Over the past six decades, Atlas Technologies has proven itself in innovative global die change equipment with automated cart technology that is reliable, durable, and prioritizes safety. Today, from its base in Fenton, Michigan, the company is stronger than ever.

After spending many years as a coveted industry specialist known mainly to a discerning few, the company today is increasingly respected for its fast die changers and robust die-movers that manage dies of 80 to 200 tons, plus its extensive line of equipment for sheet metal stamping and fabrication processes. It also recently reinvented its capabilities and its people, appointing a new sales accounts manager in the process. Its customer base and its teams have welcomed the improvements.

President David Hense is especially positive about the recent changes. “Since Stonebridge Technical Enterprises took Atlas over five years ago, we’ve been focusing on our internal processes and product development to make our entire product line cutting-edge for the manufacturing stamping industry,” he says.

This move not only stimulated product evolution but also contributed to the deeper development of its people. In recent years, in-depth staff education has translated into in-house training in collaboration with key manufacturers and the State of Michigan, in a decision that has proven to be tremendously valuable for the company’s continued success.

“We’re really proud of our employees; we have a nice team. They’re very flexible and knowledgeable,” Hense says, highlighting that watching employees new to the industry grow and flourish through focused education is a genuine pleasure.

Now, with its most recent overhaul complete, the company is welcoming new and returning customers alike to enjoy the results. “I’m an engineer,” Hense says, adding with a smile that the company’s new sales accounts manager is far better at marketing the company than he is. As its social media presence and press visibility continue growing, the firm is excited to welcome new trade partners and end users alike.

Not one to pepper conversations with commercial buzzwords, Hense instead leads by providing customers with top quality engineering and letting the premium work speak for itself. It is thanks to this approach that Atlas Technologies continues trading on a reputation for reliable, durable products and outstanding financial management. The company also invests in the latest technologies which ensure cutting-edge control systems that can be customized to suit customers’ needs.

Hense illustrates this customization with the example of de-stacking machines—heavy equipment used for feeding sheet metal on press lines. While it would be lovely to replicate these machines exactly for all customers, unique process needs simply do not allow this. “The product mixes and the mechanical strain that products place on equipment don’t make it practical,” he explains. Therefore, while key components are used across systems, every system is unique. “We pride ourselves on the ability to [adapt] to customer needs.”

Keeping itself at the forefront of innovation, Atlas Technologies perpetually pushes the boundaries of its field. As a result, there are a few fresh and innovative lines in its product reveal. Firstly, its FLEX Transfer collection comprises three series of front-to-back mounted, in-press servo transfers that move parts between stamping dies in a transfer press. This collection also offers two series of through-the-window-type transfer models—all five showcasing the state-of-the-art driving mechanics and control systems. This decision was based on the high performance and durability track records of these products. The company’s driving mechanics “are built on 40 years of proven methods and technologies. We didn’t reinvent the wheel when we came to the mechanical drive system,” Hense points out. “We used what works and made it better.”

The second collection—the Navigator Carts Series—features an expanded line of trackless transfer carts for transporting oversized loads such as molds, coils, and dies across fabrication facilities as well as components used in wind turbine and rail car fabrication, for instance, between assembly cells.

With the positive recent developments in reshoring fabrication, Hense is excited to see the process slowly beginning to take shape in the industry and on the company’s balance sheet as many of its clients return their press lines and other tooling operations to home soil. Alongside this shift, other operators are setting themselves up from scratch with greenfield sites, new facilities, and new staff. In many such instances, Atlas Technologies is invited to provide planning and fabrication support for the next decade or so. One recent contract with an international industry leader is especially exciting. “We’re excited to be part of the future that this global powerhouse of a company is presenting,” he says.

Recent geopolitical decisions have somewhat curbed international trade volumes while also reducing export volumes to the rest of North America, so the company’s current reach stretches primarily across the United States for now. Since the resulting economic situation has caused uncertainty for manufacturers in how they allocate their largest investments, business has, understandably, been slower in some areas than when trade and exportation were more predictable. As markets adjust, however, Hense indicates a rise in orders in recent months. He also points out that the company has been holding off on price increases despite a rise of 30 percent in the cost of automation control systems.

In the meantime, it continues to be an exciting time in the company’s history. “We’re proud to be part of people who are outfitting old manufacturing lines and updating them into new state-of-the-art systems,” Hense says of the innovation that is contributing to the health of the American fabrication industry and saving operators millions. To this end, Atlas Technologies offers tremendous value to companies with large heritage arrays like tandem lines. In such cases, its tracked cart series is especially favored. These are installed with robots mounted atop as robot transport carts that transfer components between presses along an entire line.

“When it comes time for die change, the robot carts move out of the way, and from the other side, a die cart enters in between the presses, and then you change the dies in the press line,” he explains. As there are many of these older systems throughout the United States, Atlas’s robot systems save on wasting precious long-term capital investments from years gone by.

Closer to home, the company considers its investments in its people as some of the most important it will ever make. While a previous period of training saw all its staff officially complete their Occupational Safety and Health Administration certifications due to a Going PRO Talent Fund training grant from the State of Michigan in 2024, new intakes are now completing hydraulics, electrical, programming, and other courses. Apart from appreciating his existing team, Hense is equally impressed with the company’s most recent appointments—capable, hardworking, and willing to learn, these young people give him hope for the future.

Putting its efforts into boosting sales and expanding market reach, the company continues leading with expert staff and legendary quality rooted in decades of evolution. “I’m really proud of this company. We have hard workers, and our people understand the needs of our customers,” Hense says confidently. It is indeed the company’s ability to evolve based on past experience and its drive to innovate a better future that underscores reaching the fiscal and cultural goals ahead. By continuing to navigate change better than ever before, this industry leader remains a constant of American pressroom automation.

The post Learning from History, Leading with Innovation<p class="company">Atlas Technologies</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

In the pages of history
Displaying the rich textures of local culture, the Moton Museum in Farmville occupies what was once the Robert Russa Moton High School, which gained fame as the birthplace of the student-led Civil Rights movement in 1951, when 16-year-old Barbara Rose Johns took a public stand against segregation, giving rise to a student strike that would reverberate down the years through collective American memory.

To mark this significant moment in history, the state of Virginia commissioned a statue of the brave young woman, which now stands in the Statuary Hall in Washington, DC. The museum was later nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With the majority of plaintiffs in 1954’s Brown v. Board of Education (another landmark case during the Civil Rights Movement) from Prince Edward County, the area’s legacy of commitment to equality prevails. As a friendly county known for its creativity and warmth, it has also been home to a string of glitterati, from hip hop star The Lady of Rage (Robin Yvette Allen) to admired screenwriter and filmmaker Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, to Founding Father Patrick Henry.

Today, this ACT Work Ready Community is experiencing a renewed surge in popularity, and not a moment too soon. Flush with unique assets ranging from the historical to the recreational, Prince Edward County offers variety in addition to natural beauty. In addition, buying land here remains within the reach of ordinary Americans, while the county’s welcoming attitude to new business creates an ideal economic climate for continued, sustainable growth.

Committed to quality education, the county is also home to two proud institutions of higher education, Longwood University, dating back to 1839, and Hampden-Sydney College dating back to 1775, both liberal arts colleges with the latter open only to men.

Weddings this way
Famous for its exquisite landscapes and hospitality venues alongside other amenities, Prince Edward County has carved a special niche for itself in the wedding industry. With the area providing everything couples could wish for on their big day, the sector is expanding at a healthy pace as growing numbers of former students choose to marry near their alma mater.

In addition, for the benefit of the wide selection of vendors in the region, the economic development team has partnered with the Farmville Chamber of Commerce to host an annual Bridal Expo where soon-to-be newlyweds can explore options to their hearts’ content.

Complete with an enterprise zone managed in collaboration with the Virginia Enterprise Zone program, local businesses here benefit from local incentives like reimbursement grants for job creation and property improvement, as well as tax reinvestment grants whereby certain areas of investment earn business owners welcome tax breaks—perks that a growing number of businesses are taking advantage of.

“We have been very intentional about economic development and tourism while promoting both. We’ve invested in local BRE (Business Retention and Expansion) efforts, job creation, and regional collaboration through various partnerships,” says Chelsey White, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, whose family has been here for generations. White and her team are stationed at the local visitor center, a designated marketing organization under the leadership of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Some of the organization’s most recent work has been in collaboration with the Virginia Heartland Regional Economic Development Alliance (VHREDA). “We foster a pro-business, solution-oriented culture from community development to economic development,” says White.

Also proud of the work his organization is doing to improve the local labor situation and provide opportunities for all communities is County Administrator Doug Stanley. This is achieved, he says, by aligning local priorities with business needs. As a result, the county vigorously fosters a healthy organizational environment, evident in its recognition in both 2025 and 2026 by Virginia Business Magazine as one of the region’s Best Places to Work out of 95 counties, cities, and towns.

Economic leadership
Prince Edward County is committed to serving the public with strong economic leadership and support through its collaborations with the Board of Supervisors and Industrial Development Authority, which provides flexibility and the confidence to lead. “From a staff resource standpoint, we bring a lot to the table to help folks navigate the development process and to investigate what kind of incentives are available,” says Stanley. The economic development team also collaborates with Longwood Small Business Development Center, helping prospective entrepreneurs in the planning phases of their business journey.

In this context, the lively downtown area’s most noteworthy anchor, Green Front Furniture, offers around a million square feet of retail space, contributing to the region’s reputation as a shopping hub for quality fare across seven surrounding counties.

