Change Ups: Attorney inducted as Trial Attorney Fellow

Miller Johnson announced David J. Gass was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

After careful investigation, fellowship is extended by invitation only to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. There are 97 fellows in Michigan and more than 5,800 across the U.S. and Canada, including every member of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Canada.

ACCOUNTING

Baker Holtz CPAs and Advisors announced Steven D. Struck and Melissa A. Seguin have earned their designations as certified specialists in estate planning by the National Institute for Excellence in Professional Education LLC.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Grand Rapids’ creative firm Extra Credit Projects has announced the addition of Sean Perez as an art director.

AWARDS

The Bank of Holland is the recipient of the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan Lakeshoreadvisory board’s 2012 Lakeshore Fair Housing Award. BOH has supported the organization from the beginning of its lakeshore involvement. Rich Lievense, chairman of Lake Michigan Financial Corp., BOH’s holding company, first helped the advisory board become connected to the lakeshore community through community events and person-to-person networking.

Disability Advocates of Kent County honored The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids with the Invest in Ability Award, which is given to an organization or individual who has worked diligently to advance the lives of persons with disabilities in the community.

BANKING

Founders Bank & Trust announced the addition of Rebecca Sack Grasmeyer as assistant vice president, trust and investment.

Michael Goad has joined Grand Rapids-based Lake Michigan Credit Union as chief financial officer. Goad’s experience includes senior financial management positions at The Bank of Holland, Cornerstone University and Old Kent Financial Corp. He is a resident of Rockford who earned his MBA at Grand Valley State University.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

Engineering News-Record Magazine has ranked Kent Companies the 15th largest concrete contractor in the country by volume, and the 256th largest overall specialty firm in the construction industry.

BUSINESS SERVICES

The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals recognized the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce with the 2012 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award – Large Chamber Category. This marks the third time in six years the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber has been recognized for excellence in organization leadership.

ENVIRONMENTAL

ASTI Environmental announced the addition of Dave Isabell as consultant with expertise in Phase I ESAs, Phase II investigations, soil gas testing, methane testing, LIST assessments, groundwater monitoring and property condition evaluation.

FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Brewers Professional Alliance announced that Sidock Group Inc., an engineering, architecture and construction management firm, has joined the alliance as a premier partner.

HEALTH

Health care management consulting firm Beacon Partners announced the promotion of Bruce Eckert to principal. Eckert will oversee the company’s account management and business development throughout the North Central region of the nation.

Metro Health announced pediatrician Dr. Kurt J. Meppelink has joined Metro Health Hudsonville. He has more than 18 years of experience in pediatrics and previously served as a pediatrician with Spectrum Health Medical Group, Michigan Medical PC and South Kent Pediatrics.

Spectrum Health is the recipient of the 2012 Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corp. as the most preferred hospital for overall quality and image in two West Michigan markets. This is the 17th consecutive year Spectrum Health has won the award and the sixth time it was selected in the Grand Rapids and Holland/Grand Haven markets.

HUMAN SERVICES

Gymco announced it has opened a satellite location at 2121 Celebration Drive NE, offering about 4,200 square feet to provide classes and programming for children. Its original location is at 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE off East Paris Avenue.

Toyota has awarded Family Promise of Grand Rapids a new Toyota truck for securing the most votes in the Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good competition earlier this year. Family Promise rallied community members and volunteers to garner support needed via social media to beat out more than 4,000 applicants nationwide.

INSURANCE

Denise R. Noordeloos has joined Lighthouse Group as a benefits account executive.

LEGAL

Dickinson Wright PLLC announced Michigan Lawyers Weekly has selected associate John T. Schuring as a 2012 Up & Coming Lawyer honoree for his dedication to his practice, the firm and the community.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Lambert, Edwards & Associates announced the addition of Joe Sonheim, digital associate in Ripple+Affect, LE&A’S digital group. Sonheim will counsel regional and national consumer, health care and retrial brands and publicly traded companies on social media, online engagement, web and mobile apps, online marketing and advertising strategies, and e-commerce activation.

PUBLIC SERVICE

E. Miles Wilson, director of philanthropic and nonprofit services at Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, has been appointed to serve on the State of Michigan’s Community Service Commission.

PUBLISHING

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. announced the promotion of Klaas Wolterstorff to vice president of content and technology.

RECREATION

PeaceLab Yoga announced its grand opening celebration at 5570 Wilson St., Suite M. PeaceLab is the first yoga studio to open in Grandville and provides classes for all levels of students.

SPORTS

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness has recognized Tris4Health races 2013 Grand Rapids Triathlon and MI Titanium as quality events. Tris4Health Race Management formed the Grand Rapids Triathlon and the MI Titanium Triathlon to promote healthy living and bring world-class triathlons to West Michigan. The Governor’s Council endorses local, regional and state events to acknowledge organizations’ ability to plan and carry out quality events that significantly contribute to the health and well-being of Michigan residents.