February 27, 2017
New tool provides synopsis of region
Collaboration between the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance and The Right Place Inc. yielded a new tool that aggregates data to create a snapshot of the region. The organizations unveiled the West Michigan Regional Dashboard on Feb. 17, providing the general public with access to a one-stop shop for a variety of statistics on 34 […]
Trust law keeps assets from creditors
For wealthy individuals and those in high-risk professions, asset protection and estate tax avoidance in Michigan just got a bit easier. Gov. Rick Snyder signed the Qualified Dispositions in Trusts Act, which took effect Feb. 5, making Michigan the 17th state that permits Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs), a form of irrevocable trust that can […]
Street Talk: Who wants Wahlburgers?
Actor Mark Wahlberg was spotted hanging out in Grand Rapids last week, setting tongues wagging as to what the TV and movie celebrity was doing in town. From photos posted on social media, we know Wahlberg took in a game of golf at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club and spent time at Meijer’s corporate headquarters in […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds CISNEROS, Robert et al, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Condo-Countryview Estates, $247,500 RODENHOUSE, Sara et al, Chemical Bank, Plainfield Twp., 18-8-11, $471,000 GEERLINGS, Tom et al, Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., 29-5-12, $202,000 GOSS, Steven et al, Huntington National Bank, Bella Vista Shores No. 6, Lot […]
Retailers express confidence despite sluggish start
More than four of five Michigan retailers (82 percent) expect to increase 2017 sales over last year despite a slow start, according to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Only 7 percent expect their sales to decline and 11 percent see no change. […]
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Change Ups: Millage creates stable funding for GRPM, JB Zoo
A voter-approved millage passed in 2016 will provide Kent County residents free admission to the Grand Rapids Public Museum for children ages 17 and under, reduce admission for adults to $5, and $3 for seniors and provide free parking with paid GRPM admission and parking validation. Millage funds will create a stable source of financial […]
Virtual reality could expose auto suppliers to new claims of false advertising
Automotive suppliers and manufacturers around the world are getting on the virtual and augmented reality bandwagon. The CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America revealed the company sees a major role for virtual reality experiences in its dealerships. Wearing a head-mounted display, such as Google Cardboard, customers would be able to experience various vehicle interiors […]
Letter: Recent changes at Davenport University not reflected in story
The Feb. 17 article “What will you be making at 34?” created a very inaccurate portrait of Davenport University, one of the few institutions of higher education in the state of Michigan with the specific, stated mission of preparing students for well-paying careers. This was an article that would have benefitted greatly from fact-checking beforehand, […]
Project examines barriers for women of color
Shannon Cohen and Pat Sosa VerDuin want women of color in the West Michigan business community to been seen and heard. Cohen, who is African American, and VerDuin, who is Mexican American, met and struck up a friendship as recipients of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Network fellowships three years ago. As their kinship […]
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Inside Track: With second opportunity, attorney answers the call
Seven months in, Anita Hitchcock couldn’t be happier with her new role as Grand Rapids city attorney. Hitchcock, who “prays about everything,” said when the city attorney job opened, she decided not to apply for it. “The availability came up, and there were people who encouraged me to do it, and I thought about it […]
Educated workforce trumps low tax rates
The Michigan House of Representatives late last week did not approve an income tax cut that would have lowered the 4.25 percent tax to 4.05 percent by 2019 and then to 3.9 percent by 2021. It is legislation that has been backed by several business groups, including the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and […]
Website helps students determine career
Students in Kentucky are using software from a Grand Rapids developer to determine what career their future might hold. Grand Rapids-based web development firm C2 Group won a bid from Louisville, Kentucky-based KentuckianaWorks to help Louisville-area students make informed decisions on their future. The Career Calculator website is in its first year of testing at […]
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Kentwood kicks off anniversary celebrations
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) The Kentwood City Commission held its first meeting in the halls of Bowen Elementary School on Feb. 27, 1967. On Feb. 27, 2017, the city is coming full circle. The Commission is holding a ceremonial meeting at the school to commemorate the city’s 50th anniversary of being incorporated, the […]
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Literacy program cultivates ‘hidden talent’ in employees
The Literacy Center of West Michigan realized 16 years ago that the workforce was full of employees with untapped leadership potential: those who struggle with literacy. It also saw a trend of worker turnover due to communication barriers and safety concerns, which hurt employers’ bottom lines. In response, the nonprofit built a Customized Workplace English […]
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Student boarders ride growth wave
An action sports program at Forest Hills Public Schools has grown exponentially in two years and is attracting new professional partnerships. When the Business Journal profiled Gone Boarding two years ago, the cross-curriculum physical education and industrial arts program had 20 students at Forest Hills Eastern High School and a fledgling partnership with Vermont-based snowboard […]
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Comfort Research launches ‘innovative’ seating option
A Grand Rapids seating maker is eager for you to take a seat. Comfort Research, which manufactures affordable seating options, is celebrating the debut of its newest product platform, Orahh, a new technology developed and patented by the company. Matt Jung, co-founder of Comfort Research, said he’s excited about the new platform, which he described […]
