Grand Rapids Business Journal 01.10.22

INTEREST in hunting, fishing licenses remains high.

PAGE 3

JAN 10, 2022 VOL. 39, NO. 27

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

THIS WEEK

MINER GETS EARLY START

Rockford Construction director learns trade as youngster working on family building projects. Page 7

Experts analyze supply chain ‘mess’ Blackford Capital and ACG host panel discussion on causes of and solutions for the crisis.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

Have a plan Medical labs help companies prepare for vaccine/testing programs.

PAGE 3

Coming together M&A advisers have bullish outlook on 2022.

PAGE 3

BANK ON IT Customers adjusted their banking habits during the pandemic, and those changes are here to stay. Page 9

THE LIST

The area’s top medical device manufacturers.

Page 4

A group of experts came together recently to target action steps companies can take in response to the supply chain crisis.

Grand Rapids-based private equity firm Blackford Capital and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan chapter on Dec. 15 hosted a webinar on the supply chain crisis called “What the H*** Is Going on with the Global Supply Chain? Will It Ever Go Back to Normal?”

Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital, moderated the discussion. The panel included interna-

Panelists said federal subsidies to trucking companies to hire more drivers and adding more warehouse space at the ports in which to put containers would be helpful. Courtesy iStock

tional and local experts analyzing the issues that led to the current supply chain crisis and predicting what the next few months might look like.

Speakers included Steve Feniger, Hong Kong-based operating

partner for Blackford Capital and chair of 55 Consulting; Benjamin Gordon, founder of BG Strategic Advisors (BGSA) investment bank and founder, managing partner and CEO of Cambridge Capital, which invests in supply chain

logistics solutions; and Dennis Hawver, director of engineering and business development for EBW Electronics in Holland and a 30-year veteran of the tier one CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

MEDC CEO applauds SOAR legislation $1.5B in economic development incentives expected to provide broad boost to the state over time.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

The current head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said the bipartisan $1.5 billion Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package will help secure transformational projects and long-term economic opportunity throughout the state.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Dec. 20 signed House Bill 4603

to create a $1 billion economic development fund to ensure the state can compete for billions of dollars in investment and attract tens of thousands of jobs to bolster the economy. The governor signed Senate Bill 771 to create a $500 million fund to make the state’s economy more adaptable to the rapid pace of technological change, supporting small businesses, and creating or retaining good-paying jobs.

Additionally, the governor signed Senate Bill 769 to create a financing mechanism for both programs and Senate Bill 85 to provide full funding to start delivering for Michiganders right away. SB 85 also will provide direct assistance to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pan-

demic.

This economic development package will build on Michigan’s economic momentum, Whitmer said.

“Thanks to the effective collaboration between legislative leadership, my administration, and community and business leaders, I signed bills that will back small busiMessner nesses and empower Michigan to grow and attract billions in investment and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs,”

GRBJ.COM Vol. 39, No. 27 $3.00 a copy. $59 a year © Entire contents copyright 2021 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved.

Inside Track ....... 7 Guest Columns.. 12 Vaccine mandates

PROGRAM helps companies expand export strategies

Change-Ups ...... 16 Calendar ........... 16 Public Record .... 17 Street Talk ....... 19

PAGE 8

Whitmer said. “Because both parties in the Legislature came together, our state will be able win huge, transformational projects and compete effectively for every dollar and every job for decades to come.

“The critical economic development fund we have set up will pay massive dividends as we continue staying focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs and lowering costs for families.

“We also delivered resources directly to new and existing small businesses … building on work we have been doing since March 2020 to ensure they can thrive. Our work over the past few months CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 10, 2022

3

Interest in hunting, fishing licenses remains high Outdoor activities create more than $11 billion in economic impact.

Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

The pandemic forced people to rethink how they’d protect their health and well-being in 2021, and one of the ways they did that was by retreating to the outdoors.

The sales of hunting and fishing licenses in Michigan has surged the past two years, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

From Jan. 1-Nov. 30, 2021, 641,588 Michiganders purchased hunting licenses and 1.13 million purchased fishing licenses.

The hunting permits were Buggia for a variety of species, including duck, deer and turkey licenses.

Hunting and fishing license purchases actually were down 3.4% and 2.6%, respectively, from

2020, but the sales of licenses in 2021 remained above sales in 2019. First-time hunting and fishing license sales also decreased from 2020 but were higher than 2019.

The sale of hunting license increased by 1.6% from 631,138 licenses bought in 2019 and fishing license sales increased by 5.9% from 1.07 million licenses bought in 2019. There also were 68,250 first-time hunting licenses purchased. That is up 5.3% from 2019, and 271,883 first-time fishing license purchases were up 8.2% from 2019.

The high number of fishing and hunting license sales were fueled by an increase in purchases from hunters and anglers aged 65 and older, women and out-ofstate tourists.

Hunters and anglers aged 65 and older purchased 107,107 hunting licenses and 204,726 fishing licenses in 2021.

The purchase of hunting licenses among the older population was up 4.4% from 2020 and 8.5% from 2019. Fishing license purchases were up 12.2% from 2020 and 10.2% from 2019.

The increased interest in hunting and fishing coincides with the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think people were looking for opportunities to social

There were 68,253 women-held Michigan hunting license purchases in 2021, which is a 6.7% increase from 2019. Courtesy Michigan Wildlife Council

distance but still get out and do something, and I think the outdoors provided an opportunity to still socialize with family and friends but in a safe environment,” said Nick Buggia, chair of the Michigan Wildlife Council.

“There is still a significant increase in people 65 years and older participating in hunting

and fishing. I think it was a way for them to spend time with their kids and grandkids. Those who were still working didn’t have the commute that they normally do. They had a little bit more free time. They weren’t going out to dinner and the movies, so they had a little bit of extra money and they spent it on equipment and

Medical labs navigate COVID rules Having a plan in place is crucial regardless of what the courts decide.

Chelsea Carter

ccarter@grbj.com

Prior to the Dec. 17 ruling setting President Joe Biden’s vaccine-or-test mandate in motion again, West Michigan medical labs have offered opportunities for businesses to implement their own strategies and have systems in place to protect their employees from the virus and avoid any potential upheavals of normal business operations.

Grand Rapids-based Artic Molecular is one such lab that has been working closely with a variety of businesses, including government employers, schools, health care entities and manufacturers to guide them through the many uncertainties of the current state of the pandemic and now the new mandate. According to medical lab personnel, having a COVID-19 vaccine and testing plan in place may be of benefit to employers, even if the federal order had stayed on the back burner or if their business does not fall under the ruling.

“Even if not mandated, the potential benefits to an employee-testing program are undisputed,” said Mandy Allen, director of business development

and community engagement, Arctic Molecular. “We’ve seen surveillance testing and testing of at-risk, close contact, and symptomatic individuals help to ensure health and safety of companies and productivity with current testing partners, and also right in our own lab.”

Arctic Molecular also has worked with local schools and health officials to offer programs that provide testing to local communities.

The emergency temporary standard (ETS), which was formerly in question after a pause in late November, is now back in motion after the Dec. 17 federal court ruling requiring private companies with 100 or more employees to wear face masks if they are not fully vaccinated and be subject to weekly COVID testing, with the exception for those working outdoors or only at home. The plan was to originally take effect by Jan. 4, but the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) said it will give companies some extra time to form a plan and implement requirements and will not issue citations before Jan. 10. if the employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard.

“While it is possible that testing requirements may change depending on the various courts’ decisions, it seems likely that the requirement will hold

based upon similar rulings. Irrespective of mandates, programs with PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing of unvaccinated and symptomatic/close-contact employees make good business sense, as recent large service disruptions in industries such as airlines has indicated,” Allen said.

According to a Gallup survey conducted in September 2021, a slight majority of Americans showed to be in favor of employer vaccination and testing enforcement, though those on the other side resolutely oppose any such regulation. Of those survey respondents, 58% of Americans said they were in favor of requiring companies with 100 or more employees to have all their workers vaccinated against C O V I D -1 9, or be tested weekly for it, and similarly, Allen 63% of respondents said they were in favor of requiring hospitals and other health care facilities that receive federal health care funds to have all their employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Conversely, Gallup polls also indicate that those in opposition of employer vaccine requirements have remained between 36% and 39% since

spring of 2021, and firmly hold their position, as 29% of those on the opposite end said they strongly oppose their employers implementing such requirements.

Even as questions loomed if the mandate would, in fact, remain in place prior to the Dec. 17 decision, West Michigan laboratories and businesses say they hope plans they’ve already put in place would provide some relief to overwhelmed health systems and protect communities from further surges amid ongoing positivity rates and questions surrounding the emergence of new variants. Locally offered programs, including that of Artic Molecular’s, provide services and relief of testing duties for human resource workers and other company executives who may otherwise spend significant time coordinating employee testing and oversight. “… The needs are just so complex in the middle of this pandemic. I think having a lab like ours provide this all-inclusive approach to testing is really ideal. We handle all of it right from supplying the testing materials, handling and maintaining all of the shipping and supply management, right down to maintaining all of those results, the records for those, and also updating the companies that we CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

things for the outdoors.”

There were 68,253 women-held hunting license purchases in 2021, which is a 6.7% increase from 2019, and 244,347 women-held fishing license purchases in 2021. That is up 11.4% from 2019.

“There is more of a general acceptance of being more inclusive in the outdoor community and trying to get new people out there and share the love of the outdoors,” Buggia said. “I also think that, especially for women, it is a way of providing healthy and organic-scoured food. I think that is part of the reason we’ve seen a big increase. It is a desire to know where your food is coming from. But there are a lot of single mothers out here now and a lot of times we’ll hear anecdotally stories about their kids wanting to get into hunting and maybe they want to take their son or daughter out hunting, and in order to do that they have to get into hunting so that they can help their kids.”

Visitors from out of state purchased 32,334 hunting licenses and an estimated 215,700 fishing licenses in 2021. Hunting licenses purchased by visitors increased by 10.3% from 2020 and 21.6% CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Record pace of M&A expected to continue Outlook for 2022 stays bullish across the board despite key obstacles.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

A national survey conducted by a Michigan law firm found nothing is expected to break the stride of M&A dealmakers over the year to come.

In September, national law firm Dykema Gossett distributed its M&A Outlook Survey via email to a group of CEOs, CFOs and other senior company officers and executives, as well as professional advisers engaged in the M&A industry. The 266 survey respondents represent a cross-section of executives and M&A advisers engaged in the technology, media, financial services, industrial/manufacturing, real estate and construction, health care, energy, automotive and education sectors. Respondents represent companies with annual revenues from less than CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

4

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 10, 2022

THE LIST

Top Area Medical Device Manufacturers (RANKED BY RANKED BY 2021 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE)

Top W. Mich. executive(s) 1

Stryker 2825 Airview Blvd.

Kalamazoo 49002 p (269) 385-2600 stryker.com

2

Sunmed Holdings LLC 2710 Northridge Drive NW Grand Rapids 49544 p (616) 259-8400 sun-med.com

3

Avon Protection Systems Inc. 502 Seventh St. Cadillac 49601 p (231) 779-6200 avon-protection.com

4

Total No. of staff In W. Mich.

2021 2020 W. Mich. revenue

Acquisition

Areas of focus/expertise

Products manufactured

Kevin A. Lobo

43,000

$14.35B DND

Diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including orthopaedics, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine

Surgical suction, stretchers and transport chairs, personal protection equipment, patient room furniture

Mark Zyzelewski

356

$118.5M DND

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

Fiber optic laryngoscopes, cannulas, intubation aids, masks, breathing filters, nerve simulators

John Kime

250

$109.11M DND

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

Air purifying respirators, ballistic helmets, self-contained breathing apparatus, thermal imaging

Autocam Medical Devices LLC John C. Kennedy 4152 East Paris Ave. SE Kentwood 49512 p (877) 633-8080 autocam-medical.com

300

$68.34M $116.91M

Precision machining, grinding, assembly, finishing, CNC Precision-machined surgical drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools and other complex, highly engineered surgical implants, instruments and handpieces, as well as other device components; clients are involved with instruments and devices used in the following anatomical areas: spine, foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee, shoulder and elbow

5

Hart Enterprises, Inc. 400 Apple Jack Court Sparta 49345 p (616) 887-0400 hartneedles.com

Alan Taylor

78

$9.48M $14.41M

Prototyping, design and turnkey products; metal Guidewire introducers, biopsy needles, spinal needles fabrication; plastic fabrication and assembly; packaging and sterilization

6

Alliant Enterprises LLC 333 Bridge St. NW, Suite 1125 Grand Rapids 49504 p (269) 629-0300 allianthealthcare.com

Bob Taylor

60

$8M $8M

7

Rose Medical 1440 Front Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 233-3000 rosemedical.com

Todd Grimm

24

8

Thompson Surgical Instruments Inc. 10170 East Cherry Bend Road Traverse City 49684 p (800) 227-7543 thompsonsurgical.com

Eric Grost

9

Sterling Industries LLC 6825 Beatrice Drive Kalamazoo 49009 p (888) 669-0246 sterlingindustries.com

10

Surgical and medical instruments

DND

$7.11M $5.48M

ISO 13485-certified and FDA-registered contract manufacturer of custom medical devices

Catheters; cannulae; tip forming, wire-reinforced silicone tubing and shafts; medical balloons; RCSP devices; full assembly

20

$6.94M DND

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

Rail clamps, crossbars, blades, extension arms, frame arms, frame joints, handles, instrument trays

David Van Slingerland

15

$6.57M DND

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

DND

Altus 3731 Northridge Drive, NW, Unit 1 Walker 49544 p (616) 233-9530 altus-inc.com

Craig VanderHeide

28

$5.58M DND

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

C3 powered LCD cart, RCLS-32-WKS: Reach Arm, E3 LCD powered cart with electric lift, C1 poered laptop cart, TC3 telehealth powered portable LCD cart and telehealth equipments

11

Artisan Medical Displays LLC 219 N Church St. Zeeland 49464 p (616) 748 8950 artisanmedicaldisplays.com

Jordan Vander Kolk

35

$3.46M $4.58M

Surgical and medical instruments

Implant replications

12

Keystone Solutions Group 6387 Technology Ave., Suite B Kalamazoo 49009 p (269) 343-4108 keystone-pd.com

Jim Medsker

16

$3.12M DND

Product development, engineering services, consulting, Medical devices medical device contract manufacturing

13

Peerless Waste Solutions 510 E. 40th St. Holland 49423 p (616) 355-2800 peerless.solutions.com

DND

7

$3M $3M

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

DND

14

Skyline Window Cleaning 9790 Winans St. West Olive 49460 p (616) 813-0536 skylinefp.com

Matt Kraus Steven Kraus

23

$2.94M $2.3M

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

DND

15

Genesis Innovation Group LLC R. Sean Churchill 220 Lyon St. NW, Suite 500 Grand Rapids 49503 p (833) 444-2468 genesisinnovationgroup.com

21

$2.94M $290,152

Surgical and medical instruments

DND

16

Rls Interventional Inc. 4375 Donkers Court SE Kentwood 49512 p (616) 301-7800 inradinc.com

10

$1.93M $1.88M

Surgical and medical instruments manufacturing

Aspiration biopsy needles, ultrasound enhanced needles, aspiration biopsy syringe gun

Steve Field

Stryker acquired Gauss Surgical, a California-based medical device company. It is the developer of Triton, an artificial intelligence-enabled platform for monitoring blood loss during surgery.

