Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed into law bills repealing the state’s “right-to-work” law and reinstating a law that requires higher wages and benefits to be paid on state-financed construction projects.
Auxo adds to Precision Products Group platform with deal for Ohio-based niche manufacturer
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — Private equity firm Auxo Investment Partners has added to a platform of manufacturing companies with a recent deal for Ohio-based Saylor Technical Products LLC.
GRAND RAPIDS — Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services has acquired employee assistance program contracts from Cherry Health.
KALAMAZOO — A pair of Western Michigan University students will have a chance to get hands-on business experience by running professional beverage brand Bronconess Wine.
Return-to-office delays, economic pressures weigh on sales for MillerKnoll, Steelcase
Written by Mark SanchezExecutives at MillerKnoll Inc. and Steelcase Inc. expect that their sales will ease slightly in the months ahead.
Michigan communities stretch child care grants to address a lingering shortage
By Rachel Watson, Crain’s Detroit BusinessGRAND RAPIDS — Even as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, quality child care remains hard to come by for many Michigan families. That’s due in part to providers who left the field and didn’t return — and a handful of Michigan organizations hope to use new state grants to reverse the trend.
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Southwest Michigan diesel engine remanufacturer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
By Kayleigh Van Wyk, Grand Rapids Business JournalNILES — A Southwest Michigan retailer and machine shop specializing in refurbished diesel engines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy less than two years after incorporating, citing mounting warranty claims and broader supply chain disruptions.
Venture capital-backed SPDx eyes nationwide network of med device sterilization centers
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — A startup company backed by West Michigan investors wants to reduce costs at hospitals and outpatient surgical centers by centralizing and managing their sterile processing for surgical instruments.
West Michigan metal fabricator invests $15.5M to diversify into EV space
By Kayleigh Van Wyk, Grand Rapids Business JournalA West Michigan metal fabricator is making significant investments to bolster its presence in the electric vehicle battery production sector.
Grand Rapids mainstay Swift Printing transitions to third-generation leadership
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — Swift Printing Co., a mainstay along Bridge Street on Grand Rapids’ west side for seven decades, has transitioned to a third generation of ownership.
Ford factory subsidies, at $690,000 per job, tally up to much more than other deals
By David Eggert, Crain’s Detroit BusinessLANSING — Michigan notched a win with Ford Motor Co’'s decision to build a $3.5 billion, 2,500-job electric vehicle battery factory in Marshall.
GRAND RAPIDS — Mayor Rosalynn Bliss outlined the “next version” of Grand Rapids during her eighth State of the City address, emphasizing the need for more housing density to meet demand, completing major riverfront projects and improving policing.
GRAND RAPIDS — State and local housing leaders are beginning to collaborate on ways to accomplish goals established in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Statewide Housing Plan.
Hair products manufacturer to permanently close Grand Rapids-area production plant, lay off 68 workers
Written by MiBiz StaffCALEDONIA TWP. — A New York City-based producer and seller of hair care products plans to close a Grand Rapids-area production facility by the end of the year, resulting in nearly 70 permanent layoffs.
DeVos Children’s Hospital, McLaren partner to expand pediatric care in Lansing
Written by Mark SanchezLANSING — Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital plans to expand pediatric care in Lansing under an existing partnership with McLaren Health Care.
Ronald McDonald House West Michigan plans $2M expansion to meet growing needs
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — A West Michigan nonprofit that provides free temporary housing for families of children receiving medical care plans to renovate and expand its Grand Rapids campus after experiencing pandemic-related delays.
GRAND RAPIDS — Joining Waséyabek Development Co. LLC represents a merging of Erika Weiss’ professional experience in business and tribal law, and offers an opportunity to explore a long-held interest in non-gaming economic development.
Michigan family physicians call for more funding to avoid ‘full-blown’ staffing crisis
Written by Mark SanchezThe group representing 4,300 primary care doctors in Michigan is calling for more public funding to stem a worsening shortage of family physicians, especially in rural markets.
Grand Rapids Business Journal’s list of Notable West Michigan Lawyers for 2023 is now live.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: DeVries Jewelers resurrects long-held plan for former Lannings’ restaurant
Written by MiBiz StaffDeVries Jewelers has resurrected long-held plans to redevelop the former Lannings’ restaurant on Grand Rapids’ west side.
Shape CEO discusses EV transition opportunity, state incentives strategy, inclusion in Ottawa County
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMark White sees the massive disruption in the automotive industry caused by electric vehicles as an opportunity rather than a threat.
New $10 million microbusiness loan program aimed at women, entrepreneurs of color
By Jay Davis, Crain’s Detroit BusinessWomen entrepreneurs across Michigan are getting a new source of much-needed financial help from one of the state’s leading women’s groups.
Gordon Food Service moves into Texas market with 6 new stores
By Abby Poirier, Grand Rapids Business JournalFoodservice distribution giant Gordon Food Service Inc. has expanded to the Lone Star State with the addition of six new retail locations.
Auto-Wares partners with PE firm Kinderhook, acquires Indiana auto parts distributor
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — The parent company of Auto-Wares LLC, a distributor of aftermarket automotive parts to service centers and more than 200 company-owned stores in the Midwest, has secured an investment from Kinderhook Industries LLC, a New York City-based private equity firm.
Grand Rapids residents prioritize housing, transportation, sustainability in next master plan
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Sustainability, transportation and placemaking are top priorities for Grand Rapids residents as city officials prepare a 20-year master plan to guide future development.
