UTILITY unveils pilot carbon-offset plan.
PAGE 3
FEB 8, 2021 VOL. 39, NO. 3
The Business Newspaper of Metro Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon & West Michigan
THIS WEEK
CREATING LEADERS WORTH FOLLOWING
Leading by DESIGN partner Elizabeth Rolinski spends a year working with executives from top West Michigan corporations. Page 13
All in Legal online sports betting and gambling takes off during first weeks in Michigan. PAGE 3
Filling a need Black-owned design and manufacturing company makes protective cases for cellphone accessories. PAGE 4
SAFETY FIRST Construction company logs more than 5,000 days without time lost to injury. Page 7
THE LISTS
The area’s top general contractors. Page 8 The area’s top specialty contractors. Page 9
Employers granted $11.4M in Going PRO funds Awards will provide training opportunities for thousands of workers in a sevencounty region. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) last month unveiled its Going PRO Talent Fund awards for fiscal year 2021, and employers in West Michigan will receive nearly a third of the total sum. Since the program’s launch in 2014, over 3,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO awards to assist in training, developing and retaining newly hired and current employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. This year, employers in the
West Michigan region of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties have been awarded $11,414,508 in training funds. Statewide, $39,016,692 was awarded to 850 Michigan businesses. West Michigan Works! is working to notify 283 employers receiving $12,047,230 — which includes awards going to a few out-of-region companies that West Michigan Works! administered grants for — that their applications are being funded in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $498,284. As of Jan. 22, four applications totaling $240,494 were pending. “The availability of training grants in 2021 is more important than ever before,” said Amy Lebednick, director of business solutions for West Michigan Works!. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made an existing shortage of workers more acute, as we’re seeing low numbers of individuals looking to enter the workforce. The state of Michigan’s (Going PRO) investment will allow our employers to invest in workers, allowing them to contin-
ue operations and fill vacancies.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the state’s investment in its businesses and training workers will be part of what leads to a strong economic recovery. “Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund allow us to put Michiganders on the path to good paying Whitmer jobs while helping Michigan employers develop the critical talent they need to compete in the global economy,” she said. The Going PRO Talent Fund has supported more than 94,000 workers with training over the years, including new hires and current workers. “With 545,000 professional trades job openings expected through the year 2026, this fund plays a vital role in helping Michigan employers meet their talent needs by investing in homegrown
workers,” said Susan Corbin, acting director of LEO. LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local agencies and other partners to develop appropriate, realistic training plans. Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!, said the agency is grateful to Whitmer, state legislators and area chambers of commerce for their work in advocating to restore the funding, which had been cut in the fiscal year 2020 state budget. Maas “Since the inception of the program, the average annual earnings of trainees have increased by CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Transformation fund approaches $10M Grand Rapids venture fund prepares to make first investments in companies owned by people of color. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
One year after it was announced, the New Community Transformation Fund has secured $8.5 million from stakeholders looking to invest in Grand Rapids-area companies owned by people of color and is on its way to hitting the $10 million mark. The venture fund NCTF, announced by The Right Place on Jan. 23, 2020, is aimed at boosting businesses owned by people of color in West Michigan, and it is nearing the first organizational
Organizers, from left, Skot Welch, Birgit Klohs, Garrick Rochow, Renee Tabben and Kwame Anku. Courtesy of The Right Place
milestone of raising $10 million, thanks to an investment of an undisclosed amount from Bank of America announced Jan. 26. The $10 million figure is im-
portant, NCTF said, as it is the amount of capital raise necessary for the fund to make its first investments in businesses owned by people of color.
GRBJ.COM Vol. 39, No. 3 $2.00 a copy. $59 a year © Entire contents copyright 2021 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved.
Inside Track ...... 13 Guest Columns.. 16 When to terminate
GRAND HAVEN ordinance encourages new housing developments.
Change-Ups ..... 20 Calendar .......... 20 Public Record .... 21 Street Talk ...... 22
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First-year highlights The first-year investments and general updates on NCTF’s activities were highlighted to NCTF investors and the media during a Zoom call on Jan. 26. Successes shared on the call included: •Securing $8.5 million in committed investments •Obtaining a “substantial” Bank of America investment, in addition to the bank’s contribution of $200,000 in seed funding provided in 2020 •Securing $1 million investments from Spectrum Health Ventures, Mercantile Bank and the Consumers Energy Foundation, which also provided $200,000 in seed money in 2020 •Securing $100,000 in seed money from DTE The fund hopes to hit the following goals in 2021: CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
ALWAYS OPEN FOR MICHIGAN BUSINESSES. As we move through 2021, Michigan businesses will continue to adapt. And the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will be here, helping to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its new potential, the MEDC is available to help in any way we can. Find customized business assistance at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
3
Legal online bets, gambling start fast State opened legal online betting on Jan. 22 in time for pro football finals. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
Grand Rapids-based Madcap Coffee has signed on for the highest level of commitment to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Courtesy Madcap Coffee
Utility unveils pilot carbon-offset plan Madcap Coffee is first to join DTE’s Natural Gas Balance program. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
T:14.5"
B:14.75"
S:13.62"
As part of DTE Energy’s 2050 net zero commitment, DTE Gas announced that it will offer customers a new way to reduce their carbon footprint. The program, called CleanVision Natural Gas Balance, is the first in the nation to include both carbon offsets and renewable natural gas. The pilot program is approved by the Michigan Public Services
Commission and was launched to the public in January. Dan Brudzynski, DTE vice president of gas sales and supply, said the utility has a goal of 50,000 participating customers over the next decade, which will be equivalent to offsetting approximately 1 million metric tons of carbon out of the environment. The carbon offset program is focused on protecting Michigan forests that naturally absorb greenhouse gases. The program goals are achieved through two environmentally friendly components: renewable natural gas and Michigan forest preservation. “The beauty of our program is it’s a Pure Michigan-oriented
program with a renewably sourced natural gas,” Brudzynski said. “Combined with that is the other element of carbon footprint mitigation, which is offsetting the remaining carbon footprint by tapping into natural carbon sinks.” DTE began investing in renewable natural gas more than 20 years ago and has since built a network of sources for Natural Gas Balance whereby landfill emissions and wastewater treatment plant byproducts are transformed into fuel that heats homes and powers businesses and cars. The utility is purchasing this renewable gas from a landfill in CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Momentum continues to bring more Michiganders into the world of online gambling and sports betting after it was legalized a few weeks ago. There also are many online sources of information for the new industry. Gambling.com Group launched greatlakesstakes.com to serve regulated online casino, poker and sportsbook operations by providing gambling real-time information and details on casinos, lottery programs, fantasy sports offerings and cardrooms. “We provide the news and information about online casinos and sports betting, sportsbooks and we also connect to the websites that have legalized sports betting and legalized online casinos,” said Bryce Derouin, an analyst for greatlakesstakes.com. “All the news and information we have is the most up-to-date, specific gaming information that is related to Michigan and we review and detail the best place to put safe and secure legal wagers on the best Michigan online gambling sites. We connect people to the safe and legal places for people to gamble.” When online gambling and
sports betting began on Jan. 22, the Michigan Gaming Control Board authorized nine operators — tribes and casinos — to begin offering services. They included Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Greektown Casino, Hannahville Indian Community, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. They are using a variety of platforms including DraftKings, William Hill, Penn Sports Interactive/Barstool Sportsbook, TwinSpires, Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Rush Street, BetMGM/Roar Digital, FanDuel and Wynn. BetMGM, which is partnering with MGM Grand Detroit, launched its sports betting and iGaming app on the same day online gaming and sports betting began. According to Conscious Gaming, a philanthropic organization committed to utilizing advanced technology to propel social responsibility initiatives, Michigan and Virginia, which also launched online betting around the same time Michigan did, saw a combined 7.5 million transactions that came from over 400,000 new accounts for the first weekend. The organization noted that those numbers made up 25% of the overall volume CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
Grand Haven ordinance encourages new housing developments New rules streamline process for developers, encourage pop-up businesses. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
The city of Grand Haven, in partnership with Housing Next, reduced barriers to the creation of housing at all price points with recent updates to its zoning ordinance and approval of a first-ofits-kind housing development in West Michigan. The new zoning ordinance was approved by the Grand Haven City Council in January and is aimed at improving housing choice and supply across the city, promoting greater mobility choices for residents, providing more equitable access to wealth creation and streamlining the zoning approval process for developers, among other key changes. The project, dubbed Robinson Landing, brought together the city, nonprofit developer Michigan Community Capital, the Ottawa County Land Bank and the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation to ensure new homes are affordable for households that earn less than 80% of the area me-
The neighborhood will have a mix of homes that range in size from 840 to 1,400 square feet to support various incomes and household sizes. Rendering courtesy Michigan Community Capital
dian income (AMI). Robinson Landing will include approximately 32 single-family housing units on 7.58 acres of vacant land on the north side of Comstock Street in Grand Haven. The land was owned by the city and transferred to the Ottawa County Land Bank Authority last fall to prepare the site for redevelopment. Michigan Community Capital will buy the property later this year.
About half of the homes will be sold to households that earn between 60% and 80% AMI. In Ottawa County, that is between $35,160 and $83,600 a year. These homes will be sold at approximately 75% of the appraised value and will be on a 99-year ground lease with the city’s newly created community land trust. There will be restrictions on the resale, which will ensure long-term affordability of these homes.
The remaining homes will be sold at market rate without any income or resale restrictions. The neighborhood will have a mix of homes that range in size to support various incomes and household sizes. Housing types will be a mix of 840-square-foot one-story with two bedrooms and one bathroom, 1,087-squarefoot one-story with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and 1,421-square-foot two-story with
three bedrooms and two-and-ahalf bathrooms. The new zoning ordinance is a result of the city council’s commitment in 2017 to begin addressing the cost of housing and the role local government ought to play in ensuring the availability of housing options for all income levels. “The city really started to talk about zoning updates about three years ago,” said Housing Next Executive Director Ryan Kilpatrick. “They began to recognize there’s a lack of affordable options for households who lived there for a long time, as well as for people who worked there but couldn’t afford to live in the city.” Housing Next partnered with the city to identify Michigan Community Capital as the lead nonprofit developer for the project and provided guidance on target market and preferred home prices. It also helped to facilitate the transfer of land ownership and brownfield redevelopment eligibility and worked closely with the city in the creation of the community land trust. “Having that level of expertise and advocacy is absolutely necessary,” Grand Haven City Manager Pat McGinnis said of Housing Next. “Ryan has a great CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
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FEB 8, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
BluCase gears up for next accessory rollout Black-owned design and manufacturing company makes protective cases for cellphone accessories. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
A longtime entrepreneur, Bill McCurdy created a business that makes safe storage cases for cellphone accessories. McCurdy founded Kentwood-based BluCase in 2011 while living in Chicagoland, then moved the business to West Michigan. He worked with Zeeland-based DISHER to prototype his first products and now partners on design and manufacturing with a supplier in China to make AirPod cases, wired earbuds carrying cases and Bluetooth headset carrying cases. As far as he knows, McCurdy said his is the only minority-owned cellphone accessories business with a presence in West Michigan. A native of the Chicago area, McCurdy earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ball State University in Indiana in 1993 and later did master’s coursework at Indiana University. He founded several businesses in greater Chicago, including InnerScope, iClean and Honor-Guard Security, a security guard service provider
certified as a government contractor that was renamed World-Wide Protection Group after he sold it. Back in college, McCurdy said he had entrepreneurial and design instincts, making sketches of headphones that could be used for personal music players in the early ’90s, long before the iPod came out, although he never acted on it and the designs ended up buried away in boxes in his garage in Illinois. Starting BluCase gave him the opportunity to explore new concepts. The idea for a Bluetooth headset case came due to a law enacted in Illinois that required drivers to use a hands-free method to talk on their cellphone while navigating traffic, to prevent accidents. During a work trip, McCurdy set his Bluetooth headset down on the arm rest of his car, and when he closed the car door to go into Walgreens, the headset fell onto the driver’s seat, and he accidentally sat on it and broke it when he got back into his car. “That was like my fourth one I broke,” he said. McCurdy couldn’t find any hard protective cases on the market that would prevent such accidents — the only cases out there were mesh — so he decided to develop his own. Thus, BluCase was born. “It started as a side business,
really,” he said, noting it ramped up in 2015, and he now works on the business full time alongside a couple of employees. The first product was a universal Bluetooth headset carrying case, then he made a bigger one that was able to accommodate “99% of all Bluetooth headsets made worldwide.”