One brand Salter Labs and Westmed are now a part of the SunMed brand.

Communication solution Avon Protection launched its tactical mask communications system, a communications solution for customers to interface between their headsets and the Avon series of air purifying respirators.

Facility investment Autocam Medical is investing $60 million into a new 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and global headquarters located on Broadmoor and 36th St. in Kentwood.

ListStore

@ GRBJ.com

Download this list now at GRBJ.com in Excel or PDF format.

The Book of Lists and other lists are also available.

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

THE LIST

JANUARY 10, 2022

5

Top Area Medical Device Manufacturers (RANKED BY RANKED BY 2021 WEST MICHIGAN REVENUE)

Top W. Mich. executive(s)

Total No. of staff In W. Mich.

2021 2020 W. Mich. revenue

Awarded contract

Areas of focus/expertise

Products manufactured

17

Trackcore Inc. 25 Commerce Ave. SW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 632-2222 trackcoreinc.com

Scott MacGregor

9

$1.46M DND

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

Tissuse tracker, implant tracker

18

Shoulder Innovations LLC 1535 Steele Ave. SW, Suite B Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 294-1026 shoulderinnovations.com

Robert Ball

13

$1.11M $264,419

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

InSet™ glenoid, InSet™ short-stemmed porous humeral stem, InSet™ PLUS augmented glenoid

Partnership

19

Perspective Enterprises Inc. 7829 S Sprinkle Road, Suite A Portage 49002 p (269) 327-0869 perspectiveent.com

Norman Root

6

$1M DND

20

Michigan Instruments 4717 Talon Court SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 554-9696 michiganinstruments.com

Chris Blanker

9

21

Gipson Fabrications 2151 Chicago Drive SW Wyoming 49519 p (616) 245-7331 gipsonfabrication.com

DND

8

22

R.H. Cross Enterprises Inc. 6080 Corporate Ave. Portage 49002 p (269) 488-4009

23

Alliant Enterprises was awarded a patient monitoring and capital equipment contract by the Defense Logistics Agency valued at $450 million over 10 years.

DND

Boppy® nursing pillows, calibration rods, desk/counter top safety shields, tray liners, all-in-one infant station

$988,467 DND

Medical device manufacturing, contract machining services

Lung simulators, ventilator testing equipment, automated/ mechanical CPR devices

$709,027 $1.16M

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

DND

Ronald Cross

4

$527,573 DND

Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing

DND

Cnd Products LLC 1642 Broadway Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 361-1000

Jeff Tyner

5

$373,267 $500,000

Surgical and medical instruments

DND

24

A And J Industries 4066 Division St., Suite C Wayland 49348 p (616) 877-4845

DND

3

$350,000 $350,000

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

DND

25

Micro Engineering Inc. 257 Sorrento Drive SE Byron Center 49315 p (616) 534-9681

DND

7

$292,530 $4.30M

Surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing

DND

26

3DM Source Inc. 555 Plymouth Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 647-9513 3dmsource.com

Brian Huff

16

$265,809 $1.33M

Surgical appliances and supplies manufacturing

DND

27

Obsolete LLC 11901 E. Fulton St., Suite 1 Lowell 49331 p (616) 843-0351

DND

5

$222,304 $222,304

DND

Surgical appliances and supplies

Grand X-Ray Supplies Company 2291 Oak Industrial Drive NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 459-0145

DND

DND

DND DND

Altus signed a strategic partnership with North Carolina-based Intelligent Locations to improve cart tracking technology for hospital systems and medical offices.

Relocation Shoulder Innovations moved its corporate headquarters to 1535 Steele Ave. SW, Suite B, in Grand Rapids.

The company was previously located at 13827 Port Sheldon St. in Holland.

Secured patent

X-ray apparatus and supplies, medical and dental x-ray DND labs, medical equipment and supplies

SxanPro, a woman-owned medtech business, secured a patent for its mobile scanning technology of unique device identification barcodes on more than 3 million medical devices.

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The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area medical device manufacturers, ranked by 2021 West Michigan revenue, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on research and information provided

by Factiva. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Miner’s passion for construction in his DNA

dnelson@grbj.com

C

onstruction was a pastime in Michael Miner’s family.

As a child, he worked alongside his uncles and cousins who were “handymen” on family construction projects.

Whether it was swinging hammers or using screw guns, Miner was involved in building such things as decks, gazebos and swimming pools.

Miner also took on construction projects after he graduated high school to pay for college. He helped to build modular housing and trailer houses that sat on foundations.

Decades later, he turned his childhood experiences into a professional career in the construction industry.

Miner is the director of pre-construction at Rockford Construction, where he focuses on quantity take-offs, trade contractor solicitation, bid review and estimating.

Despite growing up working on construction projects, Miner’s path into the construction industry was not clear cut.

He wanted to pursue a career as an orthodontist after enduring an unpleasant dental experience during his adolescent years. He began wearing braces just before his 13th birthday and they were set to be removed a year or so later, but they weren’t removed until his senior year of high school.

Miner relocated after he got his braces and had to change orthodontists. Although his new orthodontist did not remove the brackets he had on, his teeth were not straightening. Some of the people who got their braces at the same time Miner got his were getting theirs removed before he was.

Once his braces were removed years later, Miner was motivated to help others have a better dental experience. His plans included a dental office with TVs, charts that change colors documenting how long people have been there, and providing efficient scheduling times and visits at his office.

7

When pre-med classes didn’t work out, Michael Miner’s natural curiosity found a match in construction management. Courtesy Rockford Construction

Work on family projects as a youngster eventually landed him at Rockford Construction as director of pre-construction.

Danielle Nelson

JANUARY 10, 2022

He went on to Michigan State University and began taking premed classes — including the sciences, which he said he loved — before losing interest after two years.

“I used to love science,” he said. “It was so fun. I liked the sciences. I was kind of nerdy that way (but) I found it interesting. I retained things from it naturally and then over time it kind of turned. After two years I was like, ‘Man, I don’t like science at all.

This is not the fun part.’ I wanted to get to the fun part. I kept on waiting for the fun part, but we were just not getting there.”

During his sophomore year, Miner took a construction class

“I figured out how much glass cost. How much aluminum walls on the exterior of a building cost. How much all the bricks for the buildings that you see downtown cost. I started figuring out all those things, all those widgets I call them, and how much each of those cost and (it) really expanded my forte there.”

Michael Miner

to see if he’d like it and he never looked back. In his junior year, he switched his major to construction management.

“Everything they gave me I was eating up,” he said. “I loved it. I liked learning about it. I liked learning about the different solutions you could find with things.

I think because of doing the projects I was always curious as to, ‘Why do we use that size board for that instead of this? Is it because of how it holds things? Is it because of the price? Is it a combination of both?’ I was always curious as to why we ended up

MICHAEL MINER Company: Rockford Construction Position: Director of pre-construction Age: 36 Hometown: Sturgis Residence: Hudsonville Family: Wife, Danielle; daughter, Emma; son, Flynn Community/business involvement: Member of Grand Rapids Chamber and ABC Young Professionals Biggest career break: “I think my biggest break is being given the opportunity to lead people.”

on the solutions we did for a lot of things.”

Miner recalled a time when he and his family were taking a metal roof off his uncle’s home, which was an original farmhouse, but he didn’t understand why they were replacing it with asphalt. “‘This metal roof has been here. It was an original farmhouse and you guys have been here for 40-something years and the house has been here for probably 60 years that you know of, why are you taking off the metal roof and not putting a metal roof back on?’ My uncle kidded; he said, ‘Because it is so dang hard to take off and it is loud. I am sick of it being loud. Your aunt is going to kill me, but I don’t like hearing the rain hitting against it. It is super loud, and it wakes me up, but she loves it because it puts her to sleep. It is a big old farmhouse, and we can do all the asphalt at a reasonable price because the price of metal is crazy right now.’

That is how it started. It was little things like user preference and the economy of scale.”

It was that renewed curiosity in construction that allowed Miner to graduate from MSU with a degree in construction management.

His first job out of college was at Graycor, which is headquartered in Chicago. He managed the construction process at the company, which had industrial and commercial divisions. He was responsible for the scheduling, budget, pictures and requests for information.

Miner helped to manage different projects for different companies across the country including Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP.) His team of Graycor workers and local Ohio skilled workers worked on an environmental project at AEP, where they took the company’s exhaust system and tied it directly to its cooling tower from its power plant and removed components that harmed the environment.

After 10 years at Graycor, Miner began working at a small residential construction company that was starting a commercial division. He later moved on to Holland-based Lakewood Construction where he was the company’s chief estimator.

Miner said as he moved on to different construction companies, he gained experience in estimation naturally because clients sometimes add different compo-

nents to their original plan amid the construction of the building, including wanting an extra floor built or making design changes to a lobby.

But when he got to Lakewood, he learned a lot more.

“That is where I really got to understand the components more and the price for each of them, particularly in West Michigan,” he said. “I figured out how much glass cost. How much aluminum walls on the exterior of a building cost. How much all the bricks for the buildings that you see downtown cost. I started figuring out all those things, all those widgets I call them, and how much each of those cost and (it) really expanded my forte there.”

Amid his learning, Miner said he always had a yearning to lead a team, and Rockford Construction offered that opportunity. He joined the company two years ago. As the director of pre-construction, he leads a team that creates construction schedules, determines the cost of projects, and adds value engineering, which is finding a more economical way to complete a project while maintaining high-quality work.

8

JANUARY 10, 2022

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Program helps companies expand export strategies ExporTech aids organizations with building strategies for tapping into global markets.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

Michigan’s manufacturing and technology executives have a little time left to apply for a virtual, 13-week program to help accelerate their export strategies in 2022.

An intensive export growth program designed to jumpstart global sales strategies, ExporTech was launched nationally in 2007 via a partnership between two U.S. Department of Commerce bureaus: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS), which is part of the International Trade Administration.

ExporTech Michigan, launched in 2010, is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service-Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), with support from the East and West Michigan District Export Councils, EXIM Bank, the Small Business Administration, the Michigan Small Business Development Center and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Over 1,200 companies have successfully completed the ExporTech program nationwide.

Since ExporTech launched in Michigan, the USCS and MEDC have offered 12 programs serving 61 companies throughout the state.

Through ExporTech, busi-

ness school students at Michigan universities gain real-life experience helping companies formulate their export strategies, and a pipeline of graduates with international business research experience is made available to the companies, as well.

University partners include Michigan State University, Lawrence Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University and Grand Valley State University.

Grand Valley is serving as the university partner for the winter 2022 cohort, and the U.S. Commercial Service-Grand Rapids office, along with the MEDC, are the Kuo co-organizers.

The program — which went virtual in 2021 and will continue online in 2022 — will consist of six morning workshops and individualized coaching sessions from Jan. 20 through April 14, culminating in a presentation of each company’s strategic export plan during the final session.

Each company will be assigned a pair of coaches to navigate the strategic export sales process, and companies will be matched with a team of GVSU business students to assist with their international market research.

The program covers topics such as legal aspects of export compliance and working with international distributors, logistics concerns, tariffs and freight costs, and navigating free trade agreements.

Kendra Kuo, director of the

From left are coaches, volunteers and participants from a 2019 ExporTech cohort: Don Carbone, former president of Managed Programs; Greg Kangas, Great Lakes Sound and Vibration (GLSV); Steve Tarnowski, GLSV; David Bekkala, REL Inc.; Steve Mattson, GLSV; Mitch Fedie, Pettibone; Clint Berry, Race Ramps; Joe Esbrook, Hiawatha Log Homes; Jennifer Moll, U.S. Commercial Service; Eve Lerman, U.S. Commercial Service; Rich Digue, RnD Engineering; Bob Welker, Argonics; Chris Bosio, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); and Natalie Chmiko, MEDC. Courtesy MEDC U.S. Commercial Service-Grand Rapids office, said the program exists for a simple reason.

