Economic Development
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MUVE app launches in West Mich. to break down transportation accessibility barriers
Written by Jayson BussaACanadian app developer focused on removing mobility barriers for people with disabilities and the elderly is launching its first commercial deployment in West Michigan.
GRAND RAPIDS — Despite numerous complexities involved with improving the congested Wealthy Street interchange at U.S.-131, city and community leaders seek to create more connectivity with $10 million recently allocated to upgrade the aging infrastructure.
U-M economic outlook shows short-term return to growth; inflation concerns through 2023
Written by Mark SanchezUniversity of Michigan economists expect second-quarter growth for the U.S. economy, although momentum may wane in the latter half of the year as interest rates rise.
Republicans in Lansing have passed another election-year tax cut plan that would reduce the personal income tax, raise Michigan’s earned income tax credit, and create a $500 per-child tax credit.
After a seven-year career in tribal economic development at Waséyabek Development Co. LLC for his tribe, Jimmy TenBrink now finds himself heading up operations for a familiar tribal partner.
Grand Rapids approves 90-day grace period for non-complying cannabis operators; licensing dispute attracts state attention
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — A divided Grand Rapids City Commission is granting a 90-day grace period to cannabis operators that are failing to meet social equity goals they promised three years ago while city staff determine a path forward.
Grand Rapids officials back plan to redesign Wealthy Street, U.S.-131 interchange
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — City officials are backing plans that would redesign the Wealthy Street interchange at U.S.-131 to bring the street to grade level while elevating the highway.
Very few Grand Rapids cannabis businesses are fulfilling social equity promises they made three years ago to gain an advantage when applying for a city license, though some city officials say the program is filled with “unattainable” goals.
MiBiz Growth Report: May 9, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz Growth report for May 9, 2022:
GR cannabis equity program in disarray with noncompliance, ‘unattainable’ goals
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Just three out of 11 cannabis dispensaries are fully complying with voluntary social equity commitments they made three years ago to improve their chances of obtaining a license in a highly competitive lottery system, MiBiz has learned.
Greater Muskegon Economic Development names new CEO after 3-year reorganization
Written by Kate CarlsonMuskegon County’s economic development organization has named Marla Schneider as its new president and CEO following a three-year restructuring the organization took on to attract new corporate funders and revamp strategic planning.
$25K grant to bolster Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s digital equity efforts
Written by Abigail HamWith a rapidly growing number of workplace tasks expected to go digital in the next decade, developing digital skills is key to creating economic opportunities and reducing vulnerability to unemployment.
With the upcoming closure of the DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center on July 31, minor league basketball team the Grand Rapids Gold is looking for a new home arena.
MiBiz Growth Report: April 25, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz Growth Report for April 11, 2022.
Small biz experts, owners stress smooth transition efforts with ownership changes
Written by Kate CarlsonAfter sharply declining at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of small business deals is nearing 2019 levels again as owners find reasons to exit and sellers see companies that have weathered a two-year storm.
Lyoya killing raises questions about Boston Square developments, immigrant welcome plan
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — Patrick Lyoya’s death took place in a Grand Rapids neighborhood long traumatized by icy police-community relations that’s also in the process of a major redevelopment to help overcome long standing underinvestment.
Survey: West Mich. biz outlook strong as companies eye expansions, recruiting woes ease
Written by Mark SanchezBusiness leaders voiced strong confidence in the West Michigan economy in a recent survey by economic development organization The Right Place Inc.
Masks now optional for travelers, employees at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Written by Hannah BrockMasks are now optional for passengers and visitors at Gerald R. Ford International Airport following a federal court ruling and announcement that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer require mask use.
The city of Kalamazoo generated $15.4 million in economic impact from more than 40 different local, regional and national sporting events held in 2021, according to a new report.
The Rapid receives $15.8M in federal funding; plans Grandville HQ for paratransit service
Written by Hannah BrockGrand Rapids’ public transportation service will receive $15.8 million in federal funding meant to strengthen transportation in U.S. communities.
WAYLAND — In his four and a half years running Gun Lake Casino, Sal Semola has been an architect of growth in helping the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians strategically expand and solidify its gaming enterprise.
SpartanNash Co. last month released its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report to track its corporate responsibility efforts, the start of what CEO Tony Sarsam called a “transformational journey” for the Byron Center-based grocery retailer and food distributor.
DEI experts say early education, listening, investing key to meaningful change
Written by Andy BalaskovitzIn the nearly two years since Minneapolis police killed George Floyd and sparked a national wave of civil unrest, the business community has responded with both internal and external commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The $250 million that state officials plan to deploy through competitive grants to extend high-speed internet service represents the biggest push yet to address the digital divide in Michigan.
MiBiz Growth Report: April 11, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz Growth Report for April 11, 2022.
