Grand Rapids Business Journal 11.29.21 by Grand Rapids Business Journal

THE RIGHT PLACE launches effort to grow tech industry. PAGE 3

NOV 29, 2021 VOL. 39, NO. 24

The Business Newspaper of Metro Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon & West Michigan

THIS WEEK

CADDY’S LIFE OF SERVICE

Salvation Army divisional commander has spent more than four decades helping people in need throughout the Midwest. Page 9

SpringGR launches The 250 Project Applications open for program that aims to help BIPOC businesses scale to $250K in revenue and beyond. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

Wish granted DTE Foundation provides YWCA with funding to support domestic violence shelter. PAGE 4

Stuck in neutral Supply chain issues continue to plague West Michigan’s industrial economy. PAGE 8

DISCOVERY AGE Discover Manufacturing Week connects 4,000 learners with makers in the region. Page 15

THE LIST

The state’s top law schools. Page 6

When SpringGR started in 2013, there were only about 70 businesses with more than $250,000 in revenue that were owned by people of color in Grand Rapids, as compared to the 11,000 businesses in the city overall in that revenue category. A recent review by SpringGR, an entrepreneur support organization (ESO), revealed that number has not budged in eight years. Of the 11,500 businesses in the

Attah Obande said of the 11,500 businesses in the city that made $250,000 or more in the past year, only 0.6% were owned by people of color, which is about 70 businesses. Courtesy SpringGR

city that made $250,000 or more in the past year, only 0.6% were owned by people of color, which is about 70 businesses, according to Attah Obande, director of dream fulfillment, who co-leads SpringGR with Arlene Campbell.

“We knew the picture was not going to be pretty, but we didn’t expect it to be that ugly,” Obande said. “We clearly have a problem and a gap that needs to be filled.” SpringGR on Nov. 16 convened a meeting of community stake-

holders at the Goei Center for the unveiling of its new program, The 250 Project, which will seek to help minority-owned businesses with at least $100,000 in revenue CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NCTF hires venture fund vet as managing director Fund nears $10M goal that will allow it to make investments in POCowned businesses. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

After a national search, a Grand Rapids venture fund focused on boosting minority-owned businesses hired its first managing director and soon will be ready to make its first investments. The New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF) board of directors said Tuesday, Nov. 8, it hired Ollie Howie for the managing director position. Howie comes to Grand Rapids

after deploying over $50 million in venture capital throughout his career. Most recently, he invested in a SoftBank venture fund dedicated to building and supporting a community of Black, Latinx and Indigenous founders. Howie, who graduated from Harvard UniHowie versity with a degree in economics, has served as a capital analyst in executive positions at companies in Maryland, New York and Atlanta. “I am honored and humbled

to help a team serving underrepresented entrepreneurs in Michigan. Birgit, Skot and Kwame are making a profound impact on this community and are challenging the status quo,” Howie said, referring to NCTF board members Birgit Klohs, Skot Welch and Kwame Anku. After research and visits to Grand Rapids, Howie said he was impressed by the generations of entrepreneurial families in the region and their community philanthropy. Howie also has a history of entrepreneurism and philanthropy, as he started a mentoring and service nonprofit, My Brothers Keepers Club, while in elementary school. That effort garnered Howie a community service

Inside Track ....... 9 Guest Columns.. 12 Knowledge is king Change-Ups ...... 16

CONSTRUCTION industry can expect change.

Calendar ........... 16 Public Record .... 17 Street Talk ...... 18

PAGE 3

award letter from then-President Barack Obama, and later, a day named in his honor in Roanoke, Virginia. “With the New Community Transformation Fund, we are building on (the local philanthropists’) legacy while creating a new chapter in our region’s history by investing more than ever in helping entrepreneurs of color (to) succeed,” Howie said. NCTF leaders said Howie’s investing prowess and experience with a transformation fund similar to this one stood out to them. “This is a very exciting time for the New Community Transformation Fund, and to continue our growth and momentum, we’re CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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The Right Place launches effort to grow tech industry Agency’s Technology Taskforce aims to position greater Grand Rapids as a tech cluster. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

The Right Place assembled a Technology Taskforce to craft a strategy to position Grand Rapids as the leading technology cluster in the Midwest. The regional economic development agency’s initiative launched Nov. 16 at an assembly of nearly 100 business, academic and community leaders, who were invited to outline the process of designing a plan to position the Grand Rapids area as the leading technology cluster Thelen in the Midwest by 2031. “By gathering input from a broad array of stakeholders, the taskforce will develop a detailed roadmap to further strengthen

our tech cluster into a magnet for innovation and growth,” said Randy Thelen, president and CEO of The Right Place. “We believe this is our region’s next big economic opportunity, and we’re confident that with the expertise and determination we’re assembling, our vision can become a reality.” The Right Place recruited Steve Downing, CEO of Gentex, and Rick Pappas, president of Davenport University, who bring a blend of industry and academic expertise, to serve as Technology Taskforce co-chairs. The taskforce will be divided into three committees focused on talent, the innovation ecosystem and business growth. Each committee will have a cross-section of stakeholders who are tasked with making recommendations to The Right Place board of directors for action. The goal is for the committee work to conclude next spring with the development and launch of a 10-year strategic plan. Technology survey Prior to the formation of the taskforce, The Right Place conducted a fall 2021 survey of local businesses to assess the community’s

technology-related needs and potential for future growth. Over 100 businesses of varied size and a variety of industries responded. Several findings emerged indicating the strategic importance of strengthening the region’s tech cluster: •72% of respondents plan to increase tech hiring during the next five years. •Respondents plan to hire 3,200 tech workers in the next five years. •78% of respondents noted technology as “highly important” to their business strategy. •69% indicated intent to increase their tech training and recruitment budget in the next five years. Cybersecurity, cloud-based computing and artificial intelligence were the top three emerging technologies noted by respondents.

Nearly 100 business, academic and community leaders were invited to outline the process of designing a plan to position the Grand Rapids area as the leading technology cluster in the Midwest by 2031. Courtesy of The Right Place

The taskforce committees Talent Committee: Their job will be to satisfy the demand for tech talent by accelerating training for current workers, developing a strong pipeline of new tech talent, and attracting the best and brightest tech workers.

Innovation Ecosystem Committee: Their goal will be to develop and maintain an ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and tech sector growth. Business Growth Committee: This group will seek to cultivate the region’s tech econ-

omy across industry clusters by identifying technologies, trends and best practices that enable area companies to obtain and increase competitive advantage, expand market opportunities and grow their business through technology.

State expands regional child care program Construction The Tri-Share pilot program more than doubles its appropriation in state budget. Emerson Wigand

Capital News Service

LANSING — A program to help Michigan residents save on child care is getting a $2.5 million boost. This increase in this year’s budget more than doubles the $1 million appropriated to the MI Tri-Share Child Care pilot program in 2021. Eligible parents will pay one third of child care costs. Participating employers and the state will each pay a third. Parents may choose any licensed child care provider. The program assists families who are not in poverty but have limited income. It is administered by the Michigan Women’s Commission, which identifies and tackles equity issues and makes policy recommendations, said Cheryl Bergman, the group’s chief executive officer. Michigan women surveyed even before the pandemic pointed to the lack of affordable, accessible child care as their top issue, Bergman said. The lack of child care access pushes some to leave work for their children. As of July 2021, over 229,000 women have left Michigan’s workforce, Bergman said. “One good thing about the

Eligible parents, participating employers and the state each will pay one-third of child care costs under the pilot program. Courtesy iStock

pandemic is it’s shone the light on child care as an economic issue,” Bergman said. “This is not just a family issue.” A shrinking workforce of men and women is why more businesses are interested in the program, said Rich VanTol, director of the Great Start Collaborative at Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District. VanTol is leading TriShare pilot efforts in the Great Lakes Bay Region. “This is ultimately a way to attract talent and retain it, which is very hard right now for many of our employers,” VanTol said. Some businesses are waiting to see more results from the program that began last March be-

fore joining, VanTol said. But Vantage Plastics, a Standish manufacturer, joined the program early because of high employee turnover. It has been helpful for recruiting employees and keeping them, said Paula Straus, human resources director. “It’s a huge benefit to the community,” Straus said. “It helps the company get more workers in the door, it helps families and it helps the children to socialize.” Vantage Plastics has three parents participating. More employees are inquiring about the program, Straus said. Another employer partner in the region is the intermediate school district

for Gratiot and Isabella counties. “We look at this as an employee benefit to retain good people,” said Martin Combs, associate superintendent for special services. He said he hopes the program improves child care access despite a shortage of local and licensed options. Other regional program centers are in Muskegon and Traverse City. The Traverse City region is facilitated by United Way of Northwest Michigan. “We are grateful for the governor’s budget and the extension to move into year two,” said Seth Johnson, United Way of Northwest Michigan’s director. “We’ve learned so much, so stay tuned.” He said there are more than five participating employers in the region. “We still have a lot more work to do in making sure employers are aware of this,” VanTol said. Sixteen employers have signed up across the state and five families were enrolled, according to a September Women’s Commission report. “We’ve been doing lots of outreach to the business community,” Bergman said. “Both in these regions, as well as other areas in the state.” The expansion will allow two more regions to be added to the program. They have not yet been identified. Whether the program expands to encompass more regions beyond these is uncertain. “It might take more state appropriations,” VanTol said. “But it seems like there’s an appetite to make this happen in Michigan.”

industry can expect change

JLL report predicts escalating costs will continue through 2022. Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

JLL’s 2022 construction outlook anticipates highs and lows in the industry. According to Henry D’Esposito, JLL construction research manager, construction costs are expected to continue to escalate in 2022. Construction projects are predicted to increase in the spring of 2022, but the labor market is projected to continue its struggle with the lack of workers. The unemployment rate in August 2020 was 7.6% and in August 2021 it was 4.6%. Despite the decline in the unemployment rate, the labor market remains relatively unchanged, according to the report. Nationally, the total number of construction workers in the construction industry in August 2020 was 7.2 million. A year later, August 2021, it was 7.4 million. “Labor markets have been challenging in construction for years, and now that pain is being felt across many sectors of the economy, leading to a scarcity of available labor,” D’Esposito said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Domestic violence shelter receives grant DTE Foundation provides YWCA with funding to support community. Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

The YWCA’s Sojourner House offers expanded living and child care spaces for families in transition. Courtesy of John Corriveau Photography

The YWCA of West Central Michigan was one of the 45 domestic violence shelters in the state to receive grants from the DTE Energy Foundation totaling $420,000. “These shelters’ reputations

and bodies of work give us confidence that the support and services they provide to survivors is top notch, and the funding we’re providing will allow them to continue to help so many people in need,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Foundation. “We’re not only offering assistance to a strained shelter system struggling to cope with the impact of the pandemic, we’re shining a bright light on an issue that affects many of our friends, family members and neighbors.” Charisse Mitchell, CEO for the

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shelter, said the YWCA received a little over $11,000 to continue providing community support The programs and services we offer range from emergency shelter, transitional support and housing to legal advocacy, support groups, individual and group counseling, (and) supervised and supportive parenting time and exchange,” she said. “Our nursing examiner program provides advocacy support and medical forensic exams for sexual assault victims.” The YWCA of West Central Michigan serves more than 4,000 people including children. Mitchell said the organization will use the grant to support individuals and families, especially those who are in the shelter. “There are a number of supports beyond a warm bed and a safe place to sleep, but to help them transition to face independent living,” she said. “We know, especially now in Grand Rapids where the housing stock is quite limited, it was a struggle to find safe and affordable housing before. That challenge is even greater now. We know that the eviction moratorium and things like that are being lifted and people are trying to get back to work, to jobs, and to find child care and help their kids in transitioning into school, so it is for continued support for the many people who will be staying in our shelter and seeking support throughout the year.” Mitchell said the pandemic has had a multifaceted impact on the organization and the families it serves and it has had to adjust. While most places were closed during the early months of the pandemic, the shelter remained open. The organization purchased new technology and supplies such as personal protective equipment and air purifiers. It upgraded staff so the facility could undergo deep cleaning and sanitization on a regular basis. The organization was able to virtually provide therapy, advocacy services and support groups to families. It also provided direct assistance to domestic abuse survivors and others. Domestic violence-related calls doubled during the early stages of the pandemic at the shelter’s 24-hour hotline. Nationally, domestic violence calls increased by 8%. “Domestic violence shelters save lives,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “They provide critical services to survivors and come to them with help and wraparound support at some of the darkest points in their lives.” The YWCA of West Central Michigan also assisted families who were in its transitional housing program and lost their jobs by providing educational support, rental and utility assistance, and food and supplies for kids who needed to purchase tablets, laptops and have Wi-Fi access. “We certainly hope that businesses and organizations follow DTE’s example and find ways to connect and be a part of that work that is providing support to people who are hurting, who need to know that they are not alone and there are resources out there,” Mitchell said. “We want to be visible and as accessible as possible, and DTE is helping us to do that.”

