Consortium paves way for minority businesses.
PAGE 3
JULY 11, 2022 VOL. 39, NO. 14
The Business Newspaper of Metro Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon & West Michigan
THIS WEEK
JOSE BUILDS A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
Business development director for Michigan Women Forward has blazed her own path since coming to the U.S. Page 12
Young CEO pursues accessible aviation Alex Taylor, 21, sets goal of creating the world’s largest humanitarian air force. Kayleigh Fongers kfongers@grbj.com
Senior housing GR Housing Commission hopes to have more residential space available for low-income seniors this fall. PAGE 5
Speed dating LABR app quickly matches unskilled workers with employers in need. PAGE 10
A 21-year-old entrepreneur from West Michigan has secured a fellowship for his work in founding a humanitarian aerospace company. Alex Taylor is one of 23 individuals — and the only recipient from Michigan — to have received this year’s Thiel Fellowship, a two-year program created by PayPal cofounder and billionaire Peter Thiel. As a Thiel fellow, Taylor will
receive a $100,000 grant for his company Orb Aerospace. Orb Aerospace, founded by Taylor in 2017 when he was a junior in high school, is an aircraft company reinventing aviation with the goal of becoming the world’s most acces-
sible option for the industry. “We’re doing for aviation what the internet did for information,” Taylor said. Specifically, Orb Aerospace is in the process of building an aerospace network without the
need for infrastructure. Instead, aerial vehicles referred to as orbs will be able to travel between different nodes in various locations, relying on air as the only means CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Kellogg separation fits with larger trend
APPROVED BEHAVIOR UHS, Trinity Health partner on new behavioral health hospital in Byron Center. Page 21
Food industry expert points to other large public company spinoffs as precedents.
THE LISTS
Rachel Watson
The area’s top senior residential communities. Page 4 The area’s top health care education programs. Page 6 The area’s top IT services and networking companies. Page 8
Orb Aerospace produces craft that are fully electric, quiet and sustainable for communities and ecosystems around the world. Courtesy Orb Aerospace
rwatson@grbj.com
The news last month that Kellogg Company would be splitting into three separate entities didn’t come as a surprise to a food industry expert at Western Michigan University. The Battle Creek-based breakfast and snack food maker announced on June 21 it would be splitting into three companies — temporarily dubbed Global
Snacking Co., North America Cereal Co. and Plant Co. until permanent names are chosen — with the latter two headquartered in Battle Creek and the former based in Chicago with a Battle Creek presence. A Kellogg spokesperson told the Business Journal the transactions will not result in any office moves or closures, and Kellogg’s intent is for its current real estate footprint to remain the same. The company as of now does not plan to close any plants, and Kellogg doesn't anticipate any plant job losses because of the changes. The company said the decision was not made as “a cost savings exercise,” but rather it is intended to ensure and facilitate the suc-
cess of the three companies and create growth opportunities. “These businesses all have significant standalone potential, and an enhanced focus will enable Cahillane them to better direct their resources toward their distinct strategic priorities,” said Steve Cahillane, Kellogg Company chair and CEO, who, going forward, will serve as chair and CEO of Global Snacking Co. “In turn, each business is expected to create more value for all stakeholders, and each
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is well-positioned to build a new era of innovation and growth.” Kellogg — which started out as a pioneer in the cereal industry — said about 80% of net sales in 2021 came from global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen breakfast products, all of which will be folded into Global Snacking Co. going forward. The other 20% of sales in 2021 was from its cereal and plantbased businesses. Bob Samples is executive-in-residence at Western Michigan University’s food and consumer package goods marketing program and worked at CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
¬22 in 2022 We’ve increased our U.S. minimum hourly wage to ¬22 on the way to ¬25 by 2025. Since 2017, Bank of America has raised the minimum rate of pay for all U.S. employees by more than 46%, bringing it to an annual rate of more than $45,000 for full-time employees. It’s part of our commitment to being a great place to work and one way we help employees build a career with us. We’re also encouraging job growth and providing economic security for thousands of individuals who are supporting fellow teammates, our clients and the local communities where we live and work. Offering competitive pay and benefits to support our employees and their families is critical to attracting and retaining the best talent. We’ll keep leading the way and doing more. When you have a strong team, you want to take care of them the best way you can. Raising the minimum rate of pay is just one way for us to show that we care and value everyone’s commitment.
Renee Tabben President, Bank of America Grand Rapids
What would you like the power to do?® Learn more at bankofamerica.com/grandrapids
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
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6/20/22 11:03 AM
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
3
Consortium paves way for minority businesses Black Lake Companies first will focus on construction industry. Kayleigh Fongers kfongers@grbj.com
An emerging group of businesses is moving forward to create a supportive ecosystem within the construction industry. West Michigan-based Black Lake Companies recently named its founding members and is working to launch some of its first companies. The goal of the consortium is to have all businesses be at least 51% owned, operated and managed by minorities. After working with close to 300 minority-owned businesses in his career in entrepreneurship and development, founder John Hendershot discovered a gap when it came to the construction trades. From a personal standpoint, he saw construction as a viable business opportunity. “I came from the trades,” he said. “My brother and I owned a pipeline company that worked in nine states … so it’s familiar to me and I know that it’s lucrative.” He began to form the idea for Black Lake Companies after witnessing a greater need for support for businesses due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of minority businesses, especially during the pandemic, have been hit hard,” Hendershot said. “I wanted to do something that is recession proof, something that is infrastructure — something core to what we do. I began to think about the idea of Black
Black Lake Companies principals include, from left, John Hendershot, Clarkston Morgan, Paul Love and Preston Sain. Courtesy Black Lake Companies
Lake and not just the companies, but a supporting network with one another.” Hendershot began sharing his vision with others in his network and in the Grand Rapids community. Now, Hendershot is joined by Clarkston Morgan, Kelly Mitchell, Preston Sain, Ange Kra-
mo, Andrew Sims, James Peacock III, Paul Love, Kareem Scales, Greg May and Benjamin Robinson in launching the Black Lake Companies venture. Currently, the first company to take shape this year will be Black Lake Utility Contractors (BLUC) with Kramo as president and CFO.
BLUC’s primary work will involve underground utilities and telecommunications construction. With Kramo’s experience as a CPA and background in financial analysis for a utility company, BLUC will offer a “unique perspective” within the industry, Hendershot said.
The business currently is expected to launch Sept. 1, he said. Black Lake Companies also is working with Mitchell to prepare her company, Minority Business Development Help, as a resource for those seeking to grow their business. Mitchell previously worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy. According to Hendershot, she is familiar with minority business enterprise certification and how to set businesses up to receive government contracts. Currently, Black Lake Companies in the process of some consulting work as Minority Business Development Group moves toward its launch. Hendershot himself is working to form a technical school as part of Black Lake Companies. The Great Lakes Technical School for Utilities & Telecommunications will provide education for underground infrastructure — something he has been advocating for in recent years in terms of additional resources. Hendershot is in the process of meeting with contractors and company presidents to gain potential support and bring his vision to fruition. As of now, the website lists fall 2023 as the potential launch. More ventures will take shape within an ideation phase while Black Lake Companies begins with these initial businesses. As part of the consortium, 11% of each business’s net profits on a quarterly basis will be retained by a holding company named the CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
MEDC OKs support for $500M statewide projects Michigan Strategic Fund is investing in life sciences, agribusiness and downtown development. rwatson@grbj.com
ing on our leadership in the life sciences and agribusiness sectors,” Whitmer said. “We will continue to put Michiganders first by investing in our talented manufacturing workforce, helping our communities build thriving downtowns and economies, and providing opportunities for innovative businesses to grow and thrive here in our state.”
The state of Michigan recently approved a slew of projects that will revitalize communities across the state and boost the agribusiness and life sciences industries. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on June 28 joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of projects, including a business expansion by a global life Whitmer sciences provider in Muskegon; community revitalization projects in Detroit, Battle Creek and Sault Ste. Marie; and support of Michi-
MUSKEGON The first of the projects is a life sciences solutions provider that is establishing new operations in Muskegon, bringing 200 highwage jobs to the area. Global Life Sciences Solutions USA is a provider of technologies and services that advance the development of therapeutics. The company’s customers undertake life-saving activities ranging from fundamental biological research to developing innovative vaccines, biologic drugs, and novel cell and gene therapies. The company has more than 8,000 employees across 40 countries. Global Life Sciences plans to establish its first Michigan operations in Muskegon Charter Township, where it will manufacture resins for use in biologic medi-
Rachel Watson
50 Capital Ave Development Corporation will redevelop a vacant, 15-story former hotel in downtown Battle Creek into a 239-room DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Courtesy MEDC
gan’s agribusiness industry. The projects approved represent a total capital investment of nearly $500 million.
“(These) approvals will continue to grow Michigan’s economy by creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders while expand-
cines. Pending the acquisition of an existing site, the company will invest in property upgrades and new machinery and equipment to establish an environment capable of high-quality life sciences manufacturing, including lab and clean-room space. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $430 million and create an estimated 200 jobs. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the following in support of the project: • A $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant • A $1.5 million Jobs Ready Michigan grant • A five-year, 100% State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $2.7 million The company provides training and benefits for its employees. The training, supported in part by the Jobs Ready Michigan grant, is expected to cover a wide range of skills and roles, including manufacturing practices, engineering and technology, and quality control. Muskegon Charter Township CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
4
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
THE LIST
Top Area Senior Residential Communities (RANKED BY 2021 TOTAL REVENUE)
Owner
2021 2020 Levels of care/ total revenue percent occupancy
No. of on-site/ off-site medical staff
Entry fee/ monthly payment range
Type of contract
Age exclusive/ accept Medicare Special services
1
Holland Home (Corporate) 2100 Raybrook St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 235-5100 f 235-5111 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
$74.41M Assisted, hospice, $68.25M independent, memory, nursing, skilled DND
200 50
DND DND
Fee for service, modified
N Y
Home care, hospice, continuing care retirement community, rehab, PACE, population health management, Medicaid waiver
2
Samaritas Senior Living 2000 32nd St. SE Grand Rapids 49508 p (616) 452-5900 f 452-8525 samaritas.org
Samaritas
$42.18M Assisted, hospice, $44.99M independent, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled 63%
328 209
N/A $2,045 - $10,129
Contract care, fee for service, lease
Y Y
Housing and services for seniors at every stage of the aging process: independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and assisted living
3
Holland Home - Raybrook 2100 Raybrook St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 235-5704 f 235-5680 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
$25.79M Assisted, hospice, $26.33M independent, memory, nursing, skilled 85%
350 232
$15,000-$361,110 $763-$12,330
Fee for service, modified
Y Y
Independent living, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facility is not age exclusive
4
Beacon Hill at Eastgate 1919 Boston St. SE Grand Rapids 49506 p (616) 245-9179 f 608-8282 beaconhillgr.org
Beacon Hill at Eastgate
225 74
Varied Varied
Modified
Y Y
Fine dining, wellness programs, shortterm rehabilitation, memory care
5
Holland Home - Breton Woods 2500 Breton Woods Drive SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 643-2730 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
$18.52M Assisted, hospice, $17.32M independent, memory, nursing, skilled 85%
177 102
$15,000-$852,800 $760-$12,330
Fee for service, modified
Y Y
Independent living, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facility is not age exclusive
6
Edison Christian Life Services 1000 Edison Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 453-2475 f 791-8928 edisonchristian.org
Christian Rest Home Association
$15.41M Assisted, independent, $15.27M intermediate, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled DND
250 147
$0 $1,860-$10,555
Modified
Y Y
Secured dementia unit, rehabilitation services, hospice contracts
7
Yorkshire & Stonebridge Manors 3511-3515 Leonard St. NW Walker 49534 p (616) 791-0111 f 791-6722 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$3.59M $3.97M
Assisted, memory DND
94 3
$2,500 $4,700-$6,000
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
8
Georgetown & Cambridge Manors 141-151 Port Sheldon Road SW Grandville 49418 p (616) 457-6010 f 457-2272 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$3.14M $3.87M
Assisted, memory DND
80 DND
$2,500 $4,700-$5,900
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
9
FountainView Assisted Living of Coopersville 640 W. Randall St. Coopersville 49404 p (616) 997-9253 f 997-7234 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$2.04M $1.84M
Assisted, memory DND
45 1
$2,500 $3,700 - $5,200
Extensive
N N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
10
Lakeshore Assisted Living 16331 Robbins Road Grand Haven 49417 p (616) 847-4242 f 846-3457 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.82M $2.03M
Assisted, memory DND
39 7
$2,000 $4,700-$5,200
Extensive
N N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
11
Bishop Hills Assisted Living 4951 11 Mile Road Rockford 49341 p (616) 866-8227 f 866-2238 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.75M $1.62M
Assisted DND
30 DND
$2,000 $3,050 - $4,650
Extensive
Y DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care, incomebased rate program available to qualified residents
12
Ransom Tower Apartments 50 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 235-2881 f 235-2944 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$1.56M $1.57M
Independent DND
5 0
$0 $50-$860
Lease
Y N
Subsidized housing for ages 62 and older, community room, computer lab, on-site food pantry, Meals On Wheels café, social worker
13
Mount Mercy Apartments 1425 & 1511 Bridge St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 235-2843 f 235-2851 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$1.43M Independent $982,768 DND
5 0
$0 $50-$725
Lease
Y N
Subsidized housing for ages 55 and older; ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive rental subsidy; food pantry, café, social worker
14
Fountain View of Lowell 11537 E. Fulton St. Lowell 49331 p (616) 897-8413 f 897-7839 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.41M $1.55M
Assisted, memory DND
40 DND
$2,000 $3,900-$4,600
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
15
Fountain View Retirement Village of Grant Baruch Senior 50 S. Maple St. Ministries Grant 49327 p (231) 834-8202 f 834-8962 baruchsls.org
$1.37M $1.32M
Assisted, memory DND
36 10
$2,000 $4,000-$4,800
Extensive
Y N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
Leonard Terrace Apartments 1315 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 235-2890 f 235-2876 grhousing.org
$1.02M $1.01M
16
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$20M $17M
Assisted, independent, memory, nursing, skilled 94%
Independent DND
Development complete
Grand Rapids Housing Commission completed the construction of Antoine Court Apartments at 901 South Division Ave. It serves veterans, people experiencing homelessness, adults age 55 and older who have disabilities, and seniors age 62 and older.
Art Legacy
4 0
$0 $50-$854
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for ages 55 and older, ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive subsidy; on-site food pantry, cafe; shopping adjacent
Emmanuel Hospice recently launched Art Legacy, a program that allows patients to create and leave behind legacy artwork for their loved ones.
Affiliation
Clark Retirement Community formed an affiliation with Indianapolisbased BHI Senior Living, becoming a subsidiary of BHI.
Grants
Samaritas Affordable Living secured grants totaling almost $1 million to provide housing to seniors 55 and older in Muskegon, as well as renovations to Samaritas Affordable Living of Alpena, a community serving residents 62 and older.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
THE LIST
JULY 11, 2022
5
City expects more housing for low-income seniors GR Housing Commission runs four apartment complexes for incomeeligible tenants. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
Seniors who are looking for affordable housing soon may have more options. The Grand Rapids Housing Commission, which provides affordable housing for low-income residents, anticipates it will have vacant one-bedroom units available at four of its rent-subsidized senior apartments in Grand Rapids in the fall and winter and, as a result, is now accepting applications. The expected vacancies at Adams Park Apartments, Leonard Terrace Apartments, Mount Mercy Apartments and Ransom Tower Apartments will give income-eligible tenants a place to call home. The rent will generally be no more than 30% of their monthly household income. There is a $50 minimum rent for tenants who have no income. The average cost of rent in Grand Rapids is $1,324, according to RentCafe. “Many seniors do not have an income that would support them paying market-rate rent in our very competitive housing market,” said Joyce Smith, communications and
program coordinator for the Grand Rapids Housing Commission. Each apartment is reserved for different sectors of the senior population. Adams Park Apartments has 188 units and is located at 1440 Fuller Ave. SE. The apartments are for seniors who are age 62 and older, as well as adults with disabilities. An income-eligible tenant can earn a maximum annual income of $50,150 and if there are two people within the household, then they can make a total maximum annual income of $57,300. Leonard Terrace Apartments, located at 1315 Leonard St. NE, has 125 one-bedroom units. The apartments are designed for seniors age 55 and older. Income-eligible individuals who are between the ages of 55 and 61 can qualify, but they must have a disability to receive a federal rental subsidy. The maximum annual income for one person is $31,350 and the maximum annual income for two people within the household is $35,800. Mount Mercy Apartments is located at 1425 Bridge St. NW. The apartment complex has 180 one-bedroom units and they are for seniors age 55 and older. Individuals age 55-61 must have a disability to receive a federal rental subsidy. The maximum annual income for a prospective tenant is $39,540 and the maximum annual income for two people in the household is $45,180.
Mount Mercy Apartments on Bridge Street NW has 180 one-bedroom units for seniors age 55 and older. Courtesy Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Ransom Tower Apartments, located at 50 Ransom Ave. NE, serves seniors age 62 and older. It has 153 one-bedroom units. The maximum annual income for one person is $50,150 and the maximum annual income for two people within the household is $57,300. Once eligible tenants are approved and are living in the units,
Smith said if their income changes, residents can report the change in income and the tenant’s portion of the rent would be recalculated. The units are funded through several U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Some of the HUD programs designed for seniors include the Housing Choice Voucher program and Supportive
Housing for the Elderly program. The Housing Choice Voucher helps low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. Supportive Housing for the Elderly subsidizes independent living-type apartments for seniors that offer services like cleaning, cooking and transportation.
Top Area Senior Residential Communities (RANKED BY 2021 TOTAL REVENUE)
Owner
New residence
2021 2020 Levels of care/ total revenue percent occupancy
Age exclusive/ accept Medicare Special services
No. of on-site/ off-site medical staff
Entry fee/ monthly payment range
Type of contract
20 DND
$2,000 $4,300-$4,900
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
$823,000 Assisted $945,000 DND
26 5
$2,000 $3,300-$3,700
Contract care
Y N
Managed by Baruch Senior Ministries, licensed faith-based nonprofit assisted living, spiritual care and income-based rate program
$375,389 Independent $458,379 DND
3 0
$0 $50-$850
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for ages 55 and older, ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive rental subsidy; onsite food pantry, social worker, barrier-free units available
17
Fountain View Retirement Village of Fremont 102 Hillcrest Ave. Fremont 49412 p (231) 924-5050 f 924-6445 baruchsls.org
18
Hume Home of Muskegon 1244 W. Southern Ave. Muskegon 49441 p (231) 755-1715 f 755-3155 baruchsls.org
The Hume Home of Muskegon
Sheldon Apartments 1010 Sheldon Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 235-2860 f 243-1185 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Adams Park Apartments 1440 Fuller Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 235-2865 f 235-2938 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
DND DND
Independent DND
5 0
$0 $50-$713
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for adults with disabilities and seniors 62 and older, barrier-free units, food pantry, social workers
Robbinswood Assisted Living Community 1125 Robbins Road Grand Haven 49417 p (616) 842-1900 f 842-9350 robbinswoodalc.com
Robbinswood Operating Co.
