July 28, 2014
Change Ups: Attorney to be installed as fellow
David R. Fernstrum, an associate of law firm Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones PLC, has been elected a fellow by the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers for sustained, outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence. The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers was established in 1995 through an initiative of the […]
A strong set of values will drive the best decisions
Most successful individuals establish basic tenants for their lives, rules they use to hold themselves accountable for their own actions. Some base their decisions on “what others might think if they see what I am doing,” while others say, “It doesn’t matter what others think, my actions should be based on what I know is […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds MURPHY, Michael et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Condo-Quail Crest Condominium, $229,500 MAKOWSKI, Lisa M. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Heritage Park Of Rockford No. 2, Lot 84, $211,850 LAD PROPERTIES LLC, Comerica Bank, Wyoming, 25-6-12, $333,200 LAD PROPERTIES LLC, Comerica Bank, Wyoming, 25-6-12, $689,200 […]
The ultimate response to ‘I want to think about it’
When a customer says, “I want to think about it,” or “I need some time to think it over,” it's one of the most frustrating expressions a salesperson can hear. You feel helpless, or if you've been poorly trained, you lapse into some manipulative dialogue that proves you’re both a crappy salesperson and that you’re […]
Street Talk: What do you want to B? Good examples abound
Imagine working for a business that wants to improve your quality of life and increase the power of your impact outside the workplace — and where you are rewarded for reducing your travel impact, volunteering in your local community, eating local food, or reducing your waste. Brewery Vivant is doing just that. And it’s also […]
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Mercy Health Saint Mary’s has two new weapons against HAIs
Patients can thank two behind-the-scenes, germ-fighting robots for added protection against hospital-acquired infections at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital. The hospital this month implemented two Xenex UV light disinfection systems for the purpose of disinfecting patient rooms after standard discharge cleaning procedures, in an effort to improve patient safety and reduce infections. The Xenex UV […]
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Inside Track: Walker chief marks 40 years in law enforcement this year
Catherine Garcia-Lindstrom stands as a much-needed example of how law enforcement can be an accepting and viable career path for women and members of minority communities. In the 1970s, police departments across the country were opening their doors to minorities and women, but that didn’t necessarily make joining the police force an easy path. Garcia-Lindstrom […]
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Grand Haven launches business assistance program
Skilled professionals are volunteering their time to help business owners develop and grow their operations in downtown Grand Haven. The Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority, an organization devoted to promoting economic development and revitalization, launched a new business assistance program last month to connect owners with a team of skilled professionals for support […]
Form 5500 is late? That’s $1,100 per day
The annual deadline to file a report with the Department of Labor concerning retirement, health and welfare plans is quickly approaching for employers operating on the calendar year. Employers with existing employee benefit plans that miss the July 31 deadline to file Form 5500 may be subject to a penalty of up to $1,100 each […]
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Muskegon’s leisure and hospitality sector drives economic activity
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Downtown Muskegon, once known as an industrial town, has shed its former image to become a vibrant destination. Investments in renovations in the downtown area and the growth of the leisure and hospitality sector are influencing the momentum behind the economic development in Muskegon and the surrounding county area. […]
The key to being successful is adapting and evolving
“Your skills suck.” That’s not something you would actually expect to say during an interview. We are careful about what we say during discussions with potential employees, even those we are pretty sure we don’t want to hire. We’ve learned to adapt to the employment regulations and, of course, the changing environment and demographics of […]
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Downtown Battle Creek shows support for future retailers
Retail entrepreneurs and business owners looking to set up shop in downtown Battle Creek may be eligible for financial support with a new acceleration program. Battle Creek Downtown Partnership, an affiliate of Battle Creek Unlimited, this month launched a new Retail Acceleration Program to foster retail development in the area and support new business owners. […]
Grand Rapids not rolling out the red carpet for Airbnb
While Airbnb may be enjoying a slightly better reception from the city of Grand Rapids than when it was first discussed, the $10 billion sharing economy business is still getting a bit of a cold shoulder. Last fall, the Grand Rapids City Commission was prepared to vote on regulations that would essentially make Airbnb short-term […]
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PPT won’t disappear with a ‘yes’ vote
One fact about Michigan’s personal property tax on business equipment is apparently overlooked in the blizzard of support for Proposal 1 on the Aug. 5 ballot. Proposal 1 will establish other sources of tax revenue to replace the PPT, which has long been crucial funding for many county and municipal governments around the state. But […]
Michigan’s minimum wage and income inequality
No matter how you spin, slice, or season the data, it comes out looking the same: Income disparity has grown since the mid-1970s. The Gini coefficient, a common measure in determining inequality, was at a record high last year for the U.S., and when compared to the U.K., Germany and France, we come up more […]
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DeVos Hall to receive upgrades to attract big Broadway shows
Downtown Grand Rapids is set to become a bigger magnet to tourism. At least, that’s what Broadway Grand Rapids Executive Director Mike Lloyd is calling the recently announced improvements to DeVos Performance Hall. The nearly $300,000 worth of improvements won’t be cosmetically visible, but will allow for big Broadway shows to stop in Grand Rapids […]
Secchia cites, affirms young business community participants
On the eve of the Aug. 5 primary elections, Grand Rapids Business Journal is earnestly urging participation in voter turnout for the many candidates and issues to be determined by an involved electorate next week, not the least of which is the Michigan property tax proposal. A community of involved participants must make the time […]
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Conventions are putting heads in beds in Grand Rapids
The convention and tourism climate in Grand Rapids is still on the upswing, with 2014 on target to be the fourth consecutive year of record room revenue, according to Janet Korn, Experience Grand Rapids senior vice president. She said hotel occupancy is measuring more than 63 percent year-to-date and hotel room rates also are trending […]
