Kalamazoo MI is the largest city in southwest region of Michigan.  As of the 2010 population census, Kalamazoo had a population of 74,262.  Although this is the population in the city,  the Kalamazoo portage metropolitan area has a population of 326,589.  Of this population 29,413 are households and 14, 353 familes residing in the city.  Out of the 29,413 households there were 24.9% of those that had children under the age of 18 living in the home and 30.6% were married couples.  The primary age group of the population is those between the age of 18-24 with 27.6%.  The median income for a household in the city was $31,189, and the median income for a family was $42,438.

The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown’s Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to decline after the 8th century and was replaced by other groups. The Potawatomi culture lived in the area when the first European explorers arrived. Kalamazoo was legally incorporated as a village in 1838 and as a city in 1883. Most of the city is on the southwest bank of a major bend in the Kalamazoo River, with a small portion, about 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2), on the opposite bank. Several small tributaries of the river, including Arcadia Creek and Portage Creek, wind through the city. The northeastern portion of the city sits in the broad, flat Kalamazoo Valley, while the western portions climb into low hills to the west and south. Several small lakes are found throughout the area. In the past, Kalamazoo was known for its production of windmills, mandolins, buggies, automobiles, cigars, stoves, paper, and paper products. Agriculturally, it once was noted for celery and bedding plants. Although much has become suburbanized, the surrounding area still produces farm crops. Kalamazoo was once known as the “Paper City” because of the paper mills in and near the city. The Allied Paper Corporation operated several mills and employed 1,300 people in Kalamazoo during the late 1960s. As the forests of West Michigan were logged out, paper mills closed

Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamazoo,_Michigan

Clean Earth Environmental Contracting Services  provides reliable and cost effective sanitary services to the Kalamazoo area.  The work with residential, commercial, and industrial industries.  Some of the services they provide is sewer cleaning,  hydro vacuum excavation ,  septic tank services, and much more. From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward S Sprinkle Rd,  take the 1^st left onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn right onto E Michigan Ave,  take the 1^st right onto Henning St,  turn right onto King Hwy/ M -96,  Clean Earth Environmental Contracting Services  is on the right.

With a lifetime of experience in the drain cleaning industry, Dale W. Hubbard realized our country was becoming more concerned with the protection of our environment and natural resources, thus creating Clean Earth Environmental Contracting Services.  The Clean Earth Environmental division was created with a focus on providing earth-friendly solutions to dirty problems, while providing the highest quality service.  Discovering new solutions to problems our customers are facing is something we do well. We have worked diligently to provide the highest quality equipment, technology, and training, that translates to cost savings to our customers.  Many of our managers and staff have been with the company since the beginning, thus offering our customers a wealth of experience at their disposal. Our experience and loyalty has made our company what it is today – the best in the business.

Website:  http://www.cleanearthenvironmental.com/

Address: 5189 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 381-2400 ()

Hours of operation:        Contact us

Come join us and curl up with a good book at the Kalamazoo Public Library   .  They also offer programs to help you learn a new language , prepare for an exam, learn about your family history, and many programs.  They feature books, videos, sound recording and large print circulars.  From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo  start out going west on E Cork St toward Cork Street Ct, turn right onto Portage St,  the Kalamazoo Public Library is on the left.

Selected National Library of the Year in 2002, Kalamazoo Public Library serves a district population of 119,000 through five locations plus multiple outreach ventures. Many Southwest Michigan residents use Kalamazoo Public Library through reciprocal agreements with neighboring libraries. The library offers an extensive collection of books, movies, and music, year-round programming for all ages, Ready to Read—an early childhood literacy program, ONEplace—a management support center for nonprofits, a Local History Room featuring a vibrant website and local information database, the County Law Library, and more. Dozens of public computers and wi-fi offer high-speed access to the Internet. Mobile apps make library information and the collection more easily accessible to portable devices.