Courtesy Robert Schumaker Photography
When the market started shifting toward wired earbuds, BluCase made cases for those, too. When the AirPod wireless earbuds came out, BluCase shifted to making a protective case to fit the first and second generation AirPods. The company is now in the
middle of rolling out cases for the Apple AirPod Pro generation that is out now. “Other cellphone accessory companies, most of them are making protective cases for cellphones, tablets and so forth, but nobody was really making any type of protective case for Bluetooth headsets, wired earbuds (and the Apple) AirPods,” McCurdy said. All of the BluCase protective cases are designed to be accessible, with a push button release that opens the lid to a 90-degree angle; protective, with a foam inner cushion that holds the product and a pull-tab that releases the earbuds; and non-slip, with a silicone coating around the outside of the hard plastic case. “You pay a lot of money for these products, so it’s just an overall better way to protect (them),” McCurdy said. They also come with a durable clip so the cases can be attached to one’s belt, backpack, gym bag or purse for more accessibility on the go. McCurdy said BluCase is waiting on a shipment of 5,000 units of the newest generation Apple AirPod Pro cases that were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is working on launching a marketing campaign of the products primarily targeting 17- to 35-year-olds, including an advertising campaign with the local branch of Effectv that he hopes
will roll out in the first or second quarter of this year. “2020 was kind of a scratch year for us, as I think it was for pretty much everybody,” he said. “But I think in 2021, we’re getting ready to put it back on the table.” The long-term goal for BluCase is to sign retail partnerships with cellphone stores such as Verizon and T-Mobile, as well as Walmart, and to break into the cellphone and tablet cover segment eventually, but for now the company’s existing products can be ordered at blucase.com, which is where the AirPod Pro next generation cases will make their debut. McCurdy said for any entrepreneur who is just starting out with an idea or a product prototype, his advice is to learn everything possible about the industry and about business, seeking resources, training and mentorship from organizations such as the Small Business Administration, SCORE, The Right Place and others. “Educate yourself in your industry to learn and then take advantage of every opportunity that you can,” he said. As more and more manufacturing companies examine reshoring opportunities in the wake of COVID-19 — bringing back production to the U.S. — McCurdy said he wants to eventually be part of that wave. He said those interested in partnerships with BluCase or more information can contact him at bmccurdy@blu case.com.
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Taking care of teammates
In a year unlike any other, our company and teammates were called upon to address unprecedented challenges and headwinds in the broader environment, working in support of each other, our clients and the communities where we work and live. In appreciation of these outstanding efforts, we are recognizing eligible employees with Delivering Together compensation awards. A cash bonus of $750 or additional stock award is the latest step our company has taken to invest in our employees during the health crisis. We’ve also significantly invested in industry-leading solutions and resources. To help many of our teammates balancing family and work, we provided an enhanced benefit of up to $100 per day for in-home childcare — funding nearly 3 million days of support. And in 2020, we accelerated the move of our U.S. minimum hourly rate of pay to $20, more than a year earlier than originally planned. Here in Grand Rapids, my teammates and I are here to help. We’re proud of this community and remain committed to making it a better place for us all.
For the fourth time since 2017, Bank of America is recognizing teammates with a special award in cash or restricted stock. This year, approximately 97% of teammates will receive a Delivering Together award.
These awards are in addition to any regular annual incentives that eligible employees may receive.
Renee Tabben Grand Rapids Market President
To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
6
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
Your guide to help provide a clear path of support and a beacon of hope memory support for your loved one’s memory care needs.
RIVERTOWN RIDGE
Lighthouse
Lighthouse Memory Support at Rivertown Ridge is designed to help residents with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss. With a like-home setting, our memory care community provides safe, comfortable, and engaging spaces needed to truly enjoy life’s moments of joy. Carefully designed programming and personal engagement helps offer a full day of purposeful and meaningful opportunities to ensure personal connections. Our caring staff dedicates each day to individualized therapeutic activities to enrich the lives of our residents by embracing and celebrating everything they do. This person-centered, activities-focused philosophy is grounded in the belief that the abilities that remain for each individual, no matter how small, are important building blocks.
Lighthouse Memory Support offers: • Spacious private studio apartments and shared suites • Staff trained in Alzheimer’s and other memory loss • Customized care plans, based on the individual’s needs and preferences • Delicious nutritionally balanced meal plans • Engaging social activities and innovative programs
Managed by
To learn how we can be your guide to a clear path, or to schedule an appointment, call 616.258.2715 or visit www.rivertownridge.com
3555 Copper River Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49418 616.258.2715 • www.rivertownridge.com
DO YOU HAVE
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE? A People on the Move article is the perfect opportunity for your organization to announce new hires, promotions and board members, as well as employees being named to external boards. Each article is also featured in our People on the Move newsletter, which is delivered every other Tuesday, as well as on our home page and our social channels. Submit your information online at: grbj.com/people-on-the-move/ Questions: Contact office manager and coordinator 616.459.4545 reception@geminipub.com
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
7
Construction firm keeps 14-year safety record going EV Construction has not lost time to injury in more than 5,000 days. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
The construction industry is all about risk taking, but one company has mitigated one of the most daunting risks that consistently haunts the industry. Holland-based EV Construction is celebrating more than 5,000 days of no lost time to injuries, which is equivalent to almost 14 years. “Achieving this milestone was not an easy accomplishment,” said Mike Novakoski, president and CEO of EV Construction. “Our team has put thousands of hours into training and safety programs to keep our employees healthy. While we are a construction company dedicated to delivering quality projects to our clients, our foundation is the safety and wellness of our team members.” The milestone is unprecedented because, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American construction industry experienced 79,660 incidents that resulted in time away from work in 2019. The average duration of time away was 13 days; more than one-third of the total cases resulted in 31 days, or more, of time away from work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction incidents can include cuts from materials and tools, fatal and nonfatal falls from ladders and scaffolding, and burns from chemicals or equipment. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials, fumes, or odors, or dangerous machinery. Workers also may experience muscle fatigue and injuries related to lifting and carrying heavy materials. EV employs over 150 people. The average worker at the company logs 2,085 hours per year since the trend began. EV Construction offers a variety of services such as earthwork, steel fabrication, carpentry, interior finishes and firestopping, construction management and general contracting to the senior living, health care, manufacturing and food processing industries. “Our success is the direct result of the unbelievable level of buy-in and participation we receive from each employee,” said Tony Roussey, chief operating officer and safety director for EV Construction. Roussey also attributed the success of the company’s safety record to a multi-tiered program — run by employees — that deputizes each member of the team to identify safety concerns and intervene immediately to keep the workplace safe. EV Construction has three personnel on staff, along with its outside consultant Seth Wehber, president of SWMGT, a safety consultation and training firm. They all meet regularly to dis-
cuss leading and lagging indicators that affect the success of the program. They use these indicators to set goals and determine the next steps for accomplishing those goals. Additionally, the company has a safety committee with members who work on construction sites daily and meet on a monthly basis to report on near misses (good catches) that happen on sites,
share best practices, and discuss challenges they are facing and determine solutions for them. EV Construction also holds mandatory monthly safety meetings for all staff members. A member of the Safety Leadership Team reports each month on the progress of no-lost-timeinjury days, days since the last CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
EV deputizes each member of the team to identify safety concerns and intervene immediately to keep the workplace safe. Courtesy Kelsey Juergens
Women Leaders in Commercial Real Estate
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
THE LIST
Top Area General Contractors (RANKED BY 2020 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE)
Top W. Mich. executive
2020 2019 W. Mich. revenue
Promotion
New/ rehabbed No. of W. Mich. square footage employees in 2020 Type of services offered
Major building projects
1
Rockford Construction 601 First St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 285-6933 f 285-8001 rockfordconstruction.com
Mike VanGessel
$419.38M $477.69M
293
DND DND
Construction management, general Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, Amway contracting, design/build, self-performed Grand Plaza Hotel reclad, Acrisure, Northview trades, real estate development, property Public Schools, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre management
2
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. 300 Ionia Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 456-1521 f 458-0770 owen-ames-kimball.com
Frank Stanek
$310M $275M
124
DND DND
Construction management, general contracting, facility planning
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Michigan State Police consolidated headquarters, Kent County Road Commission central complex, bond programs with over 25 local school districts
3
Pioneer Construction 550 Kirtland St. SW Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 247-6966 f 247-0186 pioneerinc.com
Tim Schowalter
$285M $302M
300
DND DND
Construction management, general contracting, design/build
GVSU 333 Michigan, GVSU/Spectrum 335 Michigan, Canopy Hotel Hilton, Flexco
4
The Christman Company 634 Front Ave. NW, Suite 500 Grand Rapids 49504-5355 p (616) 454-4454 f 454-1795 christmanco.com
Jacob Kulhanek
$201.73M $253.93M
58
DND DND
Construction management, general contracting, design/build, real estate development, self-perform
State of Michigan Grand Rapids Veterans Home, Gerald R. Ford International Airport federal inspection station, Grand Rapids Community College Lakeshore campus, Spectrum Health SubAcute Rehabilitation Facility, bond programs with 17 local school districts
5
Wolverine Building Group 4045 Barden Drive SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 949-3360 f 949-6211 wolvgroup.com
Aaron Jonker Curt Mulder
$185M $215M
150
DND DND
General contracting, design/build, construction management
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids downtown, Plaza Roosevelt: Grandville & Franklin, Robert Grooters Development Alro Plastics, Highpoint Perrigo 796 Interchange, The Lowell Showboat
6
Triangle Associates, Inc. 3769 Three Mile Road NW Grand Rapids 49534 p (616) 453-3950 f 453-5952 triangle-inc.com
Craig Datema Patrick Cebelak James Conner
$94.79M $107M
100
DND DND
Construction management, design/build, general contracting, campaign and fundraising assistance, real estate development
Western Michigan University Arcadia Flats Housing, Mona Shores Public Schools bond program, Grand Rapids Community College Applied Technology Center, Fox Subaru dealership, 111 Lyon redevelopment
7
EV Construction 86 E. Sixth St. Holland 49423 p (616) 392-2383 f 392-3752 ev.construction
Michael Novakoski
$94M $90M
185
DND DND
Construction management, design/build, City of GR Water Resource recovery facility, Clark general contracting, pre-construction at Keller Lake expansion, Caledonia Wastewater services, self-perform trades Treatment Plant, Mercy Health Medical office building in Norton Shores, Bronson South Haven Hospital
8
Orion Construction Inc. 32 Market Ave. SW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 464-1740 f 464-1742 orionbuilt.com
Roger Rehkopf DuWayne Johnson Jeff Smigielski Kathleen Ringnalda
$73M $92M
28
DND DND
Construction management, design/build, Hanover Townhomes of Caledonia, Michigan general contracting, pre-construction Meadows, West Garfield Apartments, Preserve services, real estate solutions Townhomes of Spring Lake, Terrapin Care Station, Gage, 3 Fifteen
9
Davis Construction 4457 40th St. SE Kentwood 49512 p (616) 456-0059 f 456-0383 davisconstruction.us
Rob Kaliniak Peter Elzinga
$72.47M $65.9M
45
20,000 50,000
General contracting, concrete, carpentry Holland WWTP digester, Wyoming WWTP UV piling, precast/steel erection improvements Grandville WWTP solids handling, Buchanan WWTP Burlingame pump station
10
Dan Vos Construction Co. 6160 E. Fulton St. Ada 49301 p (616) 676-9169 danvosconstruction.com
Dan Vos
$65M $95M
94
DND DND
11
Erhardt Construction 6060 E. Fulton St. Ada 49301 p (616) 676-1222 f 676-1676 erhardtcc.com
Benjamin Wickstrom
$46M $66M
53
12
Visser Brothers Inc. 1946 Turner Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 363-3825 f 363-6477 visserbrothers.com
Bill Mast
$41.5M $46.5M
13
Granger Construction Company 940 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 142 Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 454-2900 f 454-9700 grangerconstruction.com
Glenn Simon Jim Johnson Brad Hesche
14
a.j. Veneklasen Inc. 5000 Kendrick St. SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 957-3731 f 957-4085 ajvinc.com
15
Pinnacle Construction Group Inc. 1000 Front Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 451-0500 f 451-0860 askourclients.com
16
17
18
Design/build, general contracting, construction management, architectural engineering, steel services, general trades, facility maintenance, service department
Gordon Food Service Square Roots, Heinz N.A., King Milling, Perrigo Holland, Request Foods Inc., Pine Rest, Pregnancy Resource Center, Plymouth Road Animal Clinic, Progressive Surface, SpartanNash, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Service Professor Inc., Schreiber Foods Inc.
DND DND
General contracting, construction management, design/build, facility solutions group, Custom cabinetry and millwork
Amy Van Andel Library and Community Center, Junior Achievement, Holland Home, Traverse City Whiskey, Mars Hill Bible Church
58
DND DND
General contracting, design build, construction management
Viking Products new headquarters, Walker; Northpoint Bank operations center, 28th St.; Fairfield Inn, Alpine; Harvey Cadillac renovations, 28th St.; River Run Apartments, Newaygo
$40.47M $23.25M
31
DND DND
Design/build, construction management, Advia Credit Union headquarters, Kent County general contractor Department of Public Works, Spectrum Hospital renovations, Central Montcalm Public Schools, Ferris State University, Western Michigan University student center and dining facility
Chris Veneklasen
$39M $65.2M
60
DND DND
General contracting, design/build, ALDI, Dodge Industrial, FedEx, Blain's, Comcast, Venebuilt, steel erection, general trades Boardman Lake Condos
Michael Garrett
$36M $41M
25
3.00M 240,000
Design/build, cost plus
600 Burton, Natural Choice Foods, 650 Burton
Lakewood Construction 11253 James St. Holland 49424 p (616) 392-6923 f 692-7747 lakewoodinc.com
Nick Nykerk
$33M $32M
42
278,000 104,000
Construction management, general contracting, design/build, architecture, steel and carpentry self-perform
Holland Community Aquatic Center, Cultivate Community Church, Benteler Automotive Grand Rapids, Muskegon Central Dispatch, EarthTronics.
CD Barnes Construction 3437 Eastern Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49508 p (616) 241-4491 f 241-1177 cdbarnes.com
John Drozer Todd Oosting Dale Kraker
$32M $46M
28
DND DND
FCC Construction Inc. 8182 Broadmoor Ave. SE Caledonia 49316 p (616) 891-4000 f 891-1309 teamfcc.com
General contracting, design/build, Legacies Assisted Living, Culvers Restaurant, Aldis, construction management, build to suit Pine Rest, Spectrum
Jacob Kulhanek was promoted to vice president and general manager for The Christman Company. He joined the company in 2001 and is now responsible for its West Michigan operations.
