.com Niles, MI 49120 â&#x20AC;˘ 269-487-9827 gatewayvro.com

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a unique alternative to nursing home care designed to help seniors stay at home.

PACE provides medical care and coordination, medications, occupational and physical therapy, socialization and transportation services to older adults, enabling them to stay in their homes and improve their quality of life.

PACE also provides support and respite for caregivers.

Call (269) 408-4322 option 3 to speak with an Intake Coordinator.

2900 Lakeview Ave, St. Joseph, MI l paceswmi.org

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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RISING STARS

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NILES CAMPUS

1905 Foundation Drive Niles, MI 49120 (269) 695-1391

SOUTH HAVEN CAMPUS 125 Veterans Boulevard South Haven, MI 49090 (269) 637-7500

Education fingertips

EDUCATION

AT YOUR

TrineOnline offers flexible web-based learning

Story by Eileen Villanueva

I

n 2019, Trine University premiered TrineOnline, a program that transitioned all the university’s regional campuses to a flexible online format. The Angola, Indianabased university had been discussing the transition to online education for years, as the trend for eLearning grew in popularity with students, and officially premiered the program in February of 2019.

TrineOnline offers more than two dozen regionally credited, online degree programs in addition to its main campus, which still offers in-person classroom opportunities.

These degrees range from associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as business administration, leadership and healthcare, engineering and technology, and communication, justice, and psychology.

Courses are offered in eight-week terms, with no set class time (meaning you log-in when it is best for you), allowing for more diverse course loads per semester that can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual student.

The benefits of this new online program are expansive and include the opportunity

for students to earn degrees and enter the workforce efficiently, to help students to balance the intricacies of life and school, and expand the variety and the quality of degree programs.

The expansion of Trine’s online presence breaks down barriers for students across the country, allowing individuals to have access to these esteemed degree programs without the requirement of physical presence.

TrineOnline’s primary demographic is that of non-traditional students, such as adult students that are interested in going back to school to finish their degree or are interested in furthering their education. In part, understanding these individuals as their primary audience, means creating a collegiate experience that eases the potential stress of admissions, and streamlines the programs to allow students to achieve their career goals quickly and efficiently.

Trine’s admissions process has been crafted specifically to support adults. TrineOnline considers themselves a “transfer-friendly” institution, and the university takes into

account each student’s educational journey and provides value to previously attained credit hours at any number of other colleges by accepting up to 90 transfer credits.

“Trine’s admissions team understands the transition of beginning (or returning to) college can be overwhelming experience for an individual,” said Nick Pittman, Director of Admissions. “At TrineOnline, our Admissions Team has made the applying process as easy as possible. Once you complete our free online application, then you will be assigned an admissions representative that will handle the admissions and enrollment process for you. Your admissions representative will request and pay for your transcripts, review your previous course work to ensure every credit possible is transferred towards your future Trine degree, and connect you to an academic advisor to schedule courses.”

In the current cultural environment, students find themselves preoccupied with a variety of responsibilities such as caring for families, tending to their careers, or other life responsibilities.

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

25

EDUCATION

Online courses allow students to fit their educational goals into their real-life schedules and streamline educational attainment by offering efficient programming. Trine Online associate degrees average about 60 required credit hours, bachelor’s degrees require approximately 120, and master’s degrees require about 30 credit hours, allowing students to focus on the core skills and information for that degree field.

In expanding access to Trine University across the country and beyond, Trine University also sets itself up for unique access to a wealth of knowledge that may not have been otherwise accessible. An online format allows for not just students to engage virtually, but instructors as well.

This means that Trine University is able to expand their degree capability by working with instructors and professors from across the nation.

“Students want options. They want to specialize in a particular field,” Pittman explains, “and for us, it’s imperative that we recognize those needs and for us to continue to grow and add programs that are of the highest quality with great instructors.”

With the option to work remotely now available, Trine is able to widen their hiring pool to allow for the best instructors in an array of degree fields, and intends to continue adding new degree options that

suit the needs and the interests of their students moving forward. In the summer of 2019, TrineOnline was able to add a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and in August of 2020, they will be launching a RN to BSN program. Trine’s efforts to create quality online degree programs at an affordable price was nationally recognized. The website, CollegeTotal.com, recently ranked Trine University as number eight in the Best 100 Online Colleges and Universities.

Although the potential for online coursework seems boundless, one lingering concern remains. A common narrative regarding online education is that without seeing one’s instructors or classmates face to face, one’s access to educational discourse decreases and in turn impedes the quality of education available. However, Trine has made efforts to combat this growing apprehension. Trine prioritizes the educational success of its students by ensuring that instructors are responding to student questions within a 24-hour period, allowing for a heightened

educational security. Trine students additionally have access to a number of tutoring hours every semester through Tutor.com, to help ease the transition from in-classroom education to virtual learning. Fostering conversation and resources to assist in student success as TrineOnline continues to grow for years to come.

Although an international university, drawing students from around the world, Trine remains a Midwest favorite playing an integral role in the Michiana community.

TrineOnline continues to grow a relationship with Southwest Michigan and the regional business community to understand the needs of employers and to build bridges between education and workforce. As a leader within the greater Niles community, TrineOnline’s presence and partnership remains a driving force for the region’s prosperity.

“This is just the beginning for TrineOnline.

Trine University has provided over 130 years of excellence in academics at our main campus in Angola, Indiana. Now, with TrineOnline, we are able to provide the same quality education in an online format at an affordable price to anyone that is interested in pursuing their educational dreams.”

For more information on TrineOnline, interested parties may visit www.Trine. edu/Online.

CHAMBER MEMBERS

26

Berrien RESA (269) 471-7725 711 St Joseph Avenue Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Lake Michigan College (269) 927-1000 2755 Napier Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Brandywine Community Schools (269) 684-7150 1830 S 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing (269) 695-1391 1905 Foundation Drive Niles, MI 49120

Indiana Tech (574) 232-8324 4215 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545

Niles Community Schools (269) 683-0732 1 Tyler St Niles, MI 49120

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Southwestern Michigan College (269) 782-1271 58900 Cherry Grove Road Dowagiac, MI 49047 Southwestern Michigan College Niles (269) 687-1600 33890 US12 Niles, MI 49120

Trine University (574) 243-0500 3454 Douglas Road South Bend, IN 46635

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

27

Indeck brings new energy to Niles Story by Debra Haight Photos by Emily Sobecki

INDUSTRY

T

he $1 billion Indeck Niles Energy Center currently under construction in the Niles Industrial Park is a project that has been 20 years in the making.

Indeck officials first came to the city of Niles in 2000, and have worked the project for two decades.

Construction on the new plant has remained steady over the months since the early September 2019 groundbreaking ceremony, despite the shutdown of other construction projects the last few months during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new plant is expected to be up and running in the summer of 2022.

Niles City Administrator Ric Huff reported that work has never stopped as the state considered the project to be essential.

“Indeck is considered critical infrastructure and essential services,” he said.

“Therefore, they were never shut down due to COVID-19.”

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Contractors have around 200 people working on the site and as many as 500 people in total are expected to be working there during the construction phase. Once it is in operation, the plant will employ 21 people. It will be a 1,085-megawatt combined-cycle plant and generate enough energy to power 700,000 homes and businesses.

Indeck Energy Vice-President of Business Development David Hicks said his company never gave up on the Niles project over the decades. The main reason for Indeck’s optimism was simple: the site in the north end of the Niles Industrial Park is well-situated with its proximity to infrastructure.

“The Niles site is an excellent site,” Hicks said. “It’s an industrially zoned site and away from residential areas. It is also near gas and power line infrastructure as well as having a rail line running nearby.

“We never gave up on it. We always assumed that it would be a good site for a power plant,” he added. “We thought eventually the market would come back to us and it has. This was a project that

made sense.”

Hicks noted that he is not concerned about the current volatility in the energy market. “What’s going on with prices today is not relevant to us now,” he said. “This plan is not going to come online until the summer of 2022. I think prices will recover, and the economy will come back.”

In addition, he believes the Indeck Niles Energy Center opens the door for more opportunities in the Michiana area.

“We’re always exploring new opportunities to partner with the City of Niles,” he said. “I think this is the first of several power projects we can do in the greater Niles area.”

Hicks envisions possible future projects in not only the City of Niles but also other parts of Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan as well as even in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

“We hope to broaden what is already an excellent relationship,” he said. “There is the potential to utilize some unused land in the industrial park and elsewhere.”

The Niles project also has cemented the

during construction, Indeck and Kiewit will spend $131.7 million in Southwest Michigan with about $83.7 million of that in the local area.”

Huff said that the city will see a modest increase in tax revenue during the construction phase of the plant with more revenue coming in to the city in 2023.

That’s especially helpful now during the pandemic.

“Even small amounts of revenue are very important during this emergency,” he said. “We are seeing revenue losses that exceed the Great Recession.”

Having the Indeck project become a reality will be a boon to everyone in the greater Michiana region, Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Rea said last fall.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this project which has been 20 years in the making,” Rea said. “This is the largest single investment we’ve seen anywhere in the region.

