Crain's Grand Rapids Business, Nov 13, 2023

CRAINSGRANDRAPIDS.COM I NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Leaders hope Shinola boosts downtown retail National brand has reputation for getting involved in communities

By Kate Carlson

Founders Brewing is sponsoring American Magic, a competitor in the America’s Cup yacht race. | COURTESY IMAGE

FOUNDERS CHANGES ADVERTISING TACK Brewer sponsors DeVos-backed America’s Cup contender American Magic

By Abby Poirier

When the American Magic yacht competes next year in the high-profile international America’s Cup sailing competition, its sail will prominently feature the logo for one of the largest breweries in Michigan.

The sponsorship of the American challenger will allow Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Co. to reach a massive global audience that competition organizers forecast could reach 1 billion TV and live-streaming viewers over the span of the event in late 2023 and late 2024.

Founders Brewing CEO Elton Andres Knight called the sponsorship an “experiential opportunity” that will help the brand

“I feel that this also elevates the brand and helps us access a different consumer than the one that we would conventionally appeal to a wider range of inter- access as a small, local brewery.”

The deal with the New York national consumers. He likened the sponsorship to advertising in Yacht Club American Magic also the Super Bowl in terms of the links two organizations that share West Michigan roots. The event’s profile and broad reach. sailing team was co-founded in 2017 by Amway Corp. co-chair Doug DeVos, who currently serves as one of the team’s principals. American Magic is led by CEO Michael Cazer, who also serves as CEO of Grand Rapids-based Continu— Elton Andres Knight, CEO Founders Brewing um Ventures, the family office for Doug and Maria “One of the pillars that I’m try- DeVos. Cazer also formerly was ing to build here at our U.S. busi- a C-suite executive at Amway ness is to get more visibility out- Corp. side of the U.S.,” Knight told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

See FOUNDERS on Page 48

“One of the pillars that I’m trying to build here at our U.S. business is to get more visibility outside of the U.S.”

VOL. 40, NO. 23 l COPYRIGHT 2023 CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. l ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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The recent announcement of watch and luxury goods retailer Shinola Detroit opening a downtown Grand Rapids storefront is a “huge victory” for the city that may spur more retail wins, according to local real estate and community leaders.

“This will definitely help the vibrancy of the retail corridor rebound and continue to grow,” said Mark Ansara, principal and senior vice president at Advantage Commercial Real Estate.

“It’s not going to be a massive store, but it’s the brand that is important. This is a huge victory for West Michigan to be landing.”

The Detroit-based manufac-

Detroit-based Shinola is set to open a 1,300-square-foot shop at the corner of 40 Monroe Center St. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. | JOE BOOMGAARD

turer of watches and leather goods plans to open a store in the Peck Building at 40 Monroe Center St. NW in time for the holiday shopping season, as Crain’s Detroit first reported. Shinola signed a three-year lease for the storefront, which is owned and being built out by Rockford See SHINOLA on Page 48

Planners table Corewell’s request for surface lots Panel wants health system to engage with more community organizations

By Kate Carlson

Corewell Health will have to wait to see if its plans to demolish five aging, vacant buildings in the Monroe North neighborhood and turn them into surface parking lots can move ahead.

That’s because the Grand Rapids Planning Commission on

Oct. 26 tabled the health system’s request to demolish buildings at 648 Bond Ave., 647 Ottawa Ave., 637 Ottawa Ave., 700 Ottawa Ave., and 711 Ionia Ave. NW to construct four surface lots with 320 parking spaces in their place.

The plans, which are part of the Corewell Health Place North Monroe Campus Master Plan, require special land use approval from the planning commission.

The development’s master plan also proposes adding housing for medical residents and See COREWELL on Page 48

SMALL BUSINESS Veteran-owned coffee shop opens downtown

REAL ESTATE Former home to GVSU presidents is an ‘entertainer’s dream’

GIVING GUIDE Philanthropic opportunities in the Grand Rapids area

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11/8/23 1:32 PM

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Tribally owned investment firm builds on 5 years Waséyabek Development Co. targets $275 million in revenue by 2029

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

tele, Bates thought alcohol sales would truly set his business apart and cater to an audience that might want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while at the laundromat. He submitted an application to do so in May 2022.

However, his plan was met with resistance by the MLCC, which in December 2022 denied Bates’ liquor license request as well as an appeal in January 2023, as MiBiz reported at the time. The denials were issued under the leadership of previous MLCC Chairperson Pat Gagliardi.

Bates and his attorney, Christopher Gartman of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone PLC, then

As tribally owned Waséyabek Development Co. LLC completes its first five-year strategic plan, executives are honing their priorities to help guide the organization’s future and significantly grow revenue.

The Grand Rapids-based non-gaming economic development arm of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi expects to end the year with approximately $93 million in revenue, but targets $275 million by the end of its next five-year plan, which begins in 2024.

To get there, President and CEO Deidra Mitchell said Waséyabek plans to refine its focus on the verticals in which it operates, notably by shifting from commercial operating businesses into medical companies and narrowing its federal contracting business to U.S. Department of Defense work. The organization also will prioritize full profitability across its portfolio of companies.

“What we were doing the first five years is building the foundation,” Mitchell said, “and now we’re pivoting toward growing and building on top of that.”

As well, Waséyabek will continue to shift its buy-and-hold acquisition strategy further into the middle market, a move that started at the end of 2021 in a deal for Safari Circuits, an Otsego-based electronics manufacturer.

Mitchell expects Waséyabek to

See LAUNDROMAT on Page 49

See WASÉYABEK on Page 49

Duds N Suds on Grand Rapids’ far south side has become the first Michigan laundromat permitted to sell alcohol onsite. | ANDY BALASKOVITZ

State’s first laundromat to sell alcohol coming to Grand Rapids Duds N Suds previously denied twice by Liquor Control Commission | By Andy Balaskovitz A five-year-old Grand Rapids business will become the first laundromat in the state to legally sell beer and wine on premises after state alcohol regulators reversed previous denials of the plan.

During an Oct. 31 appeal hearing, the three-member Michigan Liquor Control Commission unanimously voted to reverse its two previous denials of a liquor license transfer request submitted by Beer & Wine By Lewis Diallo LLC, which does business as Duds N Suds at 1517 Langley St. SE on the city’s far south side.

The decision concludes a 17-month regulatory and legal process for Duds N Suds owner Edward Bates, who opened the

Duds N Suds aims to start serving alcohol in the next 30 days. | ANDY BALASKOVITZ

business in 2018 after investing about $3 million on renovations to the facility.

“It’s been a long process, a

rough road,” Bates said in an interview after the hearing.

After opening the laundromat to cater to a “higher end” clien-

Lawmakers approve $30M for GVSU’s downtown tech center Facility aims to enhance digital skills for students across all majors

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

State lawmakers have approved $30 million in funding for Grand Valley State University’s plan to repurpose a downtown Grand Rapids campus building into a tech center and create “a local innovation ecosystem.”

The funding for GVSU’s Blue Dot Lab was included in a $625 million budget supplemental that lawmakers in the state House and Senate approved Nov. 2 on mostly party-line votes and sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Blue Dot Lab is a $140 mil-

lion project that will revamp the Eberhard Center at GVSU’s downtown Grand Rapids Pew campus to house computer science, data science and transdisciplinary degrees in business, computing and the humanities.

“Grand Valley State University is excited and grateful to see our request for funding for our Blue Dot Lab moving forward,” the university said in a statement. “The Blue Dot will serve to revitalize the physical space necessary to serve as the center of gravity for our community’s tech strategy as well as drive investments in growing

the talent needed to fuel the tech economy in our state. GVSU students, faculty and our corporate and community partners will all benefit from the Blue Dot.” According to the capital outlay proposal for the project, the intent of the Blue Dot Lab is to drive innovation and collaboration.

Specifically, the facility aims to enhance digital skills for students across all majors; increase the number of GVSU graduates with technical, computing, AI and other related expertise; and boost See GVSU on Page 49

A rendering of Grand Valley State University’s $140 million Blue Dot Lab, a technology hub planned at its downtown Grand Rapids campus. | GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY November 13, 2023 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | 3

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Can Michigan’s unemployment agency reinvent itself?

Mired in pandemic controversy, modernization efforts are underway

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

After years of constant leadership turnover and pandemic-related mismanagement, Michigan’s unemployment agency is adopting modernization efforts that extend beyond an upcoming computer system overhaul.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) this summer launched a series of reforms and resources aimed at making improvements and enhancing accessibility when residents file for unemployment benefits.

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, the volume of unemployment claims by Michigan residents spiked to more than 388,000 claims in a single week compared to an average of 5,000 a week before the pandemic, according to the agency.

This unprecedented demand strained the UIA as it grappled with an outdated computer system and a lack of trust in leadership.

“We were dealing with the consequences of having a database that is a 2010 system dealing with 2020 problems,” said Julia Dale, who was named UIA director in October 2021. “As the leader of the UIA, the eleventh leader in as many years, I was also dealing with the consequences of a constant churn in leadership within the agency that really lent itself to inconsistencies (and), I think, a lack of trust in leadership.”

A January 2023 audit from the Office of Auditor General indicated these issues had continued into 2022, and found the agency inef-

fectively handled 5.8 million claims from March 2020 to June 2022, when it paid $39.9 billion in claims.

The audit, the fourth in a series that started in late 2021, was part of an effort to “assess the sufficiency of UIA’s efforts to identify and investigate potential claimant fraud,” according to the auditor general’s office. At the time, reports indicated that billions of dollars in fraudulent benefits were paid out in Michigan during the pandemic.

Dale maintains that the agency’s recent reforms will break from recent controversies and position the UIA for future success.

“I absolutely believe that the Michigan UIA is in a better position than it has been at any time in over the last decade,” Dale recently told Crain’s Grand Rapids.

Earlier this year, the UIA signed a 10-year, $78 million contract with Deloitte to design and install a new computer system to replace the agency’s aging technology.

The new system, known as the Unemployment Framework for Automated Claim & Tax Services (uFACTS), is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

According to Dale, the system will offer a more intuitive and responsive navigation process for unemployment applicants while allowing the agency to better gather and analyze data.

“When we are looking to gather that data and do some analysis on what we’re seeing in trends with unemployment or where we’re seeing issues, the ability to have data on hand and accessible in a quick and reliable fashion as a

leader of an agency is so vitally important,” Dale said.

Dale also said the system will help detect and prevent fraud, emphasizing the agency’s zero-tolerance policy and more than 100 pending fraud cases.

“Fighting fraud is something that is a priority now and will continue to be a priority for the UIA,” Dale said. “One of the essential pieces to the new system is having flexibility to be able to change and anticipate criminal activity and make the necessary shifts in order to fight whatever the latest trend is.”

Meanwhile, Dale said the agency has been focused on a “holistic effort of modernization” that involves more than replacing outdated technology.

“We’re also looking at how we lead the organization, how we connect with the claimants and the businesses we serve, and how we interact with them,” Dale said.

Through a partnership with Detroit-based nonprofit Civilla, the UIA recently launched new initiatives to help immediately improve the claims process. These improvements include a new claimant roadmap on the UIA’s website that serves as a step-by-step guide with clear language to help unemployment applicants navigate the system, pairing with new online coaching sessions for first-time filers.

As well, the UIA has a new Community Connect program where local liaisons visit communities around the state to learn about barriers of access and provide more accessibility.

“Everyone wants to see the agen-

Unemployment Insurance Agency officials say a series of ongoing and anticipated reforms will help resolve concerns around mismanagement that were highlighted during the pandemic. | ILLUSTRATION BY KAYLA BYLER

cy have success in getting people the resources and benefits they need,” state Rep. Matthew Bierlein, R-Vassar, said in an emailed statement to Crain’s Grand Rapids. Bierlein is among GOP lawmakers who have called for more UIA accountability, and earlier this year sponsored a bill to create a UIA ombudsman.

“UIA has had a long track record of falling short in assisting people and being able to combat fraud, and it’ll be interesting to see if these changes have an impact,” he said.

Civilla CEO Michael Brennan said his organization aims to use human-centered design approaches through partnerships with public-facing institutions.

Working with the UIA on some of these initiatives comes from a desire for the more efficient use of limited resources, which was highlighted nationwide during the pandemic, he said.

“There was an unprecedented demand on these helping systems, whether this was around unemployment insurance, food insurance or health insurance … and it certainly, I think, raised awareness on the importance of those services,” Brennan said. “But it also raised a broader awareness that we just can’t take them for granted and that they do need the right kind of attention and the right kind of leadership and resources to make sure they work well for all parties.”

Brennan said Civilla began the UIA partnership by spending time with unemployment claimants in Michigan and listening to their experiences navigating the system.

Out of that research came the development of resources like the claimant roadmap as well as an employer help center that assists employers with navigating claims more efficiently and coherently.

New coffee shop blends passion for veterans, art Has Heart is located in historic building in Veterans Memorial Park

By Abby Poirier

After years of anticipation, a coffee shop operated by nonprofit veterans organization Has Heart plans to open its doors today.

The organization officially scheduled the grand opening for Nov. 13 for the Has Heart Coffee Shop, located in a historic building at Veterans Memorial Park, 22 Sheldon Ave. NE in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood.

The coffee shop, first announced in 2020, is the brainchild of co-founders Michael Hyacinthe and Tyler Way, who wanted to use their individual passions for veteran support and art to create a space for veterans to meet in a creative community.

“The public will love the way it looks because we really tried to maintain the origin of this really beautiful building,” Hyacinthe said. “That required several iterations to make sure that we created a beautiful space (while) preserv-

ing the original authenticity of the building.”

Has Heart Coffee Shop will seat 31 people indoors and approximately 35 people on its front and rear patios. The nonprofit currently is hiring veterans and their spouses for part-time and volunteer positions to run the day-today retail operations.

The shop, which will be open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, planned to hold a soft opening during Grand Rapids’ Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11.

In addition to offering coffee, Has Heart Coffee Shop also features retail and creative spaces for local veterans and artists to connect and create art together. The shop plans to display artwork, specialty designs and products created by artists and designers working to tell veterans’ stories.

Has Heart also partnered with Grand Rapids-based Madcap Coffee Co., which served as cafe consultant for the project and will supply coffee to the new shop.

Prior to Has Heart moving into the space, the Memorial Park building, built in 1936, sat mostly vacant with the exception of host-

Has Heart Coffee Shop is located at 22 Sheldon Ave. NE in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood, inside Veterans Memorial Park. | COURTESY PHOTO

ing ArtPrize exhibits located at the park.

Hyacinthe said the project involved completely gutting the 900-square-foot interior of the building and fully renovating the space. Grand Rapids-based Pride Builders Group is serving as general contractor on the project, while Ghafari Associates LLC is the architect.

Since the project broke ground in November 2022, crews removed four interior walls to open up the interior of the building and in-

stalled support beams, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems. The renovation team also created an outdoor patio using repurposed granite from the former Veterans Memorial Park fountain, which also stems from the early 1900s.

The renovations, which to date have totaled $896,000, were funded by a variety of local and state organizations, including $500,000 from Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation and $166,000 from the Downtown Development Author-

ity, as well as donations from the Wege Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, DeVos Foundation, Frey Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and others.

According to Hyacinthe, the nonprofit has raised the entirety of its $1.2 million goal to open the coffee shop.

Has Heart repeatedly pushed back its plans to open the coffee bar because of the challenging renovation. The nonprofit kept donors and supporters updated on the project via monthly blog posts.

“Being a historical building has its own barriers and challenges that required us to do some additional work and, of course, time-consuming work because of the preservation of the building,” Hyacinthe said.

After months of renovations, crews have completed the project, and the coffee shop has started hiring and training employees while putting the finishing touches on the new space.

Looking back, Hyacinthe said the project became “really, really difficult, but we knew that we were doing this not just for ourselves, but for the people who are represented in that beautiful park.”

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SCHOLAR

Historical home to former GVSU presidents hits the market Circular flow and unique layout make structure ‘an entertainer’s dream’

By Rachel Watson

A historic home that served as Grand Valley State University’s official president’s mansion for 50 years is back on the market after housing a family of five for the past four years.

Dr. Hyung Kim and Joyce Stoughton-Kim on Oct. 25 listed their home on Plymouth Avenue SE in East Grand Rapids for $1,595,000 through their Realtor, Katie Southwell of Keller Williams Grand Rapids East.

Kim — who was president of the former Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids from 2019-2021 — is CEO of Chicago-based, physician-owned private equity firm LifeFlow Partners. He’s also operating partner of Chicago-based DuneGlass Capital.

Stoughton-Kim is director and dance educator for the East Lansing-based Social Dance Project LLC. Their three-story, five-bed, seven-bath home boasts 5,670 square feet of finished living space on 0.67 acres with an attached two-car garage.

The inside includes five fireplaces, a sun room, a fully modernized kitchen, an expansive main-floor living room, three offices, a thirdfloor bonus room, and a finished basement with a wet bar, wine cellar, family room and ample storage.

The Kims are selling the house because their three children are all grown and gone, leaving the couple in an oversized space they no longer need.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” Stoughton-Kim said. “It makes sense to downsize so we can have the ability to get up and go. But … I have their bedroom doors open, and walking by, it’s almost like they’ll be home after school.”

A storied past This happens to be the fourth home the Kims have lived in that was built in 1927. Two were in St. Louis, Mo., and another was in Springfield, Ill., before they moved back to Michigan.

“That was by accident, but we love historic homes,” Stoughton-Kim said.

The Classical Revival-style man-

sion was built for J. Stuart Clingman, a Chicago native and nationally known designer for two legacy furniture manufacturers in Grand Rapids: the Robert W. Irwin Company and the John Widdicomb Company.

Clingman was born in Chicago in 1882 to George and Stuarta Clingman. His father was the general manager and a designer for Toby Furniture Company of Chicago, so furniture was in his blood.

The elder Clingman in 1900 introduced a collection of mission furniture for Toby.

After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s design department in 1902, the younger Clingman moved to Grand Rapids in 1903 to work as an assistant designer for the Royal Furniture Company, which later merged with the Robert W. Irwin Company.

Clingman was Irwin’s chief designer for 32 years and designed furniture for the bedrooms of two U.S. presidents: Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding, as well as for the executive office of President Herbert Hoover.

He became chief designer for John Widdicomb Company in 1952 at the age of 70.

By this time, his home on Plymouth Avenue was already in the hands of its third owner. Charles O. Ransford owned it from 1946 to 1950, then Jerome W. Eberts acquired it in 1951 and lived there until selling it to GVSU in 1969.

Grand Valley used the residence for three university presidents during the next 50 years: Arend Lubbers from 1969-2001; Mark Murray from 2001-2006; and Thomas Haas from 2006-2019.

The Kims bought the house feeling giddy about its rich history, Stoughton-Kim said. It came with a plaque that lists the university presidents and the years they lived in the house. Also, an odd little narrow silverware closet next to the kitchen opens to reveal hand-scrawled growth charts for the family members of those GVSU presidents.

“We just always thought it was fun to have all these measurements on the walls from their children and I think a couple of pets,” she said, noting that the Kim children added to the wall as well.

Full of splendor The stately mansion’s exterior features hand-split shake shingles, a steeply pitched French roofline, and English medieval-style leaded glass windows. The front door is flanked by fluted pilasters with ro-

This home on Plymouth Avenue in East Grand Rapids is the former Grand Valley State University president’s mansion and now is listed for $1,595,000. | KATIE SOUTHWELL, KELLER WILLIAMS GRAND RAPIDS EAST

settes and shell scroll work. Three massive chimneys on different sides of the house are decorated with rounded clay tile caps.

Indoors, the front entrance features five Roman arches with more fluted pilasters showcasing “remarkable millwork hand-carved from zebra wood, maple and walnut burl,” according to the listing.

In keeping with the lifestyle of wealthy families of the period, the house has a butler’s pantry and five staircases, several of which would have allowed servants to move seamlessly without being seen. The staircases have been kept in place, with the main, “grand” staircase featuring a carved pineapple finial capping the banister, and intricately turned carvings and motifs as the stairs continue upward.

The eye is drawn to the mixing and matching, contrasting yet complementary main-floor substrates, with an original brick flooring in a basket-weave pattern in the foyer, zigzag diamond-patterned walnut in the living room, white oak in the dining room and red oak on the stairs.

When Stoughton-Kim hired Brian Nelson, of Hastings-based Maple Grove Flooring, to refinish some of the floors and replace some missing boards on the main stair landing, Nelson stood in awe of one particular attribute of the house: The perfectly matched zebra wood patterns on the Roman arches.

“He said the builder was clever enough to, when he had the tree cut down for the house, to (display) what’s like a fingerprint on both sides,” Stoughton-Kim said. “He cut the tree in half, and he kept the two halves together so when he created the archway, the pattern lined up on both sides.”

Through their flooring renovations, the Kims also discovered that preserving history can be costly.

When Nelson put the first top coat on the living room walnut, it started cracking when winter rolled around. He soon discovered that a certain chemical used in the flooring a century ago reacted when paired with today’s products. To fix it, he stripped the coating off and re-sealed it with an oil-based product instead.

Other renovations The Kims didn’t keep track of how much they spent updating the home during the past four years, but it was “a lot,” Stoughton-Kim said. “Enough to put a kid through college,” she said, laughing.

Their renovations included installing a wine fridge, new hardware, plumbing, granite countertops and tile work in the kitchen; updating all seven bathrooms with new hardware, plumbing, countertops, light fixtures and shower doors; putting new carpet in all of the bedrooms, on two of the staircases and in the hallway; and refinishing all of the hardwood floors, including three sets of staircases.