Partnering to help create opportunities Last year, Bank of America committed $1.25 billion over five years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. To date, we’ve directly funded or invested one-third of this amount on top of long-standing efforts to make an impact in our communities and address society’s greatest challenges. Here are some of the ways we’re working to make a difference: • Investing $300 million in 100 minority-owned and minority-led equity funds, including New Community Transformation Fund, LP. This will help diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners create more jobs, financial stability and growth. • Investing $36 million in 21 Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks that support minority-owned businesses. This is in addition to approximately $100 million in deposits to MDIs and our existing CDFI portfolio of more than $2 billion, which helps build pathways to economic vitality in local markets. • Providing funding and support through innovative programs and partnerships with community colleges, universities and nonprofits that offer training and credentialing programs connecting more people to high-wage, in-demand careers. We’re doing this work in collaboration with community partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to ensure that our investments are directed where they’re needed most. Together, we can help drive sustainable progress in Grand Rapids. What would you like the power to do? ®

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THE LIST

Top Michigan Law Schools (RANKED BY 2020 ENROLLMENT)

Scholarship opportunity

Dean

Year founded

2020 enrollment

Median undergrad GPA

Median LSAT score

Average annual tuition

% of graduates passing first bar exam

Mark West

1859

289

3.76

169

$63,680

93.65%

Criminal and civil litigation, appellate, transactional and mediation opportunities in such areas of law as corporate, international and comparative, civil rights, human rights, intellectual property, health care, child welfare, family, small businesses, nonprofits, wrongful convictions, human trafficking, startups and more

Jelani Jefferson Exum

1912

199

3.24

152

$44,790

77.06%

Intellectual Property Law Institute; immigration and family law concentrations; clinics in immigration, housing, veterans, appellate veterans, trademark and entrepreneur, criminal trial, juvenile appellate, appellate advocacy, international patent and family law

Areas of specialty

University of Michigan Law School 625 S. State St. Ann Arbor 48109 p (734) 764-1358 f DND michigan.law.umich.edu

University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law 651 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit 48226 p (313) 596-0200 f 596-0280 law.udmercy.edu

Michigan State University College of Linda Greene Law 648 N. Shaw Lane East Lansing 48824 p (517) 432-6800 f 432-6801 law.msu.edu

1891

186

3.56

156

$41,040

79.13%

Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute; core curricular strengths of social justice, business and regulatory law, and innovation and entrepreneurship; and eight in-house clinics (1st Amendment, civil rights, tax, immigration, housing, chance at childhood, Indian law, and intellectual property and entrepreneurial law)

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School 300 S. Capitol Ave. Lansing 48933 p (517) 371-5140 f DND cooley.edu

James McGrath

1972

167

2.94

147

$41,250

45.92%

Concentrations in administrative law, business transactions, Canadian law practice, environmental law, general practice small firm and solo, intellectual property, international law, litigation, focused studies

Wayne State University Law School 471 W. Palmer St. Detroit 48202 p (313) 577-2602 f 577-9016 law.wayne.edu

Richard Bierschbach

1927

166

3.65

159

$32,902

87.95%

Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights; Levin Center at Wayne Law; Program for Entrepreneurship and Business; Program for International Legal Studies; clinics in asylum and immigration, business and community, civil rights, criminal appellate practice, legal advocacy for people with cancer, patent procurement and transnational environmental law

The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top Michigan law schools, ranked by 2020 enrollment, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on 2020 Standard 509 Information Report and responses to Business Journal surveys. Five law schools are represented on this list. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose

West Michigan University Cooley Law School is offering up to $4,300 in new scholarships to students beginning a Master of Laws Program in January, May or September 2022.

New faculty Wayne State University Law School welcomed new faculty members Nancy Chi Cantalupo, Daniel Ellman, Jamila Jefferson-Jones and Hillel Nadler.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Michigan State University overcomes challenges in court competition Students had to argue both sides of Roe v. Wade. Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

Michigan State University College of Law won the Billings Exum Frye Moot Court Competition. The three-member team of third-year law school students Makenzie Sipes, Lauren Legner and Haley Regan took home the championship title after competing in six rounds against 52 teams and more than 100 law students. The MSU team was coached by alumnus Anthony Chester. “It was a really cool feeling when we found out that we won,” Sipes said. “Just knowing that all our preparation and hard work had paid off, especially for the kind of problem it was, so it was a cool feeling. It was definitely a team effort as well.” The issue the team had to argue was whether Roe v. Wade should be overturned. The team had to argue both sides of the case. Regan was the brief writer and Sipes and Legner were the oralists. “We were surprised that

was the topic,” Sipes said. “We just had to approach it carefully, obviously, since the issue is abortion. Everyone has different opinions so that was a big part of our preparation of how do we approach this? We had to argue both sides of the issue at the competition so that was another difficult part was trying to figure out how we are going to convince the court to overturn 50 years of precedent when you argue the opposite side, so it definitely was a sensitive topic, and it was a challenge. It was definitely worth it.” The competition consisted of two preliminary rounds, an octo-final round, a quarterfinal round, a semifinal round and the championship round. According to the rules set out by Elon University School of Law, which hosted the competition via Zoom, during the preliminary rounds, the pairings were determined by brief scores, with the teams seeded based on their brief scores. Briefs were scored prior to the preliminary rounds. Teams in the top half of the brief scores were randomly paired against teams in the bottom half of the brief scores. The sides each team argued first in the preliminary rounds were assigned randomly; each team argued once on brief and

The Moot Court team at MSU took home a bevy of awards this fall, including recognition for multiple oral arguments and the team’s brief regarding Roe v. Wade, as well as top overall honors. Courtesy of Michigan State University College of Law

once off brief. The team’s score for the preliminary rounds was weighted 60% for the oral arguments and 40% for the brief. As the rounds continued, some teams were eliminated while others moved on based on their briefs and/or oral arguments. In the final round, the two

teams were randomly assigned which side they would argue and the team that received the highest total oral argument score won, which was MSU College of Law. In addition to the team earning the top spot at the competition, Sipes received awards for second place oralist and best

final-round oralist. The team’s brief also was awarded second place overall. The judges throughout the competition included attorneys, retired judges, federal judges and professors. Jennifer Copland, director of the competitions program and professor for MSU Law School, said students arguing both sides of a problem is beneficial for them and will help when they become attorneys. “They randomly assigned teams to a side in the elimination rounds so it could be either side that they have to argue,” she said. “They could argue for the women’s rights side or for the government side and not know ahead of time. Sometimes, it was maybe 15 minutes before a round (when) they were told what side they are going to argue. They had to get their minds back to that side; it could be plaintiff, it could be defendant. “It really teaches students how to see both sides. In practice, you are going to have a client and you are only arguing one side. It is hard to see maybe what the counter arguments would be where the other side is coming from, so it is hard for students to do this, to be able to argue both positions, but it really helps them see what the concerns are for the other party.”

Restoration of river rapids rolling along Project designed to allow routine and regular access to the Grand River. Kristia Postema

Capital News Service

Grand Rapids once was known for its roaring rapids that are no longer. After nearly a century and a half, river restoration projects may bring back the “grand rapids” that once characterized the city and provide environmental and economic boosts to the city. Dale Robertson, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, said the idea of restoring the rapids has been contemplated for a while, but it is finally in motion. “The restore the rapids project is a fairly recent addition to the city plan called the ‘GR Forward Master Plan,’” Robertson said. “The plan includes restoring the rapids, right within the river, but also changes on the banks of the river.” Robertson said the museum and many other waterfront properties plan to reconfigure their waterfront to pull the banks away from the river. That could help mitigate some of the high water

levels and flooding, he said. At 252 miles, the Grand is the state’s longest river, flowing from Somerset Township in Hillsdale County to Lake Michigan at Grand Haven. In addition to Grand Rapids, it passes through Lansing. Robertson said pulling the banks back will allow the public to experience the river in new ways. “More importantly, we will be allowing routine and regular access to the river itself,” he said. Robertson said the Grand Rapids Public Museum will educate and inform the public about the project. “We’re located right on the west bank of the Grand River, so we were designated to be that source for education and interpretation, not only of the project itself, but more importantly water systems and the history and culture of the Grand River,” Robertson said. In the 1800s, the Grand River was used as a “commerce waterway” so the city created dams to safely transport wood and other materials for furniture building, Robertson said. Jay Steffen, assistant planning director for the Grand Rapids Development Center, said restoration of the rapids will have environmental and economic benefits.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum on the west bank of the Grand River will reconfigure its waterfront to help restore the rapids. Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum

“The benefits fall into what I would consider to be three buckets,” Steffen said. “We have environmental, economic and equity benefits. We’ve got an entire program just focused on the equity rate related to the river. “One reason for restoring the rapids is because it will provide better habitats for fish, mussels and other creatures that live in the Grand River,” Steffen said. “It’ll also provide for better fish passage.” Upon completion of the entire project, an additional 80 acres of prime habitat for native fish, such

as the endangered lake sturgeon, will be created, Steffen said. Additionally, snuffbox mussels are another endangered species that Steffen predicts the restoration project will help. “The river restoration project would provide better habitat for not only this federally endangered mussel, but also other mussels as well,” he said. As for economic impact, Steffen said studies have shown that the project will boost the outdoor recreation economy immensely. “It’s somewhere between $15 million and $20 million per year

of economic benefit just related to recreation,” he said. “It would include recreation-related sales of fishing gear, kayaks, canoes and anything that would be outdoor and water recreation-related.” Steffen said the equity aspect of the project focuses on not only access to the water, but also “financial success and financial equity for anybody who wants to benefit economically from, for example, development along the river.” Daniel O’Keefe, a senior MichCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

GVSU expert: West Michigan economy better but still flat Comerica’s West Michigan’s economy remains plagued by supply chain issues, a new report finds. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

West Michigan’s economy remains plagued by supply chain issues, a new report finds. In West Michigan and across the country, supply chain prob-

lems have resulted in longer lead times, missed deliveries, higher prices and sometimes exorbitant expediting charges, said Brian G. Long, director of supply management research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. Long surveyed local business leaders and the findings in his report, published Nov. 8, are based on data collected during the final two weeks of October. “What seems most worrisome to some of our survey participants

is that there is still no end in sight for our supply chain problems,” Long said. “Although these supply chain gremlins are inhibiting the West Michigan economy, modest economic growth continues.” Most automotive manufacturers are extremely frustrated by the fact they cannot build or ship most of their cars because of a shortage of $15 worth of computer chips, Long said. “Throughout the chip crunch, automakers have prioritized output of large pickups, some of the

industry’s most profitable vehicles,” he said. “Ford and Ram are among automakers offering 0% financing for 72 months on large pickups. At the same Long time, competition in the segment is increasing, with a redesigned Toyota Tundra CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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allowing more patients to recover amid the comforts of home with the assurance of 24/7 medical support. SERVING THE UNDERSERVED University of Michigan Health-West collaborates with nonprofit partner Exalta Health to provide primary care for impoverished patients at a Grand Rapids clinic. Until now, these patients faced difficulty connecting to specialties, such as cardiovascular care. With remote examination tools installed in the clinic’s exam rooms, patients can now have a virtual consultation with one of University of Michigan Health-West’s cardiovascular experts. “This allows patients to obtain care at the neighborhood clinic where they are comfortable, while gaining seamless access to leading cardiovascular expertise,” said Hahn. Innovations that change care These advances are just some of the reasons University of Michigan Health-West has been recognized for 10 consecutive years as a national leader in using technology to benefit patients. Other examples include a robotic-assisted tool for earlier, more accurate and minimally invasive biopsies to diagnose lung cancer; augmented reality-supported spinal surgery; advanced robotic surgery systems, including in an outpatient setting; laser treatment for kidney stones; and specialized communication tools to speed up stroke treatment. “The best technology does not get in the way, but supports personal connection and quality of life,” said Hahn. “That’s why we emphasize technology that enhances the human experience. When that happens, great innovation is possible.”

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index declines

Economic activity report breaks eightmonth streak but still is higher than in 2020. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index broke an eight-month streak of gains by declining in August. The bank’s monthly index report showed a decrease in August to a level of 106.6. August’s reading was 24.4% higher than the historical low of 85.7 reached in June 2020 and still above the average of 100 points for all of 2020, which was nine points below the index average for 2019. July’s index reading was revised to 107.4. “Our Michigan Economic Activity Index eased by 0.8 points, or 0.7%, in August. This was the first monthly decline since last November, breaking a string of eight consecutive monthly gains,” said the report authored by Robert Dye, senior vice president and chief economist at Comerica. The August index level of 106.6 was still well below the May 2018 peak. In August, only three out of nine index components increased: nonfarm payrolls, unemployment insurance claims (inverted) and house prices. The four decliners were housing starts, industrial electricity demand, light vehicle production and sales tax revenue. Total state trade and hotel occupancy were little changed. “The Michigan economy is being held back by supply chain issues and labor shortages plaguing the state’s key manufacturing industries,” Dye wrote. “U.S. auto and light truck assemblies fell to a weak 6.45-million-unit annual rate in September, well down from the peak 8.95-million-unit rate from July 2020.” Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to a moderately tight 4.6% in September, still above the pre-pandemic 3.7%. “The global shortage of computer chips is a key issue for automakers, but they also face shortages of resin, steel, paint and other inputs, in addition to labor,” Dye said. “Industry experts estimate that lost production this year will cost U.S. automakers $210 billion. Manufacturing employment in Michigan has been stable at about 573,000 workers since recovering from the spring 2020 shutdowns. This is well shy of the pre-pandemic peak of about 633,000 workers.” The bank’s 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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

INSIDE TRACK

Caddy’s life of service

dnelson@grbj.com

he Salvation Army is central to providing social services to people around the world, and Major Glen Caddy has spent over four decades leading some of those efforts. Caddy is the divisional commander for the Salvation Army Western Michigan and Northern Indiana and throughout his career has helped the organization carry out its mission of alleviating hunger, overcoming poverty, providing shelter, sharing Christian values and implementing community activities. It’s also allowed him to live in various parts of the country while carrying out his service mission. His divisional leadership was evident in 2020 when individuals and families were struggling due to COVID-19’s effects on the economy. Despite the downturn, Caddy was able to help the organization’s signature Red Kettle Campaign — even with fewer volunteers than previous years — surpass its $1.3 million goal by nearly $200,000 through direct mail and online donations. Caddy’s ability to lead the division comes from years of leadership positions at the Salvation Army. After his freshman year of college, Caddy became a ministry intern at the Salvation Army in Jackson, working alongside an ordained officer for two years. He later enrolled in the Salvation Army College for Officer Training, a 23-month program. “We did a lot of classroom work and a lot of what they call field training when we were out in Salvation Army Corps facilities working in the neighborhoods and communities, getting hands-on experience to back up the classroom experience,” he said. When he completed the program, Caddy was commissioned as a lieutenant, ordained as a minister and appointed to lead the Salvation Army DeKalb Corps Community Center in Illinois.

