December 28, 2015
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New Year brings familiar challenges for economic development
Economic development organizations such as Grand Rapids-based The Right Place Inc. and Zeeland-based Lakeshore Advantage seek to drive economic prosperity in the West Michigan region by attracting, retaining and expanding businesses and providing support for job seekers and potential talent. In 2015, The Right Place helped facilitate 16 projects that resulted in more than 1,320 […]
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Grants fuel new center
Justin Beene has always dreamed of developing a youth center near his old neighborhood. He’s living proof that dreams do come true. Although it’s only been a few months since the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation opened its doors at 1530 Madison Ave. SE, Beene, the director of the center, already has big plans […]
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ThinkLiquidity expands to the corporate sector
ThinkLiquidity, a Grand Rapids-based risk management and technology firm, recently launched a new business unit expanding the team’s expertise in risk management from brokerage firms to the corporate sector to help businesses improve their foreign currency and commodity hedging strategy and execution. Jeff Wilkins, managing director at ThinkLiquidity, said up until last year the company […]
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Using lessons learned from stories for your sales presentation
It’s likely you are spending time with family over the holidays. Most people add to their waistline during these times. I’m going to share a few strategies that will fatten your wallet. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, families gather and talk about old times — growing up, vacations, past holidays. They all start out, “Remember […]
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Change Ups: Blakeney tapped as COO of veterans home
Scott Blakeney is Grand Rapids Home for Veterans’ new chief operating officer.He will work closely with Michigan Veteran Health System CEO Leslie Shanlian and D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans COO Brad Slagle to ensure both state veterans homes continue to offer modern, quality care to residents. Blakeney joined the Michigan Veterans Affairs Association with nearly […]
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Expect continued growth for construction in 2016
Associated Builders and Contractors is forecasting a continued steady economic recovery for the U.S. commercial and industrial construction industries in 2016. Despite a weak global economy, the industry's solid economic recovery in 2015 should continue in 2016, led by strong consumer spending. As the mid-phase of the economic recovery continues, ABC forecasts growth in nonresidential […]
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Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds KOSMICKI, Jeremy et al, Union Home Mortgage Corp., Alpine Twp., 33-8-12, $236,800 THIMMAPUR, Harish et al, Macatawa Bank, Condo-Clements Mill, $281,200 3800 36TH STREET LLC, Mercantile Bank Of Michigan, Kentwood, 23-6-11, $485,000 LARGE, Justin et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Forest Ridge Estates No. 7, Lot […]
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Street Talk: A division among ranks
Earlier this month, the Grand Rapids Police Department received both support and a healthy dose of apprehension from city commissioners when the department asked to acquire rifles for each of its 59 patrol vehicles. The resolution, which authorized a contract between the city of Grand Rapids and Michigan Police Equipment, passed by a 5-2 margin […]
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Letter: Religion and economics don’t mix
Editor: I am a longtime customer of Gemini and reader of the Grand Rapids Business Journal. I was disappointed in your decision to print Dr. Brad Stamm’s economic piece as it was written in the Dec. 14 issue (“Economic problems don’t always have economic solutions”). It is certainly interesting to know history and how a […]
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Busy year ahead for real estate
With cranes scattered across the Grand Rapids skyline and new developments announced nearly every week, the area will likely see more of the same in the real estate industry in 2016. Dozens of projects are slated to finish up or break ground in the coming year, keeping developers, contractors and real estate agents busy. According […]
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Knowledge-based services are center of American jobs
What stands out in Michigan Future’s new report, Michigan’s Transition to a Knowledge-Based Economy, is that in the fifth year of a national expansion –– and an even stronger domestic auto industry recovery –– Michigan, on nearly all key 2014 economic and education attainment metrics, is a national laggard. Gone are the days when the […]
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Meaningful financial resolutions for a bountiful year ahead
With the New Year fast approaching, we tend to resolve to do things differently in the coming year. Some of the resolutions are impacted by items or events in our lives. Such resolutions need to be reasonable and attainable. Based on those criteria, I took some time to think about the possible resolutions I would […]
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Grand Rapidians can expect a changing landscape
The city of Grand Rapids is “ringing in the New Year” with a transition of leadership, as Rosalynn Bliss assumes the mayoral role Jan. 1, Dave Allen becomes Third Ward Commissioner, and Jon O’Connor takes on the role of a First Ward Commissioner. Bliss’ new leadership role also results in a vacancy in the Second […]
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Local businesses build groundwork for a springboard to 2016
Some might say the achievements of economic impact this year pale in comparison to the December finale of the state legislative agreement to tax code changes that pave the way for the SuperNAP data center in Gaines Township and its impact on the Michigan economy. But the West Michigan region, in 2015, set new levels […]
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On the horizon
Here is a sampling of projects in the works in downtown Grand Rapids: Under construction: Arena Place, 55 Ottawa Ave. SW Orion Construction’s project includes 101 apartment units, mixed-use retail including The Wheelhouse Restaurant, and offices for Meritage Hospitality Group, Miller Johnson and Do More Good. Expect completion this spring. Venue Tower, 20 Monroe Ave. […]
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Airport starting 2016 on a high note
2015 was a record-breaker for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which saw its passenger numbers grow beyond 2014 a month before the year was over. GFIA reported this month that through November 2015, year-to-date passenger numbers totaled 2,347,424 — surpassing 2014’s January-November passenger count of 2,142,355. That put the airport 9.57 percent above its […]
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Inside Track: Hispanic roots and making connections build entrepreneur
Remember the name Javier Olvera. He’s already a successful and respected local entrepreneur. But now, Olvera, the president of Supermercado Mexico and La Mexicana Bakery, is looking to make his mark as a mover and shaker in Grand Rapids by doing something few business leaders have attempted. He wants to serve as West Michigan’s business […]
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Home is where the heart is
There are about 22,000 vulnerable West Michigan homeowners whom Dave Jacobs took care of under his watch as executive director of Home Repair Services. And now his watch is ended. “The 65th birthday mark (in December) is a handy mark to let you know when to retire,” he joked. Jacobs has spent the last 34 […]
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Is Michigan ready for no tipping?
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Grand Rapids made national culinary news in October when local restaurateur Paul Lee announced he would open a no-tipping restaurant in 2016. Lee’s announcement came on the heels of restaurant industry pioneer Danny Meyer announcing he would try to implement the no-tipping business model in his 13-restaurant Union Square […]
