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Legislation could push residential property owners to pay for downtown services
GRAND RAPIDS — Legislation expected to be reintroduced this session could address the question of whether downtown residential property owners should help pay for the services currently funded only by assessments on commercial businesses. Although former Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed similar legislation, lawmakers could revive bills this year that would allow local taxing authorities to decide whether residential owners in business improvement districts should also pay the assessments that commercial property owners pay.
Breaking News
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Universal Forest Products to acquire Grand Rapids manufacturer
Universal Forest Products Inc. is acquiring the assets of a Grand Rapids-based wood panel components manufacturer.
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Pharma spinoff started in Kzoo mulls IPO
A drug developer rooted in Southwest Michigan and backed by investors across the region may pursue an initial public stock offering that could net up…
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TranscendAHP ‘off to a good start’ in offering small businesses coverage options
The association health plan two business groups formed last fall for small Michigan-based employers has recorded strong enrollment in its early months. TrascendAHP — created in…
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With latest raise, BarFly targets $7M in funding, plans 3-4 new HopCat locations
GRAND RAPIDS — The company that owns and operates the HopCat craft beer bar chain has secured another $6 million in capital it will use…
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Pair of distilleries plan launches in Muskegon area
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS — The partners behind Wonderland Distilling Co. want to position their spirits as a connection to the outdoors culture in West Michigan and…
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Muskegon manufacturer to offer custom-made distillery equipment
MUSKEGON — A lakeshore fabrication shop hopes to capitalize on explosive growth in the U.S. craft distilling industry by offering custom Michigan-made stills and other equipment. NexGen Mechanical Solutions LLC founder… -
Grand Rapids, Start Garden hone SmartZone focus with proposed new contract
GRAND RAPIDS — A proposed contract between Start Garden Inc. and the Grand Rapids SmartZone would put in place new goals for fostering local tech startups. Rather than focusing on certain activities,…
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Politics over CAFE rollbacks poised to divide auto industry
As the Trump administration prepares to roll back emissions regulations that push cars to be cleaner and more fuel efficient, it may also set the stage for a political battle… -
Growing Mercantile Bank expands Grand Rapids HQ
GRAND RAPIDS — Steady growth led Mercantile Bank Corp. to proceed with an addition at its corporate headquarters. Rising on the south side of the headquarters building at Leonard Street and U.S.…
REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
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Trillium Ventures purchases two multifamily properties in Kalamazoo
Trillium Ventures MSV LLC, a Grand Rapids-based multifamily investment and property management firm, has acquired two Kalamazoo apartment complexes.
HEALTH CARE
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Charter Capital Partners, MERS invest in Pennsylvania medical device maker
GRAND RAPIDS — West Michigan investment banking firm Charter Capital Partners led a $18.3 million financing round in Malvern, Pa.-based Trice Medical Inc. The Series C capital round will go to…
FINANCE
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Analysts expect $3.6 billion Chemical-TCF deal to drive more acquisitions
The proposed $3.6 billion merger between Chemical Financial Corp. and TCF Financial Corp. would create a Midwest bank based in Michigan that’s able to compete with the largest national banks…
FOOD / AGRIBUSINESS
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Craft brewers leverage cheaper, more efficient production models to get beer to market
Two West Michigan craft brewers operating with vastly differing business models are taking a similar approach to growing their operations by using capacity at other breweries. Both Sawyer-based Greenbush Brewing Co.…
MANUFACTURING
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Haworth sales surpass $2.1 billion in 2018
Office furniture manufacturer Haworth Inc. reported an increase in sales for 2018.
ENERGY
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Whitmer appoints clean energy backer to MPSC
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed former state representative and clean energy advocate Dan Scripps to the Michigan Public Service Commission on Feb. 8, filling a key vacancy as the administration brings…
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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MiBiz Growth Report: Feb. 17, 2019
Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for Feb. 17, 2019.
NONPROFITS
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As CEO of Grand Rapids Whitewater, Heacock to engage people around common goals
GRAND RAPIDS — Steve Heacock admits to having a level of discomfort about being the focus of the Grand Rapids Whitewater project. Heacock left his job as a senior vice president…
TALENT
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B-schools report mixed trends in MBA applications, enrollment
Amid national declines in the number of people applying to MBA programs in recent years, business schools in West Michigan are reporting mixed results. While applications to the MBA programs dropped…
SMALL BUSINESS
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Tech firm C/D/H acquired by Red Level Group
Novi-based I.T. firm Red Level Group LLC has acquired West Michigan business and technology consultant C/D/H.