MiBiz

Whitmer, MPSC initiative prioritizes grid modernization in clean energy transition
Clean energy advocates praised a Thursday announcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighting the need to modernize the state’s power grid as it shifts from coal-fired…
MSU, Spectrum Health to research using existing drugs for rare diseases
A researcher at Michigan State University secured federal backing for a study to examine the potential to use existing drugs to treat so-called orphan diseases.
Grand Rapids developer proposes residential project in Ludington
LUDINGTON — A Grand Rapids developer and Lansing-based nonprofit investor Michigan Community Capital are hoping to turn a donated building into apartments in Ludington.
GM strike costs Gentex up to $8 million per week
ZEELAND — The United Auto Workers strike against General Motors has cost Tier 1 automotive supplier Gentex Corp. about $7 million to $8 million per week…
Grand Ventures leads investment round in California fintech firm
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Ventures led an investment round in CRE Simple Inc., an Oakland, Calif.-based fintech firm focused on commercial real estate.

Lawsuit alleges Meritage took Anna’s House concept after deal talks stalled

GRAND RAPIDS — The company that owns the popular Grand Rapids breakfast spot Anna’s House has sued the owners of the newly-opened Morning Belle restaurant.

Whitmer, MPSC initiative prioritizes grid modernization in clean energy transition
Clean energy advocates praised a Thursday announcement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighting the need to modernize the state’s power grid as it shifts from coal-fired…
MSU, Spectrum Health to research using existing drugs for rare diseases
A researcher at Michigan State University secured federal backing for a study to examine the potential to use existing drugs to treat so-called orphan diseases.
Grand Rapids developer proposes residential project in Ludington
LUDINGTON — A Grand Rapids developer and Lansing-based nonprofit investor Michigan Community Capital are hoping to turn a donated building into apartments in Ludington.
GM strike costs Gentex up to $8 million per week
ZEELAND — The United Auto Workers strike against General Motors has cost Tier 1 automotive supplier Gentex Corp. about $7 million to $8 million per week…
Grand Ventures leads investment round in California fintech firm
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Ventures led an investment round in CRE Simple Inc., an Oakland, Calif.-based fintech firm focused on commercial real estate.

Gun Lake Casino plans $100 million expansion
WAYLAND — A 72,000-square-foot expansion at Gun Lake Casino will allow the operation to grow its gaming, restaurant and entertainment options.
Entrepreneurs acquire Iroquois Hoods
MUSKEGON — Iroquois Hoods Inc., a Muskegon maker of laboratory furniture with a focus on custom fume hoods, was acquired by entrepreneurs Rick Claypool and Nate Thornton.

Mercantile Bank cites ‘solid’ loan growth through third quarter
GRAND RAPIDS — Mercantile Bank Corp. maintained solid growth and earnings through the third quarter.
JPG Resources receives grant for renovation of downtown Battle Creek offices
BATTLE CREEK — JPG Resources, a Battle Creek-based food and beverage consulting group, has been awarded a $208,618 grant from Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) through its downtown Real Estate Improvement…

Roofing company relocates to southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood
GRAND RAPIDS — NaturaShield LLC, a Grand Rapids-based energy efficient roofing company, has relocated to the Cottage Grove neighborhood on the city’s southeast side.

Indiana firms offer competing proposals for new psych hospitals near Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO — An influx of patients referred to Indiana to access inpatient mental health care led a South Bend operator of adult psychiatric hospitals to propose a new facility in Kalamazoo…

Keystone Solutions eyes continued growth with Charter Growth Capital investment
KALAMAZOO — A Grand Rapids mezzanine fund’s investment will enable Keystone Solutions Group to maintain its strong growth trajectory in the years ahead.

Startups move indoors in race to find future farming solutions
Traditional, outdoor agriculture is profoundly dependent on climate, but high-tech indoor farms that grow premium, hyper-local produce for consumers year round may be commercially viable in the future.

Amway sues unauthorized eBay seller for trademark infringement
ADA — Amway Corp. and parent company Alticor Inc. recently filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against an eBay Inc. seller based in Brooklyn, N.Y.

State regulators issue energy assessment amid transition from coal
The polar vortex early this year strained Michigan’s energy supply as the state experiences an “unprecedented shift” in the way it produces power and relies more heavily on natural gas…

M&A Awards: Muskegon Area First transitions to private-sector model
With former CEO Jim Edmonson back at the helm and a new board of directors, Muskegon Area First has positioned itself for fiscal and programmatic growth to support Muskegon County’s…

Michigan’s philanthropic sector examines its role in diversity, equity, inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion have been foremost in the minds of people who work in Michigan’s nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

2019 MiBiz Deals of the Year: Highlighting Best Practices
MiBiz presents the 7th Annual M&A Deals & Dealmakers Awards, our yearly spotlight of best practices and excellence related to mergers, acquisitions, capital formation and other types of dealmaking throughout…

M&A Awards: With $40 million raise, Vestaron positions to commercialize new eco-friendly insecticides
Since securing a $40 million capital investment last spring, Vestaron Corp. has been assembling commercial and operating teams as it prepares for the broad launch of a brand of eco-friendly…