They also cleaned up old wiring, brought the basement electrical up to code, removed wallpaper, repainted, upgraded lighting throughout the home, installed new blinds, and redid the basement with a refreshed office, custom wet bar, wine cellar and refinished recreation/family room.

Based on the home’s circular flow, they didn’t need to make any structural changes, Stoughton-Kim said.

“Old homes can either be very easy to live in or kind of choppy

and they don’t flow so well. Our first historic home was a little bit choppy and didn’t have the flow.

But this house has been the absolute easiest of the historic homes — the layout, the staircases … Crazy enough, we use all five staircases,” Stoughton-Kim said. “It makes the house flow really well, and we get around faster. … The builder was very clever in where he decided to put things like staircases and bathrooms.”

Outside, they removed seven trees with root rot, simplified the landscaping, installed a new sprinkler system, repainted the house, and installed a driveway off Franklin Street (now called Martin Luther King Jr. Street).

Stoughton-Kim said there was a funny but enjoyable unintended consequence of removing the row of overgrown arborvitae trees that shielded the house from view when Grand Valley owned it. Suddenly, they were flooded with hundreds of kids seeking candy at Halloween.

This year, they prepared for 500 trick-or-treaters.

Ready for its next family Southwell, the Kims’ real estate agent, said she used to live across the street from this house, and she loved seeing the steady flow of guests coming in for parties when it was the president’s residence.

“It really, truly, is an entertainer’s dream home,” she said.

Stoughton-Kim said most of the leaded-glass windows on the first floor are actually doors, and several of the former presidents would open every single entrance during the parties so guests could flow from the patios and yard through the house at will.

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Huntington increases focus on Kalamazoo market Bank also gains two spots for deposit market share there

By Mark Sanchez

After moving into the top spot for deposit market share in the Grand Rapids area a year ago, Huntington Bank has been putting a greater emphasis on growing in the Kalamazoo-area market.

Huntington Bank moved up two spots from 2022 to 2023 in the FDIC’s annual Summary of Deposits to rank sixth out of 14 banks in the Kalamazoo-Portage metropolitan statistical area, a move that reflects the bank’s growth strategy in Southwest Michigan.

Most notably, Huntington Bank’s deposits in the $4.17 billion Kalamazoo-area market held steady at $272.1 million, for a 6.52% market share, while others in the market recorded year-over-year declines.

Western Michigan Regional President Lauren Davis wants to further improve Huntington’s position in the Kalamazoo area. Davis has a goal for the bank to move into the top three for deposit market share in the market within the next three years.

“We think it’s a growth market for us,” Davis told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. “In the last year, we’ve been more intentional. There’s a lot of opportunity and economic development, and we want to be part of it. So, our leadership team is committed to that and we’re leading our teams that way.”

PNC Bank leads the Kalamazoo-area market with $927 million in deposits as of June 30, 2023, or a 23.27% market share, according to the FDIC. Fifth Third Bank was second with $856.9 million in deposits, or a 20.51% market share, followed by Kalamazoo-based First National Bank of Michigan with $594.9 million in deposits and a market share of 14.24%.

The heightened focus on the Kalamazoo-area market follows Huntington Bank’s move into the leading position in the Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA in 2022 following the June 2021 acquisition of the former TCF Financial Corp.

Huntington Bank last year surpassed Fifth Third Bank, which for generations led the Grand Rapids-Wyoming market for deposit market share, going back to the days of the former Old Kent Bank.

As of June 30, Fifth Third remains the top bank overall in Kent County for deposits and held a 19.23% market share to Huntington’s 17.65%, according to the FDIC Summary of Deposits. Kent County is a $21.99 billion market.

Statewide, Huntington ranks as the second-largest bank in Michigan with $36.51 billion in deposits and a 12.46% market share. JPMorgan Chase Bank leads the state with $68.49 billion in deposits and a 23.37% market share.

Huntington and other banks are navigating through the fourth quarter with a slower U.S. economy and high interest rates. On top of ongoing labor challenges, clients have been voicing increased worries about war in the Middle East and the UAW automotive strike, and their potential effects on the

economy, Davis said in an interview in late October.

Corporatewide, the Columbus, Ohio-based Huntington Banchshares Inc. expects 1% loan growth in the fourth quarter, CFO Zachary Wasserman said during a conference call with analysts in October to discuss quarterly results.

Clients in conservative West Michigan generally expect to maintain profitability next year, although they are “a little conservative and apprehensive for 2024,” Davis said.

“I think that our customers in

general are planning for challenges in the environment, and so I think they’re ready for it, whatever that might look like,” she said.

Huntington Bank generated a slow 1% growth rate in commercial loans in West Michigan during the third quarter, “but I’m looking at pipelines here in the region and they continue to build,” Davis said.

Many of the requests for credit that the banks receive today are from industrial clients investing in automation and technology to offset the tight labor market.

Huntington Bank branch at 1910 Parkview Ave. in Kalamazoo. | MICKEY CIOKAJLO

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Cultivate(MD) raises $8M for new opportunity fund Medical tech investor hopes to provide growth capital for portfolio companies

By Mark Sanchez

The tough fundraising environment for venture capital led the partners behind Grand Rapids-based Cultivate(MD) to form a new fund that’s focused primarily on supporting existing investments.

They appealed to their investor base for the Cultivate(MD) Capital Opportunity Fund LP to provide growth capital for portfolio companies, as well as to invest in a few new deals. The partners expected the Opportunity Fund to close earlier this month after raising about $8 million from 57 investors, many of whom are physicians that participated in Cultivate(MD)’s three prior venture capital funds.

The foundation for Cultivate(MD) Capital Opportunity

holds a position were having to reset their valuations to two years before “despite making tremendous gains,” Churchill said.

Cultivate(MD)’s partners decided to do a quick capital raise and create an opportunity fund for portfolio companies seeking growth capital, Churchill said.

“We just sat around as a board and said, ‘There’s just so many good opportunities out there. We wish we had a fund open for this.

We don’t know how long this environment is going to last, but there’s a lot of great companies out there,’” he said, noting the need for capital.

“We weren’t even planning on having a fund right now. It was out of our time sequence. We were looking to have our next fund a year from now, but just because of the environment we said, ‘Let’s just strike on this and let’s open this up and get what we get, but we’re going to close it down at a set date.’”

Cultivate(MD) invests in orthopedic technologies and medical device companies that are developing innovations to market that can improve medical outcomes for patients. The investment arm of Genesis Innovation Group, Cultivate(MD) has about $50 million in assets under management through previous funds that presently hold positions in 13 companies.

After deciding to form an opportunity fund, partners set a quick fundraising time limit for Oct. 31 with a goal of netting up to $15 million and a thinking that “we don’t

Cultivate(MD) invests in orthopedic technologies and medical device companies that are developing innovations to market that can improve medical outcomes for patients.

Fund was laid back in May when board members were discussing “the incredible tightening of the capital money supply” and fallout from Silicon Valley Bank’s failure in March, Managing Director Sean Churchill told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. As a result, portfolio companies where Cultivate(MD)

The Grand Rapids-based Cultivate(MD) Capital Opportunity Fund has invested in Lincoln, Neb.-based Virtual Incision Corp., which developed a robotic-assisted surgery system for abdominal procedures. | COURTESY PHOTO

know where we’re going to end up, but let’s just see what we get,” Churchill said.

“The response was great. It was exactly what we wanted. We didn’t have time in that short window to really blanket the country and beat the street and bring in a lot of new capital with a lot of meetings and such,” he said. “It’s a good time to be established in the venture capital world and have your portfolio companies and have the investors that are familiar with you and know your track record and want to continue to invest in you. It would be a difficult time if you were starting out fresh and had no network and decided you were going to start your own venture capital fund. It’s a tough market right now.”

The Cultivate(MD) Capital Opportunity Fund was “really raised

through word of mouth” with existing investors and their friends who were shut out of previous funds, Churchill said.

The opportunity fund will make investments from the seed capital round up to series C. The partners aim to increase the firm’s stake in existing portfolio companies and “look for those new diamonds in the rough out there that we can mine and really get a good return on,” Churchill said. He expects the fund to make investments in five existing portfolio companies and probably three new firms over the next two years.

Cultivate(MD) would then look to form and raise capital for a fifth investment fund in 2025, Churchill said.

Already, Cultivate(MD) Capital Opportunity Fund has completed

three investments. One went to Washington, D.C.-based Nanochon Inc. that developed an implant for people with a defect in their knee that allows them to regrow cartilage. The company in August closed on the first $1.8 million of a $3.5 million capital raise to begin human clinical trials.

The other two investments went to Lincoln, Neb.-based Virtual Incision Corp., which developed a robotic-assisted surgery system for abdominal procedures and recently closed on a $30 million series C capital round, and St. Louis, Mo.based SentiAR Inc., which developed an augmented reality software for cardiac ablation procedures that’s used with 3D cardiac mapping systems to give physicians a 360-degree view of a patient’s anatomy.

Street Chef Shaw is returning to its Creston roots African fusion food truck operator plans brick-and-mortar restaurant

By Abby Poirier

The owners of a catering and food truck business specializing in African fusion dishes are branching out with their first brick-andmortar location.

Kirel Shaw and Myke Worthem co-own Street Chef Shaw, a food truck and catering service they founded three years ago. Shaw serves as executive chef, cooking up East African-inspired dishes ranging from tacos and pulled pork to curry rice and consommé.

Shaw and Worthem plan to open the restaurant this month at 1539 Plainfield Ave. NE, the former location of Rinaldi’s Pizza and Sub Shop. Rinaldi’s closed its Plainfield location in June, citing

staffing shortages in a Facebook post announcing the closure.

The co-owners of Street Chef Shaw have been friends since fifth grade and grew up together in the Creston neighborhood, where they’re excited to return to open their first restaurant.

The idea for the food truck came to them in 2020, when Shaw, who has 15 years of experience in restaurant kitchens, was making free meals for friends and community members who were struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. When the food was well-received, Shaw said the “light switch turned on” as he realized he had recipes worth sharing.

Since then, the food truck has taken off and expanded into a catering business, where the duo serve birthdays, weddings and corporate events. Now, they’re excited to take the next step by opening a restaurant in the neighborhood where they grew up.

They said the food truck business has been doing well and

Birria tacos by Street Chef Shaw. | COURTESY PHOTO

opening a physical location, while not part of the original plan for Street Chef Shaw, felt like the “next obvious move.”

“You’re limited in space and limited what you can carry in the (food) truck, so it’s difficult to venture out in the way we know Kirel’s

capable of doing,” Worthem said.

The new restaurant, which has yet to be given an official name, will feature an expanded menu building on the food truck’s African-inspired roots.

“I’m switching up the menu but (keeping) all our original favorites

that everyone loves,” Worthem said. “It’ll give us the opportunity to introduce something new, but we’ll start off with the food everyone knows and loves. (We’ll) continue to expand on the menu that Kirel created and introduce something different when the time comes.”

Shaw and Worthem signed a lease for the Plainfield location in September. The restaurant, which they expect to open soon following a few small renovations and inspections, will be takeout only.

They plan to continue running the food truck in tandem with the restaurant, relying on the bricksand-mortar space to bolster operations during the winter off season.

“Us coming back into the Creston area is like coming home to where our roots are from, where we’re basing this whole business also off of (our) roots and giving back. That’s the intentionality behind all of this,” Shaw said. “(Creston) is where it was all built, for sure.”

8 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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Recent investments lift NCTF’s fundraising prospects Total to date is $12 million and officials say momentum is building

By Mark Sanchez

A series of recent investments totaling $1.1 million provides fundraising momentum for the New Community Transformation Fund, which invests in businesses owned by people of color.

The Steelcase Foundation and Novi-based electric transmission company ITC Holdings Corp. each invested $500,000 this fall in the New Community Transformation Fund. Their investments were followed by $100,000 from the city of Grand Rapids.

The New Community Transformation Fund previously received a $500,000 investment in March from the Frey Foundation.

The investments elevated the New Community Transformation Fund’s fundraising total to date to nearly $12 million and were “an indication of not only interest but a commitment to the goal of the fund, which is diversification of our business ownership in West Michigan,” said co-founder and Executive Chair Birgit Klohs.

“Those were all great indicators of an engagement by those companies and institutions and organizations that they believe in the goal of the fund and that it is a necessary thing,” Klohs said.

The city’s $100,000 investment “is aligned with the city’s strategy of supporting entrepreneurship and creates access to investment opportunities for historically marginalized communities, including communities of color,” Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said in a statement.

“This investment also is aligned with the city’s values of collaboration, innovation, and equity to help remove barriers created by systematic and institutional injustice,” Washington said.

The New Community Transformation Fund invests $500,000 to $1.5 million in mid-stage businesses owned and operated by people or color or companies transitioning to new owners that are involved in financial technology, health care, advanced manufacturing and information technology. Companies receiving investments must relocate to West Michigan or already have their home base here.

Launched in 2020, the fund seeks to raise $25 million and presently has a request pending for $7.5 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund, Managing Director Ollie Howie said.

If approved, the investment from the state would come from the nearly $237 million that Michigan’s getting from the $10 billion federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) created under the American Rescue Plan Act that Congress authorized and President Joe Biden signed into law in 2021.

The Michigan Strategic Fund in 2022 allocated a portion of the first $75 million of the state’s share of SSBCI funding toward venture capital investments.

Securing an investment from the state would further the New Community Transformation Fund’s

momentum toward the $25 million goal, Managing Director Ollie Howie said. The $7.5 million also could help lure another $8 million in additional investments into the venture capital fund, Howie said.

“We think that could be catalytic for new private dollars as well,” Howie said. “We continue to have other private institutions that are interested, and with the state state’s support, we think we could get to our goal of $25 million.”

This year’s investments in the fund “give us a lift, for sure” that

can support the fund’s pitch to prospective investors and to the state, Klohs said. The city’s investment was a “validating moment” for the fund, she said.

“Anybody who invests, in my mind, gives the state an indication that there is faith and trust in the fund,” Klohs said.

Investments the fund has made so far include Grain Technologies Inc., an Oakland, Calif.-based fintech that planned to move its headquarters to Grand Rapids; Zil Money Corp., a Texas fintech that

New Community Transformation Fund co-founder and Executive Chair Birgit Klohs, (second from the left) and Managing Director Ollie Howie (center) with fellow fund board members Kawe Anku (left) Christal Jackson and Skot Welch. | COURTESY OF NEW COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION FUND

moved to Grand Rapids; and Grand Rapids-based BAMF Health Inc., which developed and launched an advanced cancer treatment.

The pipeline for future deal flow remains good, Howie said.

“We have a lot of great opportunities,” he said.

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The Sandusky, Ohio-based owner of Michigan’s Adventure near Muskegon will merge with Six Flags Entertainment Corp. to create one of the continent’s largest amusement park operators.

Officials with Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) and Six Flags Entertainment (NYSE: SIX) called the deal “a merger of equals transaction” that creates a business valued at about $8 billion, including debt.

The new company, announced Nov. 2, will have the Six Flags name and will trade under the FUN ticker symbol that Cedar Fair has used. It will be headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., where Cedar Fair has been migrating some of its executive operations.

However, the combined business “will maintain significant finance and administrative operations in Sandusky,” Cedar Fair and Six Flags said.

Sandusky-based Cedar Fair and Arlington, Texas-based Six Flags said the merger will create a company with “an expanded and diversified footprint, a more robust operating model and a strong revenue and cash flow generation profile.”

Cedar Fair and Six Flags said the combined company will operate a portfolio of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Among its properties, Cedar Fair operates amusement parks Cedar Point in Sandusky and Michigan’s Adventure near Muskegon. The companies said the merger creates a company with a more diversified geographic footprint, offering a “more balanced presence in year-round operating climates.”

Richard Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair, will retain those titles at the combined company. Selim Bassoul, president and CEO of Six Flags, will be executive chairman of the combined company’s board of directors. Cedar Fair CFO Brian Witherow will be CFO of the combined company, while Gary Mick, CFO of Six Flags, will be its chief integration officer.

The combined company will consist of 12 directors: six from the Cedar Fair board and six from Six Flags.

Under terms of the deal, investors will receive one share in the new company for each unit in Cedar Fair they hold and 0.58 shares for each Six Flags share they own.

Cedar Fair unitholders will own about 51.2%, and Six Flags shareholders will own about 48.8% of the combined company’s equity.

Following the close of the transaction, Cedar Fair and Six Flags said they expect the combined company will reduce costs by about $200 million annually.

“Approximately $120 million of these synergies are expected to be related to identified administrative and operational cost savings, which the companies anticipate realizing within two years following transaction close,” Cedar Fair and Six Flags said.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024. It needs Six Flags shareholders’ approval and regulatory approvals. Approval by Cedar Fair unitholders is not required. The companies said Six Flags’ largest shareholder, which owns about 13.6% of Six Flags’ shares outstanding, has signed a voting and support agreement to vote in favor of the deal.

The deal is expected to be accretive to earnings per share for Cedar Fair unitholders and Six Flags shareholders within 12 months of the deal’s close.

Zimmerman in a statement said the merger “will bring together two of North America’s iconic amusement park companies to establish a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model to enhance park offerings and performance.”

Cedar Fair and Six Flags discussed a merger in 2019 that didn’t happen. Last year, Cedar Fair rejected a $3.4 billion offer from SeaWorld.

Based in Dalton Township in Muskegon County, Michigan’s Adventure was acquired by Cedar Fair in 2001 for about $28 million. The amusement park’s roots date back to the mid-1950s before it transitioned to Michigan’s Adventure in the late 1980s.

Scott Suttell is a reporter for Crain’s Cleveland Business.

10 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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RoMan Manufacturing renovates longtime Wyoming facility Structure will house new business serving data center industry

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

RoMan Manufacturing is continuing to expand with a newly rehabilitated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that it has owned for several years.

The Wyoming-based manufacturer has invested roughly $750,000 to renovate a 45,000-square-foot facility at 1337 Judd Ave. SW, the former site of longtime industrial machinery manufacturer Amerikam Inc., which closed last year.

The building now houses product lines for RoMan’s newer business in the data center industry, President and CEO Nelson Sanchez told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

An affiliate of RoMan originally purchased the building for $1.2 million in 2018 from Amerikam’s owner, according to property records. Sanchez said the company leased the facility back to Amerikam until it closed.

The property deal was “a fairly strategic acquisition for us” given its proximity next door to Quality Non-Ferrous Foundry, another division of RoMan located at 1251 Judd Ave. SW. Once Amerikam closed its doors in October 2022, RoMan was left with the vacant building.

The company initially put it on the market in early 2023 but opted instead to use the space to accommodate recent growth.

“In April sometime, I started to sense that with the way the business was growing, we might be able to utilize that space,” Sanchez said. “We took it off the market, and as things developed over the summer, we made a decision around July that we actually were going to repurpose the thing and use it for our own internal needs.”

The building had to undergo “significant rehab” to get ready for a cleaner type of manufacturing, according to Sanchez.

“I wouldn’t call it a cleanroom environment, but the product is going into very sensitive areas at the end user, so our manufacturing has to be of that caliber of

cleanliness,” he said.

After renovations wrapped up at the end of September, RoMan moved in and has been producing out of the facility.

Sanchez said six or seven employees currently work out of the Judd Avenue site. Most of them transferred from existing facilities and all of them are recent hires this year that the company brought on in anticipation of the new work. He said RoMan hopes to grow its workforce to about 35 to 40 people for the facility.

Sanchez added that the building renovations also stand to benefit the surrounding community.

“That space was a great space for us to have and will further help that neighborhood because we’re investing in making that property look nice,” Sanchez said.

“The neighborhood stands to gain by that as well.”

This investment comes as the U.S. data center market is expected to grow around 10% each year until 2030, according to analysis from global consulting firm McKinsey & Company. As well, commercial real estate agency JLL in August reported robust growth for the data center market with a surge in leasing for the second quarter of 2023 in particular.

Strong demand already has started to affect supply, according to multiple sources.

The move into the Judd Avenue facility comes as RoMan is working on adding a new facility at its main campus on 47th Street in Wyoming. RoMan broke ground on the $3.3 million expansion project in May of this year.

At the time, company executives said the new 27,000-squarefoot facility would house product lines for the data center, semiconductor and other technology-based industries.

“We decided to expand outside welding and start to chase other industries that could use us so that we didn’t get caught up in just the automotive ups and downs,” Executive Vice President Kurt Hofman said during the groundbreaking event.

According to Sanchez, the new main campus facility will be used for the semiconductor product lines specifically.

“That project is moving along nicely,” Sanchez said.

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CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA ESTATE PLANNING FIRMS

1

Ranked by number of West Michigan estate planning clients in 2022

Top executive(s)

Year est. in West Mich.

