Developer breaks ground on west side Grand Rapids affordable housing project
Written by Sydney SmithGRAND RAPIDS — A Wisconsin developer has started construction on a new affordable housing development on Grand Rapids’ northwest side.
Michigan retailers report they had sluggish sales last month, the result of a slowing economy and other factors such as the six-week strike against General Motors.
GRAND RAPIDS — The merger between Priority Health and Detroit-based HMO Total Health Care Inc. heads to a close in the new year after receiving state regulatory approval.
GRAND RAPIDS — Tier 1 automotive supplier Gill Corp. has settled a lawsuit with Ann Arbor-based Benteler Automotive Corp. about payments Gill was demanding as it prepared to close its Bond Avenue production plant in Grand Rapids.
Michigan State University’s new Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building builds on a uniquely West Michigan model of public-private partnerships that’s been behind some of the largest projects in Grand Rapids.
KALAMAZOO — Business leaders and philanthropists gave $6.5 million to Western Michigan University for what’s known as the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy.
GRAND RAPIDS — A popular Detroit-based distillery will open a Grand Rapids tasting room inside of 7 Monks Taproom on Michigan Street.
GRAND RAPIDS — Investor relations and public relations firm Lambert & Co. has expanded into the Southwest U.S. with the hiring and acquisition of a team of professionals based in Phoenix, Ariz.
Facing insolvency, Gill Corp. seeks ‘exorbitant demands,’ customer alleges in bombshell lawsuit
Written by Jessica YoungGRAND RAPIDS — A bombshell new lawsuit alleges that Grand Rapids-based Tier 1 automotive supplier Gill Corp. is demanding “ransom” from its customers as the metal stamper dissolves its operations.
GRAND RAPIDS — Cedar Springs Brewing Co. will join the bustling craft beverage scene on Bridge Street with a new satellite taproom and brewery.
The number of apprenticeship programs and apprentices grew significantly in Michigan during the last decade while extending into nontraditional areas beyond construction and manufacturing, according to a state report.
GRANDVILLE — The Grand Castle LLC has secured a $48.3 million bridge loan from Maryland-based real estate finance firm Walker & Dunlop Inc.
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Angels launched a new affiliate in Flint, further expanding its presence across Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law Thursday night ensuring small-scale residential and commercial solar projects won’t increase owners’ property taxes.
Developers, officials hope Studio 28 housing project catalyzes more development
Written by Sydney SmithWYOMING — Developers of a $35 million housing project at the former Studio 28 movie theater property hope the development will be a catalyst for more activity in Wyoming.
NORTON SHORES — Mercy Health began construction on a $20 million primary care and outpatient medical center in Norton Shores.
GRAND RAPIDS — After more than three and a half years in business, Gray Skies Distillery LLC has rebranded as Eastern Kille Distillery, effective immediately, to coincide with the first statewide launch of the company’s bourbon.
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health continues to scoop up property along Michigan Street east of downtown and its Butterworth Hospital campus.
West Michigan industrial index plummets amid fallout from GM strike, tariffs
Written by Mark SanchezKey indexes for industrial activity across West Michigan recorded big declines for October that economist Brian Long partly attributes to the lengthy United Auto Workers strike again General Motors.
CWD to add street-level commercial space along Lyon Street in downtown Grand Rapids
Written by Sydney SmithGRAND RAPIDS — CWD Real Estate Investment Inc. want to reshape a key downtown corridor with more retail users, including storefronts and restaurants.
Closure of Grand Rapids facility fuels concern over medical device shortage
Written by Andy BalaskovitzThe stoppage of medical device sterilization at a Grand Rapids facility by the end of the year is adding to local and national concerns about the availability of critical health care equipment.
Advances in materials position plastics manufacturers for new markets, growth
Written by Jessica YoungInnovations in polymer science have produced plastics that are lighter than aluminum and relatively durable, causing manufacturers and their customers to take a new look at how to use the materials.
CUTLERVILLE — The psychiatric urgent care center Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services opened in the spring treated nearly 3,000 people during its first six months, proving a need to improve access to behavioral health care.
Mergers and acquisitions activity among plastics manufacturers has been uneven as the supply of assets shrinks, demand grows and threats to the economy build.
