June 12, 2017
Two species — one to preserve, one to control — challenge dam removal
LANSING — A proposed dam removal along the Grand River faces significant delays due to its potential to disrupt river ecosystems. The environmental risks involve the fate of two species: sea lampreys and snuffbox mussels. The former needs to be kept out, while the latter needs to be protected. The Sixth Street Dam in downtown […]
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Inside Track: Desire to learn shapes career
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Tendai Masiriri’s parents always imported on him the importance of pursuing a full education — and Masiriri took it to heart. He was a diligent student through high school and, after graduating, earned his bachelor’s degree from Andrews University. It’s that pursuit of an education that brought him to America in […]
Letter: Paris Agreement withdrawal draws concerns
Editor: As an architect, one of my key goals is designing sustainable buildings for current and future generations who will live and work in the structures I’ve created. A sustainable and resilient-built environment is one of the best solutions we have to combat the effects of climate change. That’s why I’m so concerned about President […]
Lower auto sales could pose threat to West Michigan economy
Yes, the news still is good. The latest survey of the West Michigan industrial economy conducted during the last two weeks of May remains fairly positive, even though concerns have been raised about falling auto sales. New Orders, our closely watched index of business improvement, came in at 27, just a little below last month’s […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds OLIVER, Bradley et al, Fifth Third Mortgage, Caledonia Twp., 16-5-10, $275,500 ROSSI, Douglas et al, Huntington National Bank, Grand Rapids, 27-7-12, $210,000 ROSE, Melanie et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Condo-Cobblestone Corners Weathervane Site Condominium, $272,292 BURKE, Brian Foster et al, Mortgage Research Center, Country […]
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Change Ups: Sall tapped as Wyoming’s assistant city manager
Megan Sall is the city of Wyoming’s new assistant city manager. Her responsibilities include serving as the city manager’s principal representative in administrative affairs with an emphasis on economic development and downtown development, as well as communication director and manager of the city’s website, social media platforms and media inquiries. Sall also will be responsible […]
Street Talk: Innovation crosses all industries
On a recent visit to Steelcase, the current CEO, Jim Keane, chatted a bit about a former CEO, Jim Hackett. Hackett recently was named CEO of Ford Motor Co. after a brief, but highly publicized, stint as interim athletic director at University of Michigan. At U-M, Hackett is perhaps best remembered for bringing in head […]
Area law firm service offers medical expertise
As a social worker and caregiver to her 89-year-old parents, Sharon Depcinski knows firsthand the complications that can arise when families try to navigate a complex health care system. So does Brian Plachta, attorney and shareholder at Grand Rapids-based Plachta Murphy & Associates. He practices elder law and estate planning, and he sees his fair […]
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Area manufacturers descend on Chicago’s NeoCon
For West Michigan’s office furniture manufacturers, this week is about showing off their new products and brand refreshes. Companies often show off their most anticipated projects and reveal new products from the past year at NeoCon in Chicago. NeoCon starts today, June 12, and ends Wednesday at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. “NeoCon is always special, it’s […]
Staffing firm creates Talent Hub program for interns
Months ago, leaders at AXIOS HR, 528 Fourth St. NW, noticed small businesses in West Michigan were desperate for new talent. At the same time, college graduates were leaving the region for jobs elsewhere in the Midwest. The Grand Rapids-based firm’s staffing solutions team developed a program called Talent Hub to identify, screen, hire, onboard […]
For best results, properly manage time AND energy
I had to make a decision the other morning. To those of you working, this will sound frivolous, but it applies to you as much as to me. I had to decide whether I was going to plant the new gooseberry plants I had received or begin tearing out some overgrown shrubs in front of […]
Craft brewers: developing the right infrastructure to grow
With the craft beer industry continuing to grow, key players in the $23.5-billion market are constantly looking for ways to scale their businesses and meet increasing consumer demands. With 222 craft breweries throughout the state, Michigan ranks sixth in the nation, with an estimated state economic impact of $1.85 billion in 2014. Western Michigan is […]
Report: Housing shortage could stymie growth
An impending housing shortage in Michigan could hamper the state’s economic growth, according to a report released by the Home Builders Association of Michigan. The Lansing-based association released a study last week that suggests, without action, it will become harder to attract housing investment needed for the state’s growth. “Housing is right behind workforce development […]
Reality check: Budget cuts could spell doom for environmental cleanup projects around Michigan
A Republican-led conference committee pushing to set the Michigan budget for the next fiscal year late last week approved a big gash in environmental cleanup spending, a $15-million cut. Cuts to the overall budget for the Department of Environmental Quality amount to $9.7 million, according to Associated Press reports. When coupled with drastic cuts as […]
Part-time legislature proposal under fire
Eight West Michigan legislators recently sat down for a roundtable forum hosted by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce to discuss current and upcoming policy issues. State Representatives Chris Afendoulis (R-Grand Rapids Township), Thomas Albert (R-Grattan Township), Steven Johnson (R-Wayland), Tommy Brann (R-Wyoming), Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker) and Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township) were joined by state […]
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Steelcase to showcase Microsoft-infused workspaces
A partnership with Microsoft is at the forefront of Steelcase’s approach to NeoCon this week. The Grand Rapids furniture manufacturer will have a display of five workspaces using Microsoft technology, as well as virtual reality sets, at the trade show today, June 12, to Wednesday at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. A partnership between the […]
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Urban renewal survivor stands a little taller
As Nick Koster talks about The Rowe in downtown Grand Rapids, his fondness for old architecture is obvious. Koster, vice president of development for CWD Real Estate, said his company started planning back in 2011 how it would renovate The Rowe, formerly a hotel with high-profile visitors like President John F. Kennedy. The developers determined […]
Pro soccer impressed by Grand Rapids market
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Grand Rapids “checked all the boxes” as a possible market for a team in the United Soccer League’s new Division III league, according to an official who recently visited the city. USL Division III vice president Steven Short said the culture, populace and support for established professional sports teams […]
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New eatery strives for ‘northern hospitality’
The former Forest Hills Inn corner has a new restaurant. Noco Provisions is slated to open in July on the corner of Forest Hill Avenue and Cascade Road in the renovated building that once housed Forest Hills Inn, 4609 Cascade Road SE, which closed May 2016. The new restaurant was announced last week by the […]
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Founders taps into the business of beer
Ten years ago, the idea Founders Brewing Co. could be among the top 15 breweries in the nation was a pipe dream, even for its leadership. Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers established a brand with a reputation for great beer, but the first 10 years of their business had left them extremely hamstrung by financial […]
