Opinion

At the heart of economic development is the well-being of people and communities.

It is almost certain the current pandemic will not alter realities long term any more than the 18th century yellow fever epidemic did.

Now is our time.

Changes to federal bankruptcy law will make it easier and less expensive for small businesses and family farmers to restructure or shed their debt.

On Aug. 18, 2020, we recognized the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the hard-earned right to vote in the United States, and reminding us all of Michigan’s leadership in having extended this right two years prior.

Sam Cummings’s essay, "Together, Grand Rapids Can Be No. 1" (page 16, Aug. 24 Business Journal), is brilliant.

This may finally be the time to address your organization’s litigation and e-discovery process — and could prove to be one of your biggest cost-savings opportunities.

As school districts in Grand Rapids and across the country grapple with balancing students’ education while keeping everyone safe from a highly contagious virus, it’s becoming increasingly clear there might not be one right answer.

The ongoing worldwide pandemic is colliding with unprecedented social injustice and unrest, wreaking havoc on our hearts and minds.

As we collectively navigate the current “charged” political waters, I simply wish to remind us all of what has come before us. That many mayors, commissioners, city managers, businesspersons, philanthropists and community volunteers who have worked together to build our city of today.

Michigan campgrounds, hotels, libraries, museums, retail stores, casinos, barbershops, public swimming pools, restaurants, day camps, hospitals, laundromats, dentists, nail salons, day spas, car dealerships, bottle returns, vacation rentals, colleges and a host of other things are open, but not gyms or movie theaters.

Many business service company owners have been through the stress of several economic cycles, including the Great Recession.

It’s one of the most common laments I hear from CSOs: “I wish I had a more professional sales force.”

With the expiration of expanded unemployment benefits, many of West Michigan’s unemployed job seekers have questions about their options.

With extraordinary government spending and the lowest tax rates we have seen in a generation, now may be the time to consider converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

The Federal Reserve in its Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2019 measures well-being by education attainment.

I have written about Michigan’s Line 5 before. Last year, I called for a common-sense middle road that exercised caution in protecting our beautiful Great Lakes but did so in a manner that did not put the burden on the working-class folks of Michigan.

Creating a thoughtful, sensible prenuptial agreement is an important step in the wedding planning process. However, many choose to avoid these agreements because it can be uncomfortable to suggest a prenup, much less discuss the specifics.

Editor:Thank you for your work in keeping the community informed and engaged. Your publication is clearly devoted to helping our West Michigan communities thrive and grow.

As the state of Michigan begins to open up again and more employees head back to work, it’s important to make mental health a priority.