Then there are the South Central Workforce Development Board (SCWDB) and the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, in addition to a clutch of regional and state agencies. “It’s common for us to partner on different grant applications. Sometimes it’s better for us, being smaller, rural areas, to pool our resources,” White adds.

Business at high speed
To ensure the region advances in sync with the times, the team has worked hard across numerous grant programs to make high-speed internet a reality in every area. What has now become a long-term project is expected to conclude next year. The ultimate goal is to give students improved access to online education and adults more freedom to work from anywhere.

Moreover, the reality of stable, reliable internet has also allowed the county to establish and further develop the 280-acre Heartland Innovative Technology (HIT) Park into a $3 to 4 billion hyperscale data center campus project in collaboration with Dominion Energy and AVAIO Digital, with an estimated two-year construction phase ahead.

Another new arrival, YakAttack, which moved here following a $2 million renovation by the county to ensure the firm’s future in the business district, has seen business go from strength to strength. 5 Pillar Meats has also invested multiple millions in the county, which is reaping results. Harbor Freight and Wawa are other respected operators that have planted roots.

The county also has an impressive new website, developed in collaboration with its tourism council, that brings flair to covering the region’s every amenity and activity. Moreover, the economic development team is expanding its social media presence through channels like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

A good claim to fame
Wrapped in verdant glory, Prince Edward County is famous for having the most state parks in the region, alongside incredible fishing opportunities. Interestingly, many of its recreational spaces have historic significance, with Twin Lakes State Park having perhaps the most significant history of them all.

Dating back to the pre-Civil War era, this park offers a nostalgic piece of African-American heritage in the area. “During segregation, people from all over the state would come to Twin Lakes as it was one of its kind, serving as a social hub for African-American families in the region,” White says. Generations of African-Americans have grown up with fond memories of weekends, holidays, and vacations here. Nowadays, it is a popular destination for family reunions.

One of the county’s rail-to-trail conversions, the High Bridge Trail State Park, which dates back to the Civil War, traverses Cumberland, Nottoway, and Prince Edward Counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect, and Rice. Popular amongst horse riders, the bridge’s elevation measures 125 meters at its highest point.

Sandy River Outdoor Adventures is another example of a business that has benefited from the economic development team’s support. Following an Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund grant, the business expanded and now offers a wide selection of activities including tipi glamping, ziplining, a whiskey and bourbon distillery, and a restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas. The Sandy River Reservoir is also known as one of the region’s hottest bass fishing spots, together with Briery Creek Lake.

Stanley, who has worked in local government for 30 years, is positive about the economic development team’s future. “Economic development brings business and brings tax base jobs that help generate funds for us to achieve the other functions of the county, whether it’s making improvements, capital improvements to improve our schools, or other services in the community. It’s an important function because it really drives growth,” he says.

White agrees, especially when it comes to developing the region’s housing provisions and evolving commercial potential. “Over the next five years, we see Prince Edward County continuing to emerge as a regional, commercial, and industrial hub while also beginning to realize the residential growth that we know the community can support,” she adds.

None of these goals come at the expense of the county’s commitment to authenticity, however. It’s plain to see that the charm of Prince Edward County is much of what makes it so attractive to so many, and safeguarding its heritage and keeping its character will see it continue to flourish for decades to come.

The post Cherishing the Beauty, Nurturing the Economy<p class="company">Prince Edward County, Virginia</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

An organically defined region, yet one of the country’s loveliest, this rural area rich in character has been described by the Brave Little State podcast as having “fuzzy edges.” Some certainties, however, include Hanover and Lebanon in New Hampshire, with its White Mountains, and Hartford and Norwich in Vermont, with its Green Mountains—all on the Appalachian Trail stretching from Maine to Georgia.

At least, these are the widely accepted facts, while another clutch of towns—the ‘in or out’ status of which is hotly debated by locals—are gathered along the outskirts. What is not debatable is the exquisite landscape carved out by the Connecticut River that defines the region—that and the Upper Valley’s bustling business scene, which is enjoying a welcome revival as of late.

A place to prosper
Education and healthcare are primary contributors to the prosperity of the region, with Dartmouth College (an Ivy League School that is the source of many local tech startups and medical research facilities) and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center as two of the largest employers. Technology and manufacturing, logistics and services, agriculture, light manufacturing, and a lumber industry also thrive in the Upper Valley.

To maintain this lively economic ecosystem, local businesses are supported and stimulated by the Upper Valley Business Alliance (UVBA). The product of two local Chambers of Commerce merging six years ago, the organization serves around 500 businesses across the Upper Valley, taking great care to help shape each area’s business landscape according to its unique character while offering support in legislative advocacy and economic and workforce development.

The UVBA also contributes to creating and maintaining a sense of community. As the Upper Valley is fairly remote, the UVBA works hard at helping new arrivals establish their place and build comfort zones through community involvement and fun activities. Some of its groups include Upper Valley Women in Business, Upper Valley Mosaic Network, Upper Valley Young Professionals, and the Upper Valley Arts Alliance.

“We cover Vermont and New Hampshire—a kind of bi-state support which you don’t see often,” explains Morgan Brophy, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Upper Valley three
Headed by three visionaries who each own their own business beyond their office duties, the organization is a hive of activity where problem-solving and economic regeneration meet hospitality and the type of zesty yet well-directed originality that only accomplished creatives bring. And the UVBA has three of the best.

Morgan Brophy took up her position as President and CEO in 2025, following a career as an arts administrator and producer in opera and classical music, during which she founded the Artist Relief Tree (ART) following the dire economic situation artists found themselves in during the COVID-19 crisis, raising $750,000 in mutual aid. The fund supported more than 3,000 artists globally, for which Brophy was awarded the 2020 Virginian of the Year Award. Brophy and her husband’s business, StrongRabbit Designs, supplies merchandise to nonprofits, individual artists, and small businesses looking to create additional income streams.

The region’s historic opera house, built in Lebanon in 1924, is the beautiful community hub that first drew Brophy to the area. She originally visited in her capacity as a Stage Manager for Opera North, the well-known local opera company, when she met her future husband backstage, little knowing that this would one day bring the couple back to the region to settle for good.

“Arts administration takes imagination,” Brophy says, “but also good organization. So that’s really what I contribute to the organization, to the region as a whole.” Additionally, bringing several years of administrative and nonprofit experience to her position, she combines her love of small business and community crafting with strong organizational skills to serve the people of the Upper Valley in fresh new ways.

Gordon Boddington recently joined the UVBA as Marketing and Administration Manager. He is driven by a rich talent for building connections and developing public interest in new business ventures. With a background in small business management and more than two decades securing millions of dollars in grants as part of his role in economic and community development, his wide range of skills, now being applied to building community and helping small businesses flourish, along with his skills in creating marketing campaigns that typically go viral, are being put to good use in the Upper Valley. Boddington is also the founder of the @heyuppervalley social media channel.

Nicole Follensbee, Membership Director, has been a local of the Upper Valley for the past 13 years, and is also the owner of Simply Beeutiful Events, an event and wedding planning business she established in 2021. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and an MBA from Plymouth State University, Follensbee brings nearly two decades of invaluable soft skills and expertise in the hospitality industry to her position.

Together, these three leaders offer valuable support for local businesses in need of more exposure and access to new markets. The team also provides tourist services; workforce attraction, development, and retention; and state advocacy. Moreover, it assists people moving to the region and aids in building and maintaining networks. Maintaining strong collaboration between the town management offices and planners of the four towns, the UVBA directly supports the economic and regional development commissions while weaving a fine tapestry of involvement amongst local stakeholders.

Breaking the boundaries
“This isn’t the case in every community, but for us, there is quite a bit of crossover and cross-pollination, which benefits us a lot,” Brophy says. “The town managers and planning departments have their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in their neighborhood pockets and their downtowns.” She remarks on how well this cross-pollination works in such a large region when new businesses open, for instance. “They let me know that there’s a new business opening, or if someone is struggling, so that I can reach out.”

As a business support aid, the team also focuses on where members’ goals for gaining market share are positioned. Brophy notes that joining the Chamber of Commerce or the Regional Economic Committee means gaining access to resources that help entrepreneurs in introducing themselves to new markets.

There’s another reason, too, why the approach is proving successful in economic regeneration. “New Hampshire is one of the most tax-friendly states for businesses,” Brophy explains. “It’s a great place to have a business because there is a very low tax burden.” And, with all the burgeoning business opportunities to be filled, the UVBA’s workforce development initiatives provide plenty of opportunities and resources to make this a healthy business ecosystem worthy of exploration and investment.

Part of this work includes further development of its affordable housing and childcare infrastructure, two social issues that stand to improve the current economic landscape. “We do need more talent in this region. What we hear repeatedly is that retention comes down to housing and childcare,” she says. As an important stakeholder in local business health, addressing the ‘missing middle’ in the housing sector has become a crucial element of the UVBA’s contribution to the region’s pathfinding mission.

It’s common to find this team engaged in facilitating conversations and easing processes between large employers and local municipalities on the subject of establishing affordable housing for employees. The UVBA is also frequently involved in national conversations surrounding how different states and municipalities address childcare and learning about how they might address those same challenges in the Upper Valley. Housing and childcare are issues that directly impact the economic health of a region so the UVBA is invested in being a part of the conversation at all levels.

