Perhaps one of the industries most impacted by the ongoing pandemic has been the live entertainment industry. After local independent music venues were shuttered for over a year, many have reopened their doors to musicians and fans alike. With reopening, comes new COVID-safety protocols and challenges faced.

When COVID-19 shut schools down, school nurses found themselves with even more work to do.

Kent District Library offers specific, catered services to best reach its aging patrons throughout the community. By utilizing the Talking Book & Braille Center, pop-up libraries and bookmobile visits to local retirement centers and assisted living centers, KDL aims to serve lifelong learners and readers.

Over the past few years, the Muskegon Innovation Hub has been able to continuously increase its economic impact within the lakeshore community. Though the Hub has experienced change both internally and within its membership over the past year and a half, overall, reports remain positive. Kevin Ricco, the Hub’s director, is optimistic about what is to come, especially for those businesses that are prepared.

Gentex has increased wages and is now offering company stock for hourly employees. The manufacturer has also launched Spanish-speaking assembly lines.