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City of SH - ED Brochure - 092810
City of SH - ED Brochure - 092810
in SOUTH HAVEN
an extraordinary
PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
The City of South Haven is located in southwest Michigan on the shores of magnificent
Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Black River. Lying conveniently between Chicago and
Detroit, South Haven is situated in the hub of numerous industrial markets in the nation’s
Midwest. South Haven is a community with a history of success and a commitment to a
prosperous future.
South Haven supports a growing and diverse economy which thrives on an exceptional
business climate and a wealth of human resources. Our strong and educated labor force,
drawing from a 40-mile radius in west Michigan, is available to meet the demands of new
industries. The City of South Haven maintains a full range of efficient municipal services
to assist your organization’s new development and continued growth.
We have what it takes for companies to grow and flourish in the 21st century. Read on to
discover what South Haven can offer your business and its people.
Key location
The 2006 acquisition of our pharm
manufacturing facility in South Ha
strengthened our product portfol
gave us the resources needed to g
substantially in the pharmaceutic
ingredient market. The city is com
to high quality development, offe
incentives for growth and is respo
to the needs of our business.
– Bo Brantley, Plant Manager
Albemarle
a Charmingly Robust
STANDARD OF LIVING
From the bustling harbor and sugar sand beaches, to the wispy dune grass and dazzling
sunsets, the shores of Lake Michigan paint an alluring backdrop to the City of South
Haven. Our unique mix of wholesome charm and resort-like atmosphere make South
Haven a highly sought-after destination. The community has a desire and dedication to
maintain a high quality of life to complement South Haven’s growing business sector. At
first glance, the vibrant flowers that line the sidewalks, a robust farm market, pristine
parks and riverfront walkways illustrate the strong sense of community pride. Yet, the
commitment to excellence extends much deeper into all aspects of the community.
South Haven supports a modern and well-equipped school system in order to prepare
students and its citizens to be productive members of the professional and high-tech
labor markets of today and into the future. Exceptional fine arts programs and a variety
of extra curricular activities are also provided and encouraged.
Residents and businesses enjoy the safety and peace of mind provided by highly-trained
and professioinally staffed municipal police, fire and ambulance services. Furthermore,
South Haven and its surrounding municipalities also benefit from the emergency services
and specialized clinical care provided by the South Haven Health System.
South Haven accommodates a wide range of lifestyles for families and individuals.
Housing options in the area include an array of new subdivisions, historic homes,
apartment complexes, waterfront homes and modern condominiums.
Yes, the quality of life in South Haven goes well beyond the basics to offer a safe and
enjoyable lifestyle that can not be found elsewhere. A public library, an art center,
museums, historical association, wellness center, several retail shopping districts and an
abundance of natural resources and recreational activities represent some of the great
opportunities that enrich the lives of South Haven’s residents and visitors alike.
Shoreline Wellness
and Rehabilitation Center
Quality of Life
SOUTH HAVEN HEALTH SYSTEM SOUTH HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
South Haven Health System offers a full range of health care and medical
services:
• Emergency Services • Shoreline Center for
• Shoreline After Hours Clinic Integrative Medicine
• Shoreline Women’s Center • Shoreline Psychiatric Services
• Shoreline Internal Medicine • Home Care and Private Duty
• Shoreline Family Care • Occupational Medicine
• Outpatient Chemotherapy • Sleep Disorders Center
• South Haven Orthopedics • Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation Services • Shoreline Surgical Services
They have a compassionate and highly-trained staff, state-of-the-art technology
and unsurpassed service with experience in the art and science of caring for
the complex medical and emotional needs of patients and their families. The South Haven Public Schools serve approximately 2,300 students in two
early elementary schools (Preschool-grade 3), one elementary school (grades
4-5), one middle school (grades 6-8) and one high school (grades 9-12). The
SHORELINE WELLNESS AND REHABILITATION CENTER district’s enrollment has remained stable for the past four years. South Haven
The heart of a healthy community is Public Schools remains the School of Choice within Van Buren County as over
right here. The Shoreline Wellness 200 students who live outside the school district boundaries choose to attend
Center offers a variety of classes, the South Haven Schools.
