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FIND THE FACES OF: IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE BUSINESS LENDING: United Bank ARCHITECTURE: Wayne Visbeen - Visbeen Architects REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT: John Wheeler - Orion Real Estate Solutions CONSTRUCTION: Roger Rehkopf - Orion Construction BREAKFAST: Josh Beckett - Anna’s House CORPORATE TRAINING: Michelle L. Steffes, CPS, CPLC - IPV Consulting COLLABORATIVE EVENT SPACE: Phrené Hoeksema - West End & Studio Phrené CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: CJ MacKenzie - First Companies, Inc. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Rockford Property Management FINE JEWELRY: DeVries Jewelers FINE FURNISHINGS: Portobello Road GOURMET COOKIES: Monica Mitidieri - Monica’s Gourmet Cookies HOME BIRTH & OUT-OF-HOSPITAL MIDWIFE: Sara Badger, LM, CPM - SimplyBorn Midwifery Services FITNESS: MVP Sports Club FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW: Warner Norcross + Judd HOSPITALITY: Peter Beukema - Suburban Inns LANDSCAPING: Gary Kappes - Kappes Landscapes Inc. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Jennifer Maxson - Jennifer Maxson & Associates MORTGAGE LENDING: Mercantile Bank of Michigan MULTI-DISCIPLINE ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING: TowerPinkster Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design PHILANTHROPY: Grand Rapids Community Foundation PLASTIC SURGERY: Terri Zomerlei, M.D. - Centre for Plastic Surgery ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS: Brian Burch - Burch Partners LEISURE TRAVEL: Shelley Kohtz - Witte Travel & Tours GROUP TRAVEL: Mindy Miller Alexander - Witte Travel & Tours RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: John Postma - RE/MAX of Grand Rapids WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Charles C. Zhang - Zhang Financial SPECIALTY BEVERAGES: David Wentworth - Prospectors Specialty Beverage

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BUSINESS LENDING UNITED BANK

900 EAST PARIS AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI | 616-559-7000 | UNITEDBANK4U.COM

United Bank is a leading business lender, offering a comprehensive suite of business products that blend cutting-edge technology with unparalleled customer service.

They are committed to strengthening local economic development and supporting the diverse needs of the community.

“We’re in the business of creating real solutions to solve the very real challenges our clients face every day,” United Bank President and CEO Joseph Manica says. “We’re fortunate to have an exceptionally talented team of seasoned lenders who understand the needs of our local businesses

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and are dedicated to making West Michigan the best it can be through a thriving business community. We take the time to consider your needs, look out for your best interests, and deliver a solution that’s right for you.”

United Bank services a variety of lending needs including business lines of credit, commercial real estate, equipment loans, and more. With flexible terms, competitive rates, local decision-makers, and a quick approval process, the commercial lending team is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. Member FDIC.

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ARCHITECTURE

WAYNE VISBEEN - VISBEEN ARCHITECTS 662 CROSWELL AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 | 616-285-9901

Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, principal and founder of Visbeen Architects Inc., is a licensed architect and registered interior designer with more than 30 years of experience in retail, residential, commercial design, and visual merchandising.

Visbeen studied at Calvin College and then Lawrence Technological University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. He spent time as a senior designer at the Taubman Companies, where he designed more than 100 national prototypes for leading retail-

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ers across the nation before launching his own firm specializing in residential and commercial projects in 1992.

Since the establishment of Visbeen Architects, the firm has been the recipient of numerous national awards — namely, more than 100 American Residential Design Awards and dozens of Best in American Living Awards. The firm has completed over 1,500 projects in 48 U.S. states and 13 countries, and continues to expand with a focus on custom residential home design.

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REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT JOHN WHEELER - ORION REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS 32 MARKET AVE SW STE 500, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-464-1740

For more than four decades, John Wheeler has passionately pursued urban core and suburban developments that have literally changed the skyline of Grand Rapids. Wheeler’s storied career tells a tale of dedication, focus, ingenuity, and creativity.

“If I’ve been successful at one thing in my career, I hope it has been inspiring others to take risks, believe in themselves, and take pride in their community,” he says.

