March 22, 2021
Street Talk: Ready for the office?
Michigan’s top executives are cautiously optimistic about 2021 economic conditions and looking forward to a return to in-person work later this year.
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds BANTA, Theodore W. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $430,431 SINGH, Vikramuit et al, Highpoint Community Bank, Parcel: 412217202012, $818,000 WELLS, David et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Cannon Twp., $384,000 LOWSMA, David L. et al, NBKC Bank, Ada Twp., $420,900 RIZZI, Thomas J., […]
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Change-Ups: Beyer joins Independent Bank
Gary Beyer joined Independent Bank as vice president, commercial lending for the West Michigan lakeshore market. He previously worked at Chase Bank, for a total of over 30 years of experience in commercial banking and wealth management. Beyer also serves on the board of Good Samaritan Ministries in Holland and is active in volunteering with Kids Hope USA, as well as Hand2Hand, a nonprofit that mobilizes churches and schools to provide food for children on weekends. Independent Bank’s total assets are approximately $4.2 billion. It was founded as First National Bank of Ionia in 1864.
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Inside Track: Professor comes full circle
Born on the heels of the civil rights movement, Tracey Brame, an associate dean and professor at West Michigan University Cooley Law School, always had a passion for activism.
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OutCenter strives for systemic inclusion
An LGBTQ advocacy nonprofit is offering to help the restaurant industry do better creating safe spaces for diverse patrons.
Virtual health care offerings
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way employers view a lot of things, especially health care for themselves and for their employees.
Help for distressed cannabis businesses
Financially distressed cannabis businesses do not qualify for federal bankruptcy protection, but the Michigan Legislature is opening a new remedy: receivership.
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Pandemic exposes technology gap for higher education
Although local colleges and universities have been offering online classes for years, the pandemic revealed one common problem when it began over a year ago.
Celebrating Black excellence in sustainability and business
A month ago, Robert Cloy was introduced as an Emerging Leader fellow at GreenBiz 21, the world’s premier event for sustainable business leaders.
State needs high-wage jobs and racial equity
Economic development — particularly expanding the availability of high-wage jobs — and racial equity are twin priorities.
A financial transaction tax would hurt Main Street
Following the recent GameStop trading frenzy, Congress is finally taking steps toward a long-overdue reckoning on Wall Street.
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Public dental system works to expand equitable access to care
My Community Dental Centers is sounding the alarm on disparities in dental health among West Michigan residents.
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Cannabis leaders push for education, social equity in 2021
West Michigan’s recreational cannabis industry burst through concrete overcoming the challenges of 2020, but last year’s priorities still are the primary focus for 2021.
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Law firms pitch in to promote DEI
Law firms in Grand Rapids such as Miller Johnson and Varnum are using their resources to assist different organizations and institutions that serve underrepresented people.
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Celebrating women in construction, Rockford calls for workforce diversity
Were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockford Construction would have been participating in a number of activities and luncheons throughout West Michigan and across the state in observance of Women in Construction week.
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Museums focus on inclusive programming
West Michigan museums are giving the public a chance to look at the past through art exhibitions, educational programs and activities.
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Consultant stresses ‘innovation through inclusion’
Skot Welch is a firm believer that inclusion is a business discipline that leads to stronger organizations and more powerful economies.
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Foundations pursue racial justice in philanthropy
At a time when the nation is facing a reckoning for centuries of racial injustice, no sector is exempt from the rising calls for change, including philanthropy.
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Local entrepreneurs advance food justice
The movement for a more equitable future within the food industry is growing, and two local players are among those planting and watering the seeds.
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DEI initiatives becoming focal point for Grand Rapids organizations
With diversity, equity and inclusion dominating 2021’s headlines, the Business Journal looks deeper into what specific organizations and whole industries are doing to further those initiatives in West Michigan.
