MiBiz

West Michigan lawmaker calls for mask requirement as COVID-19 surges
A West Michigan Republican state lawmaker is calling for a state law requiring masks in indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas as COVID-19 cases surge…
Retailers share optimistic outlook as holiday shopping season approaches
Michigan retailers are approaching the holiday shopping season with optimism and expectations for higher online sales, despite reporting lower sales for last month and new…
Grand Action 2.0 says now is the time to plan major developments in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — Planning now for the future development of an outdoor amphitheater, soccer stadium and expansion of the DeVos Place convention center positions Grand…
Business leaders seek COVID-19 response that preserves ‘lives and livelihoods’
Two hundred and forty six days passed between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first stay-at-home order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and new state restrictions scaling back…
‘Game-changer’ incubator made in Battle Creek is saving puppies across the U.S.
BATTLE CREEK — When Ken Sunden gets the itch to solve a problem, it’s nearly impossible for him to avoid scratching it.

Founders temporarily lays of 89 workers, citing state restrictions on indoor dining

GRAND RAPIDS — Founders Brewing Co. has temporarily laid off 89 employees as the bar, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries cope with recent health guidelines handed down by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

West Michigan lawmaker calls for mask requirement as COVID-19 surges
A West Michigan Republican state lawmaker is calling for a state law requiring masks in indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas as COVID-19 cases surge…
Retailers share optimistic outlook as holiday shopping season approaches
Michigan retailers are approaching the holiday shopping season with optimism and expectations for higher online sales, despite reporting lower sales for last month and new…
Grand Action 2.0 says now is the time to plan major developments in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — Planning now for the future development of an outdoor amphitheater, soccer stadium and expansion of the DeVos Place convention center positions Grand…
Business leaders seek COVID-19 response that preserves ‘lives and livelihoods’
Two hundred and forty six days passed between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first stay-at-home order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and new state restrictions scaling back…
‘Game-changer’ incubator made in Battle Creek is saving puppies across the U.S.
BATTLE CREEK — When Ken Sunden gets the itch to solve a problem, it’s nearly impossible for him to avoid scratching it.

Whitmer shifts Line 5 dynamic ahead of legal dispute, tunnel uncertainty
In a move sought for years by environmental advocates, tribes, and hospitality and tourism businesses, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this month notified Enbridge Inc. that it would no longer have the…
Black Calder Brewing Co. brings new flavors, representation to craft beer scene
GRAND RAPIDS — Black Calder Brewing Co. is launching its first beer on Nov. 27, or “The Blackest Friday,” as the new brewery’s owners are calling it.

Pandemic amplifies talent shortage, lack of diversity in construction industry
West Michigan’s construction industry has long faced a talent shortage fueled by a worker exodus during the 2008 recession, stigma around going into skilled trades, and firms failing to recruit…
GVSU, Davenport launch tuition programs to bring military veterans to campus
Initiatives at Grand Valley State University and Davenport University seek to help veterans earn a college degree after their military service.

Plans in motion for Grand Rapids waterfront amphitheater
GRAND RAPIDS — Earlier this month, the Grand Rapids City Commission and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority approved a memorandum of understanding that could result in a new 14,000-seat…

Aspen Surgical acquires Iowa medical equipment producer
CALEDONIA — Aspen Surgical Products Inc. completed its third acquisition in less than a year after buying Protek Medical Products Inc. in Coralville, Iowa.

Pandemic-fueled uncertainty cools outlook for bank M&A
Compared to a year ago, fewer bankers expect their institutions to make an acquisition in the next 12 months, as they focus on navigating through the financial fallout of the…

Factorial Holdings acquires 26 Burger King restaurants in GR area, plans to build 10 more
GRAND RAPIDS — Chicago-based Factorial Holdings plans to construct 10 new Burger King restaurants in Grand Rapids over the next five years.

Albion-based Caster Concepts acquires Southern California casters manufacturer
ALBION — Caster Concepts Inc., which designs and builds industrial casters and wheels for a variety of industries, has completed the acquisition of a Southern California company that expands it…

Q&A: Megan Sall Rydecki, Community Affairs Manager for Kent County, Consumers Energy
Megan Sall Rydecki comes to Consumers Energy amid major short- and long-term changes at the state’s largest energy provider. Not only is the company in the early stages of a…

MiBiz Growth Report: November 22, 2020
Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for November 22, 2020.

Member-based nonprofits bolster efforts to deliver aid to minority-owned businesses
When the coronavirus pandemic hit eight months ago, many Latinx and Black business owners missed out on federal loans and other relief because they didn’t have relationships with local bankers…

MSU survey: Pandemic creates softer job market for college graduates
College students graduating this fall or next spring should expect to face a softer job market than in the past several years as a result of the pandemic-related economic downturn.

State resilience fund provides $1.5M boost to more than 300 small businesses
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met virtually today with small business owners who received support from a state grant program and discussed the importance that additional federal support would have on their…