MMA CEO pleased with state’s ‘careful’ progress. PAGE 3
JUNE 29, 2020 VOL. 38, NO. 22
The Business Newspaper of Metro Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon & West Michigan
THIS WEEK
BOCANEGRA CLIMBS RANKS Ottawa County assistant prosecutor learned value of hard work from migrantworker parents. Page 11
Report shows positive emerging economic trends Lakeshore Advantage says increased operating capacity, high supply chain confidence indicates forward motion. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
Cannabis zoning ‘Fast track’ and deliberative approaches are part of the city’s strategy for new businesses. PAGE 3
LGBTQ ruling Advocates say Supreme Court decision is historic for civil rights, but much more work remains to be done. PAGE 4
HALL WORTHY Faith Hospice’s executive director recognized for career achievements. Page 8
THE LISTS
The area’s top senior residential communities. Page 6 The area’s top health care education programs. Page 8
Lakeshore Advantage released a second report on the business impacts of COVID-19 this month that shows several positive economic trends as companies return to work. The Zeeland-based economic development agency polled Allegan and Ottawa county primary employers four times over a seven-week period between April 20 and June 3 to gauge business’ immediate needs as they return to work, to quantify the impact of COVID-19 and to track economic progress. Each week, the poll opened Monday morning and closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Lakeshore Advantage’s first
COVID-19 business impact report was published April 21, according to a previous Business Journal article. The new report, published June 11, garnered 220 employer responses in the manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and professional/scientific industries. Michigan manufacturing opened May 11, and for the two polling periods following, all respondents were open for business, Lakeshore Advantage said, although not at full capacity due to decreased customer demand and the burden of getting proper protocols into place. The number of respondents operating at half capacity or greater increased from 49% to 72% over the seven-week polling period. In the most recent polling week, while 72% of respondents report operating at half capacity or greater, 46% of those respondents were operating at 80% capacity or greater. “We implemented many different work safety practices and have been able to bring back CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Employees at Techno-Coat in Holland have their temperature checked each day prior to entering the workplace. Courtesy Techno-Coat
Minor league sports teams at a standstill Griffins, Drive and Whitecaps are running multiple scenarios for next season. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
The futures of the West Michigan Whitecaps, Grand Rapids Drive and Grand Rapids Griffins are in limbo, courtesy of COVID-19. The Whitecaps, an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have yet to throw out their first pitch of the 2020 season and there is no telling when they will be able to do so. Their season was set to begin on April 9, but now the club is at the mercy of Major League Baseball, according to Joe Chamberlin,
CEO of the Whitecaps. As of June 19, MLB had yet to reach a consensus on when — or if — professional baseball would resume. “Frankly, we don’t have control over what is happening at the major league level,” he said. “There are so many moving parts in that equation in terms of the MLB and the players association and the deal they are working on getting done. Unfortunately, for us, we are just sitting here in West Michigan and watching everything play out in the press.” The team already was supposed to have played approximately 35 home games at this point of the year. Teams play 70 home games in a 140-game regular season. However, the Whitecaps get their players from the Tigers CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
Players like 2019 first round draft pick Riley Greene would have been a significant draw for the West Michigan Whitecaps. Courtesy Jack Powers, West Michigan Whitecaps
GRBJ.COM Vol. 38, No. 22 $2.00 a copy. $59 a year © Entire contents copyright 2020 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved.
Inside Track ...... 11 Guest Columns.. 16 Region shines amid COVID
FIVE-YEAR transportation plan receives federal approval.