Ottawa County explores $27M public-private partnership to deploy broadband countywide
Written by Mark SanchezOttawa County would extend broadband internet service to unserved and underserved areas of the county through a $27 million public-private partnership with a southeast Michigan firm.
FlavorSum plans $10M expansion to double Kalamazoo operations
By Abigail Poirier, Grand Rapids Business JournalKALAMAZOO — Flavor manufacturer FlavorSum LLC plans to begin construction on an expansion project that will double the size of its West Michigan location.
An emerging new generation of cell and gene therapies has insurers concerned about the effect on the cost of health coverage.
GRAND RAPIDS — DeVries Jewelers plans to tear down the abandoned Lannings’ restaurant on Grand Rapids’ west side to make way for a new storefront for the fourth-generation, family-owned jewelry retailer.
Waséyabek leader lecturing at Harvard on tribal economic development success
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGRAND RAPIDS — Deidra Mitchell, president and CEO of Waséyabek Development Co. LLC, was selected to guest lecture at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government to promote best practices in tribal economic development.
Sparrow Health reported Wednesday a $171.5 million loss for 2022, adding to a growing list of poor financial performers across the health care industry.
Housing developer seeks to replace units at Grand Rapids project with daycare center
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — The developer behind a Grand Rapids workforce housing project that recently broke ground seeks to replace 10 ground-floor apartments with a daycare center to help address the widespread shortage of child care options.
Michigan Senate votes to repeal ‘right-to-work,’ restore prevailing wage
By David Eggert, Crain’s Detroit BusinessLANSING — Democrats on Tuesday approved bills to rescind Michigan’s 2012 “right-to-work” law, voting to again allow labor contracts that require workers to pay union fees as a condition of employment.
$8.5M Grand Rapids spending plan calls for affordable housing, neighborhood investments
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — City officials have released a plan for spending $8.5 million in federal funding primarily on repairing or building hundreds of affordable housing units and creating homeownership opportunities.
DeVos-owned Fox Motors expands metro Detroit footprint with deal for 3 dealerships
By Abigail Poirer, Crain’s Grand Rapids BusinessGRAND RAPIDS — Fox Motors Group LLC has widened its reach on the southeast side of the state, acquiring three new dealerships and a collision center in metro Detroit.
Michigan Democrats propose 2030 energy storage target to bolster electric grid
Written by Andy BalaskovitzState Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to codify energy storage goals outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s climate action plan that bill supporters say is crucial to accompany more renewable energy generation coming online.
Workforce development leaders seek state funding for community, short-term training
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — West Michigan workforce development leaders say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest budget proposal should include a greater focus on short-term training programs and community organizations currently excluded from state-funded talent initiatives.
Michigan bankers, investors plot path forward following demise of Silicon Valley Bank
By Nick Manes, Crain’s Detroit BusinessEven as financial stocks tumbled, Michigan bankers and venture capitalists said they’re operating “business as usual” on Monday, the first business day since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
Corewell, Pine Rest create new collaborative to address access to mental health care
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — A new partnership between Corewell Health and Pine Rest Christian Mental Services aims to tighten ties between the two organizations to improve access to care in West Michigan.
Local governments across Michigan are using cannabis excise tax revenue to fund basic public services as well as programs that aim to expand equity in the industry.
Gotion floats bigger battery plant plan as it awaits approvals
By Kurt Nagl, Crain’s Detroit BusinessGotion Inc.’s multibillion-dollar electric vehicle battery factory proposal near Big Rapids has swelled by 1 million square feet and 200-300 additional jobs despite lingering uncertainty that the project will even happen.
Doug and Maria DeVos buy majority stake in boat dealership of which they’re longtime patrons
By Rachel Watson, Crain’s Detroit BusinessAfter years frequenting the boat dealership Action Water Sports, Doug and Maria DeVos are now its majority owners.
People in the news: March 13, 2023
Written by MiBiz StaffA roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.
MiBiz Growth Report: March 13, 2023
Written by MiBiz StaffA roundup of mergers and acquisitions, expansions and other briefs across West Michigan.
Grand Rapids native to help craft KConnect’s policy agenda for lawmakers
Written by Andy Balaskovitz
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Shayla Young won a prestigious Gates Millennium scholarship just before graduating from Central High School in 2008 that paid for all of her post-secondary education. After earning a doctorate in education from Michigan State University, Young will now play a key role in a new effort by KConnect, a nonprofit that convenes cross-sector partners to address inequities where she will help build a common policy agenda that closes the “unacceptable achievement gaps for children and families of color in Kent County.” Alongside assistance from the Michigan League for Public Policy and local experts Kathleen Bruinsma and John Helmholdt, Young serves as the postdoctoral fellow who will convene community members to craft policy objectives around issues such as education, housing and family stability, to name a few. This policy agenda will then be communicated with local, state and federal lawmakers, and also help to inform KConnect’s internal and external policies around advocating for legislative issues. Young recently discussed her role in KConnect’s new policy initiative and how her background prepared her for the job.
Nonprofits explore non-traditional leadership structures to avoid burnout, grow diversity
By JOSH SPANNINGA
Nonprofit organizations are increasingly turning to alternative leadership structures with shared responsibilities to help combat burnout as well as open doors for more diverse executives.
MUSKEGON — A small credit union on the lakeshore has moved into commercial lending for small businesses.
Banks in Michigan entered 2023 in good shape financially and positioned well even if the economy enters into a recession as predicted later this year.