No of W. Mich. estate planners Staff

No of W. Mich. estate clients 2022

W. Mich. estate planning billable hours in 2022 Attorney or group subspecialties

Megan Norris

1983

3

4

3,000

DND

Wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, special needs and irrevocable trusts, estate and gift tax counseling, and more

Estate and trust administration, family law, estate and gift tax preparation, income tax preparation, nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, and more

Nicholas R. Dekker

1900

10

16

2,238

9,454

Elder law/Medicaid planning, taxation law, estate tax planning, trust and estate administration, and more

Guardianship and conservatorship, cottage planning, family business services and succession planning, and more

& BRACKMANN PC Douglas J. 3 WESSELING Brackmann 6439 28th Ave., Hudsonville, MI

1992

2

8

1,886

DND

Estate planning, trust administration, special needs trusts, probate, elder law, business succession

Business law, real estate law, employment law

1959

10

15

1,799

10,526

Closely held business and family business succession planning, gift and estate taxation, elder law and special needs trusts, and more

International estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, nonprofits and tax-exempt organizations, vacation home planning and family office

2006

2

6

1,000

DND

Corporate counsel, vacation home structure, dental and medical practice transition, asset protection and structure strategy, and more

Corporate and transactional law, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, commercial real estate, and more

Mark Redfield

1986

DND

DND 800

DND

DND

DND

Mark Wassink

1931

23

17

697

28,220

Estate planning and settlement, elder law and Medicaid planning, family office representation, trust and fiduciary services, and more

Gift, estate and fiduciary income tax returns; asset protection; client extranets providing 24/7 document access, and more

2

7

599

DND

Trust and estate administration, estate tax planning, elder law and Medicaid planning, business succession planning, asset protection, trustee services

Business law/corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, trust and estate litigation, real estate, special needs planning, conservatorships, and more

1951

6

7

575

DND

Estate planning, succession Generation transfer planning, asset allocation and planning for family businesses, estate and gift protection planning tax planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and more

1888

12

DND 540

DND

Fiduciary services, income Business succession and transfer tax return planning, personal trust services, cottage law, family preparation office services, probate and tax litigation

2010

3

6

509

DND

Estate planning, estate settlement, elder law, guardianships and conservatorships

Real property, business planning

1983

2

1

472

DND

Probate, estate planning, contested probate litigation, estate tax planning, business succession planning

Business/corporate law, family law, collections, construction liens, general civil litigation

CANFIELD, PADDOCK 1 MILLER, & STONE PLC 99 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 454-8656 f 776-6322 millercanfield.com DALMAN PC 2 CUNNINGHAM 321 Settlers Road, Holland, MI 49423 p (616) 392-1821 f 392-4769 cunninghamdalman.com

49426 p (616) 669-8185 f 669-3967 wessbrack.com

James A. Wesseling

JOHNSON 4 MILLER 45 Ottawa Ave. SW, Suite 1100,

Raj Malviya Lauretta K. Murphy

Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 831-1700 f 831-1701 millerjohnson.com

Donald Duba & DUBA PLLC 5 DUBA 220 Lyon St. NW, Suite 530, Grand Christopher Rapids , MI 49503 p (616) 458-3200 f 458-3203 dubalaw.com FINANCIAL GROUP 6 REDFIELD 4120 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite

Duba

Additional companion services

100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 p (616) 447-1600 f 447-1616 redfieldfinancialgroup.com NORCROSS + 7 WARNER JUDD LLP 150 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 1500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 752-2000 f 752-2500 wnj.com BROWN LAW FIRM PLLC 8 THE 2325 Belmont Center Drive NE,

Chris Brown

Suite C, Belmont, MI 49306 p (616) 433-8555 f 433-8556 brownlawgr.com MEYERS PLC 9 MIKA 900 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand

Christopher D. Matthysse

Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 632-8000 f 632-8002 mikameyers.com Christopher LLP 10 VARNUM 333 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, Caldwell MI 49504 p (616) 336-6000 f 336-7000 varnumlaw.com LAW 11 ALLES 5360 Cascade Road SE, Grand

Tom Kyros

Tim Alles

Rapids, MI 49546 p (616) 365-5055 f 365-5057 alleslaw.com Edward J. Talen WAALKES PC 12 VERSPOOR 40 Pearl St. NW, Suite 1020, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 459-6100 f 459-2102 www.vwlst.com

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Estate Planning Firms, ranked by number of West Michigan estate planning clients in 2022 is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveyed 198 firms; 27 returned surveys and 24 are listed.

12 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA ESTATE PLANNING FIRMS

1

Ranked by number of West Michigan estate planning clients in 2022 Year est. in West Mich.

No of W. Mich. estate planners Staff

No of W. Mich. estate clients 2022

W. Mich. estate planning billable hours in 2022 Attorney or group subspecialties

1941

5

4

426

4,706

Wealth and succession planning for individuals and family offices, estate and gift tax planning, preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more

Commercial litigation, probate litigation, real estate law and litigation, business law, elder law, and family law

1977

DND

3

331

2,161

Medicaid planning, elder law, probate, estate administration

Business law, family law, real estate, collections, personal injury

2020

1

3

275

1,500

Estate planning, nonprofit organizations

Real estate, business law

2017

2

3

250

2,750

DND

DND

Robert E. Sullivan 1957 FANT 17 SCHOLTEN 100 N. Third St., Grand Haven, MI

4

4

176

4,173

Elder law, Medicaid planning, planning for family cottage, educational savings plans

Business succession planning, real estate, tax, probate and trust litigation, nonprofit organizations

1

3

173

DND

Business succession planning

Real estate

Scott W. Kraemer 2005 Holly A. Jackson Thomas A. Kuiper

1

1

150

1,500

Estate planning, probate, trust and estate litigation, real estate, business

Civil litigation, family law, criminal defense, real estate law, business transactions

Adam J. Sheridan 2014 Kathlene A. Sheridan

2

DND 148

DND

Business succession planning; family farm and cottage planning; trust and estate administration; gift, estate and generationskipping transfer tax planning

Corporate and business law; real estate transactions; zoning, land use and construction

Glenn L Smith Michael TerBeek

1883

3

DND 107

DND

Business, real estate, insurance defense, commercial litigation, family law

Litigation, mediation, appeals, employment law, postal law

Lawrence Wilson 2002 LAW CENTER 22 ADA 6440 E. Fulton St., Ada, MI 49301

2

4

102

1,000

Estate settlement, probate and trust administration, estate planning, probate litigation, real estate

Business law, special needs trust, power of attorney, living trust, probate court litigation

2

DND 100

DND

Estate planning and bankruptcy

Estate and trust administration, real estate, business, bankruptcy, personal litigation

1

2

200

Business succession planning

DND

Top executive(s)

HAUGHEY RICE & 13 SMITH ROEGGE

Matthew L. Wikander 100 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Nicholas Reister Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 774-8000 f 774-2461 shrr.com

HOFSTEE & 14 BOLHOUSE, MCLEAN PC

Mark D. Hofstee

3996 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville, MI 49418 p (616) 531-7711 f 531-7757 bolhouselaw.com Wendy LAW PC 15 HOLTVLUWER 230 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Holtvluwer

Additional companion services

MI 49503 p (616) 552-4601 holtvluwerlaw.com Connie R. SLEIGHT PC 16 THACKER 445 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, Thacker MI 49503 p (616) 888-3810 f 888-3811 thackersleight.com

Allison E. Sleight

49417 p (616) 842-3030 f 846-6621 scholtenfant.com Adam Zuwerink MICHIGAN LAW PC 18 WEST 96 W. 15th St., Suite 301, Holland, MI 49423 p (616) 834-0262 westmichiganlaw.com KRAEMER PC 19 KUIPER 180 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 454-3700 f 454-0441 k2legal.com LAW PLC 20 SHERIDAN 1706 Coolidge St., Conklin, MI 49403 p (616) 304-0987 sheridanlawplc.com

UPHAM PC 21 WHEELER 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 459-7100 f 459-6366 wuattorneys.com

p (616) 676-3852 f 930-4480 larrywilsonatty.com Dylan Van L. ROGALSKI PC 23 MARTIN 1881 Georgetown Center, Jenison, Tubergen MI 49428 p (616) 457-4410 f 457-6944 mrogalski.com RASSI & 24 SCHNELKER, MCCONNELL, PLC

Justine Taylor Martin L. Rogalski

Andrew L. Rassi Jason S. 660 Cascade West Pkwy. SE, Suite Schnelker 105, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 D. Wade p (616) 828-1195 f 828-5170 McConnell srmlawyers.com

2010

50

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Estate Planning Firms, ranked by number of West Michigan estate planning clients in 2022 is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveyed 198 firms; 27 returned surveys and 24 are listed.

14 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA FOUNDATIONS

1

Ranked by 2022 assets

Executive Director/Chair director

KELLOGG FOUNDATION 1 W.K. 1 East Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 p (269) 968-1611 f 968-0413 wkkf.org FOUNDATION 2 BARNABAS 601 Three Mile Road NW, Suite 200, Grand

Year est. in West Mich.

Contributions

2022

2021

$8.77B

$8.83B

$306.36M $496.96M We support a healthy start and quality learning experiences for all children. We invest in efforts to help families obtain stable, high-quality jobs. We want all communities to be vibrant, engaged and equitable.

1976 $671.51M

$627M

$77.63M $133.34M Grants of $89 million were distributed to the following types of organizations: 37% to religious non-profits; 28% to Christian education institutions; 27% to public charities; 5% to churches; and 2% to secular institutions.

1930 La June Montgomery Tabron Cathann Kress James Bakke

Assets

Rapids, MI 49544 p (616) 956-1232 f 532-1217 barnabasfoundation.org RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Kyle D. 3 GRAND Caldwell 185 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

2022

DND

$15.98M Challenge Scholars, Anishinaabe Circle, Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, Justice For our Neighbors, Puertas Abiertas, Power to the People 616, Urban Core Collective, Urban League of West Michigan.

Greg Markvluwer

DND

$277.7M

$69.5M

$54.8M

NCF West Michigan donors recommend grants from donor-advised funds to hundreds of 501(c)(3) organizations in West Michigan and throughout the U.S.

Lori Tubbergen Clark

1972 $259.18M $312.37M

$8.87M

$8.55M

Education, nonprofit capacity building, poverty alleviation to self-sufficiency

$341.3M

4670 E. Fulton St., Suite 204, Ada, MI 49546 p (616) 957-4372 f 957-4378 ncfgiving.com/michigan AREA COMMUNITY 5 FREMONT FOUNDATION 4424 W. 48th St., Fremont, MI 49412

Programs Supported

1922 $406.28M $387.1M

p (616) 454-1751 f 580-1040 grfoundation.org CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION, 4 NATIONAL MICHIGAN

2021

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Foundations, ranked by 2022 assets is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveyed 103 foundations; 21 returned surveys and 15 are listed.

November 13, 2023 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | 15

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CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA FOUNDATIONS

CR

1

Ranked by 2022 assets

Ran

Executive Director/Chair director

HAVEN AREA COMMUNITY 6 GRAND FOUNDATION

Year est. in West Mich.

Assets

2022

Contributions

2021

2022

2021

Programs Supported

Cindy Anderson

1971 $158.18M $189.49M $21.59M

$20.82M Love in Action Community Co-Op, Eat Well Do Good Inc. and Outdoor Discovery Center Network Summer Connection

1

Tom Den Herder

1951

$112.8M $119.88M $17.77M

$14.68M Responsive Grant Program and Proactive Grant Program

1

Rev. David J. Walkowiak

1995

$95.07M

$98.28M

$3.16M

$2.9M

Social services, seminarian training, tuition assistance for Catholic schools, and faith formation activities.

Barbara J. GERBER FOUNDATION 9 THE 4747 W. 48th St., Suite 153, Fremont, MI 49412 Ivens

1952

$84.33M

$99.71M

$4.29M

$4.27M

We support medical research regarding early childhood health, nutrition, grants and scholarships in West Michigan focused on youth.

Maria DeVos 1991 Douglas DeVos

$84.05M

$99.16M

$14.5M

$15.08M DND

6 Sherman Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 p (616) 842-6378 ghacf.org COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE 7 THE HOLLAND/ZEELAND AREA 85 E. Eighth St., Suite 110, Holland, MI 49423 p (616) 396-6590 f 396-3573 cfhz.org FOUNDATION OF WEST 8 CATHOLIC MICHIGAN 360 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 333-1640 f 551-5634 catholicfoundationwmi.org

p (231) 924-3175 f 924-7906 gerberfoundation.org & MARIA DEVOS FOUNDATION 10 DOUG 200 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49523-0257

1

1

1

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Foundations, ranked by 2022 assets is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose

Cr Bu

1. Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveyed 103 foundations; 21 returned surveys and 15 are listed.

1. C

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16 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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.

m

r

an

s

CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA FOUNDATIONS

1

Ranked by 2022 assets

Executive director Director/Chair

Year est. in West Mich.

Assets

2021

2022

2021

Programs Supported

Cheri DeVos 1991 $75.71M

$79.48M

$4.25M

$5.1M

DND

Betsy DeVos Dick DeVos

1989 $58.62M

$66.13M

$8.66M

$8.22M

DND

Erin Van Egmond

1964

$37M

$46M

$2M

$3M

School of Business and Industry programs, School of Workforce Development programs, School of STEM programs, School of Liberal Arts programs, Student Success and Retention programs

& MARCIA TUBERGEN FOUNDATION Jerry 14 JERRY 7505 River St. SE, Suite 200, Ada, MI 49301 Tubergen

DND

$30.36M

$23.39M

$3.81M

$1.88M

Third World Health Care, Christian Education, Youth Initiatives

DND

$21.44M

$24.92M $425,000 $650,000 Holland Home Resident Assistance Fund

11 CDV5 200 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI

2022

Contributions

49523-0257 p (616) 643-4700 f 774-0116 cdv5foundation.org AND BETSY DEVOS FAMILY 12 DICK FOUNDATION 200 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49523-0257 p (616) 643-4700 f 774-0116 dbdvfoundation.org RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 13 GRAND FOUNDATION 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 p (616) 234-3939 f 234-3469 grcc.edu/grccfoundation

p (616) 600-3919 HOME FOUNDATION 15 HOLLAND 2100 Raybrook St. SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Troy Vugteveen Mary Ursul

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Foundations, ranked by 2022 assets is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveyed 103 foundations; 21 returned surveys and 15 are listed.

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November 13, 2023 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | 17

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CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES

CR

1

Ran

Ranked by number of clients served in 2022 No. of W. Michigan employees

Number of clients served in 2022

DND

35,000

Services include care management, respite, caregiver support, in-home care, meals, long term care ombudsman, transportation, assistive technology, senior centers, healthy aging classes, adult day care, elder abuse education, and more

1971

14

27,000

Healthy Food Pantry, The Market at SECOM, neighborhood services, Little Steps at SECOM Preschool, empowerment initiatives

Nicole Bowers

2008

26

10,365

Partnering with 273 schools and 145 churches, and many individuals, businesses, and foundations, we deliver hope through weekend food packed with love and prayers to 8,301 food insecure students, early childhood through high school throughout West Michigan.

Dan Gowdy

1960

DND

9,924

Wedgwood’s continuum of care consists of core services and transforming services, which together provide holistic treatment.

Wedgwood’s Core Services are divided into three categories: residential, community, and education support.

Kurtis Boeve Lisa Wideman

1984

DND

6,121

Dine-in meals for seniors, home-delivered meals, senior pantry, catering

Top local executives

Year founded

AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN Kendrick Heinlein 1974 1 AREA MICHIGAN 3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 p (616) 456-5664 f 456-5692 aaawm.org Kim Dimmett RESOURCE CENTER 2 SECOM 1545 Buchanan Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI

Services provided

49507 p (616) 452-7684 f 452-7803 secomresourcecenter.org

3 HAND2HAND 306 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 p (616) 209-2779 h2hkids.org CHRISTIAN SERVICES 4 WEDGWOOD 3300 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 p (616) 942-2110 f 942-0589 wedgwood.org ON WHEELS WESTERN 5 MEALS MICHIGAN 2900 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 500, Grandville, MI 49418

Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Social Services Agencies, ranked by number of clients served in 2022, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business surveyed 25 social services agencies; 13 returned surveys and 10 are listed.

6

7

8

9

10

Cr res

1. C

Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do davenport.edu Business | Health | Technology | Urban Education

18 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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11/8/23 1:19 PM

e

r

al,

ng

CRAIN’S LIST TOP AREA SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES

1

Ranked by number of clients served in 2022 No. of W. Michigan employees

Number of clients served in 2022

DND

5,863

Connections program focuses on age-specific quizzes that help parents track their children's development. Healthy Families Kent County program helps to strengthen parent-child bond.

1900

DND

4,988

Emergency shelter, meals, housing, workforce development, jobs, clinical services, prevention and diversion, outreach

1887

DND

4,404

Family preservation, behavioral health, foster care, adoption, residential treatment

Claire Guisfredi

1973

19

3,657

Monthly food pantry, financial assistance for housing and utilities, empowerment programming, MI Bridges navigation; and referrals for mental health, housing stabilization services, Family Promise (families experiencing homelessness), and West Michigan Works (job skills)

Ed Postma

1996

19

2,762

We provide the best quality of care to those who are falling through the cracks of our health care system. We provide an integrated health care model for the uninsured, under-insured, and refugee. Our integrated health care model consists of medical primary care, dental preventative

Top local executives

FUTURES 6 FAMILY 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 210, Grand

Year founded

Candace Cowling 1985

Rapids, MI 49504 p (616) 454-4673 f 454-2059 familyfutures.org Dennis Van TROTTER MINISTRIES 7 MEL 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI Kampen

Services provided

49503 p (616) 454-8249 meltrotter.org Mary Muliett BLODGETT - ST. JOHN'S 8 D.A. 2172 Dean Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 p (616) 451-2021 dabsj.org KENT CONNECT 9 NORTH 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341 p (616) 866-3478 nkconnect.org HEALTH 10 EXALTA 2060 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507

n Crain's Grand Rapids Business list of Top Area Social Services Agencies, ranked by number of clients served in 2022, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Crain's Grand Rapids Business surveys. To be considered for future lists, email danielle.nelson@crain.com. DND = Did not disclose 1. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business surveyed 25 social services agencies; 13 returned surveys and 10 are listed.

SHOWCASE INDUSTRY LEADERS AND THEIR CAREERS RECOGNIZE TOP ACHIEVERS IN GRAND RAPIDS’ PREMIER PUBLICATION New Hires / Promotions / Board Appointments / Retirements / Special Acknowledgments

MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT Debora Stein / dstein@crain.com

CrainsGrandRapids.com/POTM

November 13, 2023 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | 19

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Drawings for a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing workforce training facility Mel Trotter Ministries is developing in Grand Rapids in partnership with Jireh Metal Products. | COURTESY OF MEL TROTTER MINISTRIES

Partners create Grand Rapids workforce training facility $800K federal grant spurs project with Mel Trotter Ministries, Jireh Metal Products

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

A recent federal grant awarded to Mel Trotter Ministries will help support a workforce development partnership between the nonprofit and minority-owned metal stamping manufacturer Jireh Metal Products.

The $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will support the creation of 32 full-time jobs as well as new metal fabrication equipment at a new manufacturing training center.

Mel Trotter Ministries and its subsidiary, Next Step of West Michigan, have been working on a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 130 Garden St. SE in Grand Rapids for construction and workforce development training. Construction on the facility began this summer, and Mel Trotter executives say the building will be completed by the end of November. Wolverine Building Group is leading the build out.

A portion of that facility will be leased to Grandville-based Jireh Metal Products as it expands into the 49507 ZIP code and partners with Mel Trotter to boost manufacturing capabilities and provide job training opportunities.

Michael Davenport, president and CEO of Jireh Metal Products, said the company had been seeking an opportunity to have a presence in the 49507 area on the city’s south side.

According to 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by Census Reporter, 26.2% of residents in the 49507 ZIP code live below the poverty line, which is more than double the 9.8% rate for the overall Grand Rapids-Kentwood metro area. Median per capita income is $20,965, compared to $34,581 in the metro area.

“I think, arguably, 49507 is one of the most economically challenged neighborhoods we have in the city,” said Michele McIsaac, chief strategy officer at Mel Trotter.

According to Davenport, a chance encounter with a Mel Trotter board member happened

just as another location opportunity had fallen through. Jireh Metal will use the new space at the Garden Street facility for its assembly work, he said.

He added that the decision to partner with Mel Trotter made sense as he started to think more about how his company could help the community.

“There are lots of things that go on that cause homelessness, one of those being solid employment. … For us, we can help with employment, we can help with job training, and I think being in 49507 is a great place for us,” Davenport said.

As well, Davenport said this type of partnership between a business and a nonprofit can help solve problems in a better way.

“You think about a lot of the nonprofits out there that are solving problems, and you got business folks — we’re out there, we’re solving problems as well,” Davenport said. “I think sometimes, if we come together, we can solve them in a better way. And we don’t necessarily have to create things from scratch. We can just partner with folks that are already existing and doing great work.”

Mel Trotter President and CEO Dennis Van Kampen said this type of partnership should be a model to help solve challenges around jobs and workforce development.

He said the nonprofit has talked with many employers that are struggling to find workers, while some current employees face situations and obstacles that cause them to struggle in the workplace.

“Jireh and other businesses — they exist to conduct their business. They’re not social workers. … That is what organizations like Mel Trotter are great at,” Van Kampen said. “So, we can partner together and we can work alongside some of their employees to help them move through some of these obstacles in their life, which in turn will help them become better employees and more productive employees.”

McIsaac said the 32 new livable-wage jobs supported by the grant will be added over a threeyear period, and 75% of those jobs will go to low-income individuals — either guests of Mel Trotter or other individuals hired

by Jireh from the 49507 area.

20 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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2023

GIVING GUIDE

DIRECTORY OF STRATEGIC GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

The Crain’s Grand Rapids Giving Guide serves as a one-stop resource for discovering philanthropic opportunities in West Michigan. Produced by Crain’s Content Studio, the Guide is sponsored and developed by nonprofits as a way to familiarize readers with their impact and areas of need.

INSIDE 22 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Members

23-24 National Philanthropy Day Awardees

SPONSORED CONTENT 26 D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns 28 Grand Rapids Community Foundation 30 ICCF Community Homes 32 Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Foundation 34 Well House 36 Beacon Hill Foundation 37 Catholic Charities West Michigan 38 Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids 39 Guiding Light 40 Hand2Hand 41 Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation 42 The Salvation Army in Kent County 43 Samaritas

P021_043_CGR_20231113.indd 21

11/3/23 11:20 AM

22

2023 CRAIN’S GIVING GUIDE

SPONSORED CONTENT

WELCOME Fellow Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, As we come together on this National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 15), let us reflect on our collective impact. It is because of your desire to make a positive difference in the world and your invaluable contributions

The impact of our work extends far beyond the numbers on a balance sheet; it is deeply rooted in the stories of the organizations that have flourished.