Website: http://www.kpl.gov/

Address: 1244 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 553-7970

Hours of operation:          Monday 1 pm – 6 pm   Tuesday 1 pm – 8 pm    Wednesday 1 pm – 6 pm

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm    Friday 10 am – 5 pm   Saturday 9 am – 12 noon

Ladies Library Association is an organization that was organized to preserve the history of the historic landmark building.  They also are heavily active in education and special programs.  The Education Committee of the Ladies’ Library Association emphasizes and encourages learning opportunities for all age groups. It stresses reading as one of the most important ways to accomplish this goal.  They host different events throughout the year to raise money .   From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo  start out going west on E Cork St toward Cork Street Ct, turn slight right onto Whites Rd,  take the first right onto S Westnedge Ave,  turn slight right onto s Park st W,  Ladies Library Association is on the right.

Our building, completed in 1879, was the first building in the United States owned and built by a women’s organization as a club house and was also used as a community library. The LLA was organized in January 1852, grew out of a reading club started in 1844.  It was the first women’s organization in Michigan and the third in the nation.  The building is on the Michigan Register of Historic Places, the LLA is a Kalamazoo Historic district, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  One of the stated purposes of the Club is to preserve and maintain this historical building so that it will continue to be a source of pride to future generations.  We are also actively involved in promoting literacy and education.  In 2005, LLA inaugurated its college scholarship program.  Each year college scholarships are awarded to selected Kalamazoo county high school graduates.  We contribute thousands of dollars each year to a variety of local, state, national, and international organizations in support of their humanitarian efforts.

Website: http://www.kalamazooladieslibrary.com/

Address: 333 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 344-3710

Hours of operation:          Monday 1 pm – 6 pm   Tuesday 1 pm – 8 pm    Wednesday 1 pm – 6 pm

Thursday 10 am – 6 pm    Friday 10 am – 5 pm   Saturday 9 am – 12 noon

If moving to the Kalamazoo MI  area and in need of Electric services for your home or business,  Consumers Energy is power distributor in the area.  They provide programs and services including in home energy cost control, How to generate your own energy,  and Natural gas resource center .  They provide services to residential, commercial and industrial customers.   From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going west on E Cork St toward Cork Street Ct,  Consumers Energy is on the left.

Consumers Energy is one of the nation’s largest combination utilities, providing electric and natural gas service to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents, in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Our Growing Forward strategy calls for investing more than $6 billion in Michigan over the next five years. That includes significant investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental and customer service enhancements, and new power generation. The investments make Consumers Energy one of the largest investors in Michigan and will help the utility maintain and improve service to customers, create jobs, boost the state’s economy and expand the state’s tax base.

Website: http://www.consumersenergy.com/

Address: 2500 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (800) 477-5050

Hours of operation:   Contact us

When moving to the Kalamazoo MI area or starting up a business don’t forget about your propane needs. Amerigas is a leader in the propane service providing their customers with knowledge and quick turn around for their propane needs.  AmeriGas provides consumer propane services to more than one million residential customers just like you, including: propane home heating, propane water heating, and propane for drying clothes. From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward S Sprinkle Rd,  take the 1^st left onto S sprinkle Rd,  turn left onto Wynn Rd,  take the 1^st left onto Olmstead Rd,  turn right onto I-94-BR W,  turn left onto I-94-BR/ M-96/ King Hwy.  Amerigas is on the left.

With AmeriGas, you get more than just a propane supplier – you get a propane expert and partner. Since 1959, our mission continues to provide you with the most reliable, safest, and responsive propane service in the nation.

Over 1.3 million customers just like you use AmeriGas propane services in nearly 50 states. That has made AmeriGas the largest marketer of propane. We use the size of our organization to your advantage every day, retaining our focus on friendliness and personal attention found only in a “corner store”.

Today, that attention to your needs continues as AmeriGas is the only major propane company offering you easy access to online payments and account management.

You can count on AmeriGas propane for a variety of uses, including home heating, space heating, water heating, pool and spa heating, drying, cooking, grilling and motor fuel.

Website:  http://www.amerigas.com/

Address: 1600 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 343-5253 ()

Hours of operation:        Contact us

Consort Display Group offers a wide range of display products.  They have digital banners and screen print banners that can be use indoors or outdoors.  Podia product line which is mostly table top display for restaurants, hospitality, special events, and template inserts.  They also feature DisplayOne that are products mainly used in easy set up of tradeshow booths.  From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going west on E Cork St Cork Street Ct,  turn right onto Portage St,  Consort Display Group is on the right.