“Oftentimes, companies in Michigan or anywhere else are pretty good at doing domestic business, and then they’re approached by international buyers or distributors to help represent them overseas. Sometimes, those sales end up working out well, but other times, they’re missing out on bigger opportunities if they’re not strategic,” she said. “We’re trying to help them be more strategic as they approach international sales, identify which countries hold the most promise for them and go after those markets first.”

On Dec. 17, Robin Daniels, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’ regional

representative, presented certificates of special senatorial recognition to the eight graduating executives from the fall 2021 cohort, who celebrated the completion of their program after having presented their strategic export growth plans to a panel of experts from the Michigan District Export Councils for feedback.

“Feedback and expertise from the review panel was invaluable, as it helped us to anticipate and address topics in advance of entering new markets,” said Michael Edison, CEO of Ann Arbor-based Adaptive Energy.

“Participating in ExporTech has dramatically accelerated our global market entry — largely

because we’ve gotten an inside perspective from companies that have been in our shoes.

We’re now armed with a highly actionable strategy to enter Canada, India, Israel, Norway and other global markets. The bonus is that we now know the business risks, as well as the specific channels to target.”

The fall 2021 ExporTech Michigan cohort graduates also included AtomTech in Clarkston, Bennett Pump Co. in Norton Shores, ICR Services in Warren, iHemp Manufacturing in Fenton, SenShipping in Romulus, Thunder Technologies in Rochester Hills and United Precision Products Company in CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Stryker rolls out new time-saving surgical equipment System advances ease of use and accuracy in the operating room for podiatrists.

Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

Stryker is making foot and ankle doctors’ jobs easier.

The medical technology company launched its Prophecy Infinity Resect-Through Guides for use in total ankle replacement surgeries.

The Prophecy Infinity Resect-Through Guides is a new system that provides surgeons with fewer surgical steps: one guide is used for drilling and cutting, and metal guides are used to maintain cutting stability. There are optional holes to couple the alignment for the talus or the ankle bone; cover pegs; and improved fluoroscopic visualization of the coronal

alignment, positioning and implant size in one fluoro shot, according to Stryker.

“The Prophecy Infinity Resect-Through Guides can save steps in the OR (operating room) and allow for a firmer attachment of the Prophecy guides to the bone,” said Scott Ellis, MD, foot and ankle surgeon and associate attending at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

“With Stryker’s Resect-Through Guides, surgeons can enter the OR feeling confident that they are more likely to successfully follow their preoperative total ankle plan and achieve a wellaligned implant.”

The Prophecy Infinity Resect-Through Guides was designed to match a patient’s anatomy and fit securely into position at the time of surgery.

It provides fewer steps and reduces time-consuming interoperative steps such as determining alignment, choosing implant size and reliance on fluoroscopic guidance.

The new equipment cuts out steps for surgeons who are performing ankle-replacement procedures. Courtesy Stryker

“The new Prophecy Infinity Resect-Through Guides system builds on the product line’s leg-

acy of success in the foot and ankle market,” said Michael Rankin, vice president of mar-

keting and medical education for Stryker’s foot and ankle business. “After 35,000 cases planned over the last nine years, the latest offering in the Prophecy System continues to push innovation that will advance ease of use and accuracy in the operating room.”

A nationwide inpatient sample database from 2007-13 revealed that 50,156 patients older than 50 underwent either a total ankle replacement surgery or tibiotalar arthrodesis (ankle fusion surgery) because of ankle arthritis.

Of the total number of patients, 15,060 patients underwent total ankle replacement surgery and 35,096 underwent tibiotalar arthrodesis.

Total ankle replacement surgery has been increasing over the past decade, particularly with patients with post-traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

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Survey shows shift in customers’ banking habits Consumers’ and businesses’ adoption of digital banking tools is expected to be permanent.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

Nearly all consumers now do some or all of their banking digitally, while interaction with bankers is reserved for advice and complex transactions — a trend expected to accelerate in 2022.

New research released this month by Citizens confirmed the trend that emerged in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.

While the data shows a sweeping change in banking habits, the numbers also ratify the enduring importance of human interaction in more complex matters, Citizens said.

According to Citizens’ second annual Banking Experience Survey, published Dec. 9, 90% of consumers and 86% of businesses use digital banking channels, up from 85% and 71%, respectively, in July 2020.

The nationwide survey of consumers and business leaders found not only that widespread digital adoption is here to stay, with at least 70% of consumers and business leaders saying it is permanent, but that customers are increasingly comfortable in sharing their personal data with their banks.

Additionally, the survey also found human interaction — ei-

ther in person or via virtual channels — remains essential when it comes to executing more complex transactions. Two-thirds of consumers and businesses said they still prefer to tap a real person for financial advice. “(The 2021) survey shows that while the convenience of digital banking continues to attract consumers and businesses, there remains a need to provide a personal touch for advice and more complex transactions,” said Beth Johnson, chief experience officer at Citizens. “These results highlight the ongoing need for banks to provide a seamless experience across all of their channels, even as digital channels evolve rapidly.”

Evolving digital offerings While personal interaction is still important in banking relationships, digital offerings increasingly are key in terms of initial consideration, the survey found. Most consumers now choose their banking partner based on mobile and online banking capabilities, with 40% of consumers reporting it was the most important factor, and only 27% citing the convenience of physical branch locations as the most important factor.

The 2021 survey also showed a confidence in new banking channels, especially among business leaders. Seventy-eight percent of business leaders said their experiences during the past year made them much more comfortable with doing their company’s banking online. Eighty-six percent of business leaders said they feel confident using video confer-

encing tools to speak with their banker or banking team, and 70% said they feel confident performing banking activities via a chat function with a live banker on the other end.

Additionally, the survey results showed an increased expectation among consumers that banks will use artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to anticipate their financial needs moving forward. Fifty-three percent of consumers said they believe technological advances will allow banks to leverage data and AI to help better anticipate their future needs, up from 49% in 2020.

Banks as a partner Consumers and business leaders increasingly view their banks as partners, the survey found, showing banks’ ability to provide a seamless omnichannel experience while continuing to offer sophisticated advice will enable them to build on and deepen relationships with customers.

More than 80% of business leaders said their bank supported them through the COVID-19 crisis, and nearly as many viewed their bankers as strategic and financial partners.

Nearly seven in 10 consumers said they trust their bank to do the right thing by them when making financial decisions, while 60% said they are comfortable sharing their financial goals with their bank.

Sixty-five percent of consumers and 82% of businesses said they are at least somewhat comfortable sharing information with banks, as long as it leads to more

If trends that took hold during the pandemic stay in place, fewer customers will require in-person assistance and instead will learn to do more of their banking digitally. Courtesy iStock

tailored solutions and a better experience. Those percentages increased year over year from 60% and 71%, respectively.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen how customers depend on their banks to be there for them and provide strategic advice,” Johnson said. “Listening to our customers’ needs in order to provide innovative solutions, services and experiences with personalized insights is key as we continue to move forward together.”

Methodology The Citizens Banking Experience Survey was conducted

by Mintel/Comperemedia and polled 1,028 consumers and 260

business leaders between Oct. 22 and Nov. 4 using an email invitation and an online survey.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation.

The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in the consumer sample of this study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample, Citizens said.

Business executives cautiously optimistic for 2022 Employer Associations of America publishes National Business Trends Survey.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

In the recently released 2022 National Business Trends Survey from the Employer Associations of America (EAA), business executives indicate a fair amount of caution mixed with optimism for the 2022 outlook.

The survey results, published last month, showed 31% of executives believe the economy will improve and 41% expect the overall outlook for the 2022 economy to remain the same.

This annual survey shares information on what executives are doing to address business challenges. Survey responses also reflected the continuing impact of COVID-19 on business trends.

“Business leaders have had another year of difficult decisions and tough choices,” said Gayle Gilham, EAA board chair. “However, the trends we are seeing show just how strong and resolute executives are today.”

When asked how concerned respondents are regarding COVID-19 and its impact on business continuity, e.g., the supply chain, financial implications and temporary shutdowns, 65% indicated they are “extremely to moderately concerned,” an increase from last year’s 52%.

In 2021, hiring and recruiting became increasingly difficult as employees left for more pay, flexible work arrangements or new challenges. When asked their greatest business challenges for 2022, executives ranked talent acquisition, talent retention and cost of materials as their top three.

According to the survey, 50% of organizations were hiring in 2021 “slightly to significantly more” than they originally planned, compared to 20% reporting that in 2020. Most executives reported some to all of their hiring was due to Reep voluntary turnover (90%), and 70% reported their hiring was due to some or all newly created jobs.

With talent being such a critical factor, executives were asked what they thought were the top five most important factors for prospective employees, and the answers included: 1. Competitive pay, 84% 2. Good work/life balance, 74% 3. Flexibility in work hours, 57% 4. Vacation/paid time off, 38% 5. Competitive/robust health benefits, 38% Given the national concern over COVID-19 and employee safety, the survey also asked how organizations are working to minimize risk and ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws. The top two responses were providing face masks for employees in the workplace (56%) and encouraging, not requiring, employees to get vaccinated (52%).

The survey also asked executives to share the top measures they have been or are planning to continue to implement in 2022 to strengthen business results. The top five responses: 1. Invest in technology, 49%, as compared to 38% in 2021 2. Invest in equipment, 46% compared to 37% in 2021 3. Increase recruiting emphasis, 44%, vs. 40% in 2021

4. Offer hybrid work for positions that have not been hybrid in the past, 30%, which was the same as in 2021 5. Increase flexible work arrangements, 27%, down from 28% in 2021

“Business leaders have had another year of difficult decisions and tough choices.

However, the trends we are seeing show just how strong and resolute executives are today.”

Gayle Gilham In addition, the EAA 2022 National Business Trends Survey broke results out on the state level. Michigan respondents (74%) said their projected business outlook is for “slightly or significantly increased” sales/revenue or budget for 2022. Sixty-six percent of Michigan respondents were “moderately or somewhat concerned” with COVID-19 and its impact on human resources,

e.g., policy, remote work and absences.

“The Employers’ Association continues to provide meaningful services and solutions to local businesses during this recovery period through HR Helpline support, compensation alignment/ development, employee engagement surveys, roundtables (HR, safety and DEI), as well as coaching and training to develop skills that improve performance and organizational efficiency,” said Jason Reep, president of The Employers’ Association in Grand Rapids. “We believe this, and our other survey data, will continue to provide guidance as organizations refine their strategies in this and in future challenges.”

The EAA is a nonprofit national association that provides this annual survey to business executives, offering insights and trends for business outlooks, business investment plans, staffing levels, hiring plans, job creation, pay strategies and business challenges.

A copy of the full report is available by contacting Maggie McPhee or Marla Holzapfel, mmcphee@ teagr.org or mholzapfel@teagr.org, at The Employers’ Association, or by calling (616) 698-1167.

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Phoenix Group urges use of innovative staffing strategies In historically tight labor market, getting creative with finding people is the name of the game.

Rachel Watson

rwatson@grbj.com

A local management consulting firm has several ideas for businesses running up against talent hurdles in 2022.

Anne Leighty, co-founder and partner of greater Grand Rapids-based The Phoenix Group, recently spoke to the Business Journal about how companies can ease the talent crunch heading into 2022.

Founded in 2017 by Leighty and her business partner, Bryan Blackburn, The Phoenix Group is a management consulting firm specializing in accounting, finance and technology solutions for clients across many industries, including manufacturing and nonprofits.

Leighty said like all companies in the past couple of years, The Phoenix Group and its clients have had to get creative with finding talent to fill the gaps. She said if approached with positivity and a can-do spirit, it’s not an insurmountable challenge.

“You’re not alone. Everybody’s going through these struggles.

Everybody is getting creative. You

just have to think a little bit outside the box and be willing to make some changes internally,” she said.

“Some of the tips (we are sharing) require reflecting on what you’re currently doing and maybe changing it a little bit, and we have to be open to that. If there’s anything we’ve learned from the past couple years, it’s we need to be a little bit more fluid, so I think that goes for when you’re looking for talent, as well.”

Four main strategies The Phoenix Group said employers may find themselves wondering several times a day, “Where have all the people gone?” The firm found, through informally asking clients, a few insights.

Some parents have found the shifts back and forth between virtual and in-person learning during the pandemic “too much to cope with,” and one parent may have elected to stay home. Others have started their own business, even if it’s something as small as selling goods on eBay. Some have shifted to working in the gig economy, driving for Uber, delivering groceries and food from restaurants, etc., and still others are collecting unemployment.

To find talent at a time when it’s so elusive, The Phoenix Group recommends employers: Embrace talent they have Leighty said employers should

Steelcase, Inc. has an opening for a Sr. Quality Engineer in Kentwood, MI responsible for designing, installing and evaluating quality assurance systems, procedures and statistical techniques.

Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and Four (4) years of experience in job offered or related required.

To apply, please go to https://careers.steelcase.com/ careers/FolderDetail/ Sr-Quality-Engineer/4423.

No phone calls, please.

talk to their staff and ask them questions, such as why they are staying, what they like about their job, and would they recommend it to others.

“It’s great that you want to hire new people, but it’s equally important that you put enough effort into keeping the ones that you have,” Leighty said. “There’s something about the company that keeps them there. It’s really important that you tap into that and find out what that is, because maybe you are thinking it’s one thing, and so when you’re doing postings or talking to other people, you’re promoting one aspect of the business, when maybe you’ll find out that it’s something else.

“It’s rare when you talk to people about why they leave jobs that they leave because of salary. Most people aren’t staying because of that.”

After interviewing employees, the company could then create a marketing video where those existing workers share what they like about the company for advertising purposes.

Another idea is to ask current employees to refer others.

“Good people always know other good people, so capitalize on that,” Leighty said.

Reach out to peers Leighty said she recently called some out-of-state clients that weren’t struggling with finding

talent for their shop floors, and they said they had found an alternative labor pool in returning citizens who had committed nonviolent crimes, as well as individuals with disabilities.