Together, we are:

to the field of fundraising that we can witness the transformative power we wield as a community of dedicated fundraising professionals.

Our efforts have not only raised funds but have become catalysts for meaningful change, touching lives throughout West Michigan.

1. Empowering change: Through our strategic and compassionate fundraising initiatives, we empower countless organizations to bring about positive change.

2. Building stronger communities: Fundraising is not merely about raising funds; it is about building bridges of support and fostering a sense of community.

3. Amplifying voices: As fundraising professionals, we are more than conduits for financial support; we are amplifying voices that otherwise go unheard. By championing diverse causes and elevating underrepresented communities, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

4. Nurturing innovation: The dynamism of our profession lies in our ability to innovate and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy. Our impact is not static; it is a testament to our creativity and resilience in the faces of challenges.

beset by uncertainty, our work inspires generosity and kindness. Through our storytelling and engagement strategies, we are fostering a culture of giving time, talent and treasure that goes far beyond financial transactions, creating a legacy of compassion.

As we take a moment to celebrate our collective impact, let us also renew our commitment to excellence, collaboration and to our community. Every story is a testament to the importance of our mission and the influence we wield as members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Together, we are a force for good!

With gratitude, Ashley Diersch President Association of Fundraising Professionals – West Michigan

5. Inspiring generosity: In a world often

MEMBERS LIST Allison Achenbach-Kramer

Brian William Dykstra

Kori Jock

Michael Naess

Dana Stenstrom

Laura Aikens, MSW

Louise Edison

Cindy Johnson

Ramon Nayar

Jacklyn Stetson

Andrea R. Allen

Bethann Egan

Samantha Johnson

Kevin Nelson

Cassandra Stewart

Trent Allen

Jess Eglinton, MBA

Eric Kas

Teresa Newmarch, CFRE, MPA

Mary Sumners

Emily Ambs

Ryan Engle

Kayli Kendall

Brian Nitz

Mr. Tom Stuessy

Marty Appleton

Megan Eppley

Joan Kessler

Deborah O’Donnell

Amy Stuursma

Andrew Atkins

Emily Elizabeth Evers

Amy Knape, CFRE

Marlies Otteman

Amy Swope, MS

Lisa E. Anderson, MA

Wendy Falb

Eleanor Kolasinski

Steve Ozinga, MBA, MPA

Susan Terranella

Katie H. Baker

Stacy Farmer

Laura Kruisenga

Mary Lee Pakieser

Claire Timmer

Beth Banta

Greta Faworski, CFRE

Mark Kraus

Daniela Pena

Aaron Turner

Kelly Beattie

Yvonne Fleener

David Lee

Kevin Peterson

Annie Valkema

Colette Beighley

Lyric Floria

Emma LeFranc

Phil Pratt

Erin Van Egmond

Cathy Blackburn

Janice Fonger

Mary Lehman Panek

Jenelle Quinlan

Greg Vander Goot

Danielle Blasko,CFRE

Angela Jo Freier

James J. Lewis, Jr, PHD

Michelle Rabideau, CFRE

Lydia Vanderhill

Jill Boomstra

Catherine Gage

Andy Lofgren

Christine Radtke

Kelsy Vining

John Booy

Anna Goddard, CFRM

Kim Loftus, CFRE

Kerria Randolph

Libby Wahlstrom

Steve Brown, BS

Kristin Gootjes

Kristin Long, CFRE

Abby Reeg, CFRE, MA

Leslie Walsh

Mallory Brouwer

Mr. Jason Graber

Bernice Lopata

Mary Remenschneider

Larry Warkoczeski

Mrs. Briette Bryant Phillips

Curt Gritters

Erin Lowe

Amy Reimann, CFRE

Claudine Weber

Ellen Carpenter

Danielle Guinsler

Lisa Lund

Christopher Riker

Lisa Wideman

Nicolette Chambery

Susan Hacker, CFRE

Sarah Lundberg

Ryan Robinet

Dustie Wiggins

Scott Christie

Arianne Hall, BA

Meagan Maas

Lisa Rusticus, BS

Sharon Willis

Tiffany Clarke

Susan Halteman

Donald Mackenzie

Stacie Sadowski, MS

Erik Wolenberg

Shelley Cochrane, CFRE

Jonathan Helder, CFRE

David Madiol

Susan Samaniego, CFRE, MA

Scott Wolterink, CFRE

Michelle Covington

Jonathan Hicks

Amanda Matthews

Christina Scarpino

Clare Worthington

Diedre Deering

Barbara Hohman, CFRE

Pattijean McCahill

Gina Schulz

Desiree Worthington

Bob Dekker

Joanna Hogan

Carrie McCulloch

Jonathan Scouten

Cheryl Wunderlich

Dana DeLuca

Keith Hopkins, CFRE

Patrick McLaughlin, BA

Elizabeth Semaan

Johngerlyn Young, MA

Steven De Polo, MA

Sarah Hotchkiss, CFRE, MBA

Han Meadway

Stephanie Sheler

Breanne Zost

Jennifer Dewall

Sue Huggett

Donna Messina

Daryl Sieplinga, CFRE

Laura Zylstra

Ashley Diersch

Brenda Hunt, CFRE

Jason Meyer

Allison Shook, CFRE, MSW

Lacey Dixon

Catherine Hutchins

Madeline Mock

Mary Slafkosky

Jill Dooley, MBA

Bonita Jackson

Juddee Milito, CFRE

Shannon Small-Wilson

Joanna Donnelly Dales

Cheryl Jereczek

Alyssa Morillo Scheidt

Stefanie Ann Snyder, MPA, BA

Nicholette Driggs

Brooke Jevicks

Kathryn K. Mullins

Colleen Steinman

P021_043_CGR_20231113.indd 22

From AFP Global, membership list may not reflect the most updated local list.*

11/3/23 11:20 AM

2023 CRAIN’S GIVING GUIDE

23

SPONSORED CONTENT

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Vu Le A

s our 2023 Philanthropy Day keynote speaker, Le will speak about lessons we should be learning from COVID so we can build a better, bolder, normal, including reimaging nonprofits and philanthropy. He will also address changing fundraising, board development, advocacy, and capacity. When not on the speaking circuit, Vu writes the blog, NonprofitAF.com.

Le is the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and

Meet the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan’s National F Philanthropy Day Celebration Awardees

Outstanding Corporation Fifth Third Bank

ifth Third Bank was one of the first financial institutions to establish a charitable foundation. Today, the mission of the foundation is to “responsibly empower underserved individuals, families and communities through the delivery of responsible and innovative financial solutions, leading to financially healthy people, and sustainable communities.” In fact, Fifth Third Bank has identified 17 goals that they work to address through their strategic initiatives, such as: eliminating poverty & hunger, promoting health/well-being, and providing access to quality education.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers Miles for Memories (Battle Creek)

M

iles for Memories, a volunteer committee of over 70 individuals, is a Calhoun County based organization created in 2013 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Disease and all types of dementia. MFM raises money each year through sponsorships, community events and grants to gather funds to create local programming for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Along with local efforts, MFM sends 20% of the funds to prevention-related dementia research.

Miles for Memories has had a direct impact on Calhoun County. The organization has implemented the groundbreaking Help Home Program, which revolutionized how dementia patients are treated by law enforcement and first responders within the county. Miles for Memories has been a force for dementia education for all ages with dynamic educational programming. This programming includes the Elder Educators Program, which matches first year medical students with dementia patients to provide a more intimate, real world learning experience. Countless hours given by an army of volunteers lead to successful efforts in meeting the goals and objectives of Miles for Memories. The volunteers have secured gifts totaling over $300,000 from individuals and over $1,000,000 from the Michigan Health Foundation Fund, and other companies and foundations.

In 2022, the organization provided $38.8 million in philanthropic efforts. In addition, the organization has encouraged their employees to engage in their community through volunteerism, which in 2022 totaled over 117,000 hours. These are some of Fifth Third Banks most recent achievements and how they impact their communities.

Fifth Third Bank is a proud advocate and supporter of providing essential services to individuals throughout West Michigan and beyond. They help organizations such as Wedgwood Christian Services offer vital mental and behavioral health services to hurting youth and families. In the last year, Fifth Third Bank has donated $5,000 to help make Wedgwood’s life-transforming services possible. In doing so, Wedgwood is able to annually serve an average of 9,000 individuals and families. Fifth Third Bank also donated $1,000 to help provide Christmas gifts for the youth in Wedgwood’s residential placement. The majority of these children come to Wedgwood from below the poverty line (97%) and 100% of them have faced some sort of abuse, neglect and trauma. Many of these youth have never had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season or ever received a gift. Fifth Third Bank’s commitment to not only making Wedgwood’s Services possible, but to making sure the youth in our care have a wonderful holiday season, truly speaks to the heart of their mission.

fostering collaboration between diverse communities. Le is a founding board member of Community-Centric Fundraising, a movement that aims to ground fundraising practices in racial equity and social justice. He was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. when he was 8 years old. He spent several years in Seattle before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, for high school.

He attended college and graduate school in St. Louis, and has a B.A. in psychology and a Master of Social Work degree. He is a vegan, a father of two kids (ages 10 and 7), and is a staunch defender of the Oxford Comma.

Outstanding Community Organization The Greater Grand Rapids American Culinary Federation

T

he American Culinary Federation Greater Grand Rapids Chefs Association (ACF) has been making huge impact in our community for years. As a professional organization, they seek to promote the professional image of chefs through education, resources, training, apprenticeship and programmatic accreditation to support local culinary students and professional chefs around the world while preserving the history and skills of their craft.

The local Grand Rapids chapter is incredibly active in the community, hosting monthly meetings and presentations around education in our community as well as several additional events to raise awareness and funds for organizations in the community. Many of the chefs are involved with food based fundraisers in the community including March of Dimes Signature Chef Event to Meals on Wheels’ Chef ’s Specialty event.

The chefs all come together to host Kids’ Food Basket’s annual Feast for Kids event. After seeing an interview on the Maranda Show 21 years ago about Kids’ Food Basket (KFB), the group decided to host an annual event to raise funds for KFB. Every year, the ACF selects their winning chefs of the year and then those winning chefs help create a unique and exclusive fourcourse dinner for 400+ guests.

Over the past 21 years, Feast for Kids for KFB has helped to raise awareness to well over 5,000 people and raised over $1.3 million to increase access to healthy food and nutrition education.

Finally, Fifth Third Bank Women’s Resource Group sponsored a free family friendly event that Wedgwood hosted for our community that included dinner and games. In addition to sponsoring the event, Fifth Third Bank sent 18 volunteers to help at the event. With the donation of their time, talent, and treasure, the event raised $3,500 to support Wedgwood’s mission.

These are just a few of many examples of how Fifth Third Bank is creating a culture of philanthropy throughout their organization that is impacting our community through organizations like Wedgwood Christian Services.

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Emerging Nonprofit Development Professional Winni Walsh - American Heart Association

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alsh is a star in the development and fundraising community. From professional development, relationship building and mentorship, she is a dedicated young professional who has a bright future in fundraising.

During her career, she has worked for Susan G. Komen (SGK) for a year and the American Heart Association (AHA) for three and a half years. In her current role with the AHA, she has managed to achieve the best fundraising year ever for the past three years in a row. Even through the pandemic, Winni was achieving fundraising excellence and never backed down. Winni also rebuilt two fundraising committees from four members each to nearly 20 volunteers on each committee. Winni is also an integral part of onboarding other fundraising staff within the organization. She participates as a mentor in the AHA’s new staff orientation program, and was the pilot mentor for the AHA’s new staff “Pod” program.

This program pairs seasoned staff at the AHA with three or more new staff members, versus a one on one mentorship approach. Winni was the first mentor to take on a new hire “pod” and has been an important resource within the organization as AHA launches this new program.

Outside of her career, Walsh is involved in the Young Nonprofit Professional Network of Grand Rapids (YNPN. GR). She has been on the organization’s board for five years and currently chairs YNPN. GR’s annual Leadership Awards event. Walsh has worked hard to grow YNPN. GR’s Leadership Awards. Her dedication has resulted in growth in the annual number of nominations made, ticket sales, and sponsorship of the event.

Her hard work has also increased the revenue Leadership Awards brings in every year.

Outstanding Fundraiser Lacey Dixon - YMCA

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acey Dixon is a tremendous fundraiser and community leader who brings people together to support the Y’s mission to strengthen the spirit, mind, and body of all individuals in West Michigan.

During COVID, the YMCA had to layoff 95% of its staff and close the doors of its branches. She was responsible for all fundraising and communications activities focused on ensuring that the 150-year-old association survived. With her leadership, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA overcame the mandated 178-day closure of our doors by organizing fitness classes outdoors for 2,800 members and online for 13,000, educated 5,900 households about the importance of completing the census, impacted the lives of 470 patients through blood drives, undertook 17 advocacy initiatives to rally support for our nonprofit peers, provided emergency childcare services for 140 families of frontline staff at three area hospitals, and delivered 216,500 free meals to area families. When society reopened, she had rebuilt the advancement and marketing teams with a focus on teamwork, a strong culture, a dedication to process improvement, and a laser focus on relationships.

Dixon also helped secure a $1 million gift from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and worked to secure a loan and public funds to keep the YMCA afloat. Her team raised $9 million in contributions and grants out of a $30 million organizational budget last year. She renewed support from Kellogg to develop an $8 million Early Childhood Center downtown, launched a corporate membership health and wellness program, and secured $2.8 million in new funding to build a YMCA branch in Lowell.

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2023 CRAIN’S GIVING GUIDE Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Kalamazoo Central High School

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alamazoo Central High School students have collected food and fund donations for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes for over 20 years. Since inception, the annual Kalamazoo Central drive has collected nearly 100,000 pounds of food and over $55,000 in fund donations. The event started by “stuffing the bus” at Harding’s Market in Kalamazoo just down the road from the high school and is typically held in December. Over time the event has grown tremendously, especially under the guidance of teacher Rex Hafer, who took over event coordination in 2016. Renamed “KC Feeds Kzoo”, the food and fund drive still has the collection at Harding’s Market, but also involves Kalamazoo Central students collecting door-to-door in local neighborhoods and at the Kalamazoo Public School elementary and middle schools that eventually feed into the high school.

While Mr. Hafer provides guidance to the students, an important part of the drive is student involvement in planning and execution. Over the years, the student planning team has taken tours and held their meetings at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes in order to connect more to the mission and see how the donations will be used.

All Kalamazoo Central students are invited to participate.

Each year, 40 - 50 students are involved with KC Feeds Kzoo. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is the largest charitable food organization in Kalamazoo County, serving over 750 individuals each day through a network of pantries, mobile food distributions, and home delivery. Additionally, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes operates 12 school-based pantries within Kalamazoo Public Schools, including Kalamazoo Central High School. KC Feeds Kzoo is one of the largest food drive of the year for Loaves & Fishes The enthusiasm for and commitment to the Kalamazoo Central High School food and fund drive transfers from class to class throughout the years. For example, during the 2020-2021 school year when Kalamazoo Public Schools operated virtually for the entire year due to COVID. While administration thought for sure the annual drive would be cancelled, students insisted on finding a way to hold the drive. This included planning meetings via Google Meet and rescheduling the drive to late March when there was more opportunity to be outside and holiday surges in COVID infections had subsided. The success of the drive has served as a role model for other charitable giving throughout the district. Through the years, different KPS elementary and middle schools have held their own unique food and fund drives that have also become annual traditions. In 2021, Mr. Hafer and the student planning team connected with peers at Loy Norrix High School, one of the other large high schools in Kalamazoo Public Schools, and worked jointly with them to start a similar drive on the same day.

Over the last 5 years, Wedgwood has increased the fundraising goal by $600,000, or about 37%. In addition, the team has added over 15 new monthly donors and increased foundation support by 36%. The Advancement Team has also maintained a high donor retention rate (60-70%) and has engaged their community partners to increase philanthropic support in an effort to meet the growing demand for mental and behavioral health services. During this last fiscal year, Wedgwood outperformed their goals for three major events.

Wedgwood understands that their services are needed now, more than ever and it is the staff ’s belief that our community will transform through the many social services that we offer.

President’s Award David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation

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he David and Carol Van Andel Foundation works tirelessly to support initiatives that aim to improve the well-being of the Grand Rapids community. The farreaching support of the foundation provides resources related to education, poverty alleviation, and community development.

Their work supports a variety of local nonprofit organizations and charities in Grand Rapids that work to address social challenges, provide assistance to vulnerable populations, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Through the support of research, education, and community development the impact of the foundation has a positive ripple effect on the local economy. Through its various initiatives, the foundation’s contributions have impacted job creation and economic growth in the Grand Rapids area.

In 2022, Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) completed its Immeasurably More 2019 Campaign, raising more than $18 million for the renovation of its 225 Commerce Ave SW emergency shelter building, the revision of a job readiness plan into a comprehensive workforce development program, and the new development of five single, transitional homes. The David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation provided extensive support to Mel Trotter throughout this capital campaign, as both a major donor and a partner to ensure the success of the campaign. The Foundation supported the campaign with a major gift and capstone gift, leveraged their network of donors, and created campaign videos to support the effort. They were also instrumental in supporting the Season of Hope gala in 2022 which raised a record $250,000.

edgwood Christian Services is one of Michigan’s most highly regarded experts for helping hurting children, teens and families who are struggling with mental, behavioral, and emotional health challenges.

Wedgwood impacts the lives of 9,000 individuals every year through the life-transforming services. In fact, one of the youth in Wedgwood’s care went as far to say “[Being at Wedgwood] is the only time in my life that I felt important and appreciated.

Thank you for being the family that I never had.”

Through collaborative fundraising efforts, the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation has supported the fight to reduce the number of individuals and families who experience homelessness in our community in multifaceted ways.

Their contributions ensure essential services are provided to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including shelters, food programs, medical care, mental health services, and addiction treatment as well as housing solutions, including transitional housing, supportive housing, and affordable housing developments. Additionally, prevention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as job training, education, financial literacy, and programs that help individuals at risk of homelessness maintain stable housing have been supported. Their generous contributions have led to investment in systemic changes that address the underlying issues contributing to homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and gaps in social services as well as provided resources to test new strategies for addressing homelessness, including comprehensive workforce training programming that meets a vast continuum of individual needs and enhances collaboration with local employers.

In order to make these services possible, Wedgwood’s Advancement Team has to raise nearly $2.25 million. This has a direct impact on our community. Many youth that would otherwise have futures plagued by homelessness or incarceration, now have hopes for brighter futures. Even more so, the youth, adults, and families that participate in Wedgwood’s services are experiencing cycle-breaking generational impact.

Their encouragement and collaboration among various stakeholders in the homelessness and philanthropic sectors has helped to foster partnerships that ultimately have led to a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in the greater Grand Rapids area. Given the significant contributions to Mel Trotter and the Grand Rapids Community, it is our pleasure to nominate the David and Carl Van Andel Family Foundation for this prestigious award.

Excellence in Fundraising Wedgwood Christian Services

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ADDRESS 2172 Dean Lake Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505

HOW YOU CAN HELP DONATE: An investment in children is an investment in the future of our community. Contribute to the Homes and Hope Annual Fund, estate giving, sponsorships, or in-kind.

Donate at dabsj.org/givetoday or contact Colette Beighley, chief advancement officer, at cbeighley@dabsj.org or 616361-4131.

WHAT WE DO All children deserve to be safe and loved, and all families deserve to be supported. How that happens can vary depending on what a child or family is facing. At DABSJ, we believe children are our future, and families are our community’s strength. We support them during some of the most difficult challenges life can bring. Through comprehensive services, DABSJ provides compassionate support to create brighter futures for those in need, including: • Family preservation and behavioral health • Foster care • Adoption • Residential Treatment Steadfast in our commitment since 1887, we’ve been trusted by the community as an organization that understands and cares for children — adapting and innovating through time, always striving to collaborate and develop better ways to serve those who need our help. DABSJ is an inclusive and welcoming organization for all children, all families, and all individuals, and we impact over 14,000 lives each year.

Community support makes us who we are. Whether it’s donors filling our halls with presents for our children each holiday season, a company giving back as a team, volunteers collecting clothes and essentials for children in foster care, families passing down a legacy of supporting DABSJ from generation to generation, or a person clicking “Give Now” to make their first-ever gift.

Each individual is part of a larger movement to provide homes and hope for children. When you are part of the DABSJ community, you are part of a uniquely historic effort in West Michigan to help children and families.

PHONE 616-451-2021 WEBSITE dabsj.org

JOIN A GUILD: A cherished part of DABSJ’s history is the support of our two volunteer guilds. Both accepting new members, the guilds are opportunities to make a difference while being part of a close-knit community within the DABSJ family. Learn more at dabsj.org/be-involved/joinour-guilds.

192 EMPLOYEES

BACKPACK AND HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVES: Our Backpack Drive and Holiday Gift Drive are both special times when the community helps children and families prepare for school and to have a magical holiday season.

Visit dabsj.org to obtain drive info throughout the year.

2022 REVENUE $14.16 million

FOUNDED IN 1877

VOLUNTEER: We couldn’t be there for children and families who need us without volunteers’ selfless, unwavering support. Individual and group opportunities are available, from special events to caring for facilities on our 36 acres.

Learn more at dabsj.org/be-involved/volunteer.

