They've already had an informal relationship including administration of a revolving loan fund. Now, Kinexus will assume the more formal role of economic development provider to Van Buren County in a new partnership unveiled today by the Chairman of the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners, Richard Godfrey.
Both Kinexus and Van Buren County have voiced excitement today regarding the announcement of their new partnership, which formally names Kinexus to assume the economic development activities of all of Van Buren County. The new agreement will leverage the services provided through the economic, workforce, and community divisions of Kinexus.
Board Chair Godfrey says, “On behalf of the County Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to offer the professional economic development services provided by Kinexus to the citizens of Van Buren County." He adds, "I am excited about the prospect of creating additional employment opportunities for our citizens through business expansion, retention and attraction to Van Buren County.”
Kinexus has been working with Van Buren County over the past two years, administering the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Since that partnership was established, Team Kinexus has helped four businesses obtain working capital which has lead to additional employment opportunities. These four loans were the first loans secured in Van Buren County in 6 years, resulting in more than $500,000 in economic impact. The RLF program provides “gap” financing for business expansion, equipment and working capital needs.
Alex Grumbine is Director of Business & Industry for Kinexus. He says, “Kinexus works with over 250 Van Buren County employers within the manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and agriculture industries. We strive to keep businesses flourishing across Southwest Michigan.” He adds, “We are looking forward to continuing our partnership and improving the economic climate throughout Van Buren County by driving collaborative and integrated efforts.”
Kinexus will actively work to provide access to a variety of state and local tax advantages, business incentives, transportation assets, workforce development programs and infrastructure grants.
Kinexus CEO Todd Gustafson says, “We recognize in order for communities like Van Buren County to compete economically in the 21st Century they’re going to have to do business differently. We’re excited about the opportunity to serve Van Buren in this capacity because it’s an integrated, collaborative approach.” He points out, “The days of operating in silos are going away. Our ability to integrate economic, workforce and community services into one operation puts Van Buren at the cutting edge of economic development approaches.”
Kinexus is a nonprofit organization that invests millions in funding each year in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through integrated business, workforce, and community development. Learn more at www.Kinexus.org.