“That doesn’t work for everybody, but it will work for some,” she said.

Networking also is a big part of this strategy. Leighty said people in West Michigan love to help their peers, so attending luncheons and other business functions can be a great way to get new ideas.

Use a temp agency or pool “An organization in Lansing that was always well-known for developing their own labor pools was Auto-Owners (Insurance), because they’ve spent many years successfully having their own temporary labor pools. They would have employees that might retire or maybe working mothers that are available for certain times, and they created this giant temporary pool and they never had to use outside agencies because they had their own people that were signed up to do that,” Leighty said.

Recently, The Phoenix Group crafted job ads targeting stay-athome moms to work as part-time consultants during the school day.

“When we just put out the ad saying we were looking for parttime people, we didn’t get hardly anyone, but when we specifically

went out there saying, ‘If you are a stay-at-home mom who has these skills that we’re looking for, we’re willing to work around your children’s schedules, so give us a call.’

And we just got great people,” Leighty said. “… Getting creative with who you’re targeting really makes a difference.”

Outsource “There are some pieces of your business, usually marketing, IT and accounting, that are easy to outsource,” Leighty said. “If you just take a little bit of your processes, maybe revisit those and tweak them a little bit and do a little reorganizing, you can outsource some of the areas that you may be struggling with.”

The Phoenix Group offers accounting, consulting, software and outsourced CIO and CFO services for companies that, for example, may have someone on staff handling the day-to-day of information technology or finance, but need part-time help with higher-level strategy and vision setting.

“If they revisit their processes, I’m sure people will uncover opportunities for outsourcing. They can decide if they want to keep the transactional work in-house and outsource the strategic piece … or vice versa,” Leighty said.

More information on The Phoenix Group is available at phoenixgrpllc.com.

MEDC CEO applauds SOAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

proves when we come to the table in good faith and put Michiganders first, we are capable of extraordinary progress. I will continue working with anyone to deliver meaningful change on the kitchen-table priorities that make a difference in people’s lives.”

Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), called the legislation “an important beginning.”

“We appreciate the incredible diligence, hard work and collaborative approach to position Michigan for large-scale investments that accelerate growth in high-paying jobs, retain large customers for our small businesses and remain at the center of technological change for decades to come,” he said.

“Michigan’s globally recognized talent base, long-standing heritage in manufacturing, innovation and affordable cost of living, combined with a Pure Michigan quality of place, already put Michigan in a strong position to win. These bills … provide competitive programs that are responding to the market and invest in business retention and attraction to complement Michigan’s already undeniable strengths as a state.”

Although Messer said he cannot share specific details due to nondisclosure agreements, he said the MEDC has several trans-

formational projects in its pipeline that would invest billions of dollars into Michigan, create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs for Michiganders and continue the state’s strong economic growth.

“We feel really good about the work that is happening in the Grand Rapids region,” Messer said. “In West Michigan, there are three really exceptional regional economic development organizations — Cornerstone Alliance, Lakeshore Advantage and The Right Place — and they have ag-

“These bills … provide competitive programs that are responding to the market and invest in business retention and attraction to complement Michigan’s already undeniable strengths as a state.”

Quentin L. Messer Jr. gressive teams that are doing really exciting work.”

The programs funded by SOAR are expected to support business retention and attraction efforts across regions through improved site readiness efforts and create a new “home court” advantage for

automotive, electric vehicle and advanced manufacturing growth in the state.

Messer said he believes the SOAR legislation “changes the narrative that Michigan is comfortable or complacent and not willing to be aggressive to retain its historic advantage in the mobility and other advanced manufacturing sectors.”

He added it also is designed to have broader impact than just mobility and advanced manufacturing.

“The framework of this legislation allows us to be competitive in the life sciences, which is of tremendous import in West Michigan; it allows us to retain our tremendous design and office furniture (sectors), because it’s not industry specific,” he said.

“It basically talks about critical industries, those industries that have transformative impact from a job creation or a capital investment (standpoint), and so that’s the real beauty of this that it really allows us to be flexible and nimble, given the evolution of technology.”

Messer also said it’s important to note that the legislation applies to all of Michigan — not just east or west or the Lower Peninsula, but to the whole state — and to small businesses as well as big ones.

He added more work will need to be done in the Legislature in January to continue building on this first step.

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Experts analyze the supply chain ‘mess’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

automotive industry.

The panel was designed to share strategies for lower middle market companies to survive and thrive in the current environment. Key topics included: •The causes of the ongoing supply chain issues and what the long-term impact and repercussions of the crisis might be.

•Actions to take for companies currently sourcing in Asia.

•Who is benefiting from the current situation and what are they doing to keep things from returning to normal?

•The roles sourcing, logistics and technology will play in solving the supply chain crisis.

The Business Journal previously reported on root causes of the supply chain crisis that a Commerce Bank panel identified, and this group added a few more factors exacerbating the problem.

Feniger cited problems including worker shortages, rising wages and electrical grid nightmares in China; the deterioration of U.S.-China relations and continued high tariffs; the price of raw materials, particularly of plastics, stemming from the spike in oil prices; the Chinese government’s “radical” approach to COVID-19 lockdowns; freight forwarding problems out of China due to U.S. ports being backed up; the pulling forward of production timetables as U.S. retailers see a spike in demand; and the fact China’s ability to deal with problems quickly is causing major brands to pull out of other Asian countries and shift production back to China, overloading its capacity.

Hawver identified the pandemic-induced consumer buying pattern changes, as well as the

rapid technology shift toward electronics, both of which underpin the shortage economy, as key reasons for the supply chain “mess” the world is facing.

Gordon said the U.S.’s inventory-to-sales ratio is at an alltime low, because with the rise of containerization and the U.S. increasing overseas production and imports on a global scale over the past 50 years, the country has become more and more dependent on the global network, hampering its ability to recover when the supply chain is threatened.

Additionally, he said the U.S. has been held back by the powerful International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which, through collective bargaining, has prevented a shift to further automation at the ports — an advantage many countries now have — in addition to blocking increases in the number of hours they can work to clear out the port backlogs.

Gordon also criticized public policy decisions such as the $5 trillion worth of federal stimulus, which fueled a spike in demand for consumer goods; and the Biden administration’s failure to force the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports to stay open or divert traffic to other ports — or bring in the National Guard to help clear blockages — as well as its failure so far to act on other ideas, such as subsidies to trucking companies to hire more drivers and adding more warehouse space at the ports in which to put containers.

When asked to share what actions they are taking in response to supply chain constraints, the panelists shared numerous ideas.

Hawver said EBW Electronics is requesting price increases, negotiating new terms with sup-

pliers, increasing lead times and inventory, and redesigning product with a design-for-availability, rather than design-for-assembly, philosophy.

“We’ve actually had to re-engineer product based on what’s available in the market,” he said.

“So, you go out and scour for semiconductors or capacitors or the like, and we’re having to compromise the design integrity by simply using what’s available.”

He said if any lessons can be taken from the current crisis, it’s that, in hindsight, automakers in North America should have developed deeper and more positive relationships with semiconductor manufacturers instead of being overconfident in their leverage during the former buyer’s market. Semiconductors are used extensively in electronic circuits, or chips, and the chip shortage has hamstrung global auto production since 2020.

“I’ve been on conference calls with (original equipment manufacturers) and Toyota semiconductor manufacturing companies, and it’s very clear that the North American Detroit Three were late to the show compared to the European and Asian OEMs, who invested themselves much earlier in relationships with this very deep and complex semiconductor supply chain,” Hawver said.

He also said companies that can increase their flexibility in inventory management after pivoting too far toward the global just-in-time/lean manufacturing model popularized by Toyota in the ’90s will be able to weather the continued supply chain crisis.

Gordon said private investment dollars are going to companies that have managed to meet the moment and step into

the world of e-commerce fulfillment, becoming “unicorns” in the process — the term for a private startup valued at over $1 billion.

His investment companies Cambridge Capital and BGSA have poured funding into companies that innovate in e-commerce fulfillment; last-mile logistics software; reverse logistics, or software that manages e-commerce returns; and tracking, or e-commerce visibility software.

One way companies have been able to improve their competitiveness is through vertical integration of their logistics and supply chain through mergers and acquisitions, Gordon said. He pointed to four recent deals that illustrate the trend: 1) The transportation company Ryder recently acquired Whiplash, an e-commerce fulfillment company with a national network; 2) the Port of Singapore Authority acquired the Philadelphia-based freight forwarder BDP International; 3) Uber Freight acquired contractual transportation management company Transplace; and 4) the retailer American Eagle bought Quiet Logistics.

“The logistics and supply chain world is a fantastic opportunity for investment, whether software services or other productivity enhancements,” Gordon said.

Feniger said his team has been able to achieve 99% on-time deliveries for its American customers by having boots on the ground in Asia, where employees are demanding priority, during a time when American manufacturers have not been able to visit China in person for nearly two years due to the pandemic.

“Every week, I’ve got people in the factories saying, ‘Show me your raw materials, show me how

many workers you’ve got, show me that you’ve organized the packing and the packaging that’s necessary in order to achieve the on-time, in-full delivery,’” he said.

To help clients achieve better success, Feniger tells them to “Go to B.E.D.” “B.E.D. stands for ‘become a better customer,’ ‘eliminate the middleman’ and ‘diversify for resilience,’” he said.

On the first point, he said with it now being a seller’s market in the supply chain, “You’ve got to change your attitude, and you’ve got to actually consider how to woo the best vendor to come on board and supply you, because they can pick and choose.”

On eliminating the go-betweens, he said customers should work on the assumption that every link in the supply chain costs about 10%. “Don’t use trading companies. Don’t use buying agencies. Go direct to factories,” he said.

On the diversification point, Feniger said clients should “diversify your country of origin and your service providers and make sure you’ve got three quotes on every product, and you should see a dramatic improvement.”

The panelists agreed the supply chain issues are so complex they will continue at least through 2023.

“Nothing is going to get better until 2023, because that’s when more ships will come online,” Feniger said. “So, in the meantime, where there isn’t enough capacity to make what everybody wants to buy, get in there, get in the factories’ face, demand priority and be a better partner.”

The full Blackford and ACG supply chain discussion is available to view at bit.ly/vimeosupplychainwebinar.

Boating emerges as top outdoor activity Holland-based maker of luxury crafts is on pace for record fiscal year.

Danielle Nelson

dnelson@grbj.com

Many industries have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, but there is at least one industry that has benefited from it.

Outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, boating and fishing were some of the safest activities to do during the height of the pandemic. One activity stood out from the rest, however.

Boating was one of the most valuable outdoor recreational activities last year. It was the largest conventional activity for the nation as a whole at $30.8 billion in current-dollar value-added and was the largest conventional activity in 39 states, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Tom Slikkers, CEO and pres-

ident of Tiara Yachts, a Holland-based boat manufacturing company, said there were some uncertainties as to how the pandemic would impact his industry.

“As we learned more about COVID and learned about things that we could do safely and things that were less safe, outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, biking, camping, boating, fishing and surfing became the natural go-to for a lot of individuals,” he said. “Boating and camping were probably the two primary big buckets where a lot of people started putting their energy into because it allowed them to isolate and be with their close family or friends and not necessarily have the risk of being with a lot of people.”

The increase in boating activities includes yachting, canoeing, rowing and fishing.

With the increased interest in boating, the demand for boats also has increased. Slikkers said Tiara manufactures low volume, higher luxury boats, traditionally churning out less than 200 vessels per year. This fiscal year

Tiara is on track to make around 250 boats, according to Slikkers.

“We are struggling with the demand for boats,” he said. “The demand coupled with the supply chain issues that have been happening now, as a result of the other side of COVID, that combination is not a great combination for a boat manufacturer or anyone in manufacturing. The supply of materials, the challenges of keeping people healthy and employed, and getting your product built is not an easy proposition today. We are working through it. I wished we had a magic wand that we could use, but the material challenges and the people challenges have made it unusually challenging on a daily basis. It is not one item. It is a combination of a multitude of different items that come up in a given day.”

Some of the boats the company manufactures include 39 Coupe, 44 Coupe, 49 Coupe and 53 Coupe. The company launched the 48 LS, the newest model in its portfolio, in February.

To meet the demand, Slikkers said Tiara is hiring new employ-

Tiara Yachts’ higher-end boats, like the 39 Coupe, are proving very popular. Courtesy Tiara Yachts

ees and trying to get individuals back into the labor market. It’s also investing in another area.

“We are investing in new automation and robotics in some areas of our facility that might

be able to alleviate human interaction and take the human interaction that we do have and move that to an area that is different in our company that we can’t automate,” he said.

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COMMENT & OPINION

GUEST COLUMN Matthew T. Nelson and DeAndre’ Harris

SCOTUS to rule on OSHA vaccine directive

T

he U.S. Supreme Court was scheduled to hear oral arguments in a case that will have significant ramifications for employers and employees: Whether to stay the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s emergency temporary rule that employers require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing for the disease.

The Supreme Court took the exceptional step of scheduling oral arguments on the motion to stay the OSHA rules a mere three weeks after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit put the issue back into play. That speed is extraordinary in any case, but almost as rare as airborne swine for a procedural motion of whether the high court should reinstate a stay on the OSHA rules.

Here, the Supreme Court’s unusual haste is driven by several unique factors.

First, the case addresses the validity of the federal government’s most controversial effort to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

When OSHA published its Emergency Temporary Standard, or ETS, in November 2021, the agency noted “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on workers.” To date, more than 800,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began in 2020, prompting OSHA to “take action to implement this emergency temporary standard to contain the virus and protect people in the workplace against the grave danger” of the coronavirus.

