January 3, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 1 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
Economic development poised for good 2015 With a favorable economic forecast for Michigan, 2015 figures to also be a good year for Calhoun County and the Marshall area, according to Jim Robey, associate vice president for Southwest Michigan First, who is in charge of Marshall economic development. Robey, who has been on the job since Nov. 3, says he’s talked with eight to 10 companies, manufacturing and retail, during the past two months that are considering doing business here. “I think there’s a lot of interest in Marshall,” said Robey. “I think there are a lot of assets (here) and if this continues going forward, the forecast is fairly good.” See story on page 3
2015 will bring change for southwest Michigan Southwest Michigan First CEO Ron Kitchens shares how the region saw tremendous change in 2014 and is on the right track for 2015. “We are experiencing the lowest unemployment rates in a decade with several communities at or below 5 percent,” he said. “The workforce in our region is expanding by the thousands as a direct result of the more than 21,000 new jobs that have been created by private employers here over the past three years as confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the University of Michigan, our consumer confidence is as high as it has been in nearly a decade. It feels like momentum is our side. But this is today. What about tomorrow?” See column on page 9
Calhoun County looks forward to 2015 Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott shares her thoughts on 2014 as well as the county’s goals for 2015. “Your county commissioners, judges and elected officials have made impressive strides during this last year, implementing many new initiatives and working well together with county administration toward our commitment, as our letterhead states, to ‘building a better county through responsive leadership,’” she said. See column on page 32
Healthcare challenges demand innovation and problem-solving Oaklawn Hospital President and CEO Ginger Williams explains how healthcare is going through a pivotal period in history. “We look forward to 2015 with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty,” she said. “We face 2015 with the firm belief that Oaklawn will continue to grow stronger and will be here to provide care for our communities long in to the future. Our motto is our commitment to you. Oaklawn: Real People. Real Care.” See column on page 16
Community Services and Public Services departments look back at 2014 and forward to 2015 The Community Services and Public Services departments reflect on their accomplishments in 2014 and talk about their plans to move Marshall forward in 2015 including road repairs, upgrades to city buildings and achieving Redevelopment Ready Communities certification. See columns on pages 13 and 24
Magic Museum looks toward 2015 The American Museum of Magic is making MAGIC of its own. Included in its upcoming plans is hosting Midwest Magic History Weekend, May 28-30. Throughout the issue, find stories written by other organizations as members look forward to 2015. See stories throughout issue
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ew Marshall Mayor Jack Reed talks about last year’s accomplishments and the city’s goals for 2015. “I am honored to be a part of this community and I look forward to our work together in continuing to make Marshall the premier place to live, work and raise our families,” he said. “May we all be blessed in 2015 with a prosperous year.” See column on page 2