“Very few communities have been able to attract this scale of a project,” he added. “We hope that success will breed success. This helps put us on the radar screen, and I would like to think that it will lead to other opportunities.”

YOUR QUESTIONS

ANSWERED

On Sept. 4, the Niles Indeck Energy Center broke ground in Niles’ industrial park. The $1 billion, 1.085-gigawatt natural gas power plant is scheduled to begin operating in March 2022. When it does, it will power an average equivalent of 700,000 homes. Below are a series of frequently asked questions regarding the project.

Does South Korea own the center?

No. According to city documents, two companies based in South Korea partially own Niles Indeck Engery Center.

South Korea-based power plant company KOSPO owns half of the center. KOSPO provides nearly all the electricity in its home country, but it has international energy projects that power local areas.

South Korea-based Daelim Energy — an engineering, construction and petrochemical company — owns 30 percent of the center.

It has other international projects.

Indeck Energy Services, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois will own the remaining 20 percent of the center.

INDUSTRY

company’s partnership with two South Korean companies. The South Korean companies, KOSPO and Daelim Energy Company, have invested in the venture and are now the majority investors in the project. This is the first joint power plant project between South Korea and the U.S. For local officials, the Indeck Niles Energy Center project provides a steadying and stabilizing influence on the local economy during the current pandemic. As Huff noted, the construction never shut down even when others were sidelined.

“Kiewit (the contractor) has about 200 workers on site now and this number will increase in June as above ground steel work begins,” Huff said. “Workers are living in Niles and nearby towns and this, of course, helps support local economies. Until COVID-19, many of these workers were frequenting local business for supplies, meals and other needs.

“We are very hopeful conditions with this emergency will quickly improve so that our local businesses can once again benefit from this substantial workforce,” he added. “It is estimated that

Who will receive the electricity created?

Officials stated at Indeck’s groundbreaking ceremony that energy will be directed to the national grid, not to specific people or places. The 700,000 homes the Niles Indeck Energy Center said it can, on average, power are not specific homes, but an equivalent of the amount of energy it can create.

What types of emissions will the power plant release? How much? What are the risks?

According to a November 2016 air quality permit for Indeck by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now known as Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy), the following are the estimated yearly emission rates, including startup of the power plant.

The estimated rate is compared with a significant emission rate set by the national government. All but lead exceed the significant emission rate.

Each pollutant is measured in tons per year. All information on the pollutants and their effects are from the Environmental Protection Agency unless otherwise stated.

• Nitrous oxides — This is a group of gases that are highly reactive. Nitrogen dioxide is not specifically mentioned by the air quality permit, but it is known to be common in fossil fuel burning.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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INDUSTRY

Nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory irritation and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can lead to asthma and susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Many nitrous oxides cause acid rain, which can harm ecosystems, such as forests and rivers. Indeck is projected to create 494 tons per year. The national significant emission rate is 40 tons per year.

• Carbon monoxide — This colorless, odorless gas is released when something is burned.

Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen transported in the blood stream, which can impact a variety of organs, but it must be in high concentrations. Usually, carbon monoxide only becomes a threat when in an enclosed space.

Indeck is projected to create 2,009 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 100 tpy.

• Particulate matter — This is a mixture of particles and droplets found in the air. Some are emitted directly from a source, while others form from chemical reactions. Various forms of smoke and dust are examples of particulate matter.

Fine particles can lead to respiratory problems and eye irritation. Some of its chemicals can cause other effects. If the particulate matter is large enough, visibility may be compromised.

Floral growth can be stunted if matter is in high concentrations for extended periods of time.

Indeck is projected to create 181 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 25 tpy.

• Sulfur dioxide — This chemical is largely produced by burning fossil fuels at power plants.

In high concentrations, it can combine with other compounds to create particulate matter.

Short-term exposure can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma. Sulfur dioxide can also damage flora, decrease floral growth, contribute to acid rain and create a haze.

Indeck is projected to create 103 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 40 tpy.

• Lead — Lead is used in the production of energy products, such as gasoline, metal alloys and batteries.

It can affect the nervous system, kidneys, immune system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system and immune system in various ways depending on concentration and duration of exposure. Infants and young children are

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

especially sensitive, and their development may be affected.

Lead can also stunt development and reproduction in plants and animals.

Indeck is projected to create 0.00363 tpy.

The national significant emission rate is 0.6 tpy.

• Volatile organic compounds — These are a variety of chemicals that are emitted from a variety of objects as gases. Common objects that release these chemicals are fuel oil, paints, varnishes, upholstery and cigarettes.

Facial irritation, headaches, nausea and loss of coordination can occur. More serious potential risks from long-term exposure can include liver, kidney and nervous system damage and cancer.

Indeck is projected to create 948 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 40 tpy.

• Sulfuric acid mist — This chemical is typically associated with coal-fired plants, but it can occur in other power plants, too.

Some studies have shown repeated exposure can cause teeth decay and varying respiratory problems.

Indeck is projected to create 40.2 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 7 tpy.

Greenhouse gases — An umbrella term for the various gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that absorb and reemit heat. The gases are closely related to the rapid heating of the earth.

Increased yearly average temperatures can be created by greenhouse gases. This increases can have a variety of effects on crops and human lifestyles.

Indeck is projected to create 4,302,486 tpy. The national significant emission rate is 75,000 tpy.

Has Indeck exceeded its emission limits?

No. Although all of Indeck’s estimated emissions except for lead are more than their significant emission rates, this does not mean that Indeck is breaking the law.

Indeck’s emissions are permissible under national air quality standards so long as the company adheres to the following four guidelines as determined in the air quality report: install best available control technology for each power plant object responsible for emission creation, have an air quality analysis, provide an additional

impact analysis and allow public involvement.

Indeck is required to install best available control technology as it undergoes construction.

Its air quality analysis and its additional impact analysis have already been completed.

Its public involvement is still open. Concerned citizens can request a public hearing until Oct. 14. If one is proposed, an informational session will be hosted at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and a public hearing will be hosted at 7 p.m. at Northside Child Development Center at 2020 N. Fifth St. in Niles.

A written request for a public hearing can be sent to Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager, EGLE, Air Quality Division, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7760.

Will there be noise and light pollution?

David Hicks, Indeck Energy Services Vice President of Business Development, said Indeck will at minimum comply with noise and light pollution ordinances put in place.

Are local union workers being contracted for construction?

Yes. Kiewit Corporation, of Omaha, Nebraska, is the construction contractor, and it is contracting about 500 workers from local union halls.

Hicks said local work was preferred because it positively impacts the local community and because no relocation work is needed.

What types of full-time jobs will be created?

When construction is completed in 2022, Indeck plans to hire 21 full-time staff. Hicks said the final pay rates are not yet determined, but pay would be similar to other high-level technical positions with other plants.

Most roles would be manager and supervisor positions, which Hicks said are highly skilled and have extensive, detailed training programs.

He said power plants tend to hire those who have served in the military, particularly the U.S. Navy. Hicks said their work on naval ships, with boilers and with equipment that powers vessels translates well into power plant operation.

Is Kiewit on track with construction?

Hicks said that Kiewit was on track with its construction plans.

CHAMBER MEMBERS: Manufacturing & Industry DSS Valves (269) 409-6080 1760 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120

Niles Steel Tank (269) 683-1910 1701 Terminal Road Niles, MI 49120

Alro Steel (269) 687-4000 1775 Foundation Drive Niles, MI 49120

FAPCO (269) 695-6889 216 Post Road Buchanan, MI 49107

NSG Pilkington (269) 687-2151 2121 W Chicago Road Niles, MI 49120

American Aggregates (269) 683-6160 2041 M140 Niles, MI 49120

Indiana Michigan Power (888) 710-4237 2425 Meadowbrook Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Paragon Tempered Glass (269) 684-5060 1830 Terminal Road Niles, MI 49120

Berrien Metal Products (800) 978-5300 460 Post Road Buchanan, MI 49107

Indiana Michigan Power - South Bend (574) 236-4965 2929 Lathrop Street South Bend, IN 46628

R & M Manufacturing (269) 683-9550 2424 N 5th Street Niles, MI 49120

Bonnell Aluminum Niles (269) 697-6063 2005 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120

Kenneth Smith/ Moose Lake Aggregates (269) 684-5960 2596 Detroit Road Niles, MI 49120

Ramer Products (269) 409-8583 400 Post Road Buchanan, MI 49107

Bud Distributing (269) 782-3141 52322 M 51 N Dowagiac, MI 49047 C&S Machine (269) 695-6859 2929 Saratore Drive Niles, MI 49120 Citgo Petroleum Corporation (269) 683-3420 2233 S 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 DA Dodd (269) 926-7873 1251 Paw Paw Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Delta Machining (269) 683-7775 2361 Reum Road Niles, MI 49120 DPI Technologies (269) 684-2259 2241 Lake Street Niles, MI 49120

Lakeshore Die Cast, Inc. (269) 422-1523 8829 Stevensville-Baroda Road Baroda, MI 49101 Mid-States Bolt and Screw (269) 695-0123 1755 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120 Modineer Company (269) 683-2550 2190 Industrial Drive Niles, MI 49120 NCP Coatings (269) 683-3377 225 Fort Street Niles, MI 49120 Niles Aluminum Products (269) 683-1191 1434 S 9th Street Niles, MI 49120

INDUSTRY

A1 Telecom (269) 683-3870 3030 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Semco Energy (800) 624-2019 1000 Bell Road Niles, MI 49120 Specialty Products and Polymers (269) 684-5931 2100 Progressive Drive Niles, MI 49120 Springboard Manufacturing (269) 545-3311 117 S Grant Street Galien, MI 49113 Toefco Engineered Coating Systems (269) 683-0188 1220 N 14th Street Niles, MI 49120 Treadstone (269) 591-7950 1720 Terminal Road Niles, MI 49120 Worldwide Diesel (269) 462-9260 1515 N Old US 31 Niles, MI 49120 GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ENGINEERING • ARCHITECTURE • LAND SURVEYING

INDUSTRY

Good help is hard to find, but it doesn’t have to be.

