July 15, 2019
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Change Ups: Ogilvie receives WMSBF’s President’s Award
Wendy Ogilvie, director of environmental programs for Grand Valley Metro Council since 2013, recently received West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum’s 2019 President’s Award. The accolade recognizes a professional for their contributions to the organization’s growth and development. Her current initiatives include facilitating NPDES municipal stormwater permits in Kent and Ottawa counties, implementing the Lower Grand […]
Do-it-yourself deeds offer traps for the unwary
It has become common to use form legal documents found on the internet. There is a real incentive to do so for personal matters, given the high cost of legal services. These include matters like selling or gifting real estate to a family member. How safe is it to do it yourself? Here is a […]
The secret strategy for meaningful sales meetings
With a little bit of preparation and a thoughtful approach, sales meetings can be powerful and meaningful events. Here’s how to make that happen. Oops! Got a sales meeting coming up in two weeks, better get ready for it. Let’s see, what should we do? I’ll go over last month’s numbers, that’ll take a half-hour. […]
Street Talk: The future is now
Fifteen of the Muskegon lakeshore’s up and coming young professionals are being recognized by the business community for contributing to the growth and success of their company/organization and making a positive impact along the lakeshore. “In these changing times, it is very important that we usher in new leadership for this community. This award is […]
Public Record
BANKRUPTCY 19-02042 – JACKSON, Molly M., 2260 Byron Center SW, Wyoming, Stephen C. Watt (Ch. 7) 19-02046 – VANLIERE, Andrew R. & Rebecca J., 9327 Wingeier SE, Alto, Robert W. Dietrich (Ch. 13) 19-02059 – PHAM, Hieu Q., 4869 Champion SE, Kentwood, Jacob T. Tighe (Ch. 7) 19-02060 – GARDNER, Mindy W., 1073 Pinewood NW, […]
Marijuana agency spells out emergency rules
A Michigan agency is giving municipalities some time to weigh their options when it comes to allowing companies to plant marijuana in their communities for recreational use. The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) announced emergency rules that detail the guidelines for the recreational marijuana proposal that Michigan residents voted in favor of in 2018. “The release […]
Bill aims to improve U.S. retirement prospects
Following the demise of pensions for the majority of Americans, retirement planning is an activity many feel unprepared to handle. A bill circulating in Congress could ease that burden if it becomes law. H.R. 1994, or the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on […]
Federal grant helps ex-offenders find jobs
Ex-offenders soon will have more opportunities to find employment, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Michigan Talent Investment Agency (TIA) revealed the U.S. department will provide a $100,000 Fidelity Bonding Demonstration grant. The four-year grant allows for more funded resources for the Fidelity Bonding Program, which is coordinated by every Michigan Works! Agency. […]
Survey reveals immigrant challenges
A group of community leaders is taking the next step for better immigrant inclusion in Kent County. Nearly 800 people from 64 countries responded to a survey about their experiences as immigrants in Kent County, representing 27 ZIP codes. The survey is the first step of a collaborative effort between the city of Grand Rapids, […]
Chamber focuses on minority contractors
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce has been ramping up its focus on helping minority-owned contractor businesses succeed. After about two decades in existence, the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association a few years ago became a program of the chamber. The chamber has spent the past year increasing the scope of services to those involved […]
Dental practice spreads joy with community outreach
It’s been more than five months since Lisa Weller woke up with a new set of teeth. Her teeth had been deteriorating for nearly two decades, and she had no plans or hope for a fix. She couldn’t even afford dental insurance, and at a cost of $50,000 for a new set of teeth, it […]
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Inside Track: Leader prevails despite the odds
When Ron Kitchens was elected alderman in his hometown at age 21, he had never heard the term “economic development.” But he had already decided the greatest force for change in this world is a job. Kitchens — now CEO and senior partner at Southwest Michigan First in Kalamazoo — was born in poverty to […]
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Workforce initiative secures $20K
The city of Grand Rapids and Huntington Bank are partnering on a workforce development initiative as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce violence in neighborhoods. LifeQuest Ministries won the June 25 Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force Pitch and Highlight Night and is receiving $10,000 from the city and a $10,000 match […]
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Academy builds foundation for tech-minded students
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) A local company is providing young people with an opportunity to learn about the technology industry. Mark Schmidt, founder of BizStream, a web and software development company in Allendale, created BizStream Academy in 2012. The academy is a boot camp that offers two sessions each summer to individuals ages […]
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Manufacturer dials into workforce training
If you want something done right, do it yourself — such is the philosophy on display at Autocam Medical when it comes to creating a skilled workforce. The Kentwood-based contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices has for the past several years participated in a CNC Machinist Apprentice Program in which it […]
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‘I was able to … have someone see me’
A salon that has been quietly operating on a busy corridor in Grand Rapids for 15 years will get its long-awaited expansion thanks to a local racial equity lending firm. Clara Guevara — owner of Maily’s Dominican Salon at 325 28th St. SE in Grand Rapids — recently received a small business loan from Grand […]
