At the Dekko Foundation, our mission is fostering economic freedom through education. We believe children and young people from birth through age 18 are naturally wired to achieve economic freedom through their own development and by being in learning environments that support their self-sufficiency. When they have opportunities to connect their skills and talents to careers, they further their ability to create goods and services for others. It is through the creation of value for others within our democracy and free-enterprise system that they can earn, build, use, and share their wealth in the manner they choose. In other words, they have achieved economic freedom. Through our grantmaking, we invest in the healthy development of children and young people and in environments that nurture their self-sufficiency. Our grantmaking is concentrated in areas of Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota where our founder, Mr. Chester E. Dekko, had business or personal interests.

Generating investment and job creation in our community. Our services are centered around our mission, by assisting new and growing companies or those looking to relocate to find resources they need to build their business. This includes not only site selection, but also redevelopment assistance, workforce research, access to financing and other incentives or resources to help them make the most of their investments in Battle Creek. For over 40 years, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) has helped people and businesses find ways to create economic opportunity in Southwest Michigan. BCU, a private, nonprofit corporation, serves as the business and economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek. BCU was established in 1972 under contract with the City of Battle Creek to market and manage the conversion of the abandoned, former military property, which is now known as Fort Custer Industrial Park. The grounds were transformed from rolling, wooded tracts of abandoned military property into the now modern, thriving industrial park. This transformation was the nation’s first and most successful base conversion project into Michigan’s largest, cutting-edge, state certified industrial park – 3,000 acre Fort Custer Industrial Park. BCU positioned Battle Creek among the first communities to make a marketing strategy of workforce development and customize training. Thanks to the foresight and diligence of local, state, and national leaders assets were put in place to encourage success. This included: 1976 – Customs Port of Battle Creek Designation 1978 – Foreign-Trade Zone 43 grant of authority 1980 – Public Act 450, positioning the Battle Creek Tax Increment Financing Authority as the first industrial TIFA in Michigan. Through stunning early wins in manufacturing, BCU never abandoned its strategy of determined outreach, a collaborative approach, and proactively developing an asset base for economic growth and social resilience.

The Non-Ferrous Founders' Society (NFFS) is the premier North American trade association for the non-ferrous metal casting industry. NFFS is a proven resource for information and resources vital for effective non-ferrous foundry management, helping foundries remain competitive in a volatile business climate. NFFS members are non-ferrous foundries, ingot manufacturers, and industry suppliers who are industry leaders committed to manufacturing superior products and providing exceptional customer service. NFFS member foundries utilize virtually every casting process. The principal metals cast in non-ferrous foundries are aluminum and copper alloys (brass & bronze). However, some non-ferrous foundries may also pour magnesium, zinc, and other non-ferrous materials.

The LaGrange County EDC is the single point of contact for economic development efforts in LaGrange County, IN. We work with regional, state and federal partners to support and encourage our clients’ business development endeavors. Our approach centers on four main areas of concentration: business retention and expansion, business attraction, entrepreneurial development and improving overall quality of life. This process guides us on our mission to better the lives of LaGrange County citizens, both individual and corporate, through the responsible growth and enhanced opportunities that economic development brings. The LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation board and staff will act as advocates for potential new developments in our communities. In addition to the pro-business climate that exists in LaGrange County and in Indiana, we will actively pursue incentives from our various partners to ensure that LaGrange County is where you call "home."

As the President/CEO of the Bryan Area Foundation, I work on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the members of the Bryan Area Foundation to make the greatest impact possible on enhancing and improving the quality of life in Williams County through effective management of our $40M+ assets. This is achieved by serving as a leader, catalyst, and resource for charitable giving. I serve with the purpose of consistently growing endowed assets and investments so we can effectively respond to existing and emerging needs within our community through responsible grant making.