SHARE: Follow us on social media to stay connected and help share needs and information, from recruiting foster parents to awareness on issues surrounding children and families.

LEADERSHIP

BOARD OFFICERS Jay C. Kakaty Vice Chairperson Stanley D. Sleight Treasurer Ed Spillers Secretary

MARY MULIETT President/CEO

INDIA MANNS Chairperson

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 8%

Paycheck Protection Programn

4%

1% Investments & Other Income Restricted Funds

9%

Charitable & In-Kind Gifts

78%

Public Grants & Contracts D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s Guild Ball Hosted by the D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s Guild, a showstopping night comes together to support children and families in need.

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Kids First Open Compassionate companies and individuals convene for a fun day on the course while making a difference for children and families.

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They need us.

That’s why we need you.

When children experience abuse and neglect, when families struggle, we are there. Your generosity helps realize our vision of a safe, nurturing home for every child, and a supportive community for every family. dabsj.org

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HOW YOU CAN HELP EXPLORE: Grand Rapids Community Foundation is grateful for the generosity of our donor and volunteer partners, who contribute their financial resources and expertise. Their passion and generosity are making investments today for a better tomorrow.

WHAT WE DO Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources.

Over the last century, the Community Foundation has worked with partners to use philanthropic tools to find solutions to our community’s most pressing issues.

We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

We are guided by our North Star: For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

ADDRESS 185 Oakes St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 PHONE 616-454-1751

JOIN: Establishing your own fund is a great way to carry on your family name or honor the memory of a loved one. The Community Foundation manages more than 850 separate funds.

WEBSITE GRFoundation.org

HELP OTHERS: The Community Foundation has a staff of professionals to help you accomplish your philanthropic goals. Whether you are interested in giving during your lifetime or want to create a gift in your will, we can provide ideas and options to help you find your unique way to make our community an even better place to call home.

32 EMPLOYEES

DONATE: Make your gift today. One-time or recurring donations can be made online at GiveGR.org using a credit card.

2022 REVENUE $38.5 million (Fiscal year 2022-2023 data) FOUNDED IN 1922

SHARE: Your bold investments of love into our community.

Together, we can create a stronger foundation and a better tomorrow for everyone who calls West Michigan home.

We help local philanthropists leave a legacy by stewarding their assets to accomplish their unique goals, today and beyond their lifetime. Our donor partners support a wide variety of funds and initiatives, including: • Education supports and scholarships for local students; • Initiatives led by community volunteers, including the Black Legacy, Somos Comunidad and Our LGBTQ funds, and the Youth Grant Committee and Challenge Scholars Dream Fund • Our Fund for Community Good, built by hundreds of donor partners, invests in nonprofit partners throughout Kent County who share our commitment to becoming actively anti-racist.

LEADERSHIP Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program Stan Vander Roest Chief Financial Officer DIANA R. SIEGER President

KYLE CALDWELL Chair of the Board of Trustees

Marilyn Zack Vice President, Development

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES

18%

New gifts from donor partners

82%

Investment Income

Celebration of Philanthropy. Leaning alongside partners, the Community Foundation leadership team and staff guide what it means to activate our North Star today and into the future.

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Centennial Partner Party. As the Community Foundation celebrated 100 years in Kent County, we looked back at our history to examine lessons learned and asked community to share their vision for the future.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

ADDRESS 415 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49507

EXPLORE: Attend ICCF Community Homes’ annual spring Houses to Homes Gala or join us for an upcoming Lunch & Learn. Find a variety of upcoming donor and community events at iccf.org/events.

WHAT WE DO ICCF Community Homes is the oldest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Michigan. Active in the Grand Rapids area since 1974, ICCF serves more than 2,000 households annually through its programs and services. Program offerings include Family Haven emergency shelter, more than 700 units of affordable rental housing, newly constructed homes for purchase, homeownership education and financial counseling.

ICCF began with a single donation of a home to a church in 1974. Volunteers decided to renovate the house and sell it to a low-income family. Decades later, the scope of our work has increased significantly, but our heart remains the same. We believe that everyone deserves safe, affordable housing — and that stable housing is essential to foster a thriving community.

How did housing become an issue in our community?

Discriminatory housing practices have historically disenfranchised African-American neighbors and other minorities. From slavery to segregation and from overt redlining to subtle discrimination, minorities face significant barriers to stable housing. Low housing inventory and skyrocketing costs also make homeownership impossible for many neighbors. Rising rent prices keep families in poverty with no alternative housing.

Additionally, inflation and poverty cause many hardworking families to find themselves one crisis away from homelessness. Wages have not kept up with rising housing costs, and one-quarter of families with children in Grand Rapids live in poverty. The ICCF team is available to share more about the history and challenges our community faces with your business, church, civic group, school or organization.

PHONE 616-336-9333

JOIN: Whether framing a new home, serving a meal, or providing administrative help, volunteers are a crucial part of what we do. Put your skills to use with individual and group volunteer opportunities that can be tailored to your abilities and availability. Find details at iccf.org/volunteer.

WEBSITE iccf.org

HELP OTHERS: Donations of supplies help us reduce overhead costs and help more families. Provide goods and services, construction and office materials, or items from the ICCF Wish List found at iccf.org/donate.

65 EMPLOYEES

DONATE: Your tax-deductible donation is an investment in people and the community. Support ICCF Community Homes by joining Home Base, our monthly giving club, giving a one-time gift, or pursuing employer-matching contributions, United Way-directed giving, and planned giving opportunities. Find details at iccf.org/donate.

2022 REVENUE $6.11 million

FOUNDED IN 1974

SHARE: The housing crisis is complex, but you can become an informed advocate and help spread the word. Ask ICCF Community Homes to bring the story of families needing affordable housing to your location with tailored timing and focus. Get started by reaching out to our team at iccf.org/ contact.

LEADERSHIP Lee Hardy Board Chair

Molly Petersen Vice President of Finance Jan van der Woerd Vice President of Real Estate Development and Management

RYAN VERWYS CEO

MICHELLE COVINGTON Vice President of Advancement

Berniz Constanza Terpstra Vice President of Housing and Family Services

Eunice Lopez-Martin Vice Chair Cameron Young Board Secretary Tom Prince Board Treasurer

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 7%

2% Property and Other Construction Management Revenue Revenue 8%

Rental Income

44%

17%

Charitable Contributions

Public Grants and Contracts

Houses to Homes Gala Guests gather to celebrate the work accomplished in the past year and the work yet to do in creating equitable opportunity and affordable homes.

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Homes & Hope Legacy Society Luncheon This luncheon is an opportunity to share our gratitude with donors who have included a legacy contribution to ICCF Community Homes in their estate plans.

22%

Developer Revenue

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Give the Gift of Home We envision vibrant communities in West Michigan with connected neighbors, housing justice, and abundant opportunity.

LEARN MORE AND GIVE AT

ICCF.ORG/DONATE

(616) 336-9333 | ICCF.ORG 415 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Equitable Opportunity | Affordable Homes | Thriving Neighborhoods

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

ADDRESS 300 68th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49548

DONATE: Donations to the Pine Rest Foundation’s Patient Assistance Fund can be made several ways: • Online, at pinerest.org/donate.

• By mailing a check to the Pine Rest Foundation, P.O. Box 165, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0165.

• By calling 616-455-8680.

• By donating gently used clothing, household goods, and other items to Rustic Market, located at 389 68th St. SE. • By using the QR code below.

WHAT WE DO Pine Rest, the single largest behavioral health provider in Michigan and the third largest in the country, has been the proven leader and preeminent behavioral health partner in West Michigan for decades. It offers a full continuum of services including inpatient and partial hospitalization, psychiatric urgent care, residential and outpatient services, addiction treatment and recovery, extensive child and adolescent programs, senior care services, as well as specialized assessment and treatment clinics.

PHONE 616-455-8680 WEBSITE pinerest.org

100% percent of your donations go toward reducing the cost of treatment for people who are experiencing financial hardships. The sad reality for Pine Rest’s patients is that when they face a choice between paying for rent, food or mental health care, the first two issues always have priority.

In addition to the main campus in Grand Rapids, Pine Rest has 21 outpatient locations throughout West and Northern Michigan. With over 450 world class physicians, clinicians and advanced practice professionals, Pine Rest has the most expertise and experience to serve Michigan’s behavioral health care needs.

1,890 EMPLOYEES

2022 REVENUE $179.5 million

SCAN TO DONATE

FOUNDED IN 1910

PATIENT’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: No one should have to choose whether or not to get care for depression, anxiety, marital difficulties, dementia, stress, or addictions because of the cost of treatment. Thanks to a generous and compassionate community, financial assistance is available through the Pine Rest Patient Assistance Fund.

PROGRAMS: Pine Rest helps improve access and quality of care in a variety of ways. Each year, the Casey Wondergem Grant Program, supported through the Pine Rest Foundation endowment, offers funding for research and innovation. The Foundation also raises current funds for special Pine Rest projects and initiatives.

LEADERSHIP Jeff Steeb

Steve Alles

Steve Ender

Aaron Jonker

FACILITIES: As we grow the capacity of our existing facilities to serve more patients, the Pine Rest Foundation raises funds to add and update psychiatric units.

EDUCATION: Current educational programs include: Psychiatric Residency Program, William Van Eerden, M.D. Lecture Series and the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training Program.

Jack DeBoer

Ray Lanning Bryan Ridgeway Rob Stafford MARK EASTBURG, PH.D. President & CEO

DONALD MACKENZIE Executive Director, Pine Rest Foundation

Peter Draaisma Ann Hansen

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 2%

4% Grants Partial Hospitalization

1% 2% Other Patient

Other

Revenue

1%

Contributions

7% Residential

46%

Inpatient

37%

Outpatient

Windemuller Electric’s Foursome at the 2023 Golf Classic hosted at Point O’ Woods.

Lumbermen’s Foursome at the 2023 Golf Classic hosted at Point O’ Woods.

* The 2024 Pine Rest Golf Classic will be held at Lost Dunes Golf Club on Monday, May 20.

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For This

Exact Moment

Enhanced Psychiatric Urgent Care for Adults.

When life is overwhelming, same-day assessments are available at our Psychiatric Urgent Care Center. Call 616.455.9200 for more info and virtual appointments.

pinerest.org/urgent • 616.455.9200

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HOW YOU CAN HELP CONTRIBUTE: Consider making a pledge to our Capital Campaign to help us reach our $1.9 million fundraising goal.

WHAT WE DO Well House is a Grand Rapids housing service provider with the mission to expand, provide and safeguard lowcost housing options for vulnerable populations. Well House provides permanent housing for individuals and families who are experiencing chronic homelessness and who are no longer able to access housing through traditional markets. By prioritizing placements for those experiencing numerous barriers, we help our neighbors come in from the streets, emergency shelters and other unhealthy conditions — bringing them into safe, stable housing in a supportive community. Addressing the primary need for housing allows tenants with economic, health, behavioral and social problems to stabilize and recover from traumas that led them to homelessness, and to exercise independent living skills.

The guiding principle of our service approach is respect.

Because our houses are dispersed in neighborhoods throughout the city, we model the engagement practices that incoming tenants can embrace as they move into existing communities that have unique rhythms and cultures. Respect for our tenants, neighbors and community partners is central to successful integration of new tenants. Our discreet “in-community approach” is embraced by the neighbors in communities where our homes sit.

HELP OTHERS: Many of the individuals we house lack basic housing necessities. Well House is always in need of items such as bedding, silverware, curtains, pillows, and thick blankets to assist individuals in their transition from homelessness to housing, along with nonperishable food items. Contact our office to arrange a delivery time.

DONATE: Financial support helps with expanding housing units, maintenance and operations. Financial contributions can be made as a one-time gift or recurring monthly donations.

VOLUNTEER: Well House volunteers are the backbone of the organization. There are many opportunities to volunteer time and services. We are always looking for engaged board prospects, those with construction skills and landscaping experience, among others. In addition, we have many opportunities for painting, cleaning, organizing and hauling services. Sign-up is easy through our website.

ADDRESS 600 Cass Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PHONE 616-245-3910 WEBSITE wellhousegr.org

17 HOMES

2022 REVENUE $552,000

FOUNDED IN 1978

LEADERSHIP Brent Geers Secretary

Well House is committed to creative program strategies aimed at addressing the range of complex needs that lead individuals and families to chronic homelessness. The Board of Directors approved a $1.9 million fundraising effort to bring online nine new housing units with the capacity to permanently house as many as 35 additional people.

Brad Walsh Treasurer Maren Channer Board Member JOHN GLOVER Executive Director

DEREK DEVRIES Board Chair

Jennifer Jackson Board Member

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 3%

Events

9%

Grants

12%

Programs

25%

51%

Rental Income

Contributions A conversation among Grand Rapids, Housing Providers – With Dr. Matthew Desmond, November 8, 2022.

Dr. Desmond’s work, brilliantly illustrated in “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” is a cautionary reminder that the work housing providers do must be persistent, unyielding and ever-evolving to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

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Zach Winters Concert, July 20, 2022 An evening of song and story with Zach Winters & Turtle Doves supporting at the Channer Community Courtyard.

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WHAT WE DO The mission of the Beacon Hill Foundation is to ensure that Beacon Hill at Eastgate continues to meet its residents’ physical, social and spiritual needs, has adequate resources for the development of its campus and facilities and remains an integral part of the Eastgate neighborhood.

In support of Beacon Hill at Eastgate, the Foundation’s mission is to provide a nurturing place to live for all seniors — including those in need.

Our focus for all senior residents is life enrichment, from health and wellness and spiritual care to the arts and education. The Beacon Hill Foundation supports many initiatives that improve the lives of our residents, their families, staff and surrounding community.

The Foundation’s commitment to spiritual care established the Russell & Dorothy Watkins Chaplaincy Fund. Its support in Celebrating the Arts allowed for significant arts and enrichment opportunities across the community, including our annual Concerts on the Green. A percentage of sales from paintings purchased from the rotating local artist gallery go toward supporting the Foundation.

The Employee Scholarship Fund, introduced in 2020, helps support employee education and training. Backed by many of our residents and supported through the Beacon Hill Foundation, the scholarship offers support to our ambitions team members seeking to grow their knowledge and better their futures.

The Beacon Hill Foundation is a community of caring and support, and we believe in the importance of building and sustaining a loving, faith-based home for our seniors in the Grand Rapids community.

ADDRESS 1919 Boston St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506

CHAPLAINCY: Beacon Hill chaplains look to express the love of God and bring hope to our residents through all ages and stages of life’s journey. The Russell and Dorothy Watkins Chaplaincy fund provides every senior resident with supplementary spiritual care support.

PHONE 616-608-8285

BENEVOLENT CARE: The Benevolent Care Fund ensures that residents can remain in their homes at Beacon Hill, even if their financial situation changes.

WEBSITE beaconhillgr.org/foundation

CELEBRATING THE ARTS: Donors passionate about music and art ensure that Beacon Hill at Eastgate can provide high-quality, robust arts events in our community house auditorium and art galleries.

2 EMPLOYEES

EDUCATION: Thanks to our donors, the Foundation’s Employee Scholarship Fund supports opportunities such as:

2022 REVENUE $726,853

• Continuing education in nursing, management or public health • Completing an associates or bachelor’s degree • Specialized vocational training • Employee-wide training in dementia care and lifesaving skills, such as CPR.

FOUNDED IN 2015

CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS: Gifts to this fund contribute to the campus’ beautification through gardens, art and various additions to the gathering spaces, as well as special projects.

VOLUNTEER: Volunteering is at the heart of our organization, and the willing hands and generous hearts of volunteers like you donate their time and talent. Current opportunities include visiting residents, reading to residents, letter writing, walking buddies, bingo, flower arranging and special events.

LEADERSHIP Jeffrey Huegli President

Cheryl Blair Trustee

Jim Rauwerda Trustee

Micki Benz Chairperson

Carl Dufendach Trustee

Christine Visner Trustee

Skip Knapp III Treasurer

Mary McLoughlin Trustee

Susie Wisler Trustee

Andi Allen Foundation Director

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 7%

Grants and Scholarships

6% Investment Fee

21%

Administration

66%

Benevolent Care

Chris Visner, Beacon Hill Foundation trustee, and Dr. Raymond Fuller, resident donor, at an annual donor celebration event highlighting achievements and praising donor-community connections.

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Beacon Hill residents and Eastgate neighbors gathered at Concerts on the Green, one of several free community events sponsored by the Beacon Hill Foundation.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

ADDRESS 40 Jefferson Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

FOLLOW: Find our social media pages on Facebook: Catholic Charities West Michigan and Instagram: catholiccharitieswm.

WHAT WE DO Since 1946, we have been providing services to the most vulnerable populations in West Michigan.

We are a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan to help families and individuals succeed. We offerava riety of services, ranging from prevention and education to crisis intervention.

We are committed to serving the best interests of our clients, representing a diverse population, including people of all faiths, with particular emphasis on service to people with low income and outreach to diverse ethnic backgrounds.

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PHONE 616-456-1443

VOLUNTEER: Volunteer your time! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities and are always in need. Whether it’s spending an afternoon at God’s Kitchen, helping out at an event or organizing items at our St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutique, we have opportunities for everyone! Visit ccwestmi.org to find our volunteer opportunities.

WEBSITE ccwestmi.org

235 EMPLOYEES

DONATE: Visit our website to make a donation.

Our community outreach programs are funded solely by generous community members and businesses.

Without you, our work would not be possible.

2022 REVENUE $13.19 million

SHARE: Share our information with those who may be in need. We offer over 50 programs ranging from mental health services to family reunification, and everything in between.

FOUNDED IN 1946

We are committed to collaboration with others in the community and church-initiated efforts for needs assessments, program planning and service delivery.

LEADERSHIP David Bellamy Chief Executive Officer

Brianna Figures Director of Family Preservation

Laura Ploof Chief Administrative Officer

Karol Maurer Director of Development and Community Outreach

Leticia Pittman Director of Child Welfare Elizabeth Harsevoort Director of Behavioral Health

Jeff Hoyh God’s Kitchen Food and Pantry Program Manager Pedro Gomes Mission and Advocacy Manager

Dawn Harper Director of Human Resources Susan Kornoelje Director of Quality and Compliance

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 5%

Catholic Services Appeal

1%

1% Program Service Fees

United Way

1% Community support/ events

12%

Private Contributions

80%

State and Federal Reimbursements

Catholic Charities West Michigan’s Holy Smokes Barbeque Competition held at Pigeon Hill Brewing Company raises funds for the St. Gianna Baby and Toddler Pantry and pregnancy services in Muskegon.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

ADDRESS 1806 Bridge St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49341

Gilda’s Club services are delivered free of charge — because the last thing someone dealing with cancer or grief needs is another expense. Here are ways you can support us:

WHAT WE DO Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional health care to children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. Its comprehensive program, delivered by mental health professionals, meets individuals where they are, when they need it, with a variety of social and emotional support options to choose from, including support groups, educational opportunities as well as healthy lifestyle and social activities.

When you walk through the signature red doors of our clubhouse, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive and uplifting environment. It’s a place of understanding, where our professional staff and the vibrant community brought together through Gilda’s Club “gets” what you are going through. Together, people impacted by cancer or grief gather, connect to learn, share and laugh while using the power of shared experience and collective wisdom to support one another. If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and grief, find the support you need at Gilda’s Club. We’re in this together with you.

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids runs entirely on charitable donations and currently provides in-person, virtual and hybrid support options through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., and community programs in various schools and community centers. An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community - the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently owned and locally operated. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.

PHONE 616-453-8300

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT: Work directly with our staff to choose a way of engaging that fits your organization and team. Take part in a group volunteering experience or support financially by directly funding a program, supporting our clubhouse maintenance or giving through a special event sponsorship.

WEBSITE gildasclubgr.org

26 EMPLOYEES

SPECIAL EVENTS: • Gilda’s LaughFest, March 6-10, 2024, is our community-wide festival celebrating laughter for the health of it. The festival has sponsorship, ticket and show buyout opportunities.

2022 REVENUE $2 million

• The Red Door Gala at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will be held on March 14, 2024, featuring sponsorship and client hosting opportunities along with award-winning entertainment.

FOUNDED IN 2001

• Gilda’s Club Open golf event will return to Blythefield Country Club in June 2024.

• The annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club on September 28, 2024 is our peer-to-peer fundraising walk that brings together friends, family and coworkers for a community-wide display of support.

VOLUNTEER: We have many corporate, group and individual volunteer opportunities that enable us to deliver our mission. Contact our team to learn more about getting involved.

LEADERSHIP Wendy J. Wigger President Shawn Campbell Vice President of Fund Development & Engagement

Leigh Conard Vice President of Finance & Corporate Operations

Lindsay Jousman, LMSW Director of Program Operations & Relations

Clare Portinga, LMSW Vice President of Program

Mitch Neubert Director of Corporate Relations & Major Giving

Hannah Dayton Director of Brand Awareness & Communications

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES

8% Other

37%

20%

Contributions

Grants

35% Events

A Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids’ signature event, the West Side Walk, is free for participants. However, walkers are encouraged to fundraise for Gilda’s cancer and grief support program.

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Gilda’s Club’s Red Door Gala brings the community together in laughter inspired by entertainment, like Charlie Berens, while supporting Gilda’s free cancer and grief emotional health support program.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

WHAT WE DO Guiding Light is a donor-funded Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals recover from addiction and the associated chaos of a life consumed by substance abuse. We have three main programs: men’s recovery programming, women’s transitional sober housing and food ministry.

