October 2, 2017
County jails turning to life-skills programs
More Michigan counties are offering programs to keep inmates from returning to jail. Similar to programs in place at state prisons, the local programs teach skills that give a better chance to jail inmates who serve much shorter sentences than those in prison, said Blaine Koops, executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. Each program […]
MSU research center, VAI celebrate shared vision
Grand Rapids is a city with new purpose — a city in many ways reborn, reshaped into something unexpected and unique. Already known for its furniture and manufacturing capabilities, Grand Rapids also has become a bustling hub of biomedical research, clinical care and higher education. This transformation is no accident. More than 20 years ago, […]
Possible tax reform may impact choice of business entity
An ancient proverb tells us that patience is a virtue. Many business owners and advisers have been patiently awaiting legislation dealing with the promise of comprehensive tax reform. An occasional sound bite or press release has piqued the interest of many following the process. As the autumn season progresses, there is the hope something specific […]
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Change Ups: Lynn launches painting company
Dwayne Lynn launched a residential and commercial painting company named Fresh Coat of Kalamazoo. Services including interior and exterior painting, wood staining and finishing, and other services for nearly every protective coating application. The business serves Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Oshtemo, Texas Charter Township, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Richland and surrounding areas. Lynn opened Fresh Coat of Kalamazoo […]
In the construction sector, G.R. = Growing Rapidly
As chief economist for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, I identify future building trends, evaluate current trends and interpret the role our members play in the construction economy — and we see a lot of good news in Grand Rapids. West Michigan, but particularly Grand Rapids, is on a prolonged growth spurt, and […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds GREEN, Lisa et al, Caliber Home Loans, Condo-Andrew Farm Estates, $239,000 DOYLE, Patrick et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Vergennes Twp., 22-7-9, $424,100 ROBRAHN, Ralph E. et al, Dart Bank, Island Park Murray Lake, Lot 10, $250,000 NGASSA, Felix N. et al, Northern Mortgage Services, […]
Street Talk: Voters need schooling
Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, released findings from a recent survey on K-12 education that show strong voter interest for greater improvement in Michigan schools. The BLM survey, conducted by the Glengariff Group in August, showed voters approve of the job Michigan schools are doing, but they also generally approve of actions […]
Talent, housing hinder economic growth
Local, regional and statewide economic reports all remain positive as the fourth quarter begins, very likely providing optimism for 2018 business plans. The Business Journal believes it especially important to underscore regional notations of expenditures for research and development but also notes the continued struggle to find talent. Adding to the issues related to talent […]
Clean energy: a boon for Michigan businesses
Businesses are drawn to Michigan for its trademark ingenuity and competitive spirit. It’s one of the reasons why Worthen Industries and Brewery Vivant call Grand Rapids home. Today, Michigan is on the cusp of a clean energy revolution, and we’re proud to join a coalition of businesses that support this new clean-energy economy. Building on […]
City and county hirings critical to business growth
The revitalization and growth our region is experiencing are unmatched. Last year, we had a higher percentage job growth in metro Grand Rapids than any other large metro area in the U.S. As our community continues to climb the various rankings of economic success, we cannot forget the work that drives our growth, nor can […]
Lawmakers eye undoing parental education for immunization waivers
Parents who don’t want to vaccinate their kids could skip an education session designed to teach them the benefits of vaccines and the risks of disease, under legislation proposed by two Republican lawmakers. A 2014 rule requires parents to first learn about vaccines from a county health department to get an immunization waiver, according to […]
Informants could reap larger reward payouts
Criminal informants in Michigan could be in for a larger payday if a recently introduced bipartisan bill increases the limit on payouts by 10 times. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Cochran (D-Mason) and 17 co-sponsors who said a larger reward amount could make witnesses to crimes more willing to come […]
Supreme Court upholds municipal land ordinance
A recent Supreme Court ruling could have implications for landowners in the state of Michigan. In June, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of an ordinance that may confuse landowners who want to break up small parcels of land. The case dealt with two adjacent properties along the lower portion of the St. […]
BLM: Growth expected to continue
The majority of business leaders in the state are optimistic about the continued growth rates for both the Michigan and U.S. economies. The most recent quarterly forecast from Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) reported the majority of business leaders surveyed remain optimistic about growth trends in the state for the next six months. Fifty-eight percent […]
Lakeshore growth outshines Midwest
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Since 2010, Lakeshore Advantage has compiled an annual report on the economic outlook of Ottawa County. This year, it decided to enlist other agencies to add data from Muskegon and Allegan counties. The 2017 West Michigan Lakeshore Region Business Intelligence report found the Allegan-Muskegon-Ottawa region outpaces the U.S. Midwest […]
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Inside Track: Education is cornerstone of success
Rachel Scott’s mother felt there was nothing more important to instill in her children than education. Learning has been crucial to Scott’s life, no matter where she’s been or where she’s going, even now as the director of development services for real estate development at Rockford Construction. Scott was born in Haiti and spent her […]
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Report eyes Michigan’s sustainability future
Michigan is now third in the Midwest for clean energy jobs, according to a report from Clean Jobs Midwest. Representatives from the wind and solar energy sector in West Michigan and an official from the city of Grand Rapids met at the Catalyst Partners office Sep. 21 to highlight the findings of the report and […]
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Skytron scouts what’s new and what’s next
Opportunity drives everything Skytron does as a medical device manufacturer/distributor, according to its CEO. Dave Mehney, son of the Grand Rapids-based company’s founder David P. Mehney, leads the organization with operations throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Skytron employs 115 people in West Michigan and had […]
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Grand Valley grad stirs up startup
Zoe Bruyn wasn’t your typical lemonade stand kid growing up; she launched a salon in her house at the age of 5. She also grew up with three cousins who have disabilities. Last year, when an idea dawned on her for a business that would empower workers with special needs, she knew it was time […]
