For the betterment of the Kalamazoo community, the businesses that the board of directors represent, the staff at SWMF and for the sake of my conscience, please see the letter of resignation I offered this morning. You need to do the right thing by the LGBTQ community or you run the risk of not being hired post-Legislative service, said Knott, who is, executive director of LGBTQ advocacy group, Fair and Equal Michigan in October turned in more than 483,000 signatures, for a potential ballot proposal extending anti-discrimination protections, Dana Nessel: Lee Chatfield charging decision coming by years end, Michigan AG Dana Nessel keeps Chatfield, Whitmer kidnapping records secret, Judge sides with Dana Nessel, keeps secret Lee Chatfield warrants, Share the article you just read on Twitter, Share the article you just read on Facebook, Share the article you just read via email, Traverse City salon banning trans clients wont be last business battle, Citizens groups zoning lawsuit may stall Fords Marshall EV battery site, Michigans new hands-free driving law takes effect Friday. Attributes that rose to the top were: I share Southwest Michigan Firsts conviction that the greatest force for change is a job, Peterson said in a statement. We will evaluate future collaborations with Southwest Michigan First based on positive demonstrations of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.. Lee Chatfield's days-long tenure as CEO of Southwest Michigan First is prompting introspection within the regional economic development group as it confronts the tension his hiring created in the community and its own boardroom. Before that, he served as director of the Mohave County Community and Economic Development Department in Kingman, Arizona. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, serves on the board of directors. Chatfield said previously, during a 2019 media interview, that he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Chatfield, the former Michigan House Speaker, was hired as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the organization announced last week on Thursday, Feb. 11. Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield was hired as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the organization announced last week on Thursday, Feb. 11. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation calls the regional groups it works with "critical partners" for the state's business growth, and MEDC spokesperson Otie McKinley . We will have rolling applications until the cohort has been filled. The short-lived CEO left Southwest Michigan First amid mounting public pressure from those questioning the appointment of such a polarizing political figure. In 2014, he challenged and defeated an incumbent Republican who had introduced legislation to expand Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. 2023 Bridge Michigan. The corporations bylaws are not public, Sones said, nor are its financial statements besides federal nonprofit forms that have to be filed. Our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. Staff and some board members were surprised by Chatfields hire, prompting questions about the organizations commitment to fully representing its community. 1:42 P.M. EST . Hiring such a high-profile Republican with a well-documented political record opposing things like expanding civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals led some residents and elected officials wondering why. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The city of Kalamazoo was the first to take action after the CEO hire, pulling its annual $10,000 contribution to Southwest Michigan First. KALAMAZOO, MI Southwest Michigan First said it is making internal changes to increase diversity, equity and inclusion after the selection of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as CEO led to public outcry from the community. Speaker of the House Rep. Lee Chatfield pictured at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019.Neil Blake | MLive.com. Many stepped in to criticize Chatfields views and political record on civil rights issues, especially related to the LGBTQ community. Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days. - Mark S. Related: Southwest Michigan First PAC spends to advocate yes vote on KRESA tax proposal. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Please indicate your interest in learning more in your application. Do you have an idea for a business that youve been itching to make a reality? Moss described Chatfield as willing to listen and open to new perspectives, even if he ultimately disappointed by not putting anti-discrimination bills up for a vote. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Weekly hour-long Zoom calls with other group participants, facilitated by Plywood People and Southwest Michigan First staff. After a rigorous national search, Jonas Peterson rose to the top as the individual who most thoroughly embodies the skills, experience and attributes identified by our community as critical for success in this position, said Southwest Michigan First board member and CEO search committee chair Bill Parfet. 2023 Bridge Michigan. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Additionally, we will create a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board Committee to make certain that all of our human capital policies, procedures and practices mirror the expectations made clear by our community partners, investors, donors, board members and team members. A strong understanding of the economic development ecosystem and how to work within a multi-jurisdictional region to strengthen commerce. KVCC president resigns from Southwest Michigan First board over CEO hire, Kalamazoo Community Foundation ends membership with Southwest Michigan First over misalignment of values and vision, Western Michigan president: Southwest Michigan First CEOs policy positions dont align with WMUs values, Former House Speaker says politics not a factor in new role at Southwest Michigan First. The news triggered swift reactions from elected officials and others in the region. Ph : 269.553.9588 Search for: Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. That's not right to anybody. I am honored to be back here in Kalamazoo. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Washington, in the letter sent Thursday, acknowledges the impact of the pandemic, economic turmoil and a growing demand for social justice as pledges Kalamazoo Valley Community College remains deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.. With improved accessibility, our new Online Banking is equipped with new features that allow for greater control of your finances and easier navigation across devices - including mobile phones and tablets. // ss_form.polling = true; // Optional parameter: set to true ONLY if your page loads dynamically and the id needs to be polled continually. Chatfield faced criticism for his politics and other issues as he began the CEO job. Southwest Michigan First was created with a theory that one of the greatest forces for change is a job, Sones said. Support Bridge's nonprofit civic journalism. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws, L. Marshall Washington, the president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, announced his resignation. See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan: If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. But she expects other GOP lawmakers would vote for the bill if new House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, puts it up for a vote. