Stories

Feature Story muskegon innovation hub 1

Rapid Reconnect: A Q & A with Muskegon Innovation Hub Director Kevin Ricco

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.

Feature Story The Holland Museum’s new exhibit, United for Progress: The LAUP Story, opens Aug. 20.

Celebrate the history of LAUP with a new Holland Museum exhibit

The Holland Museum’s new exhibit, United for Progress: The LAUP Story, opens Aug. 20. It explores the history of the community’s oldest Hispanic organization, how it has evolved, and how it continues to serve today. 

Development News Grand Rapids Sister Cities International 

Grand Rapids goes Gangnam Style

The Gangnam District of Seoul is Grand Rapids' newest Sister City.

Feature Story Team members of Gentex's new Spanish-speaking assembly lines.

Gentex is offering stock options among other perks to attract workers

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

Longform Pam Lynch, director of Harm Reduction Michigan.

"Just keep that person alive": Michigan's harm reduction strategies prevent opioid overdoses

The practice of minimizing harmful effects for those who use opioids is sometimes controversial, yet also quickly gaining recognition and acceptance for its effectiveness.

Partner Content Walsh's Online MBA Retains Tier One Ranking for Third Year

Walsh's Online MBA Retains Tier One Ranking for Third Year

For the third consecutive year, Walsh’s online MBA program has been ranked a Tier One Global Online MBA by CEO Magazine. Walsh earned the highest ranking of three Michigan schools on the list.

Partner Content Campers at the YMCA summer day camp at Petoskey's Ottawa Elementary School play a game, hosted by Health Department of Northwest Michigan staff, in which they try to guess what fruit or vegetable is in a bag without looking.

SNAP-Ed plays a part in creating community health hubs in schools

A vibrant collaboration between the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and the rural school districts in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties has helped transform school buildings into community hubs where residents learn to live healthier lives. 

Innovation News Jon Upleger teaching

Michigan native returns to open Grand Rapids School of Dance

Returning to Michigan after more than 20 years, dancer, teacher and father, Jon Upleger is opening the Grand Rapids School of Dance.

Feature Story rep4

National REP4 Conference gives platform for high schoolers to pitch ideas to leaders at GVSU

GVSU hosted a virtual event as part of REP4, a national alliance of six colleges. The event provided high school students the opportunity to pitch their ideas of increased equity and accessibility to higher education leaders.

Feature Story A student receives a shot at GRCC pop-up vaccination clinic.

GRCC offers incentive for fall students to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Grand Rapids Community College fall semester students who have already received the vaccine or who are fully vaccinated by Nov. 15 will receive a $200 credit on their RaiderCard accounts. GRCC also plans on-campus vaccination clinics and is requiring face coverings when indoors on campus.

Partner Content John Peterson and Lauren Potorek in AIHFS' garden.

SNAP-Ed program connects southeast Michigan’s Indigenous peoples with traditional, local food

A new food sovereignty program is engaging youth leaders to build relationships with local Indigenous farmers growing traditional native fruits and vegetables.

Longform Nathaniel Bergman administers a COVID-19 vaccine to a homebound resident in her home.

As Delta variant threatens, Michigan works to address lingering vaccine hesitancy

While COVID-19 vaccination efforts have plateaued, Michigan health care professionals are working overtime to understand and address vaccine hesitancy.

Feature Story Actors Theatre

Actors’ Theatre hosts inclusive pop-up performances embracing "raw honesty" & "marginalized voices"

The Actors’ Theatre focuses on curating inclusive and creative pop-up performances centered on identity, community and love.

Feature Story GVPRSP

Striving for the best, GVSU PRSSA is recognized for its hard work and dedication

Receiving numerous awards at the recent West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA) PRoof Awards, Grand Valley State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA) has much to celebrate as it continues to add value to its members and positively impact the community.

Development News Balm artists

Balm Tattooing: Bodyart can be more than skin-deep

At Balm Tattooing, tattoo artists, Emily Kukawka, Sarah Sun and Tiffany Elmergreen are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment.

Feature Story The construction of the new GRCC Lakeshore campus in Holland is nearly completed.

GRCC Lakeshore Campus plans community open house

Residents will be able to get a first look at the Grand Rapids Community College’s new Lakeshore Campus during an upcoming open house. The Aug. 21 event will highlight the transformation of the facility, and staff will offer assistance to anyone ready to sign up for classes.

Feature Story Join the fun in Grand Haven, Coast Guard City USA, and celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.

August Things To Do Along the Lakeshore: Festivals and family movie nights, art shows and 5Ks

From festivals to music, art shows to sidewalk sales, and 5Ks to family movie nights, there are plenty of things to do in August in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. 

Longform Skyler and Krista Assman.

Respite care provides a much-needed break from caregiving for parents of kids with disabilities

Temporary respite care is vital for many parents to take a break from 24/7 caregiving – but it can also be challenging to find.

Feature Story childrens museum

Enjoying summer and exploring downtown on the DASH

It is that time of year again ― time to get outdoors and explore all that summer and the city have to offer. If you are looking for an affordable, convenient way to navigate through downtown, the DASH may be the perfect option.

Innovation News latino outdoors

Latino Outdoors encourages Latinx community to get outdoors and reclaim nature

The Grand Rapids chapter of Latino Outdoors is an organization that provides outdoor activities for those identifying as Latinx — from hiking and biking to backpacking, kayaking and horseback riding.