BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — Business in Battle Creek was better than expected in 2015, and the local economy is expected to continue growing in 2016.
That’s the assessment of officials at Battle Creek Unlimited and the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Local business executives were briefed on the details Thursday at the McCamley Plaza Hotel.
Battle Creek Unlimited CEO Marie Briganti said they are already anticipating announcements this spring of $46 million in new investment.
She wouldn’t say which companies will be making the investments, however.
“289 new jobs have been created already for first and second quarter in Battle Creek,” Briganti said.
She also said the Battle Creek economy is expected to grow a little faster than the state’s economy.
“1.4 percent projected growth for the state and 1.6 percent projected growth in Battle Creek,” Briganti said.
Randall Eberts with Upjohn said the Battle Creek area lost 3,850 jobs during the Great Recession, but has added 5,150 jobs since then.
He said more jobs will be coming to the Cereal City this year.
– John McNeill
