This publication focuses on the dynamic communities, businesses, and residents of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and the surrounding area. After covering major cities in Michigan, IMG turned its focus to Kalamazoo - the fourth largest metro in the state. Partnering with the State of Michigan (specifically Economic Development and the Housing Authority), IMG launched a funding coalition of local institutions, healthcare providers, foundations, and nonprofits to publish Second Wave, which launched in March 2010. It was a time when the collapse of local news was rapidly accelerating. IMG arrived on the scene just as a local news outlet dissolved and huge layoffs left talented and experienced journalists looking for work. One of those was Kathy Jennings, a stalwart reporter with a wealth of experience in the community who has become an integral part of IMG’s editorial leadership council. The publication was so popular that multiple other coalitions were formed to support series like On the Ground series, and a series specifically focused on housing.
One of the coalition’s members, United Way, was so impressed that they wanted to support an OTG series focused on the often-described “little sister” of Kalamazoo: Battle Creek. Drawing together city government, county governments, Veterans Affairs, senior welfare organizations, economic development groups, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and smaller foundations, IMG was able to make it happen. This market was instrumental in forming the coalition model that supports the creation of key IMG initiatives, including the company’s Voices of Youth program, and IMG has taken its relationship with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand into state-wide series.
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