The ETS mandated COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for most employees of employ-

ers with 100 or more workers. But when OSHA published on Nov. 5, 2021, the response was immediate — and divisive. The first legal challenge was filed within hours of OSHA’s publication of the new rule.

The ETS was challenged in multiple jurisdictions, racking up nearly three-dozen lawsuits across the country. In some of those lawsuits, the parties challenging ETS asked the courts to stay enforcement by OSHA. Second, the stay issue has generated numerous lengthy and conflicting decisions that address the merits of whether OSHA has the authority to issue the ETS. Historically, OSHA has had a hard time convincing courts that its exercise of emergency rulemaking is permissible. ETS has proven no exception. Despite the quick pace of the ETS cases, the path to the Supreme Court has been a saga.

Within days of the rule being issued, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit noted “grave statutory and constitutional issues” in deciding to pause the ETS. The Fifth Circuit panel wrote an opinion explaining why OSHA was unlikely to prevail in the case. The decision and a concurring opinion totaled 22 pages.

A few days after that, federal rules dealing with “multi-circuit litigation” required the cases be consolidated and heard by one court chosen by lottery. That turned out to be the Sixth Circuit, which represents Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, which was chosen on Nov. 16 to review the cases. So, the Sixth Circuit inherited not only a truckload of cases but also the Fifth Circuit’s stay ruling.

Groups challenging the ETS apparently concluded they stood a better chance if the case was heard by the entire Sixth Circuit sitting en banc — as a court of 16 judges.

Most cases are decided by threejudge panels. So, these groups petitioned the Sixth Circuit to do something very unusual: hear the case en banc before a typical three-judge panel had rendered a decision. This

procedure is little used, with “little” meaning “never.” Nonetheless, eight Sixth Circuit judges wanted to take the case en banc. Alas, that was one vote short of a majority.

But the order denying en banc review was accompanied by a 27page opinion by Chief Judge Jeffrey Sutton that was joined by seven

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CONTINUED ON PAGE13

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David Van Andel

W

hen the clock struck midnight on Dec. 31, Van Andel Institute’s 25th anniversary year drew to a close.

As we reflect on this milestone in our organization’s history, we are more grateful than ever for the community that has embraced us and helped make our achievements possible.

Inscribed on a plaque in our lobby are the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.

In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” As an independent research organization, Van Andel Institute is relatively small — but we are committed to the pursuit of big, bold ideas. West Michigan’s spirit is the same; although we are not a big city like New York or Chicago, our people have vision that surpasses even the largest locales.

Twenty-five years ago, Grand Rapids was relatively unknown. Today, we are nationally recognized as a desirable place to live, work and play.

Around us on the Medical Mile, there are even more signs of innovation. In 2017, Michigan State

University opened the Grand Rapids Research Center. From our vantage point on Michigan Street, we are watching MSU’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park grow by the day.

In the other direction, Grand Valley State University’s Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional House is now open to students. Over the past quarter-century, the West Michigan community has become a life sciences hub that attracts talent from all around the world.

In November, five VAI scientists were named to the 2021 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List — a distinction marking them as leaders in their fields. In the last year alone, we recruited six top-tier scientists to join our faculty. From up-and-coming stars to established experts in their fields, each one adds to the critical mass of scientists needed for a vibrant life sciences community. And, importantly, these six labs will bring jobs and federal research grants into the West Michigan economy.

The work of our top-notch faculty are at the forefront of these efforts, and their work is underpinned by the Institute’s state-

of-the-art Core Technologies and Services — a collection of departments that offer specialized support for scientists both at VAI and collaborating organizations across the globe. These services, which include cutting-edge technology and deep expertise, are integral in bolstering our partnerships and putting VAI and Grand Rapids on the map for world-class biomedical research.

VAI scientists are working hard every day, leveraging the collective strength of global collaborators to address serious health challenges like cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Ongoing projects include an exploration of how diet and metabolism influence the immune system’s ability to fight infections and disease; research into improved therapies for cancer; and a study that will seek to answer the question of whether

we would be the same person if we were born multiple times under the exact same circumstances — referred to as the “two yous” project.

As much as we celebrate our growth, we know that there is no “going it alone” in science. We all have a role in developing breakthroughs that transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, whether that’s health care providers, scientists or the many people who make our work possible. We remain mindful of the countless challenges that face our community, our country and our world — knowing that when we work together and leverage each of our strengths for the betterment of humanity, there is no doubt that we will succeed.

David Van Andel is chairman and CEO of Van Andel Institute.

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 10, 2022

13

GUEST COLUMN Ryan Diepstra

How to make retirement goals you actually can keep

A

new year is synonymous with new hopes, dreams and goals.

Now that we are 10 days into 2022, how are your New Year’s resolutions going? Have you dusted off the old treadmill and are you exercising 30 minutes each day? Have you been able to resist the leftover cookies and chocolates from the holiday season? Are you eating more fruits and vegetables and less pizza and hamburgers? Are you spending less time on your phone, mindlessly scrolling though apps?

Have you finally cleaned up your basement and donated items that you haven’t used in a decade?

I ask these questions because exercising, eating healthier, spending less time on electronic devices and getting organized are consistently

some of the top New Year’s resolutions each year. But we all know most resolutions fail by February.

Why? Long story short, it’s because of a lack of a proper plan and little to no accountability.

While these all are great aspirations to have, I’d like to focus on one resolution that often gets missed — retirement investment goals. I know this isn’t the most exciting topic in the world, but the difference between a strong plan and disorganization could significantly impact your retirement date, lifestyle and legacy.

This is easy to achieve and stay on track, but it requires a significant amount upfront work. The first step is sort of like cleaning out your garage. Take everything out, sweep the floors, and figure out which be-

longings you would like to keep, sell, give, or throw away. Similarly with your investments, gather all your recent statements and lay it on your kitchen table. Sit down with your spouse and calculate exactly what you own, why you own it, and the overall purpose of each investment.

Next, evaluate your current expectations, concerns and lifestyle.

An example of an expectation is estimated retirement expenses. Concerns include cost of health care, volatility in the market and parents needing care. Each topic warrants a conversation and assessment of how it will impact your retirement plan.

An evaluation of lifestyle is figuring out which date you would like to retire, monthly income needed and how long you think you’ll live. The

U.S. Social Security Administration has a life expectancy calculator on its website that can show you the average number of additional years a person can expect to live, based on gender and date of birth. This website also has a few calculators to quickly figure out your estimated earnings and benefits.

Finally, the fun part begins with an exercise of thinking of all the needs, wishes and wants you desire in a perfect retirement. A few examples include a new home, vacations, new car, health care, donations, helping aging parents, helping children and grandchildren with school, and home improvements. Each of these have a different level of importance and estimated date. Write down a rough timeline of each item, dollar amount, and rank them 1-10

with 1-3 a wish, 4-7 a want, and 8-10 a need.

Now that you’ve got a good handle on what your retirement will look like, let’s go back to your financial statements and take a closer look at each investment and if they align with your goals, risk tolerance, liquidity needs and overall plan.

There are several rudimentary online resources for this as well, but I would encourage you to work with a financial adviser who has the tools and experience to guide you on a financial roadmap and hold you accountable to keeping this resolution indefinitely.

Ryan Diepstra is a principal and COO at Centennial Securities. He can be reached at ryan@centennialsec.com or (616) 942-7680.

SCOTUS to rule on OSHA vaccine directive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

of his colleagues. Sutton explained that OSHA was exceeding its statutory authority by, among other reasons, addressing risks outside of the occupational context. The Sixth Circuit’s opinions on denying en banc ran to 42 pages.

Just two days later, a Sixth Circuit three-judge panel issued three more opinions resulting in a 2-1 decision to dissolve the Fifth Circuit’s stay ruling and let the OSHA ETS go into effect. Judge Jane B. Stranch wrote “the ETS is an important step in curtailing the transmission of a deadly virus that has … brought our health care system to its knees, forced businesses to shut down for months on end, and cost hundreds

of thousands of workers their jobs.”

Another judge concurred, while Judge Joan Larson sharply dissented, re-emphasizing that OSHA was exceeding its statutory authority.

The opinions landed at 57 pages.

After 121 pages of opinions on whether OSHA is likely to succeed in imposing the ETS, the U.S. Supreme Court could reasonably conclude it had heard all it needed to from the lower courts.

Third, the ETS is time sensitive.

OSHA published the standard during the height of the delta variant, but omicron already is causing record numbers of infections.

OSHA set Jan. 10 as the deadline for employer compliance. But with the delays caused by the litigation, OSHA is exercising enforcement

discretion with respect to the ETS deadlines.

To provide employers with enough time to comply with the now-effective ETS, OSHA announced it will not issue citations for noncompliance with any ETS requirements before Jan. 10 — and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the testing requirements before Feb. 9 “so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance.” Nonetheless, the Supreme Court is hustling in part because the Jan. 10 deadline will affect a vast swathe of the American population and economy.

So, when can we expect a ruling?

Given the Supreme Court’s haste and its decision to set oral argument

on the motion for stay, it’s reasonable to think that the Court will issue its decision within a few weeks.

And what will the Court decide?

There are some hints from the decisions in the lower courts. Every Trump-appointed judge to consider the ETS concluded OSHA had overstepped its statutory or constitutional bounds. With three exceptions, the judges who addressed the stay in the courts of appeals split along party lines with judges who were appointed by Presidents Clinton and Obama voting directly or indirectly to dissolve the stay and most judges appointed by Presidents Bush, Bush and Trump voting directly or indirectly for the stay.

The Supreme Court has three justices appointed by Democratic

presidents and six by Republican presidents. Further, the jurisprudential philosophy of a majority of the justices on the court is closer to that of Chief Judge Sutton than to Judge Stranch.

Finally, there’s the fact the Supreme Court has taken the case at all. If a majority on the Court was inclined to uphold the ETS, then there was no reason to take the extreme measures of scheduling a special oral argument on a motion for stay.

Matt Nelson chairs the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and DeAndre’ Harris concentrates his practice in labor and employment law. They can be reached at mnelson@wnj.com and dharris@wnj.com.

House, Senate lawmakers push for early parole reform The two separate proposals essentially would reward prisoners for good behavior.

Emerson Wigand

Capital News Service

LANSING — Michigan prison policy fails to consider good behavior and rehabilitation when it comes to parole, some advocates say.

Without rehabilitation, prison time can be pointless, said Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit. Carter is a sponsor of legislation intended to allow more consideration of prisoner self-improvement efforts rather than focus on time served.

“If you take your car to the car wash and it comes out dirty, what’s the point?” Carter said.

“Similarly, if people come out of

a system the same way or worse, we failed them and we failed society.”

That’s why House and Senate lawmakers have introduced bills to allow sentence reductions by the Department of Corrections of up to 20% for good behavior or participating in rehabilitative programs. The bills use different methods to reward inmates’ good behavior and productivity.

The Senate sponsor, Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said he hopes it will work with the House package to make this change. The bills would open doors shut by the Truth in Sentencing law, Irwin said.

In 1998, voters passed Truth in Sentencing. It requires some inmates to serve their minimum sentences before they can be considered for parole.

Many of these people are not dangerous, and their release could save millions of tax dollars, Irwin said.

The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police opposes changes to Truth in Sentencing, said Robert Stevenson, executive director.

“We don’t think it’s needed, and we don’t think it’s fair,” Stevenson said.

The law is needed to ensure uniformity, Stevenson said.

Before Truth in Sentencing, sentences for the same crime could vary widely based on location and the Corrections Department could reduce time served beyond prisoners’ minimums.

Stevenson said the proposed changes would take away judges’ discretion and are unfair to victims.

“It’s hard to get into prison in Michigan, believe it or not,” Stevenson said. “You really do have to do some pretty serious violations, and multiple, to get into prison.”

Therefore, the proposal would really impact only violent offenders, Stevenson said, and prison-

ers should be kept for at least their minimum sentence, he said.

But Irwin said Michigan does a poor job distinguishing which people are violent. Additionally, the state has a high population of elderly prisoners whose release likely wouldn’t pose a safety threat.

Parole relies too much on the

“I believe that they should serve their time.

But I’m more focused on what they’re doing with that time.”

Priscilla Bordayo quantity of time spent, not how it was spent, said Irwin, and rehabilitation should be a factor in

release.

Carter said the House and Senate bills attempt to do that in different ways, but both want the same thing The House package would introduce “productivity” credits, based on participation in rehabilitative programs.

These programs are to prepare prisoners for release as rehabilitated members of society.

That could involve obtaining a GED, higher education or skills in a particular trade.

Irwin’s bill would motivate prisoners by offering “good time” credits, which are given for good behavior and avoiding trouble.

Priscilla Bordayo, coordinator of Lansing’s chapter of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, agrees that good behavior should be rewarded. As a victim of crime, Bordayo believes mercy and justice must go hand in hand.

“I believe that they should CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 10, 2022

15

Interest in hunting, fishing licenses remains high Medical labs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

from 2019. Fishing license purchases among that same group were up 11.4% from 2020 and 11.7% from 2019.

Buggia credits the increase in visitors coming from out of state to the large amount of state land that is available for hunting and the variety of species that are in the state. Some of the species that are available in Michigan include walleye, salmon, steelhead trout and Northern pike. Some of the popular animals include duck, deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels and elks.

“The good thing about Michigan is that state land is distributed across the state, so no matter where you live, there is an opportunity,” Buggia said. “Traditionally, people tend to go up north, to the northern part of the Lower Peninsula or the Upper Peninsula to do a lot of hunting. There are opportunities outside Grand Rapids. The Allegan State Game Area, which is one of the bigger pieces of public land, is not only great for

recreating but it has some good hunting and fishing opportunities.”

The increase in hunting and fishing license purchases has created a positive economic impact during a time when much of the country was shut down and is now trying to rebound economically.

