Revenue generated by online casino gaming and sports betting has reached new record monthly highs in the state, according to data released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Against the backdrop of several high-profile, nationwide labor disputes, many local unions are seeing an uptick in interest from independent workers.

With a $205 million expansion project in Holland Charter Township, frozen foods producer Request Foods Inc. is essentially doubling down on its commitment to the region where it got its start more than three decades earlier. 

GRAND RAPIDS — When Michelle Olson joined Lambert & Co. in 2019, she knew what she wanted to do for the integrated marketing, public relations and investor relations firm.

CASCADE TWP. — Tier 1 automotive supplier Lacks Enterprises Inc. has formed a joint venture with a fellow family-owned business in Texas to supply Toyota Motor North America with exterior components.

HUDSONVILLE — Two Hudsonville-based food businesses have landed a combined $210,000 in state grant money to help fund expansion projects.

KALAMAZOO — Craft brewing pioneer Bell’s Brewery Inc., known for its popular Two Hearted Ale and Oberon brands, will be transitioning to new ownership. 

GRAND RAPIDS TWP. — UFP Industries Inc. has maintained an active pipeline of acquisitions over the past several years as CEO Matt Missad maintains strong growth and a focus on diversification.

Generating $2.1 billion in revenue in its most recent quarter and operating 170 facilities across the world, UFP Industries Inc. is — by most accounts — a giant that resides in greater Grand Rapids.

ZEELAND — A recent lawsuit alleges Herman Miller Inc. and a foundation with close ties to the contract furniture manufacturer conspired to obtain rights to an iconic mid-century modern lighting furniture design.

Businesses in all industry sectors are exhausting potential avenues for talent as they struggle to fill their workforces. Many employers have finally turned their attention to a demographic that Wendy Falb has promoted for decades.

Seneca Powers took a familiar path among young professionals born and raised in West Michigan who left town with professional aspirations. She’s also part of the demographic that the region must lure back to meet its long-term workforce needs.

GRAND RAPIDS TWP. — Wood products manufacturer UFP Industries Inc. continues to expand its presence in Australia after announcing yet another acquisition in the country.

KENTWOOD — A Vancouver-based beverage packaging manufacturer that has expanded its presence in the United States plans to purchase a Grand Rapids area company.

ALPINE TWP. — Fresh produce distributor Vine Line Group LLC has changed hands following a recent sale.

GRAND RAPIDS — Chicago-based private equity firm CORE Industrial Partners LLC has acquired three Grand Rapids businesses to form a new additive manufacturing platform.

GRAND RAPIDS — Global office furniture maker Steelcase Inc. has acquired one of its longtime collaborative design partners in an all cash deal.

NOVI — A brand in The Shyft Group Inc.’s portfolio has inked a $53 million contract with the United States Postal Service.

HOLLAND TWP. — Frozen food processor Request Foods Inc. is planning a $205 million expansion in an effort to meet rising demand while diversifying its products and services.

JENISON — With brisk business in two surging market segments, Cellulose Material Solutions LLC is investing in expanding its operations and beefing up production capacity.

Tim Gortsema refers to last year’s American Hockey League season as “the stubby season.”

Manufacturers that supply the defense industry will need to adhere to a new set of uniform cybersecurity standards in order to bid on contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Angela Hill offers a unique perspective in providing  cybersecurity and general I.T. services to clients. Hill went to work with the U.S. Navy after 9/11 as a military intelligence analyst and a federal contractor for organizations including the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Technology proved to be a blessing for residents in West Michigan senior care facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At times, it was the only avenue for these individuals to remain in contact with friends, family and loved ones.

GRAND RAPIDS TWP. — As lumber prices returned to typical levels this year following their meteoric rise during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, executives at UFP Industries Inc. credit the company’s diversified business model for helping it weather the volatility.

CASCADE TWP. — L3Harris Technologies Inc., a global tech company that supplies the defense industry, has announced a nearly $2.6 million expansion in the Grand Rapids area.

PORTAGE — Clark Logic LLC, a Southwest Michigan-based provider of single-source transportation, logistics, facility and real estate solutions, has completed the acquisition of a nearby company.