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Positive signs of economic growth despite spike in COVID-19 cases


Full interview Nov
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News Channel 3 anchor Lora Painter spoke with Ron Kitchens, the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, about the local economy and unemployment impacts as COVID-19 cases spike in Michigan ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As unemployment rates showed signs of stabilizing in November, Kitchens said Southwest Michigan's labor market is very strong in distribution and manufacturing, and jobs are "exploding" in those sectors.

Kitchens said the statewide unemployment average is 8.9%. The Southwest Michigan region is at 7.3% and Kalamazoo County is 6.7%, as of Nov. 18, 2020.

"These are positive numbers," Kitchens said. "It's going to take us probably April or May to get those numbers back to where they really belong."

Kitchens said jobs are hurting in sectors that support universities and colleges, because students aren't in the area as they would in a normal non-pandemic year. Hospitality — hotels, restaurants, concert venues — were also struggling.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the state's COVID-19 response Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020.

Whitmer said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would issue an epidemic order beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18 that would limit indoor gathering sizes.

The order was expected to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and last for three weeks.

Several new restrictions were implemented by MDHHS including restaurants, bars and certain businesses would close indoor settings, such as dining and group exercise. It would allow families to gather with one other household in a residence.

"It is critically important that we save business, save jobs, save lives," Kitchens said.

Kitchens said Southwest Michigan had several elements going for it to encourage companies to invest in the area: Michigan has great universities and community colleges graduating people who have strong work ethics.

"People can't let COVID steal their future," Kitchens said. "Don't let COVID steal that from us."

Kitchens also said Kalamazoo County-based Pfizer's November announcement of 90% effectiveness of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine could raise the area's profile and encourage job growth.

"90% is a game-changer, 90%. Now we're hoping to have a tool in your war against this pandemic that would be significantly effective," Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO, said.

Catalyst University has been rescheduled to a virtual experience on Dec. 2, 3, & 4, 2020.

On its website, Southwest Michigan First said, "Our team is passionate about creating jobs and cultivating a strong economy in Southwest Michigan."

Editor's note: This story is part of a partnership with Southwest Michigan First's "First & 42 "digital news platform. Additional stories can be found here.

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