MiBiz

Chemical-TCF deal secures regulatory approval
Chemical Financial Corp.’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Wayzata, Minn.-based TCF Financial Corp. heads to a close Aug. 1 after receiving final federal regulatory approval.
GVSU leverages $2.8M federal grant for rural, underserved nursing program
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Valley State University received a $2.8 million federal grant to train nurse practitioners who will work in rural and underserved markets.
Buoyed by strong second quarter, Mercantile Bank expects solid second half of 2019
GRAND RAPIDS — Mercantile Bank Corp. today reported strong results for the second quarter, setting up the second half of 2019 for continued growth.
Graham Packaging to close Holland plant, lay off 42 people
HOLLAND — Graham Packaging Company LP, a manufacturer of plastic containers and packaging, plans to cease operations and permanently close its plant in Holland.
American Chemical Solutions to open manufacturing plant in Muskegon
MUSKEGON — American Chemical Solutions plans to breathe new life into an idled chemical manufacturing plant on the lakeshore.

United Bank names Joe Manica as new CEO

GRAND RAPIDS — Joe Manica took over this month as president and CEO at United Bank.

Chemical-TCF deal secures regulatory approval
Chemical Financial Corp.’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Wayzata, Minn.-based TCF Financial Corp. heads to a close Aug. 1 after receiving final federal regulatory approval.
GVSU leverages $2.8M federal grant for rural, underserved nursing program
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Valley State University received a $2.8 million federal grant to train nurse practitioners who will work in rural and underserved markets.
Buoyed by strong second quarter, Mercantile Bank expects solid second half of 2019
GRAND RAPIDS — Mercantile Bank Corp. today reported strong results for the second quarter, setting up the second half of 2019 for continued growth.
Graham Packaging to close Holland plant, lay off 42 people
HOLLAND — Graham Packaging Company LP, a manufacturer of plastic containers and packaging, plans to cease operations and permanently close its plant in Holland.
American Chemical Solutions to open manufacturing plant in Muskegon
MUSKEGON — American Chemical Solutions plans to breathe new life into an idled chemical manufacturing plant on the lakeshore.

SpendMend leases new HQ in Cascade Office Park
GRAND RAPIDS — SpendMend LLC is the newest tenant at Cascade Office Park, Portage-based The Hinman Co. announced Friday.
State-backed program receives $55M in federal funds to invest in housing
Backed by an infusion of $55 million in federal funds, Lansing-based Michigan Community Capital plans to continue investing in mixed-income housing projects across the state.

Hill-Rom to sell Caledonia-based Aspen Surgical for $170 million
CALEDONIA — Parent company Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. has entered a definitive agreement to sell its Caledonia-based Aspen Surgical business unit to a private equity firm for $170 million in cash.
Craft beverage producers sue MLCC, allege unconstitutional state laws, enforcement
GRAND RAPIDS — Tensions between Michigan craft beverage producers and the state regulatory agency appear to be ratcheting up with the filing of a new federal lawsuit, MiBiz has learned.

Exit Interview: Schulz reflects on leading city planning in Grand Rapids
After two decades with the city of Grand Rapids, most recently as managing director of design, development and community engagement, Suzanne Schulz plans to leave the public sector for an…

Perrigo completes divestiture of animal health business
ALLEGAN — Perrigo Co. plc completed the sale of its animal health business for $185 million to PetIQ LLC, an Eagle, Idaho-based pet health and wellness company.

SalesPage acquires Advisor Atlas
KALAMAZOO — SalesPage Technologies LLC acquired Advisor Atlas, a data provider to asset management and financial services firms.

Soggy fields hamper Michigan farmers
Time has run out for about 10 percent of crops in the state, as Michigan farmers face delays related to one of the wettest spring seasons on record.

West Michigan manufacturers face widespread phishing, cybersecurity threats
“Please see attached.” That’s the email employees at Grand Rapids-based Kindel Furniture Co. Inc. received from a company vice president in late April. Within a few minutes, two people had…

DTE, Consumers commit to spending $15B with diverse, Michigan-based companies
Michigan’s largest utilities are giving a substantial boost to an economic development program launched by former Gov. Rick Snyder, committing to spend billions of additional dollars with in-state suppliers over…

Waterlogged Wonderland: High water, rainy weather put damper on West Michigan tourism, recreation industries
Unseasonably rainy weather coupled with near record-high Great Lakes water levels have left many West Michigan business owners hoping the region will dry out in time to salvage the season…

Bethany expands transitional foster care program to handle more unaccompanied minors
GRAND RAPIDS — Bethany Christian Services Inc. faces a difficult challenge in trying to ensure that unaccompanied migrant children who cross the border into the United States avoid any long-term…

GRCC president discusses role of industry collaboration in higher ed
Since Bill Pink became the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College two years ago, he has become a leading voice for the state’s network of 28 community colleges.

West Michigan marine contractors busy with projects tied to high water
While flooding and erosion are wreaking havoc for waterfront businesses and property owners, the changes are creating business opportunities for local marine construction and dock companies, who say they’ve been…

United Bank names Joe Manica as new CEO