Change-Ups ..... 20 Calendar .......... 20 Public Record .... 21 Street Talk ...... 23
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
3
MMA CEO pleased with state’s ‘careful’ progress The manufacturing outlook keeps improving, but many challenges remain. Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
The president and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) recently provided an industry update on the victories and challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. John Walsh spoke to the Business Journal June 17 about the first few weeks of business-as-almost-normal in the state’s manufacturing sector. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allowed all Michigan manufacturers to resume full production May 11, but Walsh said it wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch. “Those that were shut down or partially shut down had to bring their employees back, they had to literally get the line warmed up and moving again, they had to get raw material onsite and get their stamping presses ready to operate — every aspect required a startup. And then on top of that, all of the manufacturers had to train their employees on the new safety practices,” he said. “I’m happy to say it’s gone pretty well. The reports we heard for the first couple of weeks had to do with employees and employers just getting used to the safety standards.” In mid-June, MMA published MFG Tools for Safe & Productive
Operations 3.0, an update to a handbook first compiled several weeks ago to help manufacturers overcome challenges related to the public health and economic crises brought about by COVID-19. The latest version provides information on how to comply with the most recent executive orders surrounding safe operations, including employee screenings, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation and social distancing, as well as the challenge of training human resources departments and employees to maintain privacy standards during screenings. “For a good one to two weeks, we were having seminars and some roundtables, people were sharing good ideas, and I’m happy to tell you the inquiries regarding p re s c re e n i n g have dropped to almost nothing. Employers and employees have worked it Walsh out. So, at this point, roughly a month after we started back up, things are moving along,” Walsh said. The updated handbook also offers information on member-to-member services such as where to find PPE and sanitation supplies, how to get discounts, and places to go for accounting and legal services. A pressing challenge that will take longer to work out than implementing safety standards is
City moves forward on cannabis zoning ‘Fast track’ and deliberative approaches are part of the strategy. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
The city of Grand Rapids is moving ahead with some immediate cannabis zoning issues while giving commissioners time to further examine matters surrounding social equity in business development. The city commission recently adopted a resolution setting July 7 as the date to consider amendments to the zoning ordinance that would allow medical or recreational marijuana growers, processors, secure transporters and safety compliance facilities to grow, process, transport or test cannabis products. The amendments are centered on requirements and the review process for recreational cannabis uses, and refinement of provisions regarding medical uses.
After a heated discussion during the Feb. 25 city commission meeting about the timing and effect of proceeding with additional medical and recreational cannabis business approvals, the city commission declined to set a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that had been recommended by the Grand Rapids Planning Commission for recreational cannabis businesses, according to an earlier Business Journal report. The city commission also expressed a need for the city to be more intentional about a social equity program for cannabis, beyond what was accomplished by the Marijuana Industry Voluntary Equitable Development Agreement. The city commission then amended the cannabis licensing ordinance to extend the date to begin accepting license applications for all cannabis-related facilities to Oct. 20. Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong said this was to allow the city commission additional time to be more intentional about social eqCONTINUED ON PAGE 15
MMA CEO John Walsh said he is hopeful manufacturing will return to pre-COVID production levels by the end of the year. Courtesy iStock
how companies can get production and revenue numbers back up to pre-COVID levels with the economy still soft, Walsh said. “Even those companies that have begun production and they’re filling orders — and there are orders to fill from all over the world — it’s just at a lighter level. As a result, folks that maybe were running two shifts several months ago are now only running one, or they’re bringing (fewer) people back, just waiting for the economy to heat up a lit-
tle bit,” Walsh said. “There’s some concern. You’ve got people that are out of work — some are still on unemployment; that certainly helps — but the hope as the year progresses is we’ll get very close to what the production levels were earlier in the year.” On the advocacy front, at press time, MMA was continuing to work with the National Association of Manufacturers to press for an extension of the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Pro-
gram (PPP) deadline for declaring how the PPP aid employers received is classified, whether as forgivable or not. The initial deadline was in May, but MMA and NAM were still lobbying for an extension into July as of June 17; meanwhile employers were in limbo as to what deadline the U.S. Treasury Department would enforce. MMA also was working at the state and federal level to arCONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Five-year transportation plan receives federal approval Pavement conditions and traffic congestion top public’s list of GVMC priorities. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for Kent and Ottawa counties has cleared federal approval. The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council received notification from the Federal Highway Administration on June 5 that its 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan conforms to federal regulations and has been formally accepted. The GVMC 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan was assembled and edited in late 2019 by GVMC staff after nearly two years of planning. The process included guidance from the MTP Steering Committee, the GVMC Transportation Policy and Technical committees, the Transportation Programming Study Group, stakeholders and the general public. One of the first steps in the development of the MTP was conducting a public survey, which
Traffic congestion in West Michigan is one of the concerns voiced on the public survey portion of the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Courtesy iStock
asked the public to rank various aspects of the transportation system, what their top three transportation investment priorities were in light of available funding, whether or not they would be willing to pay more through a slight increase in the gas tax or a small local millage to improve the transportation system, and whether they had any comments
or concerns about the transportation system. “We had 867 responses from the public who were inclusive to our entire MPO area,” said Andrea Faber, transportation planner for GVMC. “One of the other questions was, ‘Where was your ZIP code?’ so we could pinpoint CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
4
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
Local LGBTQ leaders celebrate Title VII ruling Advocates say Supreme Court decision is historic for civil rights, but much more work remains to be done.