We provide innovative, proven programming investing in the whole person — body, mind, spirit. We have safe, dignified housing for women on their journey towards a life free of drugs and alcohol, and will be expanding to offer desperately needed women’s recovery programming in 2024. Our food ministry serves and shares 320,000 meals a year, including sit-down holiday meals for our friends in the Heartside community and weekly food and food supply distribution to neighboring nonprofits.

Our donor’s gifts provide basics like food, shelter, clothes, and showers with the purpose of investing in individuals for their future — not just today. Guiding Light has comprehensive wrap-around services, including employment support, long-term transitional sober housing for men AND women, support groups, life-coaching and spiritual direction.

We want each of the men and women we minister to wake up to the life God has given each of us and live a life free from addiction, one based in responsibility, hard work and restoration. Our programming and relationships empower individuals with the capacity to handle discomfort and the reality of life. Ultimately they develop skills and internal resilience to understand life — pain AND joy — as gifts from God, allowing them to live with open hearts, full of hope, determination and hard work.

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ADDRESS 255 Division Ave. South Grand Rapids, MI 49503

VISIT: Join us for lunch and eat family-style with the individuals working hard to change their lives. We’d love to show you around our facility and let you see firsthand what goes on here. For a guided tour, contact Melaina at Melaina@GuidingLightWorks.org.

PHONE 616-451-0236

EXPLORE: Watch videos and read the stories of men and women as they start to live a new way in this world. See how they move from hopeless, homeless, and isolated to living free and AWAKE in this world at GuidingLightWorks.org/Videos.

WEBSITE GuidingLightWorks.org

23 EMPLOYEES

JOIN: Join our community of committed supporters who give on a monthly basis. As a LightKeeper, you can keep the lights on, the hot water flowing, and provide HOPE and resources for a life free from addiction. GuidingLightWorks.org/Lightkeeper.

2022 REVENUE $3.6 million

HELP OTHERS: Do you know someone who is struggling with addiction? Start a conversation with our wonderful Intake Coordinator, Jalen, at 616-6492200.

FOUNDED IN 1929

DONATE: We offer life-transforming recovery services to men and women, and we need your support. Our FREE rigorous programing, emphasis on spiritual formation and high expectations are possible because we are 100% donor-funded, accepting no government or insurance money. Give today at GuidingLightWorks.org/Give.

SHARE: We need your advocacy! The opposite of addiction is connection, and there are so many in our community who need to know they are not alone in their struggle. We have a successful and innovative program, and need your help to spread the word.

LEADERSHIP Brian Elve Executive Director

Daniel Irwin Recovery Program Manager

Brian Spyke Operations Director

Harvey Koning Board of Directors Chair

David Madiol Development Director

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 6%

8%

Corporations

1% Churches

Foundations

85%

Individuals

Instead of using substances less, Guiding Light empowers individuals to engage in deep, internal change to stay substancefree. Here is one of our many celebrations honoring that first full year of abstinence-based sobriety.

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ADDRESS 306 Chicago Dr. Jenison, MI 49428

OUR IMPACT: Together, we are currently serving 12,074 students at 280 schools in 44 school districts across West Michigan.

WHAT WE DO Hand2Hand exists because a hungry child hurts, and the weekend is the most vulnerable time for children lacking resources.

Hand2Hand provides weekend food packed with love and prayers to more than 12,074 students, ages 3 to 18, by partnering 280 schools with 144 churches that pack and deliver food each week in 44 school districts across West Michigan. This model provides scalability and sustainability.

PHONE 616-209-2779

EVENTS: The Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for July 15, 2024. We are seeking golfers and sponsors. The Annual Hope for Kids Fundraiser is held in October.

WEBSITE h2hkids.org

VOLUNTEER: Collect and pack food with your business or volunteer your time at Community Packing Events. Learn more at h2hkids.org/pack.

26 EMPLOYEES

GIVE: Your financial gift multiplies. For every $1 given, Hand2Hand receives an additional $3.49 through volunteer hours, food donations and other in-kind contributions.

VALUE OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED $2 million

Hand2Hand also partners with businesses, offering food-packing events where employees can volunteer to help kids facing weekend hunger.

FOUNDED IN 2008

• Our Mission: Hand2Hand delivers nutritious food to students over the weekends and on extended school breaks by mobilizing churches, schools, individuals and businesses to join together, providing hope and the opportunity to thrive.

• Our Vision: Hand2Hand has a vision that every West Michigan school with food-insecure students, from early childhood through high school, will have a school weekend food opportunity, allowing food to be placed directly into their hands for the 68-hour gap away from school.

LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jodi Joseph Executive Director

Tom TenBrink Board President

Lisa Uganski Board Secretary

Amber MacKenzie Director of Giving

Drew Nielsen Board Vice President

Jeff Piper

Lindsey VanDyken Tom Livezy Dr. Doug Vander Jagt

Brain Pirog Jim Meyer Board Treasurer

Greg VanderMeer

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 3% Churches

21% Grants

47%

Individuals

29%

Your business can make an impact by packing weekend food for kids across West Michigan. Attend a Community Packing Event or host your own event with employees, family and friends.

Businesses

A note from a Hand2Hand student.

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ADDRESS 235 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

EXPLORE: Learn more about our mission, services and impact by visiting our website at maryfreebed. com/foundation.

WHAT WE DO The Mary Free Bed Foundation is a bridge to hope for patients who have experienced a traumatic injury or illness. Patients come to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital with a wide range of conditions. Some have had strokes, spinal cord injuries or brain injuries. Others have cancer, amputations or other chronic diseases. But no matter what they’re facing, they all have one thing in common: they want to get back to their lives and the people they love.

The Mary Free Bed Foundation proudly champions the hospital’s mission to restore hope and freedom through rehabilitation. Since its establishment in 2012, the Foundation has raised more than $79 million to support bold initiatives – including capital projects, transformative programs and services, and patient assistance. These philanthropic efforts have benefited hundreds of thousands of Mary Free Bed patients across Michigan, the nation and the globe.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors. Your gift helps restore independence to thousands of people through highly specialized therapy programs, innovative technology and capital improvements.

Today, our sights are set on building a free-standing pediatric rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids.

Opening in 2026, the state-of-the-art facility will be one of only three of its kind located between the east and west coasts of the United States.

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PHONE 616-840-8137

JOIN: Stay connected with the Mary Free Bed community! Sign up for our tri-annual newsletter, Momentum, to catch up with the most recent happenings in and around Mary Free Bed.

WEBSITE maryfreebed.com/foundation

ANNUAL EVENTS: Sponsoring or attending an annual event is a wonderful way to support the Mary Free Bed mission. For questions, contact Maggie Smitt, annual fund director, at maggie.smitt@maryfreebed. com or 616-840-7425.

8 EMPLOYEES

WAYS TO GIVE: There are a number of ways you can offer financial support, including community fundraising, planned giving, attending a foundation special event and more.

2022 REVENUE $17.6 million

DONATE: When you give to Mary Free Bed, you give the gift of hope and healing. Contributions can be made via our website or by mail.

FOUNDED IN 2012

SHARE: Get to know Mary Free Bed on social media! Meet our patients, hear from our teams and discover how we restore hope and freedom through rehabilitation. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn @mfbrehab.

LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION TRUSTEES Kent Riddle President & CEO

Lee Perez Chairman of the Board

Timothy D. Arter

Jacques Moss

Lee Perez Chairman of the Board

Lindsay Benedict Vice Chair

Rev. Katherine Lee Baker

Amy Stuursma

Dr. Benjamin Bruinsma

Jennifer Taylor

Lindsay Benedict Vice Chair

Kent Riddle President

Anne Chamberlin

Brent Van Haren

Nathaniel Guzman Vice President, Finance

Nathaniel Guzman Treasurer

Gregory Conway

Diane Vander Maas

Eva Aguirre Cooper

Timothy J. Pietryga Vice President, Advancement

Timothy J. Pietryga Secretary

Kelly Fitzgerald Senior Administrative Assistant

Marcus Jackson

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 10% 12%

Other

Events

21%

Grants

57%

Contributions

Each fall, the annual Thrive Gala raises funds and awareness for a dedicated program at Mary Free Bed. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit maryfreebed.com/thrive.

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The Mary Free Bed Open, our annual golf tournament, supports the Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program.

$79 million raised since establishment

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HOW YOU CAN HELP EXPLORE: The Salvation Army is much more than red kettles, food pantries and Christmas assistance.

Learn more about Emergency Disaster Services, Pathway of Hope and housing assistance by going to SAkentcounty.org.

WHAT WE DO The Salvation Army serves Kent County’s most vulnerable individuals by providing housing and utility assistance, an emergency food pantry, and drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs.

In addition to meeting basic needs, The Salvation Army provides life changing programs and services. Our Pathway of Hope program addresses systemic poverty by empowering individuals and families towards self-sufficiency through teaching, goal setting, and protracted counseling.

The Fulton Heights and Kroc Corps Community Centers offer multiple programs for singles, families and children. To help combat the loneliness, depression and loss of independence that can accompany old age, they provide senior group dining experiences as well as a holistic set of program offerings. Children learn life enriching experiences and build character through numerous activities year ‘round.

The Angel Tree program provides thousands of gifts for needy children at Christmas time. Our Emergency Disaster Services team serves first responders and victims of natural and human-caused disasters. Our Pine Island Camp & Retreat Center is available for rentals including church camps and educational / corporate training events.

These services are made possible through the generosity of supporters and are carefully stewarded so that 86 cents of every dollar go to provide direct service to people in need.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

JOIN: Join other community and civic leaders and serve on the Advisory Board. Members provide community outreach and support the programs that are Doing the Most Good for those in the most need.

These representatives are of different age groups, races, religions, interests and expertise.

HELP OTHERS: The Salvation Army is powered by its volunteers and welcomes corporate and other groups to assist with our Angel Tree program, bell ringing, food pantry assistance, senior programs and other special events. Learn more at https://centralusa. salvationarmy.org/kentcounty/volunteer/.

DONATE: Give online, by check, or from your DAF to improve the lives of our most vulnerable Kent County residents. A sustaining monthly donation of $25 will help feed, clothe and shelter families in need.

Give today at SAkentcounty.org.

ADDRESS 1215 Fulton St. E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 PHONE 616-459-9468 WEBSITE SAkentcounty.org

292 EMPLOYEES

2022 REVENUE $22.3 million

FOUNDED IN 1865

SHARE: Connect with us on social media to learn about the programs that break the cycle of poverty, and local stories of resilience and hope: • Facebook: @SAKentCounty • Instagram: @sakentcounty • Twitter: @SAKentCounty • LinkedIn: @ company/the-salvation-army-of-kentcounty/

LEADERSHIP Major Tim Meyer Grand Valley Area Commander - The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Dr. Veneese Chandler Chair - Grand Rapids Advisory Board (CEO, Family Outreach Center)

Stephen Watkins Vice Chair - Grand Rapids Advisory Board (Advisor, Steifel Financial)

Susan Wilson City Finance Director – The Salvation Army Grand Valley Area Command

Major Maureen Diffley Corps Officer, Fulton Heights Citadel Corps Community Center

Major Valerie Nance Program Officer - The Salvation Army Grand Valley Area Command

Major Carol Huffman Senior Kroc Officer, Grand Rapids Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Major Robert Duskin Corps Officer, Fulton Heights Citadel Corps Community Center

Victoria Arnold Social Services Director - The Salvation Army in Kent County, MI

Lt. Jack Huffman Congregational Life Officer, Grand Rapids Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 6%

1%

Membership Other Revenue Dues

15%

Investment Income

29%

Adult Rehabilitation Center

24%

Fees & Grants from Govt.

Agencies

The Salvation Army’s 2022 Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff at Knapp’s Corners: Major Tim Meyer with Advisory Board Members Peter MacGregor & Dawn Bredeweg, and SpartanNash Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Lilly and Communications Intern Madison McDonald.

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25%

Other Public Support

The Salvation Army in Kent County partners with local businesses and organizations to raise funds for programs that help thousands of those in need at Christmas time and year-round.

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WHAT WE DO Samaritas focuses on serving people as an expression of the love of Christ. With this in mind, for nearly 90 years, Samaritas has served others throughout Michigan. As one of Michigan’s largest, faith-based, nonprofit health and human services organizations, Samaritas offers a full suite of local programs and services to lift up Michigan’s most vulnerable people.

WE: • Are one of Michigan’s largest foster care and adoption agencies.

• Serve struggling families to strengthen them as a family unit and help them thrive with family preservation programming.

• Create new and safe homes for refugees, and provide cultural integration, job training and education.

• Offer Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD) services to help address the substance misuse issues in many Michigan households.

• Provide a safe haven and support services for homeless families.

• Provide affordable living communities for families, seniors and people with disabilities.

• Offer people with developmental disabilities support and group home families.

• Offer cost-effective independent living, memory care and rehab support for seniors in fun, faith-based communities.

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ADDRESS 2080 Union Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

JOIN: Join us at one of our annual events. Whether in Grand Rapids (samaritas.org/betherock) or Detroit (samaritas.org/ripplesgala), you’ll hear inspirational stories and enjoy cuisine and entertainment from around the globe while helping Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.

PHONE 313-823-7700

HELP OTHERS: Start your own ripple of transformation by becoming a volunteer with Samaritas: Samaritas.galaxydigital.com. We have volunteer activities for individuals and corporate groups throughout Michigan. Service projects range from client mentorship to building beautification.

Please reach out to Kayala.Park@samaritas.org to learn about the options for you and your team.

WEBSITE samaritas.org

1,224 EMPLOYEES

DONATE: Join the Ripple Effects monthly giving club and help Samaritas all year long. How far will your ripple spread? Go to Samaritas.org and click the “donate” button.

2022 REVENUE $110 million

SHARE: Rocks wanted! We need social workers, clinicians, case workers and residental care specialists.

Come explore careers at Samaritas samaritas.org/ About-Samaritas/Samaritas-Careers.

FOUNDED IN 1934

ADVOCATE: Legislative, community and business partnerships large and small are needed to sustain funding and quality programs for Samaritas clients.

Contact Kelli Dobner at Kelli.Dobner@samaritas.org to learn more.

LEADERSHIP Dave Morin Chief Executive Officer

Jenny Cederstrom Chief Financial Officer

David Lochner Chair, Board of Directors

Anthony Muller CFD, Vice President, Substance Use Disorder Services

Kelli Dobner Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer

Todd Hanselman Vice President, Human Resources

Kevin Van Den Bosch Chief Operating Officer

Charles Caine Vice President, Information Technology

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING FUNDING SOURCES 6%

Contributions

2%

Other

1%

Events

12%

Grants

79%

Programs

The Be the Rock Gala is one of two signature fundraising events for Samaritas. This elegant night raises awareness and funds for key Samaritas programs like foster care and refugee resettlement services. Advocates such as Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor of Grand Rapids, pictured here with Dave Morin and Kevin Van Den Bosch of Samaritas Rapids, were celebrated for their community work.

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Maranda, Wood TV anchor, journalist and media personality, is a Samaritas advocate.

She’s served as the emcee for The Be the Rock Gala for the past four years. Area business leaders were celebrated for their community work.

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Developer eyes vacant properties for 45 apartments Affordable housing would be located in South East Community Association sector

By Rachel Watson

A nonprofit developer is planning a 45-unit affordable housing project at three unused lots on Grand Rapids’ southeast side where a previous development proposal fell through.

Grand Rapids-based ICCF Community Homes was scheduled to go before the Grand Rapids City Planning Commission on Nov. 9 to seek special land use approval to build a surface parking lot for the residents of a planned 45-unit, two-building apartment development at 1309 Madison Ave. SE and two lots across the street at 1320 Madison and 415 Adams St. SE. ICCF has an option to buy the parcels from Rockford Construction, which acquired the lots from

cels to Rockford after its previous plans for housing development on the site fell through.

“LINC Up had taken ownership after the properties went into foreclosure, and at the time, we did put together a proposal for a mixeduse, 18-unit development,” she said. “But because we weren’t able to get the grant funds we would have needed to make it an affordable development, we were not able to move forward.”

The 1309 Madison Apartments project is in the South East Community Association (SECA) neighborhood. SECA and the Madison Area neighborhood to the north currently are experiencing a redevelopment boom, from MoTown Square’s plans for a mixed-use project on the Great Giant Super-

“We know it’s an important neighborhood where there’s a lot of investment happening, and we want to make sure that as investment comes into this neighborhood, people have affordable places to live.”

— Ryan VerWys, president and CEO of ICCF LINC Up in 2016 for $200,000 apiece. Rockford acquired the lot at 1309 Madison from Leon and Barbara Smith for $130,000 that same year.

Stephanie Gingerich, real estate development director for LINC Up, told Crain’s Grand Rapids Business that the organization sold the par-

market property at Madison Avenue and Hall Street, to Mel Trotter Ministries’ workforce training and housing projects in the works at Garden Street and Madison.

Ryan VerWys, president and CEO of ICCF, said his nonprofit is “committed to pursuing housing justice and affordable housing op-

This building at 1309 Madison Ave. SE will be demolished to make way for one of two planned apartment buildings in ICCF’s 1309 Madison Apartments project. | RACHEL WATSON

portunities” in the 49507 ZIP code as the area grows.

“We know it’s an important neighborhood where there’s a lot of investment happening, and we want to make sure that as investment comes into this neighborhood, people have affordable places to live,” he said.

Plans for 1309 Madison Apartments call for 45 one- and two-bedroom units, which will range from 675 to 900 square feet apiece. The apartments will be reserved for families making 30% to 80% of area median income, which in 2023 is about $22,740 to $60,640 for a two-person household, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

ICCF will demolish a vacant structure at 1309 Madison and build a new three-story building with 23 units of housing, a lobby, community room, property management office and 12-space parking lot off the alley behind the lot.

The developer will construct a second three-story building with an additional 22 units at the two va-

cant lots across the street, and add 25 parking spots on the east side of 415 Adams, pending the special land use approval.

The second building will have green space between the parking lot and the residential homes to the east. The developer plans to construct fencing to create a buffer between the homes and the apartments.

The project is in the traditional neighborhood-traditional business area zoning district, where smallscale residential projects like this one are permitted by right.

VerWys said ICCF held a pair of listening sessions for passersby and met with Madison Church, its 50 community partners, LINC Up, Amplify GR and Seeds of Promise to gather feedback on the project.

Seeds of Promise is a nonprofit located at 1168 Madison Ave. SE that builds “bottoms-up” engagement and advocacy around housing on the southeast side.

CEO Regenail Thomas said while Seeds of Promise primarily pushes for homeownership, he acknowl-

edges there’s a need for a “diverse” array of housing options in this neighborhood.

“A home is not what everybody in our community wants. An apartment complex targeting the 30% to 80% AMI, that’s phenomenal. That shows a different level of business concern, social concern, and I don’t see how you can really throw many darts at that,” he said.

He said initial neighbor feedback about this housing development has been positive.

“Any partner like ICCF who (is) willing to reach out and invite residents to the table to be a part of the decision-making, or to at least be able to share feedback, is the type of organization that we can respect, so we support the initiative,” he said.

The project budget for 1309 Madison Apartments is about $19.2 million, per documents filed with the city.

ICCF secured a payment in lieu of taxes exemption for the development in August from the city of Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids Housing Commission has committed 16 project-based housing vouchers, pending ICCF receiving approval for the $7.6 million in low-income housing tax credits for which it applied.

The rest of the project will be funded through gap and mortgage financing from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as well as through other grants and a deferred developer fee, according to documents ICCF filed with the city.

ICCF is working with Grand Rapids-based DeStigter Architecture LLC on the concept design; it has yet to select a general contractor.

Bronson raises capital campaign goal to $4.5M Drive originally sought $3 million for children’s hospital

By Mark Sanchez

Bronson Health has increased the fundraising goal for an ongoing capital campaign after already reaching its initial target.

The capital campaign on behalf of Bronson Children’s Hospital that began in the summer of 2022 originally sought to raise $3 million “to bolster our children’s hospital fund, which is increasingly the fund that we lean on to support so many wonderful things,” said Terry Morrow, president of the Bronson Health Foundation.

After hitting a little more than $3.3 million in the capital campaign, the Bronson Health Foundation recently raised the goal to $4.5 million as new needs emerged and pediatric patient volumes trend upward, Morrow said.

“The funding is just needed more and more,” he said. “We’ve had several projects come up over the last year that we’ve had to fund and been grateful to fund.”

The projects include installing new high-tech ventilators for babies born prematurely and hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that are “quite expensive” at about $50,000 each, and replacing a specialized pediatric ambulance that was damaged last winter in a crash and costs about $500,000, Morrow said.

Proceeds from the capital campaign, which runs through next spring, will also go to support an array of services and programs at Bronson Children’s Hospital, including life, art and music therapy for young patients; advocacy for abused and neglected children; genetic testing; mental health screenings; and diabetes kits for pediatric patients.

Given the growing patient volumes at the children’s hospital and the financial constraints health systems have generally faced the last few years, philanthropy has become an increasingly important part of paying to replace and upgrade equipment and support programs, Morrow said.

One of the few independent health systems remaining in Michigan, Bronson “has to be creative and we have to invite our commu-

A specialist works with a child at Bronson Children’s Hospital in Kalamazoo. | COURTESY PHOTO

nity in to help us deliver the kind of care the community deserves and wants and doesn’t want to have to travel far from home to get, and so we’re able to do that by partnering,” he said.

“It’s also a realization that philanthropy can make things happen sooner than they might otherwise, and perhaps strengthen and improve the environment of care, provide access to new, proven technologies where you were sitting back and waiting for budgets and finances to be right,” Morrow said. “And it’s an understanding in the community to say, ‘We can

continue to make this children’s hospital super top-notch for our region and families are being taken care of and don’t have to leave home to get that kind of care.”

