HomeTown Competitiveness

What Is HomeTown Competitiveness?  

What's Happening in Branch County?

Donate to the HomeTown Competitiveness Endowment     

More Information

 

2008 Economic Summit

On Friday, February 29, the Branch County Board of Commissioners, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Growth Alliance and Coldwater Downtown Development Authority held the 2008 Branch County Summit.  With a turnout of over 130 people, the overwhelming message of all guest speakers was one of hope. 
As a service to the community, we have posted the presentations of the day here. 

National Outlook

Presented by 5/3 Bank

State Budget/Finances

Presented by Craig Theil,

Citizens Research Council

Economics of Government

Presented by Dr. Eric Scorsone

Michigan State University

Economics of Agriculture

Presented by Dr. Bill Knudson

Michigan State University

Keynote -

Michigan's Economic Future

Presented by Dr. Charles Ballard

Michigan State University

Regional Economic Outlook

Presented by George Erickcek

WE Upjohn Institute

Seven Myths of Economic Development

Presented by Jim Hettinger

Battle Creek Unlimited

HomeTown Competitiveness

Presented by Hillary Eley

Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce

A special thank you to our sponsors - the luncheon/keynote sponsor:

 

and our door prize/coffee/break sponsor:

 

 

 

HomeTown Competitiveness

The Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner in Branch County's HomeTown Competitiveness initiative.  What is HomeTown Competitiveness?

HomeTown Competitiveness is a unique approach to rural development that was created in Nebraska.  Based on four pillars - entrepreneurship, charitable assets, youth and leadership, HomeTown Competitiveness is a locally-based framework built on Branch County's strengths, not someone else's idea of what we need!  Watch the local presentation here.  (Must have Microsoft PowerPoint to view.) 

If you would like to request a presentation to your local organization, please e-mail Hillary Eley

The four organizations heading up the HomeTown Competitiveness initiative in Branch County are:  Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce, Branch County Community Foundation, Coldwater Downtown Development Authority and Branch County Economic Growth Alliance. 

If you would like to donate to the HomeTown Competitiveness Fund within the Branch County Community Foundation, contact Colleen Knight or make a secure donation through PayPal here:

 

What's Happening in Branch County?

HTC Blog Launched! 

In an effort to keep everyone updated continuously, the Branch County HomeTown Competitiveness intiative has launched a blog.  Check it out here

Jack Schultz - Boomtown USA Comes to Branch County

Ever wonder what makes some rural communities thrive?  Jack Schultz knows!  Jack is the author of "Boomtown USA:  The 7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns"  Through the generosity of Michigan Gas Utlities, Jack Schultz was in Branch County sharing the 7 1/2 keys! Jack also shared his views of what he sees for the future of Branch County, and he had plenty of positive remarks!    To check out Jack's blog and read what he had to say about Branch County, click here.  To request a copy of the book, "Boomtown USA" email Hillary Eley here

Business Transition Workshop

Business Transition Workshop - "A Smooth Transition" was a great success on Tuesday, May 15!  With over 30 attendees, this hands-on, interactive seminar assisted current business owners, future business owners and professional advisors in navigating through the waters of business transition.  For a copy of the hand-out "Destination Succession" click here

HomeTown Competitiveness Endowment Boost!

Southern Michigan Bank and Trust has become our first "HomeTown Competitiveness Hero" by establishing the HomeTown Competitiveness Fund within the Branch County Community Foundation!  Click here for the full story! 

Barbara Rosene, Coldwater DDA Director and Hillary Eley, Chamber President accept

the initial donation to the HomeTown Competitiveness Fund from Southern Michigan Bank & Trust's John Castle and Kurt Miller.

 

More Information...

If you would like more information on the HomeTown Competitiveness program and how Nebraska has taken this approach to build successes in rural communities, please visit the following sites:

WK Kellogg Foundation

 

 

Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce

Connecting Business & Community!

20 Division Street, Coldwater, Michigan 49036

Bronson 517.369.5985

Coldwater 517.278.5985

Quincy 517.639.8369

Tekonsha 517.767.5985

Union City 517.741.5985

Fax 517.278.8369

info@branchareachamber.com

 


  Copyright © 2008, Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce
This Page Modified 03/12/2008:12:22 p.m.