Skilled trades have always been a stabilizing economic force throughout Kalamazoo’s history. Luckily, it is a local business’ mission to ensure that this trend continues for generations to come. ...

We are halfway through August and the start of a new school year is just a few weeks away. With that in mind, let’s continue our Promise Team Spotlight Series with Janell “Nelly” Smith,...

Where would we be without music? From reducing anxiety to improving memory and cognition, music is a universal tool that improves our quality of life. So, it was a no-brainer when the Kalamazoo...

There are many elements that make a city appealing; however, if you look to the great cities of the world, all pay particular attention to the creation and programming of quality public spaces....

When The Kalamazoo Promise (The Promise) was established, the primary goal of the program was to provide Kalamazoo Public Schools students with funding for their college tuition. As time has gone on,...

Getting a degree is no easy feat. Between studying for exams and writing papers, college students devote a substantial amount of time to preparing for their futures. When the obstacles of everyday...

It is important to recognize summer’s simple pleasures. Whether it is a rainbow cascading through the sunlit sky after a heavy downpour or lying down in the grass and listening to the birds chirping...

This year, National Summer Learning Week begins on July 8. The purpose of this national movement is to elevate awareness of learning and healthy habits among the nation’s youth. Locally, Kalamazoo...

Last Friday’s summer solstice means one thing; time to buckle down and plan warm weather excursions. Luckily, Kalamazoo offers a number of fun activities to take part in. So, sit back, relax, and...

The old saying goes that a whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and the work that the Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) accomplish each year is living proof of this adage. By aiding Kalamazoo’s...

It’s graduation season and that means another group of Promise Scholars will join the job force. In this week’s blog post, we caught up with three college graduates and asked them about their...

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and KzooConnect is back with another Promise Team Spotlight! Let’s get to know Sarah Klerk, The Kalamazoo Promise’s (The Promise) Director of Business...

During the formative years of a person’s life it is important to ensure that they receive all the tools necessary to make proper choices. Peer pressure combined with the everyday stressors of...

KzooConnect is back with another installment in the Promise Student Series! This week’s guest is Joseph Birdsall, a member of Loy Norrix High School’s class of 2011. Birdsall had been a student...

July 1, 2018, marked the start of a new era for Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Kalamazoo Valley). On this date, L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. began his tenure as the college’s third president. ...

With all of the success that The Kalamazoo Promise (The Promise) has had over the years, it is important to note the community support that the organization has received. This month’s Promise Team...

In the spirit of the soon-to-be high school graduates venturing out to discover their own career paths, the focus of this week’s blog is a program run by faculty, staff, and medical students at...

As the school year comes to a close, many students are beginning to set their sights on getting a summer job. Whether it is painting houses or busing tables, these summer jobs often cultivate life...

One of the most important things that can be done for a child is investing in their future. Helping the next generation hone skills and develop professional interests improves society. Locally,...

A healthy workplace environment is crucial to an organization’s success. Today we are continuing our Promise Team Spotlight series with a staff member who helps preserve the organizational values at...

We live in a time where media is constantly at our fingertips. Regardless of our age or background, media has become an indelible aspect of our everyday lives, which is why it is important that we are...

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” As we get older, it can become difficult to harness the same creative energy that we...

Since the inception of Kalamazoo Public School students have been gifted the opportunity to attend college with their tuition paid in full. In the Promise Student Series, KzooConnect catches up with...

Our Mom Series has returned for 2019! This entry explores balancing work and education with motherhood as well as the importance of asking for help. As a mother of two, Britney Morales is always on...

This week, we are continuing KzooConnect’s Team Spotlight series. Our focus this time around will be on Von Washington Jr., Executive Director of Community Relations for The Kalamazoo Promise (The...

Residents of Kalamazoo have always taken pride in the multifaceted nature of their city. Whether for education, cuisine, or food and entertainment, Kalamazoo is an appealing destination for citizens...

Downtown Kalamazoo is home to a unique, brand-new business that’s catering to today’s (and yesterday’s) video gaming public. Owner and Executive Chef Amy Spalsbury burst onto the Kalamazoo...

This week, we are starting a new tradition here at KzooConnect. Monthly Team Spotlights will highlight an employee of the Kalamazoo Promise (Promise) and the work they do for our community. Starting...

A promise is like a security blanket. It provides a sense of assurance for the future and serves as a constant that can be looked forward to. For many Kalamazoo Public School (KPS) students, The...

After four years of promoting the people, places, and opportunities that make Kalamazoo a great place to live, work, and play through the KzooConnect blog, Welsh & Associates has gifted the blog and...

Eight years ago, community leaders and corporate executives gathered for the 108th annual meeting of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. The topic? Education and Talent. Their message was...

As 2018 winds down, Team KzooConnect thought it’d be fun to highlight our top blog posts of 2018. Whether the topic was sustainable brewing, food-blogging, or individuals looking to make a positive...

Are you struggling to find a home in the Kalamazoo area? Look no further than the Eastside Gateway. Designed by InForm Architecture and built by Rossman Homes, Eastside Gateway provides residents with...

A hometown identity can be a powerful thing. No matter how far you travel or where a career takes you, there will always be elements of where you grew up in your personality. For Chris Moore, CEO...

Kiar Gamsho and his partner Paul Petros are changing the face of one of Kalamazoo’s most established neighborhoods. In August, they opened their Midtown Fresh Market at 1693 South Westnedge Avenue,...

Few things are more important than a strong education - especially at an early age. More than just teaching subjects like writing and mathematics, proper schooling can aid the development of key life...

Branching out into the work world can be a challenge. Coming out of college, young professionals are faced with the task of carving out a career path that is both fulfilling and financially sustaining...

You know the moment. It’s when a place deep inside calls out for that extra something sweet. Maybe it’s on the way to work in the morning or with some friends late at night. It’s that craving...

When little girls start thinking about what they want to be when they grow up, they're influenced by the world around them: pop culture, media, peers... and family. Young Rachel Foster absorbed the...

Growing up in Roscommon, Mich., Maggie Scow says that she "didn't really know what engineers did. I went through middle school and high school thinking I wanted to be a doctor." She goes on to explain...

