BUSINESS RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

 

Mission Statement: To add to the economic vibrancy of downtown Kalamazoo by recruiting new retail and office businesses. To create a prosperous environment for existing businesses by using connections in the fields of consulting, business lending and real estate. To assist developers in creating and filling commercial and residential space.

Current Initiatives

Business development in downtown Kalamazoo is guided by the Business Recruitment & Retention Committee, which makes recommendations to the DDA Board on initiatives such as:

Downtown Kalamazoo Innovation Program

Business Recruitment & Retention Program

Downtown Redevelopment Liquor Licenses

Retail Incubation Program
 
 
It also is responsible for:
 
Tracking Economic Indicators
 
Key Support Services
 
 

Members

Derek Wissner, Chair
Memories Bridal
 
Steve Blinn, Vice Chair
Olde Peninsula Brewpub
 
Warren Cook
City of Kalamazoo
 
Ashley Vaughn
LKF Marketing
 
Darren Malek
Veritas Law Group
 
Gloria Spoerl
Southwest Commercial Realty
 
Mac Waldorf
Apjohn Group
 
Erin Kelly 
5/3 Bank
 
Jim Escamilla
Byce & Associates Inc.
 
Greg Ayers
Discover Kalamazoo
 
Darren Malek
Veritas Law Group
 
Ryan Simpson
City of Kalamazoo
 
Gloria Sporel
Southwest Commerical Realty
 
Cindy Stewart
Stewart & Company
 
Mac Waldorf
Apjohn Group