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21 Lakeshore expansion projects create 1,000 jobs in 2019

By Shandra MartinezThursday, February 6, 2020
Lakeshore companies collectively invested more than $127 million in 21 primarily expansion projects in 2019, creating more than 1,000 new jobs.
Feature Story Matthew Smith

RapidChat: Matthew Smith on grass-fed beef and the importance of listening to your customers

By Jenna K. Morton, Rapid Chat EditorThursday, January 30, 2020
Matthew Smith and wife Cynthia Esch first opened Louise Earl Butcher with the vision of sourcing and selling the best naturally raised meats in West Michigan. Four years later, you can still find them working hard every day to teach the local hungry food shopper all about the slow food movement.  
Feature Story public thread

Creating a ripple effect: Social impact entrepreneurs focus on people, planet, and profits

By Leandra NisbetThursday, January 30, 2020
First used in 1953, the term social entrepreneur refers to an individual who addresses social issues through a for-profit business enterprise. Two local businesses are seeking to create change, positively impact various stakeholders, and respond to greater societal concerns.
Feature Story Fogg

How the state’s Going Pro funds boost workers’ skills and pay

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 30, 2020
In 2019, the Going PRO Talent Fund awarded $32 million in 898 grants that helped pay for training more than 25,000 workers. Those new skills contributed to an average annual wage increase of nearly $6,000.
Feature Story pace

Lakeshore initiatives provide support and community for seniors aging in place

By Andrea GoodellThursday, January 30, 2020
Older Americans are increasingly choosing to “age in place,” staying in their own homes and avoiding the move to a retirement home. Many senior programs now have the express goal of helping older adults stay in their homes longer.  
Feature Story Shelby Baumann is a material handling manager at Fogg Filler.

Holland woman advances from job to career with workplace training

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 30, 2020
In the last three years, Shelby Baumann's wages have steadily increased along with her skills. She has benefited from workplace training, partially funded through the state's Going Pro grants.   
Development News WMSC

West Michigan Sports Commission’s on the go, on the grow

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorThursday, January 23, 2020

In January 2020, the West Michigan Sports Commission moved into new offices at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW and hired a new national sales manager, Alyssa Updegrave.

Innovation News IN January

New MI law protects licensed professional counselors’ ability to diagnose and treat mental disorders

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, January 23, 2020
Effective January 27, it will be legal for licensed professional counselors to diagnose and treat mental disorders. 
Feature Story ElizabethKidd

Assessment gives first report on health of Ottawa County nonprofits

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 23, 2020
The first-of-its-kind assessment of Ottawa County organizations was undertaken by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance. The data gathered covers a range of issues, from finance to diversity and inclusion efforts. 
Feature Story Patrick Cisler is the executive director of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.

Ottawa County nonprofits flock to board leadership training

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 23, 2020
“How to be an effective board member” workshops teach new board members best practices of providing leadership for a nonprofit, from governance to fundraising. More than 700 people in Ottawa County have taken part in some kind of board training offered by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.
Feature Story Greg Nowak

UIX: Medical innovation is a group effort in West Michigan

By Matthew Russell, UIX EditorThursday, January 23, 2020
The journey that medical products take from ideation to launch has been extended over the years by federal standards and regulations, but the basic outline remains the same: help people by making their lives easier, and call in whoever you need to make that happen.
Feature Story LGBT liason

Equity in action: The Municipal Equality Index serves as a framework for LGBTQ+ community connectors

By Kendra R. McNeilThursday, January 23, 2020

The Municipal Equality Index is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal law, policy, and services. In 2019, Grand Rapids was recognized as one of the most improved cities, scoring 92, a 16-point increase from 2018.

Feature Story Brianne Hubbard-Ross

G-Sync: Creston Brewery showcases how a neighborhood business can be a catalyst for community

By Tommy Allen, PublisherThursday, January 23, 2020
On Thursday, January 9, Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen welcomed to the WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, Creston Brewery’s Taproom and Sales Manager Brianne Hubbard-Ross who shares how a community can flourish within a neighborhood business.
Feature Story Scholarship

How a Westside scholarship program is changing the way local students view life after high school

By Brittany PrestonThursday, January 23, 2020
Challenge Scholars offers an early scholarship promise so students at Harrison Park, Westwood Middle School, and Union High School and their families know, beginning in at least 6th grade, that a scholarship for college and career training after high school may be available to them.
Longform One of Cherry Health's dental clinics.

Here's how Michigan providers are improving whole-body health by integrating dental and primary care

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, January 16, 2020
The negative effects of poor oral health extend into all elements of patients' lives. But Michigan providers have begun to address that by introducing integrated oral care into their practices.
Development News Oh, Hello Co

DGRI gives seven small businesses a boost

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorThursday, January 16, 2020
DGRI awarded $250,000 in grants to seven local downtown businesses in December 2019: Mosby’s Popcorn, $45,000; Oh, Hello Co. Paper and Gifts, $21,000; Ambiance GR Kitchen and Lounge, $45,000; Art Caribbean Fusion, $36,000; GR Noir Wine and Jazz, $21,000; and Mel Styles, $10,908. 
Innovation News Promise Zone

“We’re calling it history”: GRCC proud to offer tuition-free education for Grand Rapids students

By Kendra R. McNeil, Innovation News EditorThursday, January 16, 2020
Starting with the Class of 2020, students who live in the City of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of its eligible high schools can earn a certificate or associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College tuition-free.
Feature Story Michigan Works!

Holland success story shows training and coaching key to better-paying jobs

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 16, 2020
Karuna Khadka attended workshops, received job-search assistance, referrals to ESL classes, and transportation assistance. That wraparound support paid off. She increased her job skills and wages.
Feature Story Allise Wilkerson Talent Solutions Manager for West Michigan Works

Ottawa County’s workforce shortage puts more attention on training

By Shandra MartinezThursday, January 16, 2020
With an unemployment rate under 3%, Ottawa County has one of the lowest in the state. Allise Wilkerson, talent solutions manager for West Michigan Works!, discusses the opportunities the talent shortage is creating for workers.
Feature Story Nadia Brigham, co-owner of GRNoir Wine and Jazz Bar.

Flavors of 2020: 8 Grand Rapids restaurants for the new year

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorThursday, January 16, 2020
Grand Rapids has plenty to offer this year in the way of new restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Particularly this year, GR’s entrepreneurs of color are opening doors to eateries and entertainment venues in the downtown area, showcasing the diverse talent pool in our region.
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