Stories

Feature Story UIX materials

UIX: Turning trash into money is going to take a community effort

Millions of dollars are being thrown away every year, in the form of waste left at the local landfill. It's a revenue stream that some are managing to take advantage of, and Kent County is hoping others take notice.

Feature Story RBatomic

Rapid Blog: HQ and Atomic Object band together to fight youth homelessness

When it comes to youth homelessness, the fight can seem endless. But when community members band together, transformational change can begin. In this Rapid Blog, HQ and Atomic Object break down their unique partnership and their hopes for the future.

Innovation News jobs

New year, new job: The winter jobs roundup

New year, new you, maybe even a new job. Check out the job offerings from some of our local companies and nonprofits.

Partner Content STEMinistas at a recent Michigan Science Center event

The STEMinista Project introduces girls to the wonders (and comradery) of science

Started as a way to close the STEM gender gap, the project is designed for girls from fourth to eighth grade and offers special opportunities that encourage them to learn about STEM and get involved in STEM-related activities.

Feature Story OttawaParks

Ottawa County Parks paves way for 35-mile pathway from lakeshore to Grand Rapids

After decades of planning and buying property, Ottawa County Parks’ Grand River Greenway is starting to gain real momentum. Though still several years from completion, backers can’t wait for the day residents and visitors can explore this 35-mile pathway and many waterfront parks and destinations along the way.

Feature Story Division

Can Grand Rapids end homelessness?: Best practices and local challenges to a nationwide issue

Everyone has a different stake in “solving” the issue of homelessness in Grand Rapids. But does anyone have an accurate picture of the issue—and who we’re actually talking about when we refer to Grand Rapids’ “homeless” population? In the first of a three-part series, RG dives into homelessness in our community, exploring the complexities, discussing best practices, and defining the housing first model.

Feature Story Sister Carol Gilbert OP, left, and Sister Ardeth Platte OP, right.

Nuns disarming the world: Two Dominicans with Grand Rapids roots help win Nobel Peace Prize

Sister Carol Gilbert, OP and Sister Ardeth Platte, OP of the Grand Rapids Dominicans have dedicated their lives through nuclear disarmament and recently contributed to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)'s win of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Feature Story food

Eat your heart out! 8 new Grand Rapids restaurants to check out in 2018

Whether it’s a second location, a new iteration, or a new concept entirely, Grand Rapids foodies have a lot to look forward to in 2018. From the recently opened Westside Social Tavern to the promise of Gaia’s triumphant return, here’s a small taste of some big flavors coming to Grand Rapids this year.

Development News DNhg1

New Mental Health Foundation HQ lends more visibility to nonprofit mission


Development News DNost1

Open Systems Technologies aims to redefine digital with launch of new brand

"The word digital is being redefined," says Michael Lomanaco of Open Systems Technologies, who recently launched Open Digital, an evolution of VisualHero, to form a new digital consultancy.

Innovation News work

Where to work it in a West Michigan Winter


Feature Story colletto

RapidChat: Heather Colletto

Over the years we've been conditioned to only share the highlight reels of our life on social media; We don’t show each other the framework behind the success. "But each of those stories is a series of months—even years—of self doubt, anger, and so on." reflects Heather Colletto, Founder of ServeGR, who recently shared her very own story of Context with CreativeMornings GR.

Feature Story Berkey and Gay Factory

Building Grand Rapids: Part I, from Furniture City to urban renewal

From establishing itself as the Furniture City to urban renewal to renovations of historic buildings, GR has witnessed much transformation in its buildings. Read the first in a two-part piece on the last 100 years of construction in GR.

Feature Story FTtriangle

One of GR's oldest construction companies celebrates 100 years

“The joys of construction are the tangible products you realize from your efforts." Craig Datema celebrates his father, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather, remembering the past 100 years of Triangle Associates.

Feature Story DonRhoades

Making it in GR: Lessons in crowdfunding

Self-proclaimed entrepreneur and Grand Rapids transplant, Don Rhoads, invented the BedBud Alarm out of a personal need. Through community involvement, market research and continuous revisions, he was able to develop his product. Though his journey is not over yet, he has already learned a lot along the way.

Feature Story MNLShayla

Helping to write beautiful stories: Leaders under 30 empower youth in Grand Rapids

Impassioned to guide first generation students toward a college degree; to provide quality mental health care to all people, regardless of their background; and to create intimate relationships free of violence, these leaders under 30 are making a difference for youth in GR.

Feature Story DACA

DACA: A personal view from here to Washington

Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen sat down to speak with two Dreamers whose lives will be upended along with the estimated 800,000 other Dreamers if DACA is not renewed. 

Construction on new Michigan Mile 44-unit Midtown CityZen