Beyond business
But doing good business isn’t the only reason to move to this exquisite part of the country. Brophy describes the communities of the Upper Valley as very special and the dual region as providing locals with “the best of both worlds.” Both interesting and fun, this is the place where the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation runs an initiative called the Welcome Wagon that helps new arrivals settle in and feel at home. It is where families gather for games of glow-in-the-dark mini golf, at the new rock-climbing venue, to bike or walk the Rail Trail, or at the virtual reality escape room.

A new bar also recently opened, complete with an arcade-style doggy play park where cameras provide a live feed to the bar upstairs such that pet owners can watch their pooches on sports bar-style TV screens while enjoying a tipple with friends. And, even though the big brand names are certainly represented here, the Upper Valley is definitely a place where supporting local small businesses takes precedence.

The area also boasts a number of wonderful nonprofits doing great work; one in particular, Cover Home Repair (COVER), helps the elderly age in place by providing them, and others in need, with crucial home repairs and upgrades such as ramps and support rails.

The UVBA is committed to supporting both traditional and novel solutions—especially when it comes to shifting strategic stalemates in need of new direction. “Oftentimes, you’re not able to see action until we start participating in the conversation,” says Brophy. Herein, perhaps, lies the UVBA’s greatest contribution—bringing life and dynamism to what can otherwise easily become stagnating corners of its local enterprises and communities. The result of this support is lush crops of healthy new businesses flourishing across the area.

Now, while the UVBA remains dedicated to fulfilling its mandate of invigorating local business and caring for the overall well-being of the area, it is also revamping its own office system to ensure that it has the resources and performance power to achieve this. And so while it lays the groundwork that must anchor a host of new developments—the “sandboxes,” as Brophy puts it, where collaboration can spark new initiatives—this team understands that the Upper Valley Business Alliance must continue adding its layers of input to local businesses and local workforce creation. The organization excels at facilitating good relationships and building strong networks one season at a time—fully knowing that right now, all its hard work is helping to prepare the region for its next season of blooming.

The post Where Two States Meet to Prosper<p class="company">Upper Valley Business Alliance</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

One aspect that counts in the city’s favor on this front is New London’s accessibility. Alongside its interstate ferry access to Fishers, Block, and Long Islands, the city has good public transportation via rail, as both Amtrak and Shore Line East are well-represented. New London is also connected to Interstate 95, and American Cruise Lines docks here, with around 10 cruise liners set to arrive during 2026.

Now focused on small business development, the city of New London has established itself as a leader in bringing together its diverse communities in fun and creative ways. Reinvigorating its local business scene, the city is upgrading everything from storefronts to social media presences, downtown apartments to the city’s overall appearance, as it welcomes growing numbers of visitors from around the world. In the process, the city even introduced a fantastic new application, Explore New London, to enhance visitors’ experience further.

Applying its share of the nearly $2 trillion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding judiciously, the city has been supporting new construction, driving a vital surge in this sector not seen since the 1950s. Its downtown area perhaps benefits in the biggest ways, with significant restoration work and improvements, mainly along Meridian, State, and Howard Streets, allowing the city to offer leasing space to a growing number of new businesses in the area.

“I think it was very helpful to get those buildings ready for tenants. Many of our buildings were not ready—nowhere close to white-box standards and certainly not even grey-box,” says Elizabeth Nocera, Economic Development Coordinator. “We’re very grateful for the infusion of APRA dollars to accomplish that.”

Following the upgrades ARPA funding afforded New London, the city has transformed a previously bleak picture into growing communities, contributing to the city’s overall well-being in more meaningful ways than previously possible.

The anticipated grand opening of New London’s National Coast Guard Museum in 2027 is one of the much-welcomed economic drivers behind the current bustle. The new facility, positioned in the city’s historic area between Union Train Station and the Thames River, will provide visitors with glass-enclosed waterfront views across 80,000 square feet of public space offering well over 500 artifacts and 4,500 images. Beyond immersive and interactive exhibits and leadership training, participants will also benefit from educational programs in science, technology, and mathematics. “Currently, the Coast Guard is the only [division] of the National Defense Force that does not have a museum, so it’s going to be very exciting when that opens,” Nocera shares.

The influx of new visitors means that the city is also attracting new economic possibilities, making this a truly exciting time for New Londoners. In the process, the city has undertaken a thorough, two-year-long wayfinding initiative that has seen a number of new projects come to life. One of these is creating a range of maps and guides on navigating New London’s amenities and public spaces, helping visitors to easily find parking and other important landmarks. “We want people to not only visit the museum but to stay,” emphasizes Nocera. “Stay and have lunch. Stay and have dinner. Stay and visit our small shops.”

With a proud existing arts and culture tradition, the city’s artists also benefited from ARPA funding, securing New London the designation of third cultural district of the State of Connecticut. And as a result of the reinvigoration of its cultural, historical, and arts scenes, the city’s downtown area is blossoming in exciting new ways with a refreshed sense of vibrancy adding life and vigor to the atmosphere.

New London is also home to one of the state’s largest theatres. As it happens, the Garde Arts Center celebrates its centenary this year, as visitors come from across the region to enjoy premium cultural events and performances in the beautiful 1500-seat grande dame of local arts. As a beneficiary of a Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) grant, this star amenity can now afford to revamp its premises, breathing new life into the beloved landmark, complete with a new community area and an improved loading dock. The new dock provides access to semi-trailers at the back of the premises, enabling larger productions.

Another of New London’s current missions is overhauling its traffic infrastructure to accommodate growth, with a specific focus on enhancing traffic flow with the help of more funding from the DECD. Its goal is to ensure that all transportation providers enjoy improved access to and from destinations, making the city as easy to get around in as possible.

“We are currently working on new signalization and moving forward after some additional traffic study to change one of our current one-way streets to a two-way street to improve egress and ingress,” Nocera says of the city’s efforts to re-align a surge in rush-hour traffic.

Following the city’s greater traffic study, its ferry dock, a high-traffic zone linked to the interstate highway, recently completed environmental studies in support of its bulkhead improvements aimed at enhancing docking and on- and off-boarding. Its parking zone, giving access to the railways and ferries, will also soon be expanded thanks to another federal grant. “It is a wonderful problem to have parking issues,” Nocera laughs. “It is an indicator that we are now a national tourist hub.”

In another development, one of the city’s legacy businesses, The Day newspaper, exchanged its original central-downtown footprint for a new printing and distribution premises on State Street, and its earlier premises are set to become a hotel, complete with a public park and greenway right next to the Water Street Parking Garage, in partnership with High Tide Capital. By softening the mainly concrete-and-asphalt landscape of this area, New Londoners will soon be able to enjoy the pleasures of fresh, green soft-scaping in this popular part of their city.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership with High Tide Capital,” Nocera says of the projects, which have seen the addition of a significant number of affordable new apartments at both at The Day’s old and new premises. The result of this, together with the city administration’s economic revitalization work, is a wonderful blending of residential, small retail, and restaurant spaces, lending an air of relaxation and easy living to the area. With restaurants like The Lion House, The Blue Duck, and others, the city’s culinary scene is growing a life of its own in the best possible way.

As old mall spaces are now being converted into offices, even more businesses are returning to the downtown area, following the great commercial exodus of the 1980s when malls became the be-all and end-all of economic development in every city and town across the land. The city is now engaged in a strategic partnership with Connecticut Main Street Center to revitalize the area as well as the rest of its commercial centers, while considering the wishes of residents and other stakeholders with regard to what new additions would please them most in the development of a lively downtown.

New London also established a new community recreational center where local teams can practice regularly. “The Mayor, Michael Passero, and his administration, really pushed for it and made it a very high priority,” Nocera says. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful facility. We’re very, very proud of our new community recreational center that just opened in July.”

The city’s largest employer—and a considerable landowner—General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB or EB for short) is a submarine fabricator with a significant presence here and in the neighboring town of Graton. Providing the area’s young professionals with a steady supply of gainful employment, the company has also helped to stimulate the city’s housing development.

Another large contributor to New London’s prosperity is Connecticut State’s Pier Terminal, home to the city’s turbine assembly and wind marshaling operations since 2023. The city is also home to Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, the original patent holder for toothpaste invented by Doctor Sheffield in 1850, which has been in operation for around a century. In addition, there is Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, which employs a large number of healthcare professionals and is partnered with Yale University.

And Yale isn’t the only tertiary education institution with a presence here. The U.S. Coast Guard has its academy in New London, as do Connecticut and Mitchell Colleges. To ensure that students develop community awareness, the city makes a conscious effort to connect with them in various ways, and Connecticut College has supported the drive with its occupation of a building in the downtown area for student housing, adding to the diversity and liveliness of the district.

With a few more brownfield projects underway, there is certainly no shortage of affordable housing here, and with GDEB set to employ around 3,000 new people per year over the next few years, housing availability is set to remain a priority. Moving ahead, however, another priority is the development of brownfield sites on Howard Street as well as Garfield Mills on Garfield Street, which is earmarked for housing following site remediation. The next five years will also see the development of the historic Fort Trumbull peninsula, an area that has been slated for housing and other development for over a decade and is seeing movement toward that vision now. The city is also partnering with Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities (ECHO) in another exciting effort to establish yet more affordable housing, this time on Bayonet Street, where a local church steeple collapsed a few years ago, leading to the demolition of the building.

“ECHO has been a terrific partner. This project is now in phase three,” Nocera says. ECHO is also partnering with the city on a new, 45-unit mixed housing project at the site of the collapsed church on State Street.

With further plans underway and extensive upgrades to infrastructure and accessibility driving ongoing improvement across the city, New London is being primed for a new lease on life, one which promises to see its historic and commercial districts blossom into a new era of economic prosperity over the next decade.

