Analysis estimates economic impact of Michigan State’s Grand Rapids medical campus
Written by Mark SanchezDevelopments on Michigan State University’s medical school campus in downtown Grand Rapids will drive $339 million in annual economic impact on the city when fully complete next year.
GRAND RAPIDS — The eight-story office tower Spectrum Health plans to build will bring a major new redevelopment and hundreds of employees to the Monroe North neighborhood near downtown Grand Rapids.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is making a new push to place Michigan manufacturers ahead of the curve on Industry 4.0 technology.
As national trends show a rapid decline in the value of shopping malls, West Michigan commercial real estate experts are most worried about the fate of RiverTown Crossings in Grandville.
New fund aims to raise $200M for small industrial properties, distribution centers
Written by Mark SanchezEAST LANSING — An East Lansing real estate investment firm looks to raise $200 million to invest in industrial logistics facilities in the Midwest and southeastern U.S.
Spectrum Health financials steady through pandemic as outlook shifts for hospitals
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health maintained a solid financial performance for 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic stressed operating margins at hospitals nationwide.
Experts view the mergers and acquisitions market and U.S. economy with slightly more optimism than six months ago, although the prospect of corporate and other federal tax increases has them concerned about the resulting effects on deal flow.
Open-heart surgery partnership could spur more collaboration between Metro, Mercy
Written by Mark SanchezAnew partnership for open-heart surgery could provide a broader base for Metro Health-University of Michigan Health and Mercy Health to further collaborate on specialized medical care in the years ahead.
Craft beverage producers adapt marketing approaches, deal with supply chain headaches as pandemic drags on
Written by Jayson BussaThe COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying shutdowns of bars, brewpubs, taprooms and tasting rooms had an undeniably negative effect on West Michigan craft beverage makers and their balance sheets.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dennis Grumm’s brand of can seamers went from a luxury amenity to a requirement for many craft beverage producers.
Trade group looks to extend affordable health plans to craft brewers, distilleries, wineries
Written by Mark SanchezA health plan that for years has provided coverage for employees at beer and wine wholesalers in Michigan now looks to offer the same benefits to craft brewers, distilleries and wineries across the state, providing a potential lower-cost option to consider.
Looking back on a 2020 plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed Collazo didn’t sound like a business owner who just saw his company’s revenue plummet by half a million dollars for the year.
Opening a cannabis dispensary comes with significant barriers, but West Michigan entrepreneurs are looking at opportunities other than retail storefronts to get their foot in the door of the burgeoning industry.
Biden plan could provide major funding influx for Michigan infrastructure plans
Written by Andy BalaskovitzPresident Biden’s recently proposed $2.25 trillion infrastructure plan comes as state officials and local planning experts make gains in plotting investment needs across Michigan.
Gender disparities in the workforce ‘uncovered further’ by COVID-19 pandemic
Written by Kate CarlsonMen and women both experienced steep declines in employment at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but on average, the workforce for men is back to pre-pandemic levels in Michigan while women have left the workforce at disproportionate rates.
Grow Michigan Fund II eyes $100M with increased focus on minority-owned businesses
Written by Mark SanchezA statewide loan fund to provide growth capital to Michigan small businesses expects to start closing deals by the end of the month after securing state support.
Grand Rapids officials say part of the city’s post-pandemic rebound for events and entertainment should include a focus on reviving a local arts council to coordinate funding and programs.
MUSKEGON — In mid-March the Muskegon Museum of Art announced a $9.9 million expansion plan to add additional gallery space to the facility, which — according to museum officials — has already been mostly funded.
Brewery Nyx LLC owner Jessica Stricklen recently unveiled plans for what will be the first gluten-free microbrewery in Michigan, to be located at 506 Oakland Ave. SW in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood.
MiBiz Growth Report: April 11, 2021
Written by MiBiz StaffThis is the MiBiz Growth Report for April 11, 2021.
State officials plea for personal responsibility as COVID cases, hospitalizations spike
By ANDY BALASKOVITZ and MARK SANCHEZLANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is strongly encouraging — but not mandating — new public measures to stem Michigan’s recent spike in COVID-19 metrics, saying pandemic dynamics have changed as millions of vaccines are administered.
Have Mercy, the state-funded shelter for Montcalm and Ionia counties, recently received a $500,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis as well as $5,000 from Mercantile Bank of Michigan.