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. About $1.7 million of the organizations revenue comes from programs the organization runs including Catalyst University, the Southwest Michigan Chamber, other contracts and grants and other program services. have accountability to get my idea launched. Do you feel that with a little support and some brainstorming, youd finally be able to launch your business? The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, Feb. 15, voted to pull funding from Southwest Michigan First and encouraged others to do the same because of the views Chatfield has expressed. All rights reserved. Von arrived at Southwest Michigan First from the Kalamazoo Public Schools where he served as principal of Kalamazoo Central High School from August 2007 to July 2012. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Last week, he told Bridge that, as CEO, he would support the corporations goals for LGBTQ protections. Chatfield replaced Ron Kitchens, who left earlier this year after 15 years. I remain grateful for having had this incredible opportunity. Chatfield said on Twitter on Monday, Feb. 22. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, talks with media after Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address to legislators on the House floor at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Learn from 24 leading social entrepreneurs. Amid Southwest Michigan Firsts vows of transparency to the community, questions about Chatfields hiring and departure remain. To apply, please click the button below. He is married with two children. They are responsible for nearly 35,000 regional workers; employ a global workforce of more than 360,000; and generate over an estimated $4.6 billion in annual local salaries earned in the seven counties of Southwest Michigan. Significant changes in the local business landscape including the 1995 Upjohn Co./Pharmacia merger, and First of America being bought out by National City of Cleveland in 1997 were among those concerns. The City of Kalamazoo voted to sever ties with Southwest Michigan First, and nonprofits including the Kalamazoo Promise and the Community Foundation quickly followed suit. If this sounds like you, then First Path is the perfect fit! Chatfields resignation also sends a signal to lawmakers that theyll be accountable for their votes after leaving office. Manage Your Security Settings: View your login history and manage the devices you use to access Online Banking. The group represents a seven-county region and controversy about Chatfield was especially acute in Kalamazoo, where one-fourth of its residents are Black or Hispanic. 264 talking about this. Southwest showed its winning mentality right from the start, erupting for 10 first-inning runs to . Hes on board in Kalamazoo. More than words on a page, these ideals call us to a high level of accountability related to community collaborations, the KVCC presidents letter states. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). John Engler about forming Southwest Michigan First, more than two decades ago, according to previous reporting in the Kalamazoo Gazette. Auto-dealership owner Craig DeNooyer was one of the area businessmen who talked to then-Gov. Contact Von. The news triggered swift reactions from elected . By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. February 23, 2021 / 10:21 PM Theres been a lot of pressure on companies to really, you know, stand strong.. Washington shared his decision in a letter sent to the school community on Feb. 18, citing the controversy caused by Southwest Michigan Firsts hiring of a new CEO. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Corporate America largely embraces diversity, equity and inclusion for the benefits for their workforces, public images and profits, Knott said. Southwest Michigan First Managing Partner Heather Smith Baker, who sent the statement to MLive, referred to the original statement when asked follow-up questions. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "The business community very much wants this, and we've known now for a very long time that the majority of Michiganders support this change, so I do think given what we've seen in the past couple of weeks, we are in a better position.". Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, a Southwest Michigan First board member, said Chatfields policy positions do not align with WMUs values. Knott of Equality Michigan said she appreciates the swift steps taken by Southwest Michigan First. Southwest Michigan First works with businesses in the seven-county region that consists of Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. What, is abundantly clear is that our search process fell well below the standard expected by our board, our community partners, investors, donors and importantly, our Southwest Michigan First team.. Chatfield would not disclose his compensation last week. Southwest Michigan First President and Interim CEO Carla Sones stressed it remains a nonpartisan organization, and must be so to operate successfully. The last time I came, I think I went to the school right . // ss_form.target_id = 'target'; // Optional parameter: forms will be placed inside the element with the specified id NWS . More than $1.2 million of the organizations budget is listed under other salaries and wages, and $895,500 was spent on conferences, conventions and meetings, the documents show. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The organization also committed to transparency and inclusion in its next CEO search. We welcome the conversations, challenging questions and opportunities to listen, learn and grow. Im honored to join the Southwest Michigan First team, and I look forward to fostering new partnerships throughout the region.. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, Kalamazoo commissioners cancel membership with Southwest Michigan First over CEO selection, he would not support a change to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expanding anti-discrimination laws. The college will continue to pursue collaborations and partnerships that enhance its ability to meet its mission, he said. Our values provide the high standard for our interactions with one another, our students and the communities we serve, he said. History of successful leadership that is visionary, diverse, inclusive, accessible, equitable and authentic. Chatfield was one of former President Donald Trump's most vocal Michigan supporters in the 2020 campaign. Seven members of the board of directors resigned following the CEO announcement, Sones said. As the corporation starts a new CEO search and launches efforts to bring diversity, equity and inclusion into its operations, it also seeks to increasepublic transparency, Sones said. In 2014, he challenged and defeated an incumbent Republican who had introduced legislation to expand Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Southwest Michigan First Non-profit Organizations Kalamazoo, Michigan 6,738 followers The Greatest Force for Change Is a Job FIRST & 42 Powered by Southwest Michigan First 180 E. Water St., Suite 2690 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269.553.9588
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