Addition to team Wolverine Building Group added Michael Van Schelven, Alan Bussey, Matthew Moilanen, Travis Wierenga, Donald Norton and Kristopher Bostic to its team.
Female project manager Erhardt Construction welcomed Melissa Hruska as its fifth female project manager. She has 22 years of industry experience.
Safety training CD Barnes Construction received its fourth Diamond Safety Training and Evaluation Process Award from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. National Environment, Health & Safety Committee.
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DND
$30M $32M
75
425,000 50,000
Download this list now at GRBJ.com in Excel or PDF format.
General contracting, steel fabrication and DND erection, industrial equipment foundations, real estate development services
The Book of Lists and other lists are also available. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
THE LIST
FEB 8, 2021
9
Top Area Speciality Contractors (RANKED BY 2020 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE) Year established Top W. Mich. executive in W. Mich.
2020 2019 W. Mich. revenue
Types of contracting services provided
No. of W. Mich. Geographic areas employees served
Major W. Mich. projects completed or in process in 2020
1
Feyen Zylstra 2396 Hillside Drive NW Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 224-7707 f 224-7799 feyenzylstra@fzcorp.com feyenzylstra.com
Nate Koetje Bill Herington Kevin Wildfong
1980
$115M $99M
Electrical solutions, systems solutions, AV, electrical engineering, controls and automation, industrial networking, robotics, design/build, design assist, arc flash studies, outdoor solutions
552
Michigan, Yoplait/General Mills, 50 Monroe, southeastern United Grand Rapids Biodigester, Litehouse States Foods, Bradford White Fab Line
2
Andy J. Egan Co. Inc. 2001 Waldorf St. NW Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 791-9952 f 791-1037 info@andyegan.com andyegan.com
Tom Jasper Andy Jasper Amy Jones Tracy Siepker
1919
$95M $88.7M
Mechanical contracting, fabrication, HVAC sheet metal, engineering and BIM, controls and 24/7 service
309
Midwest for large construction, worldwide for fabrication
GVSU Health and Medical Sciences Lab, classroom building and parking structure; Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing expansion; Arconic expansion; city of Grand Rapids Water Filtration Plant
3
Buist Electric 2 - 84th St. SW Byron Center 49315 p (616) 878-3315 f 878-3556 info@buistelectric.com buistelectric.com
Steve Longstreet Brent Brinks
1964
$84M $81M
Electrical construction, 24-hour service, arc flash/electrical testing, voice/data, outdoor utility services, design/build, 3D modeling, automation, audio/visual, building management systems
379
Michigan
Mercy Health Hospital, Stryker Medical, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, RDV Corporate Office, GRIP Health Innovation Partners
4
Kent Companies 130 60th St. SW Grand Rapids 49548 p (616) 534-4909 f 534-4890 lgradl@kentcompanies.com kentcompanies.com
Jeffrey VanderLaan
1957
$79.38M $112.79M
Concrete construction, lightweight underlayments and sound control, concrete and masonry restoration, foundation systems and facilities services
282
Midwest, southeast, Grand Rapids Innovation Park, central and south Spectrum Blodgett South Ramp, Clark central U.S. at Keller Lake, Graphic Packaging and Red Cedar Development
5
VanLaan Concrete Construction Inc. 6875 Dutton Industrial Drive SE Dutton 49316 p (616) 698-6397 f 698-6317 mikec@vanlaan.com vanlaan.com
Scott VanLaan
1962
$36M $34.5M
Concrete construction, construction supply
95
Michigan
Wyoming Public Schools, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Community College, Hudsonville Ice Cream, Van Andel Arena, Holland Community Aquatic Center
6
DHE Plumbing and Mechanical 4475 Eighth Ave. Grandville 49418 p (616) 896-8414 nate@dheplumbing.com dheplumbing.com
Nate Heyboer Eric Heyboer
2005
$32M $42M
Commercial plumbing and HVAC contractor
155
Michigan, with specialty projects nationwide
Amy Van Andel Library, Studio Park Canopy Hotel, GRPS SW Community Campus, WMU Arcadia Flats, Holland Christian MS
7
Total Fire Protection 5062 Kendrick Court SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 735-2300 f 735-2330 info@totalfire.biz totalfire.biz
Ryan Goossens Jonathan Goossens
1991
$30M $32M
Fire protection
180
Michigan, Colorado, Perrigo, GVSU - 333 Michigan Ave., 10 Florida, Ohio, Indiana Ionia Ave., 200 Monroe Ave., Stockbridge Housing, Grand Rapids Innovation Park
Pleune Service Co. 750 Himes St. SE Grand Rapids 49548 p (616) 243-6374 f 243-5387 cosborn@pleuneservice.com pleuneservice.com
Ken Misiewicz
1974
$25.5M $29M
Commercial and industrial HVAC construction and service repair, preventive maintenance and 24/7 service, sheet metal, pipe fitting, HVAC equipment, controls
112
Michigan
GE Aviation, Harbor Framz, Christ Our Savior, Grand Rapids Community College
Rite-Way Plumbing & Heating Inc. 2083 Walker Court NW Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 791-0959 f 791-4600 info@ritewayinc.com ritewayinc.com
Thomas Vander Hyde Scott Vander Hyde Craig Vander Hyde
1981
$25.5M $27.25M
Mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, process piping, design/build, 24-hour service
100
West Michigan
BCPS-High School add/renovations; KHPS Central Elem. add/renovations; Muskegon Convention Center; GVSU Eberhard chiller replacement; FHPS 2020 snow melt and mech. projects
10
Burgess Concrete Construction Inc. 1262 Cutting Industrial Drive Moline 49335 p (616) 877-0008 f 877-0073 info@burgessconcrete.com burgessconcrete.com
Carroll Burgess
1984
$25M $26M
Concrete foundations, floors and site work, concrete polishing, concrete pumping and helical foundation support
110
West Michigan
Allendale Public Schools, Classic Transportation, Hudsonville Ice Cream, Betz Machine Shop, Ottawa County Road Commission facility, Kenowa Hills Public Schools
11
Van Dyken Mechanical Inc. 4275 Spartan Industrial Drive Grandville 49418 p (616) 224-7030 f 224-7035 vdminc.com
Joe Vandenberg Justin Thrun Dave Demann
1949
$24M $23M
HVACR design/build, fabrication, installation, fast-track service and maintenance, including support for controls, energy management, testing, balancing and commissioning services
80
Michigan and beyond DND
12
Seaman's Mechanical 2510 Oak Industrial Drive NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 458-1544 f 458-0605 seamansmechanical.com
Randy Seaman
1961
$19M $16M
HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, plumbing, temperature controls, design/build, engineering, industrial ventilation, process piping, service/repair, energy management, planned maintenance
75
Michigan and beyond Amway, Steelcase, Lacks, Kent Quality Foods, FLEXCO, Royal Technologies
13
Brigade Fire Protection 5701 Safety Drive NE Belmont 49306 p (616) 784-1644 f 784-1140 brigadefire.com
Doug Irvine Jr.
1984
$15M $15.5M
Fire protection, automatic sprinklers, extinguishers
85
Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
Falk, Flexco, Mercy Health, Lakeland Hospital
14
Fence Consultants of West Michigan 615 11th St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 454-1911 f 233-0422 dan@fenceconsultants.com fenceconsultants.com
Dan Hickey Tom Bement
1988
$9.34M $10M
Ornamental steel and aluminum, polyvinyl, specialty, custom wood and chain-link fences; wire mesh partitions, guardrail, electric gate operators
47
West Michigan
John Ball Zoo entrance, Great Lakes Fishery, Ludington; Sparta Area Recreation, Forest Hills Central stadium, Byron Center High School, Caledonia Schools softball improvements
15
Double O, Inc. 1415 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 878-3998 f 878-4221 mikeo@doubleoinc.com doubleoinc.com
Michael Otis
1997
$8.7M $8.39M
Commercial glazing, window and door distribution and installation
43
West and Central Michigan
Muskegon Convention Center, Salvation Army rehabilitation, Clark at Keller Lake Independent Living, Michigan State Police, Greenville HS and MS remodel, Grandville new middle school
Target Construction Inc. 3850 Russell St. NE Cedar Springs 49319 p (616) 866-7728 f 866-4269
Lewis Hayden
8
16
1982
$4M $4M
Sheet metal fabrication and installation, mechanical insulation
35
Northern and West Michigan
Michigan State Police Forensic Lab, Embassy Suites GR, Grand Rapids Veterans Home, Mona Shores Lincoln Elementary, Muskegon Central Dispatch, Ionia Intermediate School CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Construction awards The Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter honored Total Fire Protection Inc., Kent Companies, Sobie Company, Buist Electric and DHE, among others with 2020 Excellence in Construction Awards.
Acquisitions Feyen Zylstra acquired Dynics Services Group, the North Carolina-based engineering division of Ann Arbor’s Dynics Inc. Dynics also acquired Feyen Zylstra’s Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) software application, Endeavor.
Best in business Double O Inc. was named to Inc.’s inaugural Best in Business list in the Construction category. Inc. created the Best in Business Awards to honor companies that have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference.
Vice president position Kent Companies promoted Leah Gradl to vice president of support operations. She oversees the marketing, safety, human resources, training/education and IT divisions nationwide.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
Top Area General Contractors (RANKED BY 2020 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
New hires
New/ rehabbed No. of W. Mich. square footage employees in 2020 Type of services offered
Top W. Mich. executive
2020 2019 W. Mich. revenue
19
Nugent Builders Inc. 11625 Northland Drive NE Rockford 49341 p (616) 866-7663 f 866-7726 nugentbuilder.com
Matt McCambridge Aaron Whalen
$18M $14M
42
30,000 50,000
Residential new home construction, residential remodeling, general contracting, construction management, design/build
North Kent Connect, Saint Patrick's School, Greenville High and Middle School, Frederik Meijer Gardens Welcome Center, Spring Lake Public Schools
20
Beckering Construction Inc. 650 44th St. SE Grand Rapids 49548 p (616) 532-8191 f 532-8193 beckering.com
David Beckering
$10.21M $13M
20
115,000 86,000
Construction management, general contracting, design/build
Plainwell Community Schools bond issue projects
21
Fritz Wahlfield Construction 4475 Westshire Drive, Suite B Comstock Park 49321 p (616) 784-5833 f 784-5834 wahlfieldconstruction.com
Fritz Wahlfield Jr. Fritz Wahlfield III
$9.01M $12.3M
8
DND DND
Construction management, general EKHS freshman campus cafe improvements, contractor, design/build, pre-engineered Brookwood Elementary remodel, Life EMS buildings, development Hudsonville new station, West Ottawa Public Schools Pine Creek Elementary MEP improvements, West Ottawa Public Schools Sheldon Woods Elementary secure entrance
22
Vander Kodde Construction Co. Inc. 441 44th St. SW Grand Rapids 49548 p (616) 538-7470 f 538-9290 vanderkoddeconstruction.com
Tom Vander Kodde
$6M $6.7M
13
DND DND
DND
23
Tru Building Concepts 660 Cascade West Pkwy. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616)765-2300 f 765-2301 trubuilding.com
John Madura
$4.2M $3.1M
15
DND DND
General contracting, design/build, Rivertown Mall, Northwood Hills, Plaza Towers, general trades, historic renovations, 660 Cascade West Pkwy, Thermo King commercial and residential construction
DeJager Construction Inc. 75 60th St. SW Wyoming 49548 p (616) 530-0060 f 530-8619 dejagerconstruction.com
Dan DeJager
DND $25.4M
25
DND DND
DND
Major building projects
DND
EV Construction hired Noah Brown, Steve Mulholland, Yesina Alvarez, Garret Veenstra, Alex Kenney and Dave Jasper.
Leadership Granger Construction Company promoted Tom Owens to director of field operations and Chris Scharlach to lean operations manager.
DND
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area general contractors, ranked by 2020 West Michigan revenue, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. The Business Journal surveyed 80 companies; 25 returned surveys and 24 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose
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Top Area Speciality Contractors (RANKED BY 2020 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Year established Top W. Mich. executive in W. Mich.
