CENTREVILLE - St. Joseph County has long been home to a vibrant agricultural community and some of the major roadways of Southwest Michigan.  It is those strengths that the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corp. is highlighting as it works to attract new business to the area. 
St. Joseph EDC Executive Director Cathy Annis told MiBiz that while about 40 percent of businesses in St. Joseph County are now involved in the auto supply, tool and die and other manufacturing industries, global competition is forcing those companies to change their business plans.
"We want to help those companies transition into new technologies," she said.  "The scope is changing.  We don't want to stay heavy in sectors that have a small workforce."
Another large portion of St. Joseph County's business community is involves in agriculture.  The sector is much more than mom-and-pop family farms if the 20th century.  Major agribusinesses with a presence in the county include Monsanto, Pioneer, Remington Hybrid and the Michigan Milk Producers.  The move to alternative fuels like ethanol is also encouraging corn farming.
"It's a good place for a company that wanted to do crop-related research," Annis said, citing resources for farmers like Michigan State University Cooperative Extension office.
Growth may also come at Three Rivers Airport, which is considering an expansion into a nearby industrial park.  Annis said it's possible that one day a business owner could walk out his or her front door and right into a private jet.
She also speculated that a larger airport could also lure aviation-related industries into the county.
There is constant travel on the roads and highways that crisscross the county.  St. Joseph County shares a border with LaGrange County in Indiana and could benefit from any businesses set up on the toll road just south of Michigan. U.S. 131 also runs through eastern St. Joseph  County, and it too could be home to small businesses that could serve both business travelers and tourists.
The St. Joseph EDC gets a lot of support from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.  Annis said that's where she turns when helping people start their own businesses.  She said there are several programs that state and county economic developers have to offer to individuals who have a new idea.
"We need to continue to look for programs to support them - not just give free money," she said.  "It seems like there are a lot of people just looking for free money.  We could offer low-interest loans or have peer groups (for support)."
A two-pronged approach is needed in the county, as the nature of business in Michigan continues to change.
Taking advantage of a busy airport and miles of farmland helps current companies, but county residents still often find themselves out if work.  That dilemma places education high on the St. Joseph County EDC's priority ladder.
"Companies are looking for ways to be cost-efficient," Annis said.  "They're looking to keep status quo or cut jobs.  We need to find a way to  create jobs, to encourage people to start those small companies."
That  is why St. Joseph County educators are starting early, targeting high school and even middle school students with classes on entrepreneurship.  The idea is to find students who would like to start their own business, without ignoring others who might be better-suited for work at someone else's company.