The post On the Move<p class="company">City of New London, Connecticut</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

Offering world-class service and a rich ambience, the exquisite natural beauty and human warmth of Southwestern Vermont keep teams focused and grounded. The region’s thoughtfully curated inns, meeting spaces, and retreat properties provide the privacy and professional support needed for productive sessions, while the surrounding landscape encourages reflection and renewal. In The Shires, teams can step away from their daily demands to reconnect with their purpose, their leadership, and one another, building the clarity and alignment that drive organizations forward.

Identifying a niche
As many companies and organizations spent 2025 reimagining the post-pandemic future, Southwestern Vermont identified an innovative, growing niche at the highest level—and has the expertise and infrastructure to support its expansion.

As CEO of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Matt Harrington brings more than a decade of experience in regional economic development, business leadership, and destination promotion. In his role, he works closely with employers, institutions, and community partners to strengthen the region’s capacity to host high-quality meetings, conferences, and professional gatherings.

Groups from around the world visit Southwestern Vermont for its sophisticated sense of organization and old-world hospitality. “The Shires are especially well-suited for executive offsite gatherings, nonprofit retreats, board meetings, and leadership development programs, where trust-building, reflection, and long-term thinking matter as much as agenda items. What makes this region distinctive is the way strong venues, thoughtful service, and genuine community collaboration come together to support meaningful work. When leaders come here, they’re able to slow down, focus, and engage with one another in ways that lead to better decisions and stronger organizations,” Harrington says.

Where better?
Sharing its borders with New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, the state of Vermont is home to The Shires of Vermont, tucked away in its southwestern-most corner.

Southwestern Vermont has its county seats in Bennington, the source of the region’s alternative name, Bennington County, and in Manchester in the North, which is also its retail and recreation hub. Moreover, Southwestern Vermont is relatively easy to reach from anywhere in the world, yet sufficiently hidden from the madding crowd to make it truly singular in its positioning within the national market.

Immensely popular with visitors from Asia due to its unique blend of historic architecture, pastoral landscapes, and timeless New England character, Southwestern Vermont offers an atmosphere that feels both grounded and otherworldly. Elegant Georgian Revival estates, classic village greens, covered bridges, and carefully preserved town centers create a setting that feels intimate, walkable, and visually rich. The region’s quiet roads, green-or-orange-or-white covered hills, and starlit skies lend a sense of calm and mystique that is increasingly rare in modern travel. For many international visitors, The Shires represent an authentic, storybook version of America—one that combines refinement, craftsmanship, and natural beauty with a deeply personal sense of place.

The region is easily accessible via three-and-a-half-hour charter flights to Bennington’s William H. Morse State Airport from John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports in New York. Albany International Airport is also nearby, just an hour’s drive away.

“Located within a comfortable drive of Boston, New York City, Albany, and Western Massachusetts, The Shires provide the accessibility of a regional hub without the congestion, cost, or anonymity of larger metro destinations. Part of the experience is the journey itself—traveling into the Green Mountains and stepping into a setting that feels both timeless and intentionally unhurried,” Harrington says.

Memorably small
In contrast to regions that regularly host retreats for thousands of attendees, Southwestern Vermont is the quintessential example of the power of petite. Boasting some of America’s dreamiest countryside landscapes, the area offers amenities that make corporate gatherings genuinely memorable for even the most discerning guests—and for all the best reasons.

Focusing its efforts on helping organizations build connection with their teams through conscious presence and modern thought leadership, the region’s superpowers reside in its commitment to taking care of details and a talent for creating an atmosphere of substance and charm for groups of up to 100.

Built on a proud legacy of farm-to-table food, The Shires’ culinary scene offers a smörgåsbord of local and international flavors to please even the most discerning palate. “We’re a culinary bastion, a culinary corridor, from Massachusetts—and really the Berkshires—all the way up into Vermont,” Harrington says of this sought-after region’s delectable selection of restaurants representing a cornucopia of cuisines ranging from Japanese to Indian, Jamaican, Turkish, and more. “It’s intimate, it’s personable and focused, but it also has this really natural, earthy goodness about it,” he says of the local food tradition known for taking the time-honored route with authentic dishes created from quality ingredients.

Spoiled for choice
The area’s collection of beautiful establishments also adds a touch of refinement. Some of Southwestern Vermont’s most breathtaking venues include Hildene, the Lincoln Family Estate near the town of Manchester, where 412 acres of pristinely kept land welcome visitors to a newly constructed, multi-million-dollar conference facility. The regenerative farm features a formal garden alongside an original Georgian revival mansion, a luxury 1903 Pullman railcar, a museum store, and a welcome center.

“From Hildene’s Lincoln Hall, a world-class historic venue with modern amenities, to refined conference spaces at The Kimpton Taconic Hotel and The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, meetings in The Shires feel purposeful, inspiring, and memorable,” adds Harrington.

The Kimpton Taconic is an internationally renowned hotel offering premium event facilities, accommodations, and fare in Manchester. Moreover, the Mt. Anthony Country Club, dating back to 1897, offers an 18-hole golf course, ballroom, and breakout rooms alongside popular dining options. Stratton Mountain Inn in Stratton Village spans hundreds of acres, comprising four unique properties that cater to those seeking a range of accommodations from multiple-room condos to a resort and studios.

There is also winter skiing across more than 670 acres, from an elevation of 3,875 feet, rounded out by 27-hole golf course, rides, hiking, and yoga. Visitors also have access to a top-class mountain sports training facility.

Another gem is just a stone’s throw from Bennington’s downtown. South Shire, a historic little hotel with big character and an even bigger following, is decorated in the typical New England style. Able to accommodate between 20 and 100 guests, it is intimate enough to be entirely dedicated to a single event. This venue offers a range of options to suit most group gatherings, with well-designed flow and breakout spaces, and an enclosed courtyard welcomes guests with ample space for outdoor meetings.

The Prospect Street Writers House, in North Bennington, offers seasonal writing retreats and residencies where small groups of writers come together for workshops, collaboration, and structured creative time in a retreat-like setting.

As one of the famous Inns of Dorset, Barrows House is a boutique-style resort that combines modern-day simplicity with old-world elegance. Beyond an interesting selection of carefully created cocktails, its award-winning wine list is perfectly paired with its popular menus—all freshly prepared from quality local produce.

More luxury awaits at The Four Chimneys Inn in Bennington, where close attention is paid to even the finest details. This romantic retreat reflects the tranquility and good taste of yesteryear. The inn offers 11 rooms and ample space for gatherings and meetings of all kinds, with an on-site restaurant offering an impressive, modern French-Vermont à la carte menu.

For larger groups, or those seeking a more standardized experience, there is the Hampton by Hilton Inn and Suites in Manchester and Brattleboro, with their familiar waffles, range of amenities, and easy-going creature comforts.

The generous helping of popular area restaurants includes one of Manchester’s favorites, Mystico Cucina Italiana at 928 Main Street, featuring delectable Italian menus based on fresh ingredients and a penchant for authentic, exceptionally prepared food. The décor is minimalist yet rich in character, with a coastal spin and a hearty atmosphere. The restaurant offers space for larger events and enough room for 50 people seated and 70 mingling.

“What truly sets Mystico apart is our culinary foundation and service philosophy,” says Debbie Pazos, proprietor. “My husband, Luis, and I come from Michelin kitchens, and that standard of excellence carries through every event we host.” Menus are customized to suit the hosts, while the spaces are easily adapted to suit each event’s unique needs.

There is also Pangaea Restaurant, together with a café of the same name, where diners indulge in skillfully prepared, creative meals. Naturally, with great comfort comes the need for great activity, and here, too, the region boasts myriad options.

From rugged to refined
With kayaking, biking, hiking, and trout fishing available on the Battenkill River, hosts can even opt for camping or more traditionally rugged shelters at the Merck Forest & Farmland Center. “What’s available here is customizable and choice-driven. If a team is looking more for the calm, outdoor, adventure feel for their getaway, we have it. If the team is looking for pamper and relaxation, we have that. And everything in between,” Harrington remarks, with a focus on crafting curated experiences tailored to suit every need.

Indeed, with its many historic locations all within easy reach, visitors can take in popular attractions such as the Bennington Theater, Bennington Museum, Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Southern Vermont Arts Center, and Monument Arts & Cultural Center. “These experiences foster connection, reflection, and informal networking beyond the meeting room,” Harrington says.

In recent years, Southwestern Vermont’s venues have drawn attention as desirable settings for professional gatherings and conferences. In November 2025, the Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) chose the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester to host its annual conference, bringing Chamber leaders from across the state for a multi-day program focused on innovation, governance, and strategic planning. The event included breakfast sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, underlining the region’s appeal to association professionals seeking both connectivity and a scenic backdrop.

Historic Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, has also emerged as a unique host for national-level gatherings. In the spring of 2025, the Lincoln Forum Symposium convened at Hildene’s Lincoln Hall and surrounding estate, attracting historians, scholars, and enthusiasts for lectures, panel discussions, and immersive experiences centered on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The estate’s combination of historic architecture, expansive grounds, and modern meeting facilities makes it a compelling choice for organizations seeking a distinctive setting that blends learning with place-based inspiration.

Not far from these venues, Stratton Mountain Resort continues to position itself as a multifunctional destination for retreats that combine meeting space with recreational programming. In 2024, Stratton hosted the SHM New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter Conference, a professional gathering that drew healthcare leaders for educational sessions, networking, and outdoor activities—showcasing the resort’s ability to cater to groups looking for both substantive programming and team-building experiences in a mountain setting.