Let us help you find the perfect fit for your business. Call (269) 591-6105.

JOIN US

Changing our surroundings, improving our world

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BENTON HARBOR 269.927.2295

abonmarche.com

SOUTH BEND 574.232.8700

Niles’ Main Street developing into a foodie’s paradise Story by Ambrosia Neldon Photos by Emily Sobecki In a brick building at 3 N. Third St. in Niles, cocktails and gourmet burgers are served where customers once waited to have their brakes aligned. The sound of clanking wrenches has been replaced by clinking glasses, the churn of engines by the hum of conversation.

When Iron Shoe Distillery owners Howard and Laura Tuthill announced in 2018 they would be transforming a former muffler shop into a distillery, many were skeptical, unable to see the vision the Tuthills had for not only the space, but the City of Niles.

Less than two blocks away, another

young couple, Melanie and Donny Kennedy had not long before welcomed the community to experience their own transformation. The pair had converted a dilapidated, historic Elks Lodge into an elegant event center called the Fifty5 at The Grand LV. Today, the smell of fresh-baked Italian pastries, homemade soup and cappuccinos emanates from a corner of the building’s main floor. The world-class Italian bakery is one of the latest in a long line of entrepreneurs to buy into the vision for the next chapter of downtown Niles.

Within walking distance, hungry shoppers can find a large menu of items ranging from barbecue to authentic

ramen, and not one, but three pizza shops, each offering its own take on America’s favorite pie. Downtown Niles is also home to a restaurant specializing in gluten free options as well as a full-service frozen yogurt bar, and will soon be home to a local brewery.

This trend in all things culinary was no happy accident, but rather an organized effort on behalf of Niles Main Street, the city’s downtown development authority.

Born out of an effort with the national Main Street organization designed to revitalize downtowns, the DDA developed a transformational study based on community interests and data supporting what was feasible in the district.

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

DINING destination

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Niles Main Street Director Lisa Croteau said by and large, the Niles community responded that it wanted food, which supported efforts already in place to serve food-centered businesses.

“In a world where you can buy anything you want off the internet, specialty dining is something you can’t buy off the internet,” Croteau said. “What we’ve learned is that if you have a wonderful food destination experience, people will go. They’ll go if there’s one place — they’ll go often if there’s more.”

Building on businesses like Pizza Transit, The Brass Eye and The Nuggett, which had already been serving food in downtown Niles for years, the DDA began to focus its efforts on recruiting more food businesses — everything from restaurants and bars to bakeries and wine shops.

Instead of actively pursuing entrepreneurs and begging them to come to town, Croteau said the DDA has focused on making the downtown district an appealing place to move, investing from other parts of the in the existing country who chose to “The biggest recruiters businesses and move Niles to launch to our town are our buildings. their business. current businesses. “ The big gest Hailing from recruiters to our Colorado, Laura and Before anyone says to w n a re ou r Howard Tuthill relothey’re going to start a cu r rent busicated to the Michiana business, they go out nesses,” she said. area, where Laura grew “Before anyone up, and chose to open looking and scouting. says they’re going their distillery in a What do they like? to start a business, former muffler shop.

Where do they feel at they go out looking “I think the city is home?” and scouting. What very business positive,” do they like? Where said Howard Tuthill, LISA CROTEAU, DIRECTOR do they feel at co-owner. “They’re litOF NILES MAIN STREET home?” erally an open door for As it turns out, anyone and anything the answer for that wants to come many entrepreinto downtown Niles neurs has been “Niles.” Since the Niles and will do anything they can to help Main Street board committed to the the potential businesses out and be a food-focused transformational strategy resource for them.” in 2017, it has welcomed businesses Desyree Alberganti, owner of Gabrizio launched not only by locals, but by people Italian Café and Bakery, recreated a shop 34

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

she owned in Las Vegas inside a recently renovated event center.

Other businesses that have opened since 2017 include Jim’s Smokin’ Café at the Paris Soda Co., Front Street Pizza Pub, Swirlyz Frozen Yogurt, Healthy Habits, The Rage and CJ’s Pizza. Niles Brewing Co., a locally owned microbrewery, aims to be open by the end of the year.

Croteau attributes the momentum and success of the downtown district to the positive atmosphere and team spirit of Niles business owners.

“We have the greatest group of business owners I’ve had the privilege of working with in 20 years,” she said. “I don’t believe there’s anyone that doesn’t see themselves as a part of something bigger. There’ve been many times that it was an all about me kind of attitude.

Now, it’s about growing this community, and I do believe everybody can see what really can happen when you work together.”

CHAMBER MEMBERS Banquet Halls & Event Services 105 Main Street (269) 340-1050 105 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120 AAYS Event Rentals (574) 256-1110 805 W. Edison Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 DPM Events (269) 217-8550 324 E Dewey Street Buchanan, MI 49107 The Grand LV (269) 591-0334 104 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 The Morris Estate (269) 684-4443 1560 Morris Drive Niles, MI 49120 The Supper Club by The Morris Estate (269) 684-4443 1245 S. 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Linda Skwarcan, Veni’s Sweet Shop

“

“Niles is a truly amazing community that provides visitors with great places to eat and things to do. Niles is at the epicenter of your ideal vacation, whether it’s at the lake, visiting Notre Dame, or taking a wine tour. A visit to downtown Niles is the icing on the cake.”

Gabrizio Italian Cafe & Bakery (269) 262-0636 104 N. 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Culver’s - Niles (269) 687-9374 1420 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Iron Shoe Distillery (269) 262-0454 3 N. 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill (269) 684-0202 3145 S. 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Katharos Catering (574) 344-0250 219 N. 4th Street Niles, MI 49120

Dairy Queen Treat (269) 683-5852 1445 Oak Street Niles, MI 49120

Pizza Transit (269) 684-6600 215 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Front Street Pizza Pub (269) 687-4992 510 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120

Prime Table (269) 684-2112 1915 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Swirlyz (269) 262-4809 211 N. Front Street Niles, MI 49120 The Brass Eye (269) 635-3595 205 N. 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120 The Mark III Restaurant & Lounge (269) 429-2941 4179 M-139 St. Joseph, MI 49085 The Tavern Inc. (269) 683-1888 417 Brookfield Street Niles, MI 49120 Wings Etc. (269) 683-9464 2008 S. 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Food & Drink Apothica Teas (269) 340-0826 222 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

SugarElla’s Catering (574) 298-3703 1475 W. River Road Niles, MI 49120

Who says you can’t please

ev er yo ne !

• Hand Tossed Pizza • Subs • Calzones • Pasta Bakes • Breadsticks • Salads • Wings • & MORE!

269-684-6600 DINE IN • CARRY OUT • DELIVERY

215 E Main St. Niles• www.PizzaTransit.com Home of the Pizza of the Month!

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

What’s on the menu in Niles?

GABRIZIO ITALIAN CAFE & BAKERY 104 N. Third St. — gabrizio.com Sweets lovers and caffeine fiends alike will enjoy one of Niles’ newest dining destinations. Located on N. Third Street inside The Grand LV in downtown Niles, Gabrizio Italian Cafe and Bakery offers a wide array of delectable Italian desserts, coffee tea and more. Gabrizio offers gluten free and vegan options, and also has sandwiches and salads for those with a more savory palate.

SWIRLYZ 211 N. Front St. — swirlyz.net The sky is the limit at this make-your-own frozen yogurt sundae bar. With rotating flavors of refreshing frozen yogurt like red velvet and pistachio — and dozens of toppings with everything from fresh fruit to crushed candy and Bobas balls, this seasonal destination offers the perfect finale to Niles’ downtown dining experience. Not a yogurt fan? Try Swirlyz’ rotating flavors of sorbet!

FRONT STREET PIZZA PUB 510 N. Front St. – frontstreetpizzapub.com Front Street Pizza Pub is the perfect location to relax and escape the stressors of the workweek. The pub features an array of brews and spirits to accompany its handcrafted menu that includes homemade sauces, hearty subs, salads, burgers, appetizers and, most notably, both traditional and deep-dish style pizza. Front Street Pizza Pub is the perfect weekend hot spot as the riverside pub provides the best local bands to rock the stage.

IRON SHOE DISTILLERY 3 N. Third St. — ironshoedistillery.com Iron Shoe Distillery is one of the newest additions to the City of Niles.

