April 20, 2015
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Recycling rates continue to grow in Kent County
One year ago, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder called on the state to increase recycling rates from less than 15 percent to at least 30 percent, noting the state’s current recycling rate was among the worst in the nation. Kristen Wieland, manager of Kent County Department of Public Works Resource Recovery & Recycling, said while increasing […]
Monthly materials prices on the upswing, but still down overall
Prices for inputs to construction industries expanded 0.8 percent in March, the largest monthly increase in more than two years, according to the April 14 producer price index release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prices have now expanded for two consecutive months after declining during the prior six; however, input prices are down 3.6 […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds REED, William G. et al, Sun West Mortgage Co., Princeton Estates No. 14, Lot 569, $228,280 GESSNER, Lisa et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Condo-Thousand Oaks, $400,000 WILLIAMS, Valerie et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Rogue River View Estates No. 2, Lot 35, $232,666 QUILLAN, Ryan […]
It’s not really failure — it’s failure to do your best
I’m often asked, “Why do salespeople fail?” The answer is: They don’t fail. They fail to be their best. They fail to do their best. They fail to think their best. And they fail to take the best actions to help them succeed. There are symptoms that allow either a sales leader or the salesperson […]
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Change Ups: Total Health facility breaks ground
Total Health Chiropractic broke ground recently on a 14,000-square foot facility at 2172 East Paris Ave. in Kentwood. First Companies Inc. is constructing the facility that is slated to be completed in late summer. The new building is designed to expand Total Health’s programs and services, specifically in the areas of pain relief, rehabilitation, spa […]
Utilities argue for repeal of energy choice
David Mengebier says repeal of Michigan’s 10 percent energy choice law is the most reliable and affordable way of providing electricity to customers in Michigan. Andy Johnston says energy choice, also known as Retail Open Access, improves the competitiveness of Michigan business by keeping energy costs competitive. Mengebier, a senior vice president at Consumers Energy, […]
Teams tackle project management competition
A team of project managers from Cornerstone University might find their college tuition is a bit more affordable. The students were part of a competition last week sponsored by the West Michigan chapter of the Project Management Institute. Teams were tasked, ironically, with improving the affordability of higher education. Cornerstone’s team was awarded first place […]
Foundation honors women of achievement and courage
At a dainty 5-foot-2, Rachel Chong doesn’t possess the stature or the carpentry skills to help build a house. Without those skills, the one volunteer opportunity she was presented with in her former investment banking job left her wanting a better way to find other volunteer opportunities. That led her to an idea. “Can there […]
Street Talk: It was meant to B
What a difference a little over a year makes. Last year, Bazzani Building Co. applied to become certified as a B Corporation through the nonprofit B Lab. To become certified, a company needs to voluntarily meet standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Certification recognizes a company for its positive social and environmental […]
Manufacturers could benefit from vehicle repair policy changes
One should never underestimate what Michigan can produce. It is the home to people who, while not born into wealth, can create, grow and give back. This is about manufacturing and two lawmakers — a former gravel truck driver and a sailor with 22 years in the Naval Reserve — working together to help Michigan’s […]
Hiring professional help: make you sure you get what you pay for
I recently had the pleasure of spending a few days in Naples, Fla., with friends from high school. The husband and I had both worked for a CPA firm, and we talked about all the people we knew in common. In the course of the conversation, he mentioned a concept with which I have always […]
Commissioners squelch Creston parking study
Arlen Smith wants a study to find ways to improve the parking situation in the Creston Business District where he works. Smith, president of Central Interconnect Inc. at 1425 Coit Ave. NE, presented his request at the Parking Commission meeting Thursday morning. The Creston Business Association sent him to the meeting with a letter voicing […]
Ottawa’s water aquifers provide emphasis for concern, state policies
Recognition of Earth Day around the country will include thousands of activities and community demonstrations specifying various aspects of sustainability and pride of association. That’s a good thing, considering that, as recently as 2011, one local seminar was titled “Sustainability: Trend or Fad?” Not long prior to 2011, environmental scientists providing evidence of scarce natural […]
Diversity is a challenge in Ottawa
The State of Ottawa County 2015 address made by the county administrator makes it clear: It has a lot going for it but more effort is needed to encourage and promote diversity. For the sake of continued economic growth, Ottawa needs to promote an environment where all types of people are welcome and will want […]
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Arts groups collaborate on ‘total sensory experience’
The Grand Rapids arts community continues to become more collaborative. Four area arts organizations and hundreds of other artists will join together for LiveArts, a multi-sensory musical experience, Friday at Van Andel Arena. Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids and Broadway Grand Rapids have teamed for an event that’s been two years […]
State looks ahead 10 years with energy plan
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) In 10 years, what will Michigan’s energy needs be? That is the question Michigan’s legislators and Gov. Rick Snyder are asking themselves as they prepare to enact the state’s next energy policy later this year. Gov. Rick Snyder spoke about Michigan’s energy future last month, addressing the topics of […]
Forum set on Metro, CHS deal
Citizens and competitors will get their say on a proposed hospital sale when Attorney General Bill Scheutte hosts a public hearing Thursday in Wyoming. The AG’s office is hosting a public forum on the proposed joint venture between nonprofit Metro Health and Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, a for-profit corporation. The hearing is set for 5-7 […]
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Inside Track: Stimulating the economic engine
At one point in his career, Jorge Gonzalez was either a member of or leading at least 15 community organizations in West Michigan — all at once. To call him a “community-minded” individual would probably be a bit of an understatement. Gonzalez, who earlier this month was appointed executive director of the West Michigan Hispanic […]
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Water, water everywhere
A new report released earlier this month, Michigan’s Blue Economy, highlights several ways the state is already a leader in the area of water-related businesses, university research and placemaking, while also laying out a path to turn Michigan into a freshwater innovation center on a national and global level. The report is the result of […]
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Ottawa County feeling the water pressure
When it comes to water use, all eyes are on California, struggling with a major drought now in its fourth year. The largest user of water in the Golden State is its massive agriculture industry — and of all business sectors in Michigan, agricultural irrigation is the biggest user of the state’s subterranean groundwater supply. […]