ing in a gay recreational softball league. Not long after that, influential members of the community allegedly made disparaging comments about Mr. Bostock’s sexual orientation and participation in the league. Soon, he was fired for conduct ‘unbecoming’ a county employee,” the court wrote. The case also involved appeals from two other lower court cases. In the second case, plaintiff Donald Zarda “worked as a skydiving instructor at Altitude Express in New York. After several seasons with the company, Mr. Zarda mentioned that he was gay and, days later, was fired,” the court said. Zarda died in Switzerland in a 2014 base-jumping accident, and the case was continued by his family, according to the Wikipedia summary of the original case, Altitude Express Inc. v. Zarda. The third case featured plaintiff Aimee Stephens, who worked at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes in the Detroit suburb of Garden City. “When she got the job, Ms. Stephens presented as a male. But two years into her service with the company, she began treatment for despair and loneliness. Ultimately, clinicians diagnosed her with gender dysphoria and recommended that she begin living as a woman. In her sixth year with the company, Ms. Stephens wrote a letter
Rachel Watson
rwatson@grbj.com
Local LGBTQ advocates have an extra reason to celebrate this Pride Month. In a 6-3 landmark decision led by Justice Neil Gorsuch and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled June 15 that an employer violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fires or otherwise discriminates against an employee because of the employee’s sexual orientation or transgender status. The decision was issued in the titular case of Bostock v. Clayton County, in which “Gerald Bostock worked for Clayton County, Georgia, as a child welfare advocate. Under his leadership, the county won national awards for its work. After a decade with the county, Mr. Bostock began participat-
Legal professionals say Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act still needs to be expanded to specify LGBTQ individuals as a protected class in the state. Courtesy iStock
to her employer explaining that she planned to ‘live and work full-time as a woman’ after she returned from an upcoming vacation. The funeral home fired her before she left, telling her ‘this is not going to work out,’” the court wrote in the ruling. Stephens died May 12 at the age of 59, a month shy of being able to celebrate the ruling, according to a report from the Detroit Free Press. For purposes of their appeals,
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the employers did not dispute the discrimination claims against them as reasons for the employment terminations but argued that “even intentional discrimination against employees based on their homosexual or transgender status is not a basis for Title VII liability,” the ruling said. The Supreme Court, however, held that such terminations do violate Title VII based on the plain language of the statute. The court said in the ruling, “(a)n employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision; exactly what Title VII forbids.” Peter Kulas-Dominguez, senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd and chair of the State Bar of Michigan LGBTQA Section, said the court’s ruling came as a welcome surprise. “It is definitely a great victory for the LGBT community, and I don’t Kulaswant to underDominguez cut that by any means, but I also don’t want people to forget that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done,” he said, noting that Title VII protections only extend to employment discrimination and not other concerns, such as housing, health care, education, accessibility and “other facets” of life. Kulas-Dominguez said this is why he believes Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act still needs to be expanded to specify LGBTQ individuals as a protected class in this state. This would have to be done through the Michigan Supreme Court. In a June 15 statement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel — who was part of the coalition of 22 attorneys general that filed a brief supporting the interpretation of Title VII to include LGBTQ protections in the Bostock v. Clayton Coun-