West Michigan industrial sector continues rebound with national, global trends
Written by Mark SanchezWest Michigan’s industrial economy entered the second quarter trending along with the global and national economic recoveries from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOLLAND — A West Michigan-based business that has developed a video interviewing platform for employers and potential employees has named its first president.
GVSU launches new downtown Grand Rapids housing for freshmen, transfer students
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Four new housing options located in downtown Grand Rapids will be available to first year and transfer Grand Valley State University students in the fall.
GRAND RAPIDS — The Western Michigan University Cooley Law School building in downtown Grand Rapids is on the market for $19.8 million.
‘Game-changer’ partnership to bring new open-heart surgery program to West Michigan
Written by Mark SanchezMetro Health-University Michigan Health plans to launch open-heart surgery within a year through a new partnership with Mercy Health.
Eight West Michigan schools will receive free wireless internet hotspots to help bridge connectivity gaps for vulnerable students, officials with AT&T and a national and statewide nonprofit announced Monday.
OTSEGO — Otsego Crane & Hoist Co., a manufacturer that specializes in overhead material handling equipment, has been sold to individual investors.
GRAND RAPIDS — Wolverine Building Group has expanded its footprint to Southeast Michigan with the acquisition of Brighton-based construction firm Contracting Resources Inc.
GRANDVILLE — Kerkstra Precast Inc., a producer of precast and prestressed concrete products in Michigan, has new owners.
30-unit apartment development near Medical Mile approved over neighborhood concerns
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Two years after it rejected a similar plan, the Grand Rapids Planning Commission has approved a developer’s 30-unit apartment complex over objections from some nearby residents.
WALKER — Developers are planning a 552-unit apartment complex at the English Hills Country Club property in Walker.
Mercy Health forms joint venture for new psychiatric hospital in Kent County
Written by Mark SanchezMercy Health and an Auburn Hills-based operator of psychiatric hospitals plans to build a new facility in Kent County through a joint venture.
GRAND RAPIDS — Jessica Stricklen plans to open the first gluten-free microbrewery in the state of Michigan in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood.
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health’s plan for an eight-story, 160,000-square-foot office complex on the north end of downtown goes to city planners next week.
Grand Rapids mass vaccine clinic opens eligibility to everyone 16 and older as cases, hospitalizations spike
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — The mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids raised eligibility Tuesday to anyone 16 years and older as more doses become available and amid recent surges in cases among a younger population and rising positive tests.
ALLENDALE — Metro Health-University of Michigan Health has begun construction on a new, larger outpatient medical clinic in Allendale.
GRAND RAPIDS — The city’s first cannabis dispensary has launched a business incubator called Fluresh Accelerator, which aims to increase access and equity in the growing cannabis industry.
HOLLAND — GHSP Inc., a manufacturer of control systems and technology solutions, named a new president today.
GR entertainment and event organizers express optimism after ‘sobering’ 2020
Written by Andy BalaskovitzGRAND RAPIDS — After an economically grim 2020, Grand Rapids event and entertainment officials say they’re optimistic about pent-up demand, COVID-19 vaccines and a new standard of hybrid in-person and virtual programs.
GRAND RAPIDS — The Brix at Midtown Apartments in Grand Rapids has sold for $68.25 million to a New York City-based real estate and development firm, the buyer announced Friday.
Petoskey Plastics Inc. — a manufacturer of plastic films, bags and resin — aims to meet surging demand in one of its business segments by expanding its operation to a new facility in Texas.
As Michigan manufacturers of all segments continue grappling with a persistent talent shortage and skills gap, furniture-maker Metalworks Inc. has to contend with a unique set of hurdles.
‘Substantial and far-reaching:’ Federal proposal to change some metropolitan areas’ status could jeopardize crucial funding and economic development
Written by Kate CarlsonSeveral Michigan communities are at risk of losing crucial federal funding under proposed changes to their designation as metropolitan areas, which local officials say would negatively affect services and economic development efforts.
Kalamazoo County regroups after ‘golden opportunity’ for housing falls through
Written by Kate CarlsonKALAMAZOO — Kalamazoo County is determining how to allocate funding from a recently approved housing millage after a failed attempt to turn the vacant Lakeside Academy campus into a much-needed housing development.