November 18, 2013
Doctor shortage linked (maybe) to malpractice suits
LANSING — There is consensus that a statewide doctor shortage exists in some specialties, but how to fix the problem is contentious. Some physicians suggest that making it more difficult to sue emergency room doctors and hospitals for medical malpractice will encourage recruitment, while plaintiffs’ lawyers say it all comes back to money, and immunity […]
Brownfield board goes ahead with reimbursement
Members of the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority debated long and hard before they approved a brownfield reimbursement the project’s developer reportedly doesn’t embrace. “I want to do what’s fair and appropriate about this, but I just don’t know,” said Mike De Vries, a brownfield authority board member, at the board’s recent meeting. De Vries […]
County’s PDR funding has drawn attention
At the end of 2009, Kent County commissioners allocated $275,000 to the Purchase of Development Rights program for the 2010 fiscal year. The allocation came on the heels of a three-year, $1 million plan the board received to preserve county farmland and orchards. It was one option that came from the county’s Open Space Subcommittee […]
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Change Ups: Focus on women’s health earns recognition
Jennifer Dentler, Allegan General Hospital’s Spirit of Women coordinator, was one of 10 alumni inducted into the Outstanding Alumni Academy of the Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services. Dentler was honored in recognition of outstanding leadership and practice in improving the health of women. Through her practice, she has focused on women’s […]
Economy picking up steam, but long-term outlook dims
Still growing slowly, but a tad faster than last month. That’s the latest word on the West Michigan economy, according to the data collected during the last two weeks of October. New Orders, our barometer of future growth, rose to +15 from September’s +6, and considerably more optimistic than August’s -4. The Production index followed […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds BUNTING, Jane et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Blackstone No. 3, Lot 73, $202,000 NYHUIS, Tracy M. et al, Traverse City State Bank, Goebel Plat, Lot 3, $247,000 PERRY, Shawn et al, Founders Bank & Trust, Condo-Settlers Grove Condominium, $272,719 DEBOER, Lauren et al, Huntington […]
Street Talk: Too many government cooks spoil the broth
A couple of government-related issues have Michigan restaurateurs worked up. One is the impending IRS rule ending the “automatic” 18 percent tips added to group tabs (see page 3). The other issue involves Michigan’s unique state law prohibiting bars and restaurants from serving booze in a glass that has the booze company’s logo on it. […]
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Survey finds medical device makers confused about new tax
A local accounting firm recently released its findings from a survey of 30 decision-makers at bio-medical manufacturers on the relatively new medical device excise tax, and the outlook is not good. Beene Garter conducted the survey to see how the levy, which went into effect last Jan. 1, will affect the industry. The measure calls […]
Plan would add rules for mobile dental care
LANSING — A new bill would add more regulations for “mobile dental facilities” that bring dental services to disadvantaged children. The bill aims to provide better documentation of services and to prevent incompetent practitioners from harming patients, supporters say. “It isn’t meant to stop access because it’s a wonderful service, but to make sure bad […]
Doctors, hospitals worry about shortage of medication
LANSING — Michigan is experiencing the nationwide problem of insufficient pharmaceutical drugs. Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are struggling with a lack of intravenous drugs, said Christopher Kelly, with the Office of Media Affairs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration based in Maryland. “We are continuing to see new shortages develop in 2013, especially of […]
Cooley’s pro bono program fills niche
Military personnel who are deploying, currently serving or who have just returned often face a plethora of civilian legal issues they must navigate. In 2007, Thomas M. Cooley Law School recognized the common legal challenges military service members face and developed its Service to Soldiers: Legal Assistance Referral Program. The statewide program provides pro bono […]
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Inside Track: New job is a turnaround for this turnaround guy
Maybe by now, Bill Manns’ mother is OK with the fact that he didn’t become a doctor. Since Aug. 19, Manns has been the new president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids, the second largest acute care hospital in the region and part of CHE Trinity Health of Livonia, the second-largest Catholic health […]
To bid or not to bid? That is the (sales) question
“They get bids for everything and always take the lowest bid.” “They send out an RFP and I can never speak to the decision maker.” “We’re becoming a commodity. All they do is take the lowest bid.” “It’s the government. They have to take the lowest bid.” Many companies have become smart buyers, but many […]
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First month a headache for Obamacare
Priority Health, one of 13 health insurance carriers offering plans on the new Michigan insurance online exchange, reported about 100 enrollees during October, the first full month of enrollment under the Affordable Care Act for insurance starting Jan. 1. The Grand Rapids-based health insurance company — the second largest carrier in Michigan after Blue Cross […]
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New Brewer’s Loft tops Wine, Beer & Food Festival
A pre-holiday tradition in downtown Grand Rapids, the sixth annual International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, is on tap this week. It will include more than 1,200 wines and 200 beers, ciders and spirits, as well as the finest foods from the city’s best restaurants and chefs. The event is scheduled for Nov. 21-23 at […]
Meijer reduces carbon footprint by 60 percent
As part of its ongoing green initiatives, Meijer Inc. said it has utilized innovative technology to improve fuel efficiency in its fleet, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in the company’s carbon footprint since it first began implementing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 near-zero emissions standards three years ago. The company now boasts one […]
Probability of comprehensive tax reductions is remote
Many of us have spent the past month or so watching the government shutdown, the debt ceiling debate and the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. The can was essentially kicked down the road with respect to the shutdown and debt ceiling debate. The hopes for a grand bargain have quickly dissipated and no one […]
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Tale of the tape: Howies earns accolades
Most parents get tired of their children asking for money, but rarely does it spur a father to start a business. When Howard Max Sieplinga — he goes by Max — was a high school hockey player, he would constantly say, “Dad, I need $5 for a roll of tape.” The elder Sieplinga didn’t understand […]
616 to get first shot at new city policy
616 Development will be the first in line this week when Grand Rapids city commissioners consider granting the firm the initial Neighborhood Enterprise Zone designation under the policy’s new guidelines they approved last week. The firm has filed the first application for the new NEZ for its 616 Lofts on Michigan project, a new four-story, […]
The values of my village
As a now 62-year-old public relations practitioner and somewhat retiree (I still conduct media interview training for clients), I look back and see that the investment West Michigan citizens made in me has paid off handsomely for them. Growing up in a less-than-idyllic family situation led me to graduate dead last in my high school […]
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Foreclosure deal seen as boost to redevelopment effort
Two key players in the redevelopment of a near west side commercial district feel the deal will be a major boost to their efforts, if the transaction goes through early next year. Bear Manor Properties, a developer and property manager, now holds a purchase option on the former Little Mexico Café building at 401 Stocking […]
Expensive neighborhood destruction is not a good university foundation
Planning and property development in the city of Grand Rapids has for the past 30 years been raised to a level of partnership and inclusiveness that mirrors the city’s noted philanthropy on behalf of “the village.” It’s very much written into mission statements by those committed to a lifetime of contributing to the regional growth, […]
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Automatic 18 percent tip will disappear Jan. 1
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Restaurant patrons who have been irritated by the 18 percent tip some places slap on a group check will have something to celebrate besides the new year on Jan. 1. A new IRS revenue ruling, which was first announced in 2012 and then put on hold, will take effect […]
