February 4, 2019
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Change Ups: Spectrum Health appoints diversity officer
Ovell Barbee, Spectrum Health’s senior vice president of human resources, is the health care system’s new diversity officer. Barbee will lead Spectrum Health’s inclusion and diversity efforts to ensure the recruitment, attraction and development of talent. He also will work to foster an environment that is welcoming and respectful for all, while leading talent acquisition […]
Public Record
BANKRUPTCY 19-00007 – PRATT, Frank C. Jr. & Kimberly S., 4654 Westgate NW, April A. Hulst (Ch. 7) 19-00010 – ROSEMA, Roger G. & Anastasia P., 727 Marcia SW, Wyoming, Rebecca L. Johnson-Ellis (Ch. 13) 19-00012 – PRUDE, Randy D., 901 Evergreen, Sean L. Campbell (Ch. 7) 19-00019 – KAMINSKI, Ann M., 1524 Sierra NW, […]
Furniture industry sees Q4 gains
Michael A. Dunlap & Associates’ latest report on the furniture industry shows business finished strong in 2018 and the industry is on solid footing heading into 2019. The Holland-based consulting firm released the results of its January 2019 quarterly MADA/OFI (Office Furniture Industry) Trends Survey on Jan. 25. The report measures the current business activity […]
Business leaders address carbon emissions concerns
More than 500 business leaders, investors and other professionals, including eight from Michigan, recently signed a letter sent to every member of the 116th Congress imploring lawmakers to “take immediate and ambitious action” to address the economic threats made clear in the Trump administration’s Fourth National Climate Assessment. The letter was organized by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), […]
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Marijuana shops, approved by voters, now face regulatory gauntlet
Possessing and growing large quantities of recreational marijuana are now legal under a ballot proposal passed by voters in November. But buying and selling even the smallest amount isn’t. That may sound confusing, and some law enforcement officials worry this distinction will create a perfect storm for a growing black market this year. Until a […]
Street Talk: What’s in a name?
Minor league baseball is rife with colorful team nicknames, ranging from the Savannah Bananas to the Topeka Train Robbers. Now another Michigan team can be added to the roster. Traverse City’s baseball team will be known as the Pit Spitters. The new name was selected from thousands of entries fans submitted last fall. Pit Spitters […]
Attacking poverty key to good-paying jobs for all
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans’ column for The PuLSE Institute entitled “Michigan needs long-term poverty policy” is worth reading. Both in its call for making attacking poverty a priority and for taking on the conventional wisdom about the causes of poverty. Evans writes: “Misconceptions about poverty and the poor continue to nurture flawed policies. The […]
Behaving badly in 2019
Richard Thaler, the 2017 recipient of the Nobel Prize in economic sciences, might very well be labeled the “father of behavioral economics.” His work seems all the more relevant given the tremendous gyrations of the stock market in 2018 and the likelihood of continued volatility in 2019. In the past year, the market has swung […]
Individuals on parole, probation could save on court-ordered fees
The idea behind reducing supervision fees paid by individuals on parole or probation is, surprisingly, to raise money. Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, proposed the bill after his constituents complained that the $135 monthly fee is too high. The bill would reduce the cost of supervision to $30 per month and $60 for individuals with an […]
New organization advocates for marijuana businesses
There is a new alliance to advocate for the interests of both recreational and medical marijuana businesses in Michigan. The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association was established Jan. 15 to address the challenges associated with the medical marijuana business licensing process and to educate businesses and consumers of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ […]
SnoHub brings snow removal to Michigan
While West Michigan recovers from a polar vortex and large amounts of snowfall, people in the greater Grand Rapids and Detroit areas can now order snow removal via an app. SnoHub, a full-service app by which users can order snow removal, just launched for its first season in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The app is currently […]
Richett Media receives companywide makeover
A local public relations firm has rebranded itself. The firm, founded in 2012 and previously known as Richett Media, officially rolled out its new name, Happy PR, in January. Emily Richett, founder and lead publicist of the firm, said the company wanted to align with its dream clients and brand, doing the work that will […]
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Inside Track: Using tragedy to help others
Gabriel Grant had just graduated high school with plans to attend Michigan State University when a car crash changed everything. With dreams of becoming an athlete, he was set to start school at Grand Rapids Community College and transfer to MSU, with a promise of paid tuition from mentor and former MSU and professional basketball […]
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Labor shortage forces contractors to get creative
As the construction industry continues to evolve to meet the unwavering demand for new construction projects, there is one hindrance that has broadly affected the industry: a labor shortage in a growing demand for new properties. According to the Architecture Billings Index, which surveys designers’ backlog quarterly to see if their workload is increasing or […]
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‘Merger of equals’ makes Chemical a regional bank
Though it’s too soon to answer all questions about the local impact of Chemical Bank’s merger with TCF Financial, Chemical’s regional president said she sees it as a welcome move to ensure the institution’s future growth. Krista Flynn, West Michigan regional president for Detroit-based Chemical Bank, said the all-stock “merger of equals” announced Jan. 28 […]
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Newco sails into shipping containers
Shipping container build-outs aren’t just for off-grid tiny homes anymore, and local general contractor Newco Design Build, besides making a name for itself in shipping container construction, also is practicing what it preaches. The company recently has moved to a new location at 4131 Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, and many of […]
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Downtown Muskegon taking next steps toward revitalization
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Community leaders are taking further steps toward revitalizing downtown Muskegon and establishing its lakeside identity. As laid out by the city’s Imagine Muskegon Lake plans, the downtown and area around the lake — from Pere Marquette Park in the west to the former B.C. Cobb power plant in the […]
