Archives

Diaper company on top of explosive growth

For those who have ever changed a diaper, prepare for the tale of a West Michigan company to cheer for. Smart Bottoms, an Ada-based specialty...

Inside Track: NAI Wisinski general manager banks on his relationships

Every business story essentially boils down to two great forces: money and people. For Brad Bruinsma, the general manager of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan,...

Bosnian brothers build on heritage

Growing up in Bosnia, Rudy Kadiric remembers handing nails to his father as they built a pole barn. Today, Kadiric and his brother, Muhamed,...

Craft culture pops for soda distributor

The craft culture in Grand Rapids is so strong it has convinced a soda distribution company to make its own soda. Following more than 45...

Tech firm sees window of opportunity

A technology firm is looking to make commercial and residential buildings more sustainable by developing a window system that will keep hot and cold...

Forum strength rests on strong voices

The bi-annual West Michigan Policy Forum reservation line is open, even as the agenda still is taking shape for the Sept. 26 event, which...

Beer shopping? Just the facts, please

With a new wave of breweries opening in West Michigan — and across the nation — beer distributors have placed an added emphasis on...

Open forums on policing have economic benefits

We don’t want to do Detroit again, one participant said, when 50 years later, the city still hasn’t fully recovered. In the last few weeks,...

Credit union’s rebranding plays on state’s outdoor activities

After 80 years in business, Option 1 Credit Union wanted to better prepare for its future. Earlier this summer, Option 1 rebranded to Adventure Credit...

Young people face immense financial challenges

August is the month when back-to-school sales seem to be everywhere and when the excitement of returning to school intensifies. I know the excitement...

Attorneys float carbon tax questions

When the United States signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, it joined 176 states and the European Union in making a commitment to...

Federal grant will be used to restore Muskegon Lake wetlands

The restoration of Muskegon Lake is worth millions. Michigan’s U.S. senators, Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, announced the Great Lakes Commission was awarded a $7.9...

Grant boosts GVSU professor’s honeybee study

Honeybees are dying, and researchers still don’t know why. But with a third of the food people eat dependent on honeybees, it’s imperative they...

GM partners with local merchandiser

(As seen on WZZM TV 13) General Motors now has a new location in Grand Rapids: your shirt. GM recently announced a new partnership with...

Search for new talent turns digital

Nestled in the upper left corner of the banner of michigansmartcoast.com is a simple call to action — “Discover Your Place.” The new website by...

Chemical deal set to close this week

The biggest acquisition in Chemical Financial Corp.’s history is expected to close Wednesday, making the Midland-based bank the largest bank headquartered in Michigan. The $1.4...

Change Ups: Heritage Pointe draws medical service providers

First Companies recently finished construction of the Heritage Pointe complex, 2144 E. Paris Ave., a 42,792-square-foot Class A medical office building that is more...

What do you do when workplace ‘change’ happens?

For most people, “change” is a mixture of what was, what used to be, what I’m being faced with now, what I believe the...

Street Talk: Talent drain’s strain

It seems like it has become a regular feature to highlight the juxtaposition of Grand Rapids being one of the fastest growing cities in...

Public Record

MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds VERLIN, Michelle et al, AmeriFirst Financial Corp., Bailey's Grove No. 20, Lot 543, $285,950 GOOD, Nicholas B....