ty and other two cases — shared much the same sentiments as Kulas-Dominguez — that more work lies ahead. “The decision applies only to employment decisions. The court left for another day decisions regarding housing, education, public accommodations and anything else of the kind,” she said. “And it left to future cases how religious liberty doctrines interact with Title VII. What this means is that we must continue to work together for equal protection under the law for all Michiganders,” including amending Elliott-Larsen. A June 15 statement from the Michigan Civil Rights Commission affirmed it will be tasked with investigating alleged discrimination against any LGBTQ person in the state under the SCOTUS ruling on Title VII. Thomas Pierce, executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, said June 15 was an “awesome” day to celebrate because of the SCOTUS decision. “With everything going on, between a global pandemic and just watching the news and watching communities struggling and activating, it was something we needed,” he said. “The past four years have slowly been getting people into this space of hopelessness, like we’re Pierce never going to win anything just based on our political climate and the decisions that are made that affect our LGBTQ+ community. This was something our community needed. It’s not everything, but it was one thing that we can say, ‘Okay, we can feel safe at work now to be ourselves, to transition if we need to transition, and to be open in that way,’ which is affirming socially, physically and mentally.” Pierce said while Grand Rapids in late 2019 passed an expanded human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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6
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
THE LIST
Top Area Senior Residential Communities (RANKED BY 2019 TOTAL REVENUE)
Owner
2019 2018 Levels of care/ total revenue percent occupancy
Age exclusive/ accept Medicare Special services
No. of on-site/ off-site medical staff
Entry fee/ monthly payment range
Type of contract
$64.5M Assisted, hospice, $65.28M independent, memory, nursing, skilled 95%
191 26
DND DND
Fee for service, Modified
N Y
Home care, hospice, continuing care retirement community, rehab, PACE, population health management, Medicaid waiver
$34.83M Assisted, independent, $33.23M memory, nursing, skilled DND
745 411
$64,000-$580,000 $997-$3,188
DND
Y DND
Waterford Place and Sunset Manor & Villages (Memory Care, Assisted, Independent) , Rose Garden (Assisted), Brookcrest (Skilled Nursing)
$24.64M Assisted, hospice, $25.12M independent, memory, nursing, skilled 94%
273 61
$15,000-$373,330 $680-$11,100
Fee for service, Modified
Y Y
Independent living, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facility is not age exclusive
1
Holland Home (Corporate) 2100 Raybrook St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 235-5100 f 235-5111 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
2
Sunset Senior Communities 725 Baldwin St. Georgetown Township 49428 p (616) 457-2770 f 457-7899 sunsetcommunities.org
Nonprofit
3
Holland Home - Raybrook 2100 Raybrook St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 235-5704 f 235-5680 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
4
Edison Christian Life Services 1000 Edison Ave. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 453-2475 f 791-8928 edisonchristian.org
Christian Rest Home Association
$14.98M Assisted, independent, $14.44M intermediate, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled 85%
340 195
$0 $1,775-$9,703
Modified
Y Y
Secured dementia unit, rehabilitation services, hospice contracts
5
Holland Home - Breton Woods 2500 Breton Woods Drive SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 643-2730 hollandhome.org
Holland Home
$14.91M Assisted, hospice, $19.45M independent, memory, nursing, skilled 95%
119 33
$15,000-$760,500 $677-$11,100
Fee for service, Modified
Y Y
Independent living, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facility is not age exclusive
6
Clark Retirement Community: Clark at Franklin 1551 Franklin St. SE Grand Rapids 49506 p (616) 452-1568 f 241-5741 clarkretirement.org
Clark Retirement Communities
$11.89M $13.18M
165 75
$0-$270,000 $745-$11,102
Modified
Y Y
