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Small Business Restart Program offering $100M in grants (update)

(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Small businesses have until Aug. 5 to apply for a grant program that opened this month to assist with COVID-19 recovery.

Politics masquerading as environmental concern are at it again

I have written about Michigan’s Line 5 before. Last year, I called for a common-sense middle road that exercised caution in protecting our beautiful Great Lakes but did so in a manner that did not put the burden on the working-class folks of Michigan.

Walker work is big opportunity for planning firm

The Walker Master Plan has been one of McKenna’s major tent poles in West Michigan since it opened its Grand Rapids office in 2018. And the city’s most ambitious master-planning process since 1998 presented unique challenges for the Northville-based planning firm.

When a prenuptial agreement isn’t an option

Creating a thoughtful, sensible prenuptial agreement is an important step in the wedding planning process. However, many choose to avoid these agreements because it can be uncomfortable to suggest a prenup, much less discuss the specifics.

Public Record

BANKRUPTCY 20-00982 – HERMAN, Denise E., 4222 Lamdale Court SE, Nicholas S. Laue (Ch. 7) 20-00983 – COOPER, Jeffrey S., 14319 Harvard, Cedar Springs, pro se...

LTE: Column, cartoon were off the mark

Editor: Thank you for your work in keeping the community informed and engaged. Your publication is clearly devoted to helping our West Michigan communities thrive and grow.

Inside Track: Otis works to ‘enable people to prosper’

Mike Otis started his company Double O — christened after his last name and his wife’s previous surname, O’Brien — as a way to provide opportunity for his eight children and stepchildren, and now the business has grown into a catalyst for community growth.

Pending home sales rebound

West Michigan’s housing sector took a heavy hit from the early COVID-19 days, but industry figures show the rebound has been fast and hard.

Nongambling tribal business generates over $288M

The economic impact of nongambling-related tribal business in Michigan has a tremendous influence on the entire state economy, according to a recent study.

Medicaid expansion proves valuable for vulnerable adults

The most vulnerable residents of the nation’s 10th-most populous state say their health improved significantly after they enrolled in Michigan’s expanded Medicaid program, a new University of Michigan study finds.

Change of heart keeps foreign students in the U.S.

James McGrath, president of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, is breathing a sigh of relief.

Make mental health a priority when returning to work

As the state of Michigan begins to open up again and more employees head back to work, it’s important to make mental health a priority.

Street Talk: Follow the money

A new report shows Michigan has eight billionaires who collectively saw their wealth increase by $2.8 billion, or 9.1%, during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic as the economy was reeling and joblessness was at record highs.

Companies enroll in WELL certification for COVID-19 prep

Catalyst Partners recently enrolled its office building in the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facilities Operations and Management.

Change-Ups: Jenks promoted to principal architect

Paradigm Design has promoted senior architect and design director Aaron Jenks to principal architect. Jenks joins the current ownership team including William Brunner, Bill Hadlock, Joe Greco and Dave Hendershott. Jenks will continue to work in the Grand Rapids office and will be responsible for leading the design department and work with the business development team.

Early-stage tech firms receive assistance

Eight Grand Rapids early-stage tech companies received financial assistance from the state’s Tech Startup Stabilization Fund, according to Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Are outside salespeople obsolete?

One of my clients recently asked me: “Are outside salespeople obsolete?” He is the CEO of a distributor that specializes in automation equipment. He had just lost three field salespeople and was thinking about replacing them.

Steelcase, MIT tackle workplace pathogens

Steelcase tagged an expert in the flow of respiratory droplets to help the company determine how workplace design can help mitigate disease transmission.