Hunting and fishing have a combined $11.2 billion economic impact on Michigan and provide an estimated 171,000 jobs annually, according to a 2019 study released by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs in partnership with Michigan State University.

Buggia said hunters and anglers support the economy by buying the equipment they need and also purchasing gas to put in their boats and vehicles, paying for hotels to stay in and purchasing meals.

“It has a pretty big impact on the overall economy and supports jobs across the state,” he said.

“Michigan has a few factories that produce things like bows and ammunition and things like that,

but it is more than just the outdoor equipment. A lot of people may be traveling up north to go hunting and they stay in a hotel, they go out to eat a few times a week, so it is supporting those local economies at certain destinations where certain times of the year those towns are seeing a big increase in tourism dollars.”

While the hunting and fishing license purchases have increased, there are efforts to keep the animal populations in balance and protect Michigan waters from habitat degradation and invasive species, as well as safeguard the state’s forests to provide habitats for thousands of wildlife species and reduce the risk of wildfires and flooding.

Licenses purchased by hunters and anglers generated an estimated $65.5 million for the Michigan Game and Fish Protection Fund in 2020. The fund is the DNR’s largest revenue source and is critical to its conservation work. The sale of hunting and fishing equipment raised an additional $29.4

million to support wildlife and natural resource management.

“Hunting and fishing is really a management tool,” Buggia said. “That is what it is about. It is not just about going out there and harvesting an animal. It is about making sure that the populations are at sustainable levels.

If we have way too many deer, it can spread diseases and there can be an increase in deer-andcar accidents and things like that.

There is a lot of time and science that goes into determining what a sustainable population is and that is not only for deer and turkey, it also is for things like sturgeon and butterflies.

“So not only is hunting and fishing a tool to make sure that the population is staying at the right amount, because you can raise or lower the amount that is harvested so that can change from year-to-year, but the money from hunting and fishing licenses is the primary source of conservation funding not only in the state but across the country.”

Record pace of M&A expected to continue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

$1 million to more than $1 billion.

Responses to Dykema’s 17th annual Mergers & Acquisitions Outlook Survey indicated M&A is expected to be strong in the next 12 months, with most viewing the Biden administration’s legislative agenda as positively impacting activity.

Seventy-five percent of respondents expect the U.S. M&A market will strengthen in the next 12 months, while only 7% anticipate it will weaken. Respondents not only predict deal volumes will be up across the board, from small to midmarket to megadeals of $1 billion and more, but nine out of 10 also expect M&A activity among privately owned businesses to increase over the next year.

“For us, the optimism comes as no surprise,” said Tom Vaughn, co-leader of Dykema’s mergers and acquisitions practice. “The top three factors cited as fueling current M&A activity — availability of capital, financial markets and general economic conditions — support the notion that all the fundamentals needed for a bull market are there. All of this coincides with recent data showing this year’s M&A activity is on pace to be the biggest in history.”

Vaughn said the flood of new startup private equity firms in the market looking to make strong returns — including in Michigan’s middle market — contributes to the availability of capital for those looking to buy.

In addition to strong financial markets, he said the current high business valuations are drawing sellers to market who otherwise may have continued to sit on the sidelines.

When asked about leading concerns regarding M&A in the next year, respondents said the pandemic still ranks as a top challenge, with 49% citing it as a significant obstacle to M&A in the next 12 months. The fact that the survey was conducted before the omicron variant appeared and began spreading probably makes this an even bigger concern today, Vaughn said.

“This (concern about the pandemic) might stem from ongoing supply chain and labor shortage issues associated with the pandemic, as well as the general, but persistent, uncertainty it brings,” said Jeff Gifford, leader of Dykema’s corporate finance practice group. “That said, now, even after the surge in cases, dealmakers have learned how to manage COVID-19-related uncertainties, with respondents ranking COVID-19-related delays sixth in order of the most common obstacles they experienced in deal-making last year.”

Vaughn added the M&A world quickly adapted to doing due diligence and management meetings virtually, which allowed them to carry on advising and closing transactions at record rates in 2021.

In a departure from Dykema’s 2020 M&A Outlook Survey, most respondents believe the implementation of Biden’s policies — including his proposed infrastructure bill, immigration reform, renewable energy targets and increased deficit spending on economic stimulus — will have a positive impact on the U.S. M&A market in 2022.

Respondents do not believe issues such as heightened antitrust scrutiny and corporate tax increases, generally considered

hostile to the M&A market, can slow down the U.S. M&A market in the next year, likely due to gridlock in Congress making those reforms unlikely to pass anytime soon, Vaughn said.

The survey yielded several additional findings: •Sixty-five percent of respondents said they were more likely to be involved in joint ventures — the biggest increase over 2020 (14%) out of the three deal types surveyed (acquisition, sale, joint venture) — though all categories saw reasonable gains.

•Respondents embraced an increase in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s scrutiny of special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) initial public offerings (IPOs) in the near term (58%) and long term (67%) and expect the SPAC boom to continue.

•Most respondents (55%) have worked on a deal in which the target company or buyer was screened for environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk within the past 12 months, while three-quarters of respondents expect to work on a deal that includes screening for ESG risk over the next 12 months.

•Technology and health care, both prominent economic players in 2020, dropped down to fourth and fifth places when asked what sectors were expected to be the most active in the next year, while energy soared from eighth to second place. For the fourth year in a row, the automotive industry topped the list.

Vaughn said Dykema, being Michigan-based with an office in Grand Rapids, segments the data from respondents based in the region to see if there are any appreciable differences in the

M&A outlook for Michigan vs. the national outlook, but this time around, nothing stood out.

If anything, he said, Michigan is benefiting from the ongoing top position of the automotive industry when it comes to M&A activity, as well as the surge of deals in the energy sector — including solar, where tax credits are available for companies focused on renewable energy — and electric vehicles (EV), as the state’s major automakers race to compete in the EV space.

“That is going to transform the industry, and the large companies are going to need to do acquisitions of companies that are particularly focused in on the EV world,” Vaughn said.

For companies looking to do M&A in 2022, Vaughn said his advice is to start early.

“There is going to be a lot of overflow from the deals that did not get done (in 2021) into (2022).

I already have a couple deals that I’ve pushed into (this) year, and as a result, I think 2022 is going to be very busy,” he said. “You don’t want to be in the position (of waiting to sell until) next fall.

You want to do it sooner so that you can make sure that your deal gets enough attention.”

The best thing sellers and buyers alike can do, he said, is to be well prepared — financially, organizationally and legally — to start the deal process before it begins.

“You want to have all of your ducks in a row so that when you hit the street and you hit the investment banking process, things can move very quickly, and you can garner the highest valuations,” he said.

Dykema’s full 2022 M&A Outlook Survey Report is available at bit.ly/dykemaMAoutlook.

navigate COVID rules

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

work with,” Allen said. “We’re updating them weekly on ‘this is your positivity rate, and this is what we’ve seen over the course of the past week,’ and that really helps to kind of identify quicker what’s going on in terms of spread through our companies.”

The company also provides access to a dedicated OSHA representative to help employers build out a successful testing program, prepare staff for any testing requirements and ensure compliance with its and any other ETS orders. According to Allen, the lab typically suggests that companies select a designated HR or other company representative to work closely with OSHA and the regulatory bodies within the community.

“Ideally, businesses need to figure out if they fall into the mandated testing category, and if not, work internally to figure out what the benefit to a program would be, along with what the cost to not implement a program could potentially mean for their staff and business,” Allen said. “If it makes sense for them to initiate a program, even if not mandated, we are one of many local companies standing by ready to help. Keeping our community safe, healthy and productive is our goal.”

As employers waited to see whether they mandate would hold, they found themselves in a delicate balancing act of implementing practices to keep their employees and companies safe from virus outbreaks, while also trying their best to not deter any current or potential employees from working after millions left the workforce over the last couple of years as a result of the pandemic.

The U.S. Supreme Court was at press time scheduled to hear oral arguments Jan. 7 on emergency applications by various parties to re-stay the OSHA mandate, determining whether the government should be able to enforce the federal vaccine mandates while the underlying litigation challenging them still is ongoing. Allen said medical laboratories are standing by to help navigate these new circumstances, regardless of what SCOTUS decides.

“And, you know, everyone’s just looking to do the right thing for the community, so we’re here to help,” Allen said. “If by chance we ran into a situation where we couldn’t (help), we have partner labs that we would identify at that time to help people. So, I think (the) biggest thing is just letting people know that we’re a big community, we all work together, and I think ideally we’re all just trying to do the right thing to keep our community safe.”

16

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 10, 2022

ACCOUNTING

Southway named Hope Network’s senior director of business operations

Baker Holtz, CPAs and Advisors announced tax principal Melissa Seguin is the recipient of the MICPA 4 Under 40 Award.

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING Dave Shaffer joined Mathison I Mathison Architects as senior project coordinator.

AWARDS

Back To Michigan, a collaborative, statewide event spearheaded by Hello West Michigan and The Right Place, was awarded a Silver and Bronze ranking by the International Economic Development Council at the council’s 2021 annual conference.

Chris Kapla is the recipient of Life EMS Ambulance’s 2021 Award as part of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services’ Stars of Life program, which celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities.

Creative Dining Services was awarded the 2021 West Michigan Triple Bottom Line Leadership Award by the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

Prein&Newhof senior projKapla ect manager Thomas A. Smith III recently received the Raymond J. Faust Award from the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association for contributions to safe public health engineering practices, advancement of sound water supplies, and dedication to building and promoting the waterworks industry.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund named Rob Collier, retired president and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, a recipient of a 2021 Great Lakes Leadership Award in recognition for his efforts to protect the health of the Great Lakes basin and the people who live in the region.

Additional 2021 winners: Allegra

Hope Network named Shannon Southway its senior director of business operations. Her extensive background in health care and behavioral health operations is designed to create operational efficiencies and support strategic growth as the nonprofit looks to expand its service lines.

Southway most recently worked for Henry Ford Health System as director of operations at Kingswood Hospital. Hope Network provides health care and life services to more than 20,000 people across the state.

Cangelosi; Crystal M.C. Davis; Eric Letsinger; David M. Lodge; and Sherri A. Mason.

Association for Business Resources’ 2021 Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness list.

BANKING

The Michigan Works! Association announced to its board of directors: Ben Damerow, director Michigan Works! Southwest Kalamazoo; Dan Dunn, vice president of human resources, Comerica Bank, Portage; Shana Lewis, executive director, talent acquisition, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids; Lance Lyons, president, Lyons Industries, Inc., Benton Harbor; and Jacob Maas, CEO, West Michigan Works!, Grand Rapids.

Community Bankers of Michigan announced Douglas Ouellette, chief community banking officer of Mercantile Bank of Michigan in Grand Rapids, was re-elected to the Independent Community Bankers of America Federal Delegate Board.

Janet Torres joined Union Bank as vice president, retail banking and deposit operations.

Kalamazoo-based Consumers Credit Union hired Benjamin Belloli as a mortgage loan officer in the Kalamazoo market, specifically at its West Main office.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Authors Justin and Alexis Black of the nine-time award winning book, “Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love,” have founded Redefining Normal, a social impact business that encourages healthy relationships, mental health and healing, while breaking generational patterns to support others in creating worthy living. The Blacks also made Forbes’ Next 1000 List.

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce announced Kelly Springer as chair of its board of directors and the appointments of board members Menaka Abel, Mitch Bakker, Paul Brinks, Mike Ellis, Boyd Feltman, Har Ye Kan, Stacy Segrist Kamphuis and Jackie Rice.

CONSTRUCTION

EV Construction hired Craig Flora as assistant preconstruction manager; Garret Norris, general tradesman; Anthony Moreno, warehouse assistant; Mike Savage, field manager; Mariano Santoya, painter; and Brian McGhee, interiors foreman.

Rehmann was named for the fifth consecutive year to the National

Orion Construction’s Roger Rehkopf has transitioned from the company’s president to CEO and made the following appointments: Kathy Ringnalda

JAN 11 Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Virtual Workshop.

Topic is Putting Competency Models to Work: Impacting Organizational Strategy and Assisting in Client Coaching. 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: free/current GVSU students, staff, faculty; $60/general admission. Registration/information: bit. ly/CompetencyModelsWorkshop.

JAN 12 Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance HandsOn Workshop. Topic is Building Your Storytelling Chops: Creating A Storytelling Plan and Culture. Noon-4 p.m., Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Educational Services Building, 13565 Port Sheldon St., Holland. Cost: $30-$50. Registration/information: bit.ly/ LakeshoreStorytellingWorkshop.

JAN 24 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With Legislators. Establish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing. 7:30-9 a.m., Hope Network Education Center, 775 36th St. SE. Cost: $25/members, $40/nonmembers. Registration/information: grandrapids.org.

JAN 11 Institute For Supply Management – Greater Grand Rapids Professional Development Virtual Zoom Meeting.

Topic is Cybersecurity Across the Supply Chain, by Steven Melnyk, MSU Broad College of Business. Noon-1 p.m.

Cost: free/members, $35/nonmembers, $12/retirees. Registration/information: bit. ly/3ppBE5W.

JAN 13 Builders Exchange of Michigan Webinar. Topic is Lien Law. Noon-1:30 p.m. Registration/information: (616) 9498650 or courtney@grbx.com.

JAN 24 The Economic Club of Grand Rapids Zoom Webinar. Topic is 2022 Economic Forecast, with Alan Beaulieu, president, ITR Economics. Time TBD. Registration/information: econclub.net/ events-2/#.

JAN 11 Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast Event.

Featuring economist Paul Isely, Grand Valley State University, who will forecast local and state economies. 8-9 a.m., Haworth Hotel, 225 College Ave., Holland. Cost: $40/members in-person, $55/nonmembers in-person, $15/members livestream, $25/nonmembers livestream.

