August 21, 2017
The science of the sale, the art of doing lunch
Let’s do lunch! Well, let’s do lunch the right way. Too often, salespeople think getting a lunch appointment is the victory and don’t concentrate on building rapport and the relationship to ultimately make the sale. Big mistake. Even more often, companies and (cheap) managers will not reimburse salespeople for lunchtime meetings. Bigger mistake. But most […]
Ehlers’ countless efforts felt in GR and beyond
Why does the U.S. Congress have internet connections? Vern Ehlers. It was one of the statesman’s first official impacts on and for the country, designed to provide citizens with access to legislation and connection to their elected representatives in the late 1990s. Ehlers’ impact is as immeasurable as the pathways and connections of that ubiquitous […]
‘Forever GI Bill’ brings brighter future to our veterans
Today’s veterans not only deserve but need the expanded GI education benefits that have been unanimously passed by the U.S. House and Senate and, as of Aug. 15, are awaiting the president’s signature. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017 removes the end date for veterans to use the educational benefits, expands […]
Letter: Federal budget cuts reveal strong disconnect
Editor: Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 2018 state budget signing at the Kent Intermediate School District’s Career Tech Center. The state budget will fund the Going Pro program, with more than $40.9 million. This line item includes funding of the Skilled Trades Training Funds — competitive grants that support Michigan businesses […]
Construction input prices inch higher; energy prices drop
Construction input prices increased 0.3 percent in July and are up 3 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonresidential construction input prices were in line with overall industry dynamics, increasing 0.3 percent for the month and 2.7 percent for […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds EMERY, Matt et al, Macatawa Bank, Condo-River House At Bridgewater Place, $424,100 MIRON, Holly et al, Quicken Loans, Oakfield Twp., 9-9-9, $294,500 MEINHOLD, Richard Alan et al, Flagstar Bank, Condo-Bartons Clearing, $271,000 NEUBECKER, Kyle et al, Success Mortgage Partners, Lowell Twp., 21-6-9, $204,000 ROBERT, Elizabeth […]
Street Talk: Prepare for productivity blackout
For the first time since 1979, the United States will have a front-row seat to a total solar eclipse stretching 70 miles wide and following a path from Oregon to South Carolina. While this event is exciting, much to many employers’ dismay, it is taking place right in the middle of the Monday workday, potentially […]
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Change Ups: Muñiz is San Juan Diego’s new principal
Rick Muñiz is San Juan Diego Academy’s new principal. He has 20 years of experience with Holland Public Schools, 16 of which he spent as principal. He also has eight years of experience as a counselor and assistant director for Hope College's Upward Bound program. Muñiz earned bachelor's degrees in biology and environmental studies from […]
Tread lightly when employing friends and family
There are three words that make people feel all warm and secure: love, friends and family. Those are beautiful words, but they can raise havoc on your business. I was never really an auditor because my personality does not lend itself to looking for other people’s errors. A true auditor was described to me as […]
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ArtPrize provides resources for sustainability
ArtPrize Nine could draw as large a crowd as it has in previous years, and the possible increase in visitors is likely to cause an increase in waste. Last year, ArtPrize partnered with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), the city of Grand Rapids and the Kent County Department of Public Works to launch […]
Furniture industry on gradual rise
The July survey of the office furniture industry by Michael A. Dunlap and Associates in Holland indicates industry growth at a “nice, steady pace.” The overall July index score is 57.49, which Dunlap said is almost identical to the January overall index of 57.87. The average overall index is 54.93. The highest index ever recorded […]
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Holland Hospital celebrates centennial
In 1917, in the former home of the late Dr. Henry Kremers at the corner of E. 12th Street and Central Avenue, Holland Hospital was born. For those first few years, the first floor of the two-story Elizabethan-style home served as Holland Hospital’s OB unit and nursery, while surgery was performed on the second floor. […]
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Calvin adds voluntary career readiness curriculum
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) When parents of prospective students go on college tours or talk to recruiters, one of the first things they ask is, “How will your school help my kid get a job?” Grand Rapids-based Calvin College is launching a new program this fall that aims to answer that question. Calvin […]
Ottawa County nonprofit grows deeper roots in area
Ottawa County residents now don’t have as much of a mouthful when discussing Ottawa food. The Ottawa Food Policy Council changed its name to Ottawa Food and refocused its marketing efforts to provide a clearer message to the residents of Ottawa County. The council was founded in 2011 and has worked to improve access to […]
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Inside Track: Discovering her passion for teaching
Wendy Falb found her passion for teaching at an early age. When Falb was a high schooler in Hudsonville, the band director approached her to ask if she would be interested in teaching private flute lessons. Falb, the executive director of the Literacy Center of West Michigan, hadn’t even taken formal lessons herself when she […]
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Food cart manufacturer expands West Michigan plant
James Meeks was looking for just about any reason to return to West Michigan. A partnership between The Right Place Inc., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Start Garden and Start Garden’s venture fund spin-off, Wakestream Ventures, gave him one. Last week, Meeks announced his company, eco-friendly food cart manufacturer MOVE Systems International, would invest $13.3 […]
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Long Road to take overseas excursion
The accolades Long Road Distillers garnered for its aquavit the past year have earned the Grand Rapids business an invite to the spirit’s homeland. Long Road founders Kyle Van Strien and Jon O’Connor will make their way to Denmark this week for the Spirikum Festival in Copenhagen, which includes the Aquavit World Championship. The invite […]
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Security firm’s evolution reaches 10-year anniversary
Since Dave Nemmers became owner of Midstate Security, the company has experienced a sharp increase in growth and productivity. Nemmers purchased Midstate Security from Johnson Electric in 2007. This year, the company celebrated 10 years of team-focused leadership. “We were half the size we are today,” Nemmers said, “40-some employees. We had a solid customer […]
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Remake adds residential component
The city of Hudsonville’s efforts to establish a true downtown have attracted private development. On the heels of the city opening the Terra Square project’s co-working space and farmers market, as well as the restaurant Sonder Provisions opening this fall, construction of a three-story mixed-use building will begin soon on a site next to the […]
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Orion hits pause on downtown residential
John Wheeler is standing pat with his residential projects for now. Orion Construction will have 615 residential units in the downtown core of Grand Rapids before long, including downtown and near-neighborhood projects, and that’s going to be the number for a while, said Wheeler, Orion’s director of business development and president of Orion Real Estate […]
