October 9, 2018
Report says optimism at peak levels
Despite the escalating trade war, increased labor costs and a talent shortage, Michigan business owners have great expectations for the economy in the next six months. Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group conducted phone interviews between July 9 and Sept. 13 — 150 of them with business owners and executives at small and midsize Michigan businesses […]
Strategist: ‘Creative’ benefit offerings an important HR tool
As four generations co-exist in the workplace, a human resources strategist said it’s important to offer health, wealth, heart and mind benefits that address their varying needs and values. Lisa Cooper, people strategist at Grand Rapids-based HR Collaborative, gave a talk called “Benefits Across Generations” at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 3. […]
Right Place ahead of schedule on 3-year goals
The Right Place is seeing record economic growth that has nearly met many of the organization’s three-year goals for the end of 2019. According to Tim Mroz, vice president of marketing and communications for the Grand Rapids-based economic development organization, since the beginning of 2017, the organization has seen: 46 economic development projects 3,229new and […]
Blockchain enters agriculture industry for recall purposes
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) The spread of E. coli has forced major retailers to reconsider the way they track their produce. Romaine lettuce has been at the center of recalls this year, which has caused Walmart and Sam’s Club to require their suppliers to use blockchain technology to trace their leafy greens back to […]
Change Ups: Long Road Distillers snags top honors
Long Road Distillers took home top honors for the second year in a row. The distillery was named Best Craft Specialty Spirits Distillery in the United States as part of the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. Long Road Distillers topped a list of 20 nominees from around the country that were chosen by […]
Employers can curb health care costs during open enrollment
Technology continues to reshape how employers select and offer health care benefits to employees, putting access to information at our fingertips and creating a more seamless and interactive health care experience. At the same time, these advances may help employees become savvier users of health care, helping simplify and personalize their journey toward health and, […]
Financial wellness: Good for the employee and employer
While wellness programs have been a key part of employee benefits programs for years, they now have a new and increasingly popular cousin: financial wellness programs. Multiple surveys indicate financial stress and anxiety translates to distracted workers, increased absences and even health issues. Companies have started to recognize that all this worrying about money takes […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds BYLSMA, Kenneth George et al, Fifth Third Bank, Railside No. 2, Lot 78, $300,000 MONTGOMERY, Joan M. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Condo-Homestead Acres Condominium, $212,000 STURTZ TRUST, Keybank, Railside West No. 3, Lot 116, $201,500 ANDERSON, Brian W. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada […]
Addressing issues of a family-owned business
What makes a business a "family-owned business?" Well, that is easy, it is a business owned by a family. But must all of the interests in the business be owned by the family or just a controlling interest? One family or two? Is there more than one generation involved? Do family members run the business […]
Street Talk: Winds of change
The largest solar energy project in Michigan might be coming to Muskegon. The Muskegon County Board of Public Works recently agreed to ratify, approve and confirm previously executed solar lease, easement and real estate purchase option agreements with Muskegon County Solar Project LLC, a subsidiary of Tradewind Energy, Inc. This action will allow the company […]
Business organizations launch health care plan
Two Michigan business associations are launching a small business health care plan meant to lower costs. The Small Business Association of Michigan and the Michigan Business and Professional Association are launching TranscendAHP, taking advantage of recent federal Affordable Care Act reforms to give small businesses access to health care plans previously available to only larger […]
Local PR firm rebrands as more acquisitions are made
Lambert, Edwards & Associates has undergone a major change. After 20 years, the largest public relations firm in Michigan rebranded its logo, website and signage, and changed its name to Lambert & Co. Jeff Lambert, founder and CEO of Lambert & Co., worked in conjunction with Grand Rapids-based advertising agency Extra Credit Projects to rebrand […]
Lakeshore businesses plan expansions
Employers in Allegan and Ottawa counties are planning to invest more and create more jobs than last year. According to the 2018 Business Intelligence Report by Zeeland-based economic development organization Lakeshore Advantage, 69 percent of businesses interviewed in the West Michigan lakeshore region plan to expand in the next three years. Lakeshore Advantage, along with […]
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Business Journal publishes ’40 Under 40′
The Business Journal’s October 9th issue features a special supplement — “40 Under 40” — which can also be viewed online. The publication’s annual 40 Under 40 party will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 17 at 20 Monroe Live in downtown Grand Rapids. Tickets are available online.
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Kendall College of Art and Design marks 90 years
True to its name, the Kendall College of Art and Design has trained generations of art and design professionals, playing a major role in shaping those sectors in the region. Furniture design was one of the first three areas of courses offered when the school opened its doors to 43 students March 16, 1931. A […]
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Venues, individuals heighten security measures
Local venues are taking security measures seriously. The enhanced awareness has been sparked by a series of deadly events that have occurred over the last year, including shootings in Las Vegas, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the Capital Gazette newsroom. SMG, the worldwide venue management company that manages Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos […]
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Brewt’s hits Meijer shelves
Brewt’s Bloody Mary hit Meijer store shelves this past summer as a health-conscious alternative to the standard bloody mary mix, and co-founder Emily Griffen said the move is a big leap for her homemade mix. Griffen said Brewt’s has pushed hard for brand awareness since 2016 by visiting food and wine shows, and farmers markets […]
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Inside Track: Business is ‘busting at the seams’
During her first pregnancy more than 15 years ago, Sara Moylan became increasingly frustrated, as she couldn’t find a supportive enough bra to wear during her workouts. Moylan — who worked in medical device and pharmaceutical sales for more than a decade and is a competitive weightlifter, former Miss Michigan Teen USA and Mrs. Michigan […]
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Local First takes program statewide
Local First is taking its year-old Good for Grand Rapids program statewide to help more businesses measure and improve their social, environmental and economic impact. The Grand Rapids-based economic development nonprofit said last month that it is rolling out Good for Michigan as an umbrella program over Good for Grand Rapids, which launched in 2017. […]
