Grand Rapids Business Journal

The tumult of the past 15 months is leading many business owners to think about retirement, but a local firm says only 1 in 4 have a formal succession plan in place.

Large organizations often source products through one big supplier contract rather than several smaller ones, but an event being held this month will encourage buyers to give a chance to smaller, diverse-owned West Michigan businesses.

West Michigan organizations are working to make sure summer interns learn about the region’s diverse cultural, lifestyle and job opportunities in hopes they’ll have a great experience and put down roots.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and West Michigan economic developers recently held their first-ever furniture industry symposium, and supply chain disruptions led the list of concerns.

Grand Valley State University named Steven Hodas as the executive director of GV NextEd Accelerator, a GVSU initiative that is designed to reduce institutional barriers to learning and develop new approaches and support for learners, educators and families.

The Ottawa County Data Collection Steering Committee was tasked with the collection of countywide internet-accessibility information that will be used to inform decision-making to effectively increase access to reliable and affordable internet.

The Right Place launched a Diverse Business Directory for greater Grand Rapids on its website as part of its economic inclusion initiatives.

Before beginning its seventh season July 23 with the opening of “Ain’t Nothing Like Family: Ms. Wilkins Goes to Court,” Host Productions LLC, a Grand Rapids-based theater production company, announced plans to invest nearly $750,000 in Grand Rapids’ West Side.

Grand Valley State University is partnering with five other universities and colleges nationally to give students the opportunity to find solutions to some of higher education’s most challenging problems through the launch of REP4, Rapid Education Prototyping for Change, Learners, Community, Equity.

While many employees are celebrating the impending return of in-person work, their employers’ focus is on ensuring a smooth transition.

The Citizens Business Conditions Index for the first quarter of the year was in “upbeat territory,” the financial institution said.

The city of Grand Rapids is accepting proposals for the next round of Neighborhood Match Fund grants starting Tuesday.

The economic development agency for Allegan and Ottawa counties will celebrate the years of work that led to the success of local startups at a public event next month.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is aiming to help downtown Holland raise $50,000 for the Window on the Waterfront Nature Play Park project through a crowdfunding campaign.

Grand Rapids’ newest social district soon will be coming to Fulton Street on the city's West Side.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation appointed Quentin Messer Jr. as its next CEO.

One United Bank of Michigan employee is on a mission to ensure children understand the value of money before they grow older.

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has taken its diversity, equity and inclusion goals to the next level by creating three minority business councils.

Kent County is another step closer to turning its trash into treasure with the Sustainable Business Park project.

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index showed the state is continuing to benefit from the rebounding U.S. economy, but challenges remain.

The Grand Rapids City Commission adopted 12 budgets for the 2022 fiscal year recommended by various downtown and neighborhood boards.

The city of Holland is seeking statements of qualifications from developers interested in redeveloping a 17-acre property owned by the Holland Board of Public Works located on the Lake Macatawa waterfront in downtown Holland and currently home to the decommissioned James De Young power plant.

The city of Douglas launched a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign to raise $25,000 to renovate a pair of city parks.

Lakeshore Advantage and its West Michigan economic development partners have received grant funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to increase area manufacturers’ Industry 4.0 readiness.

A group of property owners in Hopkins Township are attempting to have approximately 500 acres of land along U.S. 131 annexed to the city of Wayland to allow development for a new West Michigan Commerce Center.