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New bar, restaurant coalition wants to set model for operating safely
A coalition of bars and restaurants started in Grand Rapids is “trying to build some solidarity” within the industry around managing facilities responsibly during the pandemic, following recent COVID-19 spikes linked to bars that led Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to close many of them for indoor service.
Breaking News
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GR Chamber receives 865 applications for small business relief fund
GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce expects to receive up to 1,000 applications by the end of the week from across Kent…
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Whitmer halts indoor service at bars after COVID-19 cases spike
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today ordered bars across much of the Lower Peninsula to close indoor service by late tonight to “protect the progress Michigan has…
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Zeeland hospital again ranks among top nationally
Spectrum Health’s Zeeland Community Hospital has again been named among the top 100 hospitals in the U.S., according to an annual ranking by Fortune/IBM Watson…
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Whitmer signs bar, restaurant relief package expanding alcohol sales
LANSING — Michigan restaurants and bars are now able to expand alcohol sales as well as the area where patrons can consume drinks.
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ChoiceOne completes acquisition of Community Shores Bank
ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc. closed today on the $20.8 million acquisition of Community Shores Bank Corp.
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West Michigan Whitecaps to miss 2020 season as Minor League Baseball cancels because of COVID-19
COMSTOCK PARK — The West Michigan Whitecaps will not compete in a 2020 season after Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday it is scrapping this year’s competition due to the scheduling and…
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Kent County Health Department closes GR bar after video of large crowd
GRAND RAPIDS — The Kent County Health Department has ordered a downtown Grand Rapids bar to close after video surfaced this weekend of large crowds of patrons not adhering to…
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Steelcase quarterly revenues plummet 41 percent amid coronavirus mitigation measures
GRAND RAPIDS — Office furniture maker Steelcase Inc. reported a steep drop in first quarter revenue along with a steady decline in orders as the coronavirus pandemic spread globally.
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Whitmer: ‘Keep up our guard’ as COVID-19 risk increases in some areas
Citing recent daily increases in new COVID-19 cases, including more than 100 tied to an East Lansing bar, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today urged people to “keep up our guard,” wear…
REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
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Construction firms bounce back, remain wary of long-term effects from pandemic
Michigan had the largest percentage increase in construction jobs among dozens of states from April to May, as firms rebounding from COVID-19 are showing cautious optimism in hopes of the…
HEALTH CARE
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Physicians group argues state surprise billing legislation offers ‘one-sided solution’
Bills to curb surprise medical billing in Michigan move forward in Lansing without the backing of physicians, who worry the proposed changes in state law would put them at a…
FINANCE
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Capital raises bring pair of Genesis Innovation-backed startups closer to market
GRAND RAPIDS — New capital investments involving existing investors will bring two health care startups backed by Genesis Innovation Group LLC closer to the market.
FOOD / AGRIBUSINESS
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Irie Kitchen rebounds after COVID-19 shutdown, vandalism
GAINES TOWNSHIP — Irie Kitchen LLC recently reopened for takeout, and proved it has a large base of support after raising more than $100,000 following vandalism in early June.
MANUFACTURING
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New CEO takes reins at BIFMA as industry reels from effects of pandemic
GRAND RAPIDS — Dierdre Jimenez is joining the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association at an interesting time.
ENERGY
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New GR steam plant owner eyes expansion amid downtown growth
GRAND RAPIDS — Since the late 1800s, downtown Grand Rapids has been equipped with a network of pipes that heat buildings with steam generated from a series of boilers across from…
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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West Mich. Sports Commission manages through cancellations, lost visitor spending
GRAND RAPIDS — The West Michigan Sports Commission took measures to create a safer work environment at its office, which was newly opened in November of last year before the springtime…
NONPROFITS
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Pandemic clouds outlook after strong year for charitable giving
A robust stock market, strong economy and low unemployment rate in 2019 created a trifecta that is credited for the second-best year in recorded history for charitable giving in the United…
TALENT
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ArtPrize 2020 cancelled over COVID-19 concerns
GRAND RAPIDS — After considering modifications to enable more social distancing and focus on outdoor spaces, the ArtPrize board of directors announced today it was canceling this year’s event as the…
SMALL BUSINESS
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Small businesses in the food system ‘maintaining’ as COVID-19 fallout continues
For a sector with already thin margins, restaurants and other small food businesses are just looking to stay above water as pandemic restrictions slowly lift.