programs and personal training for
The South Haven Public Schools offer an extremely strong foundation in early
individualized exercise program
childhood education. The district offers day care (infant through age 12 with
including athletic conditioning,
before and after school care), preschool (opportunities for part-time or full-
recovery from an injury or disease
time), pre-kindergarten (full day) and kindergarten (full day). Elementary and
prevention. Serving all ages for their
middle school students regularly score above the State averages in all areas
health and fitness needs, the
tested on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). The South
Wellness Center empowers the
Haven High School is rich in the tradition of fine arts. Students can partake in
community to engage in preventative
band (marching and concert), choir and orchestra during the school day.
health care and assists them in
Students also participate all year in the numerous concerts and festivals
maintaining a well-balanced, healthy
attended by each group. Over 60% of the high school and middle school
lifestyle.
students participate in the district’s athletic program. Sixteen different sports
for boys and girls are offered throughout the school year.
SOUTH HAVEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce is 400 members strong.
SOUTH HAVEN/VAN BUREN COUNTY
Serving communities lakeside and countryside, within a 20-mile radius of
South Haven, its robust program of work is focused on economic, community, CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
and membership development. With an active and participatory membership, With a rich resort and agricultural history, South Haven has been a favorite
the Chamber brings a rich compliment of resources and cutting edge Lake Michigan small town getaway for over 100 years. In 2007 and 2008,
programming to the region. Working in collaboration with community and Midwest Living Magazine named South Haven in the top 12 Best Small Town
county organizations, the Chamber is directed by a dynamic and visionary Getaways. We are known for our blueberries, award-winning wineries, and
leadership. sugary white sandy beaches, receiving accolades from the Detroit Free Press,
Michigan Travel Ideas and Chicago Tribune Magazine. Formed in 1982 as a 501
C-6, the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is regulated under the state of
LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE Michigan’s Tourism Marketing Act (P.A. 59). Funded by lodging assessments,
Lake Michigan College (LMC) is a 2-year community college offering the CVB is the tourism marketing arm for the county. The CVB staff, board of
associate degrees, certificates and a wide range of continuing education and directors, lodging members and volunteers are all committed to promoting
business and industry training. Partnerships with Siena Heights University and South Haven and Van Buren County as a top travel destination. Annually 1.6
Western Michigan University - Southwest provide access to over 20 bachelor million visitors travel to Van Buren County and spend an estimated $101
and master degree programs on the LMC campuses. LMC works with million dollars. Ranked in the top five county employment sectors, tourism is
L.C. Mohr High School to provide early college direct credit and dual a major economic driver and provides nearly 1400 jobs countywide.
enrollment classes that allow students to earn college credit while still in
high school.
MICHIGAN MARITIME MUSEUM
Michigan Maritime Museum offers a variety of engaging opportunities including
permanent and changing exhibits on Michigan maritime history and a regionally
renowned research library. Waterfront festivals and events are complemented
by the hustle and bustle of a modern harbor and vast sandy beaches in one of
West Michigan's most picturesque shoreline communities.
Enjoy beautiful and historic South Haven through the HarborWalk walking
tour. Historic markers along the Black River provide fascinating and
informative information to this busy commercial and recreational harbor.
A rt
& Culture
Other Public Facilities:
South Haven Memorial Library
Great Lakes Research Library
Michigan Flywheelers Museum
Liberty-Hyde Bailey Museum
tons of Fun
365 DAYS A YEAR!
People who work and live in South Haven are blessed with the endless recreational
opportunities offered by beautiful Lake Michigan and the bustling Black River harbor.
Several City beaches spanning nearly a mile of Lake Michigan coastline provide the
enjoyment of swimming, picnicking, boating, and many other leisure activities for
residents and visitors of all ages. South Haven Harbor is home to over 1,000 recreational
boat slips, including four municipal marinas providing seasonal, transient and launching
facilities. South Haven’s boaters and pier fishermen enjoy some of the finest Great Lakes
fishing for trout, salmon and perch. Sailing and pleasure boating are just as popular at the
port of South Haven.
