About Us
As a subsidiary of Kinexus Group, a $15 million Southwest Michigan-based non-profit, Market Van Buren has principal responsibilities for economic and community development throughout Cass and Van Buren counties. We connect people, investments, and organizations with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in our region, specifically in our two-county service area. Our staff focuses on developing strategies that will allow our communities to thrive by addressing needs related to workforce, community, and business development. We work collaboratively with regional organizations to maximize economic growth.
Executive Director - Zach Morris
Zachary Morris, EDFP, is the Executive Director for Market Van Buren. In his role, Mr. Morris, leads attraction, expansion and retention of Cass and Van Buren County businesses and supports the planned growth of local communities. He was born and raised in Southwest Michigan and graduated from Decatur Jr. Sr. High School. Prior to his role in Van Buren County, Zachary worked for Southwest Michigan based Kinexus as a Business Services Manager, where he worked with businesses of every size and sector throughout Southwest Michigan on workforce and economic development challenges.
Zach holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Davenport University and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. He is also a Certified Business Solutions Professional through Michigan State University. He is an active member of his community serving on the Van Buren County Brownfield Authority Board and Economic Development Corporation Board, the Community Corrections Advisory Board, is Vice-President of the Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education and is the Chairman of the Antwerp Township Planning Commission.
Economic Development Coordinator - Julia Wall
Julia Wall is the Economic Development Coordinator for Market Van Buren. She is responsible for delivering robust customer service to internal and external stakeholders, which includes project management, board administration, investor relations, grant development, compliance, and strategic communications.
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Julia has lived in the southwest Michigan area since 2007. She is passionate about being involved in her local community, specifically the success of small businesses and growing relationships with local government officials and business leaders.
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She recently graduated from college in May of 2021 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Maranatha Baptist University.
Economic Development Manager - Katie Multhauf
Katie Multhauf is the Economic Development Manager at Market Van Buren serving Cass and Van Buren Counties. In her role, Katie manages all local business attraction, retention and expansion efforts while supporting community development, creating an attractive, resilient and thriving area to live. She cultivates relationships with business and community leaders to align resources needed to overcome economic challenges & improve the quality of life for residents.
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Sales and Business Marketing with a minor in Business Administration and Spanish from Western Michigan University. She earned a certificate in Spanish Language and Culture during her summer abroad in Alicante, Spain.
Katie has lived in southwest Michigan since 2005. She’s an active volunteer with Mattawan Consolidated Schools and has a passion for serving youth and creating a place where they desire to live, work and raise a family.
Community Development Manager - Courtney Michalka
Courtney Michalka is the Community Development Manager serving Cass and Van Buren counties. Within this role, Courtney’s responsibilities consist of grant research and technical support for the communities and businesses. She is tasked with maintaining relationships with our 53 units of government across the two counties.
Courtney was born and raised in Southwest Michigan and graduated from Mattawan Consolidated Schools. Prior to this role at Market Van Buren, she worked as a Case Manager and Program Coordinator for Van Buren Counties Specialty Court Programs and at Western Michigan University as a Research Program Officer. Both roles encompassed grant administration responsibilities.
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Western Michigan University where she also serves as the Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach.