Across the region, properties like the Kimpton Taconic, Hildene’s Lincoln Hall, and Stratton Mountain illustrate how Southwestern Vermont’s venues support a diverse range of retreats and conferences—highlighting not just traditional meeting spaces, but environments that enhance reflection, collaboration, and connection for attendees.

In addition to his Chamber leadership, Harrington also leads Harrington Brands, a consulting practice focused on retreat design, facilitation, and strategic visioning. Through this work, he partners with organizations to deliver high-impact retreats, leadership programs, and strategic planning sessions. His experience spans venue coordination, agenda development, stakeholder engagement, and on-site facilitation, allowing clients to rely on a single, trusted partner from concept through execution. With deep regional relationships and a strong understanding of organizational dynamics, Harrington brings both local knowledge and proven process to every engagement, helping groups turn gatherings into meaningful, results-driven experiences.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that the success of a retreat or leadership gathering isn’t just about what happens in the meeting room; it’s also about where it happens,” Harrington says. “Place matters. When leaders step into an environment that encourages reflection, connection, and perspective, they show up differently. In Southwestern Vermont, organizations find the space to slow down, refocus, restore their energy, rebuild alignment, and reconnect with their peers. That sense of place is often what turns a good meeting into a transformational experience.”

To him, the value proposition is simple: Southwestern Vermont offers a true alignment of place, culture, and values that appeals to forward-thinking organizations looking to reinvigorate their teams and organizations. The area’s amenities are perfectly suited to these small yet powerfully focused breakaways, providing escape without distraction. It is a place that feels just right.

The post Where Leaders Gather: A Place To Refocus, Restore, Rebuild, and Reconnect<p class="company">The Shires of Southwestern Vermont</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

Calling Galco a powerhouse of ingenuity is no overstatement. Over the past six years, the company, known for supplying factory-authorized industrial electrical and electronic automation, controls, and component products, has delivered sustained growth amid the economic volatility and supply chain instability that have reshaped global industrial distribution since 2020.

Galco’s differentiator is straightforward. It positions itself as a premium problem solver for customers facing maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) challenges. Headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan, the company supports Tier 1 suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across industries, including automotive, agriculture, food and beverage, oil and gas, data centers, and beyond. Galco provides mission-critical components and the expertise required to keep operations moving.

Closer to clients in every way
Backed by its six brands and nearly 300 employees, Galco’s team has built a reputation for continuous improvement. This is measured not only in internal efficiency, but in customer proximity and responsiveness.

On one hand, the company has broadened its operational scope while reducing the geographic distance between its team and customers. On the other hand, it has invested significantly in its omnichannel presence, creating a seamless, consistent experience for customers both online and offline. These investments make information and support easier to access through intuitive channels and streamline purchasing for faster, hassle-free product acquisition.

In step with the times, Galco has made some major investments in AI. Chief Information Officer Joe Garzia emphasizes the importance of distinguishing legitimate new pathways from no-go zones within the technology. “Our focus on AI is to be open to opportunities, but cautious,” he says. “A lot claims to be AI these days, but it is just buzzwords.” The priority is improving customer experience while keeping systems secure and proprietary to Galco.

As the organization implements new technology across departments, the finance team has overseen meaningful upgrades. These upgrades automate repetitive tasks so staff can focus on higher-impact work. At the same time, the company remains vigilant about cybersecurity and information security while pursuing initiatives designed to improve how customers get answers and move from need to solution.

Galco’s most recent addition in this area is a chatbot, currently under development, which will soon offer an extra layer of quick-access support, providing customers with faster information and expedited service. This gateway boasts yet another layer of support in the form of agents ready to assist when a request is beyond the chatbot’s scope. The company is also building an automated quotation capability aimed at reducing turnaround time and improving speed-to-order.

Importantly, AI now plays a new role in Galco’s marketing and service delivery—powering smarter product recommendations that improve customer outcomes. “Today, the bar has been raised so high—everyone expects an Amazon-type experience when shopping online,” says Allison Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer, of the company’s commitment to customer care. “That’s why we use what customers already have in their cart, along with what’s popular on our site, to recommend the items that pair best—so people can quickly find what goes together and finish the job with confidence. I would say we lead in that.”

In search of value for clients
Galco’s value proposition is extensive, starting with inventory depth that helps customers avoid tying up capital in stock. Its highly skilled, sought-after technicians are also well-versed in repairing rare, sometimes vintage equipment that is difficult or impossible to replace. In addition, Galco offers custom systems improvements and retrofits wherein the team creates electronic drives that function with customers’ existing controls.

Extending Galco’s expertise beyond the website and into a format customers engage with every day is its social media presence, part of a broader effort to create thought-provoking content across Galco’s digital channels, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. From how-to instruction to quick tips and product spotlights, these channels illustrate the tremendous value and depth of Galco’s resources and credibility with customers.

While all these efforts certainly drive growth, Galco’s main means of expansion is through acquisition. As the company already serves all of North America, Thomas Muldowney, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, and his fellow leaders aim to broaden their presence further and extend capabilities through aligned additions to the portfolio.

“Galco’s growth strategy is about extending an already strong North American platform,” Muldowney says. “We focus on acquisitions that add technology, expand capability, and align with how customers want to buy and be supported.” Beyond reach, the company looks for businesses that strengthen services and technical competency so it can deliver a broader set of solutions across industries.

Driven by this vision, Galco is always keen to add well-aligned businesses to its portfolio. Founded in Michigan in 1975, the company began taking steps to expand its presence about five years ago. Reaching from the East Coast into the Midwest and growing southwards from there, it now defines “going the extra mile” as meaning “being within easy reach of clients.”

“We have so many different verticals here, from repair teams that can leverage Galco’s parts inventory for fast turnaround to in-house technical engineering support,” explains Bob Marshall, Vice President of Engineering and Services.

A case in point is the recent acquisition of Brozelco, Inc., with locations in Rockford, Kingsport, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, known for fabricating operator buildings, e-houses, and electrical enclosures popular with mines and asphalt processing plants. Adding this capability expanded Galco’s portfolio and created new strategic upside alongside the company’s service-driven model. “In 2030, that’s going to be a $5 billion market,” suggests Muldowney.

Ranging across markets
As a result, the company remains agile in a wide range of markets, giving its team of 15 technicians the scope they need to be the best-versed professionals across an impressive range of big-name products in electronics and technology. But market agility is only part of the strategy.

For construction-driven sectors such as data centers, speed and coordination matter as much as product availability. Galco’s model is designed to support build-outs by helping contractors and subcontractors get the right components, controls, and support quickly, often while projects are still in design.

Beyond the company’s focus on expanding its capacity to provide enhanced services in water and motion detection, full motor and pump repair, and support in harsh environments, the team continues collaborating with OEMs that support fabricators. “Being a broad-based distributor means we’re not tied to one market. For instance, if food and beverage takes a hit for whatever reason, we still have those other markets,” Muldowney says.

Having driven phenomenal growth since 2019, when the company employed fewer than 100 people, Sabia’s arrival as CEO was a notable game changer, according to Marshall. “When Allison came aboard, we really changed the trajectory of our company, with more forward focus,” he says. Sabia’s vision helped accelerate acquisition, deepen supplier relationships, and support modernization, including the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.

Beyond significant capital investments by parent company Freeman Spogli, Sabia, who comes from a competitive public company background, is clear on what drives the company’s overall success: “90 percent of it depends on the people—and then obviously aspects like inventory and systems and processes. But if you don’t have the right people sailing the ship, it doesn’t matter,” she says.

Today, the company’s leaders describe the growth journey as demanding, but worth the effort. A newer focus area is data center capability. With leadership identifying hundreds of businesses nationwide that can build and equip large-scale facilities, Galco is positioned to support contractors and specialized contributors, including electrical, cabling, HVAC, and controls companies serving this space.

“It’s not always easy to find those companies when the build-out is ongoing, but it’s been an absolutely great business for us in the last six months to a year,” Muldowney says, noting that recently landing a big client in this space has made the hard work worth it. In this sector, the company’s capabilities in chiller and internal air conditioning controls proved to be a surprise advantage.

Because Galco operates across multiple disciplines, long-term projects have produced substantial results. This proved true in Chattanooga last year, where the team supplied and delivered more than $1,000,000 in products on a tight timeline to keep a major project moving.

Ahead of the trends
Staying data-driven and market-aware is central to staying ahead. Galco’s leaders describe a disciplined approach to research and development, including daily market reporting, third-party research, and close collaboration with suppliers who track demand by region and application. Muldowney notes that semiconductor signals can serve as a leading indicator, helping the team anticipate shifts four to six months ahead. The same rigor extends to Galco’s internal data—especially customer purchasing behavior and digital engagement signals captured through the website. By analyzing what customers search for, compare, add to cart, and ultimately purchase (and where they abandon or ask for support), teams can spot emerging demand patterns earlier, refine assortment decisions, and prioritize inventory and content investments where they’ll have the greatest impact. In combination with supplier intelligence, these first-party insights help leadership make faster, more confident decisions about forecasting, merchandising, and go-to-market strategy.

Sabia is clear on how the company defines success. “To be successful in industrial distribution, you need to realize it is not just about volume. It’s about your reach, capability, and relevance to the customer experience,” she says. The throughline is customer outcomes, especially when downtime is on the line and decisions need to move quickly from design to quote to delivery.