The Salvation Army in DeKalb had a small congregation and a food pantry. Caddy, along with volunteers, started youth programs, character-building programs and a day care center. “It was determined that affordable day care was a huge need in that community, so we opened a day care center,” he said. “We had character-building programs and Scouting programs. They were after school or evening activities that basically taught life skills and teamwork and those types of things. It was a good time. We were new and we were young and didn’t know any better. We started 22 new activities the first year we were there. The second year we said, ‘this is too much’ and we had to prioritize some things.” After completing his third year, Caddy was appointed to Belvidere, Illinois. The main employer was a Chrysler plant but when he arrived, the plant had been closed for 26 weeks. At the time, Caddy said, 52% of the population was unemployed. He determined there was a need for a food pantry, so the Salvation Army partnered with Green Giant, a company brand that sells canned and frozen vegetables, to open a food pantry. Through that partnership, the organization also was able to secure Pillsbury products. “We would have canned chili, canned stew, hamburger helpers and those types of things,” he said. “Then we were able to make relationships with local grocery stores so we could buy fresh meats and buy things wholesale to restock the pantry. That was the biggest thing that we did in that community, to say there is a problem and we need to fix it.” During his time in Belvidere, Caddy was tasked with stabilizing the organization’s finances. As a result, they had to “trim” the frequency of some of the activities different programs were offering. He was later appointed to Appleton, Wisconsin, where a new Salvation Army community center was built. He started youth programs, a food program that was run by volunteers and opened a

GLEN CADDY Organization: Salvation Army Position: Divisional commander for the Salvation Army Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Age: 65 Birthplace: Detroit Residence: Comstock Park Family: Wife, Carol; daughter Jennifer and son Joe Biggest Career Break: “When I went back and said, ‘God, this is where you are leading me.’ In our positions we don’t really compete for jobs. We don’t promote ourselves into jobs, so the idea of saying, ‘This is my next career move’ just doesn’t seem to happen that way. I would say my biggest career break was back 45 years ago when I said, ‘Yes, this is where I am called to go.’”

Major Glen Caddy said he plans to retire from the Salvation Army next year after more than 40 years of service.

Salvation Army divisional commander has spent more than four decades helping people in need throughout the Midwest. Danielle Nelson

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

free walk-in medical clinic. Four years later, Caddy moved to the divisional headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, which served southern Illinois and Missouri. He was appointed as a divisional youth leader, overseeing youth programs and Salvation Army summer camps. He also sat on the division’s finance board. After another four years, Caddy moved to the Salvation Army Central Territory headquarters, becoming the assistant program secretary. He worked with 11 Midwestern states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. While there, he helped design and develop programs for evangelistic outreach and member recruitment. After three years, Caddy moved to Grand Rapids for the first time and became a divisional secretary for Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, which consists of 39 counties in Michigan and six counties in Indiana. There were 28 different Salvation Army locations in those areas. He dealt with property, human resources, IT and personnel issues. Caddy visited all local corps centers at least a couple of times per year to review and conduct inspections. During that time, he completed his bachelor’s degree in practical ministry. In 2003, Caddy moved back to the territorial headquarters in Chicago where he focused on developing and monitoring programs aimed at the denominational life at the Salvation Army such as discipleship programs, Sunday School curriculums, youth groups and music activities. Caddy was appointed to Royal Oak after three years at the territorial headquarters. He was the pastor and a corps officer who led

a congregation, community center program and summer camps. He also helped to lead a food pantry, an after-school program and an overnight men’s shelter. Four years later, he moved back to Chicago to join the Salvation Army College for Officer Training as director of business. He was responsible for supervising the human resources, building and finance departments and managed record and bookkeeping for all students. He also was an instructor, teaching property management, finance, Bible and preaching classes. During that time, he also earned a master’s degree in ministry leadership. He then was appointed to Wichita, Kansas, as city commander, responsible for three social services institutions, two corps community centers and a camp. “At the time, we ran a home for boys who were under court-ordered supervision,” he said. “We had a 40-bed unit for boys. We had a transitional shelter for families who were working their way out of homelessness. We had a foster care program where we supported foster families with training and development and licensing. “We had two community centers that basically had their own youth and music programs. We had a big social services program in all the locations as well, providing food pantry emergency assistance and energy assistance. We had a camp that was utilized all summer long for day camps and overnight camps and then in the offseason it was used as an event center where people could rent space and have events.” Caddy spent two-and-half years in Wichita before returning to Grand Rapids in 2015 as the divisional commander. “It was nice coming back someplace we’ve been before,” he said. “It had been 12 years between and

to see the growth in Grand Rapids from 2003 to 2015 was phenomenal. “Obviously the opening of the Grand Rapids Kroc Center on the south side on South Division was a huge accomplishment in the time that we were away. It is a state-ofthe-art facility that provides a lot of activities for the community. They partner with local schools to provide swim lessons, music lessons, after-school academies, senior programs. In addition to the fitness classes and other music and art classes, we have martial arts, ballet, gymnastics and all kinds of things. In addition to that, they have a great backyard, which is a nice playground. It has basketball courts, soccer fields, as well as a community garden and, in the summertime, it has a giant slipand-slide down the hill. “This was a phenomenal thing to move back in to and say ‘well, this wasn’t here before.’” As the divisional commander, Caddy provides “administrative and ecclesiastical leadership.” He also serves as chair of the division’s finance board. “We have the Kent County Social Services, which provides rent, food utility assistance and a program we call Pathways of Hope,” he said. “Families who are stuck in poverty, we help them break that cycle of poverty, we work with them in setting goals and working with their strengths. That’s a new initiative we’ve been working on the last few years. “We have a Turning Point program, which is a substance use disorder treatment program. We also have the housing assessment program, which is the gateway for anybody needing housing in Kent County. They go through the clearinghouse at our housing assessment program where they have access to all the agencies and programs that are available for housing.”

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Fewer cubicles, more collaborative spaces projected for downtowns Libraries also are seeing an upswing in post-pandemic remote workers. Cameryn Cass

Capital News Service

LANSING — Remote work brought on by the pandemic and projections that some of it will be permanent is reshaping Michigan downtowns and traditional office spaces.

Workers who continue to work from home still are going out into the community and making use of alternative workspaces at coffee shops and libraries, said Richard Florida, an economic analysis and policy professor at the University of Toronto. Already, collaborative spaces in Michigan libraries are seeing higher traffic as people seek a place to work, said Deborah Mikula, the executive director of the Michigan Library Association. “What we are seeing is a new love of libraries,” Mikula said. “Li-

braries are not just about books — they are places for individuals who are working remotely.” Each of the 396 public library systems in the state has private study rooms available for community members to use, Mikula said. More people are taking advantage of these workspaces in centrally located libraries that often are in business districts. Although traffic has increased, libraries around the state are pleased and prepared for this library revival, Mikula said. The Detroit Regional Chamber

estimates 20% of post-pandemic working days will be remote. And that has a significant impact on downtown real estate. For those returning to in-person work, office use will evolve, said Christopher Moyer, the director of communications at the Detroit Regional Chamber. The chamber is studying the likelihood of moving away from cubicles and toward collaborative spaces, an idea Florida recently endorsed at the Mackinac Policy Conference. However, Florida said tradition-

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al office space is “dead.” He calls for a reimagining of what brings people downtown: in place of central business districts, he envisions that post-pandemic downtowns will instead have what he calls essential connectivity districts. Long before COVID-19, organizations created authentic and successful downtown community spaces, said Michelle Parkkonen, the managing director of technical assistance programs at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC). But the pandemic fostered urgency in addressing what downtowns ought to look like, Parkkonen said. “Those downtown businesses and public spaces can become that third place, that new office for remote workers to alleviate some of those (work-from-home) challenges,” Parkkonen said. Michigan Main Street is a program through the MEDC that helps 24 communities revitalize and preserve historic downtowns. It works to create the sort of high vibrancy businesses people want, Parkkonen said. Even if people move away from traditional office space, they will still need a space to meet and work together, Moyer said. “We anticipate a continued strong economic recovery in Michigan, which will lead to and engender office spaces being used for increased collaboration, but also the expansion of mixed-use commercial and public spaces,” Moyer said.

Comerica’s index declines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

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 Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Inc. (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas and st ra t e g i c a l ly aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The ReDye tail 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. Comerica reported total assets of $94.5 billion as of Sept. 30.

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SpringGR launches The 250 Project CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and one employee scale up their revenue to at least $250,000 or by 30% by the end of 2022. The program will use the StreetWise MBA curriculum by Interise, a national nonprofit founded in 2004 that helps small businesses develop their companies. Obande said at the event he has read Business Journal articles over the years citing studies that ranked Grand Rapids on various metrics, such as it being the No. 2 city for new small businesses, yet 122nd in the U.S. for Hispanic entrepreneurs and the second-worst in the country for African Americans economically. He said his organization hasn’t seen that equity gap shrinking due to the many barriers entrepreneurs of color still face. In 2020, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation commissioned Linda Fowler, founder and CEO of Regionerate, to produce a Grand Rapids Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Assessment that took nine months and examined gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem through interviews with ESOs like SpringGR, conversations with entrepreneurs and other research. Obande said SpringGR found three conclusions from the report of particular interest: •There is a need to address barriers to entrepreneurs of color more effectively, including programmatic, cultural and fi-

nancial barriers. •Small business owners want to support each other by networking and partnering in ways that grow their businesses — especially entrepreneurs of color. •The current capital stack is not inclusive and has gaps, especially for growth-focused companies. “We have a question of scale in our city. … Over the years, we’ve tried to address this. We’ve said, ‘OK, which of the businesses that have come through SpringGR have the right founders and have a scalable business, and what supports can we put around them to allow them to grow?’ We never were able to crack that cookie fully,” Obande said. SpringGR recently initiated conversations with other ESOs, entrepreneurs above and below the $250,000 mark, and lenders, and four main problems stood out: Businesses of color need more customers, a scaling-up methodology, industry-specific knowledge, and accessible and attractive (not high-interest) lending. Although community development financial institutions like Northern Initiatives and Rende Progress Capital are working on that last piece, more is needed to improve the full picture. SpringGR’s goal is that The 250 Project — a 14-session, seven-month program — will systematically address each of those needs in ways its original 12-week

business training program is not able to do. The 250 Project will aim to: •Increase business revenue by 30% or at least up to $250,000 by the end of next year. •Identify new and retain repeat customers. •Build a “scale-up” plan for all participating businesses. •Identify lending partners that will build flexible, low-interest products, working with the business to get to a “Yes.” Interise’s StreetWise MBA curriculum has been implemented in over 90 communities nationally, focusing on underserved entrepreneurs and culminating in a three-year comprehensive growth action plan. Since its creation, StreetWise MBA has delivered an average growth rate of 36% for businesses that complete the program. Obande said SpringGR invited each of the 55-plus individuals to the Nov. 16 event so they could contribute ideas and solutions that can be woven into the program to ensure the best outcomes. Specifically, what they believe contributes to the problem, what they are willing to commit to as a problem-solver, and who is not in the room that should be (and could be invited next time). Attendees broke into small groups after the presentation and reported ideas to the room for increasing the economic success of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC)-owned businesses,

such as: •Being willing to consider mergers and acquisitions as a path to growth rather than only starting from the ground up, an idea suggested by Eastern Floral founder Bing Goei. •Increasing the diversity of their networking circles, suggested by Sharouq Almallah, director at the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at Grand Valley State University. •Reimagining venture capital and banks to specifically target minority groups •Considering more diverse categories besides lifestyle and service industries when looking to start a business •Additional partnerships such as equity investments to raise capital rather than only looking to banks •Educating entrepreneurs until they overcome the “side hustle” mindset and embrace a mindset of building enterprise-scale, generational wealth Applications for businesses that want to go through the program open on Dec. 1, and informational sessions for stakeholders, applicants and the public will be held on Dec. 16 and Jan. 13. As of now, Obande said SpringGR does not know how many businesses in the community will meet the $100,000 revenue and one employee threshold, but he is looking forward to finding out. More information is at springgr. com.