The distillery is a family owned and operated, small-batch distillery, cocktail bar and restaurant. Currently, Iron Shoe Distillery has bottled vodka, rum, limoncello and bourbon available for sale. The kitchen serves upscale American comfort food that features gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries, and a top-secret family recipe macaroni and cheese.

PRIME TABLE 1915 S. 11th St. – primetableniles.com Named 2017 Business of the Year, Prime Table, is a great place to settle in with friends and family to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The restaurant offers delicious food, a cozy atmosphere and a friendly and accommodating staff. Patrons can order favorites such as club sandwiches, burgers or pasta, or get a taste of the family’s heritage with their Greek menu items such as the gyros plate, Greek style pork chops, or the Greek style chicken.

36 GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PIZZA TRANSIT 215 E. Main St. – pizzatransit.com For more than 30 years, Pizza Transit has been a staple in the greater Niles community, providing top-notch pizza, pasta, breadsticks and more. Pizza Transit’s family recipes for its sauce, dough and bread have produced a coveted slice of heaven that showcases their award-winning pizza to all who enter their vibrant and eclectic dining room. Each month, try a new take on pizza with the Pizza of the Month, featuring favorites like the Breakfast Pizza and Jalapeno Popper Pizza.

Dining out? Try hundreds of delicious meals at our member restaurants!

CULVER’S - NILES 1420 S. 11th St. Home of the Concrete Mixer, Culver’s serves up butter burgers, cheese curds, root beer floats and more at the recently opened location on South 11th St. in Niles. Perfect for a meal on the go or a dinner in, this locally owned franchise is the ultimate family dining location, with an extensive menu full of choices — sure to please every member of the family.

THE BRASS EYE 205 N. Second St. – thebrasseye.com The Brass Eye Cocktail Lounge boasts a quiet place to get away and enjoy a cocktail, craft beer or even a bottle of wine. Patrons can also enjoy a bowl of ramen to accompany their drink, bao buns, or one of The Brass Eye’s delicious small plates. Be sure to visit The Brass Eye on the third Thursday of every month to see what special event is in store, and check them out for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

DAIRY QUEEN TREAT & DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL 1445 Oak St. AND 3145 S. 11th St. Under new ownership, Niles’ Oak Street Dairy Queen Treat location continues to serve up fan favorites. Customers of all ages can enjoy from soft serve cones and hot fudge sundaes to Dilly Bars and world-famous Blizzards. Near the state line, Dairy Queen Grill and Chill offers the same cool treats and an additional hot food menu, with items ranging from chicken strips to chili dogs and cheeseburgers.

THE TAVERN 417 Brookfield St. The Tavern is a hometown favorite, neighborhood bar with a burger voted best in town for the best price. The Tavern never fails to give guests a memorable evening with pool, a fast and friendly wait staff, and a menu that is bound to impress with its deep-fried cauliflower, onion rings and various sandwiches. This location is a cash-only establishment, but has an ATM available on site for guests.

WINGS, ETC. NILES 2008 S. 11th St. —wingsetc.com Niles Township’s signature sports bar, the Niles Wings Etc. serves up the local chain’s popular bone-in and boneless wings with a variety of tasty sauces in a family-friendly environment. Not a wing fan? Try Wings Etc.’s burgers, salads, nachos, quesadillas and more. Pair it with an ice cold beer or cocktail and you will be ready to watch the big game on the pub’s HD TV screens.

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

APOTHICA TEAS 222 E. Main St. — apothicateas.com Elegance and whimsy come to play in one of downtown Niles’ newest — and most unique — dining destinations. Choose from a variety of custom loose leaf tea blends and light refreshments in this steampunk-themed tea shop. Apothica also offers an array of items made by local artisans —from hand-sculpted mugs to whimsically decorated hats, locally blended coffee and more.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

is a small event space and wedding venue, offering rental space, tables, chairs, linens, and table decorations to keep your event simple and beautiful. Small weddings can be performed for 2-30 people in their Main Street wedding studio.

105 Main Street is available for meetings, classes, birthday parties, graduation parties, bridal and wedding showers, and is perfect for guests to come together in a comfortable, elegant space.

105EMAINSTREET.COM • 105 E MAIN ST., NILES, MI 49120 • (269) 340-1050

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Budding

opportunity

With marijuana legal, entrepreneurs plant roots in greater Niles region Story by Beau Brockett Jr. Photos by Emily Sobecki

O

Investments into burgeoning future In 2008, Michigan became the 11th state to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. In 2018, it became

the eighth state to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older without needing a doctor’s approval.

Niles was one of the first municipalities in Michigan to embrace adult-use, or recreational, marijuana, opting in to allow related businesses in October 2019.

The decision came as medical marijuana businesses were making steps to open in town, many hoping to eventually take advantage of the city’s new laws.

Some city council members shared their excitement marijuana businesses provided Niles during numerous council meetings.

They cited more tax revenue, more local employment and economic development on formerly defunct industrial space as perks.

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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n a chilly morning in 2019, George Lynch sat on a camping chair in the bones of an auto care center.

Behind him were wooden beams which would become the foundation for future rooms. In 2020, it housed a compliance office, a secure transport station and a display case of marijuana paraphernalia.

A remnant vehicle lift station became a basement stairway leading to more marijuana products.

On the other side of town sits another former business, Simplicity Pattern Company, in a defunct industrial neighborhood. Soon, Lynch would stand inside

the building, overseeing not textile equipment but marijuana plants.

Lynch is the co-owner of Green Stem, LLC, a medical marijuana growing, processing and provisioning business.

The places his business inhabits are the remains of Niles’ old industry. Green Stem, Lynch said, is in the business sector is the herald of the new. That is, as long as the budding industry can adjust to plant growth concerns and unwavering opinions on the drug.

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“I believe we have more to benefit by opting in and making it more commercially available, more affordable and hopefully discouraging the home growers, and that material, which I think would be more likely to get out on the street in the black market,” said councilmember John DiCostanzo said the night he cast his vote.

“If they really want it, they’re going to get it, legal or illegal,” councilmember Charlie McAfee said about adult-use users.

“I would feel better to have it legally… rather than the back doorway.”

On Jan. 23, The ReLeaf Center became the first Niles business to grow, process and sell marijuana after months of licensure approval, plan approval and building renovations.

Lynch, a former Pandora Music executive, said he has invested millions of 40

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

dollars and many months in his own project to eventually grow, process, provision and transport marijuana with his wife, Denise, an interior designer, and his children.

They have all relocated to Niles, bringing other employees from other states with them. They are hoping to employ many locals into what Lynch said will be well-paying jobs, too.

The Lynches said they spent hours poring over the viability of their venture, the specifics of marijuana laws locally and statewide, and the municipalities most willing to listen to a marijuana entrepreneur’s proposition. On Denie’s work desk, where her self-designed layout of Green Stem is sprawled, sits an open code compliance book lit up by highlighter lines.

Lynch said Niles, with its helpful city

staff, ideal industrial space and proximity to major Midwest cities, could be a hub of the Michigan marijuana industry. Green Stem could be at its core.

That is if all goes according to plan.

“We’re very anxious to get this thing going and get up and running because we think we got a lot to offer,” he said, hands in his Pandora varsity jacket pockets.

Producing the best product Despite tough business realities to work through — product levels, banking, inclusivity — Lynch and Schneider both said the state and city has done a great job at regulating marijuana businesses to ensure safety, quality and care.

Lynch said Green Stem prides itself on its level of safety and security. At Niles City Council meetings, the Lynches often spoke about the dangers of chemicals

CHAMBER MEMBERS Retail Best Syrups (269) 262-0635 211 N 9th Street Niles, MI 49120 Camden Appliance (269) 683-1500 3108 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Casperson Books (269) 687-7163 302 Broadway Niles, MI 49120 Comcast Business/ xfinity Retail (847) 504-7135 7115 Heritage Square Drive Granger, IN 46530 Crown Trophy (574) 255-2285 13576 McKinley Highway Mishawaka, IN 46545

Flags International (574) 674-5125 10845 McKinley Highway Osceola, IN 46561 Flo N Grow (269) 683-1877 214 N 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120 Goodwill Industries of Michiana (269) 684-5452 918 Silverbrook Avenue Niles, MI 49120

Lush Lighting (269) 262-4645 1964 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Main Street Antique Mall (269) 684-9393 109 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Martin’s Super Markets (269) 684-2722 720 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Niles Wellcare Pharmacy (269) 262-4343 70 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Oh MY (269) 262-4813 307 E Main St Niles, MI 49120 Picker’s Paradise Antique Mall (269) 262-4831 2809 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 RadioShack (269) 684-7368 722 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Sam’s Club (574) 243-8203 726 Indian Ridge Boulevard Mishawaka, IN 46545

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from self-growers, unregulated business and gas station vape products.

A 15-minute drive northwest from Green Stem is another medical marijuana company that values safety and security: Zen Leaf.

The Buchanan medical marijuana provisioner opened its doors in May 2019 at 259 W. Front St., the first in the area to do so. Like Green Stem, Zen Leaf found an accommodating community and a great opportunity in a southwest Michigan city, said marketing and public relations employee David Spreckman.