Annually, festive activities for all ages take place throughout the year, including Harborfest,
Light up the Lake - 4th of July fireworks celebration on Lake Michigan, Fine Arts Fair, the
National Blueberry Festival, the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair, the Labor Day All Crafts
Fair and the Ice Breaker Festival. South Haven provides a network of neighborhood parks
for year round family enjoyment. There are local golf courses to choose from and dozens
of scenic courses within a 25-minute drive of South Haven. During the winter months,
popular outdoor activities include ice skating in the South Haven Pavilion, ice fishing,
snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing.
We have an unmistakable zest for fun and adventure in South Haven... and you can too.
Come and experience what our city has to offer you. You will discover that South Haven
is not only a great place to do business; it is also a refreshing place to live!
South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce is the front door to businesses and organizations in the communities it serves and welcomes a diverse and inclusive
membership who deserves equal representation at that door. They provide a complete resource of area businesses, non-profits, civic organizations and
governmental agencies that have invested in the Chamber to promote growth and prosperity in the region and enhance the quality of life in the greater South
Haven area. The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce supports economic growth and prosperity that includes an appropriately balanced emphasis on
retail, industrial, commercial, tourism and agricultural commerce to facilitate a healthy local economy.
A Community Priority, Small Business Development
As a model for communities across the state, South Haven has invested significant resources in establishing itself as an entrepreneurial community. Having
worked hand-in-hand with leaders across the country, we have established a local expertise well-credentialed in providing a supportive approach to small business
development.
Stemming from the South Haven area, a county-wide economic development initiative called BRACE: Business Resources and Counseling for Entrepreneurs,
is assisting individuals in taking their concept to market. This multi-disciplinary grass-roots collaborative has established a visionary program of work to spur
economic revitalization and encourage economic sustainability. Entrepreneurs and community leaders are actively involved to ensure that small business
inquiries receive the necessary support and are triaged appropriately.
We are here to assist you through our economic gardening approach. Whether you are
cultivating a new business, growing an existing business or establishing your roots and
planting your business here in South Haven, we are a community rich in assets and
abundant in resources - call us today.
A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
Residential Community
South Haven offers a wide variety of housing alternatives to meet the many needs
and lifestyles of executives. Many fine older homes line the wide, tree-lined streets On my first visit to South Haven,
I decided to put down roots and
merging with newer residential areas. Moderately priced homes in pleasant have loved it.
residential neighborhoods are common in South Haven. Wide selections of housing
The area has plenty to offer --
opportunities are available in several newer subdivisions in the city and its outlying beautiful sandy beaches, moderate
areas. Housing alternatives in the city also include numerous waterfront homes climate in summer and winter, and
plenty of opportunities for boating,
and condominium units in areas near Lake Michigan and the Black River. South snowmobiling, and skiing.
Haven’s surrounding areas provide additional housing opportunities situated in Eugen Gawreliuk, President
- System Components, Inc.
both urban and rural settings.
Location
Air Service
The South Haven Area Regional Airport is located at 73020 CR 380, four miles from the South Haven Industrial Park. The airport offers a 4800 ft. paved
runway with pilot controlled lighting, precision approach path indicator and instrument approaches. A crosswind 3275 ft. turf runway is also available. The
airport is open and operated everyday, equipped with an All Weather Observation System and self service aviation fuel available at anytime. Jet fuel is available
at any time on request. For more information, please call (269) 637-7343.
Commercial airline services are available through Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Kalamazoo or the Gerald R. Ford International Airport
located in Grand Rapids, both within an hour drive, approximately 45 minutes.
Lake 31 131
Madison
Michigan Muskegon
Grand
Rapids
Flint Port
Huron
Milwaukee Holland 69
96 Lansing 94
South 131
96
94 Haven 43
69
Jackson Detroit
196 94 Ann
80 Benton Battle 75
Kalamazoo Creek Arbor
Harbor
Chicago
94 80
Toledo
Lake Erie
80
94 South Bend 69
33 80
Cleveland
Fort Wayne
33 75
31
71
69
65
Columbus
Indianapolis 75
Other Transportation:
Truck lines, bus and local transportation are also available.
