October 10, 2017
Report finds slow growth in drug costs
Negotiations between biopharmaceutical companies and insurers are resulting in slower growth in the cost of prescription drugs, but patients still may end up paying more for their prescriptions. According to a report published by Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a national advocacy group made up of professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, the growth […]
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Change Ups: King Media earns first place standing
President and founder of King Media, Coleen King, won first place in the PR News Agency Elite Awards in the category of Digital/Social. The agency received the award for work performed for Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. In 2016, King Media planned a multichannel campaign to help Tabor Hill earn a spot in the USA […]
State’s retail sales get a late summer boost
Michigan retailers reported a slight uptick in sales activity for August over a month ago, and they’re optimistic the next three months will be better, according to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Just over half — 54 percent — of retailers posted […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds CARPENTER, Randall R. et al, Old National Bank, Cascade Twp., 23-6-10, $612,000 MANOS, Hermien K. et al, Dart Bank, Listening Valley, Lot 14, $204,000 MEHNEY, David P. et al, Huntington National Bank, Woodcliff Park, Lot 50, $750,000 MORAN, Louis H. II et al, Macatawa Bank, […]
Do your business practices need a mentality shift?
The mentality of the business community, like much of America these days, tends to see everything in a black and white context. They want to shy away from those elements of their lives that are gray or unclear, which seems to make them uncomfortable or of the belief they must always pin things down, so […]
Street Talk: A bigger bang for the buck
There is a new financial player in town that’s small but laser-focused. Late last year, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women received designation as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which came on the heels of opening its own microloan program. Now, the women’s business ally is beginning to fill its war chest. GROW announced last […]
Immigrant, refugee population research won’t change GR’s boyhood image
A curious assortment of bedfellows is interested in researching the existing Combined Statistical Area immigrant population for wide-ranging sets of information, ostensively to “tell the story” of immigrants and refugees within the area. The information, however, is expected to be used by economic development groups to make the case for the area’s diversity and to […]
Holland should leave internet to the private sector
A common measure of a right-sized government is it essentially leaves to the market everything except for the services or goods that cannot or will not be produced by the private sector. When government gets too involved in enterprise, it often leads to higher prices, worse service and a decrease in competition. By pursuing a […]
Security firm a ‘preventive force’ during times of unrest
Following the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history at a country music festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, a local firm is reinforcing the importance of security in places that could be at risk. Kevin Belk, senior vice president of Grand Rapids-based DK Security, said the company helmed by CEO John Kendall will continue […]
Research eyes impact of refugees, immigrants
Thanks to a national initiative in its second year, Grand Rapids will be one of 25 communities getting an assist quantifying the economic contributions of refugees and immigrants. Samaritas — a faith-based nonprofit — the city of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce recently received a research-based, nonfinancial award through the […]
River project inches toward goal
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Grand Rapids Whitewater has made financial headway for its river restoration project but still is working toward its cost of roughly $40 million, with construction estimated to start in 2019. The nonprofit’s CEO, Richard Bishop, updated the Kent County Board of Commissioners about the project during its Sept. 28 […]
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Inside Track: YWCA leader ‘moved by survivors’
Charisse Mitchell is driven by service. Her passion for helping those affected by domestic and sexual violence stems from her strong belief in the dignity of all human beings. After graduating from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration, Mitchell decided politics wasn’t […]
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Program reduces hospital visits for seniors
A local home-based health management program created by five senior and medical service companies has significantly reduced hospital visits for its high-need patients. According to recent statistics, Tandem365 has reduced its more than 1,000 patients’ emergency room visits by 52 percent and their average cost of health care by 35 percent since its inception in […]
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Holland opens $240M energy park
Honoring a 10-year collaborative among environmental activists, business executives and the public, the Holland Board of Public Works celebrated the grand opening of the new Holland Energy Park. The energy park, which opened Oct. 2, is a natural gas power plant and the latest component of the city’s 40-year plan to become a world-class leader […]
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Downtown hotel marks a decade
Over the past decade, JW Marriott Grand Rapids has served as a hub for business travel, tourism, entertainment, fine dining and craft cocktails — and it’s leaving its mark on the city. The local franchise of nationwide hospitality chain JW Marriott opened in 2007 at 235 Louis St. NW. It added a luxury option to […]
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Seasoned pros turn to grill manufacturing
If you ask Mark Graham what he’s doing with his life, he’ll tell you he’s living the American dream. Now the vice president of sales and engineering for Grilla Grills, Graham started out in 2004 with Edmar Manufacturing as an engineer in the automotive stamping and steel fabrication division before the company added a grill […]
