Market Van Buren hosted its fourth annual Awards Event at Marion Magnolia Farms in Cassopolis. The event brought together local business owners and municipal leaders from Cass and Van Buren counties to celebrate the organizations five-year anniversary, and culminated in the celebration of several outstanding businesses, the new Legacy Award, a trailblazing municipality, and the announcement of a new brand for the team at Market Van Buren.
Award winners recognized at the event had been selected following a nomination and application process. The following local organizations were honored with an award:
Economic Pioneer of the Year – Midwest Energy & Communications in Cassopolis
Legacy Award – James Crandall
Community Champion of the Year – Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan
Municipal Trailblazer of the Year – Village of Cassopolis
Business Innovator of the Year – Special-Lite in Decatur
Best New Business of the Year – Divine Dough Co. in Edwardsburg & Kitchen Tribes in South Haven
In recognition of their support for a better economic future and their investment in Market Van Buren, six municipalities and businesses were recognized as Torchbearer Investors. These investors include EQ United, GrayMatter, Ranger Power or Steelhead Solar LLC (confirming name), Special-Lite, Village of Cassopolis, Village of Edwardsburg. The evening also included a keynote address by Zachary Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of Wolverine Power Cooperative. Mr. Anderson addressed the future of the energy grid, which is arguably at its most pivotal time since Edison was rivaling Tesla. He also spoke about their Power Purchase Agreement with the Palisades Nuclear Plant owner Holtec International.
“Cass and Van Buren counties have businesses and municipalities who have incredible accomplishments and should be recognized for the outstanding contributions to growing the future of our communities. We were pleased to celebrate these five organizations as they stood out among their peers and embody the principles essential for a strong local economy.” said Zach Morris, Executive Director of Market Van Buren.
That’s not all that happened at the Annual Awards! In addition to honoring the local community, Market Van Buren celebrated their 5th Year Anniversary by unveiling their new brand: Market One.
The new brand signifies the change from providing economic development services for just one county to now serving Cass and Van Buren counties. The change represents Market One as the center cog connecting businesses and communities in Cass and Van Buren Counties to solutions and resources to enable their growth. The “one” is the literal shape of the two counties, however the deeper symbolic meaning is the two counties are now working as “one” to support long-term economic growth.
“We are excited to share our new brand, Market One, with our community of supporters and stakeholders. We would not be where we are today without the support of our Board of Directors, investors, Kinexus Group, businesses, and communities, who over the last five years worked alongside our team to create a more sustainable future for the generations to come,” added Morris.
“Over six years ago, Zach Morris approached me with a concept to bring together business and community leaders to work for a better economic future. As a private sector company, I saw the need for a unified approach to how we attract resources to support our businesses and communities. As we celebrate our five-year anniversary, I am proud to say we made the right decision and are beginning to reap the fruits of our labor. However, there is more work to be done.” said Luke Barber, Market One Board Chair.
About Market One
Market One is a nonprofit focused on connecting people, investments, and organizations with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in Cass and Van Buren counties.