The business values safety and security because Zen Leaf runs as a branch of healthcare, Spreckman said. Its employees work as collaborative consultants to ensure their patients receive the best-suited product for their ailments.

“We don’t push products,” he said. “We try to push solutions to people’s problems.”

East Main Gardens Florist and Greenhouse (269) 683-8000 1521 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Lowe’s (269) 591-3000 2055 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Schrams Self Defense Products (269) 845-6260 1011 Broadway, Suite 3 Niles, MI 49120

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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CHAMBER MEMBERS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Shelton’s Farm Market (269) 684-3230 1832 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Courtney Kubly, Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages (574) 277-4900 214 W Cleveland Road Granger, IN 46530 The Flower Cart (269) 683-5454 1124 N 5th Street Niles, MI 49120

Walmart Super Center (269) 683-2773 2107 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

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Veni’s Sweet Shop (269) 684-1323 228 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

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“

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“We are proud to have served the greater Michiana community for 27 years and enjoy the supportive business relationships we have with our neighbors in Niles.

Customers visit our store from all over the country, and are looking for recommendations for things to eat, see and do, and there is no lack of things to share with them! We are truly the “best of the Midwest” and have something to offer everyone.”

Cannabis Green Stem Provisioning (269) 262-4778 1140 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

HDS Investments 1312 Lake Street Niles, MI 49120 The ReLeaf Center Niles (269) 220-6565 1840 Terminal Road Niles, MI 49120

FRESH TRADITIONS

SINCE 1947 THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE OUR FIRST 73 YEARS A SUCCESS!

SHELTONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FARM MARKET

1832 S. 11TH ST. NILES, MI 49120 RETAIL: (269) 684-0190 WHOLESALE: (269) 684-3230 SHELTONFARMS.COM

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Health is trending

HEALTH & WELLNESS

City of Niles welcomes several fitness businesses

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A

individual fitness journey, assuring the community that FitStop 24 will be there to meet their members where they are at and to help them along the way.

Marshall encourages community members to start their fitness journey with FitStop 24.

“The first step is walking in,” he said. “I promise if you walk in you’ll want to come back.”

Marshall isn’t the only one seeing the effects of the city’s enthusiasm toward fitness. The Niles-Buchanan YMCA is fitting to expand in the spring of 2020 with a new fitness studio, a 7,800 square-foot gymnasium, a teen room, and a youth room devoted entirely to the children in the greater Niles community. This 14,000 squarefoot addition to the current facility on Front Street will look to expand the Niles-Buchanan YMCA’s services and capabilities, adding additional space and resources to the already expansive library of activities and programs.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA currently features many opportunities for its members, including aerobics classes, personal trainers, health coaches, taekwondo, weight and cardio rooms, six lane lap pool, and a 1/10th mile track that circumvents the upper level of the gym.

Tiffany Rusher is the Director of Group Fitness for the YMCA of Greater Michiana and a vocal supporter of the many benefits that a fitness-based GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Story by Ian Hassan Photos by Emily Sobecki & Evan Cobb cross the region, communities Marshall said he saw a need for a are changing what it means to be 24-hour gym in the area and took on the healthy. These developing cities opportunity without hesitation. From are reimagining fitness through core there he set forth to make it a place values such as comfort, accessibility, where anyone would feel welcome and and education. The City of Niles, and have access to the tools they needed the surrounding region, has witnessed to improve their wellbeing. a burst of activity as of late that centers FitStop 24 Niles offers the standard around the care and wellbeing of the free weights, circuit training, personal community and its residents. training, and cardio machines, as well In 2019, two new gyms opened their as tanning and artificial turf training doors in downtown Niles alongside the for athletes to practice on in the pre-existing Niles-Buchanan YMCA, winter months (a personal touch of which broke ground on an expansion Marshall’s). Most importantly, the in the spring of 2020. The successful gym focuses its primary efforts on opening of Trap House 24 SLR on fostering an environment of comfort Main Street and the first FitStop 24 and extraordinary customer service, franchise on 2nd Street, have given two values that have played a major the residents of the greater Niles area role in the business’ success. several options when it comes to their Fitstop 24 gained 400 members in personal health. As these businesses its first four months, and in the begincontinue to thrive within the city, it ning of 2020, were averaging three is apparent that positive changes are to four new members daily. Marshall rippling through the community. attributes all of his success to his FitStop 24 opened its doors to the members, saying, “We’re nothing City of Niles in October of 2019. It without them. In the four months was the first franchise location for we’ve been here, we’ve turned into a the owners, Eastlake Athletic Club, giant family.” which already had many locations Having already been serving the ranging from Elkhart to Middlebury Niles area through his career at Tyler to Granger. When they approached Automotive, Marshall uses his sales Dowagiac native, Gary Marshall, with and customer service background to the opportunity to operate his very make FitStop 24 a welcoming gym own FitStop 24 more than five years experience. He and his staff make a ago, Marshall had his pick of the litter point to connect with their guests and when it came to location. His response invest in their progress. Marshall and was immediate: Niles. his team understand and respect the

HEALTH & WELLNESS

lifestyle has to offer, both physical as well as social.

“When you go to the group fitness classes people become family,” she said. “Some people start out just sitting in the coffee area and become members from there.”

Since its conception in 1944, the YMCA has been an alternative for youth to engage their free time in a positive way. These values remain evident when touring the facilities and witnessing the wide range of programs and opportunities offered by the YMCA of Greater Michiana.

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA works hand in hand with Lakeland Rehabilitation, an adjacent physical therapy center to make sure that all members are getting the individual attention they need. Rusher attributes the success of the Niles-Buchanan facilities to its strong community ties, including Spectrum Health Lakeland, the Niles Community and Brandywine school systems, and the Greater Niles and Buchanan senior centers.

“We’re always looking to add and to enhance our services for whatever the community’s needs are,” Rusher said. “Working together with our community partners allows us to do so much more to aid our members and our community.”

Another local entrepreneur who is seeing firsthand the surge of interest in physical fitness is Stephanie Reno, owner of SLR Pilates and the recently debuted 24-hour gym, Trap House 24 SLR as a co-owner with Matt Mazingo. What began as one woman’s passion for Pilates and the difference it made in her own life, eventually led to her opening her own Pilates and yoga studio in the City of Niles. Since its grand opening, Reno has developed SLR Pilates into a premier destination for Pilates and yoga instruction, not only in Niles, but in the greater Michiana area.

Reno attributes her success to her staff’s knowledge and attention to customer service. All of her teachers are required to have a tremendous amount of education behind them within the field. This includes 200 to 500 hours of classroom time and bookwork geared directly towards teaching yoga, 500 hours geared directly towards teaching Pilates as well as time 46

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Stephanie Reno, owner of SLR Pilates, owns two fitness businesses in downtown Niles: SLR Pilates, 219 E. Main St., and Traphouse 24, 127 E. Main St., Niles.

spent working with students and shadowing teachers. Reno says this is not only to ensure that her business is the best at what it does, but also to make sure her clientele is safe and successful.

“We’re an alignment-based studio,” Reno said. “You come into our classes and you are not going to be following a fitness instructor.

You are going to be taught by a teacher.”

Reno advises those that are interested in starting yoga to seek actual classes rather than trying to use at home videos.

Making sure that you are performing the exercises accurately not only ensures you will get the best results, but that you are staying safe and protecting your muscles from further damage.

“Education is the most important part.

Uneducated instructors can hurt the members,” she said.

Education remains a primary pillar of Reno’s business model, which has allowed Reno to develop a premier fitness experience for her guests.

In November 2019, Reno continued to expand her range of care with the grand opening of Trap House 24 SLR on Main Street. Reno’s experience with building a top-of-the-line Pilates and yoga studio

and her partner Matt Mazingo’s passion and knowledge for the gym world it was an amazing collaboration. Trap House 24 SLR is a 24-hour fitness facility that features free weights, circuit training, cardio equipment, personal training, and tanning. With the same dedication to customer service and an esteemed fitness experience, the facility has continued to grow daily since its debut.

Reno said her hope is to eventually outgrow the space by maintaining a quality fitness environment and by keeping her standards for her businesses high. At SLR Pilates Reno has lovingly cultivated an environment that offers anything one could want in a Pilates and yoga studio, and she hopes to do the same with Trap House 24 SLR. The City of Niles is blooming in many different ways. The rapid growth of health and wellness facilities in the region showcases a developing value within the greater Niles area that focuses on the wellbeing of the community and its residents. Regardless of one’s place in their fitness journey, regardless of the struggles one may be facing, the greater Niles area is rich with resources and support for the overall wellness of the community.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

STUDY DEEMS NILES GREAT PLACE FOR FITNESS TRAINERS TO LIVE

Niles concluded 2019 with two new downtown fitness centers, FitStop24 and Trap House 24. Two days into 2020, it was recognized as a top spot for fitness training.

In January, AdvisorSmith, a west coast business resource company, released a study of 312 cities and their surrounding areas that analyzed the best places for fitness trainers to work and live in. Niles ranked 12th overall and seventh for a midsized population.