Wheeler has developed more than $1 billion in real estate in West Michigan alone and, through his philanthropic efforts,

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he has contributed millions of dollars to local nonprofit organizations.

“I’m blessed to be where I am today, working with my family, team, and mentors,” Wheeler says. “Together we’ve grown to understand the value of integrity and accountability.

I’ve learned the importance of giving back as I experienced success in my own career. I love the people in West Michigan, and I hope my efforts are a reflection of my passion for this community.”

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CONSTRUCTION

ROGER REHKOPF - ORION CONSTRUCTION 32 MARKET AVE SW STE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-464-1740

As president and owner, Roger Rehkopf sits at the helm of one of West Michigan’s top commercial contractors. Over the course of the past several years, Rehkopf has grown Orion Construction from a staff of seven into 40, with nearly $100 million in annual revenue.

“We strive to be great in the simple things: being on time, treating clients with the utmost respect, and demonstrating value with honesty and integrity,” he says.

Rehkopf’s ideals have served him well in his 40 years of construction experience, and they continue to be a key influ-

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ence on Orion’s plan for healthy growth and success in 2019 and beyond.

“Delivering on promises consistently allows us to continue living our mission for our company, our community, and our families,” Rehkopf says. “We love seeing the impact our team has on West Michigan, and I’m honored to pass our values on to the next generation of leadership here at Orion Construction.”

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BREAKFAST

JOSH BECKETT - ANNA’S HOUSE 2812 BELTLINE AVE. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 616-551-0434

When Josh Beckett turned 30, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and that sparked a brand-new perspective on food and exercise. By opening Anna’s House, Beckett has been able to provide fresh, organic, high-quality dishes to his friends and family. In 2013, that approach won Anna’s recognition as the No. 1 Best Breakfast in Michigan, solidifying Beckett’s belief that everyone deserves an extraordinary breakfast.

Six years and seven locations later, Anna’s — with its

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beautiful, ’50s-inspired décor — is a staple across Michigan.

Still family owned, Beckett and his team work seven days a week to bring breakfast and lunch to the mitten. The dietary-inclusive atmosphere at Anna’s, which includes extensive options for vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian guests, makes everyone feel comfortable the moment they arrive.

Now, with the exciting addition of organic eggs, Beckett is one step closer to achieving his mission: Saving the world from an ordinary breakfast!

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CORPORATE TRAINING

MICHELLE L. STEFFES, CPS, CPLC - IPV CONSULTING WWW.IPVCONSULTING.COM | 616-291-0377

After more than two decades of leadership and 10,000 hours of study in the science of human behavior, Michelle L. Steffes has perfected a formula for developing and sustaining high-performing teams. Her clients consistently report both professional and personal victories, healthier cultures and higher productivity.

Steffes has partnered with companies of all sizes to develop customized, cutting-edge practices that are designed to train leaders and teams from the inside out, leading to profitable results. She utilizes cognitive methods that accel-

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erate intrinsic growth, increase performance, and transform self-defeating mindsets.

Featured in national media and multiple publications, she is the founder and CEO of IPV Consulting® and IPV Group Coaching®, and is the creator of the 5 in 5 Performance Coaching Program©. Steffes’ newest book and daily podcast, “Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine,” have already been adopted into companies looking for real change.

If you are ready for a new strategy, contact IPV Consulting.

A+ BBB Accredited

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COLLABORATIVE EVENT SPACE PHRENÉ HOEKSEMA - WEST END & STUDIO PHRENÉ 1111 GRAND RAPIDS AVE. SW, STE. S440, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-322-3093

Phrené Hoeksema, owner of Studio Phrené and West End, established her business in Grand Rapids in 2007 and has been serving the area as a passionate photographer ever since. A graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design, and formerly an adjunct professor of photography at Cornerstone University, Hoeksema specializes in lifestyle, newborn, birth, and wedding photography.

Hoeksema has encouraged other artists and photographers to utilize her space as a collective work environment, rather than a typical photography studio, since it opened in 2009. In her efforts to grow a creative community based on

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encouragement and collaboration, the space that was Studio Phrené’s photography studio has transitioned into the reinvented West End. With 2,500 square feet, the space also comfortably welcomes up to 100 guests for events such as weddings, yoga classes, workshops, networking and community events, and more.

