U-M economic outlook shows short-term return to growth; inflation concerns through 2023
University of Michigan economists expect second-quarter growth for the U.S. economy, although momentum may wane in the latter half of the year as interest rates rise.
State GOP lawmakers pass tax cut plan amid expected budget revenue windfall
Republicans in Lansing have passed another election-year tax cut plan that would reduce the personal income tax, raise Michigan’s earned income tax credit, and create a $500 per-child tax credit.
Lighthouse Group owner acquires West Michigan Insurance Inc. as industry consolidation continues
Chicago-area insurance brokerage and financial services firm Alera Group has acquired West Michigan Insurance Inc., a Grand Rapids property and casualty agency.
Michigan slips in hospital-payment ranking as health systems also face rising costs
Michigan slipped six spots in RAND Corp.’s latest analysis of what hospitals in the U.S. charge private health insurers compared to what they receive from Medicare.
Federal agencies propose ‘long overdue’ changes to equitable lending rules as banking moves virtual
A proposal by a trio of federal agencies would bring major banking industry regulations into the modern digital age as banking is increasingly done electronically instead of in branch offices.
GR software firm specializing in wire transfer fraud protection raises $12.5M
CertifID LLC, a Grand Rapids company that developed software to protect money wire transfers in real estate transactions, has closed on $12.5 million in growth capital.
Greenleaf Capital invests $10M to scale up Kalamazoo fund for entrepreneurs; new committee to focus on women in leadership
A Kalamazoo-based investment fund that also looks to cultivate and support a new generation of entrepreneurs who want to own a business will use a $10 million investment to scale operations.
Pine Rest patient volume exceeds expectations since opening psychiatric urgent care center in 2019
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services’ psychiatric urgent care center has served more than 13,500 patients since opening in 2019, a volume that exceeded expectations and accelerated as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on mental health.
Report: Michigan hospitals rank 5th in nation for patient safety
Michigan ranked fifth in the nation for patient safety as more than three-quarters of hospitals in the state received an “A” or a “B” grade, according to the latest installment of a semi-annual report card.
Spectrum Health to introduce heart transplant procedures for children
GRAND RAPIDS — More than a decade after performing the first adult heart transplant in Grand Rapids, Spectrum Health West Michigan wants to extend the procedure to children.
Industrial, multifamily residential remain ‘darlings’ for commercial real estate lending
Lending to the commercial real estate sector remained strong through the first quarter, particularly for manufacturing and multifamily residential developments.
Trinity Health Muskegon, nurses union agree to new contract deal
The union representing registered nurses at Trinity Health Muskegon has agreed to terms on a new contract with the health system that will pay them higher wages as well as retention and other one-time bonuses.
Aquinas names Alicia Córdoba as school’s new president
GRAND RAPIDS — Aquinas College has named Alicia Córdoba as its ninth president in the school’s 146-year history.
Report: 2021 angel investing neared or exceeded pre-pandemic levels
Angel investing in Michigan rebounded well in 2021 as the amount invested neared — and deal flow exceeded — pre-pandemic levels.
Flynn named Midwest regional executive of commercial banks for PNC
PNC Bank has named Krista Flynn as its new executive leading commercial banking in the Midwest.
Huntington Bank CEO ‘very bullish’ on regional economy as company integrates TCF
Huntington Bancshares Inc.’s acquisition last year of Detroit-based TCF Financial Corp. created the second-largest bank operating in Michigan for deposit market share and with more branch offices than any other bank. The Columbus, Ohio-based Huntington, which also now ranks among the 20 largest banks in the U.S., has since worked to integrate TCF.
Stryker records Q1 sales growth despite supply chain, hospital staffing challenges
KALAMAZOO — Stryker Corp. recorded a solid first-quarter sales gain despite supply chain issues and staffing shortages at hospitals that delayed the installation of capital medical equipment.
Macatawa Bank’s Q1 earnings dip from last year
Lower fee income resulting from reduced home mortgage originations and the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program loans caused Macatawa Bank Corp.’s earnings to decline in the first quarter from a year earlier.
$120M federal contract positions Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing for further growth
GRAND RAPIDS — A $120 million investment by the federal government will fund a large share of the cost for Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Inc.’s latest expansion.
Spectrum Health 2021 income dropped as health systems combatted COVID-19 case surges, staff shortages
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health recorded a smaller bottom line for 2021 as health systems nationally were ailing from COVID-19 case surges and staff shortages that drove up labor costs.
Independent Bank Q1 earnings dip with slower mortgage activity
GRAND RAPIDS — Independent Bank Corp. has recorded lower earnings so far this year as mortgage originations and refinancings slowed.
Huntington Bank to soon name West Michigan regional president
Huntington Bancshares Inc. expects to soon name a new leader for its West Michigan market following the recent departure of former regional president Krista Flynn.
Blue Care Network launches precision medicine pilot to improve patient outcomes
A Q&A with Dr. Scott Betzelos, chief medical officer and vice president of HMO strategy and affordability at Blue Care Network
App-based GR bike repair startup among latest Michigan VC investments
A Grand Rapids startup seeks to do for bicycling what Uber and Lyft have done for transportation or DoorDash, Instacart and similar ventures have done for food and retail delivery.
Spectrum Health VC arm eyes SE Mich. opportunity after Beaumont merger
The merger between Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health created a larger network from which Scott McLean can source deals.
‘BOLD STEP FORWARD’: $19M nursing scholarship program leading to more partnerships to bolster health care staffing
Anew partnership between Grand Valley State University and BHSH System to increase the talent pipeline for nurses could lead to a series of similar efforts as health care and higher education officials seek to resolve an urgent staffing crisis.
Survey: West Mich. biz outlook strong as companies eye expansions, recruiting woes ease
Business leaders voiced strong confidence in the West Michigan economy in a recent survey by economic development organization The Right Place Inc.
Mercantile Q1 earnings decline amid drop in mortgage banking income
GRAND RAPIDS — Mercantile Bank Corp.’s earnings declined in the first quarter from a year earlier as refinancing for home mortgages decreased and reduced fee income.
Tribally owned GLI takes full operating control of technology firm with new investment
GRAND RAPIDS — Gun Lake Investments assumed full operating control through a new investment in Dallas, Texas-based Hall Technologies LLC, a designer and producer of professional audio/visual systems.
Trinity Health to rebrand all Michigan facilities under common identity
Hospitals, physician groups and other care facilities owned and operated by Trinity Health in Michigan will change their names as the health system transitions to a common brand identity.