Choice of cuisine; creative events and activities; certified personal training, wellness programs and pool; awardwinning dementia services; Montessori programming; strong restorative therapy; chaplain services
7
St. Ann's 2161 Leonard St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 453-7715 f 453-7359 stannshome.com
Carmelite Sisters DCJ
190 140
$2,000 $3,090-$8,200
Modified
Y Y
All private rooms, rooms dedicated to rehab services, offering flat screen TVs; faith-based Catholic community with daily Mass
8
Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community 2900 Thornhills Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 957-9767 f 957-9769 sentinelpointe.com
Limited Partnership
$5.3M $4.8M
Hospice, independent, intermediate, retirement 97%
86 19
$1,000-$2,000 $3,000-$4,800
Lease
N N
Health and wellness activities, three meals daily, exercise, internet, cafe, library, housekeeping, transportation to medical appts, gift shop, beauty and barber shop
9
Clark at Keller Lake 2499 Forest Hill Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 452-1568 f 241-5741 clarkretirement.org
Clark Retirement Communities
$5.06M $5.01M
Assisted, hospice, independent, memory 70%
60 50
$0-$550,000 $770-$9,570
Modified
Y N
Choice of cuisine, creative indoor and outdoor activities, park and decks overlooking lake and walking trails, award-winning dementia program, Montessori programming, religious and chaplain services, certified personal training and wellness programs; new independent living apartments being built 2020
Assisted, hospice, independent, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled 77%
$10.24M Assisted, hospice, $10.24M memory, nursing, skilled DND
Georgetown & Cambridge Manors 141-151 Port Sheldon Road SW Grandville 49418 p (616) 457-6010 f 457-2272 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$3.83M $3.52M
Assisted, memory DND
80 DND
$2,000 $4,350-$5,550
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
Yorkshire & Stonebridge Manors 3511-3515 Leonard St. NW Walker 49534 p (616) 791-0111 f 791-6722 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$3.83M $3.67M
Assisted, memory DND
94 3
$2,000 $4,150-$5,250
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
12
Robbinswood Assisted Living Community 1125 Robbins Road Grand Haven 49417 p (616) 842-1900 f 842-9350 robbinswoodalc.com
Robbinswood Operating Co.
$3.7M $3.5M
Assisted, independent, memory 95%
15 8
$400 $2,200 -$3,750
Contract care, Lease, Modified
Y N
Licensed home for the aged with licensed memory care units
13
Porter Hills - Meadowlark Retirement Village 65 Ida Red Ave. Sparta 49345 p (616) 887-8891 f 270-5366 porterhills.org
Porter Hills
$2.31M $2.26M
Assisted, independent, memory DND
50 28
$2,000 $2,168-$6,298
Modified
Y N
Residential living plus services, licensed adult foster care, memory care, household model of care
14
Lakeshore Assisted Living 16331 Robbins Road Grand Haven 49417 p (616) 847-4242 f 846-3457 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$2.2M $2.03M
Assisted, memory DND
39 7
$1,500 $4,400-$4,700
Extensive
N N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
15
Bishop Hills Elder Care 4951 11 Mile Road Rockford 49341 p (616) 866-8227 f 866-2238 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.78M $1.58M
Assisted DND
30 DND
$2,000 $2,700-$4,300
Extensive
Y DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
16
FountainView Assisted Living of Coopersville 640 W. Randall St. Coopersville 49404 p (616) 997-9253 f 997-7234 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.68M $1.92M
Assisted, memory DND
45 1
$2,000 $3,300-$4,800
Extensive
N N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
17
Ransom Tower Apartments 50 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 235-2881 f 235-2944 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$1.54M $1.43M
Independent DND
5 0
$0 $50-$860
Lease
Y N
Subsidized housing for ages 62 and older, community room, computer lab, on-site food pantry, Meals On Wheels cafĂŠ, social worker
10
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Additional space Sunset Retirement Communities and Services will begin construction to expand Waterford Place in Georgetown Township this fall.
Expansion project Clark Retirement Communities recently started the expansion of Keller Lake Campus. It will provide housing for seniors ages 62 and older.