Staff passing
2020 2019 W. Mich. revenue
Types of contracting services provided
No. of W. Mich. Geographic areas employees served
Major W. Mich. projects completed or in process in 2020
17
Dependable Fire Protection Inc. 13360 White Creek Ave. NE Cedar Springs 49319 p (616) 696-8000 f 696-8511 dependablefireprotection.com
Douglas Scott
1993
$2.95M $3.88M
Fire protection systems: design, install and service
42
Michigan
DND
18
Total Fire and Security 5062 Kendrick Court SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 735-2300 totalfireandsecurity.biz
Jake Stasiak Ryan Goossens
2018
$2.7M $1.6M
Fire alarm systems, security alarm systems, CCTV, access control, nurse systems, central station monitoring
15
Michigan
Grandville High School, Canopy Hotel, Lakeshore Gardens, TEN21 Apartments, Samaritas - 600 Burton St. Harbor Lights Middle School
19
Advantage Mechanical-Refrigeration Inc. 4870-F West River Drive NE Comstock Park 49321 p (616) 365-0000 f 784-3355 info@advmechref.com advmechref.com
Jodi van Haren Aaron Vanden Berg II
2001
$2.62M $1.08M
Complete installation, service and maintenance of mechanical, refrigeration and plumbing systems
26
Michigan, some out- GRCC Lakeshore Campus, city of of-state work Cedar Springs fire station headquarters, MCC F.A.R.M. food processing building, Grand Rapids Police Department heat pump replacements
20
JB Builders of Grand Rapids Inc. 3765 Broadmoor Ave., SE Suite G Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 575-8520 f 575-8523 jeff@jb-builders.com jb-builders.com
Jeff DeVries
2005
$2.1M $3.7M
Wood rough framing, general trades/ finish carpentry
20
West Michigan
Spring Lake Townhomes, Michigan Meadows, Hanover Place, Consumers Credit Union 54th St., Consumers Credit Union Walker, Lookout Lofts
Buist Sheet Metal Co. 615 Webster St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 451-0272 f 451-0434 buistsheetmetal.com
James Buist Don Buist
1947
DND DND
Architectural sheet metal, copper work, metal roofing, slate and clay tile roofing
14
100 miles
DND
Interlock Design 5830 Comstock Park Drive NW Comstock Park 49321 p (616) 784-5901 f 784-8994 larryroelofs@comcast.net
Larry Roelofs
1986
DND DND
Installation of paving brick and segmental retaining walls
5
Outstate Michigan
Amy Van Andel Library
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area specialty contractors, ranked by 2020 West Michigan revenue, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. The Business Journal surveyed 190 companies; 25 returned surveys and 22 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose
Marlin Brower, an account representative for Van Dyken Mechanical Inc., passed away in December.
New division Total Fire Protection opened a new division called Total Fire and Security.
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Comerica’s Michigan Index inched higher in October Economic activity increased for the fourth consecutive month, but the rate of improvement is slowing. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index increased for the fourth consecutive month in October, reflecting improving economic conditions prior to the current surge in coronavirus cases. The bank’s Michigan index increased in October to a level of 106.2, a reading that was 22% higher than the historical low. The index averaged 117.9 points for all of 2019, 0.6 points below the index average for 2018. September’s index reading was 105.6. Although the Mitten State’s index increased for the fourth consecutive month in October, its rate of improvement declined for each of the last three months, which according to Robert Dye, Comerica’s senior vice president and chief economist, was an “ominous” sign. “I’m still optimistic for the second half of (2021), but … the rate of improvement has steadily declined over the last four months, and I think we’ll see that decline even more. We’ll see the index flatten out once we get November and December numbers.” Dye said Comerica expects to see state indexes cooling more due to states and cities needing to respond to “critically limited” hospital capacity by tightening and extending social mitigation policies. But overall, he described the October index, with its mixed results, as showing a “strong but partial bounce back” for the Michigan economy, which is a pattern Comerica is seeing across all states. Four out of nine index components for Michigan were positive in October, including nonfarm employment, unemployment insurance claims (inverted), housing starts and house prices. The five negative components were industrial electricity demand, light vehicle production, total state trade,
hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue. While overall manufacturing conditions are improving globally, in the U.S. and in Michigan, the critical auto industry looks vulnerable to weaker sales this winter. Light vehicle production increased in November to an 11-million-unit annual rate as sales slipped to a 15.9-million-unit rate nationwide, down from 16.3 million in September and October. Surging coronavirus cases, combined with declining consumer confidence in December, may result in weaker auto sales and production this winter, Dye said. Further drag may come from weaker U.S. personal income in December. Dye said for consumer confidence to increase, vaccines will need to be rolled out efficiently in 2021, signaling there’s an end in sight to the pandemic. He said he believes the passage of the $908 billion fiscal stimulus package in late December will help unleash some consumer spending to bolster the first-quarter GDP, and with the presidential election and outcome of the Georgia Senate runoffs decided, it’s possible more stimulus funds will be coming early this year to shore up the economy. The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of nine variables: nonfarm payroll employment, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, house price index, industrial electricity sales, auto assemblies, total trade, hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue. All data are seasonally adjusted. Nominal values have been converted to constant dollar values. Index levels are expressed in terms of three-month moving averages. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank and Wealth Management. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank has locations in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.
Construction firm keeps 14-year safety record going CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
recordable incident, near-miss reports and areas of improvement on which to focus. During each meeting, an expert is brought in to discuss a safety topic ranging from scaffolding and fall protection to fire safety. At new hire orientation, each employee is given a copy of the corporate safety manual, as well as an e-reader for easy access to corporate documents at all times. “By focusing on safety, we have also been able to positively impact other areas of the business such
as quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. We believe it all starts with a strong safety culture,” said Roussey. “Employees are the lifeblood of our company and imperative to our success. Safety is a companywide effort, not to save money on insurance premiums, but because we are morally and ethically obligated to send each team member home safely at the end of the day. For us, safety has always been about ‘leading from the heart.’ Our employees are not a number, they are part of our family.”
FEB 8, 2021
11
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
INSIDE TRACK
FEB 8, 2021
13
Rolinski creates leaders worth following Leading by DESIGN partner spends a year working with executives from top West Michigan corporations. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
E
lizabeth Rolinski is writing the next chapter of her professional career after retiring as a global executive from the world’s largest battery manufacturer. She is a partner with Zeeland-based Leading by DESIGN, which is a company that helps executives and other leaders further develop practical leadership skills that are designed for the workplace. Along with being a partner, Rolinski also works as a coach, working with a cohort of executive-level leaders. Some of the West Michigan companies that have had their leaders participate in the program include Gentex, JR Automation, Bissell and National Heritage Academies. The cohort, which is made up of nine leaders, goes through a year-long class that meets once a month, and throughout that time the coaches tackle different aspects of leadership such as vision, values, talent and roles in the workplace. During that time coaches are continuously assessing the cohort’s practical applications of their leadership skills. “A huge part of Leading by DESIGN is creating leaders worth following,” she said. “Many leaders are leaders because they are in a certain position and they have authority. This is about being a leader worth following and who people are inspired by because they believe in the mission, the vision, the purpose, and they are inspired by this person and they feel great about what is coming together because they are a part of it. So, there is a different philosophy, and it is different than reading it in a book. It is the part about learning, applying, reinforcing and coaching. It is a very practical and ongoing application that makes it unique.” While Rolinski is taking on a new role after retirement, it’s a role she has been familiar with for decades. She has spent much
of her career leading teams exceeding 200 professionals that built lithium-ion automotive batteries and battery plants across the world for Clarios, a former subsidiary of Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls, a global manufacturing company. The West Michigan native got her start in the automotive industry at the age of 17, when she applied for a co-op opportunity at General Motors, which was required before she could enroll in Kettering University, formerly known as General Motors Institute of Technology, in Flint. When Rolinski got the job, she started out working in the noise and vibration lab at GM, where they could measure the effects of noise and vibration on different equipment as it was being designed. She specifically worked on a fuel pump on one of the vehicles at GM. “That was when I started using a lot of calculus and that kind of thing to try and see what is the volume through this, and at what speed does it change and what point does it start making this ticking noise. And I loved it, but I ended up working in the Reatta program,” she said. Rolinski said the Reatta was a two-seat vehicle under the Buick brand “that did not last long.” However, she spent four years in that program and in a new plant that was launched at GM. After five years, she headed to Prince Corporation in Holland. The company was founded by businessman and Holland native Edgar Prince and it created numerous products, machines, materials and equipment, some of which were for automobiles. Rolinski took on many engineering and leadership roles at Prince. She was a shop floor supervisor, manufacturing engineer, plant manager, and director of operations for a group of interior plants in Holland, Canada, Detroit, St. Louis and Toledo, among other roles. In 1996, a few years after Rolinski joined Prince, Johnson
ELIZABETH ROLINSKI Organization: Leading by DESIGN Age: 56 Position: Partner Birthplace: Spring Lake Residence: Muskegon Family: Husband, Adam; sons, Zach and Nick Business/Community Involvement: Project Lead The Way, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, The Hope Project, Society of Women Engineers, Inforum Michigan and on the boards of Lakeshore Advantage, Holland Hospital and Holland Salvation Army Biggest Career Break: “I was incredibly blessed when Rodger Price, owner of Leading by DESIGN, reached out to me to talk over a cup of coffee about a year ago. It happened right when I was planning the second chapter of my career and hoping to focus more heavily on teaching, development and sharing what I’d learned with others.”
While working for Johnson Controls, a visit to China for the 2008 Olympics convinced Elizabeth Rolinski to pursue work around the world. Courtesy Leading by DESIGN
Controls acquired the Prince Automotive unit, which was a supplier of interior components such as door panels and headliners. Johnson Controls had separate divisions for automotive, building controls, power solutions and energy storage solutions. After the acquisition, Rolinski continued in her role as director of operations. “Automotive was one division, doing seating, and Price Corporation did everything other than seats, so by the time Johnson Controls bought Prince, we did full interiors then,” she said. “Between what Johnson Controls did with the seats and what we did with door panels, IPs, headliners … so it was a really great fit that way and they were quite global already. Johnson Controls is most known for what they started with and what they focus on now, which is building controls. Johnson Controls invented the room thermostat; (today they continue) to build building controls in the environment like security (equipment) and HVAC for very large buildings.” As she settled in at Johnson Controls, she had many opportunities, including working in the power solution and energy storage solution division, which took her around the country and around the world. One of those opportunities led Rolinski to Beijing, China, to work on some building controls prior to the Olympics in 2008. “The water cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center at the Olympics), we did the controls system, monitoring the water
temperatures, the air temperatures and the chemical profiles and all that,” she said. “It was not one of my major projects, I went there during the final part with the team doing some readiness, ‘What might we be missing to make sure that everything will go off OK?’ That was a great opportunity and it launched me into wanting to work in an international role, which I did, in the quality role.”
“Many leaders are leaders because they are in a certain position and they have authority. This is about being a leader worth following and who people are inspired by because they believe in the mission, the vision, the purpose, and they are inspired by this person and they feel great about what is coming together because they are a part of it.” Rolinski got another opportunity to go into the lithium-ion business. Eventually, the power solution and energy storage solution division spun off from Johnson Controls and became known as Clarios. She and her team began looking at new technologies that could power electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which
were emerging at the time. They decided to start making large-format lithium-ion cells and battery systems for electric vehicles. “We were the first (in the U.S.) to do that,” she said. “I got involved in that program from the beginning. I got to lead that plant and launch that plant in Holland. In West Michigan, we were the first to manufacture lithium-ion cells and battery systems for that market. There are a lot of things to figure out when you are the first to pave the way, and it is not an easy thing to make, so it was a lot of fun. At the same time, we were launching (plants) in Germany, France and China, so I was doing a lot of back and forth traveling, but we were really leading the way with our plant in Holland, Michigan. “President Obama came in 2011 once we were up and running and toured,” she said. “I got to do that tour and spend time with him, explaining the technologies to him. It was a thrill to be able to spend time with him and sit down and talk with him. We hosted a lot of members of the community to come and hear him speak afterward right in the plant.” After spending more than 30 years in the auto industry, Rolinski decided to retire. But before she did, she took classes at Leading by DESIGN, and in August decided to begin coaching her cohort of leaders.
14
FEB 8, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
GVSU students help struggling CVBs with travel research Hospitality and tourism students work with 18 destinations statewide to survey visitors. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
The Michigan tourism and hospitality industry has been reeling from the effects of the pandemic. That impact did not go unnoticed by students enrolled in professor Patty Janes’ hospitality and tourism management research classes at Grand Valley State University, who reached out to statewide convention and Janes visitor bureaus responsible for marketing their destinations. “In my (prior) research classes, we weren’t helping (CVBs),” she said. “My research classes were conducting research about industry topics and issues and (students) were collecting data, but they were pilot research studies. That is what we would call them. We did community-based learning, but we weren’t working with organizations directly. We were working on industry issues overall, but the pandemic and COVID really forced me to look at how we could help individual
destinations or organizations.” Last semester, 55 students conducted 18 Michigan visitor destination research studies, which Janes said ranged from Keweenaw Peninsula to Houghton Lake, and from Saugatuck to Frankenmuth. Different students worked with different visitor destinations to come up with questions for surveys that were uniquely designed for that destination. Bridget Radzicki, a sophomore and HTM major at GVSU, worked with a team of students and with Discover Kalamazoo, the CVB in downRadzicki town Kalamazoo. “The way that we conducted our research was by creating an online survey through Survey Monkey and we sent them to Discover Kalamazoo,” she said. “They sent them to their database of past visitors via email, a popup on their website and the (survey) was also posted on their Instagram story. And through that survey, we collected information about tourism and what tourists’ travel behaviors are and how COVID-19 has impacted those behaviors.” Janes said many CVBs don’t have the money to conduct indepth research of their visitor pool. Dana Wagner, director of
marketing and communications and programming used to bring for Discover Kalamazoo, said her people to the county. Discover Kalamazoo usually organization conducts similar research every couple of years and markets companies and individalso long-term research with in- uals to visit the county for meetdustry partners like Longwoods ings, conferences, and sporting International or other destination and music events, but those were not allowed for most of last year. analysts. Wagner said they had 250 peo- So not only were the visitors not coming, but revenue from those ple respond to the GVSU survey. “It was interesting to see that visits dried up, too. Longtime asof the people sociations with who visited what “We were very wrestling, skating types of things and tennis also they did when appreciative of the were put on hold. they were here, opportunity for “In 2019, we where in particGrand Valley State had 90 sports ular they visitevents that ed and learning University to work brought in 61,000 a little bit more with us on this. athletes and creabout the demoWe were able to get ated a $26.9 milgraphics of those lion economic visitors. Where some great insight impact for the they were coming from. Their ages. from this information county,” she said. Do they have and it was good to be “Sporting events are a huge drivfamilies or are able to provide this er but also leithey traveling as experience for the sure travel, peocouples? Just to ple coming to learn more about students as well, so see family and our visitors and they can learn some friends or take their interests in general and to real-world examples.” weekend trips to Kalamazoo besee what their cause of festivals satisfaction was Dana Wagner and other things when they visited that might attract Kalamazoo and what are some areas or things we them. And also the craft beverage industry. Our craft beer is one of can improve upon.” The organization is funded by the main reasons people come to the county’s hotel tax, and as a re- visit the Kalamazoo area.” According to the research consult Discover Kalamazoo has had little to no revenue streaming in, ducted for Kalamazoo, Radzicki which is hindering the marketing said the students found the most
popular activities for Kalamazoo visitors were dining, shopping, visiting friends and family, and visiting breweries and distilleries. The research also showed the majority of respondents visit Kalamazoo over other areas due to the close proximity, culture and great restaurants. Trail usage in Kalamazoo had a 91% overall satisfaction rate from users. Also, the study found that 59% of respondents’ Kalamazoo travel decisions were impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, regarding travel decisions overall, 83% of participants stated that COVID-19 impacted their decision. Janes said her students were able to produce a written report, an infographic of key findings and they conducted a Zoom presentation with their assigned visitor destinations. This semester, Janes said her students are helping to provide research information to 10 new Michigan visitor destinations. “We were very appreciative of the opportunity for Grand Valley State University to work with us on this,” Wagner said. “We were able to get some great insight from this information and it was good to be able to provide this experience for the students as well, so they can learn some real-world examples.”