NCTF hires venture fund vet as managing director CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pleased to welcome Ollie into the role of managing director,” said Renee Tabben, president of Bank of America’s Grand Rapids market and board chair of NCTF. “He is a highly regarded, innovative leader in the venture capital space and bringing his expertise to western Michigan will ensure that entrepreneurs of color have direct access to capital and support services.” As managing director, Howie will be responsible for guiding the work of the organization to achieve its mission by sourcing deal flow and building relationships with investors and the community. He also will lead business growth through creating, negotiating and closing investment opportunities. Inspired by an idea in 2018 by Klohs, former president and CEO of The Right Place, NCTF launched on Jan. 23, 2020. She said hiring Howie is the next step in the process of enacting the vision for a more equitable economy. “This announcement is the culmination of my three-year journey to bring this type of investment vehicle to the region,” Klohs said. “I am delighted to welcome Ollie to West Michigan, where I know he will be successful in not only continuing to grow the fund, but to start making investments and creating upward mobility for en-

trepreneurs who have not been given opportunity historically.” Klohs shared her idea in 2018 with her friend Skot Welch, founder of Global Bridgebuilders, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm. Welch then recruited successful venture capitalist Kwame Anku, CEO and gen-

“He will be successful in not only continuing to grow the fund, but to start making investments and creating upward mobility for entrepreneurs who have not been given opportunity historically.” Birgit Klohs eral partner of Black Star Fund, who is widely known as one of the first Black venture capitalists to create a fund with an all-Blackowned company portfolio. Anku began serving as a fund consultant during the first year of NCTF operations. The trio incubated the idea and socialized it with potential funders, finding a wide base of support. Welch served on the selection committee that hired Howie. “We had strong interest from exceptional people, but Ollie’s

direct experience working for the Opportunity Fund, being involved in their venture efforts with a similar focus, and having deep connections in the entrepreneur-of-color ecosystem, was simply unmatched,” Welch said. NCTF initially was seeded with funds from Bank of America and Consumers Energy Foundation. DTE Energy followed, along with additional funding from BoA and the Consumers foundation, as well as John Kennedy, Gentex, The Meijer Foundation, Horizon Bank, Mercantile Bank, Rockford Construction, Spectrum Health Innovations, Wolverine Building Group, WGO Capital and Brooks Capital Management. To date, the fund has raised almost $10 million, which was the goal set before it would make its first investments. 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 three areas: West Michigan-based, people of color-owned companies; transitioning, nonlocal companies that are willing to place an entrepreneur of color in executive posi-

tions; and second-stage entrepreneurs of color who will relocate to West Michigan to grow their company. NCTF has an investment committee comprised of local and national members and is governed by a board of directors which, along with Klohs, Welch and Anku, includes Tabben; Garrick Rochow, president and CEO of Consumers Energy; and Christal Jackson, an international venture philanthropist. Howie has met most of the board and investment committee and said he looks forward to working side by side to accomplish the fund’s goals. “I firmly believe that the authentic passion and dedication exhibited by the board and investment professionals to make this fund succeed will create sustainable change in the West Michigan economy. I am honored to be a (part of ) this story,” he said. Howie recently moved to Grand Rapids and will spend the next several months getting acclimated to West Michigan and meeting with entrepreneurs and businesses. He said he already has started to shape his vision for what’s next. “It’s important that we are seen as trusted partners to those looking to make a difference. Our job is to create an ecosystem that says ‘yes’ to diversity,” he said.

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Construction industry can expect change CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

The number of construction projects is expected to begin increasing in spring 2022 because construction volumes in the winter months are typically slower. Fear surrounding the delta variant of COVID-19 also have contributed to the current slowdown. Although JLL anticipates construction volumes to increase in the spring, the completion of projects is expected to be affected by labor availability and wages, material costs and construction costs. Construction wages have increased, in part, due to the lack of qualified labor. Between August 2020 and August 2021, labor wages increased by 4.46%. In 2022, labor costs are expected to continue their upward trend of the past six months, within the 3%-6% range, according to the report. JLL foresees the average price increase for all construction materials to be in the 5%10% range. Some commodities such as metal “are not likely to continue increasing endlessly.” Prices for copper and brass products, gypsum products, lumber and plywood, steel mill products, aluminum mill products, plastic construction products, insulation materials, concrete and flat glass have been volatile for the past 12 months, some more than others, the report said. In addition to construction material prices, lead times and delays are of concern in the industry. Backlogs coupled with a “new round of production and shipping shutdowns globally due to the delta variant have meant that suppliers are unable to catch up despite their best attempts to do so,” the report said. The backlog for domestic flatbed truck shipments is declining, but global shipping is experiencing delays, which JLL predicts will continue into next year. “In 2020, nearly 85% of project delays and cancellations were caused by either owner-led decisions or government-ordered construction shutdowns,” per the report. “So far in 2021, the balance has shifted toward supply issues. Material availability, internal labor availability and subcontractor labor availability have become the largest challenges for ongoing construction projects, after owner-led decisions.” With the challenges involving labor shortages, increased wages and material costs, and the effects of delivery backlogs, total construction cost is expected to increase next year. “Through August, average final construction costs for a commercial project had increased 4.5%, and total cost growth by year-end is likely to surpass 6%,” D’Esposito said. “A similar level of cost escalation, in the range of 4% to 7%, is expected into 2022.”

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

COMMENT & OPINION

GUEST COLUMN Lou Glazer

A knowledge-based economic development strategy

year ago, Rivian, which often is described as the Tesla of trucks, announced it was moving its headquarters from suburban Detroit to Irvine, California. The announcement received hardly any Michigan press coverage. And, even more concerning, it garnered no reaction from Michigan’s political and business elites. Two years earlier, Amazon announced that despite big subsidy offers from Detroit and Grand Rapids, no community in Michigan made the final 20 for its Amazon HQ2 and resulting 50,000 high-paid jobs. That received lots of Michigan press attention for a week or so. And statements of concern by Michigan’s political and business elites. But that, too, lasted for a short while and then everyone went back to business as usual. Contrast that to the reaction to Ford’s announcement that it was locating three battery plants and an electric vehicle assembly plant in Tennessee and Kentucky. That announcement generated wall-towall statewide news coverage. And there were alarm bells sounding from Michigan political and business elites. The fact that losing Rivian HQ and Amazon HQ2 generated little or no attention and losing the Ford battery plants generated calls from across the political spectrum for the state to spend oodles more in subsidies for auto companies should not be a surprise. For decades, the Michigan economic development playbook has been first and foremost about being competitive with southern states for auto-related factories. There’s one big problem: That factory-based playbook is decades out of date. Michigan’s factory-based economic development strategy leads to Michigan permanently being a low-prosperity state. The reality is that production jobs (blue-collar factory workers)

are a declining proportion of the labor market, and those jobs now have median wages below the median for all workers. That is true not just in metro Grand Rapids and all of Michigan, but also in states like Tennessee, which we are told is the model Michigan needs to pattern itself after. The high-growth, high-wage segment of today’s American economy is represented by the Rivian headquarters and Amazon HQ2. The American middle class is now dominated by professionals and managers, not by factory workers. Michigan can only return to being a high-prosperity state, a status it enjoyed for most of the 20th century, if it adopts a knowledge-based economic development strategy. The factory-based economic development playbook is dominated by low taxes, particularly low business taxes, and big subsidies to companies for each factory located or expanded in your state. The knowledge-based economic development playbook is anchored by public investments in education from birth through college and creating places where mobile talent wants to live and work. Minnesota, the Great Lakes region’s most prosperous state, for decades has been at the leading edge of developing and deploying a knowledge-based economic development playbook. When you look at the economic well-being of workers in Tennessee and Minnesota, you see clearly that the path to prosperity is in retaining and attracting enterprises like Amazon HQ2 and Rivian HQ. Minnesota has a much higher median hourly wage than Tennessee: $22.41 vs. $18. That goes with a substantially higher employment-to-population ratio: 65% of Minnesotans 16 and older worked in 2020 compared to 56% of Tennesseans. So, Minnesotans work more and earn more than Tennes-

seans. That results in employment earnings per capita of $38,133 in Minnesota compared to $31,751 in Tennessee. That differential is the major contributor to Minnesota being 12th in per capita income while Tennessee is 38th. Production jobs in both Minnesota and Tennessee have median wages below the statewide median: In Minnesota, it’s $19.30 compared to $22.41; in Tennessee, it’s $17.17 compared to $18. Production jobs in both states are a declining share of the workforce. It’s down from 13% in 2001 to 8.6% in 2020 in Tennessee, and down from 9.6% in 2001 to

7.6% in 2020 in Minnesota. The exact opposite is true for the core occupations at enterprises like Amazon HQ2 and Rivian HQ: management, computers and math, architects and engineers, and scientists all are valued. Median hourly wages in those occupations in Minnesota range from $53.61 in management to $34.77 for scientists, and from $42.79 in management to $29.89 for scientists in Tennessee. And the share of jobs in those occupation groups combined have been growing in CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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GUEST COLUMN Rosalynn Bliss and Scott McLennan

Proposed short-term rental law fuels housing crisis

ichigan is in the middle of a housing crisis. Too many middle-income earners are facing rents or home prices that take up far too much of their budgets. Businesses are having a hard time attracting new employees because there is not enough reasonably priced housing in their area, or the homes their employees can afford are long distances from their work. The explosion in the popularity of short-term rental websites like VRBO and Airbnb are making the issue worse by taking single-family rental units and owner-occupied homes off the housing market. Many homes listed on these sites are not just family cottages listed a few weekends out of the year. Investors are buying up dozens of homes at a time and operating them like miniature hotels that are rented out every weekend. It’s a matter of simple economics: Fewer quality homes are available for

full-time residents, which means higher prices for everyone. Rather than help address our housing crisis, lawmakers in the State House approved legislation that threatens to take even more homes off the market and increase housing prices even higher for Michigan families. Driven by misplaced fear that communities across the state will try to outlaw short-term rentals, lawmakers approved House Bill 4277 in the darkness of night that would allow one in every three homes in a community to be turned into a vacation rental. Their 3 a.m. vote completely overturns the careful work communities like Grand Rapids have done to ensure neighborhoods remain intact and there is a balance of housing available for permanent residents as well as visitors. Such policies include utilizing local zoning laws to limit short-term rentals to certain areas and capping the to-

tal number of short-term rentals in a community. To be clear, not every community has the same concerns about losing single-family homes to vacation rentals. Some would welcome more. Others — especially in popular vacation destinations — do not have housing that their teachers, police officers and downtown restaurant workers can afford. This is not to say that vacation rentals are bad. They have been a great way for homeowners to earn extra income, and they have provided new options for tourists wishing to enjoy our great state. But no two communities in this state are alike. University towns

have different housing needs than rural or suburban communities. Lakefront communities have different needs than farming communities. Each one needs to be able to determine how to best fit vacation rentals into their mix of housing options in a way that is right for their own unique needs. We urge our lawmakers to reject the one-size-fits-all approach passed in the State House in favor of legislation that allows for local decisions to stay local when it comes to short-term rentals. Rosalyn Bliss is mayor of Grand Rapids and Scott McLennan is mayor of Rogers City.