DND DND
Assisted, independent, memory DND
15 8
$400 $2,200 -$3,750
Contract care, lease, modified
Y N
Licensed home for the aged with licensed memory care units
86 19
$1,000-$2,000 $3,000-$4,800
Lease
N N
Health and wellness activities, three meals daily, exercise, internet, cafe, library, housekeeping, transportation to medical appts, gift shop, beauty and barber shop
19
Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community 2900 Thornhills Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 957-9767 f 957-9769 sentinelpointe.com
Baruch Senior Ministries
Limited Partnership
$1.01M $1.35M
Assisted DND
DND Hospice, independent, $4.54M intermediate, retirement DND
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area senior residential communities, ranked by 2021 total revenue is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. The Business Journal surveyed 159 senior communities; 22 returned surveys and 22 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = did not disclose
Beacon Hill at Eastgate opened a new 67,000-squarefoot retirement residence called The Vistas in Grand Rapids.
CEO and president
Troy Vugteveen became the new president and CEO of Holland Home in January.
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6
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
THE LIST
Top Area Health Care Education Programs (RANKED BY 2021 ENROLLMENT)
College leader
Dept. head/dean
Grand Valley State University 1 Campus Drive Allendale 49401 p (616) 331-5000 gvsu.edu
1
2
Western Michigan University (College of Health & Human Services) 200 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids 49503 p (269) 387-2000 wmich.edu
3
Calvin University 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 526-6000 calvin.edu
Philip Batty
2021 2020 Health care education programs enrollment
8,758 9,080
Health care education degrees offered
Health care education programs offered
BA, BS, BSN, BSW, BSE, BSW, DNP, DPT, graduate certificate, MAT, MHA, MHS, MPA, MPAS, MPH, MS, MSE, MSN, MSW, Psy.S., DrOT, AuD, PSYS
Allied health sciences, applied behavior analysis, applied food and nutrition, athletic training, audiology, behavioral neuroscience, biochemistry, bioinformatics and genomics, biomedical engineering, biomedical informatics, biomedical sciences, biostatistics, cardiovascular sonography, cell and molecular biology, clinical dietetics, communication sci and disorders, diagnostic medical sonography, health administration, health care ethics, health communication, health and bioinformatics, healthcare information systems, interprof health informatics, medical and bioinformatics, medical dosimetry, medical laboratory science, nursing, occupational safety/health mgt, occupational therapy, palliative and hospice care, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, psychiatric, mental health NP, public health, radiation therapy, radiologic and imaging sciences, recreational therapy, speech-language pathology, therapeutic recreation
Ron Cisler
2,909 3,296
1,007 degrees conferred
Alcohol and drug abuse, athletic training, audiology, biology, dietetics, exercise physiology, health informatics and information management, integrative holistic health and wellness, interdisciplinary health sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, speech pathology and audiology
Arlene Hoogewerf
996 1,002
BA, BS, BSN, BSOT, BSTR, MA, Certificates Nursing, neuroscience, pre-medicine, pre-dental, prepharmacy, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, prephysicians assistant, occupational therapy, public health (BA, MPH), speech pathology (BA, MA), exercise science, therapeutic recreation, health communication, Speech and Hearing Foundations
Amy Stahley
690 717
AAS, BS, BSN, MS, MSN, PN, certificates and MS in health informatics and information management, diplomas nursing (generalist and family nurse practitioner), occupational therapy; MBA with health care management concentration; BS in biological laboratory sciences, health information management, health services administration, medical case management, nursing (completion), nursing (pre-licensure); diploma in practical nursing; AAS in health information technology and medical assisting
538 538
Associate in nursing; associate in applied arts and sciences: dental assistant, dental hygiene, occupational therapy assistant, radiologic technology
Nursing (RN, LPN), dental hygiene, dental assistant, radiologic technology, occupational therapy assistant, surgical technican. Non-credit/certificate: Acute care advanced skills, pharmacy technician, certificate in aging, dementia care, personal trainer certification, registered medical assistant, phlebotomy, CPR
4
Davenport University 6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (800) 686-1600 davenport.edu
5
Grand Rapids Community College 143 Bostwick Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 234-4000 grcc.edu
Julie Parks
6
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 15 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 233-1678 humanmedicine.msu.edu
Aron Sousa
359 345
MD, MD-PhD, MD-MPH, MD-MBA
Allopathic medical education
7
Aquinas College 1700 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids 49506 p (616) 632-8900 f 732-4489 aquinas.edu
DND
258 273
Bachelor of Science in health science, Bachelor of Science in exercise science, Bachelor of Science in nursing
Exercise science, health science, nursing
8
Cornerstone University 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49525 p (616) 949-5300 f 222-1528 cornerstone.edu
Ned Keller Maria McCormick Connie Sattler
230 125
AS-health services, BS-exercise science (pre-occupational therapy), BS-exercise science (pre-physical therapy), BS-exercise science (pre-cardiac rehab), BS-biology (pre-med),BS -biology (pre-pharmacy),BSbiology (pre-physicians assistant), BSbiology (pre-dental), MBA-business administration/health care
AS-health services, BS-exercise science (pre-occupational therapy), BS-exercise science (pre-physical therapy), BSexercise science (pre-cardiac rehab.), BS-biology (pre-med), BS-biology (pre-pharmacy), BS-biology (pre-physicians assistant), BS-biology (pre-dental), MBA-business administration/health care and BSN-nursing
9
Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences 2040 Raybrook St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 285-9999 f 956-7777 blueheronacademy.com
Heather Leonard
183 169
Licensed massage therapist, phlebotomist, Medical massage therapy, acupressure and massage, personal holistic health practitioner/herbal master training, phlebotomy, holistic health practitioner-herbal and holistic life couch, personal training master/holistic life coach program
10
Hope College 141 E. 12th St. Holland 49423 p (616) 395-7000 hope.edu
Jonathan Peterson
133 142
BSN
Nursing
11
University of Michigan Health - West 5900 Byron Center Ave. SE Wyoming 49519 p (616) 252-7200 uofmhealthwest.org
Dr. Peter Hahn Dr. Jeffery Postlewaite
120 122
Residency and fellowship graduation certificates
Residency programs in: emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery and urological surgery
12
Kalamazoo College 1200 Academy St. Kalamazoo 49006 p (269) 337-7000 f 337-7305 kzoo.edu
Wraegen Williams
37 34
Bachelor of Arts
Pre-professional (medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, etc.)
13
Central Michigan University - Grand Rapids 1633 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49525 p (616) 361-4160 cmich.edu/grandrapids
Robert Davies
30 30
BS, MS, Ph.D.
Doctor of health administration, master of science in nutrition and dietetics, master of science in administration-health services administration, graduate certificate in health systems leadership, master of health administration, bachelor of science in community development-health services, health services administration graduate certificate, bachelor of science in psychology, bachelor of science in public education and health
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area health care education programs, ranked by 2021 enrollment, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. To showcase a broader range of health care education programs, the Business Journal also surveyed programs in surrounding counties. The Business Journal surveyed 38 programs; 13 returned surveys and 13 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose
Grand Valley State University appointed Ning “Jackie” Zhang the next dean of its College of Health Professions.
Inaugural dean
Calvin University named Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola the inaugural dean of its School of Health. She is also a professor of nursing.
Appointment
Aron Sousa was appointed to serve as dean of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
New president
Alicia Córdoba is the new president of Aquinas College.
ListStore
@ GRBJ.com
Download this list now at GRBJ.com in Excel or PDF format. The Book of Lists and other lists are also available.
With a warm and welcoming community, award-winning Vibrant Living model, and two bustling campuses, residents quickly discover that at Holland Home, there is much more to life. You’ll find ample opportunities to socialize and stay active physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And with our full continuum of care, you can continue living as independently as possible with extra support available if you ever need it.
For more information visit hollandhome.org or call 616.643.2730
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
THE LIST
Top Area IT Services and Networking Companies (RANKED BY 2021 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE) Top local executive
Year founded
2021 2020 W. Mich. revenue
Appointed COO No. of W. Mich. employees
Products and services offered
Certifications/accreditations
SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA Seal of Compliance (Compliancy Group), Barracuda Premier, Cisco Premier, Dell EMC Gold, HP Synergy/ HPE T2 Solution Provider, Microsoft Gold, Veeam Gold, VMware Advanced, WatchGuard Platinum
1
Rehmann Technology Solutions 3145 Prairie St. SW, Suite 101 Grandville 49418 p (616) 222-9200 rehmann.com/services/technologysolutions
Jim Bruxvoort Julianna Keeven
1971
$14.64M $15.96M
56
Managed security, managed IT, managed cloud, IT and cybersecurity assessments/audits/consulting, professional services/project management, hardware and software solutions, telecommunication services, etc.
2
Konica Minolta Business Solutions 201 Front Ave. SW, Suite 102 Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 608-1506 kmbs.konicaminolta.us
Greg Duggins
1997
$14M $12M
31
Managed IT, managed enterprise help desk 24x365 in 1,100 nationwide engineers, Cisco Premier USA, security operations center: SIEM, managed Partner, Dell Premier Partner, VP Ware vulnerability training, user awareness training. professional certifications, Datto and Fortinet Application development: SharePoint expertise, SQL Premier Partners, MCSC engineering expertise, .NET, Salesforce implementations, US-based certifications MCSE A++, Senior Microsoft cloud data centers, Procurement HP, Dell, Cisco, Windows Engineers, Apple Expertise via Mac Lenovo, Fortinet, IT Project Outsourcing Professionals which we own.
3
IP Consulting 8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 1350 Vienna 22182 p (616) 828-4416 f 828-4417 ipconsultinginc.com
Milton Moore Cherri Mosey
2006
$8.7M $8.2M
15
Information technology and managed service solutions Cisco Advanced Collaboration Architecture provider with expertise in cybersecurity, collaboration, Certified; ITIL; Project Management network infrastructure and cloud technologies. Professional, PMP; four-time Inc. 5000 awardee; Michigan Celebrates Small Business 50-to-Watch
4
Applied Imaging: NetSmart Plus 5555 Glenwood Hills Pkwy. SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 554-5200 netsmartplus.com
John Lowery
2014
$7.25M $5.44M
45
Help desk, infrastructure management: business continuity, data security services, professional services, virtual CIO, public and private cloud; infrastructure, end user hardware, data center, networking, backup and disaster recovery; collaboration: telephony
5
Hungerford Technologies 2910 Lucerne Drive SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 949-4020 f 949-3016 hungerford.tech
Matt Clarin
1999
$5.67M $5.21M
29
IT advisory and support services, Cisco Webex, web Microsoft MSCE, Cisco CCNA development, VoIP phone systems, web development, cloud backup and recovery, cloud-based productivity suites, encrypted email, cyber security assessments and more
6
InsITe Business Solutions Inc. 8436 Homestead Drive, Suite 100 Zeeland 49464 p (616) 383-9000 trustedinsite.com
Michael Schipper
2012
$5.5M $4.5M
28
Technology managed services, technology strategy, custom application development, data analytics, manufacturing automation, managed security, cloud strategy and support, workplace productivity
7
Fusion IT / MillenniaTechnologies LLC 4120 Brockton Drive SE, Suite 150 Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 828-5360 f 825-6284 fusion-it.net
Michael Waldschlager Curtis Irwin Kenneth Nelson Spencer Vereecken
2007
$5.4M $4.55M
33
Managed (MSSP) IT/VOIP cybersecurity service Certified Silver Server Microsoft, Gold Mitel provider, IT consulting, integrated UCaaS/VOIP/call & Ring Central, Cyber CMMC RPO, Gold center phone systems, Cyber CMMC compliance, Watchguard Firewall Partner and other systems and WAN/LAN network architects and private cybersecurity product solutions; professional cloud business continuity engineers holding certifications CISM, MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CCNA, WCSP, RGCI and many others
Sean Agerson
2005
$4.95M $3.9M
35
Managed services, professional services (project management and implementation services), security services
VMware Partner, Lenovo Partner, HP Partner, Microsoft Partner, Veeam Partner, Dell Partner, SentinelOne Partner, Google Partner, 3CX Partner, Cisco Partner
Kevin Damghani
2017
$4M $2.84M
18
Managed IT services, backup and disaster recovery, enterprise patch, management and ticketing, SaaS backup, managed networking, security and awareness training
4x Channel Futures 501, 4x CRN MSP 500, 4x West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, 3x INC 5000 fastest growing companies in the US
J.R. Muller
1981
$3.5M $2.75M
1
Managed IT, websites, virtual CIO
Alignable.com businessman of the year 2020 and 2021 - Byron Center
Mark Schmidt Brian McKeiver
2001
$3.49M $2.7M
29
Specialize in custom web development, online applications, design, and branding for enterprise clients. Utilize a variety of technologies to solve complex integrations and design needs. Software as a Service (SaaS) products, including YouthCenter, CaseStream, and Toolkit for Kentico
4 Kentico Xperience Sites of the Year awards, 14 Kentico Xperience Sites of the Month awards, West Michigan’s Best & Brightest Companies in Wellness, National Best & Brightest Companies in Wellness and more
8
SJA Solutions 550 3 Mile Road Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 451-2045 f 451-2848 sja-solutions.com
9
ITPartners+ 2851 Charlevoix Drive SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 828-1010 itpartners.com
10 West Michgain Technology and
Design Solutions 8232 Morning Dew Court Byron Center 49315 p 616-485-7600 westmichiganIT.com
11
BizStream 11480 53rd Ave., Suite A Allendale 49401 p (720) 412-3223 bizstream.com
12
Arbor Solutions Inc. 1345 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 451-2500 f 451-2571 arbsol.com
13
Microsoft Gold Partner - Cloud Productivity and Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions, Microsoft Silver Partner - Midmarket Solution Provider and Silver Datacenter, Datto Blue Partner and more
Best and Brightest Company to Work for 2016-2020, Best and Brightest Company in the Nation 2018-2020, Cisco Select Partner, Corp Magazine Economic Bright Spot 2018-2019, Microsoft Gold Cloud Partner and more
Russell Afton
1991
$3.16M $2.74M
10
CIO consulting, IBM power servers and SANs, IBM IBM Power Systems & Storage, Fortinet, hardware/software products, Fortinet and networking VMware, VEEAM, Cybernetics VTL, products, software engineering services/ programming, business intelligence services
Real IT Solutions Inc. 866 3 Mile Road NW Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 209-8900 realitsolutions.com
Matt Kahle Adam Peterson
1996
$1.54M $1.2M
10
RealCare managed service, managed backup and disaster recovery, VOIP, managed IT security, consulting and projects
14 Michigan Small Business
J.D. Collins
1984
$0 $0
30
Small business IT consulting including cybersecurity, DND cybersecurity training, cybersecurity education, technology commercialization and other small business needs
John Yenchar
2005
DND DND
DND
IT strategy and support services, managed/hybrid IT, Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA private cloud, consulting, project management, network design/implementation/security/ management, wired/wireless networking, phone/ printing services/support, backup and disaster recovery, e-mail systems/security/spam and virus filtering
Gary Lutz Leo Reap Rob Shippy
2000
DND DND
DND
Business continuity, collaboration and messaging, UCaaS, intuitive managed support, Microsoft 365 and Azure Cloud adoption services, network infrastructure, risk management, strategic consulting, managed security and compliance services, vCIO consulting
Development Center 50 Front Ave. SW, Suite 1020 Grand Rapids 49504 p (833) 522-0025 smallbusinessbigthreat.com
expertIT Inc. 1676 Viewpond Drive SE, Suite 7B Grand Rapids 49508 p (616) 485-1300 f 259-9146 expertIT.us.com IT Resource LLC 701 W. Randall St. Coopersville 49404 p (616) 837-6930 f 837-6936 itrw.net
Rehmann has appointed Stephen Blann as its chief operating officer. He will assume his new position on January 1, 2023, replacing Stacie Kwaiser, who will become the company’s next CEO.
New hires
BizStream hired Rexton Rainey, creative lead; John Kidd, web developer; Thanh Nguyen, web developer; Josh Gallentine; web developer and support desk specialist; and Sean Lakies, web developer.
Best companies
BizStream, InsITe Business Solutions, ITPartners+ and Rehmann were named some of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources.
Senior vice president
IT Resource hired Rob Shippy as senior vice president.
A+, Network+, Security+, Linux, Novell, Microsoft, PMP
Arctic Wolf Managed Service Provider, Cisco Premier Certified Partner, Datto Blue Partner, Dell EMC Partner, GoToConnect Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner & Cloud Solution Provider, Nutanix Partner, Sophos Gold Partner and more
The Grand Rapids Business Journal's list of top area IT services and networking companies, ranked by 2021 West Michigan revenue, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. The Business Journal surveyed 49 companies; 17 returned surveys and 16 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = did not disclose
ListStore
@ GRBJ.com
Download this list now at GRBJ.com in Excel or PDF format. The Book of Lists and other lists are also available.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
YOUR PASSION YOUR PURPOSE We are the momentum behind what’s possible. We focus on the business of business — allowing you to focus on what makes you extraordinary. Contact a Rehmann Advisor today and put our experience to work for you. Visit rehmann.com or call 866.799.9580.
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9
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
We are proud to be one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For ®. Congratulations to all of the Best and Brightest winners. We are honored to partner with you in making West Michigan a positive place to live and work.
Christian Heumpfner, left, and Taylor Preston operate LABR in four states and hope to take the company national by the end of 2024. Courtesy LABR Technologies
Local tech company creates app to boost gig economy 800.344.3531 | www.lighthousegroup.com 11892 GRBJ July 2022 5.922x6.385 Best and Brightest ad FINAL.pdf
1
6/22/22
LABR connects unskilled workers to employers with immediate needs.
3:00 PM
Kayleigh Fongers
We’re proud to be one of the 2022 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. ®*
Lake Michigan Credit Union is consistently recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan and across the country. Our determination, exceptional leadership, and innovation makes LMCU a place where employees thrive. We’re growing and looking for professionals to join our team. Visit LMCU.org/Careers to learn more and apply.