By combining deep inventory, technical services, and a rapidly evolving digital experience, Galco is raising expectations for what industrial distribution can deliver. For customers, that means faster answers, smarter support, and the confidence that the right products and expertise will be there when the job is on the line.

The post Where “Going the Extra Mile” Means “Getting Closer to Your Customer”<p class="company">Galco</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

Muskegon’s economy is underpinned by entrepreneurship and a culture of cutting red tape. As a result, investors looking to settle here are met with a warm welcome and generous support from the local economic development department. The city and its economic development department offer progressive zoning reforms and tax incentives, reasonable turnaround times for plan reviews and building inspections, and brownfield development abatements.

“The city of Muskegon is developing the most investment-friendly environment and public service organization in West Michigan,” explains Jake Eckholm, Director of Development Services. Working closely with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation for Muskegon County and fully supporting its commitment to developing the local workforce means fostering close relationships with all stakeholders across the county.

Impressive growth is driving expansion in the city’s manufacturing, healthcare, and senior living industries, as well as the commercial sector, but the real economic action is in housing. Here, on average, homes are still about a third less expensive than in some neighboring communities. As part of Muskegon’s commitment to help solve West Michigan’s housing dilemma, enabling the construction of new housing in every price range is a large part of the department’s mandate.

To achieve this and help close a 2,924-unit housing gap, including the demand for 1,611 rental units, the city has adapted its zoning codes to accommodate the construction of duplex and triplex units in its residential areas. A plan for 1,500 new units is being rolled out over five years to fulfill the need. More single- and multi-family homes and affordable housing are also in the pipeline.

Together with comparatively smaller developments on the lakeshore, the state’s largest adaptive reuse project, The Shaw Muskegon—formerly home to the largest global furniture fabricator—is now being redeveloped following decades of neglect. The $230 million development will introduce 500 of the city’s planned new units. The project is being built on one of fewer than 10 transformational brownfield plan approvals by Michigan state officials.

Eckholm is proud of the high level of assistance the economic development department provides to developers in navigating their legislative and fiscal responsibilities. “The city of Muskegon offers the whole suite of statutory tax incentives that the state of Michigan provides, but in addition to that, we try to be very forward-thinking on what can help a project succeed,” he says. “I think we are one of the few communities in West Michigan that really make that effort and work with the developer,” as opposed to expecting them to come to the city with their needs.

Due to its vision and commitment to expansion, the department was nominated for the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business Ivory Prize for housing affordability this year, a National top three finalist alongside Los Angeles County and the State of Florida while outperforming cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The award is in recognition of the city’s development of a brownfield project of approximately 435 city-owned, vacant, residential lots that will soon become housing developed by the city and sold just under value, the shortfalls of which will be covered by proceeds from other properties sold to developers.

Here, developers are permitted to build whatever types of housing they prefer, putting home ownership within reach for a much larger part of the population. “We think we build the most affordable, stick-built, site-built housing in the country,” Eckholm says. As part of these efforts, the department is in the process of completing four low-income housing tax credit projects that will provide 294 affordable workforce units and senior living units.

Part of Muskegon’s invigoration strategy has been to ensure that, while local construction leaders benefit from the expansion, other firms from areas like Southeast Michigan and the Detroit Metro area also have a stake in the city’s growth. “We at the city, when it’s a bid on public work getting done, have a local preference policy,” Eckholm explains. “The job to redevelop this community is large enough for everybody, so we’ve really been focused on bringing more folks into the market at all phases of development.”

This balanced approach has benefited local contractors and allowed operations from across the region to set up satellite operations, promoting equity, investment, diversity, and above all, powerful economic growth.

For prospective investors looking to settle in Muskegon, some land is still available. The city currently has a 30-acre industrial park lot, with private and public utilities. Two comparable lots were recently sold, one of which was purchased by one of Michigan’s largest private research laboratories, Northern Biomedical Research. The second parcel went to Forming Technologies, which recently expanded into a new 215,000-square-foot facility.

Muskegon’s economic development strategy is not all about growth, however. In addition, the team works hard to protect and support the needs of residents who call this beautiful place home. The local people, and especially the youth, who give the place its unique charm and character are very much at the epicenter of the city’s vision. “We want to serve folks that have been here historically, who have stuck with the community,” Eckholm says. Because of a lower education attainment rate, resulting in a lower average income, this work is crucial to improving the prospects of young adults in the area, and this is where welcoming more people becomes important.

By establishing a more robust tax base, more public services become possible. This leads to more meaningful economic collaborations with educational and trade institutions, while rethinking the incarceration system. In this way, the city plans to strengthen and develop its already strong labor force. By attracting companies that pay well, the overall income problem is further addressed on multiple levels.

“We have to leverage this development to benefit folks that are already here,” Eckholm emphasizes, highlighting that, as incomes improve, every addition to the housing market affects another demographic’s housing situation. In light of its most recent census showing a 12,000-person drop since 1950, promoting the city to new arrivals will help achieve the fiscal goals set to improve the quality of life for all.

Muskegon’s existing industries remain resilient, particularly manufacturing, healthcare, and senior living, its biggest employers. Here, too, construction has not lagged; while one former hospital made way for 144 new apartments this year, another was built just six years ago for around $280 million. More recently, a new $90 million Trilogy Health senior living facility, offering a comprehensive service portfolio including memory care, assisted living, and independent living, was also established.

With its focus on the future, Muskegon’s education sector also offers myriad choices. Muskegon Public Schools is one of the first in the country to adopt the Ford Innovation Academy curriculum, providing a wide selection of academic, athletic, and arts activities.

Muskegon’s arts scene is indeed alive and well, and diverse restaurants cater to locals with roots from around the world. Some of the city’s most outstanding amenities include the distinctive and elegant Frauenthal Center, with its old-world romance—a theater and venue for the arts featuring performances by groups visiting from as far away as Ukraine, with a recent visit from the Grand Kiev ballet company. Moreover, the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra regularly performs for residents and visitors who appreciate the delights of classical music.

The Muskegon Museum of Art has the second-largest permanent collection in the state, following Detroit. In addition, its public arts scene is supported by the largesse of a late benefactor and founder of the city’s only company that was ever listed on the S&P 500. Thanks to his foresight in securing funding, the Muskegon City Public Art Initiative was founded in 2018.

A number of sports teams represent the city, which also boasts a junior hockey team, the Muskegon Lumberjacks, and an active, city-owned sports arena welcoming visitors in addition to the indoor arena football team, the IronMen. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, meanwhile, is home to winter sports activities. Exceptionally well-equipped with ice-skating, cross-country trails, and much more, “it’s one of the only luge tracks in North America,” Eckholm says.

The natural environment is also on the city’s priorities list. While its mercantile export and import capabilities are among the most solid aspects of its manufacturing economy, the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, formed by a group of concerned citizens, is in the process of remediating the health of the lake. Following an investment of around $90 million, the situation has already improved for this precious water body. “This year, we were removed from the Areas of Concern List for waterbodies in North America,” Eckholm shares. The lakeshore also has Michigan’s largest operating commercial port, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The possibility of a new park has spurred much public discourse, but caring for nature and debating public spaces are not the only things locals are passionate about. They also enjoy gathering at their local farmers market with 144 seasonal and 24 year-round stands—the second-largest in the state. The market sees around 15,000 visitors pass through on Saturdays in season. Locals also support small businesses, like those in Western Market’s brilliant business incubator initiative, where a delightful row of 17 fledgling enterprises trade unique and exciting wares before launching into bigger premises once they are off the ground.

Having built its wealth first on French trading posts and later on logging, which saw the city supply most of the wood used in Chicago’s reconstruction following its historic fire in 1871, the Muskegon of today is every bit as proactive and future-driven as its founding fathers once were. Care for the people who call Muskegon home is at the center of everything the city does, and the enormously dedicated team upholds and enables progress, taking this city to ever greater heights.

The post Growing Investment One ‘Yes’ at a Time<p class="company">City of Muskegon, Michigan</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

When World Business Chicago came to life through the vision of Mayor Richard M. Daley 25 years ago, it was intentional about the change and evolution the organization wanted to witness in its time. As Chicagoland is one of the three top economies in the United States and number 2,122 in the world, the organization aims to expand the economy to $1.4 trillion by 2034. The goal is set to be achieved by ensuring optimal inclusion across the region, improving overall prosperity for all, including historically disadvantaged groups.

With hard work etched into every square inch of this city’s dynamic landscape, Chicago’s most recent rise to success did not come overnight. Establishing the Economic Plan for Growth and Jobs in 2012, World Business Chicago knew that it was time to get local business and civic leaders together to craft a revised growth strategy informed by the prevailing zeitgeist. Chicago 2050 is the two-chapter plan it developed, the first of which was recently released. The strategy will serve as the city and region’s mission statement for building a bright, sustainable economic future. “Everybody should read it. It’s going to roll out throughout the years ahead,” says Andrew Hayes, Vice President and Director of Marketing & Communications.

Led by the question of what the city will be in 2050, the project entailed collaboration with locals and other stakeholders on what is working and what is not. Envisioning the city’s economic future naturally demanded a fresh look at housing, education, public spaces, transportation, industry, and every other aspect that contributes to its well-being, so the team interviewed over 300 individuals, gathering feedback and recording people’s points of view. This process was considered imperative to the plan’s success.