BUILT TO BE A STEP ABOVE THE VISTAS AT BEACON HILL Beacon Hill at Eastgate is launching a new way of living graciously in retirement. In partnership with architecture firm Ghafari Associates and Rockford Construction, The Vistas is a study in deliberate design and finish that can only be achieved through creative collaboration. FORM “They are definitely on the luxury side of things — spacious and high-end with an emphasis on comfort,” said Andrew Eckert, architecture manager with Ghafari Associates. “Ultimately, it’s the quality of life for the resident. Full of natural light, sound dampening for privacy, spaces for interaction with neighbors. And Beacon Hill was really good at listening to the community, so we designed a building that steps in height to fit in with the neighborhood.”
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FEB 8, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
COMMENT & OPINION
GUEST COLUMN Dave Kahle
When is the timing right to terminate employment?
I
often hear from managers who say their salespeople are not producing and ask for advice on when to terminate their employment. Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to ask this question? In an ideal world, everyone would succeed, and our biggest problem would be how to acknowledge the real heroes among a group of deserving colleagues. But it is not an ideal world, and every sales manager is, at some point, faced with this decision. At what point do you decide to fire them? This is a very personal decision embedded with emotional ramifications. There are all sorts of individual mitigating factors that influence the answer to this question. I just came from one of my clients, for example, where one of the non-performing salespeople has been with the company for over 10 years and was hired by the company’s president. Clearly, that presents a different set of factors than the new hire who just isn’t getting it. While I cannot sort out all of those individual issues for you, I can offer some overall guidelines.
cedures that are required by your company or any government agency or institution. I am not advocating you do anything illegal. My only goal is to provide you some guidelines to consider.
Profitable? First, I’m going to assume that the salesperson is costing the company money; that the person is not profitable. This is an important assumption because I think different rules apply if the person is profitable. So, let’s assume that the salesperson is not profitable for the company. Secondly, I’m making a disclaimer that there are certain legal issues that need to be attended to, and I am not in any way advocating shortcutting any processes or pro-
Guidelines Having said that, here’s a couple of thoughts: 1. You seriously consider terminating their employment when you conclude that they do not have the capabilities or the motivation to succeed in a reasonable amount of time. I call this the “can do” and “will do” characteristics. They may not have the capability — not enough of the “can do.” I see this so often in my practice. A new owner/chief sales officer/sales manager comes on the scene and inherits a sales force from his/her predecessor. The new manager looks at some of the individuals and asks, “Why was this person ever hired?” They just don’t have the capabilities to do what the new administration expects. Or, it may be an issue of a lack of drive, determination and motivation. In other words, the “will do” characteristics. No matter what you do, this salesperson doesn’t accept your direction, doesn’t do what you want him /her to do. It’s not that the salesperson doesn’t have the ability, it’s that he just won’t make the decision to do it. I most commonly see this among experienced salespeople who have been with the company for a number of years. They often become so set in their ways and so sure of their position that they will not make the changes that management wants them to make. If they would just decide to do it, you know they could. But, their energies are consumed with the debilitating task of proving that their estab-
GUEST COLUMN
lifestyles in your workplace.
lished habits are the right ways to do something. They lack the “will do” characteristics. So, when you determine that they either cannot or will not do what it takes to be successful in a reasonable period of time, then it is time to seriously consider severing the relationship. 2. You seriously consider termination when they are not making fast enough progress toward profitability. You could have salespeople (and I’ve seen lots of these) who are making very slow progress. When it looks like it may be years and years before they will be profitable, it’s probably time to allow them to find themselves in
another position. Having said that, I’m a believer in giving someone the benefit of the doubt. If someone isn’t performing, have a heart-to-heart with that person, and clearly and precisely lay out what needs to happen and by when in order for that salesperson to turn the corner. Put together a 30- to 90-day plan, with benchmarks and regular reporting. Give them one last opportunity to succeed, knowing that their job is at risk. If, under those circumstances, the person doesn’t make sufficient progress, it’s time to decide to part company. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Resolve to make 2021 a healthier new year for your employees
W
ith the start of a new calendar year comes a rise in resolutions to improve our lives. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions that are very personal. Others make resolutions that are based on family, career, fun or travel. It may seem as though your employees’ resolutions are out of your control, which is, in part, true. However, all great things start with a single step, and many of our steps occur at work. Here are four common wellbeing resolutions and the simple ways you can promote healthier
Work-life balance As a leader, it’s your responsibility to establish healthy boundaries at work (whatever that looks like during COVID-19). Encourage your longtime employees to use some of that massively accumulated PTO bank. If your organization has the capacity to permit offsite work, develop policies and procedures around the practice and allow it. After all, well-rested and more balanced employees are less stressed and able to focus on their tasks. Personal development You may not have it in the budget to host a daylong training or send your team to conferences, but you can still enrich the lives of your team and bolster their skill sets through cross-training. When done successfully, employees feel empowered by learning a new skill. Not only do they benefit from learning something new, but they also will have a better appreciation for their fellow employees. From a management standpoint, you too can gain fresh perspectives. Time management While you cannot manage how your employees spend their time CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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LETTER
First responders need vaccinations Editor: Beginning last month, Michigan entered Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, allowing teachers, anyone over the age of 65, and first responders, including law enforcement, to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is great news. As a retired law enforcement officer, I know the daily contact our police have with people and the challenges that they face during this pandemic. They are unable to work from home or socially distance, and their essential roles put them at high risk of exposure. Michigan is right to prioritize our first responder population in this second phase of vaccine allocation. These men and women are critical to protecting our communities, keeping law and order and minimiz-
ing crime. And at a time when our country remains politically divided and the coronavirus impacts crime, this is more important than ever. To most effectively protect Michigan and perform their duties, police officers must be vaccinated, and I encourage them to do so. Our health care industry is working tirelessly, from the doctors, nurses and other health professionals treating patients, to the manufacturers and distributors creating and delivering vaccines. Their work has helped save lives, and they will ultimately keep our first responders and frontline workers safe from the virus and ready to help others. David Leonard Walkerville Retired, Grand Rapids Police Department
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FEB 8, 2021
When is the Transformation fund approaches $10M timing right to terminate employment? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
3. Seriously consider termination when the amount of time and effort you must devote to them continues to hurt other employees or causes your company to suffer. Marginal performers have a way of sucking the positive energy out of you. You often find yourself spending so much time thinking and worrying about the marginal salesperson that it impacts your family, you neglect other employees and you neglect higher-value things you could be doing for the company. Some of that is appropriate and part of your job. But when it becomes a chronic issue or out of proportion, you need, for the good of the other employees in your organization, to sever that which is dissipating your energy and time. I recognize that this is often a thorny, emotionally charged issue. I hope that these thoughts will help you sort it out in a way that is appropriate for your company, your job and your people. Dave Kahle is an author, consultant and speaker who has presented in 47 states and 11 countries, improved the performance of thousands of B2B salespeople and authored 13 books. Receive his insights on a regular basis here: https://www.davekahle.com/ subscribe-daves-e-zines/.
•Hiring staff, such as a managing director, financial analysts and administrative positions, by April •Reaching $10 million in funding, which will allow NCTF to begin investing, likely by next month, and reaching its $25 million goal by year’s end •Making the first three investments in West Michigan-based, people of color-owned businesses •Implementing the NCTF template in other cities
Fund origins Inspired by an idea in 2018 by longtime President and CEO of The Right Place, Birgit Klohs, who serves as a board member, NCTF publicly launched on Jan. 23, 2020, just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the regional economy upside down. “This fund aims to create a more diverse economy and drive economic prosperity in West Michigan’s communities of color,” Klohs said. “Those who have already invested in the New Community Transformation Fund share this goal, and it is my hope that many others will join us in creating upward mobility for entrepreneurs that have not been given opportunity historically.” That premise led Klohs to share the idea with longtime friend Skot Welch in 2018. The two incubated the idea and socialized it with potential funders. It quickly became clear the idea was widely supported. NCTF was seeded with funds from the Consumers Energy Foundation and Bank of America and has since seen investments from some of West Michigan’s most
Resolve to make 2021 a healthier new year for your employees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
outside of work hours, one simple way to help manage the use of their time during the workday is by hosting meetings that are more effective. Where to begin? Commit to starting meetings on time. It may not seem like a big deal to start a meeting just eight minutes late but being on time shows you value others’ time. Not to mention, it saves the company money. Reduce stress levels Looming deadlines, repeated interruptions and changing needs are a tried-and-true recipe for elevated stress. Not to mention, all they just encountered and survived in 2020. Allow your employees to prioritize their day and encourage your staff to schedule quiet time when necessary. They’ll feel instant relief the moment they are able to take that task off their to-do list. It also never hurts to check in with your team periodically to ask them how they are really doing. It is great to ask how someone is doing, but creating a space of trust and transparency might allow them to more easily open up. Want another surefire way to reduce stress at work? Many experts recommend physical activity to combat stress. Our bodies benefit from a surge of endorphins, deeper breaths and a little time outdoors.
Encourage the use of 15-minute walking meetings, which are easy to do if your meetings are still virtual while you work remotely. These are a perfect way to touch base on projects and get some steps in during the day. Placing these practices into your workplace will perpetuate a healthier culture. It also promotes happiness and well-being among employees and shows that you’re in full support of this year’s healthy resolutions. In addition to these easy-to-implement strategies, many workplaces participate in wellness or well-being programs. For example, Priority Health offers PriorityWell, which allows companies to choose a package that’s perfect for their current health situation, size and budget. Talk to your health insurance company about the many well-being options available to you, and remember to have a happy — and healthy — 2021. Rebecca Mason, RDN, is a registered dietitian/nutritionist. She is passionate about helping families and individuals improve their health through nutrition education and nutritious food access. She is certified in adult weight management and has a background in both clinical nutrition and wellness programming.
notable business names, including Autocam Medical, DTE, Gentex, Greenville Partners/Meijer, Horizon Bank, Mercantile Bank, Rockford Construction, Spectrum Health Ventures, Wolverine Building Group and Wolverine Oil & Gas.
World class leadership Welch, a leader in global diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, serves as managing partner of NCTF. He oversees daily operations and investor management. Kwame Anku, CEO and general partner of Black Star Fund in California, serves as fund consultant. Anku’s responsibilities include fund and operational design, as well as fundraising. NCTF maintains an investment committee and advisory committee comprised of local and national members and is governed by a board of directors which, along with Klohs and Welch, includes Renee Tabben, president of Bank of America’s Grand Rapids market; Garrick Rochow, president and CEO of Consumers Energy; and Christal Jackson, an internationally known venture philanthropist. The investment committee members are Scott McLean, managing director of Spectrum Health Ventures; Myrna Soto, board director of CMS Energy; Kurt Trevan, CEO of Gun Lake Investments; Harold Burrell, partner and senior vice president of Lighthouse Insurance; Tim Liang, managing director of AlphaMax Advisors; and Doug Holtrop, SVP of corporate banking with Mercantile Bank of Michigan. Early and major support Tabben was one of the first people NCTF approached. The bank seeded the fund with a $200,000 commitment in 2020 and strengthened its commitment with another un-
disclosed sum on Jan. 26. “To continue to grow and prosper, West Michigan must have healthy and diverse communities,” said Tabben, who sits on the board of The Right Place. “Our additional investment in the NCTF and ongoing support of ethnic and racial diversity in business ownership comes at a critical time, as the health and humanitarian crisis has significantly increased the need for greater opportunities to ensure more access to capital and essential support services are available for entrepreneurs of color.” Along with Tabben and Bank of America, Rochow, of Consumers Energy, has been with NCTF since its inception. The Consumers Energy Foundation also was first to the table with $200,000 in seed money, and just this past summer, pledged more to the endeavor. Recently, the Consumers Energy Foundation agreed to become one of the fund’s inaugural trailblazers, with a $1 million investment, one of the largest commitments in the foundation’s history. “This is an investment in equity,” Rochow said. “It demonstrates the Consumers Energy Foundation’s unwavering belief that West Michigan’s continued success must be collective and inclusive of everyone.”
