November 13, 2017
Tax reform proposals could impact year-end decisions
As the calendar year draws to a close, many of us consider what actions and decisions we should be considering with respect to our financial affairs. Holiday spending, year-end travel and the day-to-day expenses of living come to mind. We also tend to start pondering what is on the horizon for the upcoming year. This […]
GR’s struggles aside, region continues to show growth potential
The Business Journal report on Colliers International West Michigan quarterly occupancy rates shows strength — and growth — across all sectors: retail, office and industrial; and given announced plans, the trend is likely to continue through the fourth quarter and into 2018. It is far more than a measure of marking what has come to […]
Street Talk: Surviving the ‘Amazon effect’
For those outside of the retail industry, the advent of Amazon and e-commerce as a whole seemed to spell the “apocalypse” for brick and mortar retail, but surprisingly, the brick and mortar model is changing to adapt to the new landscape. The early part of 2017 experienced a lot of “big trees” that had fallen […]
Another ‘hottest ZIP code’ in GR: 49507 tops list of lead-poisoned children
For the second year in a row, Grand Rapids’ 49507 ZIP code took first honors in the list of ZIP codes with the most lead-poisoned children in the state of Michigan, and its lead over other ZIP codes statewide continues growing. In 2014, there were 145 children with blood lead levels above the U.S. Centers […]
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Change Ups: Rose & Westra relocates
Rose & Westra’s new location is at the historic Widdicomb Building, 601 Fifth St. NW, Suite 102. The 3,100-square-foot office houses a staff of 12. Primary services offered to both public and private sector clients include commercial/industrial real estate property assessments; environmental process design; wastewater management; site development/redevelopment; regulatory compliance; and environmental investigation and remediation. […]
Lack of construction employees prompts frustration, alarm
An analysis of data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the nation’s construction sector added 11,000 net new jobs in October, matching the revised total from September. Nonresidential construction employment, however, experienced a net decline of 2,000 jobs. The residential sector added approximately 13,000 net new jobs. The construction industry unemployment rate, which […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds HAGLUND, Charles B. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Grattan Twp., 33-8-9, $240,000 GROSZ, Whitney D. et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Princeton Estates No. 6, Lot 295, $250,000 SULLIVAN, Kristina L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Crystal Pines, Lot 2, $211,200 WALKER, Kimberly Ann […]
HBAM: 3Q housing permits increase 4.5 percent
Housing permits for single-family home construction increased 4.5 percent in Michigan during the first nine months of 2017. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 12,663 permits issued in the first nine months of 2017, compared to 12,115 for the same period a year ago. The rate of increase is in line with the […]
Ottawa prepares for marina facelift
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission revealed preliminary plans regarding an upgraded marina facility and enhanced park land on Lake Macatawa at the Historic Ottawa Beach Parks site in Holland. The private company Parkside Marina has leased much of the public waterfront for the past 30 years, including the marina’s 80 slips. The private […]
Ag industry growth slows
West Michigan continues to lead the state’s agricultural sector, but the growth rate is regressing. The agricultural supply chain, which ranges from farming to retail — including restaurants — contributes more than $100 billion per year to the Michigan economy, said Jamie Clover Adams, director of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to […]
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Inside Track: Enriching the culture of Grand Rapids
Thirty-three years is a long time to spend in one job. That’s what Michael Van Denend did, and then he changed careers. The former executive director of the Calvin College Alumni Association now is the executive director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. Van Denend, 61, loved working at his alma mater. He […]
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Griffins tickets in demand despite smaller crowds
Although the crowd size doesn’t quite reflect it, tickets for the Grand Rapids Griffins are in high demand. The momentum from the Griffins’ 2017 Calder Cup championship has carried over to the 2017-18 season, despite the $3 ticket price increase. “Fans have been purchasing tickets for the season. For the first five home games this […]
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Unions opt for own training center
The Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art training center to service union carpenters and millwrights in the West Michigan region. The training fund, which represents leaders in several Michigan labor unions, will finance the $14-million project, including the $1 million purchase of the property. Schweitzer […]
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Reports show steady retail growth
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) The quarterly report released by Colliers International West Michigan reflects a strong economy across the retail, industrial and office space sectors. Across these industries, a high demand for space is keeping vacancy low. As the retail industry continues to shift toward e-commerce, West Michigan is witnessing a number of […]
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Holland property ranks among top five Marriott hotels
The performance of Holland’s third and newest downtown hotel has landed its general manager on a list of “30 GMs to Watch” and rocketed the location to the top echelon of Marriott hotels by guest satisfaction. Grant Hirst, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Holland, landed the GM role as the hotel […]