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

GUEST COLUMN Dave Kahle

Create specific expectations to transform your company’s salesforce

just finished a phone call with a potential client to discuss a problem. His 18-person salesforce was paid on straight commission. All had been with the company for 8-15 years and were earning healthy incomes. His problem was that he couldn’t get them to do what he wanted them to do. He wanted the salespeople to call on new prospects to expand the company’s base. Instead of just seeing established customers, he asked them to call on prospects and report back to him on the progress they were making. There were almost no results. Instead, he got comments like: “I’m not going to do this, I’m not a new salesperson.” or “That’s just more paperwork.” The list could go on and on. The salespeople resented being asked to do something they saw as outside of their responsibilities, and the manager was extremely frustrated. I call this a lack of “directability.” The problem is that management has not cleared up this murky difference of opinion. It may be that the salespeople choose to ignore management’s direction. That’s a different, but an associated, problem. It really doesn’t come into play until the expectations are made clear. For example, one of my clients moved his company to a CRM system. He gave the salespeople six months to learn to type, offered to pay for a typing class for them, and mandated that on a date approximately six months from now, the company would totally implement the CRM system. That meant that every salesperson would be expected to use it to record sales calls, customer information, etc. The expectations were perfectly

clear. At the end of the six months, three of the salespeople had not improved their typing skills. When asked about the use of the system, they responded, “We’re salespeople, not clerks. We’re paid to sell, not enter information.” In this case, the expectations were clear, but the salespeople held on to an outmoded definition for their jobs. The company’s course of action was clear, and those three salespeople were replaced. The difference in these basic expectations generates conflict, resentment and frustration almost daily. This negative condition leads to dismal productivity. The sales manager continually squanders his time trying to shape the behavior of the salespeople. The salespeople focus on doing exactly the opposite of what management asks so that they can build their case and prove their point. A company caught in this kind of malaise has virtually no ability to implement any strategic initiatives. For example, let’s say the company has decided to take on a new product line. Management sees the new line as holding the potential to grow into a category that is a minor piece of business for the moment. As management looks ahead, they see this category growing, and want to use this line to position the company in this promising segment. So, management makes a commitment to the new line, buys the beginning inventory, loads the SKUs into the computer, works out the pricing columns, posts the products on its website and educates the customer service department. One piece remains — harness the power of the salesforce to generate business. Management calls the sales-

force together, brings in the manufacturer’s rep and introduces the new strategic initiative. The sales manager announces that every salesperson should introduce it in every one of his good accounts in the next 30 days. The salesforce nods gravely, and then goes out and does whatever they have been doing for the last few years. At the end of the 30 days, virtually nothing has been done. Sound familiar? I have sketched this scenario to thousands of principals and CSOs at annual meetings and national conventions. I then ask the question, “If you were in this situation, what would be the likelihood that every one of your salespeople would do what you asked them to do?” The response is dismal. Now, consider the implications. If you cannot implement a strategic initiative like this, what is the future for your business? You can see why I am so adamant about the importance of a “directable” sales force. It is one of the most valuable assets you can have. There are several items causing this: 100% commission compensation plans; salespeople who have been around a long time; highly paid salespeople; a corporate culture that promotes the idea that a salesperson “has his own business.” All these contribute to the situation. Instead, create and communicate a precise set of expectations to the salesforce that describes their jobs and what you expect them to do. Once you have done that, you will have laid the groundwork for the changes that should follow. It is difficult to create change in the behavior of a salesperson in the absence of a clear set of expectations. That document is not a guarantee that the salespeople will

change, but it is necessary to direct the process. It’s the first step. How to … First, let’s start from the end. What are you going to end up? There is room for lots of variation on the format and formula. I like to see this: One side of one piece of paper, on which you spell out the following things: •An overview of the job •The most important seven activities for success in the job •The definition of how success is measured •To whom salespeople report •Expected attitudes The question then becomes, how do you get to that point? Should you involve the salesforce? I’m ambivalent about that. On one side, I’m a little hesitant to advocate that you ask the salesforce or that you add a salesperson to the task force. Unless the person you involve is especially mature, the likelihood is that the salespeople will input in ways that are in their own personal self-interest, not necessarily the good of the company. This is especially true if they are 100% commissioned. On the other hand, I’ve seen clients who have involved a mature salesperson with good results. So, the answer depends on the specifics of your personnel, as well as the corporate climate in your organization. Regardless, at some point, you will have a document. Now you need to communicate that document. That calls for a sales meeting with all the key players in attendance. It’s important that the CEO be involved, to lend credibility and authority to the proceedings. The salespeople must understand

that there is no opportunity for an appeal to a higher source, that there is no negotiation on your expectations. It is always a good idea to give the “whys” of the expectations, particularly if the expectations represent a major shift from current practice. It’s also a good idea to encourage dialogue and discussion. Use the meeting as an opportunity to encourage people to mentally process the information. There is a line, however, between discussion and negotiation. I take a hard-line view on this issue. I really don’t think it is up to the salespeople to tell you what they should do. I think that is management’s job. There is plenty of room for salespeople to define the “hows” of their job. But the “whats” are the province of management. What’s next? The written set of expectations, clearly communicated, won’t by itself make transformational changes in many salespeople. It will take more than just this to power the change you want. The expectations are necessary, however, to set up the changes to come. It’s like outfitting a sailboat. You need to put the mast in place. A mast by itself, without a sail, a rudder and a keel will do absolutely nothing to move the sailboat. But you can’t hoist the sail until you fix the mast. 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/.

4 ways employers, employees can save on health care costs Knowledge is key to economic D development strategy GUEST COLUMN Megan Schmidt

ue to the rising cost of health care, it is important you know the ways you and your employees can save on these expenses. Many employers today are committed to providing health benefits for their employees. More than half of insurance coverage is employer provided, so finding ways to save you and your employees money on health is crucial. Check out these four tips to save on health care expenses.

Take advantage of cost transparency tools Health care costs shouldn’t be a mystery to employees. That’s why health plans like Priority Health provide members the tools and resources they need to research the cost of services before receiving the care. Cost Estimator, for example, allows members to search what in-network facilities and pharmacies charge for services and prescriptions based on each member’s specific plan, rather than a generic estimate, allowing members to “know before they go” and

plan ahead most effectively. Until recently, these types of resources didn’t exist, so many people are unaware of these tools. Encourage your employees to check out the cost tools offered through your health insurance provider — the cost savings can be significant.

“Look for wellness programs that meet your company’s needs and can contribute to overall workforce health and productivity, by helping employees get and stay healthy.” Megan Schmidt Investigate wellness programs Wellness programs are designed to motivate your employees to improve their health by offering rewards when they achieve predefined goals. Look for wellness programs that meet your compa-

ny’s needs and can contribute to overall workforce health and productivity, by helping employees get and stay healthy. Some aspects of a wellness program may include online health assessments, healthy habit tracking, nutrition and sleep resources, health coaching, tobacco cessation and biometric screenings. Wellness programs can help your employees achieve better health and potentially have fewer doctor visits. Visit the doctor virtually If, and when, employees do need to visit a doctor, encourage them to explore their options for receiving care. Virtual visits are a more convenient option when it comes to a non-emergent need to see a doctor. Used for minor issues such as fevers, cold and flu, sinus infections, allergies and more, a virtual visit is often the most cost-effective option. This service can help employees avoid numerous sick days, get back to work quickly and prevent an illness from getting worse while getting the care they need anytime, anywhere.

Get preventive care Preventive care often is an included benefit in your health plan. This means the plan pays the cost in full, so it’s free to your employees. Proactive preventive care is integral to staying healthy and ultimately avoiding visits to the doctor. Preventive care includes immunizations like your annual flu shot, physical exams, some lab tests and certain prescriptions. Download the Preventive Health Care Guidelines to see what is considered preventive care or ask your health plan provider. As an employer, it’s important to make sure that your employees know the tools out there to help them save on health care expenses. Cutting down on things like unnecessary procedures, emergency room visits and illness in general, through tools like Cost Estimator, virtual care and wellness programs, help lower health costs for everyone. Megan Schmidt is senior vice president of employer solutions at Priority Health and has more than 20 years of health insurance industry experience.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

both states: from 9.5% in 2001 to 10.7% in 2020 in Tennessee, and up from 9.8% in 2001 to 11.9% in 2020 in Minnesota. The path to prosperity for Michigan is to become more like Minnesota, not Tennessee. To do that requires preparing, retaining and attracting talent as the foremost economic development priority. The path to a high prosperity is anchored by Michigan shifting from an emphasis on being a low-cost/ high business subsidy state to a state that develops, retains and attracts human capital as its core strategy for economic success. Lou Glazer is president of Michigan Future Inc.

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur continues family tradition Inspired by her late aunt, Liz Pigorsh launches Button Up Your Plants. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

The idea for beautiful and functional plant wraps came to Liz Pigorsh in a dream involving her late aunt’s garden, and she took it as a sign to invent a product and start a business. Pigorsh’s Aunt Ellamae Braun was a master gardener and longtime volunteer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park until her death in 2010. Pigorsh (née Braun) had a dream about her in 2019 that was the jumping-off point for her invention and subsequent business, Button Up Your Plants. “I had a dream about her bright orange poppies and perfect pink peonies falling over into her driveway, as they did every season,” Pigorsh said. “That dream inspired Button Up Your Plants, an invention to showcase and protect delicate blooms.” Button Up Your Plants sells small, medium and large decorative wraps for outdoor existing plants in the ground, to provide support and give the illusion that they are potted, as well as wraps that fasten around the base of

outdoor potted plants, hanging plants and indoor plants. The wraps, which can be custom designed or come from an existing stock, typically range from $7.99$30, depending on size and design intricacy. Pigorsh has been many things: a resident of Cedar Springs and now Rockford, a stay-at-home soccer mom of four, a health coach and a caterer with Applause Catering. But one thing that’s always been true is entrepreneurship — and gardening — are embedded deeply in her family history. Her grandfather, Fred Braun Sr., founded Braun Machinery in Kentwood, and three generations of Brauns have since owned and operated the business. Her aunt, Fred Braun’s daughter and the aforementioned master gardener, taught her the concept of generational gardening and passed along a love of flowers and plants. The youngest of three boys and three girls, Pigorsh frequently visited her Aunt Ellie’s home in East Grand Rapids growing up and has many wonderful memories from those days. “It was just gorgeous in her backyard. She did the landscaping in the front, and she had a small aisleway that her poppies and peonies would be on. (It was) her driveway, the poppies and peonies, then her door. And I just remember (the flowers) always

The wraps for outdoor existing plants in the ground provide support and give the illusion that they are potted. Photo by Korbin Perry

flopping over. She had a detached garage and a really cool wooden gate that attached the two, and then you walked into this gorgeous garden in the back — it was just beautiful,” Pigorsh said. Ellie Braun put her nephews and nieces to work gardening and deadheading flowers so new blossoms could grow in their place, and she also shared plants with family members, who transplanted them each time they moved to keep the heirlooms going. Pigorsh describes her sister as a better gardener than she, but when the Pigorsh family moved

to their current home in Rockford, lo and behold, there were seven, nearly 30-year-old peony plants standing at about fourand-a-half feet tall each. It was no wonder, then, that Pigorsh had the dream in 2019 about her aunt’s peonies. “She said, ‘Wrap my poppies and my peonies,’ and I was crazy enough to follow the dream,” Pigorsh said, laughing. After inviting a friend, Becky, over to help create a prototype of the wraps one day, Pigorsh was struggling to think of a way to fasten the wraps when her friend

suggested using buttons. Pigorsh turned toward the fridge and saw on it a magnet made by her Aunt Ellie that was festooned in buttons and said, “If friends were flowers, I’d pick you.” Pigorsh took this as another sign, and the name for her invention and business was born. GKW Business Solutions in Rockford and S.C.O.R.E. Grand Rapids provided business consulting services to Pigorsh, Sightline Display in Walker helped develop the wraps, and now its in-house partner, Design Manufacturing, designs and manufactures the products. Button Up Your Plants, just over two years in operation, recently became a member of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and Pigorsh said she is excited to see what growth the future holds for her business. “I never imagined a love of plants would create so many friendships and strengthen my support from family,” Pigorsh said. “I love being around flowers, plants and people. I am relationship-oriented (and) love meeting people, so thankfully I enjoy knocking on business doors and sharing the wraps. People have been incredibly receptive and seem to love the idea.” The wraps are available to purchase at buttonupyourplants. com/shop.

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Students see advanced manufacturing firsthand Discover Manufacturing Week connects 4,000 learners with makers in the region. Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

More than 40 West Michigan manufacturers opened their doors to over 4,000 high school and middle school students as part of Discover Manufacturing Week earlier this month. A mix of in-person and virtual tours held Nov. 1-12 showcased company facilities and introduced students to an array of career opportunities. Discover Manufacturing Week is an annual event that’s part of the nationwide Manufacturing Day movement, created to dispel outdated images of the industry and to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Discover Manufacturing is a regional network of hundreds of manufacturers who are committed to addressing the short- and long-term talent needs of West Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Together with partners in education and training, workforce development and economic development, the group is training the current workforce, promoting the industry to the future workforce, and communicating opportunities and best practices. According to The Right Place, the manufacturing industry accounts for 15% of the workforce in West Michigan. “Manufacturing has a critical role in the West Michigan economy,” said Jerry Hill, industry council lead for Discover Manufacturing Week. “Our region includes more than 2,500 companies representing industries

ranging from biopharmaceuticals and medical devices to food processing and automotive. These employers are looking to hire smart, hands-on learners.” The West Michigan Works! 2021 Hot Jobs List features 55 job titles in the high-demand manufacturing industry. The median wage for mid-career workers in these positions ranges from $15 to $58 per hour. “I encourage all students to participate in Discover Manufacturing Week. It’s a great opportunity to get to know businesses in your neighborhood and identify careers you may not have ever heard of,” said Shayna Carlson, OAISD-CTE work-based learning supervisor, Careerline Tech Center in Holland. “Manufacturing has career opportunities for students in every single pathway, so no matter what you are interested in, there are opportunities to get involved. “Being able to see all the innovative projects that are happening right outside their back door is a huge eye-opener for students to all the possibilities right here in West Michigan.” More than 3,000 students participated in 10, 30-minute virtual sessions, each featuring two manufacturers highlighting various job opportunities, followed by question-and-answer sessions. “I learned that manufacturing isn’t as boring as I once thought. There is a whole community of people that work with one another every day. It is something special to be a part of,” said Amarra Kuiper, a freshman at Ostego High School. “I enjoyed learning about real-world jobs. I don’t usually hear a lot about jobs in general, and it’s hard to just listen about them. It was great that I got to see videos and pictures, so I had a better mental image.”

