August 14, 2017
Auto sales slump finally trickles down to suppliers
After six months of disappointing car sales, the impact on our local auto parts suppliers finally is being felt by the West Michigan economy. It’s not a collapse, just a modest tapering of the growth rate; and growth is still growth. According to the survey conducted during the last two weeks of July, New Orders, […]
Geofencing: recruiting’s new golden technique?
Given the continuing advances in technology, it is not surprising companies are using new ways to target potential employees. One of these catching our eye these days is “geofencing.” Recruiters are now borrowing this technique, which has been honed by digital marketers and social media platforms to get advertising, marketing and brand messages to hyper-focused […]
Transferring a family business through buy-sell planning
Most family business owners are very busy with urgent areas of their business: recruiting and retaining good employees, and keeping customers satisfied. Time and attention paid to a future question — “What happens to my business if I’m not here to run it?” — can positively contribute to each of those. This article discusses strategies […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds PIERCE, Steven et al, AmeriFirst Financial Corp., The Orchards, Lot 22, $424,000 WALLA, Beth A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Sierra Estates, Lot 19, $207,575 WHIPPLE, Bruce F. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., 14-8-11, $291,650 WINKLE, Mark & Michelle Trust et […]
Street Talk: County moves to halt spread of methane
The Kent County Department of Public Works discovered a migration of methane gas to the west of the Kentwood Landfill during routine monitoring in 2016. The landfill was closed in 1976, though methane continuously emits from the site because of decomposing waste. Kent County conducts regular monitoring of methane in the air and installed a […]
Michigan’s longstanding talent issue must be solved
EAgile has ahold of the Radio Frequency Identification technology business, but whether it can continue its success from Michigan underscores the now most profound issue most affecting Michigan businesses, especially as Michigan is compared to other states and the availability of a creative workforce with STEM skills. Recruitment issues surfaced two weeks ago in Wisconsin, […]
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Change Ups: Guiding Light receives $5,000 from SpartanNash Foundation
Guiding Light, which meets the needs of men in Grand Rapids with sustainable housing, re-entry into the workforce and addiction and alcohol recovery, recently received $5,000 from the SpartanNash Foundation. The Christian mission also received help with cleaning, replacing ceiling tiles and painting projects from nine SpartanNash associates who lent a hand during its annual […]
WMSBF aims to cut down food waste
In an effort to promote food recovery among local businesses and reduce food waste in landfills, the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will launch a food waste council consisting of stakeholders in the food production industry. WMSBF received a seed grant from the Michigan Local Food Council Network for the assembly of the council, which […]
App helps migrants acclimate
In 2011, Feliciano Paredes watched a documentary called “The Harvest” about farm workers migrating from the South to the Midwest — facing risks along the way — and he had an idea. “I was watching the documentary and seeing their struggles as they were going from state to state and seeing how the farmers didn’t […]
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Inside Track: Go-getter challenges status quo
With only a slight trace of a German accent, Mirka Wilderer describes her journey toward an executive role at a Michigan water systems company. The youngest of three, she often tried to “boss” her two older brothers, a trait she now sees through feminist eyes like those of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, author of “Lean […]
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Muskegon’s new food hub is producing results
As the Michigan growing season reaches its midpoint, a food hub patterned after state and national efforts is seeing a fruitful harvest. The Muskegon Food Hub pilot program, launched in May, takes produce grown by farmers and sells it wholesale to community groups to help increase the healthy food supply to low-income residents. Melissa Freye, […]
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Modeling agency embraces ‘body positivity’
In an industry often known for narrow beauty standards pushing models past the point of health, Kelly Koning-Ramic embraces a different ethos: one of acceptance and self-confidence. Koning-Ramic bought The Matthew Agency, a talent and modeling company, on June 1 from Unique Models and Talent. Jared Matthew, a photographer and choreographer who previously worked in […]
Signals point to surge in apartment construction
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Despite a relative lull in multifamily residential housing construction at the beginning of 2017, indications point to another surge. Currently in the city of Grand Rapids, there are 19 projects under construction and more than 2,000 apartment units, most of which fall into the market-rate category. Meanwhile, there are […]
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DDA approves downtown movie theater project
Plans for a $140-million downtown movie theater project are moving forward. The Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved an updated mixed-use development proposal by Jackson Entertainment LLC, which would put a nine-screen Studio C! movie theater concept, apartments, a four-star hotel, parking ramp, and retail and office space in the Arena District. The project will be […]
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Mr. Burger celebrates 50 years
Since opening the first Mr. Burger Restaurant in 1967, the hard work and ambitions of Peter and Maria Christopoulos have grown into a prosperous family business encompassing six restaurants in West Michigan. Originally from the small village of Dikastron in Central Greece, the young Peter Christopoulos grew up in a country that had been shocked […]