There isn't much in this life that can't be fixed with a good sandwich. And now, thanks to the work of an inspiring entrepreneur, Kalamazoo doesn't have to go far to get one. Introducing Artisan...

Back in early 2010, the 24 acres at the corner of South 8th Street and West KL Avenue in Oshtemo Township were nothing more exciting than a cornfield. Today, the property is home to a dog-oriented...

Trust me when I say, I didn't wake up one day and decide to become a 'podcaster." But sometimes continuous improvement takes you to unexpected places. And that's where it began for me. As a small...

When Michelle Koles arrived in Kalamazoo eight years ago with her family she never thought she'd be pursuing her passion for creating healthy delicious food in our fair city. Arriving from Rhode...

As a young girl, Amanda Kurtz struggled through Kalamazoo Public Schools. After what Kurtz describes as nearly "failing out of kindergarten," she was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, difficulty...

What makes Kalamazoo so unique? Well, it happens to have many installations that withstand the test of time as cornerstones of our community. One such place is the Nicholas Kik Pool, located at 1018...

People are noticing Michigan's improving economy - especially here in Kalamazoo. We're seeing new construction, both commercial and residential. Our small businesses are flourishing and finding...

Have you heard? There's a new guy at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. If you're a regular at the Maple Street Y, it's likely that you’ll see the 'new guy' involved in a variety of tasks that...

Kalamazoo could be described as an incubator community for entrepreneurs with new ideas, innovations and a place for unique business practices to succeed and thrive. One such business is the 633...

If you are looking for something fun for your children to do this summer, you may just want to consider sending them to college. Though that might not seem like the obvious choice for an eight-year...

Building a successful business takes dedication, experience, and the courage to try new things - three things Dan Hinkle of National Flavors brings to the table. Now President of the Kalamazoo-based...

How we define ourselves is complex. It would be unusual to say that anyone describes themselves as having just one role. Life is probably best thought of as a series of choices that can be quite...

In this life, I have learned that there two kinds of people: those who go on vacation, and those who vacation. The following is a narrative for the latter. Calling all adventure seekers, risk takers,...

Are you looking for an excuse to get out with friends and family now that spring has arrived? If so reserve the date April 26th and make a plan and a difference in the community. You can do this by...

On a recent Thursday afternoon, eight teams of aspiring food entrepreneurs joined a panel of three local food professionals at Eastwood Library in Kalamazoo for an unusual event. Amid enthusiastic...

Kalamazoo is a unique community filled with talented people that have an entrepreneurial spirit. Recently we were lucky enough to come across a rising entrepreneur/food blogger in our midst, Yumna...

If you live in Kalamazoo, one undeniable fact is that we know our beer. From Bell's to Boatyard Brewing to One Well to Gonzo's to name just a few, we do beer well! It's only fitting that Kalamazoo has...

St. Patrick's Day brings people from all backgrounds and lineages together - many call themselves honorary "Irishmen," dressed in crazy green outfits, as they run around town drinking green beer. ...

Life is a journey. That is definitely a profound statement that we've all heard before. Although the words sound and can feel like a clich, sometimes life gives us a push - in the case of the Edwards...

"Cooking has always been a way of life for me," begins TyQuan Mills, a student of the KVCC Culinary Arts program. "My grandfather cooked. My grandmother and great-grandmother always cooked, not...

Everybody loves a good juxtaposition. From frozen hot chocolate to Labradoodles and adult coloring books, there isn't much better than a fish out of water. Here's one for you: Kaitlin Joan Feddema in...

Have you heard of Dan Ouellette? If not, be sure to keep an ear out. He's one of the guitarists in the popular blues band, Out of Favor Boys. The band has four recorded albums, they are featured on...

Michigan’s Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is taking place February 7-14, during American Heart Month. The American Heart Association created a program for infants that have very special...

It’s a late Thursday morning in the rustic loft restaurant Café ’36. The rough sawn, reclaimed wood walls, stainless accents and plush booth seating give way to a cosmopolitan vibe, offset by...

Remember kindergarten? A common thread amongst adults is that at one point in time, we all experienced kindergarten. Some may be smiling- remembering those early years of school; for others, memories...

The second floor of City Hall on West South Street in downtown Kalamazoo is now home to the long-awaited treadmill workstation of Nick Christy, City of Kalamazoo's new Director of Human Resources and...

Urban Alliance is a local non-profit that provides a glimmer of hope to individuals who are committed to making changes in their lives. At the helm is Luke Kujacznski, Executive Director, who found...

An old adage states, "It's not what you know; it's who you know." That's not necessarily true in Kalamazoo. Thanks to a partnership between the Monroe-Brown Internship Program and Southwest Michigan...

It's the Holiday season, and if you're like me, you know that there are few things better than a mug of hot chocolate and 14 episodes of "The Office" to cap off a long, hard day to help avoid the...

This year, while looking back at our favorite 2017 KzooConnect stories, we found ourselves both hopeful and excited about our region's future. A new generation of professionals is emerging. And with...

Luke Miller is in the energy business here in Michigan. When asked what he likes most about the work he doesn't hesitate to answer, "The people that I get to meet!" Miller goes onto explain, "There...

What do Prosciutto wrapped Pork, Coconut Shrimp with Jezebel sauce, Lobster Roll in a soft seared roll, and Morel Mushrooms with a Leek Cream sauce, have in common? They are just some of the delicious...

On November 23, 2017, Kalamazoo Public Safety will begin a new era of leadership. When Chief Jeff Hadley steps down, current Deputy Chief Karianne Thomas will take the reins. Thomas will be the...

With more than 125 years in business and eight offices, the Varnum law firm (Varnum) knows what it takes to succeed in business. Through the firm's MiSpringboard program, Varnum attorneys are sharing...

Have you ever met someone and wondered where all their energy comes from? Meet Tim Streeter. Originally of Kalamazoo he and his brother Thom began a band in 2010, called the T Street Players. Tim...

Great ideas may be born in a classroom. But brilliance is reserved for the breweries. John Liberty discovered this firsthand in 2012 when he and his friend (now business partner) Aric Faber began...

