June 24, 2019
GRPL: Growing with our community
For children and adults alike, America’s local libraries are a second home — a comforting place to relax with a book, study with friends or pick up a new hobby, whether it’s learning how to build an app or eat like an astronaut in space. But they’re also a place to learn and to keep […]
Change Ups: AQ taps Craig as VP for enrollment management
Aquinas College tapped Syracuse, New York, native Erin Craig as its vice president for enrollment management. Craig’s admissions experience includes enrollment strategy, data analysis, financial aid and scholarship management, and marketing and communications. She comes to Aquinas from the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry in Syracuse, where she has […]
Three tips for promoting summertime employee happiness
Summer is officially underway, and for many of us, summertime is associated with fun, excitement and happiness. June also is National Employee Wellbeing Month — making this the perfect time to refresh, reset and kick-start your employee well-being program. While many of us have existing wellness programs and others are just starting out, a great […]
Public Record
BANKRUPTCY 19-01725 – RAMOS, Lucina, 134 Honeyoye SW, Jeffrey D. Mapes (Ch. 7) 19-01726 – HUTSON, Peggy S., 144 Ann NE, Jeffrey D. Mapes (Ch. 7) 19-01735 – HELGESON, Gary D. Jr., 1577 Maplelawn SW, Wyoming, Michael P. Hanrahan (Ch. 13) 19-01749 – PEACOCK, James A. III, 1440 Colorado SE, Ralph M. Reisinger (Ch. 7) […]
Street Talk: It’s the skills, stupid
As the second half of the year begins, over 82% of employers report they are actively hiring for open positions. However, 80% of those employers are having trouble finding candidates, with 70% reporting a skills shortage, according to a survey released June 18 by Chicago-based global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The survey was […]
Nonprofit modifies mission
After recognizing the changing needs of its clients, a housing-focused nonprofit in Muskegon is undergoing a complete reorganization. Solid Rock Housing Support, formerly Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity, changed its name and cut ties from the international organization. The decision to part ways is on good terms, said Christi Burmeister, community relations manager for Solid […]
Report hints at waning M&A market
A recent report on U.S. mergers and acquisitions activity shows sellers of companies still hold the advantage, but transaction values appear to have peaked. The International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source and the Pepperdine Private Capital Market Project at Pepperdine University last month published their Q1 2019 Market Pulse Report, which is based on a […]
Entrepreneurial effort plants focus on workforce development
The Zeeland-based economic development agency is taking what it has learned from participating in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline Management Academy, launched by Consumers Energy in 2017, and applying it to workforce advancement initiatives along the lakeshore. As previously reported by the Business Journal, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Education and Workforce developed the […]
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Consumers grant aims to increase walleye
Upgrades funded by Consumers Energy will help the Muskegon River Walleye Pond produce 300,000 more walleye yearly for anglers and reduce expenses to operate the Michigan Department of Natural Resources facility. A multiyear $140,607 grant from the MDNR’s Habitat Improvement Account was used to install a permanent power source and provide three new pumps at […]
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Experts share region’s progress in sustainability
A sustainability nonprofit last week reported a year of progress toward strategic goals and shined a spotlight on three member organizations excelling at the triple bottom line. West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (WMSBF) hosted its 25th annual meeting June 17 at the Pepsi Stadium Club at Fifth Third Ballpark. WMSBF’s mission is to promote business […]
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Inside Track: Grifka preaches patients first
Dr. Ronald Grifka keeps every letter and gift he receives from his pediatric cardiology patients. He has a folder full of letters he’s received from patients over the years, and the wall in his office is covered with framed mementos. Sometimes, looking through them just helps get him through a rough day, he said. Perhaps […]
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Renucci is ‘home away from home’
When a family member of Peter and Patricia Renucci needed health care services out of state, their family was able to stay near the patient’s side through accommodations at a hospitality house. From that experience, they came to understand the importance of having patients nearby their families, and they led the campaign for construction of […]
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Merger gives new organization diversity
Three produce companies have joined forces in West Michigan to become leaders in the produce distribution sector. Vine Line Produce Distribution is a new produce distribution company in Comstock Park, formed by the merger of produce wholesalers Heeren Bros. Inc. and Walsma & Lyons, as well as Byron Center-based transportation brokerage Vine Line Logistics LLC. […]
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Tech farming is making its way to GR
One company is hoping to shake up the landscape of farming. Square Roots, an urban indoor farming company, will bring its Next-Gen Farmer Training Program to Grand Rapids in September. The goal of the program is to train young people in indoor urban farming and grow localized food and herbs year-round in technology-driven environments. The […]
