July 2, 2018
ArtPrize symbolizes and rewards a design-centric business community with economic gains
The Business Journal this week reports on the domino economic impact of the decision to make ArtPrize a biannual event, but additional reporting reflects the overall economic opportunity of a labor force steeped in design-centric practices. The example became obvious to those outside this region as private businesses discovered ways to embrace the enormous “interrupter” […]
Finding the next generation of our manufacturing workforce
While economists closely follow the national unemployment statistics reported monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor, this does not always accurately reflect the challenges faced by manufacturing companies looking for skilled talent in today’s workforce. There is a combination of factors at play, including the need for newer skills created by the digitized manufacturing landscape […]
Improve your odds of success with organization
A place for everything and everything in its place. So simple and so important yet often not followed. Organizations struggle with efficiency. The thief of time is things not being in their place. I talked to a former employee, Brad, who I really liked, a few years ago. I asked Brad what he liked and […]
Investing in the scientific visionaries of tomorrow
Last week, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law the Marshall Plan for Talent — a statewide initiative to develop and support the estimated 811,055 career openings that will be created between now and 2024. This is an exciting investment that reflects the efforts of many local leaders, including the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce […]
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Change Ups: Smith appointed chief strategy officer
Kelly Smith was appointed Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Mercy Health’s chief strategy officer for Michigan. As a member of the Michigan executive team, Smith will act as an expert resource and adviser to statewide leaders to strengthen and drive strategic and business competencies across Michigan. Her appointment represents an expansion of Smith’s previous […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds SKELONC, Paul et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Condo-White Pine Ridge, $229,304 JANECYK, Robert J. et al, Janecyk, Bella Vista Shores No. 12, Lot 508, $245,000 FOSTER, Miles et al, Quicken Loans, Boynton Add., Lot 9, $224,000 RIVERA, Brooke et al, VanDyk Mortgage Corp., Chalet […]
Street Talk: Handling the heat
About 100 protesters joined the Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting June 28 to protest the county’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting lasted about one-and-a-half hours longer than usual as a couple dozen protesters spoke at the mic during public comment about the “racial profiling,” distress of families and other […]
Local nonprofit works to reunite children
The hotly contested debate over separation of children from their parents who have crossed the Mexico-U.S. border illegally has spilled over into Michigan. According to Grand Rapids-based Bethany Christian Services, which aims to protect and enhance the lives of children and families, it has provided services to 81 children in Michigan since May when the […]
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Insurer covers the cannabis industry
Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) section 408 requires licensed facilities to carry liability insurance — or post $100,000 in cash or bonds — in the event of bodily harm to lawful marijuana users from an adulterated substance. According to Kevin Cross, very few insurance companies he knows of have tried to offer a […]
City of Tomorrow offers unique initiative for GR
The recently announced City of Tomorrow platform presents a unique opportunity for the city of Grand Rapids, and partners on the project said it’s the first program of its kind to debut in a midsize city. Ford announced a partnership with the city of Grand Rapids, PlanetM, The Right Place and other corporate stakeholders to […]
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Gov. Snyder sets talent plan in motion
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder approved the Marshall Plan for Talent last week, which will invest $100 million to be used over the next five years in an effort to improve the state’s talent pool. The plan is meant to better prepare students for jobs in a 21st-century market, specifically those in computer science, manufacturing, health […]
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County land bank rebrands as InnovaLaB
The Kent County Land Bank Authority recently announced a rebranding effort as a precursor to the organization’s heightened focus on developing more affordable housing, as well as delivering market-rate housing at prices affordable to the “missing middle” buyers. The organization is in the process of changing its name to InnovaLaB to reflect on its new […]
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Dementia training aims to ‘develop empathy’
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) A local senior living facility implemented role reversal training. Since 2015, Holland Home’s Memory Care Services instituted a mandatory Dementia Journey training for its entire staff in an effort to simulate the permanent effects patients with dementia experience every day. Dementia is not just one disease, according to […]
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Inside Track: Gym rat finds calling
Nick Klein said he was always a gym rat growing up, even before becoming the CEO of his own personal training gym. During his high school years, he took every sport he participated in to the extreme, with the goal of one day being a professional athlete. “I remember being 8 years old and losing […]
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ArtPrize shift causes marketing disruption
The city of Grand Rapids will have to change its marketing strategy thanks to the new biennial ArtPrize structure. Starting in 2019, ArtPrize will implement “Project” years that will feature a single artist or up to about five artists, according to ArtPrize Artistic Director Kevin Buist. ArtPrize still will take place this fall and every other […]