The study was based on three key factors, said Justin Saeheng, who conducts outreach, marketing and data studies for AdvisorSmith.

First, was the average annual salary of fitness trainers in the area, gathered from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Second, was the cost of living, gathered from Sperling’s Best Places. Third, was the number of fitness training jobs per capita in the area.

The Niles micropolitan area was one of 319 cities that had available data for all three factors, Saeheng said.

While the Niles area’s average salary, $43,390, and its fitness trainers per capita were about the same as national averages, its cost of living was lower, allowing it to beat out other Michigan cities such as Kalamazoo, ranked 15th, Midland, 24th, and Ann Arbor, 88th.

The study was the first released this year

by AdvisorSmith, one of a larger series of studies produced by the company to provide insight to clients, Saeheng said.

The reasoning for choosing the fitness training industry as a case study this month was two-fold, he said.

“Every January, there’s tons of people that want to make good on their new year’s resolution, a promise to a healthier start,” he said. “We thought this would give fitness trainers a better understanding.”

Saeheng also noted that employment in fitness training is expected to grow 13 percent over the next few years, compared to an average five percent growth in job sectors.

He attributes that job growth to a changing mindset toward health and fitness and to the flexibility the job field offers.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of people who do this after work as a fitness trainer,” Saeheng said. “This whole side hustle in this, too.”

Want to be a trainer? Local guru shares tips Michelle Holloway, director of personal training and health promotions for the NilesBuchanan branch of the YMCA of Greater Michiana, was, at first, a bit surprised to hear her hometown was a top spot for fitness training.

But upon consideration, she said she could see fitness training prominence in her line of work.

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Holloway employs and manages fitness trainers at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. Among the two other branches of the YMCA of Greater Michiana association, her branch has the most trainers and trainees by far.

Mid-January is the time when the fitness training department of the YMCA begins to see an uptick in people requesting training sessions, Holloway said. Many are due to New Year’s resolutions.

Whether those resolutions are reached or eventually let go of, Holloway is happy to help.

“The more people that I worked with who were comprised changed my whole outlook on personal training,” she said.

“Now my goal is trying to help people live a functional life.”

A focus on personable, relationship-focused work to better one’s life makes the job field appealing, Holloway said.

She is about to begin her 13th year as a fitness trainer, helping those young and old, able bodied and disabled, fit or wanting to be, reach their own personal goals.

She came to the YMCA from a factory job. In order to best meet her daily work routine’s heavy lifting requirements, she began to train. This led to a training job and numerous certifications and clients.

For those inspired by Niles’ high ranking in fitness training friendliness, Holloway provided a few pointers.

First, she said, receiving certification by a trustworthy accreditor is key. She cited American Council on Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine and National Academy of Sports Medicine as examples.

Once that certification is obtained, a new fitness trainer may find themselves struggling to find clients due to their novice nature, Holloway said.

Developing relationships with clients and potential clients can help a fitness trainer establish their expertise and reputation.

“Our Niles facility focuses big-time on relationship-building and making sure people feel welcome, making sure that everybody knows it’s a workout for you,” Holloway said.

In order to help new trainers move up in respectability, knowledge and pay, Holloway said working with experienced trainers is key. She noted that these veteran trainers should invest in their new fellow trainers with constructive guidance.

Finally, Holloway said to be open to changes in one’s niche in the job field. While a trainer may want to train people who want to be in peak physical condition, they may find more of a need or a deeper interest in helping those that want to improve balance or flexibility.

CHAMBER MEMBERS HEALTH & WELLNESS Advanced Chiropractic of Niles, PC (269) 683-5433 721 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Beckermeyer, Richard DDS (269) 683-6461 123 Marmont Street Niles, MI 49120 C2 Your Health (800) 245-8917 19009 Layden South Bend, IN 46637 Cassopolis Family Clinic Network (269) 445-3874 261 M62 Cassopolis, MI 49031 Evolve at Inner Journey Boutique and Healing Arts Center (269) 687-8865 109 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 FitStop 24 (269) 621-5229 410 N 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120 Lakeland Care Network (269) 983-0500 3950 Hollywood Road St Joseph, MI 49085 Lakeland Medical Practices (269) 687-1152 1234 Napier Avenue St. Joseph, MI 49085 Niles Community Health Center (260) 262-4749 1951 Oak Street Niles, MI 49120 Niles Foot Clinic (269) 683-1868 201 N 17th Street Niles, MI 49120

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHAMBER MEMBERS Niles Vision Clinic (269) 683-4040 9 S St Joseph Avenue Niles, MI 49120 Niles-Buchanan YMCA (269) 683-1552 905 N Front Street Niles, MI 49120 RX Optical (269) 684-1330 1421 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 SLR Pilates (269) 340-4990 219 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Southwest Michigan Community Ambulance Services (SMCAS) (269) 684-2170 2100 W Chicago Road Niles, MI 49120 Spectrum Health Lakeland (800) 968-0115 31 N St. Joseph Avenue Niles, MI 49120 ELDERCARE Brentwood at Niles (269) 684-9470 1147 S 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 Chalet of Niles (269) 684-4320 911 S 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Hospice at Home (269) 429-7100 4025 Health Park Lane St. Joseph, MI 49085 Michiana Home Care (269) 687-2900 423 Sycamore Street Niles, MI 49120 Michiana Institute for Successful Aging (574) 310-7763 PO Box 8015 South Bend, IN 46660 PACE of Southwest Michigan (269) 408-4322 2900 Lakeview Drive St. Joseph, MI 49085

Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center (269) 684-1111 1333 Wells Street Niles, MI 49120 West Woods of Niles (269) 684-2810 1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120 Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow (269) 683-7900 13 Longmeadow Village Drive Niles, MI 49120

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

W

hen customers walk into East Main Gardens, 1521 E. Main St., today, they are greeted by a wide space filled with vibrant flowers carefully arranged into bouquets or tucked away behind display cases. They will also more than likely see the store’s owner, Mike Peters, at the counter in a backroom personally tending to orders.

Next year Peters will see the flower shop to the milestone of 100 years of business, carrying on a family legacy in the process.

“We are looking forward to making next year a big year,” he said.

In the last century, Peters said East Main Gardens had come a long way from its 52

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

humble beginnings, which began on the side of the road.

The shop planted its roots in the early in 1921 when his grandfather, Milfred, originally from Sand Creek, Michigan, had the chance to work on the Niles railroad. However, his wife — Peters’ grandmother — Nellie, a long-time plant lover who was pregnant at the time, would only agree to the move if she was able to bring her greenhouse with her. Milfred agreed, making several trips to bring all of Nellie’s plants from Sand Creek.

Now settled in Niles, Nellie cared for her plants so much that she even made Milfred go home and water the plants while she was in labor with Peters’ father, which is where

the story of East Main Gardens begins. “[My grandfather] went home from the hospital, and a gentleman came by the house and says, ‘Mr. Peters, can I buy one of your flowers?’ My grandpa said, ‘I don’t know, Ma’s going to be pretty mad if I sell her flowers,’ but he ended up selling it to [the man],” Peters recalled. “[Milfred] went back to the hospital and said, ‘I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that I’ve watered all your plants and they are beautiful. The bad news is I sold one.’ My grandma told him to go back and sell another.”

From there, the store grew, eventually becoming the successful storefront that it

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

100

YEARS AND COUNTING

Niles florist approaching centennial anniversary Story by Sarah Culton Photos by Emily Sobecki

is today. In the shop, Peters keeps a photo of his grandparents hung in a hallway to remind him of the tradition he carries on.

“Obviously, it has served us well,” Peters said of East Main Gardens. “The community has been good to us. We like this place.

Otherwise, we would have moved. That’s why we have stayed in the same location — East Main Street was just us.”

Peters, now in his mid-60s, has been working at the shop for most of his life. His earliest memory working for the store is at age 10 when his mother asked him to make bows while he watched TV. By age 12, he was working behind East Main Gardens’ counter, rifling through a thick, phone

book-like florist’s guide to call orders out to florists in other cities and states. At 16, he began making deliveries. Finally, he began working full-time at the store once he graduated high school.

As he has poured his life’s work into the shop, Peters said he is excited to see it reach the milestone of 100 years.

“It’s really special,” he said. “More special for me because my grandparents started the business, and my parents ran the business.

Now, I can be the one that is around for the 100 years. I think that is really cool.”

Peters said he believes that East Main Gardens’ commitment to the community and customer service has allowed it to

thrive for the last century.

“I think what we do is really take care of our customers, and I think that’s why our customers — and their kids and their grandkids — continue to come back here,” he said. “I also think that the quality of flowers that we provide for our customers is grade A.” As East Main Gardens continues past 100 years, Peters said he and his crew would continue to remain committed to both quality and customer service.

“We will continue to provide the best flowers and the best service that we can do,” he said. “I think that is what makes us special.”

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHAMBER MEMBERS Automotive Campbell Ford Lincoln Saleen (269) 684-8300 2801 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Dave’s Garage (269) 683-7220 713 N 13th Street Niles, MI 49120 JD’s Truck Stop (269) 683-9558 1655 Mayflower Road Niles, MI 49120 JX Truck Center (269) 682-4001 823 Carberry Road Niles, MI 49120

“

Tim Brown, Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services

“Niles citizens have created a special community both downtown and in the surrounding area. They have supported local new businesses, they look out for their neighbors and many give of their time and talents regardless of who would receive the credit.”