*June 2022.
kfongers@grbj.com
As technology continues to revolutionize the workplace, a new app from a Grand Rapids-based tech startup has started to transform the way in which workers and employers connect. LABR Technologies earlier this year launched its mobile and desktop app of the same name to meet a need within the gig economy. Designed for both workers and employers, LABR makes it convenient for individuals — such as college students — looking for flexible gig work to connect with businesses in need of extra hands for unskilled labor. The app gives space for employers to post jobs in various industries, including landscaping, construction, restaurants, moving and distribution. LABR workers can use the app to select jobs within their schedule and get paid within 72 hours of completing the work. For co-founders and Grand Rapids natives Taylor Preston and Christian Huempfner, LABR was born out of necessity based on personal experience. During high school, Huempfner started a landscaping business and enlisted Preston and some other friends to work for him. They stuck around through college, but then came graduation. “When we graduated from college, we all got real jobs and he didn’t have any more workers,” Preston said. Huempfner was able to pro-
ceed with his business though he continued to seek out additional help. In 2014, inspiration struck when he realized most of his labor needs involved simple, unskilled tasks — something a gig economy platform could help fulfill. Huempfner contacted Preston and the two began to brainstorm how to implement the technology. Preston, who ended up working for a company in California and overseeing a logistics department in the process of developing an app, realized the software aspect could be outsourced so the two of them could focus on the business. The pair found a partner in Podsix, a website designer in Grand Rapids, in 2020. After Podsix worked to develop the LABR software, the pilot launched in June 2021. Preston said the app helped 19 business clients and 50 workers during the summer, which was more than expected. LABR officially launched in January 2022 and continues to provide a solution for staffing shortages and flexible work. For workers, most LABR jobs require 10 minutes of training or less. LABR starts all new workers at $15 an hour and the company’s partnership with Gig Wage enables payment. In addition, LABR implements a video screening and onboarding process to ensure workers understand the expectations of what the employers need. The company also takes care of billing and invoicing for the employers. While most LABR workers have been college and trade school students, Preston said the recent trends with gas prices have led drivers within the transportation industry to seek out additional compensation through LABR jobs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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12
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
Jose builds a beautiful life Business development director for Michigan Women Forward has blazed her own path since coming to the U.S. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
S
ince moving to West Michigan 30 years ago, Ana Jose has been driven by a strong desire to lift up herself, her family and everyone around her — and her work is coming to fruition. Jose, who is Afro Latina, was born in the Dominican Republic, where she was raised by her mother and grandmother until she and her middle brother, Junior, followed her father to the U.S. when she was 17. She said her early years were marked by want — with limited access to food, electricity, schooling and nurturing — but her godfather encouraged her to pursue an education as much as she could. “My godfather always told me, ‘Ana, the only thing that’s going to give you what you need or want out of life is going to school, preparing yourself, being honest and trying to help people.’ So even at night, when we didn’t have light, I used to have a little piece of candle, and I used to read my books, because I really wanted to go to school. I wanted to do something with my life, and that’s what kept me going,” she said. “...It was difficult, but at the same time, I feel that I’m to the point in my life that I would not change my childhood for anything, because I learned the value of caring for my family, caring for the people who are around me. And I think that’s what developed that sense of not giving up on other people. … To me, it’s so important not to give up. If there’s a way of me making something work, that’s what I want to do, because I know the importance of having someone who believes in you and who wants to help you get to that next level.” After her dad obtained U.S. residency papers for Jose and her brother, they moved to the Bronx, New York, to live with their father and stepmother for a time. Although she had already graduated high school in the Dominican Republic, she continued attending school in the Bronx because she still was only 17. The
living situation with her parents wasn’t ideal, so after about a yearand-a-half — during which time she was earning $300 a month for getting good grades in school and working a part-time job at the Bronx Zoo — she was able to buy a one-bedroom apartment for her and her brother, while sending some of the money she made back home to her mother. Jose soon grew tired of living in New York and followed her aunt to Grand Rapids in the early ’90s. “As soon as I came, I fell in love with the city. It was quiet, as if I was back home, and I was like, ‘You know what? This is an amazing place. There are no tall buildings, you can sit outside, and nobody is bothering you, and you’re not bothering anybody.’ I wanted to stay here and make a life for myself,” she said. Her first job in Grand Rapids was as a team leader at McDonald’s, then she landed a position as a bank teller at Old Kent Bank (now Fifth Third), where she worked her way up to the role of bilingual mortgage loan officer. After she had been in the U.S. for five years and obtained citizenship, she petitioned to bring her mother to Grand Rapids and was able to do so. Her middle brother also moved here about 15 to 20 years ago from New York, then she was able to bring her older brother here from the Dominican Republic about eight years ago. She met her now-husband, Eduard, through her older brother when he was still in the DR. She said she was instantly taken with him after he invited her to his home and cooked a nice meal for her — something she hadn’t experienced in her first marriage. They wed 16 years ago and have a blended family of which Jose said she is “super proud.” Jose said she always has had an entrepreneurial bent, dating back to her school days, when she and her friends would stage events to earn money, and she would lend people funds from the money she made. “It was instilled in me. Even my mom, although she didn't have a high level of education, she was always figuring out a way of supporting her kids and
ANA JOSE Organization: Michigan Women Forward Position: Director of business development Birthplace: Ingenio Consuelo, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic Residence: Kentwood Family: Mom, Marina Mills; dad, Antonio Jose; husband, Eduard R. Marmol Espinal; five children: Elizabeth, 27; Teddy, 25; Bryan, 23; Alondra, 21; and Jaden, 11 Community/business involvement: Real estate owner/landlord, secretary of the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, treasurer of the Latina Network of West Michigan, chair of Community Collaboration on Climate Change (C4), advisory group member of The Equitable, Healthy Zero Carbon Building Initiative (E.H.Zero) Biggest career break: “My biggest career break has been to be given an opportunity to work with an organization like MWF that really focuses on creating a network of like-minded women who believe in empowering, supporting and celebrating Michigan women.”
INSIDE TRACK
Ana Jose plans to help 200 to 250 entrepreneurs in the next two years as part of her role at Michigan Women Forward. Courtesy Ana Jose
her family. She used to buy a set of sheets and then raffle it in the neighborhood, so that way she could have money, and she used to wash people’s clothing, and I used to remind her, ‘Mom, you have to wash this person’s clothes and this person’s,’ and keep track of it and help her out that way. And sometimes, I used to go with her and help her, too. So, I was always thinking how I could make things work,” Jose said. “When I was in high school in New York, one of my (teachers) there was like, ‘Ana, business comes to you so easily that you definitely need to have a career in business.’” Jose earned general education credits at Grand Rapids Community College before obtaining B.S. and M.B.A. degrees in business from Cornerstone University in 2011 and 2015. Alongside her interest in entrepreneurship, Jose also has a thirst for real estate investment and in the 2000s started buying up investment properties across Grand Rapids that she fixed up and rented out. With her passion for helping others in the community to obtain generational wealth, it also made sense to her to say ‘Yes’ when a friend asked if she would be interested in helping to start a mortgage company. She said at the time, she was the first Afro Latina in Michigan to obtain a license to open a mortgage brokerage, and she served as its president until the housing bubble burst in 2008 and she had to close it down. At that time, she owned 58 properties in greater Grand Rapids, and she lost many of those properties to foreclosure, setting her back by about $1.7 million.
True to her philosophy of not giving up, Jose bounced back from her losses. She since has built back her real estate portfolio to around 20 properties, which she renovates and rents out with the help of her husband. She got a job as a career development specialist at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center in Grand Rapids in 2008 and worked there until 2013. She then held recruiting roles at Arbor Circle and Bethany Christian Services until 2018. Then, she heard about the opening for a program manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she built the Transformando West Michigan program on which the Business Journal has reported many times. Transformando helps small, Latinx-owned businesses in the Grand Rapids area. Jose said she felt teaching entrepreneurs — many of whom are first-generation Americans — how to grow their businesses was her biggest accomplishment at the chamber, and she carries the connections, friendships and social capital she made there with her into the present. Last fall, Jose’s friend Raquel (Salas) Guzman, founding partner and managing member of Avanti Law Group, tipped her off about a job opening at Michigan Women Forward’s Grand Rapids office, and she went for it. During the interview process, Jose said she “fell in love” with MWF, its president and CEO, Carolyn Cassin, and its chief lending officer, Alexis Dishman. She was hired as director of business development in November, a role that was created to help expand MWF’s mission of loan growth and coaching of entrepreneurs in West Michigan. Jose said
she is “super excited” about the work she has been able to do so far — MWF has closed 58 loans so far this year — especially as pertains to creating a more inclusive economy with the full participation of women and minorities. She said MWF: • Builds women up and celebrates their contributions to their community and to Michigan. • Targets small businesses needing capital to spark initial business moves or drive new strategic change in their business. • Provides businesses with the capital they need to grow and prepares them to secure funding from more traditional sources of capital. • Creates a dedicated source of capital for entrepreneurs who cannot obtain access to traditional funding, while providing resources to entrepreneurs to be successful in business. Her goal for the next two years is for MWF to impact between 200 and 250 entrepreneurs. But Jose said her fondest wish is for people to stay true to themselves and look around to see who they can help. “I want people to continue to be kind to one another, not to see each other as a competition, but to (say), ‘How can I lift you up so that way you can keep growing and moving forward?’ I want people to know that business is important, but collective work is just as important. I want people to really understand the value of understanding your business and surrounding yourself with people that are going to go ahead and help you move forward in your career.”
More
than dental. Delta Dental is more than a great dental benefits company. We’re excited to now offer vision benefits, exclusive to Delta Dental groups, in 2022. In addition to providing great benefit plans, we’re committed to Michigan communities—our purpose is to build healthy, smart, vibrant communities for all. We engage communities in inclusive economic growth, and support initiatives that attract and retain talent and grow local businesses. Thank you for your partnership in making our cities and neighborhoods better places to live.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
Economist: Drop in business confidence as leaders worry about recession Flat purchasing rates, continued supply chain issues, inflation cause growing pessimism. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
For the first time in eight years, respondents to a monthly supply chain survey reacted negatively to long-term business outlooks. Flat purchasing rates, continued supply chain issues and inflation have caused business leaders to be
pessimistic about the future, according to Brian G. Long, director of supply management research in GVSU’s Seidman College of Business. Long said for the first time in eight years, survey respondents reacted negatively to long-term business outlooks in The Institute for Supply Management monthly survey of business conditions, which includes 45 purchasing managers in the Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. “We had a dramatic drop in the month of May as people in our survey indicated they are no longer as positive about the economy as they
were,” Long said. “We are concerned if this trend continues, it will mean hiring less people, buying less equipment and seeking fewer orders if they expect a recession is coming.” Overall, most survey respondents still reported modestly positive sales, but higher prices, rapidly rising transportation costs and logistics bottlenecks cut into profits for many firms. Most plans for expansion now are being put on hold, Long said, and many businesses continue to wrestle with personnel shortages. Highlights from Long’s report are as follows:
• New orders in May dropped to +14, from the April index of +29. • Production fell to +7, from the April index of +23. • Employment in May was +12; the April index was +14. • The purchases index was flat in May, compared to +20 in April. Survey respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. The West Michigan survey is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
PROMOTIONAL CONTENT
BUSINESS SHOWCASE Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER CONFERENCE PUTS LEADERS AT THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS, COMMUNITY, AND GOVERNMENT
W
WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR Grand Rapids to become the best mid-sized city in the country? The Grand Rapids Chamber believes it starts with business leaders and stakeholders getting more involved on a local level to tackle big issues like public safety, level housing, transformational projects, and more. housing, The The Grand Rapids Policy Conference, which will be held on August 16, 2022, is a first step toward that goal. While traditionally the Chamber’s work has been heavily centered on state policy, increasingly they’re focusing more on the importance of local government advocacy— and how much of an impact decisions made here at home can have on Chamber members as well as West Michigan as a whole. Andy Johnston, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President and Program Manager for the event, is optimistic—and enthusiastic—about what can be achieved through conversation, collaboration, and mobilization. “When we talk about becoming the best midsized city in the country, we don’t necessarily want to be the next Austin, Indianapolis, or Raleigh; we want to be the next, better version of Grand Rapids,” says Johnston. “We really think that Grand Rapids is unique and we have a distinct value proposition. At the conference, we want to discuss what that is and the issues we need to take on as a community to realize that vision.” If you’re a business leader frustrated by housing challenges in the region, concerned about public safety, interested in how American Rescue Plan Act dollars can be spent, or adversely affected by policy decisions, the Grand Rapids Policy Conference is for you. In addition to being a meaningful way to take on key local issues, it’s also a chance to network with other area leaders and create connections with members of the local government. This conference will provide a platform to hear from experts on the challenges and opportunities West Michigan currently or will soon face, and where the business community can take action to move the region forward. “I used to work in the legislature in Lansing and I can tell you the most effective advocates are those people who are in the trenches every day running up against policy decisions or problems and then communicating those to their legislators,” says Johnston. “We want to use this conference to talk with local
elected policy makers and stakeholders about the issues we’re hearing from our business community to see if we can address them and create a West Michigan that works for everyone.” Among the speakers will be Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Police Chief Eric Winstrom, City Manager Mark Washington, and a number of other prominent area experts. The event will be a mix of presentations, table discussions, and audience Q&As, as well as ad hoc opportunities to tap into a wide range of attendee insights. There will also be a post-event reception with new area CEOs, including Kara Wood, Executive Director of Grand Action and Rich Sorota, CEO of Miller Johnson. “Our community works best when the private and public sectors are communicating with one another,” says Johnston. “We need to talk about what will create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster vibrant business environments. While West Michigan is clearly a bright spot in the state, we can’t
rest on our laurels; we need to continue that momentum and face difficult issues—and this event is the opportunity to do that.” The Grand Rapids Policy Conference takes place at the JW Marriott on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Visit grandrapids.org to learn more and register.
Phone: (616) 771-0300 Email: info@grandrapids.org Address: 250 Monroe Ave NW, Ste. 150 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Davenport offers flexible class plans Students can choose from four options that best fit their schedule. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
Davenport University is offering a new learning format for students. The university began offering its Flex option to students this past year, which allows students the flexibility of choosing each week how they’d like to attend classes, which includes in-person, on-demand or livestream. The Flex option was originally launched as a pilot program in 2018 with 23 students. Now it is part of Davenport’s Online+, which has four formats that include on-demand, livestream, flex and blended options. “We are repackaging all of our services under the new name — and the newest offering in that mix is Flex,” said Amy Miller, executive director for communication and public relations. “Flex enables students to choose each week how they want to attend, whether they want to attend class in-person, on-demand, or through livestream.” The new option comes as the university is seeing a surge in interest in virtual classes since the pandemic. Miller said Davenport has seen a 200% increase in the number of students enrolled in livestream courses in the past year. “Nearly 98% of our students are taking at least one course online as part of their course workload,” she said. The livestream option, which was formerly known as Real-Time Virtual learning classes, gives students the opportunity to stream classes at scheduled times by using synchronous online technology and also features the use of the Blackboard Collaborate software application for their delivery. Students who enroll in on-demand courses, also known as online or asynchronous courses, can take their classes anytime, anywhere, but there may be occasional face-to-face meetings required. The blended format is designed for seven-week courses that offer a combination of in-person learning and on-demand coursework. In-person learning covers about 60% of class time and the remaining 40% of course time and work is completed in an asynchronous online environment. “We are building off our 20-year history of experience offering flexibility in how students access their advanced education and with growing demand,” Miller said. “We think with these new enhancements we will have something to fit the needs of all learners.”