Originally founded in 1983 by our President, architect Roger Lepley, AIA, Consort Display Group started as Kalamazoo Banner Works. We began by helping organizations attract attention and enhance their streetscapes with the finest quality banners and state of the art banner hardware.  As demand grew, so did our product lines. We remain committed to using cutting edge technology, resulting in the most tested and reliable displays on the market. And Consort warranties are the strongest in the industry. Consort is nationally recognized for our superior products and exceptional customer service. You can trust the experts, the originators and innovators at Consort Display Group.

Website: http://www.consort.com/

Address: 2129 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 388-4532

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Western Michigan University prides itself on providing leadership in teaching, research, learning, and public service.  They have an extensive study program that has be recognized nationally.  Offering programs in the undergraduate and graduate level from aviation flight science , biochemistry , jazz studies, management, history, and so many more areas of study.  From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  S Sprinkle Rd,  that the 1^st left onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn left onto Wynn Rd,  take the 1^st left onto Olmstead Rd,  turn right onto I-94-BR W,  turn left onto I-94-BR W/ M-96 W/ King Hwy, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-96 W,  turn left onto E Michigan Ave/ I-94-BR /  M-43, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-43 W, turn slight left onto I-94-BR W/ US-131-BR S/ Stadium Dr,  turn right onto W Michigan Ave,  Western Michigan University is on the left.

Western Michigan University is a dynamic, student-centered research university with an enrollment of 25,000. WMU is focused on delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction, advancing its growing graduate division and fostering significant research activities. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching places WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of American colleges and universities includes WMU as one of the nation’s top-100 public universities. Undergraduate students at WMU may choose from 140 program offerings while graduate students may select from 67 master’s, one specialist and 29 doctoral programs. A number of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have attained national recognition. Also enriching the quality of campus life are nearly 300 registered student organizations and a full array of NCAA Division IA intercollegiate athletic teams.

Website: http://www.wmich.edu/

Address: 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 387-1000

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Nexus Business Solutions helps businesses act on their visions.  They give businesses tools and insight to make confident decision to achieve the goals and vision for the company.  Offering solutions in growth and development, productivity, efficiency, operations procedures and much more. From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  S Sprinkle Rd,  that the 1^st left onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn left onto Wynn Rd,  take the 1^st left onto Olmstead Rd,  turn right onto I-94-BR W,  turn left onto I-94-BR W/ M-96 W/ King Hwy, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-96 W,  turn left onto E Michigan Ave/ I-94-BR /  M-43, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-43 W, turn left onto N Rose St,  take the 3^rd left onto I-94-BR E/ M-43 E/ W Michigan Ave, take the 1^st right onto S Burdick St/ S Kalamazoo Mall, Nexus Business Solutions is on the right.

Nexus Business Solutions helps companies to re-engage their drive by re-clarifying their vision. We help business owners like you to reclaim the energy, passion, and the optimistic direction you once felt for your company by helping to polish or refocus the vision you have for your company. We provide the experience, know-how, and perspective to get you past the next crossroad, or “nexus” in the maze of small business ownership. With us, you can choose confidently the best route to pursue. Our business advisors not only help you to find the solutions needed to grow, but we also show you how to implement those solutions and to create sustainable change for your company. With our expertise on your side, you will be able to re-clarify your vision and permanently re-engage the drive you once had for the future of your business. Nexus Business Solutions will teach you what you need to know to maneuver around, over, and through those obstacles, so you may take your company in the direction you want to take it. Stop running around the maze, guessing which way to turn. Look up and ask how to find success

Website: http://www.nexusbusiness.com/

Address: 157 Kalamazoo Mall Dr. #105, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 387-1000

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Arcadia Archives provides document and data storage to many types of industries including legal, medical, construction, institutional, banking, manufacturing, and corporate.  They provide hard copy storage, medical record storage, media storage and information retrieval services.  They provide document solutions to businesses that are safe and cost effective.  From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  S Sprinkle Rd,  that the 1^st left onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn left onto Wynn Rd,  take the 1^st left onto Olmstead Rd,  turn right onto I-94-BR W,  turn left onto I-94-BR W/ M-96 W/ King Hwy, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-96 W,  turn left onto E Michigan Ave/ I-94-BR /  M-43, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-43 W, turn slight left onto E Water St,  Arcadia Archives is on the right.