Smith Automotive (269) 340-5313 215 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Tyler Automotive (269) 683-1710 1810 S 11th Street (M-51) Niles, MI 49120

Marsh Auto Repair (866) 920-8340 2680 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Tyler Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (269) 684-8200 1102 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Miles Truck Services (269) 683-2140 823 Carberry Road Niles, MI 49120

Zolman Tire (269) 683-6465 1901 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Millin Automotive Repair (269) 684-8400 705 N 2nd Street Niles, MI 49120

Employment Services Express Employment Professionals (269) 408-1980 4070 Red Arrow Highway St. Joseph, MI 49085

Nick D’s Paint and Collision (269) 684-3445 33934 US 12 Niles, MI 49120 Niles Pro Muffler (269) 683-5988 434 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Precision Auto and Body (269) 684-7111 32481 US 12 Niles, MI 49120

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Manpower (269) 983-1155 1000 Main Street St Joseph, MI 49085 OnStaff USA (269) 262-4242 1221 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Williamson Employment Services - Mishawaka (574) 289-1454 2410 Grape Road Mishawaka, IN 46545

Williamson Employment Services - St. Joseph (269) 983-0142 213 Hilltop Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 Funeral & Cremation Services Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services (269) 683-1155 521 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services (269) 683-3000 615 E Main Street Niles, MS 49120 Swem Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Home (269) 556-9450 301 W Front Street Niles, MI 49120 Financial Services 1st Source Bank Downtown Niles (269) 684-1283 306 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 1st Source Bank - Niles Martins (269) 687-8244 720 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Andrews Tax X Accounting (269) 683-2829 18 N 4th Street Niles, MI 49120

Balanced Accounting and Tax Services (269) 683-6944 2325 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Chemical Bank (269) 683-2010 407 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Circle Federal Credit Union (269) 684-6005 507 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Dana F Cole and Company (269) 683-9480 325 Woodruff Street Niles, MI 49120 Edward Jones Becky Brown (269) 684-6418 213 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Edward Jones Jennifer Salmon (269) 684-8282 213 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Fifth Third Bank (269) 683-4539 322 Broadway Niles, MI 49120 Four Flags Area Credit Union (269) 684-6512 1012 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Haslett and Gaynor (269) 684-7300 1 S 5th Street Niles, MI 49120 Honor Credit Union (269) 684-6900 1010 Moore Drive Niles, MI 49120

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Horizon Bank (269) 926-3200 811 Ship Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Korhorn Financial Group (269) 684-2560 2028 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Menchinger Ziebart and Koch (269) 983-0252 314 State Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Old National Bank (269) 687-5660 1903 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Teachers Credit Union (269) 687-6113 1500 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 United Federal Credit Union - S 11th Street (269) 684-1151 2100 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 United Federal Credit Union - Sycamore Street (269) 982-1400 123 Sycamore Street Niles, MI 49120 Valor Partners (574) 276-3167 1402 Mishawaka Avenue South Bend, IN 46615 Walter & Keenan Financial Consultants (574) 287-5977 202 S Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46601 Western & Southern Financial Group (574) 307-7061 3515 N Main Street Mishawaka, IN 46545

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“

AAA Tom Rasler Insurance Agency (269) 684-6274 1914 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Farmers Insurance Patrick Colburn (269) 684-5145 92 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Goosehead Insurance (269) 241-2311 1400 W Chicago Road Niles, MI 49120 Insurance Management Service (269) 683-4900 214 N 4th Street Niles, MI 49120 John Scott Insurance Agency (269) 782-2123 105 Commercial Street Dowagiac, MI 49047 Kemner Iott Benz (269) 445-2425 60267 Century Drive Cassopolis, MI 49031

Leader Publications (269) 687-7700 217 N 4th Street Niles, MI 49120

“I love Niles because of the small-town community feel, and how the town rallies together to support one another in times of need.”

Insurance Services AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency (269) 687-6272 815 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

On Base Productions (574) 339-1253 227 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120 Precept Partners (269) 340-0124 102 E Front Street Buchanan, MI 49107

Rifenberg Life & Health Agency (269) 683-7400 721 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Take 5 Design (269) 779-4024 29268 Pike Street Dowagiac, MI 49047

TCU Insurance Agency (269) 683-6700 1500 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Legal Services Kotz Sangster Wysocki (269) 591-6915 12 Longmeadow Village Drive Niles, MI 49120 Law Office of Robert L. Landgraf Jr. (269) 683-8300 19 S 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

WNIT (574) 675-9648 300 W Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, IN 46601 WSMK Radio 99.1 / WNIL Radio 107.5 (269) 683-4487 210 S Philip Road Niles, MI 49120 Miscellaneous Services Angelic Cleaning Services (269) 759-3206

Law Office of Sara A Senica (269) 684-1500 Buchanan, MI

Astro Star Aviation (269) 684-7030 2018 Lake Street Niles, MI 49120

Mollison Law Office (269) 684-7600 4 South Lincoln Avenue Niles, MI 49120 Media, Marketing & Advertising Adams Outdoor Advertising (269) 615-1888 Classic Communications (269) 687-9128 245 Bell Road Niles, MI 49120

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHAMBER MEMBERS

Creditors Service Bureau (269) 684-2100 305 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 Culligan Water of Michiana (574) 203-2230 56861 Ferrettie Court Mishawaka, IN 46545 Custom Computer Company (269) 235-0470 301 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CHAMBER MEMBERS Express Press (574) 277-3355 325 N Dixie Way South Bend, IN 46637

Kent Record Management (269) 926-4100 1994 Plaza Drive Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Garrett Laboratories (800) 336-3201 408 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Koorsen Fire and Security (574) 444-9887 3953 Ralph Jones Drive South Bend, IN 46628

Joy’s Johns (574) 277-8911 1325 Airport Road Niles, MI 49120

Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Charisse Johnson (574) 213-5160 PO Box 883 Niles, MI 49120

Justin Maust (574) 404-2165 PO Box 52 Granger, IN 46530

Michiana Fun Tours (574) 273-6913 19600 Dubois Avenue South Bend, IN 46637

The UPS Store (269) 683-7320 732 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Michiana Recycling and Disposal (269) 684-0900 33541 Reum Road Niles, MI 49120

U.S. Business Systems (574) 264-3065 3221 Southview Drive Elkhart, IN 46514

Pure Rituals (269) 697-5414 108 E Front Street Buchanan, MI 49107

U.S. Signcrafters (574) 674-5055 216 Lincolnway East Osceola, IN 46561

Signal Travel and Tours (269) 684-2880 2540 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Tans Down Under (269) 683-8185 1700 Oak Street Niles, MI 49120

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RESIDENTIAL & CONSTRUCTION

Building the future

W

hen Wisconsin-based General Capital Group found itself working with cities in Michigan, its first stop was Paw Paw. Investing in a smaller project, the Berkshire Paw Paw was a 42-unit project that put down the company’s stake in the Michigan soil.

Looking to other southwestern Michigan communities, the company’s developers found themselves in Niles. Two completed projects — and one in the works — later, the company has dedicated $46

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Berkshire Niles

GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Firm credits working relationship with city, community members for rapid growth in Niles Story by Christina Clark Photos by Emily Sobecki

million into Niles housing developments.

“Niles was on our radar because it’s a smaller town,” said Sig Strautmanis, a partner with the organization. “We discovered a niche in these smaller towns that have really nice and active downtowns.”

Strautmanis said that part of the winning combination for the company that they found in Niles was being able to develop housing where residents could walk to shops and participate in downtown activities. The firm also likes to work

to build specifically into a downtown landscape.

“We are most interested in doing urban infill,” Strautmanis said. “We think that apartment buildings in corn fields are boring.”

Straumanis also cited the unmet demand in the area’s market. That paired with the MSHDA tax credits available in Michigan to developers, helped to launch the company’s first project locally: the Berkshire Niles.

Four Flags Apartments

Post Office Apartments, which will sit at the corner of Main and Fourth streets, will be a 60-unit development from the firm.

Being the third major-investment the firm has made into the Niles community, Strautmanis said that it has represented the good things that come

from having a great relationship with a community and its leaders. The firm was able to see what the needs were with the old Post Office building, working with those leaders.

While the firm’s other two projects in town have had targeted populations — the Four Flags Apartments are section 8 housing, and Berkshire Niles is independent senior living — The Post Office Apartments would be different: work force housing. Targeting a greater diversity to the downtown, the apartments are poised to bring a variety of ages and income levels to live on Main Street.

“We worked with the state’s historical architect and with the City of Niles Historic Preservation Commission, and planning commission, to do a carefully designed addition that takes advantage of certain historic elements and preserves the Post Office, so that it all blends together,” Strautmanis said.

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With the company now having worked on three properties in Niles, Strautmanis spoke highly of working with community leaders.

“It only happens when you have a good relationship,” Strautmanis said of continued support and collaboration in development. “I can’t emphasize that part enough that that’s the key.