People often ask Marty Moga how he and his wife Stephanie got into the business of growing hop. You see, Marty is a full time manager for a Battle Creek metal finishing company, and Stephanie works...

The former PNC bank building that stands on the corner of Crosstown Parkway and Park now houses a high school of hope for young people. Students at Kalamazoo Covenant Academy (KCA) are high school...

Cara Cunliffe grew up in the Westwood neighborhood, located a few miles west of downtown Kalamazoo. She has fond memories of riding her bike to her friends' houses, attending the annual ice cream...

A quick scroll through Instagram shows that Ryan Hurd loves coffee, country music, and his fiancée. A closer look reveals that the Kalamazoo native is an accomplished songwriter and recording artist...

It was a Saturday in July, and our YMCA Membership Director, Andrea Heidtman, had worked with several refugee family sponsors to coordinate the transport of several local Syrian women and their...

Patrick Mixis knows every one of us can step up and make a difference to people in need. With the support of the Kalamazoo community, he has proved it! Two years ago, he created his successful social...

Working moms will tell you that it's a challenge to balance a career and a family. Most say they lean on others for recommendations and resources to help guide their decisions on how best to navigate...

When asked about his journey to his new position as Director of Advancement at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), Christopher Schram begins in the ordinary way, "Well, I was born and raised in the...

Peace, Love & Little Donuts. The name really says it all. You'll immediately get a feel good vibe when you walk through the door, inspired by the bright colors and tie-dye shirts and the cornucopia of...

On Saturdays from September through November, Kalamazoo area kids can be found on local football fields- playing football and participating in cheerleading. While it's clear these kids are learning...

We're happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. In an era when even big box retailers struggle, Gazelle Sports is that rare local merchant whose...

Walnut & Park (W&P) has been open for a few months now where co-managers Tera Staten and Casey Grisolono are the backbone of an unusual coffee house operation. For those of you who haven’t had the...

Imagine over 600 guests gathered together at the WMU Bernhard Center's ballroom for a unique culinary fundraiser, '100 Men Who Cook' hosted by Old National Bank (ONB). On Saturday August 12th from...

Transitions. Changes in outlook. New frontiers. The one thing we are guaranteed as human beings is that if we wait long enough, things will change. In 1975, I began an adventure to attend Western...

There’s a new restaurant in town, Kalamazoo. Prepare your forks. Wonderfully eclectic with a unique urban flavor (pun very much intended), Kelvin & Co. opened its doors on E. Michigan Ave this...

Many of us are accustomed to the several stops we make after getting off of work. We either run errands, like a stop by the bank, getting a haircut, or meeting friends at a restaurant for dinner; and...

Since 2015, Ben Martin and Sarah Luetzow have been turning their passion for health into a growing business. Along with their children Wyatt and Harper, they are farming 22 acres just outside...

We are so fortunate to have Denise and Kara Steely, a mother-daughter team, that created a health food business decide to nest here in Kalamazoo. These two inspiring, successful entrepreneurs, with...

Take a look at a recent text to my best friend. Me: "Have you heard of Music Hop?" Best Friend: "No, where at? Like Art Hop?" Me: "In Kalamazoo! It's a bit like Art Hop! I can't believe we didn...

Ssssshhh! I'd like to share a secret! Community gardens are quietly sprouting up all over Kalamazoo. Often hidden from view, one by one they are changing the landscape and health of our community for...

Teressa is a technical sales professional, freelance content writer and a lifetime Kalamazoo County resident. Kalamazoo area families love their furry friends! The American Veterinary Medicine...

Compulsively curious, Daniel Jefferies is a happiness evangelist. He's constantly seeking to deepen his understanding of its effects on work, and to share his knowledge with those around him. Happy...

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI is just north of Kalamazoo and is considered North America's Largest Auto Museum, but it isn't nearly as much about cars as you might think. I know, that...

"Hello World Champions!!" So began an email sent from Coach Kim Bruinwood to the newly crowned World Championship FIRST Robotics Competition team #2767 Stryke Force from Kalamazoo. This 4H team...

Well friends, we're approaching the home stretch of my training for the Borgess Run for the Health of It 5K race. In lieu of some minor setbacks, I have great news: I. Am. Running! Regardless of my...

Ten-year-old T’Sean has experienced a lot of loss in his short life, starting with the murder of his father in a gang-related shooting when he was just three. T’Sean is doing well, but as his teen...

Kalamazoo is a community filled with creative, innovative people, and companies. What we don't know is just how many thrive, and create here every day, having made the decision to call our community...

At first glance, a board for engineering prints, a company that hosts murder mystery events, and an unmanned aircraft designed to help farmers might not seem like they have much in common. Yet, the...

What do you get when you cross a lawyer with a wedding photographer? The answer- the very talented, modest, and charming Oliver Howell. Howell was adopted by Kalamazoo natives Michael Howell and...

Have you ever gotten the feeling when you first meet someone that you could become best friends? Well that's the feeling I got when I met Kelly Willetts for the first time. As part of our MOM Series...

Café 8 is the perfect sweet retreat, right on Main Street, Vicksburg. The candy selection alone may transport you back to your happy childhood days. Shelves are laden with gum balls, Nerds, giant...

Lauren Schildberg obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in jewelry from Western Michigan University, and her plan was to continue creating out of her studio, selling jewelry through Etsy, and...

On a Saturday morning in the beginning of each spring you may have noticed groups of teenagers running about your local grocery and beverages stores furiously placing stickers on multi-packs of...

KzooConnect is Three! As you know, many good things come in threes... Kalamazoo-based higher education: WMU, KVCC, K College Original Star Wars Movies The Big Three on This is Us Primary colors ...

We are proud to introduce "The Vicksburg Series." These blogs will feature great places and people to connect with a short drive from Kalamazoo. Arriving at Main Street Vicksburg, we heard a train...

This blog post was written by the Treystar Team. Founded in 1969, Treystar is a relationship-driven Southwest Michigan-based developer and manager of retail and office properties. Focused on real...

