MUSKEGON — The path to closing the $66 billion mega-merger of Bayer AG and Monsanto Co. included the divestiture of chemical manufacturing operations in West Michigan.

GRAND RAPIDS — In offering increased transit service along one of West Michigan’s densest employment corridors, Grand Rapids officials hope to fulfill a goal of one of the city’s key urban planning documents.

An often overlooked component of the ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Michigan would create a commercial market for pot’s more utilitarian relative: hemp.

Six months into his tenure, Perrigo Co. plc CEO Uwe Röhrhoff is focused on accelerating growth. 

ADAC Automotive hopes to attract more highly-skilled workers with a new headquarters campus south of Grand Rapids.

Citing the effects of federal tax reform at the end of 2017, top business executives expect both the U.S. and state economies to maintain growth in the months ahead. 

Comerica Inc. Chief Economist Robert Dye sees Michigan’s economy performing in the second half of 2018 much as it has in the first half, with continued growth but at a decidedly slower rate than in past years. 

Brian Long anticipated by now to see proof that the U.S. economy had started to flatten out. 

As West Michigan law firms focus on talent recruitment and greater efficiencies, they increasingly are upgrading to modern, first-generation office space. 

Seeking to drive growth and reach further into middle market companies across the Midwest, Chemical Bank has steadily added to its roster of commercial bankers since last summer and developed lending specialties. 

Michigan would join nearly twodozen other states and begin regulating the emerging field of genetic counseling under a bill moving through the Legislature. 

ZEELAND — Every acquisition has its share of obstacles to clear, but the process becomes even more challenging when the buyer and seller speak different languages. 

To combat some of the truck driver shortages, large trucking companies are offering sign-on bonuses at rates as high as $5,000 to $10,000, according to Laidler. While Columbian Logistics doesn’t offer signing bonuses, the company is considering the incentive, he said, adding that firms need to “cater to the indirect desires of the driver.”

Despite interviews with countless possible candidates over a period of months, Columbian Logistics Network Inc. continues to struggle to find qualified truck drivers in West Michigan. 

Construction executives in West Michigan — known for its concentration of “merit shops” — generally speak favorably of the recent repeal of the state’s prevailing wage law.

MACKINAC ISLAND — Michigan political and business leaders generally agree that the state’s infrastructure, workforce development and talent efforts need further investment. 

BATTLE CREEK — A $10 million commitment to help support Battle Creek entrepreneurs serves as one recent example of a project focused on ensuring racial equity in the business community.

ADAC Automotive has launched one of the most ambitious capital projects in the manufacturer’s history. The Tier 1 supplier door of handles and exterior mirrors plans to invest roughly $23.5 million to build a new 56,000-square-foot corporate headquarters on Eagle Drive in Cascade Township, as well as expand its research and development facility by 24,000 square feet. With the move, ADAC plans to add 50 high-tech positions. MiBiz spoke with President and CEO Jim Teets about the investment, which comes during a period in which automotive sales are starting to flatten.

Rates for 2019 individual health insurance policies for Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offer a stark contrast to prior years, as well as national averages for policy rate increases.