A unique gem located in a historic building with antique charm and luxury, West End invites you to utilize the light and airy character of the studio for all your collaborative work needs!

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CJ MACKENZIE - FIRST COMPANIES, INC.

4380 BROCKTON DR. SE, STE. 1, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 | 616-698-5000 | WWW.FIRSTCOMPANIES.COM

As vice president of construction at First Companies, CJ is a key member of the leadership team, bringing his expertise in locating and developing land as well as overseeing all aspects of construction. For over 50 years, First Companies has served Michigan businesses, gaining a reputation for creating exceptional physical spaces where businesses and medical practices thrive. The company also offers commercial real estate and property management services, maintaining buildings for new owners.

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Whether it is ground-up construction, historic renovations, refreshing a “tired” office, or helping customers redefine their space to meet new and changing business needs, First Companies can help. The company has specialized teams to meet the unique requirements for each type of construction project with a track record for completing projects on schedule and within budget. It is well-known for its ethics, integrity and creative problem solving.

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ROCKFORD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 601 FIRST ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-285-6933

Rockford Property Management team members are experts in their field, collectively possessing the diversified experience necessary to not just meet expectations, but exceed them — every single time. Through a commitment to people that focuses on hospitality and professionalism, owners, tenants, and clients alike benefit from superior service in every aspect of operations.

This culture permeates throughout the business, from initial contact to lease-signing, move-in, and ongoing relationships with clients and tenants. With a fully custom-

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izable menu of services that can be tailored to meet a client’s unique needs, Rockford Property Management stands ready to serve.

Ultimately, all team members understand that property management isn’t just about physical spaces. It’s also about the people that transform those spaces into places, and the long-lasting connections and relationships that can only be formed through a dedication to people and service above everything else.

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FINE JEWELRY DEVRIES JEWELERS

411 LEONARD NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-454-6892 | WWW.DEVRIESJEWELERS.COM

DeVries Jewelers was founded in 1901. Four generations later, the DeVries family still strives, every day, to earn the confidence of their customers by exceeding clients’ expectations when it comes to quality merchandise, unsurpassed personal service, and a knowledgeable staff. DeVries Jewelers offers a purposeful selection of jewelry brands, styles, materials, and price points for every occasion. They also provide custom jewelry design, on-site jewelry, timepiece repair, and in-house appraisals.

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DeVries Jewelers is located just west of U.S. 131 on the north side of Leonard Avenue, next to Brann’s restaurant.

You’ll find plenty of convenient parking behind the store.

The team at DeVries believes it’s a privilege to serve this community, and their commitment to West Michigan is stronger now than it has ever been. When you’re deciding where to buy jewelry, and you want service you can trust, decide DeVries.

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FINE FURNISHINGS PORTOBELLO ROAD

6820 OLD 28TH ST.,GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-3002 | PORTOBELLOROAD.US

Portobello Road is a lifestyle furniture boutique that features some of the world’s most exquisite home furnishings.

It showcases distinctive furniture and home décor in trendy and trending lifestyle vignettes.

Furniture and décor lines on display at Portobello Road include Baker, Wesley Hall, Mcguire, Kindel, Alfonso Marina,

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and Currey & Co. You’ll also find visual comfort lighting, Loloi rugs, timeless luxury gifts, and one-of-a-kind accessories for those who delight in the finest things in life.

This lifestyle store is committed to the Grand Rapids market and is proud to be a destination for distinctive home furnishings in the local community.

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GOURMET COOKIES

MONICA MITIDIERI - MONICA’S GOURMET COOKIES 3668 29TH ST., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 | 616-977-7200 | MONICASGOURMET.COM

For the past 22 years, Monica Mitidieri has taken what was once a recipe formulated on a sheet of paper during a high-risk pregnancy, her only means of creation at the time, to growing a business — Monica’s Gourmet Cookies — that has boomed far beyond expectations.