Nominated Robbinswood Assisted Living Community has been nominated for the Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice of 2020, for the Best Assisted Living Community.
Emergency fund The United Methodist Retirement Communities Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation together raised over $1 million for their COVID-19 Emergency Fund in support of its direct care team members.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
THE LIST
JUNE 29, 2020
7
Top Area Senior Residential Communities (RANKED BY 2019 TOTAL REVENUE)
Accreditation
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
Owner
2019 2018 Levels of care/ total revenue percent occupancy
Age exclusive/ accept Medicare Special services
No. of on-site/ off-site medical staff
Entry fee/ monthly payment range
Type of contract
40 DND
$2,000 $3,700-$4,400
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
18
Fountain View of Lowell 11537 E. Fulton St. Lowell 49331 p (616) 897-8413 f 897-7839 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$1.44M $1.56M
Assisted, memory DND
19
Heron Woods 2110 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 454-9603 f 456-8498 heronwoods.org
Genesis Nonprofit Housing Corp.
$1.26M $1.38M
Independent, retirement 90%
10 0
$500-$1,000 $2,393-$3,883
Lease
Y N
Housekeeping, transportation, meals, activities, heat and water included in rent, home health care available onsite
20
Fountain View Retirement Village of Grant Baruch Senior 50 S. Maple St. Ministries Grant 49327 p (231) 834-8202 f 834-8962 baruchsls.org
$1.14M $1.08M
Assisted, memory DND
36 10
$2,000 $3,450-$4,200
Extensive
Y N
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
21
Leonard Terrace Apartments 1315 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 235-2890 f 235-2876 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$1.02M DND
Independent DND
4 0
$0 $50-$854
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for ages 55 and older, ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive subsidy; on-site food pantry, cafe; shopping adjacent
22
Fountain View Retirement Village of Fremont 102 Hillcrest Ave. Fremont 49412 p (231) 924-5050 f 924-6445 baruchsls.org
Baruch Senior Ministries
$969,000 Assisted $961,000 DND
20 DND
$2,000 $4,000-$4,600
Extensive
N DND
Faith-based nonprofit licensed assisted living, spiritual care provided, income-based rate program available to qualified residents
23
Heron Manor 2106 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids 49505 p (616) 233-3282 f 818-4499 heronmanor.org
Genesis NonProfit Housing Corp.
$817,627 Assisted $945,998 85%
7 14
$375 $582-$2,200
Fee for service, Lease
Y N
Home health care, 24-hour staffing, housekeeping, transportation, meals, personal care including: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, medication management
24
Mount Mercy Apartments 1425 & 1511 Bridge St. NW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 235-2843 f 235-2851 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$443,137 Independent DND DND
5 0
$0 $50-$725
Lease
Y N
Subsidized housing for ages 55 and older; ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive rental subsidy; food pantry, café, social worker
25
Sheldon Apartments 1010 Sheldon Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 235-2860 f 243-1185 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
$376,808 Independent $397,702 DND
3 0
$0 $50-$850
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for ages 55 and older, ages 55-61 must be disabled to receive rental subsidy; onsite food pantry, social worker, barrier-free units available
Adams Park Apartments 1440 Fuller Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49507 p (616) 235-2865 f 235-2938 grhousing.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
DND DND
Independent DND
5 0
$0 $50-$713
Lease
Y N
Subsidized apartments for disabled adults and seniors 62 and older, barrier-free units, food pantry, social workers
Freedom Village 145 Columbia Ave. Holland 49423 p (616) 820-7480 f 820-7484 fvhollandseniorliving.com
Life Care Services
DND DND
Assisted, hospice, independent, intermediate, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled DND
400 141
$117,400-$485,400 $2,580-$6,200
Contract care, Modified
Y N
All inclusive, full continuum of care, therapy services, in-home assistance, 20-plus floor plans
Heritage Nursing & Rehabilitation Community 320 E. Central Ave. Zeeland 49464 p (616) 772-9191 f 772-1459 atriumlivingcenters.com
Atrium Living Centers
DND DND
Hospice, nursing, skilled 90%
50 2
$330-$364 $9,000
Modified
N Y
Subacute care, physical, occupational and speech therapy
Medilodge of Holland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1221 E. 16th St. Holland 49423 p (616) 396-7095 f 396-7157 medilodgeofholland.com
Prestige
DND DND
Hospice, nursing, skilled DND
123 89
$0 $8,401-$13,733
Modified
N Y
Short-term rehabilitation, respite, and long-term care, contracted with the VA
Pine Ridge Assisted Living Facility 15467 Port Sheldon St. West Olive 49460 p (616) 399-1774 f 738-0009 pineridgeassistedliving.com
Debra and Warren Westerhof
DND DND
Assisted DND
1 0
DND $1,541-$2,254
Modified
Y N
24-hour access to staff, three meals a day and evening snack, laundry, medication management
