Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-design site furniture, structure, lighting and accessories, is proud to announce that the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Blum, has joined the Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Board of Directors. 

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide students with the resources and support they need to stay in school and empower them to succeed in their education. Part of the national Communities In Schools network, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo works by partnering with local schools and communities to offer comprehensive, community-based support and services tailored to students' needs, addressing both academic and non-academic challenges.

In joining the Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Board, Blum builds on a lifelong involvement in volunteer work directed at engaging with and supporting youth in the community. “I'm honored and excited to join Communities In Schools,” says Blum. “I believe deeply in their mission and the critical role that a community of support can play in empowering students to stay in school and be successful in life.” 

Blum’s history of serving his community and enacting positive change spans three decades and many volunteer organizations, including Bloomington Parks and Recreation, AYSO, Portage Public Schools, Portage Lightning Soccer Club, YMCA, and March of Dimes. Blum and his family currently reside in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. With three children in public school, he understands first hand the importance of community involvement and support to inspiring student success. 

“It’s so important to build a strong support network around students, ensuring that they have the tools and resources necessary to achieve academic success and graduate high school," says Blum. "I look forward to helping identify the positive interventions that we can make in students’ lives, addressing the barriers to their education, and ultimately, empowering young people to realize their full potential."

About Landscape Forms 

Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated collections of high-design site furniture, structures, accessories, and advanced LED lighting. Since its founding in 1969 Landscape Forms has earned a reputation for excellent design, high quality products and exceptional service. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the family of brands includes Loll Designs located in Duluth, Minnesota; Summit Furniture in Monterey, California; and Kornegay Design in Phoenix, Arizona. It has sales representatives throughout North America, South America, the United Kingdom, Monaco, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Landscape Forms collaborates with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects, and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place. Additionally, the company has formed global marketing partnerships with select companies that share its commitment to design. Landscape Forms has an installed base of products around the world. Clients include municipalities, hospitality, residential, transit centers, corporate, college and health care campuses; and familiar brand leaders such as Harvard University, LinkedIn, New York Central Park Conservancy, Bryant Park, Google, Coca Cola, Oculus, U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), Nike, National Museum of African American History (Washington, D.C.), Barclays Center, Adidas, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Microsoft, and Uber. Landscape Forms has been named one of the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Fortune magazine, Michigan Manufacturer of the Year for 2020 by the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and by 269 Magazine as one of Southwest Michigan’s Wonderful Workplaces.

About Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo (CIS) overcomes the barriers that derail kids, giving them hope and the belief that they can succeed in school, graduate and be prepared for life. CIS site coordinators literally bring the community and all the ways it can help into the school. This is how CIS surround kids with whatever it takes – from tutors and food assistance to health services and college visits – so they can start strong and keep moving forward. For more information, visit www.ciskalamazoo.org.