In addition to her retail location, Mitidieri has a busy online presence; her cookies are available everywhere from Amazon to Goldbelly. They’re also sold in 65 retail supplied stores and on QVC, and clients include the NFL, NBA, famous musicians, and major corporations. Monica’s Gourmet Cookies can be found at weddings and special events, and are shipped worldwide.

Before her company’s success and growth, Mitidieri ded-

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icated all of her time and effort to refining and duplicating each batch she made until she reached absolute superiority. To set her cookies apart from the competition, she dedicates her business achieving to perfection at every single turn. Each cookie is handcrafted, weighed, baked, iced, and packaged meticulously. In return, Mitidieri has experienced explosive growth and recognition for her signature-looking (and tasting) cookies.

With more than 35 flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options, and the company’s newest addition, Cookies-N-Milk — a lactation cookie to assist in milk production for new moms — there’s a fix for every craving.

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HOME BIRTH & OUT-OF-HOSPITAL MIDWIFE

SARA BADGER, LM, CPM - SIMPLYBORN MIDWIFERY SERVICES 802 MERRITT STREET SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49507 | 616-419-8117

Birth has always been part of Sara Badger’s life. At a young age, she began attending births with her mother.

Badger started SimplyBorn Midwifery Services in 2010, and has been a gentle force of change and growth in West Michigan’s birthing community ever since. With a vision of fostering improvements in the birth community and empowering women, in 2014 she opened the first out-of-hospital birthing center in Grand Rapids.

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Badger has worked diligently on both local and state levels to promote cohesive care for women. At SimplyBorn, Badger says the team’s goal is to empower, educate, and help clients make intuitive and wise choices.

She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 18 years and have four children. Badger says each of her children’s home births were as unique as their developing personalities.

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FITNESS

MVP SPORTS CLUB 4085 BURTON ST. SE, STE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-575-6221

Built on a foundation of strong brand quality, innovative programming, world-class equipment and technology, and excellent customer service, MVP Sports Clubs has been providing fitness, sports, and wellness to West Michigan since 2005. Now operating seven facilities within the market, including five full-service athletic clubs and two unique

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boutique fitness spaces, MVP is dedicated to building healthy communities that change lives both in and outside of its facilities.

Serving more than 30,000 members in West Michigan, MVP Athletic Clubs’ facilities include MVP Sportsplex, MVP Athletic Club, and MVP Metro Club in Grand Rapids;

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and MVP Athletic Club in Holland and Rockford. In MVP’s all-inclusive fitness environment, members experience life changes through fitness, classes, and community.

The full-service athletic clubs offer 100+ complimentary group fitness classes weekly, state-of-the-art cardio- and strength-training equipment, court sports, indoor and outdoor aquatics, spa-quality locker facilities, and supervised kid care.

Well-Fit by MVP opened in 2015 as Grand Rapids’ premier senior group fitness studio. Designed to provide specialized group programming for older active adults, Well-Fit

by MVP is a dedicated space with the purpose of improving and maintaining wellness, and building community.

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As group fitness experiences are emergent in the market, MVP’s newest operation, 4G Athletic, opened in 2017 in Jenison. Unlike the normal athletic club model that’s associated with MVP, 4G Athletic is boutique fitness taken to the next level. Customers experience four revolutionary group workouts under one roof: BIKE, FLOW, MOVE, and LIFT. MVP Sports Clubs keeps pushing forward to provide the most innovative solutions to support those working to live their best healthy life. MVP is dedicated to its ongoing commitment to building healthy communities that change lives through outreach, education, philanthropy, and service.

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FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD

900 FIFTH THIRD CENTER, 111 LYON ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-752-2000

Warner Norcross + Judd’s Family Law team has decades of experience working through some of the toughest issues you might ever face: divorce, custody, parenting time, property division, alimony, and child support. And as fair advocates for their clients, Warner attorneys work to resolve issues through mediation whenever possible. The firm isn’t afraid to go to court, though, and will zealously defend or promote your best interests while protecting your privacy and that of your family.

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The firm’s award-winning team of attorneys and paralegals can tackle the toughest situations, navigating skillfully through complex financial and legal issues including business valuation and non-marital property.