Tight labor market drives ‘disruptive’ automation in plastics manufacturing
Written by Jessica YoungThe desire to continue to grow and keep production in West Michigan despite a crippling labor shortage remains the principal driver for Byrne Electrical Specialists Inc.’s adoption of automation.
Ada gains steam with new businesses
Written by Sydney SmithADA — After observing the revitalization of the Ada Village Business District, outdoor retailer Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus is expanding in the suburban community with a new 3,669-square-foot store.
Contractors wrestle with persistent talent issues, concerns over 2020 election
Written by Sydney SmithIn the last year, Kalamazoo-based construction manager CSM Group Inc. has hired an in-house recruiter as part of its human resources team.
PRICE TO PAY: In crises, companies seek delicate balance of legal, PR, consumer ramifications
Written by Sydney SmithA popular Grand Rapids brewery learned the hard way that focusing on winning a lawsuit can cost a company in other tangible ways if it loses first in the court of public opinion.
The $19.5 million contribution from Doug Meijer and the Meijer Foundation could generate “incredible” benefits for cancer research and treatment and boost philanthropy for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
Trade tariffs and the direction of the economy, coupled with concerns about the 2020 U.S. presidential election, weighed down expectations for mergers and acquisitions next year.
Why employers are reaching out to help employees struggling with opioid addiction
Written by Andy BalaskovitzFor the past three years, roughly 6,000 employees across the U.S. for Grand Rapids-based furniture manufacturer Steelcase Inc. have had free access to an online health portal to treat addiction.
Partnership aims to reduce state shortage of physicians certified in addiction medicine
Written by Mark SanchezOne of the barriers for health care providers responding to the opioid crisis in Michigan is a shortage of doctors trained in addiction medicine.
A new unit at the Michigan State Police attacks the opioid crisis by pursuing criminal investigations against doctors, advanced care practitioners and pharmacists suspected of illegally writing or dispensing controlled substances.
Health care providers retool prescription practices in shift away from opioids
Written by Mark SanchezWhen Dr. Lynda Hulst went to work at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital 18 months ago, patients typically waited a month to get into its chronic pain management program.
Given the demographics in the workforce and the physical nature of the work, construction companies cannot avoid learning about the opioid crisis.
Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley was a vocal advocate for addressing the state’s blossoming opioid crisis during the administration of former Gov. Rick Snyder. Now as the president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Calley has brought an increased focus on criminal justice reform issues, including policies affecting the opioid crisis.
Michael Klumpp did not know what to expect when he ventured into the world of industrial hemp, but the farmer soon realized growing a viable crop was only half the battle.
Shortly after opening her philanthropic consulting firm in 2000, Christine Gavin got a firsthand look at the “unevenness” of philanthropy.
Gene Hawkins, vice president of engineering at ADAC, spoke with MiBiz about how the company is looking at R&D and where it sees the future of plastics in the automotive industry.
8 West Michigan hospitals garner top grades in semi-annual patient safety report card
Written by Mark SanchezA pair of Spectrum Health-owned hospitals maintained their streaks by earnings top grades in a semi-annual report card on patient safety.
ALLEGAN — Perrigo Co. plc grew sales 5.1 percent in the third quarter, exceeding expectations and showing that a strategic plan President and CEO Murray Kessler put in place in the spring to improve sales and earnings is gaining traction.
KALAMAZOO — Stryker Corp. plans to buy Wright Medical Group N.V., a Netherlands-based maker of orthopedic products for the ankle, wrist, foot and shoulder, for $4 billion in cash.
Believing the pendulum has swung too far and often results in delays for patient care, physicians want state legislators to curtail the ability of health insurers to require prior authorization to cover a medical test, procedure or medication.
WALKER — Chris Sherrell, a veteran grocery executive who worked with Meijer Inc. to launch the Fresh Thyme Farmers Market concept in 2012, has stepped down from the company.
Surveys point to economic optimism despite cooling growth forecasts for Michigan
Written by Mark SanchezBusiness owners surveyed by PNC Bank remain optimistic about the local and national economies, despite worries about tariffs and pricing pressures and outlooks for slower growth ahead.