MiBiz - MiBiz: West Michigan Business News

New $500K SmartZone grant to spur medical device development in Grand Rapids
A $500,000 grant from the Grand Rapids SmartZone will fund a program to use 3-D printing technology to accelerate the development and production of medical…
Lakeshore community foundation shatters fundraising record
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area surpassed its all-time record in fundraising in 2018, receiving close to $21 million in contributions.
Van Andel Research Institute develops new blood test for pancreatic cancer
Researchers led by scientists at Van Andel Research Institute developed a new blood test that can lead to the earlier detection and treatment of pancreatic…
Grand Rapids PE firm to relocate Ohio production to Wyoming
WYOMING — A Cleveland-based producer of specialty abrasive products plans to move part of its business to the Grand Rapids area after it was acquired by…
Norton Shores wants nearly $1M back from company that relocated to Wisconsin
NORTON SHORES — A lakeshore community is asking a manufacturer Wacker Neuson Corp. to pay back lost tax revenue after the company left town before…

With Van Wyk Risk Solutions lease, Warner Building in downtown GR fills up

Van Wyk Risk Solutions has signed a lease to occupy Class A office space in the new Warner Building downtown.

New $500K SmartZone grant to spur medical device development in Grand Rapids
A $500,000 grant from the Grand Rapids SmartZone will fund a program to use 3-D printing technology to accelerate the development and production of medical…
Lakeshore community foundation shatters fundraising record
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area surpassed its all-time record in fundraising in 2018, receiving close to $21 million in contributions.
Van Andel Research Institute develops new blood test for pancreatic cancer
Researchers led by scientists at Van Andel Research Institute developed a new blood test that can lead to the earlier detection and treatment of pancreatic…
Grand Rapids PE firm to relocate Ohio production to Wyoming
WYOMING — A Cleveland-based producer of specialty abrasive products plans to move part of its business to the Grand Rapids area after it was acquired by…
Norton Shores wants nearly $1M back from company that relocated to Wisconsin
NORTON SHORES — A lakeshore community is asking a manufacturer Wacker Neuson Corp. to pay back lost tax revenue after the company left town before…

Michigan firms mirror U.S. in construction labor concerns
GRAND RAPIDS — The construction industry, both nationally and statewide, continues to express persistent concerns related to a labor shortage and escalating construction costs in the year ahead.
Allegiant Air announces $42.8 million base at Grand Rapids airport
Allegiant Travel Co. is expanding its footprint at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport with the opening of a $42.8 million base.

Kingma’s Market to close Ada store 18 months after opening
Kingma’s Market will close its store in Ada almost 18 months after opening the second location.
Developer 616 Lofts files for bankruptcy
One of the most active development and property management firms in Grand Rapids in the years after the Great Recession now faces liquidation, MiBiz has learned.

Grand Rapids DDA selects Pioneer Construction to manage Calder Plaza renovations
Pioneer Construction Co. will serve as construction manager for the city’s renovation of VandenBerg Plaza, known commonly as Calder Plaza.

Tech startup brings disinfection technology to new markets
GRAND HAVEN — After first launching a device to kill germs in health care settings, UV Partners Inc. has a new product to disinfect and charge cell phones while working…

First Agency acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co
Insurance broker First Agency Inc. has sold to Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

After latest acquisition, Riveridge to represent half of Michigan’s fresh apple market
SPARTA — Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc., the largest supplier of Michigan apples, has acquired the sales operation of Sparta-based Jack Brown Produce Inc.

Kalamazoo manufacturer to pay $400,000 settlement for alleged procurement fraud
A Southwest Michigan box manufacturer has agreed to pay $400,000 after it faced allegations of misconduct in connection to a multi-state subcontract with the federal government.

Electric vehicle study maps optimal statewide charging network
For about $21 million, Michigan can build a statewide network of electric vehicle fast-charging stations to meet anticipated demand by 2030.

Tribune TV stations go dark amid contract standoff
Approximately 6 million television viewers in more than 20 markets, including West Michigan, have lost access to local news, sports and entertainment programming because of a contract dispute between two…

Amid tight talent market, nonprofits get creative to attract workers
Historically low unemployment rates could pose challenges for Michigan nonprofits looking to hire highly-qualified workers. Just as in other sectors of the state economy, the nonprofit industry also faces its share…

Employers value culture as key to talent attraction, survey finds
Culture trumps salary in the race for talent nowadays. That’s the shift Dave Smith has seen the last few years among employers in West Michigan as unemployment rates steadily declined and…

Q&A: Mandi Brower, Quality Car Wash
Mandi Brower’s first job with the family business was working in college as a cashier at the Quality Car Wash store on Eighth Street in Holland.