Porter HIlls - Cook Valley Estates 1049 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 949-3739 f 464-2678 porterhills.org
Porter Hills
DND $3.85M
Independent, retirement DND
15 0
$267,189-$758,445 $1,337-$2,172
Extensive
Y N
Luxury free-standing homes, duplexstyle townhomes, apartments, wellness center
Porter Hills Village 3600 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 949-4971 f 974-1986 porterhills.org
Porter Hills
DND Assisted, hospice, $22.02M independent, memory, nursing, retirement, skilled DND
452 147
$0-$569,830 $1,114-$15,000
Extensive, Fee for service, Modified
Y Y
Full continuum of care, independent living, assisted living, dementia care, wellness center, in-patient rehabilitation therapy
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area senior residential communities, ranked by 2019 total revenue, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. The Business Journal surveyed 159 senior communities; 32 returned surveys and 32 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = did not disclose
Holland Home achieved the “Designated Organization” accreditation from Positive Approach to Care. PAC provides dementia care training, services and products around the world.
Rotary Club’s donations Clark Retirement Community and Holland Home were among several organizations led by Rotarians to receive donations from the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids that totaled $13,500 due to COVID-19.
Fund support veteran The Grand Rapids Housing Commission was awarded $1.4 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. It will be used to fund construction of Antoine Court Apartments, a Section 8 Project-Based program primarily for homeless veterans.
Under new management Life Care Services, the nation’s second largest senior living operator, recently assumed the management of 13 communities, including Freedom Village.
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8
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
THE LIST
Hospice director recognized for career achievement Wheaton earns placement in industry’s hall of fame. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
A longtime local health care professional has received a lifetime achievement award. Rene Wheaton, executive director of Faith Hospice, Holland Home’s hospice program, was honored with the Michigan Homecare and Hospice Association (MHHA) 2020 Hall of Fame award. “Rene is a leader among leaders with exceptional career achievements as a nurse, manager and an advocate for change,” said Barry Cargill, president and CEO of MHHA. “Her unselfish contributions to improve the lives of hospice patients at the Wheaton end of their lives extends beyond her own organization to all across our state and our nation.” Wheaton is the only medical
professional in West Michigan and one of three in the state to receive the Hall of Fame recognition this year. The MHHA began honoring health care professionals with the award in 2014. Since then, there have been 20 individuals who have received the award. The Hall of Fame was inaugurated to honor those individuals who have excelled in the home care and hospice profession; those who bring honor and recognition to the MHHA; and those who inspire and mentor individuals and students to consider or continue their careers in home care and hospice. The winners were selected by the MHHA’s board of directors, on which Wheaton once served. The board is made up of owners and managers of home care and hospice agencies in Michigan. “I am very surprised that I have received this honor,” she said. “This is a lifetime achievement award and it is just one of those things that I never thought was right for me at this time, I guess. I just try to do the best I can every day. I don’t work for awards. I don’t work for those kinds of things. I work for patients and families to have a good experience. We have one opportunity to be with a person as they die. It is just that one time we get
to work with them, and I want all those one-times to be what that person wants. That is what I work for.” Wheaton’s medical career is going on three decades. She has worked at hospitals and nursing homes. In 2003, she joined Holland Home and in 2012, Wheaton officially became the executive director of Faith Hospice. “When you are in the hospital, you do things on the time frame of the hospital,” she said. “If they say, ‘You are going to have your blood drawn’ and it is 4 o’clock in the morning, they’ll wake you up and you will get your blood drawn at 4 o’clock in the morning. Hospice puts the patient more in charge and to say, ‘I don’t want that treatment anymore, I just want to focus on what is in my life.’ That is what drew me to hospice and that is what I love about it. Families and patients get to spend that quality time together and do the things that are important to the patient. They can say their last goodbyes the way they want to. Sometimes it is going out to dinner for that last anniversary meal. Sometimes it is having a birthday party. Sometimes it is going to the graduation for their grandchildren or being there for the birth of a grandchild. Patients can change the focus of their lives.”
