August 4, 2014
Michigan in middle of the pack among U.S. exporters
The latest numbers on trade around the world show that in the first five months of 2014, the value of world merchandise exports rose 2 percent to $4.5 trillion from the same period in 2013. The trade figures on exports, released by the World Trade Organization, indicate that, so far this year, the United States […]
Salespeople have questions — Jeffrey has answers
Jeffrey, As you often suggest, my company is going to start filming client video testimonials. There will be some clients we would not invite to give a testimonial due to their less than stellar reputation in our community. What is the diplomatic response to such clients if they ask, "How come you didn't ask me […]
Street Talk: These eight are the real MCOYs
What it really comes down to is this: Who plays nice in the sandbox? The American Subcontractors Association of Michigan is hoping to find out with the fifth edition of its Michigan Contractor of the Year Award honoring general contractors that excel in the field. The catch is that the industry’s subcontractors get to vote […]
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Change Ups: GRPD receives military support award
Grand Rapids Police Department is the recipient of a military support award at the 2014 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves Awards Banquet, held at the Kellogg Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing. The department was awarded the Pro Patria Award, the top honor from the state level, only three of which are awarded […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds AHRENS, Jonathan J. et al, Founders Bank & Trust, Cannon Twp., 4-8-10, $297,600 DAVID, Jonathan J. et al, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Beverly Hills, Lot 122, $215,600 FELDKAMP, James B. et al, Founders Bank & Trust, Condo-River Bluff, $440,339 BOPP, Michael W. et al, Lake […]
HOM reaches out to Hispanic community
Hospice of Michigan is looking to bring awareness and education to better serve the end-of-life needs of the Hispanic community. The palliative care health provider is expanding services to meet the needs of the Hispanic community in Grand Rapids through its 1530 Grandville Ave. SW location in Roosevelt Park. Originally launched in 2013 with a […]
IRS offers shortcut to tax-exempt status
Founding a nonprofit often is based on a vision of helping make the world a happier, healthier, better place — but the process can be a nightmare. The three-part process involves forming the nonprofit corporation, seeking tax-exempt status and registering for a charitable solicitation registration. Up until recently, the second step — seeking tax-exempt status […]
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More anaerobic digesters installed in West Michigan
Consumers Energy is planning to buy more renewable energy generated at four farms in West Michigan, while the city of Lowell soon will begin to tap into electricity derived from waste from a farm and a major food-processing plant there. Both the Lowell anaerobic digester and one of the new farm anaerobic digesters are being […]
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Sports complex forecasts $20M economic impact
Six years of work is done, and now it’s time to play ball. The West Michigan Sports Commission held its opening for the Art Van Sports Complex — a 60-acre, $7.8 million facility with eight baseball and softball diamonds in Plainfield Township — over the weekend. Eventually, a Phase II could open up four more […]
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Inside Track: Keeping aspiring entrepreneurs on track
First-time entrepreneurs are a lot of fun to work with, according to Linda Johnson Otterbridge, because “you never know what they’re going to come up with.” However, to get a business started and keep it going, many entrepreneurs would benefit from a support network and an accountability coach who follows up to make sure they […]
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Granger Group starts $22.5M senior living facility at Metro Health
An upscale senior living community is now under development in the Metro Health Village complex in Wyoming as a local company continues to redesign health and wellness real estate. Granger Group, a real estate development and capital management company based in Wyoming, began construction on the $22.5 million asset-valued senior living facility on Thursday with […]
EEOC updates guidelines related to pregnant employees
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued updated guidelines on pregnancy discrimination. The guidance addresses issues related to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is the first update the agency has undertaken related to pregnancy discrimination since 1983, making it a very big deal considering how much the workforce […]
Surgery morning: It’s good to see a doctor in the house
Three weeks ago it hit me that, when being wheeled down a hallway toward surgery, you sure as hell hope your surgeon isn't worrying about lawsuits. In other words, while the doctor who will replace your right hip is making sure he's got the pieces of your new porcelain hip ready, firing up the bone […]
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Old barns are good business
When a big spring windstorm swept through Sparta in April, it toppled trees all over town, including some large white pines that smashed a huge hole in the roof of Don and Evelyn Champney’s 1890s-era carriage house. Don Champney spoke to his insurance company about the damage and was told he might have to tear […]
State, local business community have powwow
Representatives from the state of Michigan and the West Michigan business community met last week to discuss the reinvention of Michigan and ongoing efforts to continue its growth. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Steve Arwood, director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, met with representatives of the West Michigan business community at […]
Is it panic time for nonprofit organizations?
Nonprofit organizations increasingly are facing financial challenges. Many face competition from other nonprofits seeking donors’ attention. Some are being bypassed by other more efficient organizations. Some face declining government funding. Some are impacted by changing times. Yet some of their responses give rise to concerns, especially if they concentrate on finances rather than service. Unfortunately, […]
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Orion breaks ground on $28M Arena Place
Construction work on one of the city’s major mixed-use projects is underway. A ground-breaking ceremony, hosted last Wednesday by Grand Rapids-based contractor Orion Construction Inc., was held at 55 Ottawa Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids, launching the $28 million Arena Place project located near Van Andel Arena. The 11-story, 373,347-square-foot Arena Place will feature […]
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West side of Grand Rapids keeps growing
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Is the west side truly the best side? It’s a question many in the city of Grand Rapids may be pondering. As the city continues to grow and develop, the area west of the Grand River has a number of developers eyeing it as a land of opportunity. It’s […]
