KALAMAZOO – State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) today hosted a joint meeting of the House Commerce Committee and the House New Economy and Quality of Life Committee at the Arcadia Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
"Even though Michigan's economy is going through some very difficult times right now, we have to remember to highlight the positive news that is happening in our communities," said Jones, Chair of the House Commerce Committee. "Here in Kalamazoo, there are a number of businesses and economic ventures that have helped turn our economy around in recent years. I'm very pleased we were able to come together today to discuss how small businesses can drive our economic recovery."
Jones called the joint committee meeting to share the experiences and successes of how Kalamazoo businesses helped revive the local economy after the area suffered a significant economic downturn roughly a decade ago. Jones also hoped the meeting would allow other communities to learn how to turn their economies around.
Speaking at the meeting were Ron Kitchens, executive officer of Southwest Michigan First; Jim Schultz of Open Prairie Ventures; Robert Miller, associate vice president of Western Michigan University; and Jill Bland, vice president of Southwest Michigan First.
"Communities across Michigan will be able to benefit from the topics we discussed today," Jones said. "Small businesses are at the heart of our local economies here in Michigan – they account for over 98 percent of Michigan employers. The successful businesses we discussed today revitalized our economy and breathed new life into downtown Kalamazoo. I'm confident they can do the same to local economies across the state and help get Michigan back on track."