September 5, 2017
New rules of the road for Uber, Lyft
A law aimed at standardizing regulations for taxi companies and ride-sharing services is in effect in Michigan. The Limousine, Taxicab and Transportation Network Company Act, or Public Act 345, was enacted earlier this year, usurping the ability of local governments to create ordinances or fees governing all three types of transportation companies and putting that […]
Ottawa County has upper hand on solving affordable housing issue
Affordable housing is a major issue across the country; it is no surprise that initiatives to address associated problems have been a part of community conversations from coast to coast, with an interesting range of policies and politics to alleviate the growing number of people affected. The Business Journal is reporting on the effort in […]
New tax ruling could spell trouble for family cottages
Thinking of moving the family cottage to an LLC? How about doing the same thing with the property used in your business? A couple of new rulings from the Michigan Tax Tribunal may change the way you need to structure things. Earlier this summer, two rulings came out in South Haven v. Scott et al […]
Avoid firefights with careful strategic planning
When people talk about strategic planning, many images come to mind. Most imply careful thinking about what is intended to be accomplished. In the world of business, it is typically a process organizations follow to put actions in motion to achieve their mission or vision. Because it is normally a somewhat complex process, the assumption […]
Change Ups: Bishop recognized as next generation wealth advisor
Forbes recognized Bob Bishop, financial advisor and senior vice president of investments, of Wells Fargo Advisors in Holland, as one of America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors. Bishop has 14 years of experience in the financial services industry. He said he enjoys the ongoing challenge of helping his clients succeed financially. Bishop holds a bachelor’s degree […]
Employment in nonresidential construction sector softens
National construction employment growth remained tepid in July, with approximately 6,000 net new jobs added on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to an analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The residential construction segment added 7,200 net new jobs in July, but employment in the nation’s nonresidential construction sector declined by 1,700 […]
Public Record
MORTGAGES Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds AMBARDAR, Deepu et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Condo-Arbor Hills Site Condominiums, $328,000 NORTON, Brian Kurt & Kellie Sue Trust et al, Old National Bank, Cannon Twp., 20-8-10, $344,000 RAPID PROPERTIES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Grand Rapids Gravel Industrial Park No. 2, Lot 46, $448,830 RAPID […]
Street Talk: Political learning curve
West Michigan has an unusual connection to geopolitical maneuverings in the Asia-Pacific region, which will be in the spotlight when the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts its 68th anniversary luncheon later this year. As captain of a small ship of a nation, the Republic of Palau, Grand Valley State University alumnus Tommy Remengesau […]
MRA report suggests continued growth
The Michigan Restaurant Association’s (MRA) industry trends report for the second quarter of 2017 indicated improved sales compared to the first quarter and confidence that sales will continue to grow into the second half of 2017. Participation was strong in the second-quarter trends report, with approximately 500 MRA member locations and $689 million in annual […]
Ottawa County tackles housing issue
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) A conversation that began several years ago about the lack of affordable housing in Ottawa County is becoming a movement. Greater Ottawa County United Way began gathering community leaders in 2014 to join the table of a new initiative of what was called Ottawa Housing Next, hoping to address […]
Workplace, politics are volatile mix
Free speech is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. But as some “alt-right” — a white nationalist movement — and conservative proponents are finding, that right is not a blank check to say what you want and keep your job. A Vermont man rallied with white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 11 and was fired […]
-
‘Orville’ flies media firm to new heights
Just a few years ago, media companies had to rent helicopters to get aerial shots — a hefty expense for a small firm. Drones have changed all that. This summer, Grand Rapids-based Cynthia Kay and Company Media Production marked a milestone by acquiring its first in-house drone. The 31-year-old firm previously hired freelance pilots who […]
-
Firm bridges infrastructure gaps
Absent the federal government cash stockpiles of the 1980s for funding infrastructure upgrades, municipalities today have to find other means to get projects done, working with engineering firms like Williams & Works. The firm at 549 Ottawa Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids has three main areas of focus: surveying, planning and engineering. Dave Austin, […]
-
Construction companies stay busy
Construction projects continue to pop up in West Michigan. Among the handful of new apartment complexes surfacing in downtown Grand Rapids, some long-standing construction projects are nearing completion. Rockford Construction began building a 235-unit apartment complex in October 2016. As of now, the building, located at 234 Market Ave. SW in Grand Rapids, has a […]
-
Inside Track: Bankruptcy provides clarity
Rob Stam went bankrupt in 2007, but without that experience, he wouldn’t be where he is today. The president of Navigate Ventures said bankruptcy was both the best and worst event of his career and allowed him to rediscover his childhood dream. As he was bouncing back from the bankruptcy, his uncle suggested he use […]