I am not a runner. Let me rephrase. I do not run unless something with claws is chasing me or Liam Hemsworth himself is standing at the finish line with a bottle of Chardonnay and a Labrador...

Guest Writer Katie Travilla fell in love with Kalamazoo when she moved here in 2009 to attend WMU. She and her fiancé are now growing roots here, and are happy to call Kalamazoo home. If you're...

We are happy to continue our DAD series with this post written by Chris Praedel. He is a loving husband to Erin, and father of two sons Lincoln and Simon. As Director of Events in the Office of...

Tasked with strengthening and attracting new business development in the City of Kalamazoo, Ryan Simpson and Dwayne Powell, Jr. (pictured) are Kalamazoo's newest Dynamic Duo. After getting to know a...

We are happy to share this guest post by Meredith Rabick. Rabick is a Western Michigan University graduate who has lived in Kalamazoo for over 20 years. Her loves include travel, good food, and...

We are happy to share this guest post by Jayne Economos and Chante Wiggins. Economos is a freelance writer from Wales. Having lived in several countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and Australia,...

For those of you who have lived in Kalamazoo any length of time, you may have already had the pleasure of meeting the engaging and intelligent businesswoman Natalie Huff Valentine. As the President of...

Dynamic Duos come in many forms; Batman and Robin, Sherlock and Watson, Michael and Dwight. The list goes on. Here in Kalamazoo another dynamic duo is emerging; Ryan Simpson (pictured) and Dwayne...

We are happy to present this blog from our newest guest writer, Kaitlin Feddema. Not all heroes wear capes: some wear red sweaters. I first met Chéree Thomas on a wintery West Michigan morning in...

We are happy to share this blog by guest writer Vicky Kettner, Marketing and Communications Manager of the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. So often the task has been put to Kalamazoo-ans to capture and...

When you choose to buy locally made products and gifts everybody in Kalamazoo wins! The artisan feels appreciation and support, the gift recipient is thrilled with a hand-made treasure, and you - the...

We're happy to share this blog by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. We can't reflect on 2016 without recalling the tragedies that struck our community in February and June...

We're happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. Also read KzooConnect’s original story on the Fare Games contest. Fare Games contest organizers...

We're happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. As a young professional in 1981, fresh out of Hope College with a bachelor's degree in mass...

When Sara Burhans and Heather Christy met taking Zumba classes at the YMCA back in 2011, they weren’t thinking about opening a business together. They were just two fitness-minded people who liked...

Are you in the mood for an unusual craft beer, maybe something ‘A-Tibbical’? How about a Celery City, a Fresh One, or Pumped up Pumpkin. If these sound tasty then a stop into Tibbs Brewing Company...

It's been a year and a half since Texas Corners Brewing Company opened its doors...and business has been steady and growing. Andrew Schultz, General Manager of the operation is both pleased and proud...

What started as an internship project with Wings Event Center has grown into an annual event for local and national microbreweries. Wings Event Center and Townsquare Media will host the third...

To determine how many senior citizens will need assistance with daily living and health issues in the coming decades, just do the math. By 2050, 20 percent of the total U.S. population will be 65 and...

We are pleased to share this blog entry written by Thom Andrews, Director of ONEplace @ kpl, about leadership development opportunities available right here in the Kalamazoo community. Every fall I...

We are happy to unveil the first installment of our DAD Series. This post was written by Chase Mielke, an award-winning educator, a published writer, and a spit-up cleaning father. When he's not...

When you hear “cable access” what do you think of? Maybe “Wayne’s World?” Maybe you’ve tuned to it late at night, only to see a person standing at a podium - or an old movie? Around...

We are happy to share this article by Peter Kushner. Peter has lived in the city of Kalamazoo since 1991, and the Oakland/Winchell neighborhood since 1999. He has been the President of the Oakland...

We are happy to share our third installment of Baby Steps, KzooConnect's ongoing series on being a working mom in Kalamazoo! We want to share the many reasons why Kalamazoo is a great place to raise...

We are happy to share this blog written by Clinton K. VanLinder, a financial planner at the Wiser Financial Group. The blog was originally published on the Wiser Financial Group’s blog. How are we...

We're happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. If they could talk, the walls at 435 Stuart might say "Come experience 100 years of local history." ...

When you're eighteen, it's hard for anyone to tell you what to do. After all you're an adult and you definitely think you've experienced it all. Leah Warwick a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High...

Remember those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer? For many, those fond memories revolve around summer camp. In Kalamazoo, there have been more than 50,000 kids who have those memories thanks to...

We are happy to share this blog by Alex Willis, marketing coordinator at Omega Computer Services. This entry was originally published on the foundation's blog. Working in the technology industry at...

UPDATE 8.25.16, According to City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation the event has been rescheduled for Oct. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. So let’s build a raft and race it down the Kalamazoo River! That’s...

Fiber internet is popping up in Michigan at 'lightning speed' offering speeds 100 times faster than cable. One local company, Lynx Network Group, is helping make that happen. The wholesale provider...

If you are looking for an exhilarating evening of entertainment, seeking something to do with the whole family, or just want something unusual and outside the box, attending a Killamazoo Derby Darlins...

It’s 4 a.m. and you can't sleep...we've all been there, right? For Chase Mielke a 2014 Michigan Teacher of the Year nominee - losing sleep was a common occurrence, but not for some medical reason,...

We are happy to share our second installment of Baby Steps, KzooConnect's ongoing series on being a working mom in Kalamazoo! We want to share the many reasons why Kalamazoo is a great place to raise...

Want to have a great career? Then always be working on your next job. Wait. What? Right now you're thinking, "She can't be serious. I love the job I have and besides - between my constant...

Growing up Ann Pilzner called many places home. Her family moved multiple times throughout her childhood. As a result, her most meaningful connection to a community was three years in Royal Oak. Now...

It might shock you to know that approximately 150 million Americans drink coffee daily. And what's more crazy to think about- is that equivalates to about 400 million cups of coffee. Well in...

Starting a business is difficult. Starting a business while in college is even harder. One would guess that starting a business with a sibling- might just be impossible! For two reasons this was...