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JULY 11, 2022
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
COMMENT & OPINION
GUEST COLUMN Rodger Price
Talent wins the war and leaders win the talent
P
ower dynamics have shifted in the business world over the past 30 years. It was shifting slowly until 2020, and then the pandemic created a massive acceleration. As a result, attracting, landing and keeping talent is now the great challenge and fundamental game for any successful organization. The beginnings of this shift were described in 2005 in Thomas Friedman’s book, “The World is Flat.” It had been creeping up on us through the addition of organizations that were using digital technology to bring new value to the world. As such, many talented young people no longer needed to pay their dues at the feet of older and wiser leaders. Many just went out and created value in the flat new world that was easier for them as they had more comfort understanding and leveraging digital technology, a native language for so many of them. Then, in the pandemic, when so many of us were forced into learning how to effectively get work done offsite and discovered it can be a nice option to work from home, many decided to resign from traditional jobs. Now, through what has been called “The Great Resignation,” there doesn’t seem to be enough workers to go around. Another reason for this shift in the United States is because we have a natural shortage of younger people due to fewer babies. The downsizing of families over the past 50 years means we have fewer people just starting in the workforce than those who are retiring. The amount of people retiring, starting their own thing, and
deciding they’d rather not work is collectively much greater than those coming into the workforce. And, of course, our government hasn’t had the will or wisdom needed to figure out how to leverage immigration in a productive way. We need new people to come to our country and, of course, we need a healthy and safe process for how that can happen. I’m still hoping our elected officials can come together on our behalf and, after dozens of years of talking about it, effectively solve this big issue. This imbalance of supply and demand of talent has shifted the power in organizations, and in many ways this is a good and worthy change. In the old days, so many strong managers that were poor leaders could get away with treating people poorly because they had so much power, especially over younger workers. Now, for talented people to be attracted to an organization — and stay attracted — managers also need to lead well. We define leading as being a person worth following; creating clarity around mission, vision and values; and building great teams. Years ago, you didn’t need to be a good leader to keep good people. But now talented people have the power to expect, and even demand, that their leaders actually lead, not just manage. Because of all these dynamics, talented and committed workers in the marketplace today have much more opportunity than ever before. They are harder to attract and harder to keep. It’s not unlike the recruiting dynamics seen in the world of college athletics. Great collegiate programs have always
had to work really hard to attract the best athletes and now, with the transfer portal and more options for turning pro, they have to work really hard just to keep them. So, as a leader, you need to ask yourself, “Am I winning this talent war?” Maybe you think it will go away soon, but trust me, this big challenge is going to be around for a long time. So how will you do better than your competition
in attracting and keeping great talent? The simple and sustainable answer is to lead better that your competition. To quote John Maxwell, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” This truth is more apparent in 2022 than ever before. Talented people can choose many options for work these days and those who are willing to work CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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GUEST COLUMN Wende Randall
Expanding EITC supports state’s residents and businesses
T
he Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a proven method that benefits low- and moderate-income households in retaining more of their hard-earned wages, keeps workers in their jobs and boosts local economies. There is no better time than now to expand this tax credit in Michigan. We frequently hear about tensions in Michigan’s economy: businesses struggling to find workers, and working adults often struggle to meet the needs of their household on existing wages. How do we support both working families and Michigan businesses when priorities become politicized and collaborative solutions seem impossible? As Hanna Schulze, president of People First Economy, put it, “Our small businesses, even the ones with every intention to do right by their people, are struggling to stabilize their workforce. This creates barriers to growth and financial expansion, and this cycle has been an incredible burden on the Michigan workforce. The earned income tax credit is one step in the right direction to provide stability to Michigan families and in doing so, will help the small business community operate effec-
tively and assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s economy.” The EITC helps businesses and working families because you can only receive the credit if you are working — it incentivizes work. Twenty-five percent of households in Kent County are considered “working poor,” meaning adults are employed but not earning enough to make ends meet (2019 ALICE Report on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households) and another 10% of households live in poverty. We know anecdotally these numbers have only increased during the pandemic. Increasing the EITC will immediately and significantly help these families. Policies that move families to greater income security aligns directly with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI New Economy proposal to invest $722 million to grow the middle class, in part by expanding skilled training programs to help fill the skills gaps, get people into better-paying jobs, increase the labor participation rates and keep people in Michigan with higher credentials and degrees. Estimates are that these investments would help reduce the number of
ALICE households by 10%. Michigan has a roller-coaster relationship with accessing the EITC. In 2010, Michigan’s existing EITC threshold of 20% was cut by a staggering 70%, immediately impacting working families. Currently, Michigan allows residents to file for a 6% match of the allowable federal EITC. In the 2020 tax season, over 650,000 Michigan families benefitted from the EITC, resulting in an average of $136 per household. If the Michigan legislature moves to adopt the proposed gradual expansion to 30%, more than 13% of low- to moderate-income households could see their tax credit increase to an estimated $679 per household. This type of retention of hard-earned pay can make a significant difference in covering recurring as well as unexpected costs for Michiganders. Cameron Williams, an adult
student at West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) who is training for a new living wage career as a pharmacy technician, shared this reflection as a demonstration of the importance of expanding Michigan’s EITC: “I am a father of two who found myself working two jobs CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
CORRECTIONS: In a June 27 Guest Column, “Sickle cell patients need action to promote cures,” the name of author Vanessa Greene, CEO of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, was misspelled. Due to a production error, the June 27, 2022, list of “Top Area IT Services and Networking Companies” inadvertently showed information from June 13 regarding intellectual property law firms. The correct IT Services list appears on page 8 today.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
17
GUEST COLUMN Ted Bolema and Jarrett Skorup
Holland can get better internet without taxpayer risk
I
n August, Holland voters will decide whether to approve a new tax increase that would support the city’s building of a government-owned internet network. The city council also is planning to divert millions of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act to the network, which are supposed to be used for COVID-19 recovery. The new tax increase and increased government involvement would be a mistake that has led to financial boondoggles in many other cities. There are plenty of examples of cities that have faced financial burdens after government-owned internet systems fell short of their rosy initial projections. Cheerleaders for city-run internet systems almost always point to the cities that provided the largest subsidies for their internet systems. For example, the most prominent cityrun system, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, received well over $100 million in subsidies and still is only barely financially viable. And Chattanooga is the rare system that is viable. A study from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed all municipal broadband systems with public financial data from 2010-2019 and found that none were financially viable without government subsidies. And even with the government stepping in, few were likely to be solvent over the long-term. It’s un-
likely this project in Holland will be any different, meaning taxpayers are creating another municipal financial burden with little hope for long-term gain. That the proposed Holland millage would be authorized for up to 25 years also is troubling. Internet technology today is far different from 1997 technology. It is nearly certain that today’s technology will be outdated long before 2047. When that happens, Holland residents will be locked into paying for a network offering far worse performance than the private-sector alternatives of the near future. Sports teams often end up regretting the long-term contracts they offer to superstar players, but at least their contracts are not for 25 years. This government-owned wired network is being proposed at a time when many people already are cutting the cord on their wireline internet plan because they can get everything they want from their cell phone service. This trend will continue as wireless service continues to advance and overtake the kind of wired network Holland now proposes to build at taxpayer expense. In rural areas with no internet providers, it’s easier to predict how many people will sign up for service. But Holland already is served by at least a dozen private-sector internet providers.
Many of them serve only part of the area, but some cover nearly the entire market. Internet providers grow by expanding into new areas, so they have the incentive to keep expanding into areas that are less well served. So, if Holland wants better high-speed internet without a high risk to taxpayers, what should it be considering instead? A recent report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy offers some ideas. 1. Clear away needless local regulations and lower barriers for additional private investment. The first thing for municipalities to do is look at what regulations they have in place right now. Simply making it easier for internet providers to build out their networks goes a long way. 2. Foster competition among pri-
vate providers. Even if there’s only one provider covering most of the city, the provider still will be responsive to competition from other companies — as long as the municipality makes it easy for competitors to enter the market. 3. Resist one-size-fits-all technological solutions. A key problem with the city of Holland’s plan is that the city is relying on one solution (laying wire) to solve what it sees as the key problem (giving everyone high-speed internet). But there are other ways to access high-speed internet than just running wires to homes, and many are cheaper and more efficient. An increasing number of people already are turning down wireline broadband, but Holland wants to go all in on one type of technology.
4. Use targeted subsidies rather than building a whole new network. The internet is important. Food is more important. But to provide food to people who need it and can’t get it, the government doesn’t build its own grocery stores — it uses food stamps. There already are federal voucher programs for low-income residents to get high-speed internet. It would be more efficient for Holland to set up an individual voucher program to encourage private service. Holland voters will be asked in August to subsidize an internet network that, at best, will improve service for a relatively short time for a relatively small number CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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GUEST COLUMN Michael Toth
Why you should start succession planning now
L
ast year was busy for high-profile founder and CEO exits. Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Kenneth Frazier of Merck stepped aside from their roles. Both have worked toward a transition to executive chairman for at least several years, illustrating how succession planning can secure the future of a business while freeing up the owner or CEO to explore other opportunities or interests. “Succession planning is about knowing when the time is right to let someone else manage your business,” said James Jack, head of the UBS Business Owner Client Segment. Developing a CEO exit strategy, including choosing and preparing a successor, could take many years. A lack of planning can be costly for the business as well as the owner, who may be forced to sell in a hurry at a low price. A lack of planning also may increase the likelihood of costly disputes among family members, which might explain why 70% of family-owned businesses do not survive even one generation after the founder moves on. Amazon’s succession plan was discussed on an annual basis, according to Brian Olsavsky, the company’s finance chief. Bezos transitioned to the role of executive chairman, where he’ll focus on new products and initiatives, such as his privately-funded space
flight company Blue Origin. Andy Jassy, the current chief executive of Amazon’s cloud computing division, will take his place as CEO. At Merck, Frazier, who is one of only four Black CEOs running a Fortune 500 company and oversaw the pharmaceutical company as it developed cancer immunotherapy treatments, was succeeded by Robert M. Davis, the executive vice president, global services and chief financial officer. Frazier stayed on as executive chairman for an undetermined transition period but plans to focus on public service in the future. “Succession planning is about knowing when the time is right to let someone else manage your business,” said Jack of UBS. “Some people want to get completely out, and others still want to be a part of the business that they’re so proud to have built. Having a good management team in place allows owners to be ready for new opportunities or help mitigate risk from unforeseen challenges.” Here are four ways entrepreneurs can benefit from succession planning: In the event of a sale, the amount raised can have a major impact on CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
GUEST COLUMN David Van Andel
Van Andel Institute: Crafting a new vision for science education
D
espite all the advancements in technology and all the exciting discoveries happening in science, I’m amazed that science instruction in schools across the country still looks much like it did when I went to school. Sure, the blackboard might have been replaced with a digital screen, and there’s certainly more computing power in each person’s hand than there was in my entire school. But pedagogically, science instruction hasn’t changed much. And sadly, it bears little resemblance to how science happens every day. But VAI is working to change that. Van Andel Institute for Education is transforming science instruction across the country. Working with more than 8,000 educators, we’re helping schools make inquiry-based learning a reality. Why? Because it’s time our schools function less as factories that churn out pupils laden with content knowledge and more as innovation zones that develop the next generation of problem solvers. We envision schools that are beacons of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking — the very skills everyone needs to be successful, including scientists. I come to work every day at a world-class biomedical research facility. And I’m struck by how starkly different science looks in our labs than it does in schools. First, science in school is predominantly book-based. Students read about science. If they are lucky enough to go into a lab, it’s usually to confirm what they already read about. This couldn’t be more different from how our scientists
If we give students the wires, lightbulb and battery first, and ask them to try and light the bulb, we’ve instantly activated a sense of inquiry and engaged the students with a challenge. After exploring different configurations, some students will have been successful and others will not. But all of them now have a reason to read about circuits.” practice science. Our researchers are not conducting experiments to simply prove what they already read in a book or journal. They are seeking answers to questions that don’t have answers yet. Their work is entirely guided by inquiry — one question after the next, guiding them to new discoveries. In the same way, our educators help teachers create inquiry-based lessons. For example, consider a typical lesson on electrical circuits. A teacher might have students read about how electricity flows in circuits. Then the teacher might give students some wires, a light bulb, and a battery, and instruct them to use what they learned to light the bulb. With this lesson, there’s a simple change that can
Van Andel Institute is working toward quality science education for all through many activities and events such as “Slow Your Roll.” Courtesy iStock
make the experience, not only more akin to how science is actually done, but also more memorable, meaningful, and fun. If we give students the wires, lightbulb and battery first, and ask them to try and light the bulb, we’ve instantly activated a sense of inquiry and engaged the students with a challenge. After exploring different configurations, some students will have been successful and others will not. But all of them now have a reason to read about circuits. By simply switching the order of instruction in this lesson, we have increased both the engagement and the sense of purpose, making the learning much more relevant and lasting. Another characteristic of science instruction in schools is that it often is teacher-directed, and students are expected to produce
a uniform response to the teacher’s direction. But in our labs, each scientist must be able to craft his or her own investigation plans. They certainly aren’t waiting on me to direct their efforts. And very often each scientist focuses on a different aspect of an inquiry, combining data from different sources, constructing meaning together. VAI’s educators work to make student-directed, open-ended learning a reality in thousands of schools. For example, one of my favorite activities to watch our students do is the “Slow Your Roll” challenge. We give students a board, propped up at an angle, and a marble. Their challenge is to use various classroom materials to try and slow the marble’s roll from the top of the board to the bottom. It’s a fairly simple engineering challenge, with basic criteria and con-
straints, but it’s a clever, age-appropriate way to mimic the same thinking processes our scientists utilize every day. Students are not given instructions, so they must collaborate and figure out what materials will work best for the challenge. And no two students will construct the marble run in the same way. Much like our scientists, they use trial and error to learn; they replicate their investigation for efficacy; they collaborate with one another to improve the outcome. To realize just how powerful a simple activity like Slow Your Roll is, consider the process a scientist went through to develop time-release drugs. The scientist needed to slow the release of the drug, and they created obstacles in the path of the drug to accomplish that. VAI students are working through the very same thought process with Slow Your Roll, as young as kindergarten! VAI’s educators always are surprising me with more instructional tricks up their sleeves, and I’m thrilled to see them impacting more and more schools across the country. At VAI, we’ve never aspired to be the biggest institute, but we are undaunted when it comes to taking on the world’s biggest challenges — whether that be curing Parkinson’s disease, abolishing metabolic disorders, or making inquiry-based instruction the norm in schools across the country. David Van Andel is chairman and CEO of Van Andel Institute.
COVERAGE THAT FITS YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR BUDGET
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Why you should start succession planning now CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
a number of entrepreneurs’ goals, including retirement plans, taxation, compensation levels, insurance, shareholder agreements and corporate finance strategies. But an entrepreneur leaving a business to family members also wants to ensure it has the maximum value and long-term potential. SECURE HARMONY AMONG THE NEXT GENERATION Disagreements over the running of a business or the distribution of assets can cause breakdowns in family relations.
Succession planning can help to overcome these problems by, for example, defining how businesses pass between generations. BE READY TO SEIZE NEW OPPORTUNITIES There are examples of high-profile serial entrepreneurs who continually look for the next business opportunity. A good succession plan can help this type of entrepreneur to embark on a new venture or move into philanthropy at short notice. PRESERVE YOUR LEGACY A well-considered and rigorous
succession plan can be the best way to ensure that your staff are treated well after your exit and that your ethical values — including environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks — remain core to the running of the business and its financial performance. As demonstrated by Bezos and Frazier, early and thorough succession planning can set you and your business up for success even after you part ways. Michael Toth is a senior vice president with UBS Wealth Management USA and a Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisor 2022.
Expanding EITC supports state’s residents and businesses CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
and going to school full time to become a pharmacy technician. I did all of this to provide a more financially stable future for my family, but it was hard to keep it all together with a limited income. I am grateful to WMCAT for providing emergency assistance so I could afford an eye exam and new glasses, which were essential for my training as a pharm tech. If the EITC had been at the proposed 30%, I likely would not have needed that emergency assistance. An expanded EITC will help my family a lot as I work hard to train for a new career with the goal of greater income security for my future.” Families utilizing the EITC are spending those dollars in a way that not only helps them achieve financial stability, but also in ways
Families utilizing the EITC are spending those dollars in a way that not only helps them achieve financial stability, but also in ways that boost their local economy. Households spend these dollars in local grocery stores and restaurants, child care centers, and paying for utilities and home repairs. that boost their local economy. Households spend these dollars in local grocery stores and restaurants, child care centers, and paying for utilities and home repairs. The EITC prevents many households from slipping into crisis when unexpected costs arise outside of their standard family budget. At Kent County Essential Needs Task Force, we envision equitable opportunities and outcomes for all Kent County residents. EITC expansion supports hard-work-
ing families in achieving economic security and building a strong Michigan economy. There is broad support across the business community — including more than a dozen chambers of commerce — and with many elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Now is the time to get involved and ensure this expansion passes. Wende Randall is the director of the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force.
JULY 11, 2022
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Talent wins the war and leaders win the talent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
for others are attracted to organizations that are clear about their purpose, organizations that treat their people like the incredible strategic advantage they can be, and organizations that find ways to help these talented people grow. Companies that lead better than others in these three areas will always have a sustainable advantage in the competitive marketplace.
I believe it has been these kinds of leaders that set West Michigan apart from other regions in the country, and now more than ever, we have the opportunity to make that difference even greater. Let’s collectively embrace this challenge and become the hotbed of the best leaders in the country! Rodger Price is the founder and managing partner of Leading by DESIGN, an executive development firm in Grand Rapids.
Holland can get better internet without taxpayer risk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
of residents. It is not even clear that the Holland Board of Public Works, starting with $30 million or more from taxpayers and stimulus funds, can do better than private companies looking to expand their service areas without being subsidized by taxpayers. It is crucial that cities use their funds appropriately, and not put taxpayers on the hook for 25-year commitments that are unlikely to offer meaningful benefits after the first few years. Ted Bolema is the executive director of the Institute for the Study of Economic Growth at Wichita State University and a resident of the Holland area. Jarrett Skorup is the senior director of marketing and communi-
It is not even clear that the Holland Board of Public Works, starting with $30 million or more from taxpayers and stimulus funds, can do better than private companies looking to expand their service areas without being subsidized by taxpayers. cations at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute in Midland, where Bolema also is an adjunct scholar.
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In this time of economic uncertainty, people could be worried more than ever about their retirement security. Courtesy iStock
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Three tips for investing in a volatile market
O
ver the past 10 years, the U.S. market has held relatively strong with a steady upward trend. You probably didn’t have to think very often about your money’s performance or your retirement security. However, after a strong market performance in 2021 and the years preceding it, the U.S. now finds itself in a more volatile, turbulent and risky market. After decades of low inflation, we’re now experiencing an annual inflation rate pushing 9% — the highest since January 1982. In response, the Fed voted to increase interest rates by 0.75% in the June meeting, the largest increase since 1994. The Fed’s goal is to slow down demand, increasing the likelihood of a shallow recession, at a minimum. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, introducing uncertainty to the market and inflationary prices for oil and other commodities. It’s clear that the rest of 2022 and the years following will bring about more challenges and variability for investors. Because we’re entering an unknown market landscape, it’s important to acknowledge the strategies that got you here won’t be the same strategies to get where you want to go in the future. You may have been able to get away with your investment strategy largely on your own without much oversight in the past few years. But the markets are humbling — and past results are no indication of future performance. Just as you can’t drive your car by looking in the rearview mirror, you can’t invest for the future based on what has worked in the past. So, how can you look toward the future and navigate this turbulent market? ADDRESS THE RISK OF YOUR CURRENT PORTFOLIO Risk is the amount of stress you’re experiencing with the ups and downs of your portfolio. Age, tolerance for risk and assets are key factors in determining your investment strategy. Your tolerance for risk may lessen as you near retirement, whereas a long-term, buy-andhold strategy works better for younger investors. For example, a portfolio mix
of 70% stocks and 30% bonds is considered conservative for a younger person (under 50), whereas a mix of 70% stocks and 30% bonds is considered aggressive for a person at retirement age (over 65). ASK YOURSELF CLARIFYING QUESTIONS What has changed now to make you feel uncomfortable? Do you have more assets? Are you less comfortable with potential loss? It’s important to reassess the risk of your current portfolio given your life stage and financial goals in these turbulent times. With an investment of only $1,000, a 10% market loss ($100) may feel inconsequential. Yet that same 10% market loss becomes significant when applied to $1 million worth of investments ($100,000) — and even more worrisome as you near retirement. The level of risk you take during the last few years of your working career should gradually lower as you get closer to your retirement phase. Your investment strategy should have less overall risk, otherwise the timing of your retirement may be delayed. HOW DO YOU LOWER RISK? Just as you visit your doctor annually to check on your physical health, your investments require attention and upkeep. In an increasingly volatile market, it’s more important than ever to check your portfolio regularly — not just to view the numbers on your statement, but to revisit the strategy of why you’re doing what you’re doing. To adjust for the inherent risk in this environment, a set of professional eyes, or second set, can help you to evaluate what to do next. Using historical data, investment experts can map out potential gains or losses based on the level of current risk you’re taking. It’s critical to stress test the historical risk of your portfolio so you’re comfortable with your level of risk in these volatile times.
Phillip Mitchell, CFA, CPA, MBA, is senior portfolio manager at Kroon & Mitchell, a Grand Rapids-based, family-owned tax and investment strategy firm.
