College association hires president

A leader at a college in the region has been named the next president of an association of liberal arts schools. The Great Lakes Colleges...

Start Garden hosting Startup Weekend

Grand Rapids entrepreneurs are gearing up to beat the clock. Startup Weekend Grand Rapids, which gives entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and industries the chance to...

Beer industry raises funds for food banks

A beer-based fundraising campaign has brewed up support for food banks. Forty Michigan breweries, beer bars and restaurants raised more than $45,000 for seven Feeding...

Michigan vote on legalizing marijuana is likely in 2018

LANSING — Organizers of a ballot drive to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes in Michigan have submitted 365,000 signatures to the...

Business foundation donates $25K

A fitness-focused foundation has awarded grants totaling $25,000 to five Michigan organizations. Gazelle Sports Foundation awards grants to fitness organizations that promote a healthy lifestyle. “We...

Unions opt for own training center

The Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art training center to service union carpenters and...

Inside Track: Enriching the culture of Grand Rapids

Thirty-three years is a long time to spend in one job. That’s what Michael Van Denend did, and then he changed careers. The former executive...

Soccer club creating fields

A local soccer club is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for its new fields. The Midwest United Football Club will begin its ceremony at 4...

Chamber producing diversity summit

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize several organizations this month for their commitment to diversity. The recipients will be honored at the...

Church completes $1.2M facility

A church in the region has built a new $1.2-million home. Restore Church recently finished work on its single-story, 12,500-square-foot church in Ionia, at 430...

Giving back all year long is good for business

The holiday season is upon us, and many businesses are getting ready to make their year-end donations or launch their annual toy drives. While...

Grocery store chain raises $156K for food pantries

A locally based grocery store chain has raised $156,100 for hunger-relief organizations across the state. The SpartanNash Foundation said this fall that during a recent...

Nonprofit producing Signature Chefs Auction

The Signature Chefs Auction next week will allow attendees to sample signature dishes from 16 local chefs. The 21st-annual event, which raises money for the...

Foundations award $300K to Grand Rapids for eviction prevention

Two local foundations have awarded a total of $300,000 to the city for a program aimed at improving housing stability. The Grand Rapids City Commission...

Philanthropist Helen DeVos dies

Helen J. DeVos, a philanthropist known for her support of children's health, Christian education and the arts, has died at 90, her family said...

Nonprofit producing mobile film contest

A deadline is fast approaching for film students to win $1,000. West Michigan high school and college students are urged to submit short films shot...

Brewery partners with GRFD on brew

A local brewery is collaborating with the Grand Rapids Fire Department on a special brew that benefits burn victims. New Holland Brewing’s Knickerbocker and the...

Report finds slow growth in drug costs

Negotiations between biopharmaceutical companies and insurers are resulting in slower growth in the cost of prescription drugs, but patients still may end up paying...

Doctor wins grant for pediatric cancer research

A $150,000 grant will fuel further research into childhood cancer in West Michigan. Hyundai Hope On Wheels awarded a the Hyundai Young Investigator Grant to...

BLM: Growth expected to continue

The majority of business leaders in the state are optimistic about the continued growth rates for both the Michigan and U.S. economies. The most recent...