Archives

Expanding research hub will drive region’s economy

In 2010, Michigan State University, in a landmark decision, greatly raised the profile of the Medical Mile and Michigan’s Life Sciences Corridor with its...

Could Russia impact West Michigan?

In short, yes: West Michigan could feel the impact of U.S. sanctions against Russia, particularly if sanctions targeting specific industries are imposed. Immediately following the...

Distillery sets sights on west side

The city’s west side is about to get a craft distillery. The Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved Long Road Distillers last month, and co-owners Jon...

Rich DeVos pens autobiography

Though he’s written four books previously, “Simply Rich” is Richard DeVos’ most personal so far. The Amway Corp. co-founder and Orlando Magic NBA team owner...

Michigan: a laggard, not a leader

Listening to the press, elected officials in Lansing and Michigan business leaders, one gets the sense that Michigan has one of — if not...

Where have all the leaders gone? Look in the mirror

Our world needs strong, unwavering leadership more than ever.  Parents want to be their children’s friends rather than their spiritual and emotional leaders. People overlook...

Inside Track: GR Young Architect of the Year receives national award, too

In June, design architect Matt Slagle will be presented with the 2014 American Institute of Architects Young Architects Award at the national organization’s annual...

Snow and field runoff could close beaches

(As seen on WZZM TV 13) LANSING — Even after all the snow Michigan received this winter is gone and melted, it could still...

Father, son team up for X Ventures

Chip Bowling, the president of X Ventures, has acquired a valuable new asset for his young, Grand Rapids-based real estate firm: his dad. Bowling, who...

Worldplay Sport: inspiring kids one donation at a time

A lakeshore-based company is promoting athletics and charitable giving through its business model. Worldplay Sport, a quality sporting goods provider in Holland, uses a giving...

Elzinga & Volkers celebrates its safety streak

Twenty-five hundred days and counting — that’s how long it’s been since Elzinga & Volkers had a day of lost time due to an...

Figuring the MPG of a house

The Alliance for Environmental Sustainability talks a lot about MPG — but it’s not referring to cars. The automotive term has been borrowed to exemplify...

Change Ups: Bowling to lead firm’s consulting division

Bill Bowling has joined the one-year-old commercial real estate firm X Ventures after serving in a consulting role in 2013. He will lead the...

Index for long-term outlook is reason for optimism

Growth accelerates. That’s the latest word on the West Michigan economy, according to data collected during the last two weeks of March. Our closely watched...

Public Record

MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds O’CONNOR, James G. et al, Founders Bank & Trust, Bissell Plat, Lot 2, $580,000 HALL, Michael L....

The customer is stalling — what do I say now?

Recently, I received this question from a reader: Jeffrey, When a client says he or she is “still reviewing their options,” I know you say...

Michigan triples wind power capacity

Michigan is “a wonderful case study” of many of the challenges and opportunities facing wind-generated electricity throughout the U.S., according to Tom Kiernan. Kiernan, CEO...

Pure Michigan Business Connect counts $1.6B in gains for state

Consumers Energy says that, over the last two years, it has increased its spending with contractors located in Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties by...

From waste to watts

CMS Energy Corp. in Jackson has announced its intention to buy back more electricity generated by anaerobic digestion of farm animal manure, sewage and...

Farmland preservation to continue in 2014

Applications will continue to be accepted for farmland preservation by Kent County this year under the county’s Purchase of Development Rights program, but without...