Warner attorneys are recognized as leaders by their peers, and they frequently lecture, write, and teach on family law topics throughout the state, country, and internationally.

Warner Norcross + Judd is in your corner.

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HOSPITALITY

PETER BEUKEMA - SUBURBAN INNS 3380 HIGHLAND DR., HUDSONVILLE MI 49426 | 616-874-3434 | SUBURBANINNS.COM

Founded in 1979, Suburban Inns is a family-owned and operated company based in West Michigan which develops, owns and operates award-winning hotels and restaurants in

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Holland, Grand Rapids, and Midland. Its hotels consistently rank in the top 15% of their franchises for customer service and quality, winning some of the top awards in North America.

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LANDSCAPING

GARY KAPPES - KAPPES LANDSCAPES INC. 4353 THREE MILE RD. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 616-363-6400 | KAPPESLANDSCAPES.COM

With a passion for landscape design that embraces natural and timeless themes, landscape architect Gary Kappes brings his talents to each project his award-winning firm undertakes. A design/build firm established in and working throughout West Michigan since 1968, Kappes Landscapes seamlessly blends a client’s vision from conception to implementation and completion.

Timeless, creative design; the use of specimen plant materials; and exquisite workmanship from an experienced and

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talented staff are the essence of each Kappes Landscapes project. Kappes’ designs are created using unique, hand-selected plant material that comes from Michigan and throughout the United States. Thanks to Kappes’ hands-on involvement, each project captures a natural uniqueness all its own.

Simple or intricate, on residential or commercial projects of any scale, the expertise of Kappes Landscapes will bring exceptional quality to your landscape. To learn more, please visit kappeslandscapes.com.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT JENNIFER MAXSON - JENNIFER MAXSON & ASSOCIATES P.O. BOX 247, BELMONT, MI 49306 | 616-883-6458

There’s no doubt that people are an organization’s most valuable resource. Through their unique leadership programs and services, Jennifer Maxson & Associates’ team of coaches develops credible leaders who communicate effectively, drive business growth, and achieve sustainable change. Their customized solutions fit each client’s specific needs, and include reinforcement sessions for sustainable development.

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Whether you’re looking for ways to lead change and influence others, or need help with communication and advanced sales training, Jennifer Maxson & Associates has more than 20 years of experience to propel your people and your organization to new heights, with real, measurable outcomes. Simply put, they help organizations move forward.

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MORTGAGE LENDING MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN

310 LEONARD NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 800-453-8700 | MERCBANK.COM

Mercantile Bank gets it. There are plenty of mortgage options out there, but chances are there’s only one that’s just right for you.

Mercantile Bank mortgage lenders work hard to help you find the perfect mortgage for your life and your future.

With no gimmicks and no games, they offer solid mortgage options with competitive rates designed around your needs.

What makes Mercantile different? Their lenders get to know your name before your budget. They know you’re making an

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important investment, which is why they invest personally in your experience. They do things locally, loyally, and without any surprises. That means they make their decisions in Michigan and use local partners to help make your home mortgage process as streamlined as possible.

Connect with a Mercantile mortgage lender in person or via their app, and you’ll experience the personalized service that’s made them a premier choice for home loans in West Michigan.

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MULTI-DISCIPLINE ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

TOWERPINKSTER ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND INTERIOR DESIGN 4 EAST FULTON ST., STE. 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-456-9944 | TOWERPINKSTER.COM

What does it take to blend traditional values into a contemporary workspace? How do you make a school seem less intimidating? Or a courthouse more transparent? How can a medical office building improve patient health?

Every day, the architects, engineers, and interior designers at TowerPinkster are using curiosity as fuel for their clients’ success. The TowerPinkster philosophy is that asking the right questions produces remarkable solutions.

By asking those questions, the team works hand-in-hand with clients to create experience-driven spaces — spaces

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where people can live, learn, collaborate, serve, heal, and play.

Recent TowerPinkster projects include the new Stryker Instruments Divisional Facility in Portage, the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science at Aquinas College, the Gull Road Justice Complex in Kalamazoo, the Battle Creek Math and Science Center, and Spectrum Health’s Integrated Care Complex in Rockford.

