Jeff Korzenik became interested in how businesses can successfully hire ex-offenders “almost by accident.” He credits sending his children to public magnet schools in Chicago with opening his eyes to the challenges different groups of people face. 

It’s no secret: West Michigan companies need to find a deeper pool of talent. For businesses, the questions are always the same: Where do we find them? How do we attract them? Who will train them? How do we keep them?

The Hinman Co. is expanding its property holdings with the acquisition of a downtown Kalamazoo building.

Robert Dye views 2019 as a “transitional year” for the U.S. economy as a trio of forces align to moderate growth during the year.

Chairman, President and CEO, Fifth Third Bancorp Inc. 

GRAND RAPIDS — Believing that bringing aboard good talent can contribute to driving growth, Legacy Trust CEO Tracey Hornbeck opted to expand the firm’s reach when seeking to add a wealth management adviser.

Michigan has more angel investors than ever who invest in startup companies, but Skip Simms believes that’s still not nearly enough.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for Feb. 19, 2018: 

• M&A: Great Lakes Scrip Center Inc., a West Michigan-based provider of gift cards for fundraising, was acquired by Minneapolis, Minn.-based Bold Orange, a recently formed marketing firm. Over 23 years, Great Lakes Scrip Center has worked with more than 48,000 organizations to raise $680 million. The company last spring acquired The Manna Group in Palatine, Ill. and was the largest gift card company in the nation. Local operations at Great Lakes Scrip, which employs about 90 people, will continue “business as usual,” said Jill Whalen, vice president for retail operations.

Two pending deals where West Michigan-based credit unions are buying small community banks follow an emerging trend nationally.

More bank branches closed in Michigan than in 45 other states in the years following the most recent financial crisis.