Arcadia Archives is a full service document and data storage company.  Hard copies, electronic media, business, financial or medical records — if you have it, we can store it, safely and cost-effectively. Our document storage facilities are equipped with alarm and fire protection systems. We will bring storage containers to you. You fill them up at your own pace. We pick them up whenever you are ready. We will store your items in our secure storage facility. Whenever you want them back, let us know! You can schedule a redelivery at anytime. Contact us and a representative will do a no-obligation assessment of your document management requirements, and help you develop a program that will help you manage your documents and your budget.

Website: http://www.arcadiaarchives.com/

Address: 309 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 343-5533 ()

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Kent Record Management Inc’s goal is to bring businesses methods in which they can become organized, compliant and find cost effective ways in which of doing this.  They provide document and data storage to many types of industries including legal, Healthcare, accounting , Technology, food, retail, and more.  They provide paper management storage, digital record storage, online backup, information destruction and other services. .    From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  Cork Street Ct,  turn right onto S Burdick St,  Kent Record Management Inc is on the right.

For over 30 years KRM has provided paper record storage and management, retrievals/refiles, and secure pickup and delivery services. Recently, we have added electronic records, electronic backup, and hosted services to assist our clients with their electronic record challenges. Currently we provide service across Michigan, in and around the Grand Rapids, Lakeshore, Kalamazoo, and Lansing areas. We service over 500 clients and are considered an expert in managing paper records in numerous industries such as healthcare, legal, financial, and insurance. Our services can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, and they are available at anytime. Kent Record Management Inc. has been providing innovative, efficient, and secure record and information management services. Currently we provide service across Michigan, in and around the Grand Rapids, Lakeshore, Kalamazoo, and Lansing areas. We service over 500 clients and are considered an expert in managing paper records in numerous industries such as healthcare, legal, financial, insurance, and others. Our mission is to be the world-class leader in records and information management by tailoring solutions to meet constantly changing business demands.

Website: http://www.kentrecords.com/

Address: 3003 South Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 341-9770

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Fabri-Kal is a leader in the stock product and custom packaging solutions industry.  They provide many packaging solution to the foodservice industry.  Some of the product lines they offer include plastic cups, bowls, containers, lids and trays.  They are dedicated on working with their clients to provide a packaging solution that works for their product.    From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  S Sprinkle Rd,  take the 1^st right onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn right onto Covington Ave,  turn right onto Manchester Rd,  Fabri-Kal is on the right.

Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan and in continuous operation since 1950, Fabri-Kal is driven by a pioneering spirit to develop innovative new products and provide comprehensive capabilities for custom plastic packaging. Fabri-Kal is recognized as a leader in customer service and market responsiveness. We evolve our capabilities to meet the changing market needs and have developed flexible production processes to drive our unique advantage of quick to market packaging development. Fabri-Kal is the eighth largest thermoformer in North America and primarily serves the foodservice and consumer goods packaging markets. We manufacture and sell our stock products to foodservice operators and distributors and retailers largely through a broker network and sell a variety of custom products directly to consumer goods companies. The company employs approximately 800 people at 3 locations across the United States..

Website: http://www.f-k.com/

Address: 4141 Manchester Road, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (800) 888-5054

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Happy Our Art is a very special social instructional painting studio.  They have expert instructors that will teach you step by step painting while you relax and sip on your favorite cocktail.  The whole concept behind the studio if for you to have fun with your friends and walk away for a memorable piece of artwork all your own.  They also feature kid friendly painting classes that are fun and educational .     From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward  Cork Street Ct,  turn slight right onto Whites Rd,  Happy Our Art is on the right.

