News
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The New York Times: U.S. Job Growth Holds Up as Economy Gradually Cools
Interest rate increases have taken the edge off labor demand, but unemployment dipped in November, and wages rose more than expected. NEW YORK, NY – The U.S. economy continued to pump out jobs in November, suggesting there is still juice left in a labor market that has been slowing almost imperceptibly since last year’s pandemic…
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Herald Palladium: Market Van Buren recognizes accomplishments of area businesses
PAW PAW, MI – Several businesses throughout Van Buren County received recognition this past week from an economic development group dedicated to promoting business in the county. Market Van Buren hosted its inaugural Business Recognition Awards at the Black River Barn in South Haven, June 29. The event brought together company owners and community leaders…
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WSBT: Worker shortage remains a big problem for local business owners
Southwest Michigan small business owners are voicing their concerns about not being able to hire staff as their busy summer tourism season fast approaches. And it’s not just hospitality workers. We went to a roundtable hosted by a business development group to help local leaders in several industries. From manufacturing, to restaurants to retail, this…
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Moody On The Market: Major Expansion Plans Unveiled for Barber Packaging in Van Buren County
PAW PAW, MI – One of the most agile Michigan manufacturers during the pandemic not only averted tragedy by rapidly pivoting to a highly successful conversion of their manufacturing facility in Van Buren County, they have just announced a major expansion that will create up to 20 new jobs in the region going forward. On…
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WSJM: Barber Packaging Expanding In Bangor
BANGOR, MI – Barber Packaging in Bangor is expanding. After their successful conversion to make one-million face shields for the medical community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm is creating as many as 20 jobs with a six-acre, 36,000 square foot facility. That will be built in Bangor and will relocate the Paw Paw facility…
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Wood TV8: SW MI company making new face coverings for children
BANGOR, Mich. (WOOD) — A Southwest Michigan business is now making reusable face shields especially created for kids in local schools. Barber Packaging developed the product just last week and is already beginning the production process. Luke Barber, the president of the company, says the shields have been approved for use in schools by the…
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Herald Palladium: Cass County partners with Kinexus Group subsidiary
PAW PAW, MI – Cass County is creating a new partnership with Kinexus Group and its subsidiary, Market Van Buren, to raise the economic development profile of the county. Officials made the announcement Friday in an effort to strengthen both counties in the ever-changing economic development landscape. “Market Van Buren has always reached out to…
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MLIVE: Southwest Michigan company retools to make a million face masks
BANGOR, MI — Barber Packaging, a custom packaging company, is shifting to also produce personal protection equipment. The Bangor company switched from its usual business to help fill a need for local healthcare providers, by producing plastic masks. Barber Packaging matched with a purchaser through the Pure Michigan Business Connect program of the Michigan Economic…