Students from Northview Next Career Center visited Wolverine Coil Spring for a plant tour. Photo by Discover Manufacturing

Nearly 1,000 students toured manufacturers in person. ArtiFlex Manufacturing again was one of the host sites this year. Jocelyn Hodack, who works in human resources training and development at ArtiFlex, took groups of students from Forest Hills Northern High School and Innovation Central High School on tours at one of the company’s tooling plants, at 2066 Bristol Ave. NW in Walker. She said during the one-hour tour, students got to see every step of the process — design/engineering simulations, machining, setting up/programming of the dies, assembly, testing and quality control. Hodack said students asked great questions and seemed to be engaged, and some asked about summer job and apprenticeship opportunities. She said Discover Manufacturing Week isn’t primarily about seeing immediate

GVSU expert: West Michigan economy better but still flat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

and the industry’s first electric pickup, the Rivian R1T, on the horizon.” On the subject of inflation, Long said the Federal Reserve still is sticking with its theory that the current inflation is “transitory.”

“What seems most worrisome to some of our survey participants is that there is still no end in sight for our supply chain problems.” Brian G. Long “They won’t say how long be-

fore we can expect to transition out of the high inflation we are currently experiencing,” he said. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Nov. 10, consumer prices surged at the fastest pace in more than three decades in October as fuel costs picked up, supply chains remained under pressure and rents moved higher — worrying news for economic policymakers at the Federal Reserve. Overall prices rose 6.2% over the past 12 months, the fastest pace since 1990, and inflation began to accelerate again on a monthly basis. Highlights of Long’s October report: •The Index of Employment remained positive at +24, down from +27. •New orders, or the Index of Business Improvement, rose to +15 from +8. •The Production Index, or out-

put, rebounded sharply to +19, up from -1. •The Index of Purchases eased to +8 from +14. The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.” More information is available by contacting Brian Long at (269) 870-0428 or by downloading the full report at http://gvsu.edu/s/1Ru.

talent attraction results but about changing perceptions to ensure the industry has a future. On top of that, she said, employees get as much out of the experience as they give. “It actually does something for us to internally. It’s rewarding to be able to talk about your passion and what you do at your company and what your contributions are, and to be able to share that with somebody else and leave a positive impression,” Hodack said. “Our employees are excited when students come to tour.” Jay Dunwell, president of Wolverine Coil Spring, said he has not lost his enthusiasm for giving these tours to students, even though he has been doing it for years. For Discover Manufacturing Week, his company hosted a group of students from Northview Next Career Center, providing them hands-on opportunities

to learn about coils and springs and all the various applications they have in everyday consumer products, such as in vehicle door handles and dishwashers. “We try and give them a good flavor of the diversity of career opportunities that manufacturing offers,” he said. The tour took students from the front office to assembly to production and concluded with an activity in the break room where students got to create mock torsion, compression and extension springs by winding pipe cleaners around wooden dowels. They also got to churn out real metal springs by taking CNC equipment through a coding sequence. Dunwell said manufacturing had a tight labor market before COVID-19 and now it’s tighter, making him even more passionate about touting the importance of manufacturing in West Michigan. “We think these career opportunities are a lot like rock climbing,” he said, noting people start in one role in the company and then they move up, and many of Wolverine’s employees have worked there for years and now their children also work there. “It’s a healthy sign that the parents are promoting these career opportunities to their next generation,” he said. Dunwell and Hodack both said their companies offer yearround opportunities for young people to tour their facilities and learn more about manufacturing careers. “It’s a great way to expose students (to manufacturing) in a very hands-on learning environment, to help them have a better understanding in ways that they might not be able to appreciate inside a classroom,” Hodack said.

Restoration of river rapids rolling along CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

igan State University Extension educator for Great Lakes Fisheries Education and Management, said that rapids-restoration projects actually can harm the ecosystem if not done carefully. “Whitewater projects can also create a situation where native fish have trouble moving upriver,” O’Keefe said. “There’s also the potential environmental pros and cons of the impact on native non-jumping fish.” According to O’Keefe, restoring the rapids in a way that is good for the environment will take time and careful planning. “The current plan has been broken into two phases,” O’Keefe said. “The first phase would deal with the area downstream of Sixth Street dam.”

The plan is to remove the Sixth Street dam and change the river through downtown, including alteration or removal of cofferdams, he said. According to O’Keefe, “when you look at the pros and cons of what is proposed for the Sixth Street dam, you get into a lot more complications with potential environmental pros and cons.” O’Keefe said that plan proposes altering the current structure of the Sixth Street dam and building another barrier upstream by Ann Street. “This river has been altered for a very long time,” he said. “The idea is to make it more similar to what the rapids might have been like, but I don’t think anyone’s claiming that we’re going to actually have the same thing that we had before.”

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

ACCOUNTING

Rehmann has been named to The Top 50 Construction Accounting Firms by Construction Executive for the third year in a row.

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

Mathison I Mathison Architects announced the additions of architectural designers Chia-Wei Chan and Dan Smuk.

ARTS

Kent District Library Executive Director Lance Chan Werner recently was appointed to the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees by Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth.

AWARDS

The Michigan Battle of the Buildings presented Fifth Third Bank with the Energy Opportunist Award for results achieved from a significant energy reduction project at the bank’s Corporate Service Center campus in Grand Rapids during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garza-Malone promoted to membership director The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce promoted Yadira Garza-Malone to director of membership. She previously served as a membership engagement manager since April 2018. In the last three-and-a-half years, Garza-Malone has worked to cultivate deep engagement with the businesses and organizations invested in the work of the Grand Rapids Chamber. Her role also included sponsorship support and assisting chamber members in strategic partnerships to enhance visibility. Garza-Malone’s background is in the financial industry, working in sales and management at Fifth Third Bank prior to joining the chamber. Architects announced the launch of a company rebrand with a threepronged focus on climate resiliency, green infrastructure and placemaking that supports the role of landscape architects as stewards of the land and positions OCBA to address conserving and incorporating natural beauty with development planning.

CONSTRUCTION

Kaydi M. McMahan joined West Michigan Community Bank in Hudsonville as retail loan officer.

Construction Simplified ranked No. 1,392 on Inc. magazine’s 2021 Inc. 5000 list, with three-year revenue growth of 440% and construction and development involvement of more than $115 million.

BUSINESS SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BANKING

Chicago-based L&W Supply promoted Bill Neldon to branch manager of its Grand Rapids location. Disability Advocates of Kent County relocated to Special Olympics Unified Sports & Inclusion Campus, 160 68th St. SW, Grand Rapids 49548. Kalamazoo-based Knight Watch acquired Lansing-based physical security integrator VidCom Solutions. Inc. magazine announced Hollandbased FlexPost Inc. made its 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest list for the fastest-growing independent small businesses within the Midwest. Kalamazoo-based OCBA Landscape

NOV 30 Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Elevate. Behind the scenes access at Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital. Includes tour, community updates, cash prize and lunch. Noon-1 p.m., Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital. Cost: free/ members, $10/additional members, $15/ nonmembers. Registration/information: mfare@hudsonville.org. NOV 30 Wyoming Business Leaders Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Registration/information: (616) 261-4500 or d.kuba@instantcashmi. com. DEC 1 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Operating System Quarterly Meet Up. Topic is Dive Deeper into the Components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System. 7:45-9:30 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber. Cost: $45/members, $65/nonmembers. Registration/information: bit.ly/ EOSPractices. DEC 1 Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour With The Chamber. Catch up and meet chamber members while supporting a local business. 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tripelroot, 146 E. Main Ave., Zeeland. Registration/ information: (616) 928-9101 or colleen@ westcoastchamber.org. DEC 2 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce After Hours. Casual open networking in a fun and inclusive setting. 5-7 p.m. Cost: free/members, $25/nonmembers. Location:

Amerifirst Home Mortgage in Kalamazoo ranked No. 2,960 on Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list as one of the nation’s top 5,000 fastest-growing private companies. This is the seventh time in the past 10 years Amerifirst has received the designation. Greenleaf Trust senior wealth management associates Michal Mikrut and Steve Davis have been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP certification marks in accordance with CFP board certification and renewal requirements. Greenleaf Trust announced the additions and role changes of Lyndsay Deery in its Business Information

TBD. Registration/information: bit.ly/ DecemberAfterHours. DEC 2 St. Cecilia Music Center Concert. Grammy-nominated duo The Milk Carton Kids. 7 p.m., Vera Sola; 8 p.m., The Milk Carton Kids. Cost: $40-$50. Registration/information: (616) 459-2224 or scmc-online.org. DEC 6 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With Legislators. Congressman Peter Meijer will give a federal policy update, a panel of local legislators will provide updates on state and local level policies and participants will tour the new Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building. 7:30-9 a.m., Michigan State University Grand Rapids Research Center. Cost: $25/members, $35/ nonmembers. Registration/information: grandrapids.org/event/breakfast-withlegislators-6/. DEC 6 Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga. Hear updates from Washington D.C., ask questions. 7:45-9 a.m., Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland. Cost: in-person, $40/members, $55/nonmembers, livestream, $15/members, $25/nonmembers. Registration/information: (616) 9289101 or colleen@westcoastchamber.org. DEC 7 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lesson Series. Hear from community trustees and leaders sharing valuable leadership lessons. 7:30-9 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber. Cost: $25/members, $40/nonmembers. Registration/infor-

Services Division, responsible for the coordination, oversight and testing of the business continuity and disaster recovery programs within the business information services division; Marisol Quiroz moved from Greenleaf’s Operations Division to its Corporate Administration Division as a financial accounting analyst; Demetra LaFayette joined the Operations Division as a tax specialist; Maria Tomlinson and Erin Young were hired as trust operations Quiroz specialists; and Luke Paxson and Katlynn Brown joined as IT service specialists.

GOVERNMENT

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Dowagiac announced the election of new Tribal Council members Rebecca J. Richards as Tribal Council chair; Sam Morseau as secretary; Mark Topash as member at large; and Barbara Ann Warren as elders representative.

CHANGE-UPS & CALENDAR

Rehabilitation relocated its Wyoming clinic to a new building at 6500 Byron Center Ave., Suite 202, Byron Center, 49315. The project was completed by First Companies and consists of 2,800 square feet of clinical treatment space including dedicated areas for specialties in sports functional rehabilitation and women’s health and pelvic floor treatment. Wyoming-based University of Michigan Health-West announced Amway co-chair Steve Van Andel has been elected chair of the board of directors; Dr. David Miller, president of University of Michigan Health and executive vice dean of clinical affairs for the University of Michigan Medical School, is vice-chair; and immediate past chair Bill Barkeley will remain on the board after seven years in leadership roles.

LEGAL

Attorney Charles L. Bogren joined the governmental law practice group at Plunkett Cooney. Bodman PLC announced three of its attorneys based in its Grand Rapids office have been included in the 2021 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers: Floyd E. Gates, Jr.; Wayne D. Roberts; and Carrie E. Trimpe. Grand Rapids attorneys Lindsay M. Cummings, Brian E. Kersey, Roberts and Trimpe were honored in The Best Lawyers in America. Corinne N. Sprague, a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, has been selected to participate in Leadership Grand Rapids. She is among more than 40 business professionals, nonprofit executives and government leaders to participate in the ninemonth community leadership program from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Warner Norcross + Judd LLC attorneys Larry Murphy, Doug Dozeman and Mary Jo Larson were named Top Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine.

HEALTH

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP partner John V. Byl was elected as a Fellow to the American College of Environmental Lawyers.

mation: bit.ly/DecemberLeadershipSeries.

DEC 9 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Exchange Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Downtown, 710 Monroe NW. Cost: $35/members, $50/ nonmembers. Registration/information: bit. ly/ExchangeLuncheon.

Mercy Health Saint Mary’s named Matt Biersack, MD, as president. The Center for Physical

DEC 7 Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce/Greater Muskegon Economic Development Let’s Talk Business Event. Covering a range of topics to help small businesses and entrepreneurs get the tools for success. 8-9:30 a.m. Location TBD. Lunch provided. Registration/information: bit.ly/ TalkBusiness2021. DEC 8 Grand Rapids Savvy Seniors Learning Series. Topic is Learning Precautions to Ensure You Remain Safe and in Control in Your Home as You Age. 1-2:30 p.m., Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE. Cost: free. Registration/information: bit.ly/ SafeHomeLectureSeries. DEC 8 W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Online Birds and Coffee Chat. Focus is on some birds considered rare in Michigan — Roseate Spoonbill, Western Meadowlark, Whooping Crane, Cattle Egret and Clay-colored Sparrow. 10 a.m. Cost: free, registration required. Registration/information: (269) 671-2510 or birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu. DEC 9 Acton Institute Lecture Series. Topic is Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak and the Promise of America, by Rachel Ferguson, author of “Black Liberation Through the Marketplace.” Noon. Cost: $15/general admission, $10/students, includes lunch, free live stream. Registration/information:bit.ly/ ActonLectureSeries.