Curious about TowerPinkster? Visit towerpinkster.com to learn more.

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PHILANTHROPY

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 185 OAKES ST. SW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-454-1751 | GRFOUNDATION.ORG

Known for their giving spirit, West Michigan philanthropists have many faces. As Kent County’s philanthropic leader, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has the privilege of partnering with a diverse group of individuals, families, and organizations with a shared interest in seeing their community thrive.

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The Community Foundation helps people come together to express their love, passion, and generosity for the place they call home, during their lifetime and beyond.

As communities evolve, so do the issues and opportunities they face. Since 1922, the Community Foundation has partnered with donors, volunteers, nonprofits, businesses, and

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community members to stay in front of the ever-changing issues impacting West Michigan.

“Local philanthropists trust our staff to steward the assets they have worked a lifetime to earn and to connect them with causes that matter most to them,” says Diana Sieger, Community Foundation president. “We help our donor, nonprofit, and community partners who give of their time, talents, and treasures maximize their impact.”

While it has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships in its nearly 100-year history, today the Community Foundation is so much more than a

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grantmaker. It serves as a bridge, intermediary, facilitator, convener, ally, and champion for everyone who calls West Michigan home.

“Grand Rapids Community Foundation believes West Michigan has the resources, knowledge, and energy to create prosperity for all,” Sieger says. “We’re committed to continuing our leadership role in bringing people together to address the inequities in Kent County by building and sustaining an inclusive economy and thriving community.”

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PLASTIC SURGERY

TERRI ZOMERLEI, M.D. - CENTRE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY 2060 EAST PARIS AVE. SE, STE. 150, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-454-1256

Dr. Terri Zomerlei, of the Centre for Plastic Surgery, isn’t your typical surgeon. A West Michigan native, Dr. Z first worked in health care as a nursing assistant, and then as a surgical physician assistant. But when this mother of two faced a life-changing event that rekindled her passion to be a surgeon, she went for it. After graduating from Michigan State University’s medical school at the top of her class, she completed a six-year surgical training program at Ohio State University.

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When asked why she chose to join the Centre for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Z responded, “It felt comfortable and genuine from the moment I walked through the door. The practice has an impeccable reputation for providing exceptional care. Aesthetic surgery shouldn’t be about imposing an ‘ideal’ beauty.

It’s about helping patients discover what makes them look and feel their best — and that’s exactly what the Centre for Plastic Surgery does.”

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ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS BRIAN BURCH - BURCH PARTNERS

31 E. EIGHTH ST., STE. 200, HOLLAND, MI 49423 | 616-828-9813 | BURCHPARTNERS.COM

Burch Partners is the communications partner of the new economy. Brian Burch and his team have built a special kind of strategic communications agency that’s nimble enough to work with early-stage startups, but with the Fortune 500 campaign experience needed to lead larger, established brands.

At a time when most agencies were still singularly focused on building the best media list, Burch Partners was developing relationships with influencers across all channels and creating customized stories on behalf of food, beverage, consumer goods, arts, technology, education, health

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care, and professional services companies.

The team lives by three principles: • Story has impact.

• Vision has purpose.

• Mission has meaning.

With Burch Partners’ guidance, hundreds of organizations, artists and eccentrics, entrepreneurs, and captains of industry across the world have marketed their purpose and their story to become more competitive, more profitable, and more present to their customers.

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LEISURE TRAVEL

SHELLEY KOHTZ - WITTE TRAVEL & TOURS 3250 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 | 616-942-5112

When you ask Shelley Kohtz why she chose a career in travel, the answer is clear: Passion. “I was working at an insurance agency when a coworker overheard me talking about the Disney World vacation I was planning for my family,” Kohtz recalls. “The coworker said I got so excited while talking about travel, I needed to become a travel consultant!” Soon after, the insurance agency closed its office, and Kohtz used her severance pay to attend travel school and pursue her dream career.

