June 17, 2019
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Strategist advises proactive pay plan
A bill amending the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963 to hold employers accountable for the pay gap is causing a stir and coinciding with a flood of parallel initiatives by state governments, including Michigan’s. Today, women who work full time, year-round are paid, on average, only 80 cents for every dollar paid to men, […]
Policy change allows commercial solar panels on farmland
Farmers have the opportunity to add a new revenue stream to their farms. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer changed a policy that now allows landowners who are enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (Public Act 116) to use their farmland for commercial solar array purposes. “My administration understands and is committed to helping meet […]
Experts worry as state struggles with elder care worker shortage
Michigan doesn’t have enough personal care workers for the growing population of elderly residents, and more aren’t coming, experts say. The state will need 32,000 more elder care aides next year, said Clare Luz, an assistant professor at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine who has studied the need for the past 10 years. […]
Is the solution them, or is it me?
In this rapidly changing economy, everyone is looking for a simple fix to dealing with the uncertainty of our economic environment. It seems like few are happy with their situations. And all but a few point their fingers at the changing economy and vibrant competitive environment as the source of their dismay. The comments I […]
Boosting the EITC can help fill workforce gap
As Michigan employers continue to struggle to find qualified workers in a tight labor market, lawmakers in Lansing have the power to provide at least partial relief. An increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, would boost the labor force by helping thousands of Michigan families obtain employment […]
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Change Ups: Perrigo donation helps D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s relocate
The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation donated $100,000 to D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s Together for Kids capital campaign to assist the consolidation of the organization’s three campuses into one main campus on Knapp Street. The new central campus location will enable D.A Blodgett-St. John’s to serve children and families in a more efficient client care setting. D.A […]
Public Record
BANKRUPTCY 19-01602 – SANCHEZ, Ana G., 747 York Creek NW, Comstock Park, Jacob T. Tighe (Ch. 7) 19-01605 – VILSAINT, Edwina E., 7369 Cactus Cove SW, Byron Center, Eliot A. Sasson (Ch. 7) 19-01608 – ZEMBALA, Alyssa R., 6218 Belrick Court NE, Belmont, Ryan F. Beach (Ch. 7) 19-01615 – MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ, Jarelis D., 4841 Green […]
Street Talk: Let’s talk business first
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order earlier this month meant to streamline and better coordinate efforts within state government to meet business and labor needs. The order consolidates workforce and economic development functions under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, formerly the Department of Talent and Economic Development. The Department of Labor and […]
MPSC approves Consumers’ integrated resource plan
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved Consumers Energy’s integrated resource plan, the first strategic, forward-looking IRP to be acted upon by the MPSC under the state’s energy laws passed in 2016. Jackson-based Consumers was the first utility required to submit an IRP. In June 2018, the utility filed its original plan, and on March 23, […]
Partnership leads to fundraising program
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Schuil Coffee Company is partnering with Wedgwood Christian Services to pilot a new fundraising program. The Grand Rapids-based coffee roaster has curated three coffee blends whose sales will support the nonprofit. Tim Volkema, CEO of Schuil Coffee, said he began brainstorming the idea for a program like this more […]
Children’s Foundation expanding to West Michigan
A foundation that supports children’s wellness organizations is expanding into West Michigan and rebranding. The Children’s Foundation, formerly the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, recently granted nearly $239,000 to several area organizations and plans to have a physical presence in West Michigan by the end of the year, according to Lawrence Burns, the foundation’s president […]
Campaign aims to raise awareness for savings program
A coalition of disability rights groups in West Michigan is joining forces as part of a marketing campaign for a state savings program. The growing coalition is part of the statewide “I Will Never Lose” enrollment campaign that kicked off June 10 and will last the rest of 2019, encouraging children and adults with disabilities […]
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Inside Track: Metsker works behind the scenes
Julie Metsker brings creativity and strategic thinking to her role as a helper, guide and leader for industry associations. Metsker, a native of Harvey, Illinois, who moved to Michigan in her youth, is founder and president of Professional Association Resources. PAR is an association management company that provides management and specialized support services to about […]
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Young professionals climb ‘The Hill’
New developments and old homes in the Heritage Hill district are making it a magnet for young professionals, according to local builders and neighborhood associates. One of the more prominent developments to come to the neighborhood in the last year was the Heritage Place apartment complex at 50 College Ave. SE. According to earlier Business […]
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Former IT administrator engineers Kboose
After a visually impaired friend described her frustration with public transit in 2016, Annie Young got to work building a service that would dispatch traveling assistants to vulnerable individuals. Young — who worked in IT and systems administration at Kent Quality Foods and Bil Mar Foods for 15 years — spent the past 2½ years […]
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Redesigned golf course aims to honor nonprofit
One active duty member is preserving history. Maj. Dan Rooney, a U.S. Air Force Reserve fighter pilot, is partnering with golf icon Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Design to create American Dunes Golf Club. The construction of the new course began in March and is being built on the site of the former Grand Haven Golf […]
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Orion Construction begins townhome site work
After working for several years with the local municipality, Orion Construction is prepping to deliver another townhome project in the Orion Real Estate Solutions portfolio to Caledonia. Ryan Wheeler, principal partner with PURE Real Estate Management and vice president of Orion Real Estate Solutions, said PURE has at last closed on the property, and Orion […]
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Arena property enhancements in planning stage
Planning is underway for a redesign of the Van Andel Arena plaza and perimeter. The $1-million enhancement project would transform the sparse land around the arena into a pedestrian-friendly space meant to better connect the arena district. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority are reviewing concepts from the partly finished […]