Registration/information: (616) 928-9101 or colleen@westcoastchamber.org.

JAN 12 Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy Virtual Workshop. Topic is Beyond Burnout: Redefining Self-Care in the Nonprofit Sector. 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: free/current GVSU students, staff, faculty; $60/general admission. Registration/ information: bit.ly/RedefiningSelfCareWorkshop.

JAN 13 Grand Rapids Public Museum Concert Under The Stars. Normal Mode lo-fi space jazz music. Doors open 6 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m. GRPM Chaffee Planetarium. Cost: $16/members, $20/ nonmembers. Registration/information: grpm.org.

JAN 19 Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Leads Group. A relationship-building group with the goal of establishing strong inter-business relationships to develop leads for the participating businesses. Noon-1 p.m., Hudsonville City Group. Cost: $50 per year, members only. Registration/information: bit.ly/JanuaryLeadsGroup.

JAN 20 Grand Rapids Public Library/Mercy Health Program for People 65-Plus.

Topic is Ask a Doctor and Ask a Lawyer about Advance Care Planning.

11 a.m., Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. Registration/information: grpl.org/ seniorsbewell.

JAN 25 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 28 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce 41st Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. 6-9 p.m., Crossroads Conference Center, 6569 Clay Ave. SW. Cost $50/person. Registration/information: bob@southkent.org.

JAN 29 Grand Rapids Business Chamber of Commerce Latina Connect. Presented in Spanish, Latina Connect supports Latinas in making new connections and growing as leaders. 9-11 a.m., Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, 250 Monroe NW, Suite 150. Cost: $35/members, $50/nonmembers. Registration/ information: grandrapids.org.

CHANGE-UPS & CALENDAR

as CFO; DuWayne Johnson as VP multi-family; and Jeff Smigielski, as VP construction and logistics.

due to a decrease in government funding and limited delivery of services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDUCATION

Karen Kaashoek, longtime leader of the Federally Qualified Health Center Catherine’s Health Center in Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood, will retire in early 2022 after 24 years with the nonprofit health center.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Mercy Health Muskegon announced Linda Dunmore as its chief nursing officer.

Greenleaf Trust hired Valerie Martin as team service coordinator; Diara Walker as wealth management associate; Mark Meyers as senior trust relationship officer; Davis McFarlane as family office adviser; Brittany Szymczak as family office wealth strategist; and Dana Hushak as Walker business development officer.

HOSPITALITY

GRANTS

The Grand Rapids Public Museum received a $211,500 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to improve storage and accessibility to the museum’s Natural History and Science collections. The two-year grant requires 1-to-1 matching funds.

Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity raised $1.65 million as part of its $3.9 million Strengthening Families, Building Community campaign, a fundraising effort to build 18 Habitat homes at Vista Green, 285 West 36th St. in Holland. The goal is to construct 42 affordable housing units for home ownership.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

LEGAL

Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry professor Dr. Philip Walling has been named to Newsweek’s roster of America’s Best Eye Doctors 2021.

David Rinderknecht and Bonnie Potter joined Mortgage 1 Inc. as loan officers.

Wise Men Distillery’s Black Cherry Hard Seltzer captured the Challenge’s Best of Show; BlueBerry Hard Seltzer, Lime Hard Seltzer, Peach Hard Seltzer and Raspberry Hard Seltzer won gold medals; and its Watermelon Hard Seltzer captured a silver at the recent Adult Beverage Competitions.

HEALTH

Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy opened its Pelvic Rehabilitation Center at 1621 44th St. SW, Suite 300, Wyoming.

Kalamazoo-based InterAct of Michigan has transferred its programs to Integrated Services of Kalamazoo

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.

FEB 2 Grand Rapids Business Chamber/ Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business 134th Annual Meeting. Topic is The State of Grand Rapids Business. 7-10 a.m., DeVos Place Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Cost: $65/members, $85/nonmembers. Registration/information: grandrapids.org/event/134th-annual-meeting.

FEB 2 Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Leads Group. A relationship-building group with the goal of establishing strong inter-business relationships to develop leads for the participating businesses. Noon-1 p.m., Hudsonville City Group. Cost: $50 per year, members only. Registration/information: hudsonvillechamber.com/index.html.

FEB 3 Grand Haven/Spring Lake/Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce Educational Workshop. Topic is MIOSHA — Supervisor’s Role in Safety and Health.

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, One S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Registration/information: web.

AHC Hospitality announced the promotions of Caitlin McClelland, spa director (AHC Hospitality); Ryan Schmied, corporate director of food and beverage experiences (AHC Hospitality); Ethan Hansen, hotel manager (Morton Hotel); Lindsay Hovingh, director of rooms (Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton); Melissa Stanley, general manager (AC Hotel Grand Rapids); and Jeffrey Burns, assistant general manager (Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown). Stephanie Cutler joined Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown as general manager.

HUMAN SERVICES

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP partner David L.J.M. Skidmore has been elected to serve a one-year term as chair of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the Michigan State Bar.

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.

grandhavenchamber.org/events.

FEB 4 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Update Zoom Meeting. A brief highlight of key issues.

10-10:30 a.m. Cost: free. Registration/ information: grandrapids.org.

FEB 10 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Exchange Luncheon. Provides members and future members with facilitated networking. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, 333 Michigan St. NE. Cost: $35/members, $50/nonmembers.

Registration/information: grandrapids.org.

FEB 14 The Economic Club of Grand Rapids Zoom Webinar. Featuring Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Republican Congressman Fred Upton.

Time TBD. Registration/information: econclub.net/events-2/#.

CALENDAR POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the calendar section. Send items to Calendar Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email bjcal endar@grbj.com. Submissions must be received at least three weeks prior to the event.

The Business Journal calendar posted on the publication’s website (grbj.com) includes listings for events extended beyond those printed in the weekly publication that are limited by space restrictions.

PUBLIC RECORD MORTGAGES

Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds BIRDALL ENTERPRISES LLC, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 411708429013, $1,010,000 INTERRA HOMES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Plainfield Twp., $622,500 STEIN TRUST, Mr. Cooper, Parcel: 411432480005, $360,000 SCOTT, Sandral, Fifth Third Bank, Ada Twp., $1,000,000 LIVELY, Damon E. et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Parcel: 411115129051, $520,000 DEGAGE HOLDINGS, MCC 401 CDE, Parcel: 411430307014, $5,048,875 RASHID, Jeffrey D. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Cascade Twp., $382,500 LESSER, Horst, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411427327004, $524,000 LENTZ, Krissy M. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $350,500 SELLS, Jack et al, Northpointe Bank, Parcel: 410610451003, $360,000 REDSTONE LAND DEVELOPMENT LLC, United Bank, Sparta, $397,500 BOESCHENSTEIN, Jane E., Mercantile Bank, East Grand Rapids, $395,000 HURLEY INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC, Economic Development Foundation, Alpine Twp., $418,000 SIVER, David, Contour Mortgage Corp., Plainfield Twp., $360,000 LEON, Edward et al, Huntington National Bank, Wyoming, $362,598 NEDERHOED, Daniel, United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 411430328003, $465,500 MEAD TRUST, PNC Bank, Cascade Twp., $425,000 BOUMAN, Matthew, Huntington National Bank, Byron Twp., $468,000 BROUGHAM, Matthew G. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $350,000 BECKERING, Jennifer, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $410,000 BRUMMEL, Chad L. et al, Amerisave Mortgage Corp., Vergennes Twp., $410,211 JAAR HOLDINGS 1398 LLC, Comerica Bank, Wyoming, $2,146,250 EAGLE CREEK HOMES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Gaines Twp., $522,775 SOUTHSIDE ICE ARENA LLC, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 412136100035, $1,255,000 DD SUDZ LLC, Mercantile Bank, Alpine Twp., $888,250 1601 MADISON OZ LLC, PNC Bank, Parcel: 411806326035, $2,595,000 3770 ALPINE LLC, PCF Lending, Parcel: 410936354001, $2,050,000 TMF PROPERTIES LLC, Horizon Bank, Plainfield Twp., $580,000 5811 BYRON CENTER VENTURES LLC, Mercantile Bank, Wyoming, $800,000 NEW TRADITIONS GRAND RAPIDS LP et al, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Rapids, $51,000,000 LOYL HOMES LLC, VanderPol Holdings, Vergennes Twp., $1,000,000 MCL PROPERTIES LLC, PNC Bank, Parcel: 411430326017, $649,485 CAMP ROGER, Macatawa Bank, Cannon Twp., $488,000 KOSTER, Kimberly et al, Rocket Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $364,200 QUACKENBUSH, Lee M. et al, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Sparta, $526,000 FINUP, Elmiranda, Benchmark Mortgage, Spencer Twp., $369,900 BOHAN-VANEPPS, Christopher F., United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 411407401020, $351,500 TARGOSZ, Daryl S. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411425127001, $390,000 RENNER, Steve, Rocket Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $484,353 MEUSER, Mark R. et al, Old National Bank, Cannon Twp., $1,376,545 MATHERS, Matthew V. et al, Macatawa Bank, Byron Twp., $720,000 SILVERMAN, Neal C., Old National Bank, Cannon Twp., $446,400 LEBIODA, Joseph et al, PNC Bank, Algoma Twp., $440,000 CIANFARANI, Joseph A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, Ada Twp., $500,000 MCCLURE, Steven R. et al, Old National Bank, Cascade Twp., $750,000 ZEPEDA, Leidy, Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Co., Parcel: 411336376022, $500,000 ZEPEDA, Edgar, Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Co., Wyoming, $500,000 ROTH, Barbara, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cannon Twp., $492,900 CEDERHOLM, Eric, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $850,000 MCCLENTHEN, Jake Jr. et al, Mercantile Bank, Courtland Twp., $714,500 SULLIVAN TRUST, Fifth Third Bank, Ada Twp., $517,500 ANDRES, Paul et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Caledonia, $1,045,000 SHAARDA, Todd et al, Heartland Home Mortgage, Parcel: 411230100019, $600,000 TAPE, Darrin J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Bowne Twp., $423,440 DEBOER, David B. et al, Mercantile Bank,

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL Byron Twp., $444,000 KANDALAFT, Nabeeh et al, Dart Bank, Caledonia, $407,200 HINGSON, Michael T. et al, Rocket Mortgage, East Grand Rapids, $367,665 KOZLOWSKI, Gregory, Heartland Home Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $362,598 FINKBEINER, Justin et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $412,000 GIBSON, Daniel et al, Northpointe Bank, Cannon Twp., $437,000 EIENLOHR, Jared A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Algoma Twp., $630,000 YARLAGADDA, Sindhuri et al, Rocket Mortgage, Ada Twp., $387,708 VZ FAMILY OFFICE LLC, Mercantile Bank, Kentwood, $400,000 PETTUOHN, Stuart et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $1,415,700 JTB HOMES LLC, Macatawa Bank, Cascade Twp., $351,752 VERMEULEN, Jared, Huntington National Bank, Byron Twp., $366,497 VERMEULEN, Jared et al, Consumers Credit Union, Byron Twp., $466,000 PELLEGRINI, Nicholas, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $712,500 MULLINS, Lawrence H. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $414,773 FAROOQ, Muhammad U., Rocket Mortgage, Cascade Twp., $435,000 VISSER, Kyle, Independent Bank, Ada Twp., $350,000 SINQUEFIELD, Travis, Bank of America, Byron Twp., $400,400 STEVENS, Kevin et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Ada Twp., $498,000 INMAN, Erin E., Heartland Home Mortgage, Nelson Twp., $504,990 TAWNEY TRUST, Stanford Vaughn Development LLC, Lowell, $450,000 WITTE, Stephen et al, Primelending, Byron Twp., $375,155 MANCINI, Michael P. et al, PNC Bank, Parcel: 411916426026, $499,000 PARIS, John M., Guaranteed Rate, Parcel: 411433377004, $517,500 ANCONA, Mary L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $394,700 DINH, Sarah et al, Old National Bank, Caledonia, $468,000 SIMONS, Zacharry et al, Neighborhood Loans, Gaines Twp., $448,000 HIPP, Alainna M., Northern Mortgage Services, Caledonia, $402,500 BUSING, Todd et al, United Bank, Byron Twp., $355,048 BAJRIC, Jasmin et al, Arbor Financial Credit Union, Gaines Twp., $360,000 BROWN, Kasey D. et al, Northpointe Bank, Gaines Twp., $356,125 HEACOCK, Rory et al, Neighborhood Loan, Parcel: 411403424018, $456,000 MCDONALD TRUST, Huntington National Bank, Ada Twp., $2,690,000 SNAY, Richard D. Jr. et al, Huntington National Bank, Oakfield Twp., $403,750 GRAY, Adam et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Wyoming, $352,400 FALLASBURGER REALTY LLC, Macatawa Bank, Lowell, $1,575,000 ELWELL, David et al, Northern Mortgage Service, Parcel: 411403424008, $351,200 BURKE, Rebekah E., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Courtland Twp., $495,000 BRADBURN, Christopher T. et al, Northpointe Bank, Plainfield Twp., $404,910 BOND, Robert III et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Ada Twp., $391,200 CARLSON, Benjamin et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $389,600 FAIRFAX, Lonnie J. et al, Pennymac Loan Services, Parcel: 411401476045, $412,000 ZIEGLER, Scott E., Mortgage 1, Parcel: 411430476005, $488,000 COOPER, John S. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411431135004, $445,000 KIMBER, Chad et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Byron Twp., $457,111 DOYLE, Ryan, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $699,900 MAAS, Douglas, West Michigan Community Bank, East Grand Rapids, $1,000,000 VANDERWAL, Jeffrey C. et al, United Bank, Caledonia, $369,000 VANDERVEEN, Kurt et al, Northern Mortgage Services, Byron Twp., $766,300 AZZI, Robert M. et al, Mercantile Bank, East Grand Rapids, $852,000 PRINS, Dan et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Parcel: 411403151027, $446,500 BAKER 7163 REALTY LLC, Mercantile Bank, Ada Twp., $756,500 BECKNELL, Nikole K., Independent Bank, Cannon Twp., $990,000 ROTSCHAFER, Bradley et al, Mercantile Bank, Ada Twp., $480,000 EAGLE CREEK HOMES LLC, Lima One Capital, 7695 Realco Lane, $520,950 CARPENTER, Timothy L., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plainfield Twp., $548,250 SANDFORD, James J. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Parcel: 411325294053, $370,500 VERDON, Patrick et al, UBS Bank, East Grand Rapids, $720,000 BASSETT, Ryan M., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Cascade Twp., $1,277,500

