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Wine grapes growing in popularity throughout state

The Michigan Craft Beverage Council released its 2020 Michigan Grape and Hop Inventory report in March, and it revealed the wine grape inventory in Michigan increased by 325 acres.

Schools look to build a diverse teaching workforce

School districts in the region are looking to the future by exposing their students to a familiar profession.

MEDC launches programs to strengthen state’s workforce

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently committed $9 million to programs that it said will address short- and long-term workforce needs in the state.

New leader refines The Right Place game plan

As The Right Place moves through the second year of its three-year strategic plan, the new guy at the helm has some terminology changes...

Transformando spring cohort shares lessons

After taking a break during the craziness that was 2020, Transformando West Michigan returned this year with a new round of classes for its participants.

Cost of housing far outpaces rise in wages

While workers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming metro area have seen their wages grow by 5.2% over the past six years, the area’s average sale price for a single-family home has increased 64.5% during the same period.

City’s equity plan moves forward

Nearly a year since his appointment as Grand Rapids’ economic development director, Jeremiah Gracia reported his office has made great strides in leading the city’s equitable economic development plan, adopted in January 2020, including a commitment from two developers to invest more than $1 million in minority contractors.

Fielding a directable sales force

Not long ago I was speaking at a national sales meeting for a large regional distributor.

State needs economy that benefits all

The Michigan Association of United Ways recently reported that in Michigan's strong pre-pandemic (2019) economy, 38% of the state’s households were unable to pay for basic necessities.

What the new administration’s tax reform may mean for you

As with any new administration, experts are speculating about what President Biden’s proposed tax law changes may be — and what they may mean for you.

State leaders celebrate Muskegon County resident

Hunter Daniels is a force of nature when it comes to determination and positivity, and he recently was recognized for using his newfound skills to make a difference in others’ lives.

Inside Track: Exposure can change a life

Salvador Lopez, president of KConnect, has a passion for empowering others. His personal experience with struggle, grit and perseverance motivates him to make a positive impact in his community of Kent County.

Entrepreneur helps people work from home

Sheri Munsell is a firm believer that working from home can be a blessing for individuals with mental health struggles, and she is on a mission to make it possible for more people.

Schools look to extend learning days

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt its learning process, Kent Intermediate School District is ensuring its students meet grade-level educational standards.

Change-Ups: Grooters joins Bradley Company

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.

Public Record

MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds MUILENBERG, David M. et al, Mercantile Bank, Ada Twp., $500,000 WENZEL, Todd, Mercantile Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,140,000 SINGH,...

Street Talk: Shopping trends revealed

Think your shopping choices haven’t changed much during the COVID-19 pandemic?