In two short months since opening the Free Love Bakery storefront in Portage, it has become a very popular spot with people who have food sensitivities. Business is booming and informational classes...

We're happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications. A very unusual building sits at the corner of Portage Street and Washington Avenue at the heart of...

It's rare that a local cleaning company can tout that they have a relationship with a celebrity - let alone having an outsider who is willing to help make their community a better place to live. ...

The Kalamazoo Promise has positively impacted young people in Kalamazoo for ten years, and for some it's meant everything. Tracy Zarei was a teen mother graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 2006 with...

Artist, designer, and small business owner Mike Klok is on a journey to harness creative thinking in the Kalamazoo community. He has always used his imagination and learned by doing, and the creation...

When Darrell Harden makes a decision, he sees it through. In 1998, the nearly lifelong Alabama resident decided he wanted to move to the Midwest. Not for a job and not for family. He just felt like...

Jared Volz is passionate about helping people get what they need to be successful. His job as Action Network Facilitator for the Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo allows him the hands-on chance to...

Ben Purrenhage graduated from WMU in 2005 with a degree in Industrial Design. His career started off with Crown Equipment Corporation located in mid-west Ohio. A native of Lake Orion in eastern...

Who would have thought that a part time job to pay the bills would turn into a career? Nate Shaw, Sous Chef, and Alexa Tipton, Event Coordinator for Webster’s Prime located inside of the Radisson...

After ten years of the Kalamazoo Promise, I got to see firsthand, what a beautiful gift it is. I ran into my former neighbors last night. They had their 18-year-old son with them. Their daughters are...

The skill of expressing ideas, responding quickly, and building relationships with clients and co-workers is important for any business. But it isn’t always easy. That’s where Improv Effects of...

We are happy to share this blog written by Rob campbell, a financial planner at the Wiser Financial Group. As a financial planner, the advice I give to my clients largely depends on their preferred...

Ean Hamilton, Esq. Trust Relationship Officer at Greenleaf Trust As a Trust Relationship Officer at Greenleaf Trust, I work closely with our clients in the management of their wealth and financial...

I was neck-deep in job applications and resumes. As a double major in Business and French, I was ready to go just about anywhere to find a job, and my hunt was taking me all over the Midwest. Chicago,...

Young students in Kalamazoo County are one step closer to making their career dreams a reality because of a first time partnership that KRESA offered area eighth and ninth grade students at...

Welcome to Baby Steps, KzooConnect's new quarterly series on being a working mom in Kalamazoo! We want to share the many reasons why Kalamazoo is a great place to raise children, and what working moms...

Over the last few years, Kalamazoo has been experiencing such positive news. This can be seen not only in the real estate market but also in the continued investments in our community. Southwest...

In his book “Start with Why” Simon Sinek said that regardless of what we do in our lives, our why - our driving purpose, cause or belief - never changes. This is why Walther Farms, has attracted...

We’re happy to share this article by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications and president of InterCom, the Kalamazoo-area’s association of professional communicators. One...

Like most Kalamazoo Promise recipients, Kevan Hess has a special story. And it includes being shaped by the city he still calls home. “Growing up in Kalamazoo exposed me to a very diverse group of...

Rachel Chadderdon Bair is happy to return to her hometown of Kalamazoo. Taking on the new role as the Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Director for Sustainable and Innovative Food Systems is a...

This Premier Partner Spotlight from KSS was written by Jennifer Pollock, Director of Marketing. A Kalamazoo native, Grace Hill was born and raised in the area, attended Portage Public Schools and...

If you’ve considered the idea of taking a new job this year, you’re not alone. According to a recent Gallup Workforce Panel study 51% of U.S. employees are considering a new job. While reasons...

Santa can think quickly for a 753-year-old man. But then, you have to when you’re harnessing holiday enthusiasm with toddlers and children for many hours between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. �...

Alyssa Gapske is a marketing specialist at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Read more about Alyssa’s professional background on her KzooConnect profile. She also is the...

We’re happy to share this blog by Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay Marketing Communications and a contributor to W&A since 2007. Gretchen likes to say that a common thread among clients is their...

Looking back on the first ten years of The Kalamazoo Promise a unique and privately-funded scholarship program, the only things more impressive than the numbers are the people behind it. At a recent...

"I've been thinking about you," it's a simple phrase, but one rarely heard unless you’re lucky enough to have Nick Cekola as a friend, then this phrase reminds you of him. Mamma (Dee) Cekola is the...

Matt Milcarek and his wife, Nicole, were visiting Kalamazoo regularly from their home in Indiana in September of 2008, helping a friend renovate a house in Kalamazoo’s Vine Neighborhood. By December...

Today Kalamazoo resident Chris Nicholson is the Data Center Manager for Secant Technologies. When he came to town in 1995, he was a music education major entering Western Michigan University (WMU). ...

After 33 years of being on the academic side of teaching, Lisa Palanca has taken her experience and know-how a step further to help students get ready for college. A teacher at heart, she created...

Every night is game night at One Well Brewing in the Kalamazoo neighborhood of Milwood. The vision of two Michigan natives, TJ Waldofsky, 33, and Chris O’Neill, 31, was to combine brewing beer with...

With some 36 parks, three golf courses, and numerous city-sponsored community and athletic events for all ages, Kalamazoo residents don’t lack for things to do in their fair city. Yes, we have...

This blog post is from Chris Laurent, the new Corporate Events Director for the American Heart Association in Southwestern Michigan. Chris will oversee the Go Red For Women initiative and the Heart...

Efrain Velez has had what one might call an unconventional path to where he is today as a Senior Designer at Landscape Forms in Kalamazoo. "I've been here for four years, but it really feels like I...

Headed to ArtPrize? Then "Behind Closed Doors," an installation by a local non-profit, Proper Creative Movement, (Proper) is worth stopping to see. Easy to spot, it consists of two old doors from...

This Premier Partner Spotlight from Walther Farms was written by Erika Robinson. Southwest Michigan has always felt like home to us. We moved away to pursue college degrees and our first jobs out...

What began as a local homeschool project has grown into a national award-winning, corporate-sponsored robotics competition team called Stryke Force based right here in Kalamazoo in the Midlink...