Happy Our Art was born in Atlanta where Rebecca has lived for the last 10 years.  Growing up in Kalamazoo in a house where expressing your creative individuality was stressed  she spent her  weekends at KIA.  When Rebecca was in high school she realized her love for art could be something more and ended up at Western Michigan University to continue to grow her talent.  This is the very place where Rebecca’s passion for partying came to fruition.  Now that she is starting of a family of her own she wanted to a way to share that love for creativity along with having fun with family and friends..

Website: http://happyourart.com/

Address: 1924 Whites Road, Kalamazoo, MI

Phone Number: (269) 343-5670

Hours of operation:   Contact us

Binder Park Zoo ahs 32 rare and exotic animal exhibits plus 19 domestic animal exhibits.    Within these exhibits there are about 600 total animals from over 140 different species.  They are also known for having one of the largest giraffe herds in the country.  Binder Zoo also features many educational programs, a zoo mobile, and you can even have a sleepover in the park.    From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward S Sprinkle Rd,  take the 1^st left onto S Sprinkle Rd,  turn left onto Wynn Rd,  take the 1^st left onto Olmstead Rd, turn right onto I-94-BR W, turn left onto I-94-BR W/ M-96 W/ King Hwy, continue to follow I-94-BR W/ M-96 W, turn left onto E Michigan Ave/ I-94-BR/ M-43, continue to follow  I-94-BR/ M-43 W, turn left onto N Rose St, turn left onto W South St, turn left onto Farmers Aly, Binder Park Zoo is on the right.

Binder Park Zoo is located outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, on 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands. In the past 33 years, we have grown to be one of the leading cultural attractions in the region. Binder Park Zoo was created on the model of an entrepreneurial self-supporting nonprofit organization, and is managed by a zoological society board of directors. Binder Park Zoo’s mission is to nurture empathy, understanding, and conservation of nature.  Yearly, over 30,000 children and adults received the benefit of the Zoo’s formal and informal education programs as well as numerous special initiatives. The Zoo is an active participant in sixteen AZA Species Survival Programs and manages several other rare and endangered species for conservation.

Website: http://www.binderparkzoo.org/

Address: 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, MI

Phone Number: (269) 979-1351

Hours of operation:        Contact us

Deer Forest is the perfect place to take the kiddos for a some fun and laughs.  They have children’s rides , and a 4,200 square foot wild child play ground.  They also feature a storybook Lane for the kids to interact with the animals. One feature that sets Deer Forest apart is the unique hands-on experience that children and adults can have.  Many of these beautiful and majestic animals can be seen up close and personal, and can be fed or petted as well.   From the Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo start out going northeast on E Cork St toward S Sprinkle Rd,  take the 1^st right onto S Sprinkle Rd,  merge onto I-94 W toward Chicago,  take exit 39 toward Millburg/ Coloma, turn right otno Friday Rd,  Friday Rd becomes S Church St,  S Church St becomes N Paw Paw St,  N Paw Paw St becomes Paw Paw Lake Rd,  turn left onto Interlochen Rd, take the 1^st left onto Indian Ln,  Deer Forest is on the left.

Located in Coloma, Michigan, Deer Forest is one of the nation’s largest and most elaborate exotic animal petting zoos.  Deer Forest also offers a haunted house, amusement rides, a children’s playland, storybook lane, miniature golf, food, picnic areas & much, much more – Your kids will want to come back to Deer Forest again & again! The folks at Deer Forest are dedicated to making your stay at the park a safe, pleasant, and fun experience.  In addition, we are constantly striving to make your visit even more enjoyable in the future.  Deer Forest is licensed by the U.S.D.A.  A licensed veterinarian is on call, and animal handlers are present at all times.  Sinks with antibacterial soap are situated in the Rest Rooms and Gift Shop.  We recommend that you and your children wash your hands thoroughly with soap & water after touching or feeding the animals.  Antibacterial Purel is also available for your use. The folks at Deer Forest are excited to be given the opportunity to serve you and the community of Coloma, and we need your help to keep the legacy of Deer Forest alive

Website: http://www.deerforest.com/

Address: 6800 Indian Lane, Coloma, Michigan

Phone Number: (269) 468-4961

Hours of operation:        Contact us