“Chicago 2050 is a roadmap to turn our structural strengths into measurable outcomes,” says Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Chicago delivers both scale and balance, with nearly $900 billion in regional output, the most diversified economy in the nation, and a talent pipeline of more than 145,000 college graduates each year. Together, these assets are powering what we call the ‘Wow! Corridor,’ representing $18 billion in transformative projects stretching from the Obama Presidential Center to Google’s new Midwest headquarters and O’Hare’s modernization,” he explains. “Through Chicago 2050, our focus is clear: accelerate growth, attract global capital, and strengthen the assets that make Chicago one of the world’s most reliable, resilient, and investable markets for long-term value.”

With technology evolving at lightning speed, the task remains complex. “Thinking through even five years ago, I couldn’t have told you what 2025 would look like when I was in 2020,” says Hannah Loftus, Vice President of Research. “We’re setting a big vision that will allow us to organize folks to rally around this vision that we can see the city moving toward.”

“We have really strong strategies in place that are guiding growth and expansion in Chicago,” Hayes agrees.

“At World Business Chicago, our goal is growth,” says Loftus. “We have a clear strategy to achieve that,” she says, underscoring the role of industry in the organization’s vision. “Our manufacturing industry is number two in the nation, both by the amount of goods that are produced and the number of people that are employed,” she tells us. “We’re maintaining that leadership status.”

Now, Chicago 2050’s first part of Chapter 1’s five-year approach focuses on its four legacy industries, namely manufacturing; transportation; logistics; and professional services, insurance, and finance. Some of the city’s largest employers, ensuring that these sectors are well-maintained and provided with everything they need in terms of technological and other infrastructure to continue growing is pivotal to economic security. Some considerations include how people work, when they work, and how they commute, if at all—and how to accommodate these needs in the most efficient ways possible.

“I’m proud to be leading one of the first strategies emerging from Chicago 2050—ChiForward, Chicago’s new front door for global investment,” says Charles E. Smith, Vice Chair, World Business Chicago, Founder/CEO, CS Insurance Strategies, Inc., a division of MMA. “This initiative is designed to drive impact across all communities, connecting capital not only to marquee projects downtown but also to transformative opportunities in neighborhoods and industrial corridors throughout the city. We’re building on strengths investors can quantify—like $295 billion in trade through O’Hare last year and access to a quarter of North America within a day’s drive. In a changing global economy, ChiForward will ensure that growth reaches farther, builds broader, and strengthens Chicago’s position as one of the world’s most reliable and accessible markets for investment and inclusive prosperity.”

By maintaining support for its strongest industries, Chicago is able to spread its wings and reach into promising new fields such as clean energy, quantum technology, life sciences, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. Its particular focus on clean energy and all things quantum drew PsiQuantum, a tech startup building quantum computers, to break ground here a little over a month ago in a dedicated space for this industry in the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). The city is also committed to preparing a ready and able workforce in this field, from high school to the college and university levels, ensuring that any quantum-related companies looking to set down roots here have a top crop of professionals to choose from.

Creating quality employment options was part of the reason World Business Chicago worked to ensure that all Chicagoans have a voice in the city’s future. “We want everyone to have a stake in making Chicagoland the best place, where people want to be,” says Loftus. “As we’re thinking through economic development and growing our region, we’re imagining it through the eyes of people who want to live here.”

The organization also pays close attention to the well-being of residential areas located close to industrial zones. “We are making sure that as we’re attracting businesses, we’re growing those economies,” Loftus says, highlighting the team’s collaboration with universities to ensure that all demographics are thoroughly considered and accommodated according to their unique needs. World Business Chicago is also inviting architectural and civic groups into conversation at the famous Millennium Park on Randolph Street. “We really see this as the jumping off point for the next big idea,” says Hayes. Home to many proud educational institutions and blessed with a large and diverse population, Chicagoland has what it takes to continue building on the legacy of prosperity it inherited from its founders and all those who ceaselessly work toward its success.

The area’s hospitality to newcomers is noteworthy, and World Business Chicago welcomes businesspeople in need of support to set up and get settled in the city. As a result, the city’s downtown is the fastest-growing in the country. Home to its financial and professional services industries, it is not the only area with room for new arrivals, though—working closely with Chicagoland Economic Partnership, an alliance of seven surrounding counties throughout the region, the teams gladly do the legwork for new companies in search of the ideal property to establish their business. “Ultimately, we want companies to thrive here. They know what they need and we likely have what they need. We’ll make sure that those two are connected correctly,” Loftus says.

The rapid recent expansion of the city’s downtown is also due in part to its post-COVID-19 strategy which saw Chicago turn many of its empty office spaces into residential blocks, complete with affordable housing. These developments are especially popular amongst companies looking to retain a younger workforce alongside distribution and logistics facilities.

Perfectly positioned to connect with all sectors and industries across the city, World Business Chicago also works hard at identifying global audiences to invite into negotiations. To this end, it most recently sent delegations to Mexico and China in the hopes of garnering new trade partners for the city. “It’s a very powerful approach to prospecting,” Hayes says of its Sister City project. As part of these efforts, Chicago now has 28 international sister cities that act as bilateral economic development partners.

“We are an economic super region. Therefore, we are considering how we fit into the global economy on a world stage,” says Loftus.

Local giants are also paying attention, and the city will soon be home to Universal Studios’ permanent exhibit, Universal Horror Unleashed. The immersive experience will introduce visitors to the movie studio’s monsters from over the decades, complete with restaurants and other entertainment offerings. The building will be located in the city’s entertainment area on the West Loop, right opposite the new Bally’s casino. More exciting developments are currently under wraps but in the pipeline.

The city’s strategic location, alongside its international airport, ideal highway network, and proximity to waterways, make it ideal for business travel, warehousing, and distribution for companies looking to reach as much of America as possible. World Business Chicago also sees the city’s location as ideal for providing manufacturers with climate change resiliency. “We can reach around a quarter of the nation within one day’s trucking drive; 25 percent of freight goes through our railways; and in 2024, we traded $295 billion worth of goods through here,” Loftus says, confirming that figures place the city at number one in the country’s warehouse inventory race.

For World Business Chicago, there is only one way for the city to go. “We plan to grow the region into a $1.4 trillion economy and grow jobs to 1,000,005,” Hayes confirms. As Carl Sandburg described this breathtaking place in his timeless 1914 poem, Chicago, the city promises to remain every bit as proactive and future-forward as a century ago when he called it “Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler.” It is a formidable task, but one this team is greatly looking forward to executing.

The post Forging the Future<p class="company">World Business Chicago</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

WBE Canada also plays an integral role in providing customized support for its corporate and government members as they not only implement but grow their inclusive sourcing strategies. These efforts result in measurable gains that contribute to increased innovation and agility, reduced supply chain risk, enhanced market access, a stronger brand image, and improved corporate financial performance through higher ROI.

As a non-profit organization, WBE Canada certifies, develops, and promotes Canadian businesses that are at minimum 51 percent owned, controlled, and managed by women. Certification is a rigorous process aligned with global inclusive procurement and supplier diversity standards that strengthen credibility and mitigate risk for corporations. A WBE Canada Certified Women Enterprise (WBE) is recognized by top Canadian and global corporations and government organizations including RBC, BMO, TD Bank, Manulife, Bell, TELUS, GM, Hyundai, City of Toronto, BDC, CBC, SaskPower, and Enbridge, to name but a few.

Travelling the width and breadth of Canada to connect in person creates the energy the team strives to achieve by inspiring large groups of women in business and learning from their experiences at the same time. WBE Canada’s wealth of resources means that its team can pivot quickly, adapting to market conditions and leading change from an informed perspective. By maintaining clear communication, this group of passionate and fearless women act as the core of Canadian women-owned businesses, keeping everyone informed, connected, and well-nourished with valuable data.

Considering the sheer volume of its knowledge and expertise developed and collected over nearly two decades, the council is exceptionally well-positioned to help shoulder the weight of what Canada and its businesses must now achieve in terms of economic growth and sustainability. “What we do is really important for both women-owned businesses seeking opportunities and for corporations operating in Canada and governments looking to mitigate the ever-evolving risks to their supply chains as tariffs disrupt historic trade patterns,” says Danielle Barkman, Director of Marketing & Business Growth.

“WBE Canada’s database is key to how both our Corporate Members and our Certified WBEs are sourcing suppliers,” says Jennifer Popowycz, Director Certification & Community. She further notes that recognizing that women make up a large percentage of all minority groups, the database is now being used in many different ways than before. “The searches are becoming more unique as the Corporate Members are searching by specific keywords, industry, service area, and many other filtered fields. In addition, our Certified WBE community is also now sourcing from our database as they see collaboration with each other is key to their success.”

Another key strength of the council lies in its ability to rapidly cultivate strong relationships and strategic partnerships across various industries and sectors. This agility allows the council to gain fresh insights into emerging market segments and quickly translate those learnings into actionable data. By tapping into these shared resources, members are empowered to refine and elevate their market strategies, improving both reach and effectiveness.

“Everyone uses systems differently, so being able to train them within our platforms is key,” explains Charli Law Jury, Director of Finance and Operations. “We’re not just providing information—we’re enabling our members to apply it in a way that’s tailored to their specific operational environments. That kind of hands-on support makes a real difference when it comes to adoption and impact.”

This approach underscores the council’s broader mission: not just to disseminate knowledge, but to ensure it is both accessible and actionable for every member, regardless of their starting point.

