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GRABB to renovate property into Black-business development center

Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses is investing half a million dollars to flip a building on Eastern Avenue SE into a center for entrepreneurship and development for Black-owned businesses.

Sparks Belting celebrates 75 years, new location

Sparks Belting, a local manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of small- and large-scale conveying solutions, is celebrating 75 years in business and its recent move to a new corporate office and national manufacturing center.

Mom launches gentle clothing line for children

When her son began screaming and refusing to get dressed each morning before kindergarten, a Grand Rapids mom took a hard look at the clothes he was wearing and decided she could do better.

Dematic sees tremendous growth during pandemic

Dematic has been riding a wave of unprecedented growth during the past 18 months, largely thanks to a surge in demand for automation in the e-commerce and grocery sectors during the pandemic.

Davenport nursing students using holographic software

Davenport University’s nursing program is offering its students a new perspective in practicing how to treat COVID-19 patients.

Survey: College cost remains top concern

The continued rising costs of college have students and parents alike concerned and wary heading into the fall.

Nonprofit introduces students to ‘other’ aspects of theater

Two Grand Rapids theater enthusiasts want to ensure that children of color are exposed to all the career opportunities that allow a production to come alive on stage.

Real estate markets adjusting to ‘new normal’

Advantage Commercial Real Estate recently released its mid-year market trend reports for 2021, showing industrial real estate is stepping up to meet consumer demands, even in the face of high construction costs. Meanwhile, retail and office companies in West Michigan still are adjusting, but some post-pandemic changes may be here to stay.

Business group eyes talent gaps

Business Leaders for Michigan has released the latest survey of its board, showing the majority of CEOs at Michigan’s largest employers expect the state and national economies to fare well in the next six months, although talent shortages remain a concern.

Students must build foundation of ‘essential’ skills

KC Rising, a business-led metro Kansas City regional prosperity organization, recently published a terrific report defining what are essential skills all students need for career success.

Inside Track: Stellar founder finds a better way

The founder and president of Stellar Broadband, recently rebranded from SpartanNet, has been in the industry long enough to remember when less than two megabits was considered broadband internet. Now, Richard Laing is delivering up to 10 Gigs for residents and businesses in West Michigan, East Lansing and beyond.

Dealing with a difficult customer

A difficult customer — someone who is angry or upset — can be one of the most challenging and rewarding encounters for most companies.

Beware the DOJ’s post-COVID-19 enforcement priorities

Health care providers beware: the Department of Justice has launched new enforcement efforts to prosecute individuals and entities that took advantage of the COVID-19 crisis for personal gain, promising to prosecute anyone who engages in such fraud “to the fullest extent of the law.”

Agricultural economy rebounding

After being rocked by the deadly pandemic, Michigan’s agricultural economy is rebounding.

Change-Ups: House selected as bank’s branch manager

Grand River Bank recently hired Jane House as branch manager of its newest full-service regional banking center located at 50 Crahen Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.

Public Record

MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds SWAN PROPERTY HOLDING LLC, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Bowne Twp., $10,705,000 STEFFES, Gregg M. et al,...

Street Talk: Living life on the edge

Easterseals Michigan is calling all thrill-seekers. The nonprofit that empowers individuals with behavioral, physical, social or intellectual disabilities will host its fifth annual Over the Edge fundraiser, sponsored by Amway, on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Bridgewater Place, 333 Bridge St. NW, one of the tallest buildings in Grand Rapids.