November 26, 2018
The business holiday party checklist
I would like to share some helpful tips on how to attend a business holiday party and what pitfalls to avoid. I am a bit of an expert, as I have broken just about every rule I will cite. Set a goal: Notice the first word in business holiday party is business. Your goal is to […]
Marijuana results not what we hoped; battle for responsibility is not over
The advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana were successful in their effort to bring recreational marijuana to the communities of Michigan. In the spirit of good statesmanship, our committee offers congratulations to the “Vote Yes” campaign. Yet, our hearts are extremely heavy for what is most likely to follow. I would like to be the first […]
State of America’s health care makes me sick
At year-end, most businesses that offer health care benefits have gone through the open enrollment process and wrestled through all the issues of vendor selection, plan-design options and decisions on cost sharing. In addition, they have usually spent a lot of effort and cost just to educate their employees about the various issues, so they hopefully make […]
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Change Ups: FSU increases fundraising goal to $115 million
Ferris State University has reached 97 percent of its fundraising goal with nearly $78 million raised by Ferris alumni, faculty and staff, friends, corporations and foundations. Launched in November 2017, the Now & Always campaign set a goal of $80 million to be raised by June 30, 2019. Now, Shelly Pearcy, vice president for university […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds WESTGATE, Michael et al, Independent Bank, Condo-Peaceful Meadows Site Condominiums, $228,000 PERRY, Clayton Richard Jr. et al, Dart Bank, Condo-The Ridge, $850,250 MOSS, Justin et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Beverly Hills, Lot 35, $418,000 BARNES, Christopher et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Condo-Platinum Falls […]
Street Talk: Program showing promise
The past year was a record-breaking time for the Muskegon Area Promise, with 84 percent of students returning to Baker College of Muskegon or Muskegon Community College this fall. The two-year, countywide scholarship also attracted 241 new high school graduates. They joined the 174 returning students to bring the total number of Promise Scholars to […]
County spreads budget cheer
The proposed 2019 Kent County budget includes a $7.4 million increase and the addition of 36 jobs. The county board of commissioners will vote Nov. 29 to approve next year’s proposed $179.7-million budget, which officials say provides some breathing room for neglected needs but is far from plenty. With several increases in revenue, most notably […]
Local private investigation firm offers unique skill set
Retired special agents are making good use of their training even after they’ve turned in their badges. West Michigan-based The Bureau Group, a collective of retired FBI agents and retired command officers from the Michigan State Police and West Michigan county sheriff’s offices, offers a diverse and specialized skill set not seen in many other […]
Spring Lake downtown redevelopment plans heating up
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Kim VanKampen’s $3-million investment in the Village of Spring Lake is coming closer to fruition. The Village of Spring Lake Planning Commission approved a special land use request from VanKampen during a regular meeting in September. According to the meeting minutes, VanKampen contracted Progressive AE for the design of […]
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Inside Track: Cooper’s fight is personal
Jamie Cooper said she is on cloud nine these days. The exuberance she feels stems from the November election when Michigan constituents voted in favor of recreational marijuana, a cause she has been championing for years because of the medicinal value it has. Cooper is the founder of Cannabiz Connection, an online platform that provides […]
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Team effort puts county on track for recycling goals
The amount of waste entering Kent County landfills has increased, but that may change. According to the Kent County Department of Public Works, 2.1-million cubic yards of trash was discarded in landfills in 2017 from Kent County residents and businesses. That represents an increase from 2016, which saw 1.8-million cubic yards of waste discarded in […]
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Caledonia farm debuts year-round lettuce
Locally grown lettuce now will be available in Michigan grocery stores during all four seasons. Revolution Farms, at 2901 76th St. in Caledonia, harvested its first crop of aquaponics lettuce last month and made its debut in 16 SpartanNash stores, including Forest Hills Foods, 11 D&W Fresh Market locations and select VG’s Grocery and Family […]
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Family grows sausage-making operation from scratch
When Sostenes and Elizabeth Garcia got married three decades ago in Mexico, they promised each other they would someday start a family business. Sostenes Garcia’s father owned a butcher shop, and Elizabeth Garcia’s father sold him beef. Their son and daughter’s paths crossed as they worked in the family businesses in 1986. In 1989, the […]
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Employers help defray $10K cost of child care
As global corporations beef up benefits offerings, a few West Michigan companies say they are ahead of the curve when it comes to employer-sponsored child care. Starbucks said last month it is partnering with Care.com to give employees the option to pay $1 per hour for in-home child care or $5 per day for care […]