DEC 9 Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Forge Event. Happy hourstyle networking. 4-5 p.m., Vitales. Cost: free/members, $10/additional members, $15/nonmembers. Registration/information: mfare@hudsonville.og DEC 11 Santa Parade Event. Starts at the 34th Street Mall, 3375 S. Division Ave. SW, Wyoming. 10-11 a.m. Registration/information: bob@southkent.org. DEC 8 Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni Holiday Party. Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar. Cost: free; $10 worth of goods to be donated to Community Action House. 4:30-6 p.m., 61 E. 7th St., Holland. Registration/information: (616) 928-9101 or colleen@westcoastchamber.org. DEC 9 SCORE Webinar. Topic is ConversionBoosting Strategies: Simple Changes That Can Help Grow Online Sales, by Michelle Hoang, marketing director, FedEx Services, and Brady Marchione, managing director of product, FedEx Dataworks. 1-2 p.m. Registration/information: bit.ly/GrowOnlineSalesWebinar. DEC 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Government Matters

MANUFACTURING

Feyen Zylstra has been designated an Inductive Automation Premier Integrator, the highest level of integrator certification recognized by Inductive Automation.

MILITARY

Lansing-based Michigan Veteran Homes has hired Carly MacDonald to serve as administrator of Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids.

NONPROFITS

Carla Moore has been promoted co-CEO of United Methodist Community House.

RETAIL

Byron Center-based SpartanNash announced the promotion of Tyler King to vice president, finance and finance business partner for the company’s retail business segment. Focus on the Family opened Family Central, 215 Central Ave. in Holland, a retail store that includes books, gifts, greeting cards and family-friendly products for all ages. The store will eventually include a dedicated interactive kids’ area where children can learn and play. This is the first time the ministry has expanded its retail offerings outside of its headquarters in Colorado Springs.

RESTAURANTS

Muskegon-based Parkland Properties of Michigan, a real estate development and hospitality firm that operates the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon/ Convention Center, Lake House Waterfront Grille & Event Center, Walker’s An American Brasserie, Lake Effect Bistro and the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, appointed Peter Birk as executive chef. 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.

Zoom Meeting with Elected Officials. Bring your top issues and interact with policymakers. 8-9 a.m. Registration/ information: (616) 531-5990 or michelle@ southkent.org. DEC 14 Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Wake Up West Coast In-Person and Livestream. Network and learn about best business practices. 8-9 a.m., Haworth Hotel, 225 College Ave., Holland. Cost: $35/members in person, $50/nonmembers in person, $10/members livestream, $20/nonmembers livestream. Registration/information: (616) 928-9101 or colleen@westcoastchamber.org.

DEC 15 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Hump Day Happy Hour. Build a sense of community between members and staff. Free beer and pizza. 4-5 p.m. Registration/information: grandrapids.org/ event/hump-day-happy-hour-2/. DEC 16 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Policy On Tap Zoom Meeting. Mingle with elected officials from across the political spectrum over drinks and appetizers and get informed with a short update on a timely issue. 4:30-6 p.m. Cost: free/members, $25/nonmembers. Registration: information: bit.ly/ DecemberPolicyOnTap. DEC 16 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Growth Series. Gain valuable resources and learn strategies for necessary small business practices. 8-10 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber. Cost: $25/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

PUBLIC RECORD MORTGAGES

Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds STERLING GREENFIELD LLC, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Grand Rapids City, $17,200,000 TEG HIDDEN VALLEY LLC, Capital One, Plainfield Twp., $35,550,000 2500 BURTON LLC, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411810101033, $12,000,000 GREAT LAKES COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS LLC, Horizon Bank, Wyoming, $1,060,000 CORRAL OF GRAND RAPIDS LLC, United States Small Business Administration, Walker, $2,000,000 LIVINGSTON, Nicholas et al, Planet Home Lending LLC, Algoma Twp., $482,404 TEP GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN LLC, Centennial Bank, Parcel: 411402302007, $42,000,000 DELCEANY, Christopher et al, Ally Bank, Ada Twp., $920,000 MELVIN, William T. et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Parcel: 411906426019, $475,000 VANDERVEEN, Nicholas et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411315303007, $370,500 ROBERTS, Daniel J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $1,110,400 HURLEY INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC, Community Choice Credit Union, Alpine Twp., $681,500 ZHANG, Xiaolei et al, Box Home Loans, Parcel: 411414127055, $545,000 OVERMYER, Nathan T. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $412,425 PAGE, Tyler C. et al, Independent Bank, Courtland Twp., $460,000 MILLER, Jacob S. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $585,000 HOPPE, Dennis C. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $350,000 DEMEESTER, Neil et al, Hometown Lenders, Parcel: 411425301007, $481,600 MORITZ, Hailey et al, Hometown Lenders, East Grand Rapids, $385,600 EMERY, Matthew T., Interfirst Mortgage Co., Parcel: 411324453124, $366,750 LOGAN ENTERPRISES LLC, Grand River Bank, Cascade Twp., $760,000 DORWIN, Thomas, USAA Federal Savings Bank, Plainfield Twp., $500,000 STARK, Matthew et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $548250 JELOVAC, Adnan et al, Consumers Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $356,250 WARE, Scott D. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Ada Twp., $410,000 ROESLER, Kyle et al, Rocket Mortgage, Gaines Twp., $361,600 PRICE, Ryan et al, Neighborhood Loans, Rockford, $353,400 WITTE, Nathaniel T. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $396,250 CHRISTY, Matthew et al, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $759,905 WALTERS, Damian A. et al Better Mortgage Corp., East Grand Rapids, $542,655 CLARK, Justin et al, Horizon Bank, Grand Rapids Twp., $465,000 GINSBERG, Matthew A. et al, ChoiceOne Bank, Alpine Twp., $400,000 VOS, Lija et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411425480008, $472,000 HENDRICK, Scot W. et al, Old National Bank, Plainfield Twp., $427,500 FISHER, Julie S., Independent Bank, Algoma Twp., $379,000 SIEGEL, Sheryl et al, Crosscountry Mortgage, Parcel: 411428401046, $548,250 LOVELL, Jason et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Alpine Twp., $519,920 WATKINS, Daniel J. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411411402017, $753,599 GRAY, Nicholas W. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $1,250,000 MCGHEE, Jason P. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Byron Twp., $444,000 SILOREY, Jacob et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Parcel: 411403452013, $451,920 AZEEM, Asif et al, Old National Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,000,000 BLAUER, Gabriel et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411316477030, $415,150 WALKER, Jeffrey B. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $1,000,000 ZENN, Eric et al, Village Capital, Gaines Twp., $359,877 JACKSON TRUST, Fifth Third Bank, Caledonia, $484,000 UAST, Jamie L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $760,000 RILEY, Jason et al, Hometown Lenders, Byron Twp., $366,030 ALBERY, Eric et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $450,000 MARTIN TRUST, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411427478001, $420,000 REWA TRUST, Mercantile Bank, Cascade Twp., $900,000 MCDONOUGH, Nathaniel J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Courtland Twp., $351,000 MANICKAVASAGATHEVAR, Arulmurugan, Caliber Home Loans, Parcel: 411411199005, $470,250 DOZEMAN, Steven E. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $428,000 ADAMS, Garret et al, Consumers Credit

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL Union, Byron Twp., $686,000 THORPE, James T. Sr. et al, MMS Mortgage Co., Solon Twp., $403,750 BOWEN, Austin P. et al, Hometown Lenders, Parcel: 411426377005, $439,560 WINT, Drew E. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $446,000 COTTLE, Curtis T. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Walker, $715,500 MITCHELL, Douglas J. et al, Northpointe Bank, Byron Twp., $545,486 HILL, Jordan, Team Mortgage Co., Cascade Twp., $466,000 SPORTE, Christopher J. et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $371,000 MOORE, Ryan, VanDyk Mortgage Corp., Plainfield Twp., $385,423 CLOSSON, Eric et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Caledonia, $544,000 KLEIN, Laura J., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Algoma Twp., $425,000 EL-ALI, Kathy, Neighborhood Loans, Cannon Twp., $456,350 MAREK, Matthew et al, Neighborhood Loans, Vergennes Twp., $359,200 TROST, Frederick C., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $412,300 GRANNER, Hans et al, Neighborhood Loans, Cannon Twp., $355,000 PATIL, Avinash A. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Gaines Twp., $532,902 GRUTTER, Baron et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $500,000 HANBLIN, Lori A. et al, Success Mortgage Partners, Byron Twp., $353,479 KOCHAJDA-WATKINS, Morgan A. et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Walker, $380,000 TOLSMA, Mindy et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Ada Twp., $434,600 VANMEETEREN, Lance L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $438,750 KOHN, Kyle et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Grattan Twp., $393,500 JOHNSON, Holly A. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411430163037, $382,000 BEUTHIN, Justin et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $837,000 CLOUTER, Andrew P. et al, Huntington National Bank, Ada Twp., $465,300 PETERMAN, Brett et al, Isabella Bank, Oakfield Twp., $465,000 VANEGMOND, Rollan J. et al, Horizon Bank, Alpine Twp., $350,000 MORROW, Nickolas et al, Priority Lending LLC, East Grand Rapids, $607,200 YONKER, Tyler A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $580,500 MAST TRUST, Mercantile Bank, Cannon Twp., $1,125,000 SLAIKEU, Jason D., Old National Bank, Parcel: 411508151021, $375,000 BAKER, Ross J., Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., $951,750 MANSOUR, Waseem, United Nations Federal Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $427,500 HUBER, Ryan et al, Flagstar Bank, Algoma Twp., $364,000 WRIGHT, William P. et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 411425451006, $548,250 RABBITT, Robert J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $562,200 MEINES, Douglas L. et al, Finance of America Mortgage, Wyoming, $403,200 LENDERINK, Thomas A., United Wholesale Mortgage, Plainfield Twp., $548,250 ELDEE GROWERS LLC, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Sparta, $362,500 WALKER, Michael H. et al, Veterans United Home Loan, Wyoming, $380,556 TAPPAN, Moore III et al, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,600,000 HUNTER, Brad J. et al, Consumers Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $399,000 KUCZYNSKI, Brent et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $356,700 RISKEN, Robert T. et al, Fifth Third Bank, East Grand Rapids, $405,600 SKEPPER, Andrew J. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411404276054, $544,000 JTB HOMES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Byron Twp., $371,565 JTB HOMES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Parcel: 411425102044, $384,201 BAILEY, Lindsey, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $469,089 TAYLOR, Nathan et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $406,500 NICKELS, Sarah et al, United Bank, Byron Twp., $405,000 ROWLAND, Scott et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $451,750 ROWLAND, Scott et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $548,250 WIGFIELD, Lisa, Primelending, Cannon Twp., $403,750 GALLE, Eric, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $548,000 RENDER, Devin et al, Rocket Mortgage LLC, East Grand Rapids, $548,250 WARD, Tracey D., Northpointe Bank, Cannon Twp., $423,500 MASON, Aaron et al, Mercantile Bank, Cannon Twp., $473,000 DULCET, Eric et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Plainfield Twp., $423,000 RICH TRUST, Independent Bank, Cannon

Twp., $367,000 ARNSON, Jeffrey P. et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411321201054, $768,000 WALTON, William K. et al, Mercantile Bank, East Grand Rapids, $1,000,000 VANTOL, Matthew et al, Huntington National Bank, Algoma Twp., $768,000 OVD INVESTMENTS LLC, Macatawa Bank, Wyoming, $2,800,000 MCCAULEY, Matt et al, Macatawa Bank, Cannon Twp., $500,000 CAUGRAN, Jamie, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411509400007, $545,000 OSTERTAG, Robert A. Jr. et al, HUD, Ada Twp., $1,253,562 LEPPER, Jason, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $648,000 O’CONNELL, Mark B. et al, First United Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $455,000 MEYER, Gina, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411509400007, $384,000 SCHREINER, James et al, Grand River Bank, Byron Twp., $640,800 KLOOSTER TRUST, PNC Bank, Plainfield Twp., $500,000 KUKLA, Shane et al, Mercantile Bank, Vergennes Twp., $359,000 PELL, Tyler J. et al, Private Mortgage Wholesale, Cascade Twp., $397,000 JARVE, Robert K. et al, Mercantile Bank, Algoma Twp., $794,700 BAILEY, Nicholas J. et al, Eastbrook Homes, Oakfield Twp., $468,607 CDKI III LLC et al, West Michigan Community Bank, Parcel: 411429277057, $455,000 ELLA ENDEAVORS LLC, Horizon Bank, Cedar Springs, $416,250 MOFFITT, Gable, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Vergennes Twp., $1,080,000 VELDHOUSE, Joel et al, Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., $566,200 GARDNER, Kurt et al, Independent Bank, Ada Twp., $540,900 SLUSHER, Adam D. et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411720426009, $363,375 ENDRES, Nathan, Independent Bank, Plainfield Twp., $548,250 BOND, Michael T. et al, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $720,000 SINGSTOCK, Scott et al, Old National Bank, Caledonia, $363,000 UTHOFF, Andrew et al, Neighborhood Loans, Caledonia, $397,425 KEAR, Scott et al, Horizon Bank, Cascade Twp., $925,000 MITCHELL TRUST, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $380,000 RAVEN, Zachary R., Huntington National Bank, Plainfield Twp., $391,400 HUGHES, Andrew et al, PNC Bank, Ada Twp., $500,000 WHITSON, Brian N. et al, Huntington National Bank, Cascade Twp., $396,000 RIETEMA, David et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411810177020, $491,625 RICHARDSON, Gregory T. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $590,400 BACK, Garret et al, PNC Bank, East Grand Rapids, $572,000 MANCINI, Michael P. et al, PNC Bank, Cascade Twp., $353,000 PHILLIPS, Matthew et al, Union Home Mortgage Group, Gaines Twp., $360,000 234 MARKET LP, PNC Bank, Parcel 411325456010, $40,525,000 HAAN, Justin et al, Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp., Gaines Twp., $721,800 HUMPHREY, Jeremy, Bay Equity, Plainfield Twp., $512,000 PASCOE, Michael B. et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $650,000 VOLKERS, Amanda S. et al, Mercantile Bank, Byron Twp., $670,000 JL GRAND RIVER PROEPRTIES LLC, Bank of America, Ada Twp., $460,000 LAETZ, Brandon C. et al, Mercantile Bank, Courtland Twp., $349,900 KNUTH, Margie, HUD, Parcel: 411001135020, $358,500 MAHESH, Mahi et al, Independent Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,500,000 METSKER TRUST, Flagstar Bank, Parcel: 411804254004, $415,000 LUETTKE TRUST, Pennymac Loan Services, Caledonia, $811,750 WIELAND TRUST, United Wholesale Mortgage, Bowne Twp., $960,000 DEVRIES, Michael et al, Heartland Home Mortgage, Byron Twp., $400,000 WASHINGTON, Justin, Fifth Third Bank, Gaines Twp., $460,000 BAKLKE, Tedd W. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 412124476001, $460,000 BYLSMA, Kenneth G. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Byron Twp., $464,000 HOLZWARTH, William C. et al, Genisys Credit Union, Ada Twp., $367,000 STERCKX, Daniel et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $419,900 ALGOROCK LLC, Economic Development Foundation, Walker, $977,000 VENEGONI, Marc et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411414227051, $800,000 28 W MAIN PROPERTIES LLC, Economic Development Foundation, Parcel: 411325287015, $683,000 WENDLING, Amber et al, Independent Bank, Byron Twp., $688,000 SCHLICK TRUST, JPMorgan Chase Bank,

