Grand Rapids Business Journal

Tim Cribley, a bus driver for the Hudsonville School District, was named by global transportation company CalAmp as its first Bus Guardian Hero. Cribley received $1,000 for leading contributions to local food pantries and prioritizing student safety when schools reopened.

Flow-Rite, a Byron Center-based manufacturer of injection-molded fluid controls components for boats, RVs, golf carts, hydroponics and industrial applications, has reached a milestone: its 40th anniversary.

Lillian Kalaczinski, an associate professor for Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry, has been named the Michigan Optometric Association’s 2021 Educator of the Year. Kalaczinski is a 1998 MCO graduate following three years in the pre-optometry program at Ferris.

With more than a decade of experience in recruiting, business consulting, sales training and management, Brian Eggleston has joined AEBetancourt as chief operating officer. Eggleston was most recently the chief sales officer at Hub International, the world’s fifth-largest insurance broker with offices across North America.

Kyle Grooters has joined Bradley Company as an adviser within the brokerage department. Grooters brings several years of sales experience to the team. Prior to joining Bradley Company, Grooters worked with Robert Grooters Development Co. where he focused on leasing and land acquisitions among several clients generating millions in lease and sales transactions.

Grand Rapids resident Deb Fragel has been appointed director of human resources for 26 West Michigan-area Burger King restaurants recently acquired by Factorial Restaurant Holdings LLC.

Gary Beyer joined Independent Bank as vice president, commercial lending for the West Michigan lakeshore market. He previously worked at Chase Bank, for a total of over 30 years of experience in commercial banking and wealth management. Beyer also serves on the board of Good Samaritan Ministries in Holland and is active in volunteering with Kids Hope USA, as well as Hand2Hand, a nonprofit that mobilizes churches and schools to provide food for children on weekends. Independent Bank’s total assets are approximately $4.2 billion. It was founded as First National Bank of Ionia in 1864.

Bethany Hall, a licensed family nurse practitioner in Grand Rapids specializing in Complex Developmental Trauma, has launched Healing Connection, a trauma-informed resource for training and advocacy for childhood trauma-related education.

JetCo Solutions, a Grand Rapids-based government sales and marketing firm, has promoted Jessica Sweet to vice president of client services. Sweet oversees the organization’s operations, including the capture (government business development), proposal management, research and General Service Administration departments.

The Family Business Alliance has named Robin Burns its director. Burns will work with the board and staff to develop and implement the strategic plan of the association whose sole mission is to ensure family businesses throughout West Michigan succeed generation to generation.