Bronson Children’s Hospital’s newborn hospitalizations, primary care and sub-specialty visits have been trending higher as the Kalamazoo area grows, Medical Director Dr. Gregory Tiongson said. Emergency department visits for pediatric patients have been growing as well, he added.

The children’s hospital draws patients from across Southwest Michigan with a primary market of Ka-

lamazoo County and neighboring Calhoun and Van Buren counties.

The nearest hospitals specializing in pediatric care are Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Bronson collaborates with and refers patients to both, Tiongson said.

Bronson Children’s Hospital operates as a hospital within a hospital at Bronson Methodist Hospital in downtown Kalamazoo and at the health system’s other facilities across the market. The children’s hospital consists of about 120 beds across medical services, including a 32-bed general pediatric unit, 50 beds for neonatal intensive care, and eight beds in a pediatric intensive care unit.

The hospital also has a pediatric oncology and hematology clinic at the Kalamazoo campus.

Gifts to the capital campaign have ranged from as small as $5 to high of $250,000 and “everything in between,” Morrow said.

“We are so grateful that people stepped up and stepped up quickly.

It really is one those times where every gift matters and we’re grateful for every single person who can step forward and say, ‘I’m in,’” he said.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Independent Bank: Making a positive difference in our communities since 1864

The Independent Bank team volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County during their 8th Annual Be the Difference Day on October 9, 2023.

G

rand Rapids-based Independent Bank, is currently the largest bank headquartered in Michigan with approximately $5.1 billion in assets.

Founded in 1864 as First National Bank of Ionia, it now has nearly 60 locations across Michigan’s lower peninsula and mortgage lending offices in Ohio.

Giving back to local communities has always been at the heart of Independent Bank’s mission and values. Throughout the year, Independent Bank participates in a variety of activities to make a positive impact.

“Serving our communities and providing more than just financial services, through volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, or various other community engagement activities, is so important to the Bank and to our employees,” said Brad Kessel, Independent Bank President and CEO. “We are a strong community bank, and we care about our communities just as much as our customers.”

One of the largest community events that employees participate in each year is Independent Bank’s Be the Difference Day. This year marked the eighth year of this annual company-wide volunteer event.

Held on Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, Be the Difference Day is a day in which all Independent Bank employees volunteer with their teams across Michigan and parts of Ohio.

P045_CGR_20231113.indd 45

Employees choose a nonprofit that is making a positive difference in an area that is special to them. Employees help nonprofit organizations with activities such as building houses for families in need, packing lunches for kids and monthly meal boxes for seniors, cleaning up local parks and community areas, helping out at local

the Difference Day are collected from employees throughout the year through the Bank’s Jeans Day program. Employees can elect to participate in the Jeans Day program in which a $1.50 weekly donation is made by the employee to the Be the Difference Day fund so they can wear jeans on Fridays.

“We don’t want our efforts to end after we finish volunteering for the day. Presenting these organizations with funds that our employees donate throughout the year makes this much more personal for our employees, and makes the impact that much greater.”

— Brad Kessel, Independent Bank President and CEO animal shelters — and more. This year, over 800 Independent Bank employees volunteered at over 80 organizations.

Additionally, Independent Bank provides funding to assist these organizations in carrying out their mission throughout the year after Be the Difference Day concludes.

“We don’t want our efforts to end after we finish volunteering for the day,” Kessel said. “Presenting these organizations with funds that our employees donate throughout the year makes this much more personal for our employees, and makes the impact that much greater.”

Funds that the Bank donates to the nonprofit organizations on Be

Independent Bank collects Jeans Day funds throughout the year and combines them with a Bank match to donate during Be the Difference Day. This year, Independent Bank donated $140,000 to the nonprofit organizations where employees volunteered. Over the past eight years, Independent Bank has donated over $845,000.

Independent Bank employees helped plant seeds and remove invasive species with Kent County Parks.

Learn more about Independent Bank’s Be the Difference Day at IndependentBank.com/BTDD. Member FDIC.

The Independent Bank team in Holland helped out at Community Action House.

11/7/23 9:28 AM

COMMENTARY

Universities help drive development in cities

GETTY IMAGES

U

niversity of Michigan board OKs construction of $250M Detroit satellite campus.

State lawmakers approve $30M for Grand Valley’s downtown Grand Rapids tech center.

Wayne State plans new $40M law school building on Detroit campus.

These are headlines that were published in just the past few weeks by Crain’s Detroit Business and Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

They follow stories earlier in the year about Michigan State University’s expanded partnership with Henry Ford Health on its development in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood as well as MSU’s majority investment in the historic Fisher Building.

Michigan’s universiMickey ties are driving major deCiokajlo is executive editor velopment projects in the state’s two largest citof Crain’s Detroit Business ies. This is a good sign.

The state’s public uniand Crain’s versities are not islands Grand Rapids for simply providing Business. post-secondary education to our young people. At their best, they are interwoven into our communities and helping to drive economic development and job growth, improving quality of life.

At a time when there is so much talk about the need to attract and retain young people in the state, it’s good to see the

state’s largest universities stepping up in our core cities. Sure, there’s a self-interest, as the institutions also know that many young people want to be in vibrant, walkable urban centers that are alive with activity. This is a case where the universities and the cities can complement each other, with benefits for both.

“Just as these students would benefit from the energy of the urban campus experience, so too would Grand Rapids benefit from the energy of an influx of more Lakers and their eagerness to be part of the downtown community,” Karen Ingle, Grand Valley’s associate vice presi-

dent for facilities planning, told Crain’s earlier this year regarding the university’s master plan.

In Detroit, the University of Michigan Board of Regents last month approved construction of a new $250 million Center for Innovation downtown.

Its institutional rival, Michigan State, has been making major moves in Detroit. In June, MSU announced it was taking a controlling stake in the iconic Fisher Building.

The move came just a few months after the announcement of its expanded partnership with Henry Ford Health, which plans to build a new hospital tower and develop

the surrounding area in collaboration with MSU and the Detroit Pistons.

Not to be forgotten is Wayne State, which of course has been centered in Detroit for more than 150 years. It, too, is making important investments, notably the new Hillberry Gateway, the first of several developments tied to the arts. Earlier this month, Crain’s reported the university has secured state funding to develop plans for a new $40 million, 80,000-square-foot building for its law school.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan State has also played a vital role with its developments in the downtown’s Medical Mile area. Grand Valley State University, the hometown university, has truly been an engine that has helped make downtown Grand Rapids the thriving success it is today.

While GVSU’s main campus is 15 miles away in Allendale, university leadership has smartly developed in downtown Grand Rapids over the years, and both GVSU and the city have benefited tremendously as a result.

GVSU and its dynamic president, Philomena Mantella, now have an updated master plan that calls for, among other things, doubling the student population downtown and the creation of a $140 million technology center.

Michigan’s public universities are more than academic institutions – they are major developers, employers, engines of economic might. To see them collectively making such significant investments in our largest cities is good for both the institutions and the state as a whole.

COMMENTARY

Giving incentives empower families, nonprofits

By Kyle Caldwell, Kelley Kuhn and Phil Knight

C

haritable contributions from individuals and families of all income levels are essential to maintaining a healthy society and ensuring that nonprofit organizations can deliver on their missions. That’s why we’re encouraging the Michigan Legislature and members of Congress to act swiftly on several important bills — the Michigan Charitable Tax Credit at the state level and the Charitable Act at the federal level.

The Michigan Charitable Tax Credit (SB 127, SB 128, HB 4530, HB 4531) would incentivize families of all income levels to contribute to endowed funds across Michigan, strengthening our nonprofits that continue to face increased needs and high demand.

Nonprofits are tirelessly working on the ground to provide vital support to Michigan children and their families. They play a crucial role in ensuring access to essential resources such as food, shelter, health care, child care, transportation, educational opportunities and more. Throughout the pandemic, our Michigan nonprofits served as frontline responders,

addressing unique and unprecedented needs in our communities. Their efforts continue today in urban, rural and suburban communities across our state.

Nonprofits are powered by charitable giving, and, unfortunately, data shows that giving is sharply decreasing, especially among individuals.

Recent national data from Giving USA shows charitable giving decreased by more than 10% after inflation in 2022, marking the fourth time since 1956.

In addition, the number of households giving charitable donations – particularly those in lower and middle-income levels – continues to shrink. In 2012, individuals gave 74% of all charitable contributions, which dropped to 64% last year. These trends are concerning for the health of nonprofits.

We know charitable giving incentives can be powerful tools to spur giving. The Michigan Charitable Tax Credit unlocked opportunities for over 20 years by incentivizing families of all income levels to give charitable donations to endowed funds across the state, strengthening our nonprofits. Unfortunately, that credit was eliminated in 2012.

Immediately following the repeal of the tax credit, research by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University found that from 2011 through 2013, there was a 50% decline in $400 donations and a 27.5% decline in $200 charitable donations. Tax credits have a proven track record of encouraging charitable giving in our state. During the pandemic, when Congress enacted a temporary $300 deduction for cash gifts in response to the pandemic, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project found that 2020 donations under $250 increased by 15.3%.

Fortunately, bills have been introduced that recognize the importance of tax policy in providing relief to working families who contribute to important causes in their communities.

These bills would allow Michigan taxpayers to claim an income tax credit for donations made to endowed funds at community foundations and donations to food banks and homeless shelters equal to half the value of their donation, up to $100 for individuals and $200 for joint filers. Resident es-

tates and trusts could claim up to 10% of their tax liability, capped at $5,000.

In addition to the Michigan legislation, we are pleased that legislation (H.R. 3435/S. 566) has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate to restore and expand the charitable deduction for non-itemizing taxpayers. The Charitable Act would increase the cap of the universal charitable deduction to one-third of the standard deduction,

Nonprofits are powered by charitable giving, and, unfortunately, data shows that giving is sharply decreasing, especially among individuals. roughly $4,600 for individuals and $9,200 for joint filers. It would make gifts to donor-advised funds eligible for the universal charitable deduction.

Kyle Caldwell is president and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, Kelley Kuhn is president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Phil Knight is executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan.

Sound off: Send a column for the Opinion page to tim.gortsema@crain.com. Please include a phone number for verification purposes, and limit submissions to 500 words or fewer. Please include a headshot, title and organization name with the submission.

46 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | November 13, 2023

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11/8/23 2:04 PM

Southwest PEOPLE ON THE MOVE adds service to Nashville

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

Southwest Airlines starting next year will offer seasonal, nonstop weekend flights between the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Nashville.

The airline on Oct. 26 announced plans for new Saturday and Sunday service between Nashville International Airport and Grand Rapids, effective June 8, 2024.

“This service will further connect our business and leisure passengers to a major destination,” Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in a statement. “We are grateful to our partners at Southwest for helping deliver convenient and exceptional travel experiences to our community.”

Fares for the first available oneway flight on Saturday, June 8, from Grand Rapids to Nashville start at $111, according to booking details on Southwest’s website.

Southwest Airlines becomes the second airline to fly directly between Grand Rapids and Nashville, in addition to Allegiant Air, which operates the service year-round.

“We continue to optimize our schedule and respond to changing travel trends,” Brook Sorem, vice president of network planning at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement. “We look forward to providing this service between two strong leisure markets.”

For Southwest, the new flight service comes as the airline prepares to open its new crew base in Nashville in 2024.

Southwest Airlines in August announced plans to add a 12th crew base for its system in Music City with roughly 150-250 pilots and 500-700 flight attendants. The number of pilots based in Nashville is expected to grow to about 500600.

The airline also plans to add four new gates at the Nashville airport by the end of 2023, according to a news release in August.

The announcement from Southwest also included expanded flight schedules and service among various destinations across the U.S., including new nonstop routes to six international destinations from Orlando, Fla. As well, the announcement comes about one week after Sun Country Airlines announced new scheduled route service to and from Grand Rapids that is also set to begin in June 2024.

The Minnesota-based airline initially will operate a nonstop route from Grand Rapids to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport from June 13 to Sept. 1, 2024, on Sundays and Thursdays, providing a low-cost travel option for leisure passengers.

ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

INSURANCE

REAL ESTATE

BDO USA, P.C.

BDO USA, P.C.

Gallagher

Ackerman Albertini

BDO USA, P.C. has named Erika Hoy Principal in the firm’s National Tax practice.

In her role, Hoy works with the Tax leadership team to define and execute on the Tax practice’s vision and key priorities. She oversees strategic planning and operational initiatives for the over 4,000 professionals within the tax practice.

BDO USA, P.C. has named Kevin Wilkes Transaction Advisory Services Principal in the firm’s Specialized Tax Services practice.

With over 15 years of experience, Wilkes offers M&A tax technical support helping guide clients through the entire business organization cycle. Clients rely on Wilkes’ tax knowledge including evaluating formation options, restructuring, winding down operations, maximizing tax attributes, and acquiring or selling a business.

BANKING & FINANCE

Gallagher welcomes Jason Freeman as Area Vice President of Employee Benefits.

Mr. Freeman brings 24 years of benefits consulting experience to the Gallagher team. Most recently, prior to joining Gallagher, Jason spent 10 years at Hylant, where he managed employee benefits for Hylant’s three Michigan offices. In addition to 15 years of management experience, Jason has spent time as an analyst, an account manager, and a lead consultant. Jason earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from U of M.

Legacy Trust

NONPROFITS

By forming a partnership, Peter Albertini along with Roger and Micki Ackerman of Keller Williams North are building their team driven by a commitment to excellence and the desire to provide a most personalized approach.

Peter has an accomplished real estate business for over 30 years.

Paired with Roger’s specialization in commercial sales, they offer their extended network services that set them Albertini apart in the market.

Giving is the driving force of their dynamic team. Peter’s deep sense of compassion, empathy, and willingness to contribute is at the core of his service on countless boards and community groups. Roger and Micki knew these shared values would offer an opportunity to make a lasting impact with clients and the community. Ackerman

ACCOUNTING

BDO USA, P.C. BDO USA, P.C. has named Tyler Meyerink Principal in the firm’s Tax practice.

Meyerink has an extensive background in serving large multinational publicly traded, private equity backed, and privately held companies in all areas of taxation.

He has significant experience in advising companies through corporate restructuring, implementing tax strategies in M&A and exit transactions, and optimizing tax accounting methods to maximize cash flow.

ACCOUNTING

BDO USA, P.C. BDO USA, P.C. has named Shannon Vander Wilp Principal in the firm’s Assurance practice. With over 15 years’ experience, Vander Wilp serves a diverse clientele, including companies with international operations, family-owned businesses, and publicly traded entities. She provides instrumental support in international and domestic acquisitions, capital raises, complex accounting scenarios, implementation of new accounting pronouncements, and the establishment and testing of internal controls.

Legacy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Andrus to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Andrus’ owns Andrus Advisors, LLC, a business, personal and nonprofit consulting and mentorship firm in Grand Rapids. He previously owned the Trivalent Group, which he sold to Rehmann in 2018.

“Larry is a dynamic leader, advisor, and philanthropic supporter in our community,” said Board Chair, Steven Heacock. “We are grateful to add his extensive business knowledge and insights to Legacy Trust.”

INSURANCE

Literacy Center of West Michigan Karrie Roy has joined the Literacy Center of West Michigan as Family Literacy Program Director.

Karrie previously worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools as a Refugee Community Liaison, where she connected newcomer families to vital resources. She returned to her hometown after living in Los Angeles, CA for nearly twenty years. There she worked as a Parent Representative with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Roy is excited to continue her work with families across West Michigan.

Bankers Life and Casualty Company 2023 Bankers Life 30 Under 30 award recipient, Alonte White-Davis, Unit Field Trainer, Insurance Sales Representative, Bankers Life and Casualty Company. This new, annual campaign was designed to celebrate high-performing field members who are aged 30 years old or under.

Alonte White-Davis is currently a agent, financial representative, and investment advisor representative with Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Bankers Life Securities and Bankers Life Advisory Services in Grand Rapids.

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Lind Wealth Management Grand Rapids based Financial Planner Ryan Lind has launched a new firm, Lind Wealth Management. The firm has partnered with RFG Advisory, an award-winning platform for independent Financial Advisors.

Ryan has served as an advisor in the financial services industry for 15+ years. Ryan knows how important it is for people to have a trusted partner to help them through their financial journey. A graduate of North Central College, Ryan holds a BA in Business Management & Finance.

SHOWCASE INDUSTRY LEADERS AND THEIR CAREERS RECOGNIZE TOP ACHIEVERS IN GRAND RAPIDS’ PREMIER PUBLICATION

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November 13, 2023 | CRAIN’S GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS | 47

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11/8/23 2:08 PM

COREWELL From Page 1

fellows, as well as a market-rate housing project, which would each contain their own onsite parking.

Commissioners found that Corewell Health had failed to engage community groups and stakeholders, aside from the Monroe North Business Association, to discuss its surface parking lot plan. As well, most commissioners questioned whether the development needed the additional surface parking, and whether surface lots represented the best solution.

“Out of respect to our community, it is incumbent on you to take that initiative and I’m disappointed to see you haven’t or haven’t maintained that communication line,” Commissioner Adrienne Wallace told Corewell Health officials

FOUNDERS From Page 1

Founders Brewing’s sponsorship follows the company’s merger with Madrid, Spain-based Mahou Imports and Colorado-based Avery Brewing Co. into the Mahou USA entity in January of this year.

Mahou Imports, established in 1890, holds more than 50 national and international brands, with a footprint spanning 70 countries.

The America’s Cup race, which typically takes place every three to four years, will include a preliminary regatta next August in Barcelona, followed by the 37th America’s Cup match in October 2024.

Mahou, which has a central office in Barcelona, was presented with an opportunity to sponsor a competing team. With no Spanish team in play, the company then considered an idea to sponsor the U.S. team with the Founders Brewing brand.

When Mahou approached Knight about the sponsorship, he jumped at the chance to put Founders on an international stage.

“Looking at it selfishly through

SHINOLA From Page 1

Construction Co. “The energy of Grand Rapids is truly being shown,” said Mike Mraz, president of real estate development at Rockford Construction. “As a company, we have other projects in the pipeline and are working to fill the rest of our portfolio and other projects will be announced in the coming months. We’re really excited about the energy of what’s happening in our market.”

The new retail store will be Shinola’s first to open since the COVID-19 pandemic spread in early 2020.

Grand Rapids’ ability to attract a retailer of Shinola’s caliber will help spur additional development in the downtown retail corridor, said Richard App, retail retention and attraction specialist for the city of Grand Rapids.

“To be able to get the trust to be the first store they’ve opened since

during the meeting. “It’s not often we get 60 letters of opposition to something. That tells me there is a disconnect.”

Commissioner Laurel Joseph called the special land use request “extreme,” but added she supports the rest of the broader project and investment Corewell Health is making in the neighborhood. Most of the other commissioners echoed her sentiments.

“Adding more parking lots here is just not a good idea and doesn’t make it seem like a walkable or good community,” said Commissioner Lawrence Williams. “It doesn’t fit with the whole character or neighborhood we want here.”

Susan Shannon was the only planning commissioner who opposed tabling the special land use request. While Shannon shared other commissioners’ sentiment of wanting to limit surface parking

lots in the city, she also views the process as a steppingstone to future development beyond parking at the sites.

The planning commission did not set a date to reconsider Corewell Health’s proposal.

Alan Kranzo, senior director of real estate strategy at Corewell Health, said during the meeting that the surface lots will replace parking that the two proposed housing projects will displace, noting the proposal is more cost-effective than building more parking deck spaces.

“We don’t want to put additional surface parking in where it’s not necessary,” Kranzo said.

Kranzo indicated that some of the parcels will be a green space for a period of time before they are developed into a surface lot or even another future development such as additional housing.

“We have a really good handle on our parking demand and would create green space that provides walkability and consider taking that offline, but will use data to tell us if that makes sense or not,” Kranzo said.

Commissioners directed Corewell Health officials to engage further with the community and stakeholder groups and provide a more detailed phasing and timeline plan for the development of the parking lots.

The additional surface parking lots and proposed housing would serve the health system’s eight-story, $100 million Corewell Health Place office tower that is currently under construction. The new office campus also will include two parking structures with 420 spaces each, and a 100- to 150-space surface parking lot on Bond Avenue.

The office campus will consolidate

1,500 employees from 26 offices across West Michigan.

Diedre Deering, president of the Monroe North Business Association, wrote a letter in support of Corewell Health’s special land use request to demolish the five structures and build parking lots in their place.

“With the influx of more than 1,000 additional people coming into the neighborhood to work, members were appreciative of Corewell having the vision to address the parking needs of not only the customers of the district’s businesses, but the people who already live, work and own businesses in the neighborhood,” Deering wrote.

Several community members spoke during public comment at the planning meeting in opposition to Corewell Health’s proposal to demolish the buildings for surface parking lots.

the eyes of the U.S. and our company here, we haven’t been able to access those (caliber of sponsorships),” he said. “(This) definitely wouldn’t be something that we could afford at the scale of an independent, isolated craft brewery.

For me, it’s the best of both worlds.

We’re able to tap into something that has global reach.”

annual Bayview Mackinac Race from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. Founder Larry Bell also regularly competed in the race and won it twice.

The last iteration of the America’s Cup race had 942 million global TV and live-streaming viewers from November 2020 to March 2021, which is expected to grow to 1 billion for next year’s competition, Stephen Nuttall, head of television for the America’s Cup, told SportsPro., a U.K.based sports media firm.

The finalist in the race will face the current America’s Cup defender, Emirates New Zealand, in a one-on-one showdown on the Barcelona beachfront.