East Grand Rapids, $406,964 GATES, Christopher C. et al, Century Bank & Trust, East Grand Rapids, $1,300,000 BAKER TRUST, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411411402020, $800,000 DARNELL, Mark et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $513,000 LEON, Carlos A. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Walker, $356,000 AUSTIN, Brian J., Fifth Third Bank, Vergennes Twp., $400,000 BURTON, Nicholas et al, Old National Bank, East Grand Rapids, $413,250 MILLS, Shea A., Crosscountry Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $675,000 MCCLELLAN, Brent et al, Independent Bank, Byron Twp., $431,501 BALGAVY, Jason A. et al, PNC Bank, Ada Twp., $400,000 KOENING, Joshua B. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Courtland Twp., $365,854 FITZPATRICK, Paul et al, Neighborhood Loans, Cascade Twp., $384,000 AVDIC, Emir et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $422,800 WEBB, Scott A. et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, East Grand Rapids, $436,000 BAERE CO., Huntington National Bank, Wyoming, $500,000 TENHAVE-CHAPMAN, Laurel et al, Hall Financial, Plainfield Twp., $375,200 DEARNLEY, Kevin E. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $385,600 BICKLEY, Scott et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $600,000 BECKERING, James E., Intercontinental Capital Group, Byron Twp., $450,000 GRIMES, Alex et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $360,000 FOSTER TRUST, Northpointe Bank, Ada Twp., $360,000 BISTA, Kristina B. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Kentwood, $360,000 HOLMQUIST, Eric T. et al, Crosscountry Mortgage, Cannon Twp., $548,250 MILLIGAN, Bradley et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Caledonia, $396,000 HENSLEY, Micah R. et al, Independent Bank, Algoma Twp., $716,000 HARRIS, Daniel J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $428,000 PEDEN, Christopher D. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Lowell, $555,000 JNJ TRUST et al Benchmark Mortgage, Ada Twp., $406,500 SYRBA, Kenneth et al, Huntington National Bank, Cannon Twp., $500,000 BIERL, Gregory P. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Nelson Twp., $439,000 HARRIS, Joshua A. et al, Consumers Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $478,000 HAMILTON, Mikayla et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411411477038, $548,250 KOBER, Allan et al, West Michigan Community Bank, Byron Twp., $477,300 2930 WALKENT LLC, ChoiceOne Bank, Walker, $444,700 FREEMAN, Jimmie et al, Mercantile Bank, Gaines Twp., $421,000 SPRAGUE, John, JPMorgan Chase Bank, East Grand Rapids, $399,000 SNOOK, Corbin et al, Neighborhood Loans, Plainfield Twp., $459,000 CAMMENGA, James, National Mortgage Home Loans Courtland Twp., $546,975 EDWARDS, Douglas M. et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Courtland Twp., $548,000 FITZPATRICK, Kyle, Finance of America Mortgage, Ada Twp., $468,000 BLANCHETT, Peter et al, Draper & Kramer Mortgage, Parcel: 411326106029, $360,840 COX, Ryan et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $663,000 MILLER, Blake W. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $926,100 PALMISANO, Dan et al, Crosscountry Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $367,491

CO-PARTNERSHIPS FILED

Co-partnerships filed with the Kent County Clerk RAFA’S AUTO REPAIR, 333 28th St., Alberto L. Rafael Reyes, Lora Alberto WIELHOUWER COMPANIES, 2719 Grandview NW, Chad Wielhouwer, Jason Wielhouwer

ASSUMED NAMES FILED

Assumed names filed with the Kent County Clerk ALTO COYOTE ENTERPRISES, 13290 36th St. SE, Lowell, Michael R. Barnes BIG BEAR TREE CARE, 11885 N. Division, Sparta, Robert A. Reynolds Jr. DAVID YOUNGS EXPRESS TRANSPORT, 2630 Meyer SW, Wyoming, David A. Youngs DUCE8TH TOWING SERVICE, 1063 36th St. SW, Wyoming, Torry J. Turner GILINSKY SPORTS, 5370 Dunn NE, Gerald A. Gilinsky HARLEY J. SCHWARTZ, CPA, P.O. Box 948, Jenison, Harley J. Schwartz HOME TURF, 4481 Summit Forest NE, Rockford, Brad A. Kowroski J-TECH EQUIPMENT GROUP, 311 Golden Eagle Drive SE, James E. Widerhold JOE BALOG’S HELPING HANDS, 2026

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Martin SE, Joseph M. Balog MITTEN GAMES, 1900 Manning NW, Sean L. Travis NELLY BELLIE’S DELECTABLE SWEETS & TREATS, 633 Thompson Court SE, Johnell C. Mosley OLIVE DESIGN, 1123 Hollywood NE, Olivia W. Lashley OPULENT PREMIER EVENT DESIGNS, 633 Thompon Court SE, Johnell C. Mosley RIGIO’S 36th ST. PIZZA, 2415 36th St. SW, Wyoming, Tatia L. Henry RR LAWN SERVICE, 1066 Evergreen SE, Robert M. Rutherford TAMARA’S HAIR CARE, 2113 Shangrai La SE, Tamara P. Sutton Williams VIVA FAIR TRADE, 2416 Okemos E, Jessica C. Riley WE 3 BOOKS, 8182 Muscatay Grove, Rockford, Debra M. Rinvelt WERK BABE, 344 Richard Terrace SE, Diannielle Ruff

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.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

members, $35/nonmembers. Registration/ information: grandrapids.org/event/business-growth-series-2021-12-16/. DEC 16 Grand Rapids Public Library/Mercy Health Program for People 65-Plus. Topic is Preventing and Managing Your Type II Diabetes and Heart Disease. 11 a.m., Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. Registration/information: grpl.org/seniorsbewell. DEC 20-30 Grand Rapids Public Museum Snowflake Break Camps. For kids firstthrough sixth-grade to enjoy engaging themed programs focused around science, history and culture during school breaks. Session options from 9 a.m.-noon or 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cost: $30/members, $40/nonmembers. Registration/information: grpm.org/educlasses. DEC 28 Wyoming Business Leaders Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Registration/information: (616) 261-4500 or d.kuba@instantcashmi. com. JAN 10 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Zoom Meeting with Elected Officials. Bring questions and interact with policy makers. 8-9 a.m. Registration/information: (616) 531-5990 or michelle@southkent. org. JAN 29 Kohler Expos Bridal Show of Western Michigan. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW. Registration/information: kohlerexpo.com/winter-bridal-show. JAN 29 Kohler Expos Kids & Family Expo. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW. Registration/information: kohlerexpo. com/kids-and-family-expo. Meetings & Conventions Information: Stephanie Bradley, (616) 2333577 or sbradley@experiencegr.com. None this week.

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 biweekly publication that are limited by space restrictions.

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

The human connection Tribal support.

anelists at a Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business event this month said as pandemic restrictions continue to cause shifts at traditional workplaces, businesses and corporations that intentionally create a sense of belonging will thrive, as will their employees. Leaders from three corporations spoke at the L. William Seidman Center during a Nov. 11 Peter F. Secchia Breakfast Lecture, “The Future of Work.” They were Jordan Aldrich, director of corporate human resources for Meijer; Ryan Anderson, vice president of global research and insights for MillerKnoll; and Jennifer Tyler, director of integrated business planning for Dematic. The event was moderated by Benjamin Walsh, associate professor of management at GVSU. Panelists discussed the balance of offering choices for working remotely while ensuring employees feel connected to their teams and organizations. Anderson said trying to build connectivity within work teams while employees are not in person is like having a long-distance relationship. He also said the disruption of traditional work and any tension between employers and employees is amplified by today’s polarizing

BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF

political climate. “There’s such a disconnect in our country today, a polarization,” Anderson said. “Organizations that create a high degree of belonging among employees will foster better communities and will thrive.” Tyler began working for Dematic two months ago after working for Steelcase in a similar capacity. She said it is difficult beginning a new job when most work is completed remotely, adding the shift to flexible work conditions did not begin with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a trajectory that didn’t start with the pandemic. I have had global teams and you have to work remotely,” Tyler said. “Those challenges for me, to try to bond with employees, build a sense of team and belonging, started before the pandemic. There is a need for human connection.” Aldrich said corporate office employees at Meijer remain mostly remote. Best practices they found helpful to connect, she said, include using chat functions on Microsoft Teams or other programs, decreasing the number of daily video meetings and improving onboarding procedures for new employees. “We are also creating more informal social connections as a team, not necessarily always meet-

ing to talk about business. It’s important to bring your unique self to work,” Aldrich said. The Secchia Lecture marked the first since its benefactor Peter Secchia died last year. Diana Lawson, dean of the Seidman College of Business, said the series was established by the Secchia family in 2006 to invite business leaders to discuss current topics with students, faculty and staff members and community members. “It showcases the strength of our partnerships and works as an added advantage for our students to supplement what they are learning in the classroom,” she said. “The Secchia family has provided ongoing support for us to continue this important series.” Long-term support Employees of Trendway are coming together to provide holiday gifts for more than 70 foster children in Ottawa County this holiday season. Trendway employees have been teaming up with the Ottawa County office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for its Angel Tree program since 1991. Trendway earlier this month hosted an open house where team members collected gift tags, each with a special requested gift.

STREET TALK

“Over the past 30 years, Trendway’s support of the Angel Tree program has truly been driven by our employees,” said Teresa Kouw, senior contract furniture sales coordinator, Trendway. “This is a special time of year where team members from every department enjoy coming together to ensure every child in foster care receives gifts from their wish list.” Each child receives gifts valued up to $150 from their provided wish list. The presents will be delivered to the Ottawa County MDHHS office the week of Dec. 6 in a Trendway delivery vehicle. Foster care workers will deliver the gifts to children in the days leading up to Christmas. About time U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior requesting an expedited decision and urgent action regarding the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians’ request for federal recognition. They join other lawmakers such as U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland), as well as U.S. Rep. and Chairman of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona), which has primary jurisdiction over Indian Country, in urging action on the tribe’s lengthy quest for federal recognition. “The COVID-19 crisis has undoubtedly placed a significant strain on Departmental resources, but it is also true that the Native American communities have been disproportionally affected by

the global pandemic’s impact on public health and the economy,” Peters and Stabenow wrote in a letter. “The Department of Interior’s lack of urgency in issuing a determination on federal recognition potentially hinders Grand River Bands’ ability to access vital resources such as health services for tribal members and federal grants to promote self-sufficiency. The members and leadership of the Grand River Band deserve a fair and timely determination on federal recognition.” Huizenga wrote a similar letter in September 2020. “Michigan tribes sued the State of Michigan and the Department of Interior over fishing and hunting rights. Grand River couldn’t be a party to that lawsuit because it is not a federally recognized tribe,” wrote Huizenga. “Likewise, Grand River has become ineligible for tuition assistance because it isn’t a recognized tribe. There are countless other very concerning examples of this tribe’s rights being slowly taken away. If the tribe is not recognized soon, it will potentially lose even more rights and (that) will be an injustice to many.” For 27 years, the Grand River Bands have been working to gain federal recognition, and their petition has been on the “active consideration list” since 2013. Becoming federally recognized would allow the Grand River Bands access to resources that are afforded to federally recognized tribes, such as tuition, health care and housing assistance, said Ron Yob, chair of the Grand River Bands.

TOP LAWYERS GRAND RAPIDS AREA

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A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to

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