We are pleased to share this story written by Sandra Hillring, Marketing Specialist for the Western Michigan University College of Fine Arts. Looking for something new to do? If you love art and the...

Once neglected and dilapidated, Riverview Launch has undergone a stunning transformation into a nurtured and restored community space thanks to Kalamazoo's emphasis on community efforts. We...

We are pleased to share this blog entry written by Thom Andrews, Director of ONEplace @ kpl, about leadership development opportunities available right here in the Kalamazoo community. "In the end,...

We are pleased to share this story written by Sandra Hillring as originally published by Western Michigan University. (Photo credit: A. Deran Photography) A passion for dance, a commitment to serve...

Kalamazoo is an honest community. Here we keep our promises, value education, and work hard. Few in the community are more connected to those values than Von Washington, Jr., the unofficial face of...

For 70 years KSS Enterprises has served Kalamazoo and the Great Lakes region as a premier distributor of facility supplies and equipment. In a product market of cleaning chemicals, equipment, parts,...

I sat in a meeting once where a discussion took place regarding leadership. A colleague questioned his usefulness in having been appointed the leader of a committee where another person was...

Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) has for years worked to serve the Kalamazoo community, as well as the guests at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Wings locations. GHG offers an unmatched choice in world...

We are happy to share this blog written by Joanna Donnelly Dales, the Vice President of Donor Relations at Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation in 2007, she spent more than...

We are happy to share this blog by Mary Jo Asmus, owner and operator of Aspire Collaborative Services. This entry was originally published on her company blog. How often do you have a conversation...

Do you know some kids who need their bikes repaired? Or anyone who needs a refurbished bike for the summer? Open Roads Bike Program of Kalamazoo can help in either case - and they do it while...

A highly-ranked educational path through the Portage Public Schools provided Alyssa Gapske, Western Michigan University (WMU) 2013 graduate, with the skills she is using right now in her professional...

As one of Michigan's first trust-only banks, Greenleaf Trust (www.greenleaftrust.com) has more than 90 employees working from offices in Kalamazoo and southeast and northern Michigan. They are locally...

Cody Overmyer was a typical kid growing up in Kalamazoo in the 90s. He was raised in the house where his parents still live on Westnedge Hill and attended Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School, Milwood...

It's almost summer time and as the temperatures rise we all think about eating outdoors and enjoying the scenery. What better way to experience a variety of cuisine than visiting one of the many local...

We are happy to share this blog written by Rick Chambers, owner and president of public relations firm Rick Chambers & Associates, LLC. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, he has worked in the...

Books have the ability to transport us to faraway places in our minds and what better way to find those treasures then at a local independent bookstore like Bookbug, where the creativity and...

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market, located at 1204 Bank St. in Kalamazoo, has been providing shoppers with a locally-grown abundance of fresh food for more than 100 years. Today, it is about way more...

We are happy to share this blog by Chris Praedel, Event and Stewardship Coordinator at Western Michigan University. Deeply involved in a variety of Kalamazoo organizations himself, Praedel highlights...

Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) continues to impact our community and its great reputation for being a community filled with runners through the programs it offers to encourage those just starting to run...

Kirk Latimer and Gabriel Giron don't mince words. In fact, the spoken word poetry pair known as Kalamazoo-based Kinetic Affect has made a business out of telling it like it is. The signature Kinetic...

April has been declared "Michigan Wine Month" by Gov. Rick Snyder to honor our state's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's significant contribution to the economy. The number of...

As a continuation on Tuesday's blog featuring State Representative Brandt Iden of the 61st District, we spoke with a second newly-elected State Representative. 60th District State Representative Jon...

Newly-elected State Representative Brandt Iden's (District 61, R) advice to young people looking for a job in Southwest Michigan includes taking advantage of work-readiness programs, internships, and...

A love of beer and creativity and a leap of faith. That's what it took for Brian and Shelby Pierce of Portage to create Brite Eyes Brewing Company Cafe and Brewhouse. The soon-to-be opened...

Envision a career where you have the opportunity to put your talents and abilities to work, experience professional growth, and deliver services with a life changing impact on the lives of others. MRC...

Experience and tradition are two notions that have guided Kristin O'Leary to concurrent jobs and a city she loves. "I am blessed to have two jobs that I love. I am the Director of Strategic Quality...

Walker Modic is a Sustainability Specialist at Bell's Brewery. His career path was not a direct one; instead he made a few twists along his journey before coming to Kalamazoo. Finishing an...

Cancer. Survived it. Now What? For those anxious and ready to return to full health, the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo has an incredible program for their journey back to wellness called LIVESTRONG at...

While it may seem like winter might never end and shedding the soggy-one-minute-and-frozen-the-next winter layer is a mere glimmer of hope, take heart in knowing that one simple product could help get...

Do you need a fresh, hip piece of art for your first apartment? Or a special piece of hand-blown glass to spruce up a space in honor of our long-awaited spring? If you ever thought that owning a true...

Five months after taking over as the Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), Belinda Tate is still discovering all that Kalamazoo has to offer. "Kalamazoo is a very active...

We've all seen the sayings, "Born and raised in Kalamazoo" or "Running is Fun." Well, Zach Baker is one of those individuals who is proud to be from Kalamazoo, enjoys running, and is part of an...

Drive through Kalamazoo any Saturday morning and you are apt to spot runners, perhaps hundreds of them if you encounter one of several large training groups. Home to the Kalamazoo Marathon, Borgess...

There's a lot of talk about inequality between men and women, but there is one area in particular where women are leading in record numbers: heart disease. And while new statics out in late 2014...

Curling is enjoying ever-increasing popularity in the United States and right here in Kalamazoo. If you have a broom, a stone, a sheet of ice, and a hack, you might be a curler. Even if you don't,...

Joseph Barnett (pictured at right) and Stephen John both are students attending Western Michigan University (WMU) studying biomedical sciences. What do they have in common? Both intend to become...

With 11 craft breweries and growing, Kalamazoo has made a name for itself as a national craft beer destination. In the midst of the fifth annual Kalamazoo Beer Week, Jan. 10-17, the excitement is...