New Ferris State president confronts declining enrollment, post-pandemic opportunities
Written by Jayson BussaFerris State University recently tapped Bill Pink as its new president after he served in the same role at Grand Rapids Community College since 2017. Pink starts the position in June after being selected over 70 other applicants. He brings to the new role a firm grasp on the state’s economic needs based in part on his active roles in multiple regional and statewide economic development organizations. Pink recently shared his vision for leading Big Rapids-based Ferris State, including overcoming recent enrollment declines and seizing partnerships after a recent $115 million capital campaign.
$200K grant to help Michigan State Medical Society address health care disparities
Written by Mark SanchezA $200,000 grant will back a Michigan State Medical Society initiative that looks to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care across the state.
A $20,000 Warner Norcross + Judd LLP scholarship for a second-year law student aims to promote greater diversity in the legal profession.
Michigan Economic Development Corp. seeks deeper relationships with state’s tribes
Written by Joe BoomgaardWhen the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians sought to establish its first 8(a) certified contracting company, the tribe’s economic development arm turned to a key partner within the state of Michigan for help.
GRAND RAPIDS — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. will receive $55 million to connect trails along the Grand River as part of a $4.7 billion infrastructure plan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed today.
LG CHARGES UP: Advanced battery manufacturer’s $1.7B Holland expansion likely to benefit region’s automotive supply chain
Written by Jayson BussaHOLLAND — LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc.’s planned $1.7 billion lithium-ion battery manufacturing expansion is poised to spur further opportunities as the company taps new and existing suppliers to support the project.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, none of Davide Uccello’s four West Michigan restaurants offered an online ordering option. Today, at least half of his restaurant’s takeout and delivery orders are placed online.
App developers work to keep up with surging e-commerce demand across sectors
Written by Jayson BussaAs co-owner of web and mobile application developer Grand Apps Development LLC, Tyler Kutt and his staff have spent substantial time over the last two years working with clients on launching or refining e-commerce solutions.
Michigan’s retail recreational cannabis market launched just four months before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the state and forced widespread shutdowns and limited in-person shopping.
MiBiz Growth Report: March 28, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffRecruitment platform Job.com has acquired QCI Healthcare Staffing, a Grand Rapids-based health care staffing agency. The deal was the fourth staffing agency acquisition by Job.com, which seeks to acquire small to medium-sized staffing agencies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
LANSING — A deal between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican legislative leaders will put nearly $4.7 billion toward infrastructure improvements across Michigan.
MSF approves $14M in brownfield incentives for Spectrum Health; amends programs to open accessibility
Written by Kate CarlsonThe Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a brownfield plan totaling $14 million in state tax capture for Spectrum Health’s Center for Transformation and Innovation that is under construction in Grand Rapids.
Travel Michigan ramps up summer campaign with $16.7M ad buy in local, Midwest markets
Written by Mark SanchezAdvertisements touting Michigan as a summer vacation destination have begun running in key markets across the state and the Midwest.
MiBiz on WGVU: Bridging the ‘digital divide,’ health care worker shortage, health insurance revenue
Written by MiBiz StaffMiBiz Senior Writer Mark Sanchez appears on WGVU to discuss efforts to boost broadband internet access in West Michigan, federal funding being deployed to attract health care workers, and how major health insurers will start to factor COVID-19 costs into future rates.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Minority business advocates seek input on 12 ‘transformational’ projects
Written by MiBiz StaffBusiness and economic development leaders recently released a list of 12 “transformational” projects for Kent County that hope to attract people, as well as public funding, to the region.
Advocates seek minority voices, opportunity with 12 ‘transformational’ projects
Written by Andy BalaskovitzRegional business and economic development leaders recently announced a list of 12 “transformational” projects that could reshape Kent County’s ability to attract visitors, new residents and employers.
VNN merger positions firm as consolidator in fragmented high school athletic services sector
Written by Jayson BussaWhen Rick Ehrman took the helm of VNN Inc. at the beginning of 2019, he made known his intentions to grow the business through mergers and acquisitions.
MiBiz Growth Report: March 14, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz Growth Report for March 14, 2022.
Survey: Business executives’ economic outlook is optimistic despite labor, inflation concerns
Written by Mark SanchezSeven out of 10 executives responding to a recent Business Leaders for Michigan survey say their business now performs better than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, although labor shortages and inflation concerns persist.
With the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, dealmaking activity in West Michigan and elsewhere came roaring back in 2021. Flush with capital, private equity flooded the market, while sellers — for a variety of reasons — have newfound reasons for exiting.
M&A Awards: Huntington-TCF merger creates second-largest banking operation in Michigan
Written by Mark SanchezThe 2021 merger of Detroit-based TCF Financial Inc. into Columbus, Ohio-based Huntington Bancshares Inc. created the second-largest bank operating in Michigan.
M&A Awards: Century Technology Group finds synergies among growing portfolio companies
Written by Andy BalaskovitzAfter the acquisition of a Grand Haven-based emerging tech and media firm, Century Technology Group Inc. is already finalizing plans to integrate it with another portfolio company.
Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for February 28, 2022.