Batter up! The
West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) broke ground on the $7.8 million baseball and softball Art Van Sports Complex, a venture that will both provide a championship-level playing experience for travel teams from throughout the region and create a number of indirect and direct jobs.
The complex, located at 10 Mile Road and U.S. 131, is slated for completion in 2014. According to a representative from construction firm Owens-Ames-Kimball (OAK), about 20 people will be kept busy over the winter with construction support. In the spring of 2013, about 30 more jobs will be added, representing five subcontractor companies.
WMSC Executive Director Mike Guswiler says he will be adding a position in the near future. "Initially, [the job] will be on a part-time basis to help in 2013 to build the calendar of events. In mid-2014, we will do more hiring, including groundskeeping and part-time seasonal [positions]." Guswiler says the plans also include adding a full-time complex management position.
Guswiler also outlines the economic benefit the complex will give to the community. He says the travel baseball and softball industry ranks in the top five of all recreational sports and that when tournament play begins, there will be an increased demand for additional hotel, restaurant, and other services.
To learn more about this project and the WMSC, you can visit their site
here.
Source: Mike Guswiler, WMSC
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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