By definition, a catalyst is a person or thing that advances an event, usually referring to change. It means the same as stimulation, incitement, and spark. Catalyst University, southwest Michigan's...

Two weeks ago we recapped the "Top 10 Reasons Why Kalamazoo is a Great Place to Live and Work." This week we are sharing favorite holiday traditions, places to visit, and wishes for the New Year from...

It's that time of the year when the gift of giving can be amazing - and three very special moms, Susan Gaunt, Jeme Baker, and Mary Hoyle, decided that it was important enough to organize and create a...

We unabashedly love Kalamazoo. From Portage to Parchment, from the arts to the Air Zoo, the greater Kalamazoo region is a great place to live and work. Since March, we've been using KzooConnect to...

Here at KzooConnect, we have an endless list of things to be thankful for! Your readership and support of this site since its debut almost nine months ago certainly tops that list! Since the list of...

Annie Sprague is less than a month old in her position as an Americorps Member serving as Education and Volunteer Coordinator for Community Homeworks, but certainly not a novice when it comes to the...

Heather Grisales came to Kalamazoo in 1997 for college; she has stayed ever since because of the sense of community. The Muskegon native enrolled in Western Michigan University (WMU) after high...

The Halloween Shop, The Timid Rabbit Magic and Masquerade Shop, and Phobia House are owned and operated by the exceptionally talented Antony Gerard and family. Born in the Netherlands, Gerard's...

Gene "The Pumpkin Man" Rhodes has been in business 57 glorious years tending his 100-acre, centennial (established in 1885) farm situated on M-43 Highway. When driving by in the fall, it's nearly...

After almost 20 years in the recruiting business, I definitely have a bias for what I like to see in a resume and what I don't, but I wondered, "What do the HR experts have to say about resumes? What...

Matt Morgan has many loves including his family, dog, all things Michigan State University, and, most recently, Kalamazoo. The Mason, Mich., native came to Kalamazoo following his future wife and...

Arts and culture are as necessary as water and air for Yolonda Lavender. Kalamazoo is the place she cultivates those elements personally and as the Interim Executive Director of the Black Arts and...

There is no shortage of theatre and stage attractions in Kalamazoo. With a wealth of beautiful facilities for productions, concerts, and more, the problem often becomes deciding which events to attend...

We are happy to share this blog by Anna Tomlonson, a designer/point of sale production staffer at Imperial Beverage. This article on Virtue Ciders offers her perspective on the cider market segment...

From left, Confections with Convictions owner Dale Anderson is pictured with employees Quintoria Baker and Quinton Mitchell. Dale Anderson has a way with taking worn or overlooked ingredients and...

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Kalamazoo has no shortage of cool and eclectic coffee hangouts. In celebration of today's designation as National Coffee Day, we've compiled a list of the top coffee...

I remember being a student in the business school at Central Michigan University. My coursework was rigorous and challenging. After four-and-a-half years of hard work, I recall the feeling of...

We are happy to share this blog by Katie Paauwe, receptionist and office assistant at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. This entry was originally published on the foundation's blog. Here's the...

From left, Heather Chen, Kevin Cates, Ana Villalobos, and Michelle Walker are pictured with the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine logo. You've no doubt heard about...

We are happy to share this article by Clairisa Laws, a Kalamazoo native, junior at Northern Michigan University, and former intern at LKF Marketing. In conjunction with Kalamazoo Fashion Week, Laws...

Passion and fashion will unite at Madeline's Modeling and Talent Agency's first-ever Kalamazoo Fashion Week. Set for Saturday, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Sept. 20, and held at venues throughout...

Lori Moore is a household name here in Kalamazoo. Perhaps best known for her career of 18 years in morning radio as host on WKZO AM/FM radio, Moore has also wowed audiences with her acting ability in...

Fall weather is setting in, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Check out our list of fall activities and attractions within a short drive of Kalamazoo. Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival...

More than 35,000 college students will return to Kalamazoo in the next few days to start the fall semester. For a city of approximately 75,000, that's a lot of new people to connect with. With that...

Matt Mace is a prime example of Kalamazoo's power of retention. He came here somewhat by chance and has since decided to call our fair city home personally and professionally. Today, Mace is the...

The team at Secant Technologies is the face of "think big, act local." Four-and-a-half years ago the network and technology firm decided to construct a data center in Kalamazoo. Now the company is a...

Thanks to a fifth-place finish on American Idol in 2009, Matt Giraud has experienced a meteoric rise to fame in the music industry. He has come a long way since his days at Western Michigan University...

Rumor has it that John Mayer and Katy Perry were spotted at Olde Peninsula Brew Pub and Restaurant in downtown Kalamazoo. Could it be? Are the two songbirds reuniting right here in Kalamazoo? Not...

Personal success stories of women like Shayne Wheeler (featured in Tuesday's post) make me pause to consider - does the "glass ceiling" really still exist? Is it alive and well in Kalamazoo - or truly...

As the old saying goes, home is where the heart is. For Shayne Wheeler, Kalamazoo is where her heart is, both professionally and personally. "I am a Kalamazoo native. I grew up here and attended St....

Jayson Rose is Kalamazoo's version of a renaissance man. He can DJ a party for the likes of Michael Jordan, Jeremy Piven, and Derek Jeter; help run a publishing company; plan a wedding; and manage...

We are happy to share this article by Ted Roelofs, a contributor to Bridge Magazine. Bridge Magazine is an online magazine created to help Michigan citizens develop an agenda to move our state forward...

We are happy to share this blog by Mary Jo Asmus, owner and operator of Aspire Collaborative Services. This entry was originally published on her company blog. I'm inspired by your desire to change...

Kalamazoo native Hannah DeZeeuw is one of the more than 3,800 Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates to qualify for the Kalamazoo Promise since the scholarship program began eight years ago. The 2009 Loy...

In my post a few weeks ago, I talked about positioning yourself to get the job you really want. If you follow some of those suggestions, I have no doubt that very soon you'll find yourself in a...

Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell has worked across the region throughout his career in healthcare, but he wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. Local writer Gretchen Johnson, owner of WordPlay...