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Today, Kohtz manages the vacation team at Witte Travel; she was promoted in 2017 after 15 years as a travel consultant. Under her leadership, the team has achieved record-breaking sales and continues to grow. Kohtz’s passion for her work remains evident. “My favorite trips to plan are river cruises, European trips, and multigenerational travel,” she says. “I love when grandparents take the entire family on a trip — those memories are priceless! And, of course,” she adds, “I still love any Disney destination!”

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GROUP TRAVEL

MINDY MILLER ALEXANDER - WITTE TRAVEL & TOURS 3250 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 | 616-957-8113

Upon her return to Grand Rapids in 2017, after 28 years of living out of state, Mindy Alexander says accepting the group sales director position at Witte Tours was the perfect homecoming. “It felt like I’d truly ‘come back home’ to a role where my expertise was immediately put to use,” she says.

Alexander’s team crafts unique itineraries for groups with specific travel goals, including performing ensembles, student groups, churches, alumni organizations, and other special interest groups. “The best part about this job is that

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no tour is the same,” Alexander says. “We draw out each group’s objectives and create the ideal travel experience that delivers the right sights, sounds, tastes, and personal connections in each destination.”

Business is booming, and Alexander and her team continue to reach new milestones. “This past March, we had the highest volume of passengers traveling than ever before in our 44-year history,” she says. “It’s a pleasure to continue Witte’s long tradition of escorting groups to places they’ve never been.”

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE JOHN POSTMA - RE/MAX OF GRAND RAPIDS 4362 CASCADE RD. SE, STE. 208, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-5623

John Postma was determined to be successful, so he developed a hard work ethic from a young age, and paid his way through school by working on a hog and dairy farm. In college, Postma was challenged by a professor to find a career that played to his strengths and motivated him. For Postma, that turned out to be real estate.

Early on in his career, Postma learned the importance of being honest, professional, efficient, and attentive to details.

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He also learned the value of focusing on the big picture. Postma says he constantly evaluates where his energy is going, as he realizes you must take control of your business or it will control you and your personal life.

Now entering his 41st year in real estate, Postma has been the recipient of numerous awards, and his annual sales total more than $45 million. This achievement is the result of hard work, persistence, and never losing sight of the big picture.

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT CHARLES C. ZHANG - ZHANG FINANCIAL 460 ADA DRIVE SE, STE. 200, ADA, MI 49301 | 616-235-5777

Charles C. Zhang has confidently led his wealth management group, Zhang Financial, to the summit of the independent advisory world. His impressive educational background includes an MBA from Northwestern and an Executive Education from both Harvard Business School and Columbia University. In addition, he holds multiple prestigious designations in the financial industry, including Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Financial Planner, and Master of Science in Financial Services.

Zhang upholds the highest fiduciary standards and has

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an unparalleled combination of knowledge and expertise, so it’s not hard to see why he has been widely recognized as one of the best advisers in the nation. Barron’s has named Zhang the No. 1 financial adviser in Michigan for a staggering seven consecutive years,* while Forbes has named him one of the 10 best wealth advisors in the country — and he is the highest-ranked independent advisor on the list.* Zhang Financial strives for excellence in every aspect of wealth management. *See zhangfinancial.com for full ranking criteria.

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SPECIALTY BEVERAGES

DAVID WENTWORTH - PROSPECTORS SPECIALTY BEVERAGE 5035 W. GREENBROOKE DR. SE, STE. 2, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 | 616-634-8260

Co-owner and visionary David Wentworth started Prospectors Specialty Beverage in 2014 with a childhood friend.

The story begins with a passion for creating high-quality, great-tasting, health-forward, and innovative beverages.

Prospectors has released several popular specialty drinks under its own brands, Bloom Ferments Kombucha and Prospectors Cold Brew Coffee.

In 2016, Prospectors Specialty Beverage recognized there was a need in the Midwest for private-label specialty

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drinks. It quickly became a leader in the fast-growing field of healthy, functional, and clean specialty beverages. Today, the company provides cold brew coffee and kombucha via its private label, and contracts manufacturing for several local, regional, and national brands.

You can find Bloom Ferments Kombucha and Prospectors Cold Brew Coffee products at major retailers, grocery stores, and distributors around the Midwest and on the East Coast.

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