July 9, 2018
Solving workforce issues takes more than educated guesses
The Business Journal has reported this month on more than four initiatives to resolve the crisis in Michigan education, both local and statewide. Or more precisely, the crisis business owners now face as part of an epic talent shortage across the country. The talent shortage is increasingly hitting schools, too, with a deficit showing in […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds KUNNEN, Matthew et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Johnson Estates No. 5, Lot 130, $256,500 SWANZY, Kristine et al, AmeriFirst Financial Corp., Condo-Marabella, $216,015 SUNDERLAND, Evelyn S. et al, Ally Bank, Cascadia No. 2, Lot 15, $353,000 NALETT, Robert et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, […]
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Change Ups: Spruit promoted to president of GRM
Megan Spruit, 32, was promoted to president of Grand Rapids Metrology. Spruit joined GRM in 2012 and has held positions in sales and marketing, service management and vice president of operations. GRM is the largest provider of measurement services in Michigan. Spruit, daughter of current CEO Richard Spruit, is the fifth generation of the 96-year-old family business. GRM […]
Street Talk: International bridge construction closer
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority made several announcements July 5 regarding construction and design of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. After more than 60 experts sifted through requests for qualifications and proposals to build the bridge, WDBA Chair Dwight Duncan announced the winning team is Bridging North America, which consists of multiple companies: ACS Infrastructure Canada […]
Collaboration aims to improve K-12 outcomes
A group of Michigan leaders across several fields announced their collaboration in a new alliance to improve K-12 education outcomes. Launch Michigan is comprised of business, education, labor, philanthropy, and state and community leaders, including organizations such as Business Leaders for Michigan, Kent ISD, Michigan Department of Education, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Steelcase […]
Technology-embedded office furniture keeps employees healthier
Sitting in an office chair hunched over a computer screen for 40 hours per week can cause permanent damage to the body’s bone structure. The proper medical term, according to Mayo Clinic, is kyphosis, which can result in the weakening of back muscles and cause extreme pain. Most of us know it as “hunchback,” for […]
State’s economy leaves too many behind
The Michigan Association of United Ways’ ALICE report is the best calculation of the proportion of Michigan households that cannot afford basic necessities. The report makes clear that this is an all-Michigan problem: in every county, among all races and all ages. United Way’s ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. That […]
What to expect for new revenue recognition guidance
The Fourth of July is a day many in the West Michigan business community spent with family and friends at the lake, having cookouts and, hopefully, finding plenty of time to rest and relax. For those who wanted to truly impress family and friends during these low-key events, we hope you took some time to […]
Bank marks a decade working with Project SEARCH program
A program that cultivates the talents of young people with disabilities is marking a decade at Fifth Third Bank. The bank said its West Michigan region this year is celebrating its 10th year of participation with Project SEARCH, a yearlong school-to-work transition program for 18-to-26-year-olds with physical or developmental disabilities. The program, developed at Cincinnati […]
Education, business leaders push talent
With Michigan’s lack of talent at the forefront of concerns in the business community, the area’s education and business leaders are working to better prepare young people for the workforce. There are several new partnerships between local high schools, colleges and businesses forming, many of which give students hands-on experience that can lead them straight […]
Partners add manufacturing apprenticeships
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) A statewide effort to expand Michigan apprenticeships by 15 percent annually is growing with the addition of 25 training slots in Kalamazoo for the 2018-19 school year. The apprenticeships — in mechatronics, CNC and machine shop or machine tooling — are part of a 5-year-old advanced manufacturing training partnership […]
Owners complete land swap
The city of Grand Rapids has reached the final step in a land deal that will allow it to obtain a $7.2 million grant. The city recently completed the purchase of five parcels of land — totaling 3.68 acres — that will be the site of a new park along the Grand River. The city […]
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Inside Track: Childhood business mapped today’s strategy
Timothy Haines, the founder of Symposia Labs, mastered the skill of strategic marketing at an early age. The New York native began his own business, Tim’s Candy Store, as an 11-year-old. Haines sold Airheads, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, WarHeads Sour Chewy Cubes and Honey Gummy Bears, to name a few, from his home […]
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Friends launch female-focused events firm
A pair of West Michigan creatives have joined forces on a business that helps women empower each other. Devin DuMond and Deb Kalsbeek in January launched SHEvents with a “Galentine’s Day” Brunch at Lions & Rabbits art gallery and event venue. DuMond also owns local branding and design firm Hatch Creative Services, and Kalsbeek owns […]
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Montague to see $8M in development
Dean Weaver “fell in love” with Montague after vacationing there with his family for the first time, and with a desire to watch the community grow, the residential and commercial real estate developer unveiled plans to bring a host of mixed uses to the area. Weaver said he was first introduced to the area eight […]
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Downtown parking shuffle continues
Downtown Grand Rapids has thousands of new parking spaces in the works, but despite the private sector’s involvement, many developers are only building to suit the needs of their secured tenants. According to data from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., about 5,000 parking spots are either recently completed, under construction or queued for construction in the […]