For many people the summer feels like it is half over, but, here at KzooConnect, we prefer to look at the summer event schedule as a half-full glass of festivals! In terms of downtown Kalamazoo, it...

The Fourth of July is this Friday! How do you plan to celebrate our nation's independence? We're guessing there will be some sort of exploding pyrotechnics involved, weather permitting, of course! ...

We are happy to share this blog by Mary Jo Asmus, owner and operator of Aspire Collaborative Services. This entry was originally published on her company blog. I was a curious child who sometimes got...

Position Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and 5+ years in consumer products marketing combined with previous management experience. If you're a...

After traveling and living in many different sizes of cities, Jen Johnson selected Kalamazoo as her home. Employed as the Executive Director of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Johnson has lived in the...

Scores of people call themselves "home brewers;" few parlay that title into a career with Bell's Brewery. Sam Reese was one of the few. He was recently hired as Production Manager for Upper Hand...

Assuming you actually use it, a gym membership is good for your health, but what sort of membership is good for your creativity and wallet? The Bureau's co-working space is. The Bureau is Kalamazoo...

An ordinary reading lesson turned into a bench for students in need of company thanks to Kathy Decker's third grade class at Urbandale Elementary School. The Battle Creek students read about the ...

One semester as an intern at Kalamazoo's Landscape Forms turned into a permanent relocation for former east-sider Robb Smalldon. Now Manager of Studio 431 at the site and furniture design firm,...

Executive Chef Jason McClellan is drawn to chemistry-the chemistry between ingredients he cooks with and the connection he feels with volunteering in the Kalamazoo community. A Mattawan native,...

Memorial Day is right around the corner. Are you ready? Here at KzooConnect, we are looking forward to firing up the grill and enjoying extra time with friends and family. Despite one less day of...

We are happy to include this blog by Comstock High School teacher Alison Nord celebrating her students' recent accomplishment through Junior Achievement and highlighting its significance for potential...

Chelsey Jones is passionate about running. Thanks to Girls on the Run, she is able to share her passion with young girls and help improve their self-esteem and fitness at the same time. An elementary...

We recently shared Joanna Donnelly Dales' insights on why young professionals choose to live and give in Kalamazoo. Now we would love hear from you on the same topic! What experiences have you had...

Millennials carry a lot of influence in today's society. We asked Joanna Donnelly Dales, Vice President of Donor Relations of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, to weigh in on the philanthropic...

We all know that downtown Kalamazoo is a great place, but we went to an expert for more information about housing trends in the area. Thanks to Dan Jaqua, President of Jaqua Realtors, for the insight!...

Lauren Van Houten and Breanne Vander Lugt both work downtown Kalamazoo as interior designers for WorkSquared, a certified Herman Miller Office Furniture Dealership. Located on East Michigan Avenue,...

Do you love where you live? Do you live in a city that WANTS your input in making it a great place to live? That city is Kalamazoo, Michigan. I recently attended the Go Places event at the Radisson...

There's a new energy in the air around Kalamazoo and-thanks to a new team at Homer Stryker Field-a few more baseballs, too. It's been four years since Kalamazoo had its own minor league team, so the...

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, satisfaction is "the act of providing what is needed or desired." Apparently, Kalamazoo is good at satisfying its residents' needs and desires. Kalamazoo...

That was a winter to remember! Now that spring has finally set in-knock on wood-it's time to get out of the house and get active. Rest assured that Kalamazoo has plenty of offerings to help you...

Thank you for the shout out, mLive! Check out "Why Young Professionals Should Choose to Live in Kalamazoo County (column)." Editor Mickey Ciokiajlo wrote, in part, "Not that you can't make a...

Masters student Persefoni Lauhon and undergraduate senior Alex Woodward are part of Western Michigan University's Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering. After taking an entrepreneurial...

Do you have what it takes to create your own start-up company? Before you picture yourself as the next Bill Gates, factor in that you are also attending college, too. Seems overwhelming, right? Well...

Imagine your ideal community. What does it look like? What makes it idyllic? And what is the community built around? These questions and more are the root of placemaking and will be the focus of "Go...

The Kalamazoo area is full of people and companies that love to give back and there is certainly no shortage of worthwhile organizations to volunteer with either. In order to give employees more...

Strolling through Arcadia Creek Festival Place during one of its many fair-weather offerings or sipping a tasty brew at one of Kalamazoo's plentiful breweries-what is your favorite place to connect in...

Amy, Controller Three Rivers, Michigan New Yorkers Amy and her husband came to Kalamazoo nearly four years ago to visit a friend. They instantly fell in love with the area. The people were...

Wow! What a great few weeks it has been since we launched KzooConnect on March 4! Thanks again to those who attended the event. In case you missed it, attendees were given KzooConnect cards with...

On Tuesday, we told you about Janice Brown, Director Emeritus for The Kalamazoo Promise, and why she chooses to call Kalamazoo home. This week, we sat down with a recipient of the universal...

Interesting career paths are rarely predictable, just ask Janice Brown, Executive Director Emeritus for The Kalamazoo Promise, a universal scholarship program for Kalamazoo Public School graduates. A...

First and foremost, we want to thank you all for your support and the buzz you have helped to spread since KzooConnect debuted! We have been excited about this idea for quite some time so it is great...

Admit it, whether you actually have any Irish heritage or not the promise of St. Patrick's Day fun is enticing, right? We totally agree. Here is a list of five St. Patrick's-themed activities to add...

Kevin Romeo has an appetite for entrepreneurship and creativity. The Rhino Media Productions co-founder and owner also his hands in quite a few ventures in Kalamazoo, the city he has enthusiastically...

Michael, Account Manager Holland, Michigan Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Michael is an engineering graduate of Kettering University in Flint. He fell in love with Michigan and found his first...

The weather may be cold and dreary but there are certainly plenty of events in and around Kalamazoo to melt away those winter blues during the month of March. The possibilities are varied and endless....

Kalamazoo: We think it's a good place to be and we want to help you stay connected. KzooConnect provides readers with fun, up-to-date information about people, jobs, and the just plain awesome quality...