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Partners to open behavioral health hospital Universal Health Services, Trinity Health plan facility that includes 60 beds for adults. Abby Poirier
apoirier@grbj.com
A combined effort between the two health care providers will create a new behavioral health facility in the Grand Rapids area. Universal Health Services (UHS) and Grand Rapids health care system Trinity Health have announced approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) of a certificate of need allowing the partners to add 60 adult beds to a joint inpatient psychiatric care facility in Byron Center. The new facility will be named Southridge Behavioral Hospital and will accommodate up to 96 beds, 60 of which will be adult beds, as well as 24 geriatric beds previously approved by MDHHS. “We’re really excited about this,” said Matt Biersack, M.D., president of Trinity Health Saint Mary’s. “We think that this is going to help address a huge need within the community as part of a continuum of behavioral health services. This inpatient need is an important one. “It really is a lack of inpatient beds that results in quite a few patients not receiving care and
being really stalled in care within emergency departments across hospitals like ours. We’re hopeful that this will help address that need and help people get the behavioral health care needs on the inpatient side that they need here within the community.” The new Southridge Behavioral Hospital will tie into a growing network of affiliated behavioral health services in the area, including UHS-operated Forest View Hospital and Trinity Health Michigan’s new partnership with Network180 to open a Behavioral Health Crisis Center providing assessment services on a walk-in basis. UHS, founded in 1979, is one of the largest providers of hospital and health care services nationwide. It boasts approximately 89,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 28 acute care hospitals, 335 behavioral health facilities, 40 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 39 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. In 2022, UHS was recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune and ranked No. 297 on the Fortune 500. Trinity Health Michigan, formerly known as Mercy Health, is composed of eight hospitals throughout the state of Michigan. The health care system offers numerous ambulatory care locations, three home health and
Southridge Behavioral Hospital is expected to open its doors in 2024. It will be located near the Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center. Courtesy UHS
hospice agencies and 22 senior living communities to provide a full spectrum of patient care. “Trinity Health, particularly Trinity Health St. Mary’s, is no stranger to behavioral health care,” said Biersack. “We operate a 28-bed psychiatric medical unit. We see this as really the ability to partner together and bring the mission-centered, value-centered, compassionate care that people associate with Trinity Health St. Mary’s and the expertise and the clinical excellence that is associated with UHS together in a model helps to address a community need.” The design of the new hospital
will incorporate modern, innovative, evidence-based care elements that focus on patient safety. According to Biersack, the facility will be providing core inpatient psychiatric services. Programming will be tailored to individual patient needs, with core psychiatric services and counseling supplemented by enrichment activities such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy and outdoor activities. “There’ll also be some counseling and the full complement of inpatient psychiatric care, enriched with things like art therapy and music therapy, outdoor activities, etc.,” he said. “The focus
initially will be on adult care.” Biersack points to the COVID-19 pandemic’s social isolation and mental strain as a contributing factor in the overwhelming need for mental health care services, specifically in adult patients. “This is a way to meet part of that (need), but it’s also the reason why we’re engaged in dialogue with partners like Network180 to help address other pieces of that care continuum,” he said. “We know that that continuum of care across the behavioral health space still has a lot of gaps. I think part of that was already brewing before the pandemic, but the pandemic really just accelerated and accentuated the need for additional behavioral health care services and has put incredible stress on all of us in the community. The need now is even greater than it was when we assessed (plans) before COVID-19.” Biersack said that in adult mental health care, needs that were pushed aside by the chaos of everyday life came to a head during the last few years, as adults spent increasing time alone and without social support. He said his hope is that the new facility can help increase adult access to care and prevent mental health needs from continuing untreated. “I think what we see is that because there isn’t the necessary preventive ambulatory access in CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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Sony Electronics selects local nonprofit for education grant STEM Greenhouse will use the $100,000 to expand its work with older students. Abby Poirier
apoirier@grbj.com
STEM Greenhouse, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit helping vulnerable children in underserved communities have equal access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching, has been chosen as one of Sony Electronics’ 10 nationwide winners of its 2022 Create Action grant. The grant is offered by Sony Electronics’ new $1 million Create Action initiative, which aims to help amplify the efforts of local, community nonprofits serving underrepresented communities. “We all have the power to make a positive impact on our community. It takes dedication and hard work, and we’re proud to partner with local nonprofits because of their ability to make a significant, immediate impact on the youth within their community,” said Neal Manowitz, president and COO of Sony Electronics Inc. “Our inaugural class of Create Action partners were chosen because they exemplified core Sony values like integrity, diversity and curiosity.” Create Action is a part of Sony’s $100 million Global Social Justice Fund, founded in 2020
Sony Electronics has selected STEM Greenhouse, a nonprofit focused on helping underprivileged children in Grand Rapids, for a $100,000 education grant. Courtesy Sony Electronics
to support social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. As a Create Action grant winner, STEM Greenhouse was awarded $50,000 in cash, $50,000 in Sony Electronics products and was able to create a custom short film to promote its mission and efforts in collaboration with Sony-affiliated creators. For STEM Greenhouse founder and executive director Keli Christopher, Ph.D., the opportunity to create a video with Sony highlighting the work she does in the Grand Rapids community was monumental. “They only selected 10 nonprofits in the nation,” Christopher said. “They’re looking for nonprofits like mine that are trying to amplify their (own) voice,
but they can’t because they’re smaller. And even though they’re doing great things, sometimes when you’re not a big name, you don’t get the recognition for the things that you’re doing.” Christopher said she hopes the video made by Sony, which has been uploaded to YouTube where it currently has 265,000 views, will help build awareness for the work she is doing in the Grand Rapids community. “Everybody loves it,” said Christopher. “One of the things I’m also hoping that it highlights is that the city of Grand Rapids has some really good things happening right here and that’s important. Sometimes I think we don’t appreciate the things in our own backyard, even though a national audience can see the value
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in it, a national organization can pick it out of all their applications from all over the country. But even in a community like this there’s so many people who don’t know about what I’m doing or they’re not supportive of it because they just don’t see the value the way that others do.” She said she believes the video work she has been doing for STEM Greenhouse over the past two years helped place the organization on Sony’s radar. “During COVID-19,” Christopher said, “I started creating YouTube videos to engage my students while we were doing virtual learning. Those videos were not like other STEM videos, I was catering this specifically to children of color, the students that I work with. “I don’t think there’s any other STEM dance video out there,” she said, noting that her and the organization’s creativity and investment in the learning of STEM Greenhouse students helps it stand out from other nonprofits. “When you do different things, you have some creativity, I think that just sets you apart,” Christopher said. “We’re just doing things that nobody else is. As much as we hear about STEM, the reality is that the things that we’re doing in STEM, especially with the videos that we produce already, other organizations aren’t doing.” STEM Greenhouse was part of Create Action’s inaugural grant recipients and was joined by the
following organizations: • Heart and Soul Design Center, Los Angeles: Provides underserved communities with affordable quality production services and introduces them to the world of innovative digital technology. • Josephine Herrick Project, New York City: Works to amplify underrepresented voices through photography education, art exhibition and visual storytelling. • New Era Creative Space, Peekskill, New York: Provides handson learning experiences that empower young people to think critically, creatively and collaboratively. • Pockets Change, Brooklyn, New York: Teaches skills to build intergenerational financial resilience with students, families and educators. • Reading Quest, Santa Fe, New Mexico: Provides tailored tutoring services to help improve students’ reading levels and build confidence. • The Alliance98, Chicago: Reduces young adult unemployment with career development and helps youth hone their creative skills through activities like photography, graphic design and digital marketing. • The Firehouse Dream, Maywood, Illinois: Provides mentoring in film, photography, social media strategy and brand identity, along with workshops in financial wellness, resume and narrative writing, within communities CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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Groups back youth financial education As new bill establishes high school personal finance requirement, Consumers, YMF and JA look to participate. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
Three West Michigan organizations are looking to expand youth financial education opportunities as Michigan becomes the 14th state in the U.S. to mandate personal finance at the high school level. With the mid-June passage of the bipartisan bill HB 5190 — which will add a half-credit personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, starting with ninth graders in 2024 — organizations like Consumers Credit Union and the nonprofits Young Money Finances and Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes are expanding their efforts to create financial education opportunities for youth. Kalamazoo-based Consumers CU, which has locations across West Michigan, and Grand Rapids-based nonprofit Young Money Finances (YMF) recently formed a three-year partnership to support YMF’s existing youth financial education programs and expand Consumers CU’s involvement in supporting financial literacy for children. YMF teaches real-life money management to kids ages 11-17 across the four pillars of “spend, save, share and invest.” Dondreá Brown, executive director of YMF, and Scott Dobson, manager of the credit union’s 15-year-old Consumers @Work program that provides financial education and wellness principles to people in the workforce, recently spoke to the Business Journal about their partnership. “Myself and my team spend all of our time out talking to the workforce, especially young adults that are new to the workforce, and we find the lack of basic understanding of how to manage a paycheck is (present among) about 90% of those young people,” Dobson said. “We think it’s great for our state to start thinking about personal finances much younger, and to get people ready for the workforce and understand how to make their paycheck work for them, and the earlier we can start, the better off we are.” Brown said Consumers CU is supporting YMF with sponsorship dollars for three years, and the partnership will entail co-branding YMF digital and in-person curriculum resources and materials; bringing YMF students to visit Consumers CU; and Consumers employees helping to co-facilitate presentations on saving, investing and budgeting, “to really help kids understand and know that there’s this synergy between financial institutions (and) community organizations as it pertains to serving our youth (and) families regarding financial education.” This summer, YMF is running a trio of three-week camps in Grand Rapids priced at $25 per student — Young Money Manag-
ers and Young Entrepreneurs ran in the morning and evening four times a week from June 20-July 8, and the Young Money Investors camp will meet four times a week from July 18-Aug. 4. The materials for the camps were set to be co-branded with Consumers CU as of press time, and Consumers was on tap to host one day during each of the camps. General information about the YMF summer camps is at ymfgr.org/camps. As part of their partnership, Consumers and YMF said they are planning to offer more opportunities to teach teens about money in the coming months. Consumers also said this fall it will share access to a variety of new financial education content, including interactive online courses, presentations, blogs and more on its website. “Our goal would be able to provide that content to teachers so that they can easily provide it to their students,” Dobson said. Consumers’ current COO and incoming President and CEO Scott Sylvester said when young people understand the basics of money management, it creates a foundation for future positive financial decision-making. “We are eager to get these valuable resources in front of our members and communities, because we know that when our youth understand the principles of financial wellness, they are better prepared for a successful future,” Sylvester said. Brown said he already is in talks with schools and school systems about what financial education YMF can contribute by leveraging its proprietary, culturally responsive financial education curriculum. Up to this point, YMF has partnered with outside organizations to offer after-school programming, and this is the first time it is engaging schools directly. He said he believes the statewide mandate to teach financial literacy in public schools will enhance the work YMF has been doing for three years. Dobson said Consumers has on occasion provided schools and teachers with one-off financial literacy content on an asked-for basis, but he believes the partnership with YMF will give the credit union and schools access to a more comprehensive approach. “We’re excited to be able to take this whole suite of products … to the schools and say, ‘Here, we have great options to make it easy for you to provide really impactful content to your students that they’ll like and, most importantly, will work for them,’” Dobson said. “For us, providing education, we want to do it in a way that works for the students so that they can take it and put it into action in their real lives.” The new bill Whitmer signed into law on June 16 does not add an additional half-credit requirement, but instead allows students to replace one semester of math, visual arts or foreign language with personal finance. Brown said he believes teaching personal finance is “similar to teaching a foreign language,” and he believes the younger you
start, the easier it is to learn the concepts, which is why YMF offers programming for those as young as age 11. He said YMF always tries to find ways to eliminate the cost barriers in financial education, and he thinks this bill will help with that by embedding financial literacy within public education. “I think that this is one of those bills that would help us just reimagine and start to be realistic about the different types of finances and financial education we could present to our community,” he said. “One thing that we recognize in any financial education is there’s not a one-size-fitsall model. I think this allows us to engage in some practices that CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
Young Money Finances Executive Director Dondreá Brown inks a partnership with Consumers Credit Union to ramp up financial education in West Michigan. Courtesy Consumers Credit Union
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Consumers gets approval for energy plan settlement agreement Utility claims it will help customers save an estimated $600 million through 2040. Kayleigh Fongers
kfrongers@grbj.com
As part of a recent settlement agreement and plan approval, Consumers Energy is on track to lead a clean energy transformation through sustainable efforts — including the retirement of coal plants and an end to its coal era. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in June approved an updated version of the Michigan-based utility company’s Clean Energy Plan, which was originally proposed and submitted in 2021. According to energy legislation passed by former Gov. Rick Snyder, utility companies are required to file an integrated resource plan (IRP) at a minimum of every five years. Consumers Energy filed its first IRP in 2018 and received approval in 2019 from MPSC, which regulates utilities within the state. Earlier this year, a judge at the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rulings for the MPSC raised concerns over certain aspects of the utility company’s 2021 plan. After reaching a settlement agreement with proposed updates to the plan, Consumers and MPSC staff jointly filed a motion to extend the deadline on the commission’s approval decision. The commission approved the extension and set a schedule to give participating parties a chance to file responses and present any potential evidence or arguments against it. MPSC on June 23 ended up approving the settlement agreement on the Clean Energy Plan. Adjustments to the plan had been made with a group of company stakeholders in addition to support from customer groups, environmental organizations, MPSC staff, energy industry representatives and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The 20-year blueprint enables Consumers Energy to continue meeting Michigan’s energy needs while protecting the environment. “This is a historic moment in Michigan’s clean energy transformation journey,” said Garrick Rochow, president and CEO of Consumers Energy. “The Clean Energy Plan is a sea change that positions our company as a national leader and empowers us to deliver reliable energy while protecting the planet for decades to come.” Among several key updates, the newly approved plan will enable Consumers Energy to stop burning coal for electricity use by 2025 — 15 years earlier than originally proposed — and become one of the first utilities in the nation to go coal-free. “This is about doing what we can to help battle climate change and help better protect the en-
The plan calls for the closure of all three coal-fired units at the J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Olive by 2025. Courtesy Consumers Energy
vironment while also delivering affordable and reliable energy to our customers,” said Josh Paciorek, media relations specialist and spokesperson for Consumers Energy. Currently, coal makes up about 18% of the company’s generating capacity. The plan calls for the closure of all three coal-fired units at the J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Olive by 2025. The closure of the Campbell plant was originally flagged by the judge as a decision requiring more research, though it ultimately was approved by the MPSC. Consumers Energy also will close the coal-fired units 1 and 2 at the D.E. Karn plant in Essexville by 2023. Units 3 and 4, which run on natural gas and fuel oil, will continue operating until May 2031, which changed after the settlement agreement from an original plan for closure in 2023. Paciorek said the coal-fired unit closures will reduce the company’s carbon dioxide emissions by more than 73 million tons, conserve 200 billion gallons of water and avoid billions of cubic yards of coal ash. “This is a huge victory for Michigan and our natural resources,” Paciorek said. The closure of these remaining coal plants follows the retirement of the “classic seven,” Consumers Energy’s seven oldest coal-fired plants, in 2016. The retirement came after more than 60 years of service for the plants. Despite the environmental benefits, closures of longtime plants make an impact on the local communities. When the previous seven plants closed, Consumers Energy worked to ensure stability and will implement the same process this time, according to Paciorek. “When we closed the classic seven coal plants, there were no forced layoffs. Everybody who wanted a position with the company got to stay with the company,” Paciorek said. “We're working closely with our union partners to once again follow that same model.” He said conversations already are in place to reimagine what the local economies will look like going forward. “It’s not lost on us that this means some of our employees’ lives will change by accelerating
this coal plant retirement,” he said. “But just like we did with the previous coal plant closures, the company is going to be there for our communities that we serve.” To supplement the output from the coal plants, Consumers Energy will ensure system reliability through other means. The company is purchasing the Covert Generating Station in Van Buren County to add to its portfolio in 2023. Paciorek noted the addition of natural gas plants is a temporary measure to ensure energy supply as Consumers Energy bridges the gap in this clean energy transition. Overall, the use of natural gas will decrease over the next 18 years, he said. What will increase is the company’s reliance on solar energy, which Paciorek said is the backbone of the Clean Energy Plan. According to the approved plan, Consumers Energy will add close to 8,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2040. At that point, solar energy will comprise more than half of its electric capacity. Additionally, the company plans to purchase 700 megawatts of electric capacity — roughly the equivalent of a power plant — from a variety of sources through a one-time request for proposal (RFP). Solar energy can seem like an intermittent resource, especially for Michigan, but Consumers Energy will boost energy storage with battery deployment with a goal of achieving 550 megawatts by 2040 as outlined in the settlement agreement. “On cloudier days or on days that we're not generating as much energy from solar, we'll be able to tap into that source,” Paciorek said. Amid these transitions, Consumers Energy will work to deliver affordable energy for customers. Through the approved Clean Energy Plan, the company will help customers save an estimated $600 million through 2040 compared to the 2019 plan. “We’re building a dramatically different energy landscape in which customers won’t have to choose between protecting the planet and their pocketbooks,” Rochow said. Paciorek said a big part of these savings will involve education and CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Western Michigan University bumped its available need-based aid by $1 million, or 4.27%. Courtesy Western Michigan University
WMU increases aid offerings as tuition, housing costs rise Students will see a hike of 3.85% for tuition and 2% for campus housing. Abby Poirier
apoirier@grbj.com
Western Michigan University (WMU) has announced an increase in tuition and fees for the 2022-23 academic year while simultaneously offering an aid increase equaling $1 million in need-based scholarships. The 2022-23 tuition and financial aid plan approved by the WMU board of trustees on June 23 will see tuition and required fees for undergraduate and graduate students increased by 3.85% while need-based aid will rise by 4.27%, or $1 million. The same day, WMU approved new housing rates for 2022-23 that will raise costs by 2% for students housed on campus. Accounting for about 73% of the university’s $407 million general operating budget, tuition is the major revenue source funding WMU activities, personnel and services including teaching and learning, health center services, library services and public safety. While increasing tuition and living costs, WMU simultaneously approved a 4.27% increase in need-based scholarships, the greatest scholarship expansion in the university’s history. The expanded aid is due in part to last year’s Empowering Futures Gift, a $550 million donation gifted to WMU by alumni in spring 2021. Combined with institutional aid, WMU’s funds for financial support outweigh the upcoming rise in tuition and board, according to WMU officials. For the coming academic year, the university offers incoming freshmen scholarships, transfer, institutional and athletic scholarships, as well as departmental and endowed scholarships from donors. While the state’s appropriation for higher education remains at the proposal stage, the increase approved by trustees June 23 is below tuition cap levels in the
funding plans proposed by the governor, House and Senate. Going into the 2022-23 academic year, Western is expected to place in the middle of the state’s 15 public universities in terms of affordability. A newly admitted, fulltime Michigan resident first-year student will pay $13,950 in tuition and required fees for the upcoming academic year, an increase of $516 over the previous year. “First and foremost, our concern is our students,” said Lynn Chen-Zhang, chair of the WMU board of trustees. “In determining tuition and other fees, we balance two imperatives: maintaining a high-quality learning environment and maintaining accessibility. “We strive to keep attendance as affordable as possible while providing an outstanding educational experience for students. Our students deserve top-tier faculty members to teach them, modern technology to support their learning and comprehensive services to meet their holistic educational needs.” In 2022-23, the annual cost for room and board in a traditional, double-room residence hall with a 14-meal plan option will be $5,272.50 per semester for a total of $10,545 yearly. The university’s Bronco Gold Plus meal plan, which provides students with unlimited meals at any dining hall, stands at $5,551 per semester for a yearly rate of $11,102, while its plan with room only and no meals stands at $2,834.00 per semester, or $5,668 yearly. In addition to residence hall rate increases, rent for WMU campus apartments also will rise. Stadium Drive Apartments and Western View Apartments residents will see a rent increase of 3.75%. A per-person rate for a two-bedroom apartment at Western View will increase $23 per month, while a per-person rate for a two-bedroom apartment at Stadium Drive will increase $16 per month. Arcadia Flats, the newest campus housing complex, will see no rate increases for the 2022-23 academic year. Pricing for this complex has remained consistent since it opened in January 2021.
