West Michigan shows economic resilience
Few have been financially unscathed in the wake of the pandemic. Yet, as West Michigan has proven time and time again when recessions hit, businesses in the region (although battered) weather the respective storms relatively well.
What is Regulation Best Interest and how does it impact you?
The SEC’s intent is to ensure that you, as the investor, have enough information to decide whether a professional investment recommendation is best suited to your needs no matter who is offering it.
Wealthy clients should consider planning now for the reduction in estate and gift tax exemption
Many people are wondering what will happen to the exemption if there is a Democratic president and possibly a Democratic-controlled Congress.
What is sustainable investing, and should I consider it as part of my portfolio?
Your personal priorities govern the type of sustainable investing that will best align with your goals.
Updates to the RMD put-back rule: Should you return your distribution?
If you are 72 or older and have already taken the required minimum distribution (RMD) from an IRA account, you can reverse your withdrawal until Aug. 31. There may be advantages to doing so, depending on your financial situation.
Beyond one day: celebrate veterans
Companies that make proactive efforts to support veterans have seen benefits beyond just Veterans Day.
Shaping the classroom of the future
Even before a shovel hits the ground, the impact of COVID-19 is changing the way we collaborate with schools.
Evolution of construction: public-private partnerships offer new opportunities
Public and quasi-public projects that might not have been viable in the past can be structured using today's P3 model to make them viable and sustainable projects.
Responding to COVID-19: new protocols and practices in the food manufacturing industry
One of the many significant impacts of COVID-19 has been the reallocation of necessary resources and capital, causing many industries to adjust and adapt their practices. New health and safety regulations, as well as pandemic-related closures, have led to changes in processes and priorities in the food industry.
Rockford Construction: What you may not know
At Rockford Construction, we’re more than a typical construction, development and property management firm. As a member of the Grand Rapids community, we strive to connect with our clients, community members and employees in ways that extend well beyond our work.
The links between racism, health inequities, COVID-19 and the civil unrest across the world
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others are forcing America to revisit its historical pandemics of injustice.
Intentionally working with businesses of color
Part of being a business owner is about giving back to the community you operate in. It’s also about creating lasting, helpful relationships amongst other business owners.
College producing Giant Awards
A college that hosts an annual awards ceremony recognizing African-American individuals and organizations has announced this year’s honorees.The 38th Annual Giant Awards, hosted by...
State names West Michiganders as ‘top 25’ Latinxs
A governor-appointed commission has named nine West Michiganders among the Top 25 Latinxs in Michigan.The Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, or HLCOM, announced yesterday...
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses producing awards event
An African-American-focused economic development organization will toast black businesses and community leaders at an awards reception.Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses, or GRABB, will present...
Firm introduces CDC-approved temporary shelters
With wildfires raging on America’s west coast and hurricanes to the east, 2020 has shaped up to be a uniquely rough year for natural disasters, COVID-19 notwithstanding.
The benefits of sourcing medical devices locally
In a world filled with so much uncertainty, one thing is sure: There are medical device manufacturers in your neighborhood that are thrilled to help you save patient lives.
What the disability rights movement and universal design can teach us about business and life in the age of COVID-19
The now tired tagline, “we’re all in this together,” may forever owe the COVID-19 pandemic for its fame, but it’s far from being a novel concept.
Focus on mental health as you return to work
As a mental health nonprofit focused on working with Michigan’s youth, we want to provide helpful tips that can be implemented to help mentally prepare you for your post-COVID-19 workplace.
Continuing healthy aging through motherhood and beyond
It is possible to feel good and be resilient in times of stress, including the stressful time of menopause transition.
Beware of stock drop litigation during times of crisis
Publicly traded companies should take steps now to prepare for stock drop litigation in the wake of COVID-19.We saw plaintiffs’ attorneys file these lawsuits...
Lease defaults and litigation are expected to rise in the wake of COVID-19
With Michigan’s lockdown now extending through May 15, many businesses are grappling with how to address rent payments due in May and the following months.
Could I be saving more of my hard-earned money?
If you have never looked at your property tax bill and cringed, I commend you. I know of no one who enjoys paying taxes...
What do I need to know about capital when starting my business?
Most individuals forming a new entrepreneurial venture have deep and meaningful expertise in their area of practice. However, many people need advice regarding elections...
Adult-use marijuana and real property uses
Robert Nolan, a parter at Warner Norcross + Judd, contributed to this post. Even though medical and recreational use of marijuana is allowed under Michigan law,...
Increase website conversions and customer satisfaction
In business and life, we have been told for years we only get one chance to make a first impression — so why is your website any different?
Should manufacturers sell directly to consumers?
A customer opens their wallet, ready to make a purchase. The big question is, who are they purchasing from? If you’re a manufacturer, the...
Send more leads: the digital marketing and sales breakdown
The story typically starts like this. We’re projecting fourth quarter revenue to be down by 35%, which could very well spill over and negatively...
4 to-do items for more successful Facebook campaigns
Facebook has done a great job empowering marketers and small business owners with the ability to set up and launch new Facebook and Instagram...
Own your local search presence
There are nearly 2 trillion searches being performed on Google every year. That’s approximately 5.5 billion searches that take place every single day.Given the...
Elections, the economy, and a possible second wave: Will the strong real estate market persist?
In a year filled with clouds of uncertainty and some dismay, residential real estate has been an undeniable bright spot shining through.
How do you solve a problem like a lease term in the middle of a pandemic?
Most businesses sign leases for many years to house their operations. But what happens when you’re hit with a pandemic that limits your ability to use the space you spend 5%-8% of your revenue on?
Leading through a pandemic — and low inventory
As we roll through our fifth year of historically low inventory levels in West Michigan, will that trend continue?
Real estate’s ‘spring market’ shifts to summer
The real estate surge typical of March, April and May is now projected for June, July and August.
Holding strong and ready to rally
Somewhat surprisingly, real estate has remained relatively strong here in West Michigan, and there are positive indications that it will continue to get stronger and bounce back quickly.
Legendary leadership requires tenacity — especially in times of crisis
Leaders who succeed in times of crisis — like in the face of COVID-19 and unprecedented racial and social unrest — are the ones who go beyond success and set the mark at legendary.
On the brink of a possible recession: what businesses should do to prepare
While many are in a hurry to put the uncertainties of 2020 in the rearview, continued economic disruption may not be behind us just yet.
Succession planning – optimizing value through a strategic exit
For many business owners, the decision surrounding how and when to exit the business can be complicated and emotional.
How the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced businesses’ footprints
The coronavirus pandemic has, in many ways, rewritten the book on business practices.
Three tips to chart the course for long-term success
Among the strategic areas are three upon which companies must focus to move forward and thrive during these uncertain times.
Three key post-COVID-19 trends in small business office technology
Three trends related to the rise in remote work could impact a small business’s technology environment in a post-COVID-19 world.
Three tips for optimizing your home office and virtual classroom internet performance
Regardless of your internet service provider, there are three easy ways to ensure your home-office and home-school network is running at full performance.
Protect your business from COVID-19 hackers
Now more than ever, protecting employees’ data and information is vital to business structures, overall bottom lines and the safety of valuable data and information.
Three health care industry trends driving the need for better network connectivity
As with every other business these days, reliable connectivity is a critical part of modern medical facilities. If a network fails, operations at an...
Cybersecurity for small business
Cybersecurity attacks have become a destructive and all-too-common occurrence. And the harsh reality is that no organization is too large — or too small...