Two tragedies to face Shortly after the fund launched, the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to temporarily close, and a few months after COVID, the death of George Floyd put a spotlight on racial murders and social inequity. “We had to pivot all our major in-person presentations to Zoom,” Welch said. “Not one potential investor canceled on us during that time. It wasn’t about our presentation; it was our theory of supporting diverse businesses that
got the attention of our investors, and perhaps the tragedy of George Floyd helped some to understand the need for more substantial and equitable investments into entrepreneurs of color.” Although the fund’s initial goal was to raise $15 million to $25 million by the end of 2020, the onset of the pandemic necessitated the goal be lowered, according to Anku.
Investment focus When it starts investing later this quarter, NCTF intends to invest between $250,000 and $500,000 in second-stage, people of color-owned companies involved in advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, e-commerce and information technology, life sciences, and finance technology, as well as legacy and transitioning succession businesses. The fund will focus on West Michigan-based companies, but it will entertain investments in nonlocal companies if the company pledges to move most of its operations to the region. A template for success Welch said he likes to use programmatic templates that help drive efficiency. In the case of NCTF, there was not a template to replicate, so he created one that drives the mission and vision of the fund and is having success with it. So much, in fact, that as Welch, Anku and Klohs share with others across the country about what NCTF is doing, they are being asked to replicate the model in other cities such as Miami, Denver, and Sacramento, California, according to Tabben. “The nation is watching us,” Welch said. “We haven’t even made our first investment, but we’re getting requests to help create a New Community Transformational Fund in major cities.”
Employers granted $11.4M in Going PRO funds CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
$3,300. These funds truly impact our communities,” Maas said.
Going PRO successes Rebecca Flermoen is a drafter at Engine Power Components in Grand Haven. Flermoen received training in CAD110 SolidWorks Essentials with the state funding in 2019. “It’s amazing how fast technology changes; every year (it) gets easier and more efficient to use. It is why continuing education programs are important,” she said. “I went into the training not understanding how much more there was to learn. I came out excited to be able to implement what I learned into my daily work.” Ben Charlick, human resources manager at Michigan Wheel and chair of the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Committee, said his company relies on the funds. “Like many other manufacturers, we know and understand that investing in our team members is the key to our success,” he said. “The Going PRO Talent Fund will not only positively impact our business; most impor-
tantly, it will positively impact “an invaluable tool that employers (employees’) lives.” can use to train their workforce Duncan Aviation, which has a to meet real-time demand.” The location in Battle Creek, is the only chamber said it is thrilled the promaintenance program continues to vider in Michigan boost West Michi“The state of with the capabiligan’s workty to perform the force. Michigan’s (Going vast array of ser“The Going PRO) investment will PRO vices offered to Talent Fund allow our employers has a proven track the large turbine engine corporate to invest in workers, record of success, aircraft market, and we truly beallowing them to according to the lieve this program continue operations will be a vital state of Michigan. As a result of recomponent of our and fill vacancies.” ceiving training COVID-19 recovdollars, the comery,” said Alexa Amy Lebednick pany will be able Kramer, director to maintain and of government afexpand its capacity to work on fairs. “The Grand Rapids Chamber more aircraft. The training will will continue to prioritize and lead contribute to succession planning on the advocacy of the program and career advancement of tech- and the need for added resources nicians. Duncan also will use it to into this fund for businesses of all continue hiring more technicians sizes and types.” who will undergo computer-based The Going PRO Talent Fund classroom training and on-the-job aligns with Whitmer’s Sixty by experience to become proficient 30 goal to increase the number technicians. of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. Local advocacy To learn more about the Going The Grand Rapids Chamber described Going PRO as a long- PRO Talent Fund, visit michigan. standing chamber priority and gov/talentfund.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Utility unveils pilot carbon-offset plan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Canton. Pending local approval, DTE also will be able to source natural gas from the Grand Rapids wastewater treatment facility later in 2021. Through Michigan forest preservation, DTE customers not only support the removal of greenhouse gases, but also preserve one of Michigan’s greatest natural assets. The program follows the American Carbon Registry methodology and protocol to quantify and report greenhouse gas reduction benefits that result from the forestry projects in the program. Brudzynski said customers who enter into the program are
helping preserve thousands of acres of forestry across 14 counties in the Upper Peninsula, and there will be no future development on the property. Natural Gas Balance offers customers a way to affordably offset 25% to 100% of greenhouse gas emissions from an average home’s natural gas use. Participation is flexible, as there are four levels of commitment. Level 1 has a $4 monthly cost for a 25% offset, and Level 4 has a $16 monthly cost for the full 100% offset. Participation will begin on the customer’s next billing cycle, and customers also can change their level of participation once per month.
Grand Haven ordinance encourages new housing developments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
background in all types of housing investment. He would bring to the table additional perspective that, without that, I think we would come up short on our standards.” The three-year zoning ordinance effort included the creation of an affordable housing task force, of which Housing Next was an active member, and robust community engagement during which residents and other stakeholders provided feedback on the proposed changes. The new ordinance also reflects goals of the city’s master plan, which also is the result of community engagement. Housing Next also helped to secure funding for zoning consulting services, helped to draft the new ordinance and provided resources and input throughout the process. Ordinance changes Adds accessory dwelling units — secondary housing units on a single-family residential lot — and two-plus unit dwellings to more districts with a streamlined review process to improve housing choice. Reduced minimum lot size and dimensional standards to allow for more housing supply in established neighborhoods. Requires bicycle racks in all commercial developments to promote greater mobility choice. Establishes pop-up shop regulations to encourage small-scale entrepreneurship and more equitable access to wealth creation. Provides accommodations for electric vehicles to support sustainability. Streamlines the zoning approval process and makes it more user-friendly. Offers optional work sessions for commercial land uses and planned developments to support developers. Increases the zoning administrator’s authority to approve minor changes and improve efficiency for builders and developers. Requires all parking lots use
low-impact development methods and stormwater best management practices to support sustainability. Establishes community garden regulations to enhance community building. Allows for the requirement of a health impact assessment for development in sensitive areas. Reduces parking requirements to allow for shared use and proximity to public parking. Several city districts made different changes to their minimum lot sizes, said Grand Haven Community Development Manager Jennifer Howland. Nine of them dropped from 1,000 to 570 square feet, while a couple others went from 1,200 to 760 square feet. In streamlining the zoning process to be more user-friendly, the city did away with the requirement for a developer to approach the city commission for special land use permits, planned unit developments and rezonings prior to a public hearing. “It helps reduce the review schedule for the developer and gets public comment in sooner,” Howland said. Besides facilitating the development of housing at all price points, the ordinance’s new popup shop regulations are meant to encourage entrepreneurs to start their business in a more flexible way than brick-and-mortar in Grand Haven’s downtown corridor. McGinnis said Muskegon has had great success with the popup shop model. The city of Grand Haven posited the idea well before Muskegon, but because of cost, the city wasn’t able to move it forward at the time. “Whether it’s pop-up entrepreneurs or accessory dwelling units, you take advantage of the space you have and affordably increase your use,” McGinnis added. “There’s a lot of demand for that. A lot of people want to live in Grand Haven, and a lot of folks want to do business here.”
Grand Rapids-based Madcap Coffee joined the program as DTE’s first Natural Gas Balance customer. Madcap’s mission as a specialty roaster is to use the business of coffee to promote positive change, whether that’s making premium coffee more widely accessible or using it to solve big challenges like sustainability. Trevor Corlett, founder and co-owner of Madcap Coffee, said he already had been looking for ways to lessen his company’s carbon footprint. According to a paper published by the Specialty Coffee Association, retail proved to be the worst pollutant aspect of the coffee supply chain. “We expected the transportation process of moving coffee from Brazil to Grand Rapids would be a significant carbon footprint,” Corlett said. “As they dug into it, the amount of waste that a coffee retail shop puts out proved to have an even bigger carbon footprint.” Corlett said Madcap invests in
high-quality water filtration systems that produce a lot of waste. Additionally, most coffee shops have been 100% to-go because of COVID-19-related shutdowns since March, resulting in an uptick of disposable container usage. While the majority of Madcap’s paper products are compostable, coffee shops in general are putting out even more waste. Madcap chose to enter the Natural Gas Balance at the full $16 level, which for a small business is easily accessible, Corlett said. “Even as an individual consumer, if I can only contribute $4, it’s nice to know I’m part of the environmental sustainability in the area,’ he said. DTE and Madcap Coffee also are offering a $10 Madcap Coffee gift card for the first 200 customers who sign up for the Natural Gas Balance program. “We’re proud to have a local Michigan company with such a strong commitment to sustainabil-
FEB 8, 2021
19
ity become the first new member of this program,” said Matthew Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Gas. “When we announced our 2050 net zero emissions commitment last year, we promised our customers that they could join us on this journey. Natural Gas Balance is the fulfilment of that promise and empowers both residential and small business customers to work with us to make Michigan a cleaner, healthier place to live.” DTE Gas’ ambitious 2050 net zero plan includes suppliers and customers, as well as its own gas operations. The clean energy commitment, combined with customer participation in sustainability programs like Natural Gas Balance and energy efficiency, hopes to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6 million metric tons by 2050 — the equivalent of offsetting natural gas emissions of 1 million homes or taking 1.3 million cars off the road annually.
Battling COVID today, expanding for tomorrow.
Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (“GRAM”) is a contract development and manufacturing organization of sterile injectable drug products. Talented, community-minded team members support the manufacturing and finishing of clinical and commercial therapeutics. Learn more and apply for career openings at: www.grandriverasepticmfg.com/careers
20
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
BUSINESS SERVICES
Barr Engineering Co. announced the acquisition of King & MacGregor Environmental Inc., a leading Michiganbased provider of natural resource consulting and environmental services. Fred Bueltmann, an entrepreneur, former brewery executive and expert in company culture, has joined with leaders in equine-assisted experiential learning to launch Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership, established to strengthen collaborations for the greater good by working with humans and horses, through mindful experiential learning and considerate leadership models to discover and empower positive change in the world. The inaugural board for the nonprofit includes Bueltmann as executive director, Shawn Gary (Alliance Beverage) as vice chair, Jenny Atlee (Friendship Office) as secretary, Ulla and Tom Loudon (Friendship Office.) Holland-based Coastal Container and Coastal Automotive, both subsidiaries of Holland-based Coastal Group, earned perfect scores for quality management across all four facilities, with zero non-conformities after annual audits, from the American Systems Registrar.
Crowley as a technical writer.
JetCo Solutions recently named Jamie Crowley as senior capture manager and hired Riley Winchester
Lilly Epstein Stotland has been named CEO of Vesco Oil Corporation.
CONSTRUCTION
LINC UP earned a LEED Silver Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s new version 4.1 rating system for a single-family residence built in Grand Rapids’ Seeds of Promise neighborhood.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bob Bishop, managing director – investments and premier adviser in the Holland branch of Wells Fargo
FEB 8-28 Muskegon Museum of Art Contemporary Native American Art Exhibitions. MMA’s major winter show is in partnership with the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery and guest curator Jason Quigno. The MMA will present Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative and Levi Rickert: Standing Rock, Photographs of an Indigenous Movement, along with The Art of the People. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Sundays. Registration: www.musk egnartmuseum.org. FEB 8-APR 24 Lakeshore Museum Center Quilt Exhibit. Displaying the work of the late Rosie Lee Wilkins in Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins: Piecing Together Her History. Cost: free/members and those living in the area, $5/non-Muskegon County residents. Information/registration: (231) 722-0278 or lakeshoremuseum.org. FEB. 8 World Affairs Council of Western Michigan Live Streamed Great Decisions Series 2021. Topic: North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back of Track, by Suzanne DiMaggio, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 6-7:15 p.m. Cost: free/members, $10/nonmembers. Information/registration: world michigan.org/greatdecisions2021. FEB 9, 10, 11 Van Andel Global Trade Center Basics of Exporting Live Virtual Training. 9-11 a.m. each day. A link to virtual training will be sent to registrants 24 hours before first session. Cost: $235/members, $395/ nonmembers. Information/registration: bit. ly/2021ExportBasics. FEB 10 W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Online
Advisors, was recently named a Forbes 2020 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor. Centennial Securities announced Ryan Diepstra has been appointed chief operating officer.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Kalsec announced it is now a Certified B Corporation.
GOVERNMENT
State Rep. Thomas Albert has been named House Appropriations Committee chair for the upcoming 2021-22 legislative session.
GRANTS
Kent County and Heart of West Michigan United Way announced seven nonprofits were awarded grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000: Bethany Christian Services of Michigan; Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth Inc.; Edge Urban Fellowship; Grand Rapids Urban League; New City Kids Inc.; Muse Ed; and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.