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Young CEO pursues accessible aviation for humanitarian use CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
of transportation and infrastructure. Orbs will be fully electric, quiet, and sustainable for communities and ecosystems around the world, according to Taylor. The company currently is in the process of building prototypes and has secured contracts and partnerships with the World Championship Air Race and the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program. Ultimately, Orb Aerospace is seeking to decentralize supply chains and meet needs in developing countries as an amalgamation of advanced technology with a heart for humanity. This vision for Orb Aerospace originated from Taylor’s childhood experiences. His family re-
located from the U.S. to the Middle East for a service opportunity when Taylor was two years old, and that’s where he began to form a desire to help others. Taylor “I think fundamentally, my obsession with aviation comes from these incredibly desperate needs in these developing countries going completely unmet,” Taylor said. “Both the greatest opportunity and the greatest burden for me is to have been exposed at a very young age to problems worth solving.” After 10 years, Taylor and his family moved back to the U.S. and
settled in Lowell. His interest in aviation started to grow, but he knew becoming a pilot wasn’t an ideal way for him to break into the industry. “I couldn’t afford to get my pilot’s license,” Taylor said. “A friend of mine a few years ago said that one of the best things his parents did for him was give him an allowance. And I responded by saying one of the best things my parents did for me is they couldn't afford to. “Essentially, if there was going to be any access to aviation at all for me, it was going to come through opportunities that I created.” But Taylor wasn’t just thinking about his own opportunities. “If I can't access aviation with all of the privilege that I have, what does that mean for the world
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that I just left?” he said. Taylor ended up channeling his aviation interests into building drones. After working in construction for a summer and saving up enough money to build his first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), he launched Wind Craft Aviation at the age of 14 and continued to create and sell drones. Wind Craft eventually was absorbed by Orb Aerospace, which Taylor launched after studying aircraft mechanics at Kent Career Tech Center while still attending Lowell High School. As a young entrepreneur, Taylor stayed busy with studying and working to start a business. “It's an incredible world of parallels,” Taylor said. “I would go from having conversations with high-level investors on the West Coast, to a soccer game, to getting a C in Spanish class.” It also was a lonely period of life, he said. “The way that I had to operate in order to be true to my convictions to start Orb in high school and the way I had to operate in order for that to work was very isolating,” he said. “I opted out of almost every traditional experience that comes with the American high school experience.” Now, Taylor has found a sense of community through the Thiel Fellowship, which selects between 20 and 30 applicants aged 22 or younger each year. Fellows don’t need to have incorporated a company or built out a product at the time of application, but the program seeks out those who demonstrate some progress toward their vision. The condition is that Thiel fellows must drop out of college or at least postpone their higher education while taking part in the program. As someone who started a
business in high school, Taylor knew the Thiel Fellowship opportunity could be a great fit. He first applied in 2020 after Orb Aerospace experienced financial hardship brought on by the pandemic. “I applied for the Thiel Fellowship very intentionally in 2020,” he said. “It became the focal point because at that time, a hundred thousand dollars was a lot of money for us.” Although Taylor was a finalist, he wasn’t selected at the time. He continued to channel his energy into Orb Aerospace, even working up to 90 hours each week to make his vision a reality. Opportunities started to take shape as those in the aviation industry began to catch wind of what Taylor was doing. The company ended up raising $3.5 million in seed funding, and Taylor had the chance to fly to Hawaii in September 2021 to do some demonstrations for the U.S. Navy. Taylor sent in a short application for this year’s Thiel Fellowship program in Hawaii. He received the news of his acceptance in December and said he felt immediate relief for the validation of his vision. “From a professional standpoint, objectively, there was a lot riding on the idea that if I'm going to say no to the traditional college education, there's only a handful of things that will work,” Taylor said. “There are only a few things that can really validate that you did not go to college for the right reasons.” With the Thiel Fellowship, Taylor will continue to work toward his goal of making Orb Aerospace the world’s largest humanitarian air force. “I want to use this obsession I have to make a meaningful impact,” Taylor said.
Consumers gets approval for energy plan settlement agreement CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
helping customers better understand how they can reduce their energy use and save on their energy bills. “There are ways to reduce your energy usage. Even in the summer, even on the hottest days, you can still cut back on energy usage and help keep your bills low,” Paciorek said. The company recommends methods such as swapping incandescent bulbs for efficient LED lights, regularly replacing furnace filters and installing smart thermostats. During the summer season, customers can save by using less electricity between peak hours of 2-7 p.m. daily. In addition, Consumers Energy has committed to continue funding utility bill assistance programs for low-income customers. As part of the settlement agreement, the company agreed to donate $5 million in 2022 to a fund that provides income-based energy bill assistance to electric customers, along with $2 million in continued annual donations.
These donations made by Consumers Energy and its shareholders will not be recovered in rates paid by its customers, he said. Paciorek noted the importance of the company’s commitment to deliver reliable and affordable energy. “Affordability looks different for everyone,” Paciorek said. “Everyone’s in a different situation, but there are options out there. As much as we are celebrating this plan for what it does to help protect the environment, we want to also celebrate the fact that this is going to help us deliver energy that's affordable to all nearly 1.9 million electric customers that we have.” Looking ahead, the settlement outlined additional analysis for Consumers Energy to include in its next IRP, such as total emissions, annual particulate matter health impacts, an environmental justice screening tool, projected low-income energy efficiency participation levels, transmission import capability and publicly available rooftop solar adoption rates.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Kellogg separation fits with larger trend on spinoffs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Hormel Foods for three decades before joining academia. He said he agrees with Cahillane that Kellogg’s attention was drawn in too many different directions to be able to grow its underperforming business units in any meaningful way — largely because as a unified company, the divisions were competing against each other for investment dollars. Freed up from that, he said he sees “a huge opportunity” to grow all three divisions. “Snack, of course, has been rocking — Cheez-Its and Pringles and all that has been doing great — but I think there’s more opportunity to grow,” he said. “And (on) the plantbased food side, Kellogg was early on with MorningStar Samples (Farms), and Kashi has some products in that category, and Garden Burger, too, but it seems like it’s been really flat there. I think with a clear focus on that business and not competing for investment assets, I think there is an opportunity to grow.” Samples said while Michigan is known as the cereal state, sales of ready-made cereal had gone soft prior to the pandemic, then heated up again when people started eating at home more
during COVID-19. “I just think it has not had the focus that it needs. Kellogg was first in, with the whole Corn Flakes and the health business they had in Michigan, and it’s good to see them making sure that’s going to stay in Michigan and have an opportunity to grow,” he said. He added Kellogg is no exception when it comes to the global supply chain issues, and he believes with plant-based foods being a frozen category and snacking and cereals as shelf-stable items, the business units operated differently enough that Kellogg’s supply chain department had to have been faced with tricky issues on multiple fronts. Divided into three separate companies, he believes they’ll be able to tackle those issues more easily and better target their individual buyers. Samples said Kellogg’s decision to spin off its businesses is by no means a first among global public companies. J&J announced in November it would sheer off the consumer health business from its faster-growing medical devices and pharmaceutical portfolios. Perrigo recently completed its transformation from a pharmaceutical company to a “consumer selfcare” business. IBM separated its managed infrastructure services to Kyndryl in late 2021 and in the past also split up its infotech, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and consulting divisions. Kraft Foods Inc. a decade ago spun off its North American grocery business to a company called
Kellogg’s, headquartered in Battle Creek, is following the industry trend of spinning off its food divisions into smaller portions. Courtesy iStock
Kraft Foods Group Inc., and the remainder of Kraft Foods was renamed Mondelēz International and was refocused as an international snack and confection company. Then, in 2015, Kraft merged with Heinz, bringing together the Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Ore-Ida and Philadelphia brands and creating what was billed at the time as the third-largest food and beverage company in North America. “I think that business, with a clear focus in highly related seg-
ments, allowed them to grow,” Samples said of Kraft Heinz, “and I think Kellogg has the same opportunity. Of course, the big snack piece going to Chicago, it seems like everybody that does snack is in Chicago: Mondelēz, and of course, Kraft has been there forever. I hate to see that part leave (Battle Creek) but it will be interesting to see … what happens there.” When Samples worked for Hormel, he said the company bought a lot of other brands, but they didn’t try to bring them all
directly under the corporate umbrella in Austin, Minnesota. “When they bought Planters, they left Planters in Chicago. And so Planters’ headquarters is in Chicago. When they bought Applegate (Farms, they left it in New Jersey), or Justin’s, they left that in Denver. … And so I think if you bring everything in, it becomes complex, and by splitting it up or keeping it (separate) … I think it’s going help all three of those businesses grow and provide the focus that they need.” Samples said he teaches a strategy class at WMU, and a main thrust of the class is in business, you need to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. Just because a company houses a portfolio of all consumer goods products doesn’t mean they’ll do well together. “Kellogg is great at cereal, but they’re spending all their time on snacks. And so I think they just need to get back to that focus of (applying) great minds toward the product category that’s really, really big,” he said. Samples said he also hopes the spinoff will help Kellogg recover from the troubles it had in its cereal category with union strikes last fall. “Inherent in the culture of Kellogg is a drive to succeed and an ability to bounce back from adversity,” he said. “I think they’ll be OK.” Updates about Kellogg’s transformation will be posted at newsroom.kelloggcompany.com/ news-releases.
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Partners to open behavioral health hospital CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
services, oftentimes crises develop as a result and end up requiring an emergency department (visit) or inpatient care. We hope to address that, but it’s only part of the broader picture. This partnership will help address some of that while we continue to work with other partners on other aspects of that acute (care) continuum.” For Biersack, an important element of providing quality care and stemming the influx of patients in need of critical mental health care is cultivating conversations about community and individual mental and behavioral health needs. “I am grateful that there’s dialogue that creates awareness around the need (so) that we can help address that with collaboration and partnerships like we’re talking about with UHS. We need to be talking about behavioral health, we need to address the stigma around behavioral health. And I think only as we all work together around this issue are we going to be able to really fully address what’s happening.” Southridge Behavioral Hospital is expected to open its doors in 2024. It will be located near the Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center and is anticipated to employ approximately 170 full-time and parttime employees including physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, administration, dietary and housekeeping personnel. “We’re looking at between
150 and 200 full and part-time staff that will be required; mental health professionals, administrators, dietary and environmental service personnel, et cetera, to make a facility like this come to bear,” Biersack said. “I’m excited that that will bring with it additional talent to the community that is helping to address that behavioral gap that we have. “Our mission is to be a transforming and healing presence within the community. I think
the only way that we can really live that mission out is by looking at what the community needs are. As we looked at the needs assessment for Kent county, as it has shown us in the past, mental health is a huge opportunity for our community as a whole. Our aim is to look at community needs and see how we, as a large healthcare system within the area can play a role.I think the services described in partnership here with UHS help to address that.”
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Consortium paves way for minority businesses CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Southridge Behavioral Hospital is looking to have between 150 and 200 full- and part-time staff, including mental health professionals, administrators and environmental personnel. Courtesy iStock
JULY 11, 2022
Fourth Generation Initiative. The funds will be used to purchase real estate or other physical assets with the future-focused goal of “passing a blessing” and increasing generational wealth. Each member of Black Lake Companies gets an equal share of the holding company with this model. For Hendershot, the idea of coming together and using shared resources as a collective community had more potential than trying to achieve those kinds of goals individually. “I had a conversation several years ago with a gentleman who said, ‘Hey, the same names are on all of these buildings in Grand Rapids.’ And I said, ‘Yes, but if we wanted to purchase one of those buildings, we probably couldn’t do it by ourselves. But if we got 50 of our friends together, we could do that,’” he said. While the initial companies will be based in West Michigan where the founding members each are located, Hendershot said he hopes the collective will expand to other areas as the need isn’t just in West Michigan. His vision includes a change in the trajectory for the way busi-
For Hendershot, the idea of coming together and using shared resources as a collective community had more potential than trying to achieve those kinds of goals individually. ness is typically handled. “Capitalism is so individually focused,” he said. “We could create a different type of economy that is still about making money but also about benefiting multiple people and changing socioeconomic situations in our society.” For Black Lake Companies, the benefits go beyond the monetary shares. The consortium presents an opportunity for members to learn from one another and bring their own unique skills to the table. “It’s not just about the benefit of the 11%, but it’s about the benefit of surrounding yourselves with people who have different skill sets and can look at things in different perspectives,” he said. “I think this is an opportunity for change.”
Local tech company creates app to boost gig economy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
He sees workplace trends brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor for LABR’s appeal. “Workers have kind of reprioritized what's important in their life,” Preston said. “A lot of them care more about flexibility than they do a certain title or salary … in a weird way, it’s kind of helped us.” The technology currently operates in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Oklahoma markets. LABR also is part of a tech incubator in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and bases its servicing and operations there at the site. Looking ahead, Preston said the company hopes to expand into more regions in other states. In terms of location, Preston said LABR also plans to add a new feature enabling workers to manually add their location and seek out jobs in specific areas. This can benefit college students who are traveling home for summer or holiday breaks and want to find work opportunities in their hometowns. He said he appreciates the hard work of the LABR Technologies team and the impact the app has made so far. “When you’re starting a company, you’re not really sure who’s going to want to join you along for the ride,” he said. “But we’ve got an absolutely awesome team that
“When you’re starting a company, you’re not really sure who’s going to want to join you along for the ride. ... But we’ve got an absolutely awesome team that we’re building with, and the other thing is the reception from people in West Michigan … I never expected it would’ve been received so well.” Taylor Preston we’re building with, and the other thing is the reception from people in West Michigan … I never expected it would’ve been received so well.” According to Preston, one of the goals for LABR is to become a national company by the end of 2024, which is something he said would be inspiring to see for West Michigan. “I thought would be really cool to bring a tech startup that you wouldn’t normally see in a Midwest city to Grand Rapids and have it live here and grow here,” Preston said. “It’s been a lot of fun for me to be back here and hopefully we can run a national company right out of Grand Rapids.”
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
ACCOUNTING
Dan Carter Advisors CPA PLC hired Mike Volk as principal. Volk served the past 21 years as the executive vice president of finance/CFO and treasurer at Davenport University.
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
The Image Shoppe hired Julius Rogers as director of business development and Claire Bennett as traffic coordinator.
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
Fleis & VandenBrink announced the additions of Larry Hummel, senior project manager; Doug Klann, construction project manager; Misty Klatt, construction contract administrator; Mike Visscher, environmental group technician; Mason Dyke, development and enhancement group engineer-in-training; Sophia Baker, process group engineer; Nick Moleski, environmental group technician; Jim Penrod, process group electrical designer; and Brant Mercer, west municipal group project engineer. Progressive AE recently marked its 60th anniversary. TowerPinkster announced the promotions of Shane Evens to manager of the electrical engineering department, Brian Johnson as supervisor of the electrical department, and Eric Rinehart, manager of the firm’s technology and security team. The firm also Evens announced the advancement of the following employees to join the firm’s shareholder group as associates: Chris Baer, Judson Brood, Joe Chapman, Jeff Doran, Ashley Dunneback, Kelsey Groesbeck, Craig Janetzke, Matt Murphy, Alexis Orr and Ella Segur.
ARTS
GhostLight Theatre in the Benton Harbor Arts District announced the appointment of Ed Tracy as interim executive director. Kent District Library hired Hennie Vaandrager as programming manager and promoted Penni Zurgable as regional manager at the Plainfield Township and Comstock Park branches.
Walton joins Arbor Circle Leah Walton joined Arbor Circle as its performance improvement director. She brings over a decade of experience with change management and leading effective teams. Prior to her role at Arbor Circle, Walton served as program manager for the Spectrum Health Patient and Family Partner Program. Arbor Circle annually serves thousands of children, adults and families in several counties across West Michigan. As a comprehensive provider of mental health, substance use and family services, the organization provides a wide variety of programs. Council’s Heartwell Legacy Award.
BANKING
Honor Credit Union announced the addition of James McLaughlin as commercial loan officer for the Grand Rapids area.
Holland-based Hope College Alumni Association presented a Meritorious Service Award to Eva Dean Folkert, who retired earlier this spring as interim director of public affairs and marketing after serving in multiple capacities at Hope College since 1985. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development named Jessi Goldner one of its 40 under 40 recipients for 2022. Goldner is a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and works as director of compliance for the Tribe’s economic development firm, Waséyabek Development Company LLC. Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department, is the 8th recipient of the West Michigan Environmental Action
senior managing director and president of western Michigan.
EDUCATION
City High Middle School was ranked the No. 1 high school in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report.
Kalamazoo-based Consumers Credit Union added Rob Gruesbeck as a mortgage loan officer for its newest market in Lansing; Jordan Higgins as a junior business development manager; and Mohammed Haque as a credit card product specialist.