GRONDMAN, William H. et al, Federal Housing Commission, Byron Twp., $427,500 MINDER, Paul D. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Byron Twp., $592,000 ALMASSIAN, Michael D. et al, Old National Bank, Cascade Twp., $1,375,200 CHASNYK, Yladislav, Northpointe Bank, Parcel: 411431206014, $407,483 HOFF, Nicholas et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411404101043, $548,250 KERSTETTER, Joel et al, Heartland Home Mortgage, Gaines Twp., $428,235 BONKEMA, Dylan et al, Cardinal Financial Co., Ada Twp., $548,250 PONSTEIN, Mitchell W., Lake Michigan Credit Union, East Grand Rapids, $486,875 HIELKEMA, Gary et al, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Cascade Twp., $562,438

CO-PARTNERSHIPS FILED

Co-partnerships filed with the Kent County Clerk ESPECIALLY FOR YOU EVENT DECOR & CATERING, 3132 Byron Center SW, Dabrisha Durham, Linda M. Clincy NO BETTER WAY, 1202 Leonard NW, Shmarri Harris, Katlin D. Morris T.N.B. MARIE INVESTORS, 1116 Cooper SE, Benjamin McLiechey Jr., Truong Franklin, Trinh T. McLiechey LHL SERVICES, 6709 Hayfield SE, Caledonia, Laura H. Esptein, Lawrence Epstein ONE A MONTH, 5940 Tahoe SE, Daniel M. Helmholdt, Edward J. Timmer THE DOMESTIC GODDESS CONSULTING, 4501 Burton SW, Julie Erickson, Charles Erickson

ASSUMED NAMES FILED

Assumed names filed with the Kent County Clerk ACES BASEBALL, 2051 Michael SW, Wyoming, Patrick East AMAYA’S, 3738 Hubal SW, Wyoming, Edison Amaya BENTLEY EXTERIORS, 4214 Leonard NW, Wayne Bentley BLUE MOON LOGISTICS, 4130 N. Castle Ridge SE, Samir Neziraj CBB BOOK KEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES, 324 National NW, Charles B. Bennett CURT CUTZ, 2363 Roys SW, Wyoming, Curtis Robinson DJ ROBERTS, 909 Hancock SE, Robert Womack EYEQUE, 1417 Manorwood SE, Kentwood, Gregory Metcalf FREEDOMWEAR APPAREL, 401 Maplebrooke Lane, Cadillac, Jan Munch FRIENDS CDL CONSTRUCTION, 4563 Middlebury SE, Kentwood, Damarys DeJesus Delgado G.D.T. FLOOR SERVICES, 421 Thomas SE, Doriece J. Teasley HEAVEN ON EARTH, 309 S. Harewood SW, Nikki S. Hill HEBE DESIGN, 1444 Mart Lane, Morley, Taylor A. Heberand J&R MARKET, 3900 S. Division, Sarshan Singh KITCH HOME IMPROVEMENT, 2515 Thoreau Court NE, Matthew J. Kitch MAGIC SQUEEGEES, 303 Carpenter NW, David C. Hill Jr. MICHIGAN MITCHELL MEDIA, 839 Bridge NW, Nathaniel P. Mitchell MICHIGAN PAINT, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL, 1824 Maplerow NW, Mark Gerke MITCHELL & SONS AUTO, 2924 S. Division, Wyoming, Jason J. Mitchell PAWSITIVELY PURRFECT RESCUE, 411 Quimby NE, Kelly J. Workman POCKETS MOTORSPORTS, 415 Tampa SE, Alanna Turnquist PRACTICAL PRESSURE WASHING, 6886 Hartman SE, Erin C. Kafulani Blessing PRO CLEAN TEAM, 1352 Marshall SE, Marie D. Jimenez PROJECT EXTRAORDINAIRE, 1053 Sheldon SE, Cynthia L. Hicks RODAS HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE, 20 Diamond NE, Floricelda Rodas ROGUE RIVER INNOVATION, 3733 River Isle Court NE, Carl J. Hessler SHEAR DELIGHTS, 3383 52nd St. SW, Grandville, Grace Oudbier SIPPY SERVE, 2642 Wabash NE, Stacy Westerburg SKEYWAY TRANSPORT, 1437 Emerson NW, Byron Barrenger SMB CONSULTANTS, 3910 Leonard NW, Shasha M. Montalvo SPARROW BAGS AND TOTES, 10092 Serenity Shores NE, Rockford, Angela Sist SPECTRUM ELECTRICAL SALES, 513 Somerset Drive NE, Thomas E. Donahue STARRY NOTES PAPER, 2980 Rush Creek SW, Byron Center, Chelsea S. Fisk

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.

JANUARY 10, 2022

17

Program helps companies expand export strategies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Dearborn Heights.

Pedro Ruiz, vice president of international sales at Bennett Pump, said ExporTech is helping the company create jobs through global sales growth.

“This program is helping us establish a path to achieve our goal of being a top-three gas pump supplier in the world,” Ruiz said. “I particularly enjoyed hearing from the different perspectives offered by people in the class on how they approach international sales challenges.”

Graduates of previous ExporTech Michigan programs in 2020 and 2021 included Cadillac Products Automotive Company in Troy, Challenger Communications in Albion, Cherry Central Cooperative in Traverse City, Coherix in Ann Arbor, Dell Marking Systems in Rochester Hills, Duperon in Saginaw, Grand Rapids Christian Schools in Grand Rapids, Lifeline Firehouse in Lansing, Mull-It-Over Products in Grandville, Munro & Associates in Auburn Hills, Nirvana Tea with various locations, Oktober Can Seamers in Grand Rapids, Preferred Packaging Solutions in Taylor, SK International in Farmington Hills and T&T Tools in Holland.

Joelle Williams, International Student Program director at Grand Rapids Christian Schools, said while it might seem unusual for a school system to participate in an export program geared toward businesses, her school is

considered an exporter of education, since it has so many international students.

“As a result of participating in this spring 2021 seminar series, a) we heard from experts in a variety of fields about a number of export-relevant topics, and b) we were supported as we applied the information for our unique service,” she said. “I feel that our team has improved our knowledge of various important export-related topics and that our program is better for having this information.

“Specifically, our website is now more user-friendly in the global market, we have a better sense of legal considerations as we export education, and we came away encouraged that we are doing a good job promoting and offering our service.”

Kuo said the application deadline for the winter 2022 cohort is Jan. 10, with “a little bit of wiggle room” depending on space.

The fee is $1,200 per applicant. Grant money is available from the MEDC to qualifying companies to cover up to 75% of the cost.

Michigan manufacturing and technology executives interested in applying can contact Kuo at kendra.kuo@trade.gov or (616) 481-9047. A maximum of eight companies will be selected.

Those who are interested but are not selected for this winter’s cohort are encouraged to apply again in the fall when information on the next sessions becomes available.

House, Senate lawmakers push for early parole reform CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

serve their time,” she said. “But I’m more focused on what they’re doing with that time.”

The Corrections Department hasn’t taken a position, said Chris Gautz, its public information officer.

These rehabilitation programs already exist and would not require new funding to implement, he said.

The only cost for “credit” programs like those is administrative staff, Irwin said. Those costs would be offset by reducing long prison stays.

Despite that, Attorney General Dana Nessel has called the bills unnecessary and detrimental.

“These bills attempt to save the state money at a cost to be borne by crime victims and our communities,” she wrote in a Detroit News editorial.

That’s also Stevenson’s main argument.

“Let’s say you lost a sister or a brother to crime, they’re gone

forever, right?” he said. “The person that killed them, should they be back out enjoying their life when they’re 60 or 65?”

However, Bordayo said she has problems with that logic because those aren’t life sentences and those inmates will be released eventually.

So, Bordayo said, the real question should be whether those released have had a chance to better themselves.

Additionally, not all victims want the same things, she said.

And victims and their families will be kept in the loop from start to finish about possible releases.

These decisions still will ultimately be for the parole board, Bordayo said. But programs that recognize and reward good behavior and progress would incentivize improvement.

“What most victims want, more than just justice, is what happened to them to not be repeated,” Bordayo said. “So, to me as a victim, that’s a win-win.’’

Wilkast, Inc.

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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL

STREET TALK

Kent caps successful year Great expectations.

I

ndividual accomplishments over the course of time often can be missed, but reviewed collectively, they can present a snapshot of significant achievements.

Such is the case with Kent County’s work during 2021.

“Despite the various pressures placed on public services this past year, our board and staff were dedicated to continuing to provide excellent service to our community,” said former Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter. “While we continued to meet the challenges of the pandemic, we also maintained a strong focus on meeting the needs of continued economic growth.”

Notable county board actions from 2021 included: •A structurally balanced FY2022 budget was unanimously passed in November. The total budget was $527 million and included $454.8 million for operating expenditures, of which $16.7 million was for capital improvements.

•Kent County maintained its dual AAA bond rating from S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service for the 23rd consecutive year.

Additionally, it was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for FY2020.

•The Gerald R. Ford Internation-

BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF

al Airport currently is expanding Concourse A to add new gates and concessions to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 20 years. In September, the board approved the issuance of revenue bonds for $93.6 million to finance these capital improvements.

• The county hired its first chief inclsion officer to underscore its commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in strategic priorities and service delivery.

•The Parks Department completed a series of land acquisitions that will expand the Chief Hazy Cloud Park into a 395-acre natural preserve that will include woods, wetlands and three miles of frontage along the Grand River and allow for future trail expansion to connect multiple communities.

•The Kent County Health Department added three new mobile health units in 2021. These self-contained mobile health facilities have been used extensively to target vulnerable populations in the administration of COVID-19 and other vaccinations, HIV testing and community outreach. To date, more than 1,000 thousand county residents have received COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics supported by these units.

•The 2021 food service licensing fee was waived for the 2,294 food

establishments in Kent County due to the significant hardship these establishments experienced with closures and capacity limitations related to the pandemic.

•Three county programs managed by the Health Department continued to reduce lead exposure in Kent County. These programs are currently or have completed investigations of 161 properties, cleared 39 homes of lead hazard, completed 57 site visits, and fully staffed a team of five sanitarians, a health educator and a lead clerk.

•Implemented the purchase and installation of body cameras for more than 200 law enforcement personnel, funded replacement tasers, and replaced 83 in-car cameras for deputy cruisers.

• In response to the need to vacciate as many people as possible, Kent County, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and Spectrum Health developed one of the largest vaccination clinics in the country at DeVos Place. As a result of this partnership, more than 231,000 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered between January and May 2021.

“We are in excellent fiscal standing and are well positioned to continue to innovate, collaborate and thrive,” Bolter said. “I thank our committed staff for continuing to work to make Kent County a place of belonging for all

JANUARY 10, 2022

to call home and prosper.”

TRUST AND ETHICS SpartanNash recently was recognized for 50 years of exemplary ethical practices and accreditation by the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating standards in business integrity, ethics and trust.

“SpartanNash is a proven community partner that is dedicated to serving West Michigan with trust and ethics,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “We would like to congratulate SpartanNash on 50 years of BBB accreditation. Its track record as a trusted local business is something we can all be proud of.”

Founded more than 100 years ago, the company has maintained an A+ rating with the BBB, demonstrating its focus on operational excellence as part of its mission to “deliver the ingredients for a better life.”

“SpartanNash’s people-first culture guides our principles of service and will continue to serve as the foundation for our responses to store guests,” said Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash president and CEO. “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the West Michigan Better Business Bureau, and we’re honored to receive this award symbolizing our commitment to earning consumer trust.”

WHAT’S AHEAD A leader for Citizens in Michigan recently shared his perspective on the 2022 economic outlook.

Joe Dennison, senior vice president, community develop-

ment lending team leader for Citizens in Michigan, whose focus is construction financing and loans for affordable housing as part of the Community Reinvestment Act across the bank’s 10-state footprint, spoke with the Business Journal Dec. 22 about what Michigan residents can expect in 2022 in terms of affordable housing supply and other factors.

“2021 (was) a pretty good year for us,” he said. “Challenges in the industry, the supply chain disruption and labor shortages, have driven up construction pricing, but affordable housing projects are often a partnership between the state and local agencies that want to see projects done and private investors and developers, so, generally, we’ve been able to find ways to bridge the construction cost increases, but it is a continuing challenge that we think will probably continue into 2022. But we should hopefully be able to overcome those challenges. There’s obviously a need for affordable housing across the country.”

He said inflation and the gap between supply and demand might be of concern, but he is hopeful the Federal Reserve’s planned interest rate increases will help manage those problems.

Dennison described the omicron variant as “a bit of a wild card at the moment” but he is hopeful continued advances in treatments and therapeutics that are expected to come online in 2022 will put the state in a better place in the next 12 months.

“Beyond that, I think the (federal) infrastructure bill should be positive and help spur growth next year,” he said.

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