HEALTH
Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo has been named as one of the nation’s 50 Top cardiovascular hospitals by Fortune and IBM Watson Health. Houston-based The National Diversity Council announced it has appointed Ovell Barbee, senior vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer at Spectrum Health, to its board of directors for the National Coalition for Racial Justice & Equity. Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy announced the Barbee addition of Perla Perez as a licensed physical therapist. Perez is fluent in Spanish and English. Spectrum Health Medical Group Orthopedics – Rockford is now open at the Spectrum Health Integrated Care Campus, 8501 Meadow Creek, Rockford, to treat work- and sports-re-
Birds and Coffee Walk, featuring W.K. Kellogg Biological Station educators Lisa Duke, Kara Haas and Misty Klotz. Chat will center on European birds, focusing on the Great Tit, Eurasian Blackcap and Blackbird, European Robin, and House Sparrow. 10 a.m. via Zoom. Cost: free and open to the public. Registration required at (269) 671-2510 or birdsanctuary@kbs. msu.edu. FEB 11 Builders Exchange of Michigan Virtual Legal Series Lunch and Learn. Topic: Surety Bonds. Noon-1:30 p.m. Cost: free. Registration: (616) 949-850, Courtney@ grbx.com, or home.grbx.com/event/legalseries-lunch-learn-surety-bonds. FEB 11 St. Cecilia Music Center 2021 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Virtual Series. Featured artist: Gloria Chien, piano. 7 p.m. Cost: free, viewed exclusively on SCMC’s website. Information/registration: (616) 459-2224 or scmc-online.org. FEB 12 St. Cecilia Music Center Virtual Concert. Featuring folk legend Julie Collins recreating her 1964 concert at The Town Hall in New York City. 8 p.m. Cost: $40, proceeds to support SCMC during the COVID19 pandemic. Information/registration: scmc-online.org/virtual. FEB 13 The City of Kentwood’s Annual Valentine’s Dash 5K. Benefitting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. 11 a.m. Cost: online registration, $25, after Feb. 12, $35. Information/registration: kentwood. us/valentinesdash. FEB 13 Lakeshore Museum Center Second
CHANGE-UPS & CALENDAR
FBA names Burns director The Family Business Alliance has named Robin Burns its director. Burns will work with the board and staff to develop and implement the strategic plan of the association whose sole mission is to ensure family businesses throughout West Michigan succeed generation to generation. Burns most recently served as the marketing director and management team member at Rhoades McKee. Established in 2006 in partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber and Grand Valley State University and re-organized in 2018 as a 501(c)(6) within the Grand Rapids Chamber, the FBA has grown to serve over 160 members. lated injuries, pain from arthritis, hand and wrist injuries, sprains, fractures and offer rehabilitation for hand therapy patients.
LEGAL
Bloom Sluggett PC has been selected as a 2021 Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for its work in municipal law in the Grand Rapids area. This is the sixth time the firm has been recognized. For the 11th consecutive year, Plunkett Cooney has been named one of the “Best Law Firms” in the nation in 2021 by Best Lawyers. Foster Swift has created a “2020 Year in Review” resource webpage that identifies a number of key topics for individuals and businesses to consider going forward into 2021. For more information, visit fosterswift.com/f-year-inreview-resource-page-2020.html.
LOGISTICS
Meijer was recognized as a SmartWay Excellence Award winner as a mixed carrier by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
sis on corporate strategy and vision; Kyle Pett, president and chief operating officer; Lisbeth Votruba, clinical innovation officer; and Toby Eadelman, chief technology officer. Norton Shores-based Smart Vision Lights announced it has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.
NONPROFITS
D.A. Blodgett–St. John’s appointed Mary Muliett president and CEO. Mel Trotter Ministries recently unveiled a three-stall mobile shower unit for the homeless that will be placed at strategic locations throughout the city where hygiene services are most needed. Quota Club of Grand Rapids announces its board of directors for 2021: president Betsy Smith, Montcalm Area Intermediate School District and Newaygo County RESA; president-elect Barbara Griffin, Robert W Baird & Co.; secretary Kathleen Slagal, retired; treasurer Pam Howland, retired, Bank of America; president emeritus Sue Scharf, The Wellness Forum.
MANUFACTURING
Haviland Enterprises Inc. hired Mackenzie Klahr as marketing manager.
Sonia Noorman has been appointed chief executive officer for the West Michigan Partnership for Children. She replaces founding CEO Kristyn Peck.
Muskegon-based AvaSure announced the promotions of Brad Playford, who remains CEO, but with a greater empha-
The Job Post, a full-service hiring firm and social enterprise of Guiding Light, moved into a new office in Grand Rapids
Saturday Hours. Second Saturdays showcase museum exhibits including the new Who is Rosie Lee Wilkins: Piecing Together Her History exhibit, the STEM Center, and Science Center with scavenger hunts for kids. Masks required. Noon-4 p.m. Information/registration: (231) 722-0278 or lakeshore museum.org.
anies. 3-5 p.m. Cost: free. Information/registration: (616) 949-8650 or Courtney@ grbx.com.
FEB 13-20 Grand Haven Main Street Snowmen on Main Street Competition. Contestants may enter individually or as a team. Information/registration: (616) 844-1188 or downtowngh.com. FEB. 15 World Affairs Council of Western Michigan Live Streamed Great Decisions Series 2021. Topic: Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic? By Andrew Natsios, the Snowcroft Institute of International Affairs. 6-7:15 p.m. Cost: free/members, $10/nonmembers. Information/registration: worldmichigan. org/greatdecisions2021. FEB 16 Builders Exchange of Michigan Virtual Legal Series Lunch and Learn. Focus: OSHA 10-Hour. Includes information on OSHA/MIOSHA agencies, construction standards, the Focus Four categories of accidents and Q&A time. 8 a.m.2 p.m., RVC Offices Conference Room, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 212. Cost: $199. Information/registration: (616) 949-850, Courtney@grbx.com, or https://home. grbx.com/event/osha-10-hour-february. FEB 17 Builders Exchange of Michigan Virtual Winter Series. Topic: Employee Safeguards and Remote Workplace Opportunities for Construction Comp-
FEB 17 Institute for Supply Management Greater Grand Rapids Webinar. Topic: Less Stress and More Success: Take Control of Supplier Negotiations, by Rod Sherkin. 1-2 p.m. Cost: free/members, students, $35/nonmembers. Information/registration: ismggr.org. Link will be emailed prior to meeting. FEB 17 Talent Innovation Network of West Michigan Virtual Conference. Topic: Career Point: Helping Students and Adults Navigate in the World of Work, Matching Interests and Abilities with Training, Support and Careers. 9-10 a.m. Registration: bit.ly/CareerPoint2021. FEB 19 AMDG Architects Online Speaker Series. Topic: Culture Matters, by Hope College head football coach Peter Stuursma. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Cost: free. Information/registration: bit.ly/ AMDGCultureMatters. FEB. 22 World Affairs Council of Western Michigan Live Streamed Great Decisions Series 2021. Topic: The European Union’s New Agenda PostBrexit, by Tomas Baert, head of agriculture and trade for the E.U. delegation to the U.S. 6-7:15 p.m. Cost: free/ members, $10/nonmembers. Information/ registration: worldmichigan.org/great decisions2021. FEB 23 Builders Exchange of Michigan Class. Topic: OSHA 10-Hour. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., RVC
at 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 425. Wedgwood Christian Services named Jason Todd the organization’s first chief process and innovation officer. Also, the West Michigan Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized Wedgwood Christian Services with The West Michigan Chapter Award for Excellence in Fundraising.
PRINTING
Foremost Graphics launched the new HP Indigo 15K Digital Press solution to deliver cost-effective retail packaging applications and higher impact commercial print.
PUBLISHING
Chriscynethia Floyd joined Our Daily Bread Ministries as vice president and publisher. She will oversee all U.S. publishing including trade books, children’s books, gifts, video series, devotionals, Bible studies and more.
RESTAURANTS
AHC Hospitality announced the opening of MDRD (pronounced Madrid), a Spanish-inspired full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton on the 27th floor.
TRANSPORTATION
Grand Rapids-based Northern Jet Management recently celebrated 25 years as a private jet operator in the Midwest.
WEBSITES
A consortium of West Michigan health departments, hospitals, health care providers, universities and others have launched VaccinateWestMI.com where area residents can find the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
CHANGE-UPS POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the Change-Ups section. Send announcements concerning personnel changes, new businesses, changes of address etc. to Change-Ups Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email bjchangeups@grbj.com.
Offices Conference Room, 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 212. Cost: $199. Information/ registration: (616) 949-8640, courtney@ grbx.com, or home.grbx.com/event/osha10-hour-february. FEB 25 Acton Institute Online Conference Series. Topic: Business Matters 2021: Certain Principles for Uncertain Times. 1-5 p.m. Cost: $50. Information/registration: acton.org/conference-series. MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS Information: Stephanie Bradley, (616) 233-3577 or sbradley@experiencegr. com. FEB 9-12 Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police 2021 Winter Professional Development Conference. Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton. FEB 10-12 Michigan Ground Water Association 2021 Annual Convention and Tradeshow. JW Marriott Grand Rapids. CALENDAR POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the calendar section. Send items to Calendar Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email bjcal endar@grbj.com. Submissions must be received at least three weeks prior to the event. The Business Journal calendar posted on the publication’s website (grbj.com) includes listings for events extended beyond those printed in the weekly publication that are limited by space restrictions.
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
PUBLIC RECORD MORTGAGES
Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds SANDERSON TRUST, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411412226001, $480,000 MCCLAIN, Richard et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $325,000 TUCKER, Paul et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Sparta, $355,920 CARLSON, Adam V. et al, Grand River Bank, Byron Twp., $332,000 JALILOV, Iskandar et al, Syngery One Lending, Gaines Twp., $320,150 RANDALL, Kevin et al, Consumers Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $310,000 DORF, Ronald D., Home Point Financial Corp., Cannon Twp., $449,700 WORMACK, Cassandra, Simple Mortgage, Parcel: 411324453176, $417,905 PRICE, Charles W., Caliber Home Loans, Nelson Twp., $380,000 VISSER TRUST, Mercantile Bank, Alpine Twp., $300,000 WATERMARK AT GRAND RAPIDS MI LLC, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411402101004, $44,437,000 MCQUIN, Jessie et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Ada Twp., $592,000 RASCHE, Jim et al, Consumers Credit Union, Parcel: 411414327010, $374,850 ZUNIGA, Victor Jr., Team Mortgage Co. LLC, Algoma Twp., $310,000 AULISIO, Joseph et al, Neighborhood Loans, Wyoming, $314,450 KOTLA, Praneetha et al, Consumers Credit Union, Kentwood, $354,350 ROLLINS, Anthony et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411426252061, $336,000 CHOINOWSKI, Michael N. et al, Quicken Loans, Cannon Twp., $344,000 BOWMAN, Todd A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $400,000 VANDERWHEELE TRUST, United Wholesale Mortgage, Ada Twp., $324,500 WISEMAN, Carl et al, Huntington National Bank, Ada Twp., $398,689 CHADWICK, Peter et al, TCF National Bank, Gaines Twp., $445,000 GATES, Terry L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $456,000 LOVALL, Brian S. et al, Primelending, Parcel: 411124277008, $403,655 EDUCATO, Thomas et al, Neighborhood Loans, East Grand Rapids, $352,400 MEIJER, Peter et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Parcel: 411427405004, $548,250 JL EQUITY GROUP LLC, West Michigan Community Bank, Parcel: 411429185025, $1,400,000 SIMON, Steven, Grand River Bank, Vergennes Twp., $310,000 FOLBERTH, John, Neighborhood Loans, Algoma Twp., $418,500 HONEYCUTT TRUST, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $384,000 MAROK, Rajinder et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411412276026, $510,400 STFANIAK, Adam W., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Wyoming, $301,000 MAW, Jai et al, Consumers Credit Union, Rockford, $400,000 DURST, David et al, Independent Bank, Grattan Twp., $318,750 SHOHAM, Jonathan et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Cascade Twp., $350,000 MANNING, Melissa A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Walker, $306,186 FIELDER, Justin M. et al, United Bank, Parcel: 411912400008, $510,400 MACKESEY, William F. et al, Mercantile Bank, Walker, $510,400 DEMEESTER, Thomas A. et al, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Cascade Twp.,
$1,379,034 PELL, Jody et al, Gerber Federal Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $408,000 KHUN, Erin C. et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Algoma Twp., $363,750 MCCAMBRIDGE, Matthew G. et al, Mercantile Bank, Oakfield Twp., $330,000 FEIGENBAUM, Jon et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $495,000 PETERS, Zach, First Securities Financial Services, Courtland Twp., $405,000 LOGAN, Ryan et al, Quicken Loans, Cascade Twp., $566,420 HARSEVOORT, Meghan R., Fifth Third Bank, Cascade Twp., $350,000 LIDSTER, Donald et al, Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., $488,000 MOSS, Michael D. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412106209009, $369,500 OAKES, Gary C. et al, Old National Bank, Cannon Twp., $372,000 VANECK, William T. et al, Old National Bank, Cannon Twp., $370,000 BUCHAN, John R. et al, McGlone Mortgage Group, Caledonia, $423,400 MOORE, Scott W. et al, FirstBank, Cascade Twp., $426,000 KAMINSKI, Michael et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 411414127017, $400,500 FOLEY, Ryan, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411426277001, $450,352 YOUNG, Bruce C., Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411426280018, $400,000 WHITMORE, Daniel K. et al, 2137 Wealthy LLC, East Grand Rapids, $395,413 MAROK, Rajinder et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411412276026, $376,850 OFIELD, Larry et al, Royal Pacific Funding Group, Parcel: 411424400050, $385,000 BUGGIA, Mark V. et al, Northpointe Bank, Parcel: 411435351025, $500,000 DAVISON, Meredith, MSU Federal Credit Union, Parcel: 411430230028, $361,000 TUNISON, Jamie et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411410276023, $334,400 KAISERLIAN, Brian et al, PNC Bank, Parcel: 410624153001, $368,185 HOLT, Curtis et al, CMG Financial, Gaines Twp., $340,000 RICHARDSON TRUST, Macatawa Bank, Ada Twp., $323,400 KLOSTRA, Kraig M. et al, Macatawa Bank, Ada Twp., $675,000 LINSCOTT, Donald et al, Huntington National Bank, Alpine Twp., $502,000 SEWARD, Stephen R. et al, Macatawa Bank, Parcel: 411324453027, $321,000 KENNEY, Rachel J., Independent Bank, Plainfield Twp., $316,117 SISSON, John E. et al, Huntington National Bank, Ada Twp., $390,000 JUNG, Matthew et al, Grand River Bank, Cannon Twp., $475,000 HERTZ GRAND RAPIDS ONE LLC, DBR Investments Co. Ltd., Parcel: 411324451015, $37,270,000 BROWN, Zachary et al, Quicken Loans, Byron Twp., $337,565 LION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC., Independent Bank, Parcel: 411430302008, $2,500,000 7030 FULTON LLC, Macatawa Bank, Ada Twp., $1,743,556 PETRUSMA, Michael J., Ruoff Mortgage Co., Parcel: 411810254034, $301,750 VASQUEZ, Victor H. et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Byron Twp., $306,352 IDE, Aaron et al, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 412303176014, $367,940 ONDRUSEK, Patrick et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $377,150
Legal online bets, gambling start fast CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
across the U.S. market and those two markets, Michigan and Virginia, helped to drive all-time high transactions in a weekend that featured a heavy sporting event schedule. Data from GeoComply, a geolocation compliance technology, showed that this year’s NFL conference championship weekend saw more than 30 million geolocation transactions recorded in 17 U.S. online betting states (including the District of Columbia), an increase of 260% over the same weekend in 2020. “Michigan has a pretty good history with gaming, just with
all the various travel casinos and the three commercial casinos in Detroit,” Derouin said. “This just provides a safe way for people to play from the comfort of their own home right now, especially with the pandemic, and you can see that with how many people made new accounts. We have so many pro sports teams, like the major four teams, and our college teams like Michigan and Michigan State, too. We have a pretty good fan base here that people are going to be interested in sports betting on them. (Online gaming and sports betting) can help with lost revenues for the casinos as well.”