Ning “Jackie” Zhang has been appointed Grand Valley State University’s dean of the College of Health Professions. Zhang previously was the associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Health and Medical Sciences at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
Lake Michigan Credit Union announced the hiring of Sarah Schaefer as a mortgage loan officer serving Grand Rapids and the surrounding area.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lake Odessa-based Union Bank announced the internal transition of Nicole Suchek to mortgage banker. She will continue to work with current and prospective customers throughout West and Central Michigan. Mortgage Executive Magazine announced Independent Bank is in the top 100 publicly traded banks and mortgage companies in America for 2021, and several of its mortgage loan officers were in the top 1% of mortgage originators nationally for 2021. United Federal Credit Union in Niles named Ron King as commercial loan officer in southwest Michigan; Julie Kamer and Bradley Strabbing have been appointed mortgage advisers in the greater Grand Rapids area.
BUSINESS SERVICES
AWARDS
Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing received the 2022 Outstanding Growth Award from the Association for Corporate Growth Western Michigan for sustaining growth in sales, profitability, employment and community involvement.
Environmental
Sloan
Hire for Hope announced the additions of Amanda Sloan as business administration manager, Jenna Fatum as executive recruiter, and Kayla Ezinga, who is transitioning from an internship to the full-time role of human resources assistant.
CONSTRUCTION
EV Construction announced the additions of McCoy Wondergem, assistant project manager in the company’s facilities services department; Eric Frede, project manager also in the company’s facilities services department; Lauren Dodd, human resources and safety coordinator; Hunter Adams, firestop technician, Dirk Kuipers, steel fabricator; Drew Poling; field engineer; Brian Piper, field manager; Shonn James, field manager; Tyler Lewis, field manager; Kyle Brown, painter; Thomas Culver, field manager; and Cliff Hall, field manager.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Northern Trust appointed Alison Mast
Greenleaf Trust announced the addition of advisers Sam Ellis, who will focus on the Grand Rapids area, and Holly Crump, who will be headquartered in Kalamazoo. Jessica Brown, Brianna Rhinesmith and Megan VanOosten join Greenleaf Trust as trust operations specialists; Donna Bourbeau as client service representative; Dawn Schavey as team service coordinator; Andy Fabiano as senior family office wealth adviser; Donna Fabiano Zandee as family office wealth adviser; and Shannon Barber as a family offices service representative. Kroon & Mitchell added Andrew Glover as an associate adviser.
GOVERNMENT
Kent County is the recipient of the Women’s Resource Center’s Pillar Award. The award is given to employers that empower women in their workplace through progressive practices, inclusion and diversity efforts, career advancement and non-traditional careers for women. The Kent County Department of Public Works hired JD Ham as its first safety manager. Ham will work on creating safety plans and procedures that are accessible to all employees in all DPW facilities. The Kent County Welcome Plan Steering Committee hired Hollin De La Cruz as welcome plan coordinator. Its focus is to help Kent County to be more welcoming to immigrants and refugees.
GRANTS
Cherry Health received a $555,170 grant as part of Public Health AmeriCorps, a new initiative between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control to support 20 fulltime AmeriCorps members offering increased care access to residents in Michigan for two primary services: Health education to promote breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screen-
CHANGE-UPS & CALENDAR
ing; and Medicaid and marketplace outreach and enrollment.
NONPROFITS
The YMCA Grand Rapids and Baxter Community Center are two of 14 Michigan schools and community organizations to receive nearly $168,000 in grant funding from Lansing-based No Kid Hungry Michigan, to help grantees maximize the At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and help ensure kids and families in Michigan have access to healthy meals after the school day ends.
Mel Trotter Ministries’ Next Step of West Michigan, a faith based social enterprise that provides skills training and employment for individuals rebuilding their lives, announced Stuart Ray has joined the organization as director of business development. Ray previously served as executive director of Guiding Light from 2009 to 2021.
HEALTH
Holland Hospital has been named one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. The hospital is the only health care organization in the state to maintain this distinction for 20 consecutive years. Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital received national accreditation from the American College of Cardiology in the areas of Electrophysiology Lab, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and HeartCARE Center.
LEGAL
For the fifth year, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has been recognized as one of the top 10 health law firms in the Midwest by the American Bar Association. Varnum partner Kim Clarke has been named to the Law360 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board, providing feedback on the publication’s coverage and insight on immigration matters. This is Clarke’s third appointment to the board. Warner Norcross + Judd LLP announced the addition of attorneys Scott M. Carter, Joshua M. Hoebeke, Livia Khemmoro, Tessa G. Mallett, Joshua R. Reuter, Janelle E. Shankin, Bill K.A. Warners and Molly K. Williams.
LEISURE & RECREATION
Wayland-based Gun Lake Casino announced the hiring of Endea Smith as vice president of human resources. Smith has over 25 years of experience in the casino industry, including recently as a multi-propSmith erty vice president of human resources at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
First Steps Kent appointed Cati Cortes as interim president.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County board of directors appointed Ed Elsner (Consolidated Resource Imaging LLC), Andrew Fuelling (RT Specialty) and Damika Houston (Healing Minds Counseling and Consultation Services PLLC) as board members. The Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore announced its newly elected board of directors officers, 2022-2024: Theresa Petko, 1st vice chair, Progressive AE; Emma Baranowski, 2nd vice chair, AUVESY Inc.; and Amanda Miscisin, treasurer, Whirlpool Corp. Directors at large, 2022-2024: Kyla Barranco, state of Michigan; Stephanie Briggs, Muskegon Community College; Cathy Cooper, Meijer LPGA Classic; AJ Emery, Kent County Sheriff’s Office; Dr. Angela Garrey, Ferris State University; Dr. Dana Hebreard, Aquinas College; Marcel van der Elst, DWH; and Kara Wipperfeld, Foursquare
REAL ESTATE
Advantage Commercial Real Estate Management Services hired Roger Haveman as lead maintenance technician. Advantage Commercial Real Estate announced the additions of Janie Buchanan as a research analyst and Ethan Getchell as a research intern. Colliers West Michigan hired Leann Stachowiak as marketing director.
RETAIL
Byron Center-based SpartanNash announced the addition of Peter Anjorin as vice president, strategy and business development, and Greg Crane as vice president, finance-food distribution. St. Louis-based Save A Lot recently presented the Save A Lot Retail Partner of the Year Award for owners of 5-10 stores to the Leppink’s Group, which owns and operates six Save A Lot locations across southern and western Michigan. The award is given to retail partners that demonstrate outstanding results across the business, including growth in sales and customer metrics, community involvement, team engagement and a commitment to the Save A Lot brand image.
LOGISTICS
MUVE announced the appointment of Thomas Sikkema as its community team lead in Michigan to provide local support as it rolls out its Go MUVE accessible mobility app in Grand Rapids. TGW is the recipient of the Association of German Engineers’ Logistics Innovation Award for its focus on robotics, software and digitalization.
MANUFACTURING
Ludington-based FloraCraft’s new product, FōM with PolyRenew, has won a bronze Edison Award for an innovative product related to manufacturing.
MEDIA
13 ON YOUR SIDE hired Brooks Blanton as news director.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Kaylie Pomper joined West Michigan Tourist Association as marketing director. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority added Maria Kim to its senior leadership team as chief financial officer. Kim brings a background in aeronautical revenue along with 10 years of experience in strategic planning, data analysis and financial forecasting and modeling to her new role. CHANGE-UPS POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the Change-Ups section. Send announcements concerning personnel changes, new businesses, changes of address etc. to Change-Ups Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email bjchangeups@grbj.com.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 11, 2022
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MEDC OKs support for $500M statewide projects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
is expected to approve a property tax abatement in support of the project. “Global Life Sciences’ $430 million investment in Muskegon will create 200 good jobs in the region while also further boosting West Michigan as a life sciences hub,” Whitmer said. “My administration is committed to growing our economy, creating jobs, and investing in Muskegon and all areas of the state. “Thanks to bipartisan legislative support of critical business attraction tools like the Michigan Business Development Program, we are empowering MEDC to compete for every project and every job. We’re pleased to welcome Global Life Sciences to Michigan, and we look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and add jobs for West Michigan residents.” KENTWOOD The MSF also approved an increase in collateral support for Superior Foods Company in Kentwood, as it seeks to boost the state’s agribusiness industry. Superior Foods is a full-service wholesale food processor and distributor serving retail grocery stores and the food service industry in the Grand Rapids region. The company is best known for its seafood and meat products, but it now also offers a large variety of fresh produce. Superior Foods primarily sources from local suppliers and farmers, supporting agribusiness throughout Michigan. The company recently expanded its capacity to meet the demand for pre-packaged meals to serve its grocery chain customers and needs to increase its cash collateral to meet demand. Macatawa Bank has requested an
JUL 12 Builders Exchange of Michigan Virtual Summer Safety and Networking Series. Topic is Habits and Risks: How To Minimize Workers’ Risks and Change Unsafe Habits. 8-9 a.m. Cost: $10. Registration/information: (616) 9498650 or home.grbx.com/event/habits-risk. JUL 12-21 Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Camp Sparkle. Free day camp for kindergarten-fifth grade kids to explore how to cope with cancer and grief for any reason. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Clubhouse, 1806 Bridge St. NW. Registration/information: (616) 4538300 ext. 212 or cfaust@gildasclubgr.org. JUL 14 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Exchange Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Applause Event Center, 2728 Birchcrest Drive SE. Cost: $40/members, $55/nonmembers. Registration/ information: grandrapids.org. JUL 14-17 The Acton Institute Conference Series. Topic is Capitalism, Free Trade and Globalization, with emphasis on the interrelated institutions of capitalism and morality. Colloquium is for Acton alumni who are currently enrolled in or have recently completed graduate level work. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. Registration/informa-
increase of the current working capital line of credit to Superior Foods from $10 million to $13 million, resulting in MSF support of an additional $1.25 million. Superior Foods currently has 268 employees, and with the additional capital, it plans to add another 30 in the next six months and an additional 50 in the next two years. “Superior will continue to utilize the Collateral Support Program through the MEDC to fund growth well beyond the amount we could grow through traditional borrowing formulas,” said Keane Blaszczyinski, CFO at Superior Foods. “Through the enhanced borrowing on our inventory assets, we have been able to fund growth opportunities that would not have been available through traditional asset-based line of credit facilities and formulas. We have been able to expand our ready-to-eat division through this program by way of a 26,000-square-foot building expansion in a new facility, which will allow us to triple our capacity in this growing segment of our business.” The support for Superior Foods builds on the state’s goal of growing its agribusiness industry, including support for Request Foods, which announced plans in October 2021 to expand at four locations in Holland. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $205 million and create up to 198 jobs, supported by several incentives approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund, including a $2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. BATTLE CREEK The MSF also is supporting the renovation of a vacant building into a hotel to bring visitors
tion: acton.org/event/2022/03/17/capitalism-free-trade-and-globalization-graduate-student-colloquium. JUL 16 Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit Marketplace Park Party. Features community resource tables, local diverse vendors, opportunities to learn about and engage with Grand Rapids city and community initiatives, and entertainment and activities for the entire family. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Garfield Park, 250 Burton St. SE. Registration/information: grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Programsand-Initiatives/Neighborhood-Summit. JUL 19 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Diversity and Talent Webinar Series. Focus is LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Business: Past, Present & Future. 9-10 a.m. Cost: $35/members, $50/nonmembers. Registration/information: grandrapids.org. JUL 19 Multi-chamber After Hours. Appetizers and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided, along with a cash bar. 5-7 p.m., Gun Lake Casino, 1123 129th St., Wayland. RSVP by July 12 at business.southkent. org/events/details/multi-chamber-afterhours-07-19-2022-12164. JUL 21 The Acton Institute Lecture Series. Topic is Herbert Hoover Versus The
“The projects approved (June 28) reflect our peoplefirst approach to economic development by creating economic opportunity in West Michigan and supporting needed housing and vibrancy in Battle Creek, Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie. ...We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer, legislators and local officials for their continued support and partnership throughout our efforts.” Quentin Messer Jr. and increased economic activity to downtown Battle Creek. 50 Capital Ave Development Corporation will redevelop a vacant, 15-story former hotel in downtown Battle Creek into a 239-room DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The project will include a restaurant, green space and outdoor areas accessible to guests and the public, with the goal of encouraging pedestrian traffic between the hotel and surrounding business district. The project is adjacent to the Kellogg Arena, a 6,500-seat concert and event venue, and the green space will connect to the nearby Festival Market Square. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $45.2 million and create 165 full-time jobs, supported by a $7.5 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based loan participation award. The transformation of the underutilized property, one of the largest buildings in downtown Battle Creek, is expected to bring visitors to downtown and generate additional economic activity in the area. The project is geared toward enhancing the region’s attractiveness for prospective investments and offering value
to corporate partners in the area who need a high-quality hotel for business purposes. In addition, local stakeholders plan to leverage the hotel operation to create educational and job opportunities for local youth and under-employed residents by partnering with Grand Valley State University, Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek Public Schools and others to support onthe-job training programs. More than $16 million in local financial support has been raised for the hotel project, with additional funds also leveraged to support revitalization of the adjacent area. Partners in this transformation include the city of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Calhoun County Visitor Bureau, Kellogg Company, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Miller Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, Battle Creek Bronson Hospital and Battle Creek Unlimited. In addition, the city of Battle Creek is providing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) tax abatement valued at about $3.23 million. The city of Battle Creek is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program. The project builds on other redevelopment efforts in downtown
Great Depression, by George H. Nash, senior fellow, Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Acton Institute, 98 E. Fulton St. Cost: $15/ person, $10/student, includes box lunch and beverage. Registration/information: acton.org/event/july-als-nash.
JUL 26 Wyoming Business Leaders Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Registration/information: (616) 261-4500 or d.kuba@instantcashmi. com.
JUL 22 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 3rd Friday Networking Lunch. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., location TBD. Cost: $30/members, $35/nonmembers. Registration/information: southkent.org. JUL 24 Family Promise of Grand Rapids Family Frolic at the Zoo. Choose your own adventure that provides an age-appropriate platform to talk about family homelessness and learn what's happening around family homelessness in the community. Event includes music, lunch and visiting zoo animals. Noon-4 p.m., John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St. Cost: $15/adults; kids under 18: free. Registration/information: bit.ly/ ZooFrolic2022. JUL 26 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Create Great Business: Chamber 101. Event provides members with info about different chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of a membership. 7:30-9 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber. Cost: free. Registration/ information: grandrapids.org.
JUL 27 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Hump Day Happy Hour. 4-5 p.m., Grand Rapids Chamber Work Café. Registration unnecessary. Information: grandrapids.org.
Battle Creek — including the iconic Heritage Tower’s transformation into The Milton — which continue to attract businesses, residents and visitors to the area. “We are excited to bring this project to fruition and look forward to the impact it will bring to downtown Battle Creek,” said Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski. “This project represents a new direction for BCU’s economic development efforts, one we expect will pay dividends for years to come. The renovated hotel will be a unique workforce training facility in the heart of our community that will provide job opportunities for countless residents. We greatly appreciate the MEDC, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the city of Battle Creek, Calhoun County and the many other community partners for their generous support in making this project a reality.” Details on the Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie projects are available at puremi.ch/bigprojects. “The projects approved (June 28) reflect our people-first approach to economic development by creating economic opportunity in West Michigan and supporting needed housing and vibrancy in Battle Creek, Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie,” said QuenMesser Jr. tin Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC and president and chair of the MSF board. “We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer, legislators and local officials for their continued support and partnership throughout our efforts.”
7:30-9 a.m., Grandville Jenison Chamber of Commerce, 2939 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 106, Grandville. Registration/information: bit.ly/MultiChamberSpeedNetworking. AUG 11 Baker Holtz 9th Annual Baker Holtz Golf Outing. Registration: 10 a.m., Boulder Creek Golf Club, 5750 Brewer Ave. NE, Belmont. Proceeds benefit Hand2Hand. Registration/information: bakerholtz.com/ charity-golf-outing/ or jdougherty@bakerholtz.com.
JUL 30 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Latina Connect. Presented in Spanish, Latina Connect supports Latinas in making new connections and growing as leaders. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber. Cost: $30/members, $45/nonmembers. Registration/information: grandrapids.org.
AUG 27 Grand Haven Musical Fountain Committee/Friends of the Musical Fountain 60th Anniversary Musical Fountain Celebration Show. 6-9 p.m., Lynne Sherwood Stadium. Registration/ information: bit.ly/MusicalFoundation60.
AUG 3 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Create Great Leaders Annual Party. Provides CGL alumni an opportunity to reunite with classmates and build new relationships while enjoying drinks on the Studio Park Piazza lawn. 7-9:30 p.m., Studio Park Piazza, 123 Ionia Ave. NW. Cost: $80/members, $110/nonmembers. $800/10 member ticket bundle. Registration/information: grandrapids.org/event/cgl-annual-party-2022.
CALENDAR POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the calendar section. Send items to Calendar Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email bjcal endar@grbj.com. Submissions must be received at least three weeks prior to the event. The Business Journal calendar posted on the publication’s website (grbj.com) includes listings for events extended beyond those printed in the weekly publication that are limited by space restrictions.