The America’s Cup sponsorship will place the Founders Brewing brand on an international stage, alongside globally-recognized team sponsors and partners like the

Dubai-based Emirates airline, cosmetics brand L’Oreal, sports beverage Red Bull, fashion company Prada and tire manufacturer Pirelli.

By joining that caliber of sponsors in the America’s Cup, Founders is embarking on an up-market shift that could “elevate the brand,” said Mark Kubik, chair of the marketing department at the Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business.

“Now they’re competing with some of the major luxury brands around the world,” he said.

“Founders isn’t necessarily a ‘name’ yet, but when it starts to run in those circles, with that sort of advertising, that will potentially open the doors to a whole new market. By the end of this campaign, a lot more people around the world are going to know about Founders.”

Although yacht racing may seem to contrast the gritty, DIY nature of the craft brewing industry, Founders will not be the first craft brewery from Michigan to get involved with the sport.

Kalamazoo-based Bell’s Brewery Inc. recently ended a nineyear stint as title sponsor for the

While the America’s Cup race represents an opportunity for the Grand Rapids-based brewery to connect with an international audience, it also puts Founders in front of a new type of consumer.

Knight hopes the sponsorship will help the company bolster its consumer base post-pandemic, as drinkers increasingly turn to new beverage options and the highly-saturated craft beer market leaves little room for error.

“The craft industry is undergoing some turbulence and challenging times,” Knight said, noting a shift in consumer interest following the effect of the pandemic on bars and restaurants. “Coming out of COVID, I thought, ‘Now things are going to get a little easier.’ But unfortunately, we were hit with super inflationary pressure, especially in the past half of last year. Although that’s kind of

cooled off in terms of percentage increase, it’s still a challenge. We still need to rebuild our existing, core craft consumer.”

Knight also acknowledged the American Magic sponsorship represents a shift away from Founders’ traditional advertising targets.

“Our consumers are beginning to age,” he said. “So whilst we do need to re-engage with our existing consumer, I think a leading brewery in the U.S. market needs to focus on being more broadly appealing outside the conventional craft consumer. Doing the same things that we used to do probably isn’t the best formula going forward.”

While Founders Brewing needs to remain true to its brand and values, “just launching another IPA or launching a West Coast IPA probably won’t be big enough of a jump in terms of where we need to go.”

Knight said he is excited for what it and the rest of the competition will bring for the Founders brand.

“There is definitely something about seeing Founders on a sail,” Knight said. “To be able to see that logo on the sail is pretty awesome.”

2020 shows we are doing things right here,” App said. “A brand like this is very careful in the way that they do things. We hope that trust translates into other national retailers coming here.”

Shinola’s entrance to downtown Grand Rapids is a welcome sign for an area still rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts note that daytime foot traffic is still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, while downtown visitor traffic is still just shy of where it was in early 2020.

Through the first 10 months of 2023, 13 businesses closed downtown and 13 opened, according to a Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. report. Downtown storefronts had a 20% vacancy rate as of October, up slightly from the 19% downtown vacancy rate in October 2022, according data from DGRI. Downtown retail also is closely linked to the city’s office market: While employee activity, or the es-

timated foot traffic from people working downtown, was up 2% in October compared to the year before, restaurants and bars continue to struggle during lunchtime and happy hour. Most recently, the fast-casual Freshii restaurant in McKay Tower downtown announced it permanently closed after Nov. 3, citing sales declines on Friday and less people working downtown as one of the reasons behind the decision.

“We still need to get people in the offices more for restaurants and the lunch crowd,” Ansara said. “But anything like (Shinola opening) brings positivity to downtown.”

The overall West Michigan retail market — including the greater Grand Rapids area and Muskegon and Saugatuck on the lakeshore — had a 5.2% vacancy rate in the third quarter this year, according to the latest market report from NAI Wisinski of West Michigan.

Despite remote and hybrid work schedules taking away daytime

foot traffic downtown, the Shinola brand is strong enough to attract customers to Grand Rapids, said Tim Kelly, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “Given Shinola is a nationally recognized brand, we believe they will draw significant traffic, in addition to the visitors that are already downtown,” Kelly said. “They will also benefit from the adjacent retailers on their block of Monroe Center, including Gazelle, Oh, Hello, and Courage and Soar.”

Gazelle Sports opened down the street from the future Shinola in May 2022, with similar fanfare from the community about attracting a popular retailer. The running and active lifestyle specialty store is still working to get the word out about the new location, said Jennifer Brummitt, CEO of Kalamazoo-based Gazelle Sports.

“I don’t think downtown Grand Rapids is yet known as a shopping destination, but we’re working with our neighbors to make sure it’s

known there is incredible shopping on Monroe Center,” Brummitt said.

Business at the downtown location has been slower than Gazelle executives anticipated, but they “still believe in being part of downtown communities,” Brummitt said.

“It’s exciting to have a national brand like Shinola joining the neighborhood and to see other retailers are investing in downtown Grand Rapids,” Brummitt said.

“That gives us hope. The more density of retail you have, the more it makes people think of downtown as a shopping destination.”

In addition to its expected ability to draw more visitors downtown, Shinola’s reputation of caring for its employees and getting involved in the communities where it operates are also good reasons to have the retailer in downtown Grand Rapids, App said.

“That’s the kind of culture that we’re trying to build downtown with our businesses,” App said.

Elevating the brand

Finding what’s next

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WASÉYABEK From Page 3

close on one more deal before the end of 2023 and then “take a breather” on M&A for about a year to focus on integrating and supporting portfolio companies.

Eventually, Waséyabek leaders anticipate revenue from its investments will increasingly bolster the tribe’s operating budget and grow services for tribal members.

Elected leaders of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi helped lay the groundwork for Waséyabek’s ongoing success when they formed the economic development organization more than a decade ago with a vision to help diversify the tribe’s economy.

This work began to take shape in the following years and accelerated when the organization hired Mitchell as president and CEO in 2016 and two years later launched a full-scale, five-year strategic plan to solidify Waséyabek’s investment strategy.

“When I got here, there was an idea that we want to engage in economic diversification, but not a lot of, ‘How are we exactly going to do that?’” Mitchell told Crain’s Grand Rapids. “Some very fundamental questions needed to be answered.”

Mitchell said questions surrounding types of businesses, available resources and risk tolerance were answered in a yearlong process that culminated in alignment between Waséyabek’s staff, board of directors, the tribal council and tribal membership.

Waséyabek’s first five-year strategic plan focused on three verticals: commercial real estate, commercial operating businesses and federal contracting.

As well, the organization made an intentional choice to separate its investment efforts from the tribe’s casino and existing hospitality businesses.

“A choice that some tribes make

LAUNDROMAT From Page 3

appealed the MLCC’s denial to Kent County Circuit Court, which remanded the case back to the MLCC for reconsideration.

During the Oct. 31 hearing, Gartman noted that the business had submitted additional details about site security and emergency response plans to the MLCC. As well, the plan was scaled back slightly to only serve single-serving drinks such as cans of beer, wine or cider.

Gartman said this was in response to state regulators’ concerns about the need for proper dishwashing appliances onsite had it served beverages in glasses.

The measures appeared to sway the MLCC — composed of Chairperson Kristin Belzer and Commissioners Dennis Olshove and HoonYung Hopgood — in Bates’ favor.

“This is a huge leap here,” Olshove said of the updated application materials. “You cover a lot of items that could have been outlined earlier. … To me, this is a whole lot further than you were

Waséyabek Development Co.’s downtown Grand Rapids headquarters. | COURTESY OF WASÉYABEK DEVELOPMENT CO.

McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids. | COURTESY PHOTO

is, ‘We want to do something that’s additive to our casino operations.’

They’ll do something like a hotel next door or develop a shopping mall or something like that,” Mitchell said. “Our group decided they wanted to be completely diversified away from casino and hospitality, so in case something happened to that sector, we would keep going — which happened during COVID, which nobody could have foreseen.”

While some tribal organizations lead investments by looking to create jobs for tribal members, NHBP made “a really wise decision” to have Waséyabek seek existing

profitable companies first with the hope that the successful operations will in turn lead to career opportunities for members, Mitchell said.

Other key priorities included the decision to avoid turnaround investing, venture capital or purchasing vacant property for new development — all of which would help to minimize risk and ensure the organization could generate returns, according to Mitchell.

As the first five-year strategic plan sunsets at the end of the year, Mitchell and other executives at Waséyabek can point to a successful track record of investment. The

back then.”

In previous denials, the MLCC primarily cited concerns based on an administrative rule about the need for licensees to protect the “health, welfare and safety” of the public, which industry observers have said gives the MLCC wide leeway to interpret the rule.

“The applicant’s family-style business does not adequately address the Commission’s concerns about expanding alcohol sales into such establishments, as this may adversely impact the laws related to health, welfare, and safety of the general public,” according to a December 2022 MLCC denial letter.

Belzer, who took over Gagliardi’s position and previously expressed some support for the concept, said that the MLCC takes the public’s health, welfare and safety “very seriously.”

“Sometimes we have to have a little greater explanation and dig just a little bit further so everyone’s clear on what the intent is,” Belzer said. “It’s a very unique concept.

I’m remaining open-minded on this.”

During the hearing, Gartman

noted support for Duds N Suds from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as well as state Rep. Kristian Grant, D-Grand Rapids.

Richard App, retail retention and attraction specialist, confirmed the Chamber’s support for the business, noting that he worked closely with Bates during the application process.

App said he is “overjoyed” by the MLCC’s reversal, noting the significance of the business’s innovation and location in the city’s third ward.

“I feel it was unfortunately dismissed the first two times, because they weren’t thinking correctly,” App said, noting that it’s important for cities to provide for amenities like serving alcohol in unique settings.

“When you have a restaurant and you incorporate alcohol into your business, studies say it’s an at least 30% uptick in sales,” App added. “For a business like this, I love the innovation.”

Bates said he hopes to have the alcohol sales up and running by the end of this month.

firm’s portfolio now includes 30 companies with nearly 450 total employees.

The organization has been recognized locally and nationally as a model for tribal economic development.

“We were losing money when I got here, and we will end this year around $93 million (in revenue),” Mitchell said.

Waséyabek’s portfolio includes a real estate division with holding company Terrapin Properties of Michigan LLC and eight real estate properties, including McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids. The holdings also include an industrial commercial portfolio as well as the Waséyabek Federal Group, which includes multiple federal subsidiaries and joint ventures such as local environmental engineering firm BLDI. Mitchell said Waséyabek also aims to start paying dividends back to the tribe within the next few years, or by the end of the new fiveyear strategic plan at the latest.

Mitchell credits the team’s dedication as well as the support from Waséyabek’s board of directors and tribal council for the success in executing the plan. She noted that unlike many similar organizations in Indian Country, Waséyabek’s board and the tribal council have enjoyed stability, which creates a favorable environment for doing business.

Eric Henson, an adjunct public policy professor at Harvard University and research affiliate with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, said tribes that have good governance set themselves up for economic development to flourish.

Henson recently hosted Mitchell as a guest class lecturer this spring.

“We found a number of nearly ubiquitous characteristics in places where the tribal governments were working well, and that was setting this foundation for better socio-economic outcomes,” Henson told Crain’s Grand Rapids.

GVSU From Page 3

collaboration between the university and community partners such as corporations, startups and entrepreneurs.

With the project, GVSU plans to demolish part of the Eberhard Center building and construct a new 15,000-square-foot addition, bringing the center’s total square footage to 175,000.

The development will add audio and video studios, fabrication

Henson also highlighted Waséyabek’s early efforts to seek investment opportunities in the region’s manufacturing and engineering sectors, and for building a strong industrial portfolio with businesses that complement one another.

While other tribes have been successful in diversifying their economies, Henson called Waséyabek “a stellar example” of combining the tribal government’s goals with businesses’ need to turn a profit, and providing growth opportunities for everyone.

Waséyabek board Chair Chris Rogers said the organization has worked diligently to align the interests of the tribe and the investment firm.

“For tribes who have tried and failed, if you dive deep enough, you can find a meddlesome tribal council or a divided tribal council,” Rogers said. “(With Waséyabek), we are all walking on the same road in the same direction at the same speed … and it’s been vital to our ability to grow and do everything we’ve done.”

Looking ahead, Rogers believes that Waséyabek has reached a point in its evolution where it can begin to slow its pace of M&A to focus on support and resources for its portfolio companies.

The long-term vision, he said, centers on generating revenue and positioning Waséyabek to be a major contributor to the tribe’s operating budget in the next 30 years — funds that the tribe can use to provide services back to tribal members.

Meanwhile, Waséyabek will continue to narrow its focus under a new five-year strategy.

“The modifications from our old plan to this new plan are things that we couldn’t have predicted five years ago,” Rogers said. “But we’ve got wonderful, very knowledgeable people who are helping us kind of refine that saw and keep narrowing our focus so that we can get better and better at what we do.”

labs, collision spaces, research labs and presentation space.

As well, the renovation and addition will improve the facility’s roof and building envelope while improving mechanical, controls, lighting, electrical and other systems to enhance the technology-focused learning spaces, according to the conference report summary for the House bill.

The university originally requested $35 million in state funding and planned to fund the remaining $105 million, per the capital outlay plan.

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THE CONVERSATION

James Beard Award-winning chef-owner of Myrth embraces craftsmanship, frozen pizza Chef Paul Berglund’s career has spanned nearly 20 years and has taken him from the San Francisco Bay area to the Midwest and, in recent years, West Michigan. Along the way, he opened four-star restaurant The Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis in 2011 and picked up a James Beard award for Best Chef in the Midwest in 2016. Berglund has been a part of the Grand Rapids food scene since early 2021, when he joined Mertens Prime as executive chef. The Navy veteran went on to start Myrth, a pizza and pasta restaurant in downtown Ada. He spoke with Crain’s Grand Rapids Business about his early career, Japanese inspiration and how to elevate a frozen pizza. | ByAbby Poirier Growing up, did you know you wanted to be a chef?

No, being a chef wasn’t on my radar when I was a kid. At one point, I wanted to be the president of the United States. I wanted to be a Navy SEAL and a Navy fighter pilot. I grew up with Top Gun. So being a cook or chef was not a part of the dream when I was a kid.

continue to do that. I learned the importance and value of partnerships with farmers in my time at that restaurant, and it’s really still one of the more interesting aspects of running a restaurant to me.

Chef Paul Berglund started Myrth in downtown Ada.

Tell me more about that.

When I’m talking about relationships and partnerships, money isn’t necessarily the first connection. But as the business owner, it matters to me. We’re probably going to spend close to $400,000 on food this year. Our target is to spend about 60% of our food purchases within 200 miles of our restaurant. That’s $240,000 a year (to local) farms and artisan producers. That’s not insignificant (because) as our business grows, so does that number.

That’s several families that are earning more revenue for their small businesses. And some of those businesses are a lot closer than 200 miles. Within the Grand Rapids area, we’re directing a lot of money to farmers and families.

That matters to me.

How did your experience in the Navy align with your childhood dreams?

I didn’t have good enough eyes to be a fighter pilot. The route that I took in the Navy was more aligned with what my young adult goals were, which was to see the world and to manage people at a very young age. I joined the Navy as a surface warfare officer. That meant I was a junior middle manager on two different ships. I did see the world and I managed a lot of people in my early 20s.

Did that play a part in where you are now?

Certainly. My time in the Navy informed who I would become professionally. My first ship was stationed in Japan, so I lived in Japan for two years. I spent about 14 of those months in my (Japanese) hometown working and living, and the rest of the time I was traveling with the ship.

In the Navy, I got to meet some really phenomenal leaders.

Specifically the enlisted leaders on ships, they’re sort of the middle managers. Some of them that I worked with had been in the Navy for over 20 years and really taught me a lot about leadership. I took away a lot from the Navy in that regard.

And my time in Japan really opened my eyes to the way that Japanese society and culture value craftspeople.

Talk about how simple foods, done really well, can be deceptively difficult.

It’s hard to do really fancy food really well, but there’s a facade to really fancy food that sometimes distracts from subpar fancy food.

Whereas, when you’re eating something like a piece of pizza or a pasta, it’s a very bare-bones experience. It’s a very direct, personal experience. You’ve had hundreds of pizzas, hundreds of pastas in your life, and frankly, all of us are much, much more expert at identifying a good pizza from a bad pizza than we are at

identifying a good fine dining meal from another because we’ve had a lot less of those.

What was your first kitchen experience?

The first restaurant that I worked at (was) called Oliveto (Cafe and Restaurant) in Oakland, Calif. It’s no longer in business, but I was taught by some truly expert chefs, real craftspeople. I attribute a lot of my knowledge to those people. I spent seven years there.

The woman who taught me how to make pasta, that was her sole job at that restaurant. She made pasta five days a week.

She’s a real expert at it. I learned how to butcher whole animals there (and) how to make the pasta sauces that are really foundational for Italian cooking. It was a wonderful education.

Olivato was a little unique: Over 50% of the line cooks were women. Back in the early 2000s, that was not very common. I was just learning from these really powerful, kick-ass women, and so they were really inspirational.

When did it click that you could happily work in the

restaurant business as your career?

I got the job with the intention of essentially trying it on for six to 12 months before going to culinary school, because that’s really what I thought I needed to do to excel in the industry. There was a point pretty early on that I realized I was learning from the best teachers I could possibly learn from, so I stayed there. I was truly just loving what I was doing. I was having so much fun.

I am kind of an anxious person, so I was on pins and needles, making sure that I was doing things the right way, but I just loved it. I loved the camaraderie of the kitchen.

What lessons from those initial experiences do you apply today as a restaurant owner and chef?

The influence that the San Francisco Bay area has had on restaurants across the country really carries a lot of weight with me. The Bay Area was kind of the epicenter for the farm-to-table movement in the U.S. With just a couple of very short exceptions, I’ve been a farm-to-table chef my entire career, and, and I’ll

What’s your take on the West Michigan food scene?

I think there’s some good food here, and it seems like it’s getting better. I’m not a native West Michigander, so I’ve heard that it’s very different than it was 20 years ago. Given how agriculturally interesting the region is, I would like to see more restaurants celebrating that. I don’t think that a lot of restaurants here do. But the demand for that starts in part through the demand of diners.

Diners have the ability to vote with their credit cards, so I feel like if that’s what diners want, then eventually that will happen.

I personally would like to see it happen soon.

What’s your cooking tip for other busy families who want to eat well?

I love pizza and I love pizza of all types, including frozen pizza.

As a chef, I don’t shy away from buying a frozen pizza. A great thing to do with frozen pizza is learn how to augment it. More often than not, I’ll buy just the frozen cheese pizza and I will just kind of make my own toppings.

I’ll (add) a bunch of kale to it with some good quality cheese, like a good quality parmesan or pecorino, some black olives, some chili flakes, and that makes for actually a really good pizza.

CrainsGrandRapids.com President and CEO KC Crain Group publisher Jim Kirk, (312) 397-5503 or jkirk@crain.com Executive editor Mickey Ciokajlo, mickey.ciokajlo@crain.com Editor Joe Boomgaard, joe.boomgaard@crain.com Managing editor Andy Balaskovitz, andy.balaskovitz@crain.com Special projects editor Tim Gortsema, tim.gortsema@crain.com Director of audience and engagement Elizabeth Couch, elizabeth.couch@crain.com Audience engagement editor Matthew Pollock, matthew.pollock@crain.com Creative director Thomas J. Linden, tlinden@crain.com Associate crative director Karen Freese Zane Digital design editor Jason McGregor Art directors Kayla Byler, Carolyn McClain, Joanna Metzger Senior digital news designer Stephanie Swearngin Notables coordinator Ashley Maahs REPORTERS Kate Carlson, real estate, kate.carlson@crain.com Jack Grieve, audience engagement, jack.grieve@crain.com Abby Poirier, restaurants, retail and agribusiness, abigail.poirier@crain.com Mark Sanchez, health care and finance, mark.sanchez@crain.com Kayleigh Van Wyk, manufacturing, technology and law, kayleigh.vanwyk@crain.com Rachel Watson, residential real estate, insurance and tourism, rachel.watson@crain.com Danielle Nelson, research and data, danielle.nelson@crain.com ADVERTISING Senior vice president of sales Susan Jacobs, susan.jacobs@crain.com Advertising & event sales director Jill May, jill.may@crain.com Account executives Shelly Keel, shelly.keel@crain.com Jennifer Maksimowski, jennifer.maksimowski@crain.com Michigan events director Samantha Flowers, samantha.flowers@crain.com Marketing and events coordinator Matthew Chaffee, matthew.chaffee@crain.com People on the Move manager Debora Stein, dstein@crain.com Classified sales Suzanne Janik, sjanik@crain.com Sales assistant Rachel Smith Inside sales Tawni Sharp CRAIN’S CONTENT STUDIO Senior director of Crain’s Content Studio Kristin Bull, kbull@crain.com Crain’s Content Studio manager Clare Pfeiffer Content marketing specialist Allie Jacobs PRODUCTION Vice president, product Kevin Skaggs Product manager Tim Simpson Prepress/production director Simone Pryce CUSTOMER SERVICE (833) 830-7446 toll free (845) 267-3031 local line (for any foreign calls) customerservice@crainsgrandrapids.com

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Happy Thanksgiving

from all of us at Advantage Commercial Real Estate!

Over the past three years we’ve achieved many milestones because of the invaluable support of our clients. Especially at this time of year, we recognize how blessed we are to be a part of West Michigan and our opportunity to collaborate with the area’s best businesses. As a team we would like to thank you for partnering with us and helping our company achieve so much in a short period of time. We look forward to the new year and continuing to partner together for the betterment of your business and our entire community.

Advantage Commercial Real Estate At a Glance 3 Years

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