Municipal Services
A Productive Partnership
The South Haven area and west Michigan enjoy a growing and productive labor force that is available for new and
expanding business and industry. Labor screening and hiring services are provided by several private employment
agencies, locally and regionally. Michigan Works! is located at Lake Michigan College – South Haven Campus
providing an affordable skilled workforce including, but not limited to, advanced manufacturing, engineering,
healthcare, agriculture and construction to name a few.
2007 Census Bureau Median Income for Van Buren County was $44,832
Skilled Workforce
Number of Average
Ownership Industry Establishments Employment
Federal Government Total, All Industries 21 161
State Government Total, All Industries 12 194
Local Government Total, All Industries 77 4,476
Source: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (MDLEG) - Labor Market Information website, www.milmi.org
Industry
COMPANY INDUSTRY/PRODUCT
Albemarle Pharmaceutical chemicals
Quote
American Twisting Twisted paper and wire products
Apogee Technologies Cleaning pads
Application Engineering Automotive motor testing equipment
B & K Machine Products Part machining, tool and die Our family relocated to South Haven in 1989
BBC Technologies Sorting equipment
as a result of a business merger which
BEI International Mechanical harvesting equipment
Do-It Paper and plastic hang tabs proved to be our good fortune. The proximity
Double J Molding Custom plastic injection
of our home to the lake and local activities
East Jordan Plastics Plastic products and recycling
Edgeworks Glass machining tools is marvelous! There are few people as lucky
Elbe & Sohn Universal joints, heavy equipment as I to be able to work for a World Class
Entergy Palisades nuclear power plant
company in a global position yet have the
Farren's Metal Works Aluminum stair systems
FoodTools Food preparation machinery luxury of living in a small, friendly community.
Lovejoy Couplings, speed changers
– Larry Lewis
MyGrain Cabinetry and furniture
Benefits Director, Trelleborg Group
New Age/Landmark Environmental test lab trailers V.P.H.R. - Trelleborg Corporation
New Covert Generating Plant Electric power producer
Palisades Nuclear Plant Electric power producer
Reliable Refuse Service Waste disposal and recycling
Riveer Environmental Water recycling systems
SolidBoss Worldwide Heavy equipment tires Other Business & Industry:
South Haven Coil Electric coils and assemblies • Tourism and Leisure
South Haven Community Hospital Hospital and wellness center • Hotels, Resorts, Bed and Breakfasts
South Haven Finishing Polishing and buffing of die cast parts and Vacation Cottage Rentals
South Haven Packaging Corrugated box manufacturing • Restaurants, Bakeries,
Spencer Manufacturing Fire engine manufacturing
Cafes, Bar and Grills
System Components Machining, tool and die
• Retail shops
Taylor Controls Ceramic products
Trelleborg Automotive Automotive rubber parts
• Marinas
US Tarp Truck tarping devices
Economic Development
The City of South Haven offers an array of development programs and incentives to foster business growth and
economic development. The City’s professional economic development staff utilizes the most current development
programs available through local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that your development in South Haven is as
cost effective as possible. The following incentives are an integral part of the City’s economic development program.
Black
Lake River
Michigan
Brockway
196
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Nor
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Bailey
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Conger
South ms
Wilson
Haven i llia
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Phoenix
Phoenix
Hubbard
A2
Huron
Michigan
Erie Blue Star Hwy
EXIT 20
Broadway
Superior
Indiana
Cherry
Saint Joseph
Center
Bailey
South Haven
Business Park 2
Edgell 43 I-196 Business Park
196
LaGrange
J R Monroe
Elkenburg
North Shore Dr
Aylworth
EXIT 22
196
Blue Star Hwy
Lovejoy
Phoenix Rd
Kalamazoo
43 EXIT 20
76th
A2
LaGrange
A2
Stieve
43
12th EXIT 18