Dillon Davis

Battle Creek Enquirer

Nearly $11.75 million has been invested into Battle Creek by two companies since July 2015, Battle Creek Unlimited reported Tuesday.

In a presentation to Battle Creek city commissioners, BCU President and CEO Marie Briganti said the economic development organization has identified more than $46 million in potential investments for the area. BCU, a private nonprofit agency, is contractually obligated to report information about its efforts and activities in the Battle Creek Tax Increment Financing Authority district to the city at least once every six months.

Briganti, who was hired in May 2015, said BCU has submitted the data to the city before, but it's the first time it's been part of a presentation to the commission.

Among the information reported Tuesday:

Briganti said BCU has had talks with 46 prospects and maintains more than 180 retention and development contacts. These figures, she said, are conservative figures not taking into account every email, meeting or follow-up done by BCU.

Since July, BCU said it's been responsible for the addition of 81 new jobs, while the area has lost 212 jobs during the same time period. From July 2014 to June 2015, the organization said it oversaw the creation of 476 new jobs with no losses.

At least 300 new jobs could be created by four potential employers.

BCU said it has potentially retained 5,371 jobs in the Fort Custer Industrial Park as well as all but one of its companies.

That company, WKW Roof Rail Systems, LLC, announced its closure in March as part of a company restructuring plan. Earlier this month, Briganti told the Enquirer that options remain for the future of the WKW property at 215 N. Hill Brady Road.

Briganti declined to disclose the two companies making the $11.75 million total investment, as they "weren't comfortable sharing their growth in jobs," which, she said, hurt BCU's job figures. BCU reported $167,747,236 in company investments made to the area from July 2014 to June 2015.

Battle Creek expected to see job growth in 2016-17

During her presentation, Briganti said BCU has aligned many of its internal goals with the BC Vision process launched in 2014 by Kellogg Co. and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The BC Vision large-business action team, of which Briganti is a co-chair, established a goal last year to create 1,000 new, better-paying full-time jobs in the next three years.

With public funds, BCU plays stealthy development game

She said she believes BCU should have a strong role in the BC Vision process.

Briganti told the commission she intends to increase BCU's communication with the city through presentations and meetings at the city's convenience.

Contact Dillon Davis at 269-966-0698 or dwdavis@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DillonDavis