ROBINSON, Trayveon D., Northpointe Bank, Gaines Twp., $300,900 BOONSTRA, Amanda M., Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., $417,100 NELSON, Brandon S. et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Kentwood, $380,000 HARTL, Alfred F. et al, Flagstar Bank, Walker, $399,000 CROCE, Richard A. et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, East Grand Rapids, $470,000 CLEMENT, Kevin et al, Old National Bank, Caledonia, $436,000 KELLEY, Jodie et al, Inlanta Mortgage Inc., Plainfield Twp., $850,000 POSTMA, Danielle et al, Mercantile Bank, Cascade Twp., $669,750 HUDSON, Timothy C. et al, TCF National Bank, East Grand Rapids, $1,325,250 RSL HOLDINGS LLC, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411323477006, $455,200 ZOLTAREVSKY, Eugene et al, Quicken Loans, Parcel: 411412476023, $510,400 PROVOST, Mark et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Caledonia, $325,500 NITZ, Brian J. et al, Grand River Bank, Caledonia, $594,000 MATTSON, Eric et al, TCF National Bank, Walker, $373,000 449 BRIDGE STREET DEVELOPMENT LLC, Community Choice Credit Union, Parcel: 411324383032, $605,000 MACHADO, Darius et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $315,000 BURSLEY, Robert J. et al, Independent Bank, Alpine Twp., $426,500 TATE, Matthew L. et al, Arbor Financial Credit Union, Ada Twp., $319,000 STAMP, Benjamin, Finance of America Mortgage, Caledonia, $446,405 R&B PROPERTIES OF GR LLC, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411708105029, $320,000 KOOISTRA, Jared et al, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 411810177012, $486,000 VELDT, Jonathon et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Gaines Twp., $336,775 MIEDEMA, Nicholas et al, Guaranteed Rate, Byron Twp., $319,891 LOMBARDI, Patrick et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411401477011, $450,000 CAMBILLO, Samuel, Success Mortgage Partners, Algoma Twp., $390,000 SHAW, Timothy et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Cascade Twp., $320,000 MASON, Ryan et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $1,530,000 BAKER, Jeff et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $458,000
BAINBRIDGE, William E. et al, Adventure Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $356,000 COLLIER, Timothy J. et al, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $745,000 BROWN, Ryan P. et al, Huntington National Bank, Wyoming, $301,750 CURRIE, William G., Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,190,000 PUGH, Matthew et al, MMS Mortgage Services, Parcel: 411401101018, $399,000 MURPHY, James E. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Cascade Twp., $400,000 LARUE, Jason P. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Caledonia, $541,171 SWANSON, Neal J. et al, Envoy Mortgage, Plainfield Twp., $360,000 SHUKER, Steven et al, Heartland Home Mortgage, Sparta, $341,500 STAUFFER, Daniel S. III et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Wyoming, $375,000 KHAN, Viqar et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $568,000 WOOD, Andrew T. et al, Federal Savings Bank, East Grand Rapids, $372,000 DOBSON, Barry III et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411427480004, $419,920 GENDALL, Jessica et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Lowell, $496,240 O’CONNELL, Nathaniel S. et al, Homestead Funding Group, Plainfield Twp., $372,300 FLICKINGER, Michael J. et al, McGlone Funding Group, Lowell, $320,000 GITTUS, Bradley J. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Plainfield Twp., $410,000 EKSTROM, Abby et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $399,500 LE, Alex et al, Cardinal Financial Co., Byron Center, $325,000 TOOLEY, Eric M. et al, Old National Bank, Cascade Twp., $438,750 BACK, Joseph D. Jr. et al, Neighborhood Loans, Byron Twp., $325,700 TISSUE, Troy et al, Northpointe Bank, Walker, $410,000 JUMP, Paul et al, Macatawa Bank, Byron Twp., $366,300 MARGIEWICZ, Stefan et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $422,823 RILEY, Kevin et al, Huntington National Bank, Gaines Twp., $362,000 VISSER, David et al, Ruoff Mortgage Co., Parcel: 411809276002, $313,000 HALPERIN TRUST, Quicken Loans, East Grand Rapids, $462,807 DIETZ, Brynn H. et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Rockford, $325,000 OTT, Nicholas et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Solon Twp., $309,000 PEFFERS, Ford N. Jr. et al, Finance of America
FEB 8, 2021
Mortgage, Courtland Twp., $316,900 DAMON, William J. et al, FirstBank, Ada Twp., $350,409 BOREK, Keith S. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Gaines Twp., $323,500 COLE, Jon R. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Spencer Twp., $305,500 JALACKI, Danielle M. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Cannon Twp., $451,500 RASCHKE, Christopher M. et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411402327010, $366,500 VANKEULEN, David et al, Churchill Mortgage Corp., Vergennes Twp., $333,500 WERNET, Michael et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $325,500 MATHEWS, Craig et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Cannon Twp., $300,000 KANTOR, Joshua R. et al, NBKC Bank, Cascade Twp., $420,000 WILLIAMS, Bruce K. et al, Finance of America Mortgage LLC, Courtland Twp., $375,200 EZELL, Mandi et al, Mortgage 1, Cannon Twp., $311,100 AMBROSE, Thomas D. et al, Federal Housing Commission, Nelson Twp., $318,000 GRAHAM, Matthew et al, Quicken Loans, Ada Twp., $414,000 BIESZKA, Sarah et al, Independent Bank, Caledonia, $300,000 TODD, Heather et al, Neighborhood Loans, East Grand Rapids, $460,000 ZWART, Derk E. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Wyoming, $391,000 KELBEL, Theodore et al, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411803253013, $510,400 CAMFERMAN, Chris A. et al, Mercantile Bank, East Grand Rapids, $344,000 MILLER, Darrel D. Jr. et al, Independent Bank, Algoma Twp., $314,900 RWD HOLDING GROUP LLC, MSU Federal Credit Union, Parcel: 114193080009, $368,000 TROMBKA, Joseph A. III et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Parcel: 411410454001, $393,000 JOHNSON, Fred et al, Huntington National Bank, Plainfield Twp., $330,000 WOODS, Alexander L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $458,000 SWANEY, Levi et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Algoma Twp., $381,000
PUBLIC RECORD AVAILABLE ONLINE: For the full version of this week’s Public Record, visit the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s website at grbj.com.
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Opening a new banking office has been exciting – and challenging during a global pandemic. Our main focus was to create a great space to deliver an outstanding and safe experience for the community and our team. See how we’ve done things differently at our new location at 50 Crahen! grandriverbank.com/crahen
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
FEB 8, 2021
Home help promise Valued lessons.
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orthpointe Bank’s funding partnership with Seeds of Promise is once again bearing fruit in the community. The Grand Rapids-based bank said last month that it accesses grant funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) each spring to provide assistance to low- and moderate-income borrowers in Kent County. This is the seventh year the bank has provided this opportunity to the Grand Rapids nonprofit to help homeowners repair and improve their homes. Through FHLBI’s Neighborhood Impact Program, Northpointe receives and provides grants up to $7,500 to eligible homeowners in the community. The funds are used to restore their homes’ roofs, windows, siding, exterior doors, furnaces and water heaters. Northpointe held a check presentation Jan. 22 at the Seeds of Promise office in Grand Rapids for the next round of funding in the amount of $21,000. In 2019, the partnership helped 22 Kent County homeowners improve their homes, setting a Northpointe Bank and Seeds of Promise record. In sev-
BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF
en years of participating with the Neighborhood Impact Program, the partners helped 59 vulnerable low- and moderate-income homeowners in the area improve their homes, with a total community impact of $435,019. “Seeds of Promise’s partnership with Northpointe Bank has been a real blessing to our residents in the Southtown area,� said Ron Jimmerson, executive director and co-founder of Seeds of Promise. “Most were unaware that this program existed to help them with their home improvements until the first flyer was developed and distributed to our residents. The Neighborhood Improvement Program has shown that we can slow down the process of gentrification in our area by assisting our residents with the needed funds to do the repairs and keep them in their homes.� One local homeowner said funds were used to properly repair a roof damaged in a fire 10 years ago that resulted in constant leaks. “We are proud to continue our partnership into 2021 with a donation of $21,000 which will help Seeds of Promise tackle the current waiting list of 86 low- to
moderate-income homeowners who need to complete critical health and safety repairs to their homes and hire a Spanish-speaking employee to help us extend the reach and benefits of this program to our Hispanic community in Kent County,� Jimmerson said. “Enabling more homeowners to repair and improve their homes will help our community to grow and thrive — now and in the future.� After completing the launch of its first 20 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones� in Detroit in early January, Comcast will expand its program to more locations across Michigan to continue to help bridge the digital divide. The COVID-19 crisis put many low-income students at risk of being left behind and has accelerated the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. Lift Zones are designed to help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to distance learning at home. “While the digital divide has been an ongoing challenge long before the outbreak of COVID-19,
the past 10 months have brought this critical issue to the forefront for everyone,� said Tim Collins, senior vice president of Comcast in Michigan. “We have been dedicated to creating digital equity for nearly 10 years through our Internet Essentials program. Bringing more Lift Zones to Michigan neighborhoods where they’re needed most is an extension of our commitment.� Comcast’s Lift Zones provide robust WiFi hotspots in community safe spaces designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. Many of these sites also serve adults and can connect them to online adult education, job searches, health care information and public assistance. Any nonprofit organization, government agency, public housing or other establishment that is interested in becoming a Comcast Lift Zone and is located within the company’s Michigan service area can send an email to CENHRT_LiftZones@comcast. com for more information. Criteria for becoming a Lift Zone include: on-site adult supervision to monitor activity during all hours of operation, enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols, adequate space with chairs and computers conducive for learning and IT support. Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes (JAMGL) recently honored long-time volunteer Steve Carlson for 40 years of volunteer service to JA. “While JA touts a proven curriculum and materials, the key
STREET TALK connection for our students is with our volunteers and their delivery of our programs,� said William Coderre, JAMGL president and CEO. “Steve, has spent the past 40 years tirelessly giving of his time and talent to our students as a classroom volunteer, as a committee member and as a JAMGL board member. Today, we are proud to honor Steve’s service to our organization and thank him for his contributions.� Carlson began volunteering for Junior Achievement in 1980 and since that time has volunteered in over 85 classrooms in the greater Grand Rapids area impacting approximately 2,000 students. “I volunteer to pay it back and pay it forward,� said Carlson. “I specifically remember my JA Company advisers from Old Kent Bank in 1971 when I was in high school. I was given an experience in high school that paid dividends throughout my college years and I even used the skills and concepts during my career in aerospace.� While Carlson has spent considerable time delivering the JA Company and JA Job Shadow programs in area high schools, he also has a history of providing programming at all levels of elementary school. “I still volunteer because it’s fun! Whether you’re getting smiles and hugs from elementary students for teaching them about money and donut making, or seeing the lightbulb switch on for middle and high school students when they get a concept of personal finance or international trade, you get to have as much fun as the students do,� said Carlson.
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