AUG 5 Multi-chamber
Speed
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MORTGAGES
Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds MIMG CCX VI PRESERVE SUB LLC, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, Parcel: 411811100081, $27,500,000 NECKERS, Joel S., JPMorgan Chase Bank, Cannon Twp., $1,476,000 BABCOCK, Jasmine L. et al, Citizens Bank, Algoma Twp., $631,750 OLSEN, Jeffrey et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Algoma Twp., $515,700 RIVER CITY PROPERTIES, Adventure Credit Union, Parcel: 411323226009, $2,236,250 GR PORTABLE STORAGE REAL ESTATE LLC, Bank Five Nine, Parcel: 411313452008, $884,450 WINCZEWSKI, Gregory D. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $640,000 THOME, Zackary A. et al, Team Mortgage Co., Cascade Twp., $706,874 WALSH, Jeffrey D. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411804231006, $766,000 CHANIS, Dillon J., Better Mortgage Corp., Cascade Twp., $418,950 SEXTON, Dane, Team Mortgage Co., Cascade Twp., $640,000 MORADI, Mohammad et al, Rocket Mortgage, Parcel: 411309426009, $414,000 RIDGECROFT PROPERTIES LLC, PNC Bank, Cascade Twp., $8,000,000 WOJCIECHOWSKI, Steven J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $650,000 REWA TRUST, Mercantile Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,039,350 BAUGUS, Bruce P. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $556,000 WHITE, Jessica M. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $351,000 DAVIS, Rebecca et al, Neighborhood Loans, Plainfield Twp., $450,000 IRON BRICK PROPERTIES LLC, United Bank, Wyoming, $644,360 HEDJ PROPERTIES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Byron Twp., $1,800,000 BT INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC, United Bank, Parcel: 411429181003, $750,000 AUKEMAN, Joseph et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411425378003, $400,800 KOLBER, Brendan C. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411411477030, $555,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411014228036, $645,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411014228035, $648,000 PICARAZZI, Brian J. et al, Freedom Mortgage Corp., Parcel: 411403251017, $460,000 WEBER, Chase et al, Mortgage 1, Parcel: 411431204006, $522,750 DEKLYEN, Samuel C. et al, Crosscountry Mortgage, Wyoming, $351,000 GRAND RAPIDS OPERATING CO. LLC,
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL JPMorgan Chase Bank, Wyoming, $2,899.885 IBOM PARTNERS LLC, Adventure Credit Union, Parcel: 411326480003, $500,000 GRAND RAPIDS OPERATING CO. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Wyoming, $812,933 PACKAGING COMPLIANCE REAL ESTATE LLC, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $3,006,000 LEXINGTON APARTMENTS LLC et al, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Ada Twp., $42,900,000 HARRIS, Asaf et al, Consumers Credit Union, Parcel: 411411301013, $725,000 JOHNSON, Jacob M., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Algoma Twp., $725,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411425102032, $8,000,000 KAGH PROPERTIES LLC, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $398,993 GALI, Sruthi et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $479,750 VANDERLUGT, Philip et al, Fifth Third Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,300,000 NATHANIEL, Steven A. et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $455,000 H4 SOLUTIONS LLC, Horizon Bank, Parcel: 411431255001, $5,400,000 H4 SOLUTIONS LLC, Horizon Bank, Parcel: 411326202010, $970,800 JTB HOMES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Rockford, $436,910 INTERRA HOMES LLC, Huntington National Bank, Caledonia, $5,000,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411014228038, $630,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411014228039, $735,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411014228037, $742,500 CHERRY VALLEY PROPERTY LLC, PFCU, 28-510, $575,000 MAXMILLIAN II LLC, Huntington National Bank, Caledonia, $350,000 ENDRES, Terrence J. et al, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411414127013, $448,619 A PLUS STORAGE MUSKEGON LLC, ChoiceOne Bank, Parcel: 411817202016, $2,250,000 CARLSON PROPERTY LLC, Zions First National Bank, Parcel: 411325259016, $440,000 BOVEN, Brian H. et al, Independent Bank, Courtland Twp., $1,575,000 HARPOLD REALTY LLC, Macatawa Bank, Wyoming, $1,240,000 INTERRA HOMES LLC, Huntington National Bank, Rockford, $5,000,000 JSM REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS LLC, Huntington National Bank, Plainfield Twp., $705,500 1055 FOREST HILL AVE SE LLC, Israel Discount Bank of N.Y., Parcel: 411436451038,
$10,400,000 ALYWAY LLC, Finance of America Mortgage, Parcel: 411701102014, $1,434,750 J&A STAR ELITE LLC, Bank of George, Cascade Twp., $1,952,000 TAX, Michael S. II et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Parcel: 410610227009, $480,000 HAAS, Ronald L. et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411423277003, $506,000 MCKEE, Kyle L., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $660,000 ELLIS, Joseph M. et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Parcel: 411810178014, $380,750 LE, Phong T. et al, Mercantile Bank, Byron Twp., $668,000 HAAS, Jason R., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412208278014, $465,750 HOWARD TRUST, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $491,400 WENDT TRUST, PNC Bank, Caledonia, $365,893 BERKEMEIER TRUST, Dart Bank, Grattan Twp., $363,200 HASSAN, Ammar Z., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $1,045,000 PINNAMANENI, Manasvi et al, Huntington National Bank, Walker, $370,000 PANCIOLI, Timothy M. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411425102050, $762,000 ZACHOUR, Mae et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411425480019, $772,000 SCATES, Phillip, Rocket Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $403,750 KERLEY, Jeffrey P. et al, Bank of America, Caledonia, $400,000 SAYFIE, Jenna et al, Hometown Lenders, Parcel: 411719226008, $358,000 KUHN, Eric et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411430477033, $427,500 AUGUSTYN, Kevin, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $675,000 HOSTE, Charles R. et al, Old National Bank, Algoma Twp., $423,000 EAPEN, Anita, Old National Bank, Grattan Twp., $450,000 DAVIS TRUST, Old National Bank, East Grand Rapids, $448,000 DAMGHANI, Kevin W. et al, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $500,000 KEOUGH, Jared et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $479,750 BEKINS, Ryan, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $451,408 KECK, Alan et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, East Grand Rapids, $735,000 BUSCH, Richard et al, Huntington National Bank, Plainfield Twp., $404,277 DEVRIES, Roget F. et al, United Bank, Caledonia, $450,000 CHARLES, Tyler et al, Dart Bank, Rockford, $360,000 CUETO, Gustavo, Macatawa Bank, Kentwood, 396,000
KLEIMAN, Crew et al, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 411418426011, $526,875 MULDER, Dan et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Algoma Twp., $376,125 ARNOLD, Jason W., Crosscountry Mortgage, Algoma Twp., $446,500 JTB HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Plainfield Twp., $636,000 CHERNAK, Alexis G. et al, Guaranteed Rate, Ada Twp., $502,500 TANKSALA, Nandeesh, Rocket Mortgage, Byron Twp., $429,262 OLSON, Mara L. et al, Wyndham Capital Mortgage, Caledonia, $475,000 THOMPSON, Benjamin R., Old National Bank, Ada Twp., $616,000 SEASER, Robert, Rocket Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $560,000 LEAVER, Michael D. et al, Northpointe Bank, Cascade Twp., $361,000 GOOSSENS, Ryan S. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, East Grand Rapids, $425,000 HOMES GIVING HOPE INC., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $800,000 NAIR, Amit et al, Rocket Mortgage, Byron Twp., $483,442 PARDON, Joshua, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411324335031, $361,000 LYONS, Tammy et al, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $600,000 WATSON, Robert G. Jr. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 412033100018, $414,200 SIMI, Michael et al, Neighborhood Loans, Lowell, $479,750 DEEMTER, Timothy L. et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 412214400025, $900,000 STREAMS OF HOPE, Macatawa Bank, Parcel: 412206100057, $600,000 WRIGHT, Keith et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Alpine Twp., $355,000 FOX, James, Guaranteed Rate, Cascade Twp., $870,250 GOLEMBIESKI TRUST, United Bank, Wyoming, $397,500 THROOP, John et al, Macatawa Bank, Ada Twp., $862,500 CAMPBELL, Jennifer A. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411210202012, $630,000 WAGNER, Amber et al, Neighborhood Loans, Cannon Twp., $443,667 RAMIEREZ, Edgar et al, Crosscountry Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $600,000 IGNATOSKI, Kyle S., Isabella Bank, Oakfield Twp., $352,000 NEWTON, Sherry L., United Wholesale Mortgage, Byron Twp., $397,664 JACOB, Aaron et al, Amerifirst Financial, Caledonia, $512,716 WRIGHT, Robert, Hall Financial, Ada Twp., $481,000 B&B EP LLC, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412202200035, $4,560,000 KUDIN, Andrii, Plains Commercial Bank,
PUBLIC RECORD Cannon Twp., $548,050 BELANGER, Benjamin et al, Consumers Credit Union, Parcel: 411431135041, $530,000 KECKLER, Sean et al, Rocket Mortgage, Parcel: 411720227008, $360,840 FOX, Douglas et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $1,742,500 HOUNTRAS, Nicholas et al, Churchill Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $510,000 BLOCH, Kenneth et al, US Bank, Cannon Twp., $402,600 HUGHES, Michael et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Parcel: 411428376013, $1,300,000 BOWLES, Janet M., Benchmark Mortgage, Kentwood, $412,500 ADHIKARI, Madhu et al, Fifth Third Bank, Kentwood, $415,888 KNAPP, Travis et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Byron Twp., $745,000 BOES, Brandon et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $462,000 BROCKTON LLC, Independent Bank, Kentwood, $1,262,772 HALSTEAD, Timothy et al, Guaranteed Rate, Parcel: 411415100039, $418,500
CO-PARTNERSHIPS FILED
Co-partnerships filed with the Kent County Clerk DINERO CREW, 2015 Kalamazoo SE, Dorvell P. Thermelan, Kenney Rosheed JK CONSTRUCTION, 1017 Jackson NW, Kenneth G. Walsworth, John C. Stchowiak WEBSTER BUSINESS GROUP, 3545 Sunshine Ridge NE, David Webster, Lisa Webster UMC CONSTRUCTION, 513 N. Lafayette, Greenville, Dina Manaen Aguirres, Ulicer Contreras Lopez ZELGO CONSTRUCTION, 1331 Bradford NE, Ronal Godoy et al
ASSUMED NAMES FILED
Assumed names filed with the Kent County Clerk 5 BROTHERS ROOFING CONSTRUCTION, 854 Nagold NW, Perla K. Mendez AQUA MARINE SALES, 1339 Bayview, Holland, Timothy O. Rottschafer CDK INVESTIGATIONS, 7244 Thorncrest SE, Ada, Christopher K. DeKraker FELICITY BY GRACE, 2509 Holtman NE, Grace K. Vanderwey FIRST PERSON NARRATING-CLIMATE FOR TOMORROW, 375 Nelson, Sparta, James Lax
PUBLIC RECORD AVAILABLE ONLINE: For the full version of this week’s Public Record, visit the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s website at grbj.com.
Sony Electronics selects local Groups back youth financial education nonprofit for education grant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
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that identify as BIPOC. • Totem Star, Seattle: Helps young artists build communication, collaboration, critical thinking and life skills through creative pursuits in music production and performance. • Youth Beat, Oakland: Offers extensive digital media training, youth development and employment opportunities for inner-city Oakland public school students. Christopher said she hopes that STEM Greenhouse will continue to see increased community support for its mission as the video circulates. “We need these kids,” she said. “So, if we want them to have a quality education, we need to be the ones providing it. Nobody is coming to save these children; we have to save our own kids. “I’m at schools that don’t have science teachers. The work we’re doing is really critical to getting them (students) prepared for 21st century careers.” As STEM Greenhouse’s summer program continues to educate community children in science, technology, engineering and math, Christopher is looking forward to the organization’s newest venture, a high school program.
The program will be the first of its kind at STEM Greenhouse, which has mainly focused on middle and elementary school students and is planned to start this fall at Innovation Central High School, 421 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. “I’m really excited about it,” Christopher said of the program, adding that the work of STEM Greenhouse’s education should not be limited to middle or elementary school programs. She said students need continued education and opportunities through high school and beyond in order to cultivate success. “Really what this program is going to be is a support program for the high schools’ math and science programming,” Christopher said. “We’re going to offer professional development for teachers. We are going to offer after-school tutoring. We’re going to offer after-school STEM clubs and allow them (students) to have organizations where they can develop their leadership skills. We’re going to have college tours, we’re going to have career speakers come in. It’s just nice to be able to support a school that is already doing so much good like Innovation Central with even more resources so that the kids get a really exceptional experience.”
allow for conversations about culture, about community (and) about diversity as it pertains to financial education. “We are just happy to be able to be a part of expanding culturally responsive financial education in our community, but more importantly, with the partnership with Consumers, really being able to leverage our experiences, our resources and our passion to impact our youth and help them become more empowered through financial education.” Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes (JAMGL) said it was one of many advocates for the bill updating Michigan’s high school curriculum to include financial literacy, and the organization is looking forward to participating in the education process. “Junior Achievement is excited to partner with area schools to bring its proven financial literacy curriculum to high school classrooms across the region as part of this requirement,” said Bill Coderre, president and CEO. “Sixty percent of students who were raised in lower-income homes but have Junior Achievement programming in school report that they are in middle- to upper-income brackets as adults due to the financial literacy learning they
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing HB 5190, which adds a half-credit personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement starting in 2024. Courtesy state of Michigan
received. We are pleased have the support of our legislators in bringing this type of impactful learning to even more students from across our state.” One new opportunity JAMGL said it will bring to high school students is the chance to spend the day in its new facility in the Karl and Susan Hascall JA Finance Park. The finance park teaches financial independence to eighthto 12th-grade students. Students
spend 12 classroom sessions preparing for the experience, and their day at JA Finance Park involves a randomly assigned career and family scenario, where participants will create a monthly budget based on their income and family situation. The new experience will be made available soon to students and schools from across West Michigan. More information is available at michigangreatlakes. ja.org or by calling (616) 575-9080.
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Something for everyone? Shop lifts.
I
t’s not often lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Lansing — and business groups — can agree on something, but early returns indicate that is the case with the state’s FY23 budget. The $76 billion spending plan includes funds for investing in education, the state’s economy, workforce, public health, public safety and Michigan families and communities. And, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, it “does not raise taxes by a dime.” “We have a financially sound budget that responsibly invests our one-time funds,” said Chris Harkins, state budget director. “In addition to prioritizing funding for our students, schools, public health, natural resources and communities, we are paying down debt, shoring up pensions and setting money aside for a rainy day.” Harkins said the budget offers a good mix of addressing current needs while bolstering the state’s future. Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, said the spending guidelines line up well with BLM’s Compete to Win plan. “We applaud the legislature and governor for reaching a bipartisan budget agreement that will help Michigan win jobs and
BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF
new businesses, attract talent, support our students and teachers and provide opportunities for more widely shared prosperity across our state,” he said. “We are pleased to see a number of public education and talent investments that Business Leaders for Michigan prioritized in our ‘Compete to Win’ plan incorporated in the agreement.” Donofrio specifically cited per-pupil funding increases for K-12 students, as well as for at-risk and special education students; help with the state’s teacher shortage; after-school and summer programming; and post-secondary scholarships and worker training. “Much has been accomplished with this budget agreement, including staying focused on investing in Michigan’s future and avoiding fiscal cliffs. Now we encourage policymakers to continue working across the aisle toward a consensus to invest more in economic development, particularly in funding shovel-ready site development and creating a sustainable funding mechanism for the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund,” he said. “These investments are critically needed for Michigan to be more competitive and become a Top 10
CD Barnes’s service, communication, and attention to detail during the construction of Legacies Assisted Living in Caledonia were excellent. We are proud to be working with CD Barnes again to expand the Legacies brand to Legacies Village Independent Living as we continue to serve seniors in the area with life-enriching housing and care. – Clarence Rivette, Wirt Rivette Group
state. We must keep the momentum going so that Michigan can compete to win.” A little closer to home, State Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Kent County, said he was pleased with funds earmarked specifically for West Michigan projects. Posthumus noted the budget plan fully funds Michigan government while preserving billions of dollars he hopes will make tax relief a real possibility for Kent County families and seniors. “This budget reflects the priorities of West Michigan taxpayers, from providing our kids with a quality education to investing in infrastructure to improve our communities and everything in between,” Posthumus said. “Funding critical projects is important, but so is paying down our debts. This plan accomplishes both.” The plan prioritizes about $2.6 billion to reduce public retirement system debt, including that of local government employees, educators and school staff, and the state police. Posthumus emphasized that though the sum of the new budget is greater than last year’s, much of the additional spending is for one-time spending, not ongoing programs. Posthumus also helped advocate for local funding projects
that were included in the budget, such as $30 million for a 1,200seat riverfront amphitheater on Market Avenue SW in downtown Grand Rapids, $300,000 for the Kies Road Iron Belle-North Country Trail Connector in Cannon Township, and $300,000 for the Grand Rogue Park in Plainfield Township. “These economic and community development investments in our local communities are paramount to the future of our area as it continues to grow,” Posthumus said. “We’re lucky to have so many natural wonders in the greater Grand Rapids area — these projects make them more accessible for the public to enjoy, enriching our corner of the Mitten even more.” The Michigan Retailers Association also offered support for the budget agreement and was especially pleased with a portion that addresses organized retail crime. The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives approved the Integrity Notification and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Act. The measure requires online marketplaces to verify their high-volume, third-party sellers and provide their contact information to purchasers. The state legislation mirrors similar pending rules at the federal level and matches legislation already signed into law in 10 other states. The legislation adds organized retail crime to the list of crimes that can be charged as a racketeering offense. It will give prosecu-
STREET TALK tors the ability to charge criminal ORC rings with up to 20-year felonies and require forfeiture, which would help fund future attorney general-led investigations. The state’s FY2023 budget also includes $3.5 million in one-time funding to be used over three years for the attorney general to create an Organized Retail Crime Unit dedicated to investigating and prosecuting ORC statewide. Supporters say this unit would be critical in cracking down on criminal rings that send boosters into retail stores to steal items that are then resold, often online, for profit. “The legislature’s passage of these three organized retail crime initiatives is a trifecta win for retail”, said William Hallan, president and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association, which represents 5,000 Michigan businesses and their 15,000 stores and websites. “Organized retail crime increases prices for consumers and enables other dangerous crimes. We thank the Michigan Legislature for protecting both retailers and consumers and we encourage Gov. Whitmer to sign these bills.” By taking these three actions, Hallan said the Michigan legislature sent a clear message that Michigan will not be home for continued organized retail crime activity. He said, collectively, the measures give prosecutors and investigators the tools needed to identify and charge the criminals seeking to commit these crimes while restricting criminals’ ability to find places to fence, or resell, stolen items.
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SCOT SM A N G UI D E TOP M ORTGAGE LEN D ER 2021
R ANKED A S A TOP PERFORMING BANK IN THE NATION
4.94 OUT OF 5.0 STAR R ATING A S OF APRIL 2022 (4 ,0 0 0 + REVIEWS)
S& P G LO B A L’S B E ST P E R FO R MI N G CO MMU N I T Y BANKS R A N K E D 8T H I N T H E N AT I O N FO R 2020
WINNER 2021
Thank you to our employees for making Northpointe Bank one of best and brightest companies to work for and the largest national lender headquartered in West Michigan!* Visit Northpointe.com to get started today!
*Source: Inside Mortgage Finance ranked Northpointe Bank number 40 in its Top 100 residential mortgage lenders nationwide based on its June 2020 lender survey, bank, thrift and credit union call reports, SEC filings, company earnings and agency MBS data. For nine years, Independent Community Bankers of America® has ranked Northpointe Bank as a top-performing bank in the nation out of approximately 5,000 ICBA member banks. Northpointe also earned the number eight best performing bank in the nation according to S&P Global Market Intelligence rankings for 2020.
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Why are we the only Grand Rapids-area hospital included among the nation’s “Best & Brightest Companies to Work For” for 2022? Our culture at University of Michigan HealthWest is what sustains us and differentiates us. It’s how we provide an inclusive, innovative, high-performing and supportive environment, so the best and brightest people can do what they do best: care for our patients. Find out what working in a “Best & Brightest” environment can mean for you. Visit https://uofmhealthwest.org/careers/
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