Alongside securing access to data, WBE Canada considers the nature of continuously evolving roles and teams within a modern context. By having its finger on the pulse of real-time change, WBE Canada supports and engages its business partners in keeping in stride with relevant trends. “We support and get those resources to you quickly so that new team members can be onboarded and successful in their role sooner. That engagement, relationship, and rapport are imperative to business growth,” Barkman adds. “WBE Canada’s communication and networking efforts are more valuable because we complement our virtual events with in-person events that allow us to strengthen our connections.”

As part of this mission, the WBE Canada team started this year’s annual Supplier Diversity Days: Cross Canada Tour in Regina, Saskatchewan. The WBE Canada team visited several cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax for the second time to follow up with guidance and valuable workshops, sharing skills and business development knowledge. Visits to new places like St. John’s, Newfoundland are set to become a regular feature on its itinerary. By facilitating workshops where people share their ideas and solutions, the team then improves and develops its material and refreshes its approaches to adapt to changing needs. These in-person events provide opportunities to develop and nurture relationships with suppliers and buyers in local regions across the country that enable future opportunities.

Wrapping up this year’s tour in Calgary and Winnipeg in September, this team will have crossed thousands of miles by the end of the year. The distances stand testimony to the thorough and dedicated work that goes into making the council thrive as it does. “[On these journeys,] by bringing together women-owned businesses and our corporate and government members, we uncover the challenges created not just by geography but by special needs from regional industries such as agriculture and resource mining,” Popowycz explains.

Another important subject of discussion with women business owners across Canada includes the obstacles and barriers to entry that they face not only in the process of gaining access to, but in marketing their businesses in their specific areas. As each region has its unique challenges, which are often geographic in nature, these topics are expanded on and become the fertile substrates for new course materials including mentorship programs in regions such as Atlantic Canada that help guide businesses to overcome and thrive.

Many times, removing hurdles is as simple as providing more information on, for example, obtaining certifications to trade across provincial borders—things that may appear intimidating at first.

WBE Canada is also gearing up for its Annual Conference and Tradeshow, this November 12^th to 13^th at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre in Toronto, Ontario. From celebrating with this year’s Awards of Excellence, to inspiring keynote speakers, hot topics, in-depth panel discussions, interactive workshops, a Tradeshow presenting unparalleled opportunity to create new partnerships, meet prospective buyers, and broaden connections, and limitless networking opportunities, WBE Canada’s National Conference is not just an event—it’s a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and economic inclusion within Canada’s supplier diversity ecosystem.

Following reflection and attendee input from last year’s incredible 15^th National Conference, the WBE Canada team has created two days dedicated to an atmosphere of learning, interaction, and connection. Following on the heels of last year’s successful Tradeshow, this year’s event features women-owned businesses, corporate and government procurement teams, and partners all coming together to unlock visibility, showcase and sell innovative products and services, and provide a platform for lead generation and even successful business transactions.

WBE Canada is committed to supporting its communities of certified women-owned businesses, corporate and government membership, and partners through education and resources. This year’s conference focuses on the most relevant topics to Canada’s women entrepreneurs and inclusive procurement ecosystem including the future of DEI in today’s constantly evolving world, growing sustainable business strategies, insight to AI in business, hiring practices in today’s social media landscape, and, for procurement teams, the latest on ramping up your diverse spend and creating a win-win culture within corporate supplier inclusion strategies. “There is endless opportunity at this year’s Conference under the theme Focus Forward, that invites exploration and encourages people to think, plan, and advance,” says Popowycz.

As an indelible part of the Canadian business world, all of WBE Canada’s efforts, including both in-person and virtual events, matchmakers, workshops, and webinars, combine to create power-packed opportunities for both its WBE and corporate members to benefit from for months and even years down the road as they use what they have gleaned to innovate, leverage opportunities, and grow. In addition to providing events and resources that are relevant and current to its community, WBE Canada Toolbox is an incredible library for WBEs and Corporate Members, providing valuable learning materials, webinar recordings, affiliate courses, latest news, and updates. As inclusive procurement evolves as an integral contributor to Canada’s economic sustainability and growth, WBE Canada is dedicated to supporting its community in its journey to succeed through education, knowledge sharing, and connection.

By continuously reviewing and reflecting on its direction, mission, and how it can make a difference, WBE Canada contributes an enormous service to the Canadian economy through its support of female entrepreneurs across the country. Keeping up the good work means staying in stride with the times, its members, and one another, and Law Jury is clear about the organization’s mission. “We’re united,” she says. “We share the same purpose. We’re steady, we’re strong, and we want the community to feel that.”

WBE Canada’s certified women-owned businesses, corporate and government members, its partners, and advocates are all part of an incredible network dedicated to building strong, innovative and inclusive supply chains, contributing to Canada’s economic self-sufficiency and growth. By driving its focus forward, WBE Canada is committed to continuing to spread this message—that women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment are not only vital but essential to Canada’s economy—from coast to coast and beyond.

The post Empowering Canada’s Women-Owned Businesses: WBE Canada Driving Inclusive Procurement<p class="company">WBE Canada</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

This isn’t just about building products; it’s about building them right the first time through a tailored, collaborative process that anticipates customer needs. By prioritizing open communication and a servant leadership culture, Cirtronics acts as a direct extension of its customers’ operations, allowing them to confidently reallocate internal resources toward innovation, research, and design.

Cirtronics also offers a tremendous number of upfront services such as documentation preparation and handling, as well as engineering reviews, making the process significantly easier for its customers. Serving the New England area along the East Coast, the company has been expanding its reach to include the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Soon, the team will also attend their first exhibition on the West Coast at the MD&M West Show. This strategic expansion aims to bring the benefits of a true manufacturing partnership to a wider customer base.

Investing in technology for customer advantage
Cirtronics’ commitment to continuous improvement is backed by strategic investments in both hardware and software, designed to give customers a competitive edge.

The company recently invested $2.5 million in advanced manufacturing equipment, as well as new software for enhanced quoting accuracy and improved cybersecurity. These investments ensure Cirtronics has the leading technology necessary for the future of manufacturing, providing customers with superior quality and efficiency. Focusing on tightly integrated compliant systems will allow Cirtronics to leverage single points of entry to inform systems both up and downstream of activities and changes. They have carefully chosen leading software partners who have a firm grasp of the needs of today’s high-tech manufacturers and systems that communicate with each other and the equipment within the facility. These investments will help streamline current processes to gain efficiencies throughout the organization from quote to cash.

The company is also introducing AI-integrated software upgrades this year. These technologies will streamline operations and provide a new level of efficiency, enabling a faster response to changing market demands. This dual focus on advanced hardware and intelligent software allows Cirtronics to offer a truly seamless and secure manufacturing experience.

A partner for growth and scale
Customers trust Cirtronics not only for its quality but for its ability to scale. The company’s employee-owned (ESOP) model ensures every team member is directly invested in customer success, fostering relationships that in some cases span more than two decades.

This unwavering commitment to the customer is demonstrated by the company’s ability to scale rapidly. In one example, Cirtronics took a customer’s production from a small run of PCBAs and assemblies to building 172 SKUs (totaling 37,000 boards and box assemblies) across five product lines in just two years. This is a clear example of Cirtronics’ agility and its capability to grow alongside its customers, adapting to their evolving needs.

The company’s commitment to superior quality has earned it a reputation for excellence, fueling its expanding presence within the medical and military sectors. “Our products are integrated into a vast range of applications where first-time functionality is non-negotiable,” says Stephanie Gronvall, Director of Marketing, underscoring the critical role Cirtronics’ components play in the field. This ethos drives the team’s unwavering dedication to quality and accuracy.

Gronvall emphasizes the bespoke nature of the company’s customer relationships: “Customers have unique requirements; some may need a more guided approach.” The Cirtronics team proactively tailors its services to each customer’s specific needs, engaging in a consultative process to align on product complexity and project parameters, thereby cultivating trust from the outset of every partnership.

A partnership built on trust and transparency
For Cirtronics, every customer relationship begins with a Precision Engagement process. The initial introduction phase, which can include in-house tours and consultations, focuses on building trust and a deep understanding of the customer’s unique needs. This is not a transactional business, but a true partnership built on transparency and a culture of service.

The company’s approach of finding a good cultural fit and creating a supportive environment extends to its internal culture as well. This dedication to serving its employee-owners, community, and customers creates a wholesome servant leadership style. This fosters a connection to the human aspects of the business, ensuring every relationship is reciprocal and every product is built with pride and care.

Committed to treating employees well since it opened its doors nearly five decades ago, being a great place to work goes beyond just good salaries and benefits. Personal and professional development go hand-in-hand with building a culture of care among staff members.

Stephanie Girard, Marketing Communications Specialist, agrees. “We seek to serve and continuously improve,” she says, pointing out that the company is committed to developing its technological capabilities, its teams, and all the other aspects that enable it to treat its customers with the respect and consideration they deserve. “We take pride in what we do,” she adds. “I think that’s a huge piece of why we work so well together.”

Cirtronics welcomes two or three startups annually, believing that a successful partnership is a two-way street. By working as an extension of a customer’s operations, Cirtronics builds products and relationships that last.

Cirtronics’ mission is clear: to be a leader in contract manufacturing by relentlessly serving its partners, its team, and its community. By combining decades of experience with a forward-thinking investment in next-generation technology and AI-integrated systems, the company is building a foundation for sustainable growth. Cirtronics proves that a commitment to both human values and technological advancement is the key to delivering exceptional results. For companies ready to scale and partner with a manufacturer as invested in their success as they are, Cirtronics is the clear choice.

The post Precision Engagement for the Future of Manufacturing<p class="company">Cirtronics</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.