In Niles, it’s been one of the better relationships that we have been able to cultivate with local staff and local elected officials.”

The relationship is unique in that the entities can work as partners together in achieving the goals both seek to reach.

“It’s remarkable. It’s not every day that someone picks up the phone and says, ‘hey, we have a project for you.

Do you want to come look at it?’ That’s very cool,” Strautmanis said.

The group’s most recent investment into Niles is visible traveling down Main Street into the heart of downtown. The

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The Post Office Apartments will have a first floor that is traditional, Main Street-style with retail space on the ground level. The development has expanded into what was once a vacant property next to the Post Office. The living areas and parking will be integrated into the structure as it is built up to fit in with the downtown surrounding it.

The Berkshire Niles sits at 10 N. Third St. with 53 units for independent senior living, and was a $12 million investment from the company.

The second project that General Capital Group invested into was the Four Flags Apartments. While the exterior may not have changed, General Capital Group took on the task of renovating the 88 units in the complex. The top to bottom refresh was finished with an investment of $17.9 million.

General Capital Group worked with key players in the city’s government, including Mayor Nick Shelton, City Administrator Ric Huff and Community Development Director Sanya Vitale.

The company worked with the city, and with other players in the process like HUD to get the tax credits allocated to take on the project.

“The hallways were very dark and dreary. Everything just was dated and needed renovated,” Strautmanis said.

“We did a full, top to bottom renovation with a lot of patience from the residents

CHAMBER MEMBERS Construction, Building & Home Services 2C Construction (269) 222-1568 1997 Morris Drive Niles, MI 49120

Abonmarche Group (269) 927-2295 95 West Main Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Post Office Apartments

there. We had to renovate in place, and they would have to be out of their units for hours out of the day.”

The renovations included new lighting throughout the building, new appliances in the kitchen including making space for a full-sized oven, re-doing the heating and cooling management through the building, and installing solar panels that now create power that helps light

Advanced Irrigation (269) 683-660 Advantage Plumbing (269) 533-7054 2400 N 5th Street Niles, MI 49120 All Pro Services (269) 684-3609 317 Post Road Buchanan, MI 49107

the building’s common areas.

Through the process, Strautmanis said he got to know some of the residents of the building.

“We have grown to love our residents,” he said. “I got to know some of the residents over at Four Flags during the process of the renovation. There’s some really special folks that we’ve gotten to know.”

Bobcat of Michiana (269) 210-2299 2622 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Cut Above Wood Designs (269) 687-7166 2536 Detroit Road Niles, MI 49120

Electrical Maintenance and Construction (269) 683-9473 1441 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 First Response Disaster Restoration Specialists (800) 909-5592 1919 S Michigan Street South Bend, IN 46613

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#1 IN MICHIGAN Total Homes Sold STATEWIDE | January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

WE KNOW MICHIGAN This graph represents the sold residential sides of all franchise office locations and independent offices of each organization identiied here, whose listings were sold by such organizations themselves, or with the aid of a cooperating Broker/Owner, in Michigan. These statistics are according to the publication of all Boards of REALTORS® and Multiple Listing Services in the state for the period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by these Boards of REALTORS® and their MLSs in Michigan. Neither the Boards nor the MLSs guarantee, or are in any way responsible for, its accuracy. Data maintained by the Boards or MLSs may not reeect all real estate activity in the market. Each RE/MAX® office is independently owned and operated.

603 E MAIN, NILES, MI 49120 • (269) 683-2211

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER MEMBERS

Pearson Construction Company (269) 926-7281 240 W Britain Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Real Estate Arbor Trails (269) 683-1850 1615 N 5th Street Niles, MI 49120

Hams Home Improvement (269) 683-3577 2212 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Peerless Electrical Contracting (269) 591-1422 8130 Chapel Road Niles, MI 49120

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (269) 663-8585 68827 M-62 Edwardsburg, MI 49112

Howell Electric (269) 262-0353 2637 Detroit Road Niles, MI 49120 J A Wagner Construction (574) 295-3761 3325 Middlebury Street Elkhart, IN 46516 M.A.A.C. Property Services (269) 687-8845 2344 Yankee Street Niles, MI 49120 Majority Builders (574) 291-2091 62900 US 31 N South Bend, IN 46614 Mark Scott Homes (574) 855-3545 2907 Creek Road Niles, MI 49120 Merritt Engineering (269) 428-4424 4568 Red Arrow Hwy Stevensville, MI 49127 Michiana Heating and Air Conditioning (269) 684-8778 2439 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Otto Land Surveying (269) 635-0117 11263 US Hwy 31 Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Pioneer Construction (269) 659-2589 28326 White Street Sturgis, MI 49091 R&D Remodeling (269) 240-7972 1502 Clarendon Avenue Niles, MI 49120 Servpro of Berrien County (269) 925-6841 1562 Milton Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Snyderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pool & Spa (269) 684-8792 2564 Coquillard Drive Niles, MI 49120 We Can Services (269) 635-3279 Welsh and Sons Electric (269) 684-5544 835 Carberry Road Niles, MI 49120 Wightman (269) 927-0100 2303 Pipestone Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Wolverine Electrical Contracting (269) 683-4850 2700 Old US 31 N Niles, MI 49120

Griffin Estates (269) 687-1000 4040 Bond Street Niles, MI 49120 Integrity Real Estate Professionals (269) 684-5030 1501 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120 Meridian Title Corporation (269) 683-0070 309 Broadway Niles, MI 49120

Berkshire Niles (269) 684-7000 10 N 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120

Nest Realty A Michigan Real Estate Company (269) 340-5200 2307 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Bradley Company (574) 237-6000 112 W Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, IN 46601

Re/Max Modern Realty (269) 683-2211 603 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

Chicago Title (269) 684-2060 401 Sycamore Street Niles, MI 49120 Cressy & Everett Real Estate (269) 683-5355 1439 Oak Street Niles, MI 49120

Sandalwood Trails Condominium Assoc (269) 635-0942 1327 Honeysuckle Lane Niles, MI 49120

Cressy and Everett Commercial Real Estate (269) 699-5502 4100 Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545

Silverbrook Manufactured Housing Community (269) 684-7651 2300 E Main Street Niles, MI 49120

First American Title Insurance (269) 683-5500 1221 S 11th Street Niles, MI 49120

Tanglewood Apartments (269) 684-4500 700 Platt Street Niles, MI 49120

Four Flags Apartments (269) 684-2246 17 N 7th Street Niles, MI 49120

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Furkis Architectural Consulting (269) 240-7213 8013 Smith Road Berrien Center, MI 49102

Village West Apartments (269) 683-6040 736 Colony Court Niles, MI 49120

Freedom Realty (269) 362-5665 PO Box 322 Niles, MI 49120 GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ADVERTISER INDEX 105 E. Main St.....................................................................38 2C Construction ..................................................................32 Abonmarche.......................................................................32 Advanced Chiropractic ..........................................................50 Advantage Plumbing ..............................................................55 Berrien County Cancer Service ...........................................23 Berrien County Sheriff ..............................................................9 Brandywine Community Schools ..........................................24 Brentwood at Niles ................................................................55 Brown Funeral Home ..............................................................56 Cassopolis Family Clinic .........................................................47 City of Niles .........................................................................9 Cut Above Wood Designs .......................................................43 DPM Events .......................................................................38 East Main Gardens .................................................................55 Edward Jones .................................................................. 58 Fapco .................................................................................32 Freedom Realty ..................................................................63 Gateway Services .................................................................. 23 Great Lakes Eye Care .............................................................63 Green Stem ........................................................................43 Griffin Estates .................................................................. 63 Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home ........................................55 Honor Credit Union ................................................................56 Indiana Tech ......................................................................24 Insurance Management .........................................................56 Korhorn Financial .................................................................. 51 Lake Michigan College ............................................................24 Michiana Business Support .....................................................18

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning ...................................59 Michiana Recycling ................................................................58 Michigan Gateway Community Foundation......................23 Niles Community Schools ......................................................68 Niles Vision Clinic .................................................................. 47 Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels ..........................................18 NSG Group .........................................................................32 Old National Bank .................................................................. 58 PACE of Southwest Michigan ................................................23 Paragon Tempered Glass ......................................................27 Pawating Village/Tanglewood Apartments .........................63 Peerless Electrical .................................................................. 59 Pizza Transit .......................................................................35 Quality Inn & Suites .................................................................. 3 Re/Max Niles ......................................................................64 Rifenberg Life & Health ..........................................................35 Sheltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Market ............................................................43 Signal Travel .......................................................................51 SLR Pilates/Traphouse 24 ......................................................47 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce........18 Spectrum Health Lakeland.....................................................49 SYM Financial Advisors ...........................................................2 Tans Down Under .................................................................. 51 TCU Insurance Agency ...........................................................67 The Grand LV .....................................................................38 Tyler Automotive .................................................................. 42 United Federal Credit Union .................................................58 United Way of Southwest Michigan ......................................23 West Woods of Niles ..............................................................55

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1500 S 11th St., Niles (269) 683-6700 • tcuinsurance.com

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1500 S 11th St., Niles (269) 687-6113 • tcunet.com

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Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

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GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE