Business

Our new AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer program coordinator, Meritt Dickerson-Weed, is entering her second month of service here in Three Rivers, and will co-author this column for the foreseeable future. She will be known in this space henceforth as “Main Street Meritt.” Thus, the writing that follows is a joint effort. The word change comes with multiple connotations. Often, we associate …

In response to the needs of business and industry across the state, Michigan Works! Southwest is excited to announce the availability of training dollars to assist businesses in expanding their pool of skilled workers. $27.6 million in funding is available to employers in Michigan through the 2018 State of Michigan Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF). STTF provides funding to employers …

This week, a new person started work with us in downtown Three Rivers through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Meritt Dickerson-Weed has a reputation for hard work, respectfulness, and dedication. She is a graduate of Three Rivers High School, has worked downtown at Lowry’s books, and has been an active volunteer in a number of community initiatives. She will be with …

I have received encouragement for this column almost daily from readers like yourselves. Many people have been following what is happening in downtown Three Rivers, and want to believe in a positive change. The revitalization work we are doing is important, and I believe someday soon, its results will exceed expectations. But, it’s easy for me to say that, and …

The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for a variety of businesses to be recognized later this year at its annual dinner and awards banquet. Categories in need of nominations are: Brick Awards, for a significant investment in their business from physical improvements and other components; Community Service, for an outstanding job of serving the community over …

Three Rivers is a great place to be right now. Maybe you have noticed it too, but we’ve got an honest-to-goodness, renewed sense of spirit right now. I overhear people talking about what’s happening, and they are excited. I am too. We aren’t out of the proverbial woods yet, but we have potential in spades—market opportunities, exceptional assets, and hard …

In my first year as Executive Director of Three Rivers DDA/Main Street, I have gotten to know our city in a way that I never knew as a kid. It’s been a challenge, a joy, and a blur of complex programs, learning as I go, and building relationships with people who don’t always get along. However, I expected challenges, and …

April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was one-tenth of a percent lower than the month previous. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.4 percent April unemployment rate marked a decrease from March’s 3.5 percent. St. Joseph County remained below the state unemployment average, which was 3.7 percent in April. …

Many businesses in Indiana’s Elkhart County are struggling to find workers as the area is experiencing the lowest unemployment rate in 17 years. The Elkhart Truth reports that the county’s unemployment rate in April was 2.8 percent. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, this is the lowest since October 2000’s rate of 2.2 percent. The low unemployment …

A Community Development Block grant application for a brew pub in downtown Three Rivers was approved Tuesday by the Three Rivers City Commission. The $365,788 CDBG was being sought by Landmark Tap House and Grille, which is slated to open in a three-storefront location North Main Street early next year. Specifically, it is targeted for an area that included Pub …