In addition to being the executive director at Faith Hospice, she plays a major role in influencing state and national policy changes. She is the co-chair of MHHA’s Hospice Committee and its Room and Board subcommittee. “I mostly facilitate discussions with different hospices around the state of Michigan,” she said. “We get together to see how we can do things best and define best practices and problem solve with people who are having a problem within one area or another. It is an opportunity to ask questions and get input from others as far as the regulatory changes that are coming in hospices.” Wheaton said they spent the last few weeks talking about COVID and about how they are protecting and educating their staff. She also serves on the Hospice Regulatory Committee for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association and the Hospice Advisory Committee for the National Association of Home Care and Hospice. “We look at regulatory changes and what kind of things we would recommend to the association to take to Congress or to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” she said. “One of the things they are advocating right now is the COVID
changes that were made for telehealth or telemedicine to be an option for visits. We are advocating that that should continue and that we could put them on our claims and count them. It is just a different process of how different things that come up for what would make hospice better for patients and families. “One of the requirements is that if someone is on hospice for longer than six months, every 60 days a nurse practitioner or a physician needs to go out and see that patient and do an assessment that says it is appropriate for them to still be in hospice. That was a face-to-face visit, but with the onset of COVID, they made that an option to be done over a video visit. So that is one of the things that we would want to continue to be able to do.” Wheaton said the different committees have helped the health care industry evolve. She entered the health care sector around 1990 when, she said, there weren’t many hospices. Those that were operating were mostly nonprofits and community based with far looser regulations. She said in the early 2000s, many for-profit hospices began operating and by 2008 many regulations were rewritten or clarified, which has been of benefit to the industry as a whole.
Top Area Health Care Education Programs (RANKED BY 2019 ENROLLMENT)
Dept. head/dean 1
Grand Valley State University 1 Campus Drive Allendale 49401 p (616) 331-5000 gvsu.edu
2
Western Michigan University (College of Health & Human Services) 200 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids 49503 p (269) 387-2000 wmich.edu
3
Muskegon Community College 221 S. Quarterline Road Muskegon 49442 p (231) 773-9131 muskegoncc.edu
Elected to serve 2019 2018 health care education programs enrollment
Health care education degrees offered
Health care education programs offered
Cynthia McCurren Roy Olsson Jean Nagelkerk
9,173 9,358
BA, BS, BSN, BSW, DNP, DPT, graduate Allied health sciences, cardiovascular sonography, clinical certificate, MHA, MHS, MPA, MPAS, MPH, dietetics (MS), communication sciences and disorders, MS, MSE, MSN, MSW, Psy.S., DrOT, AuD diagnostic medical sonography, health information management, medical dosimetry (MS), medical laboratory sciences, occupational therapy (MS), physical therapy (DPT), physician assistant studies (MPAS), public health (MPH), radiation therapy, radiologic and imaging sciences, speechlanguage pathology (MS), therapeutic recreation, audiology
Ron Cisler
3,504 3,894
835 degrees conferred
Kelley Conrad
Alcohol and drug abuse, athletic training, audiology, biology, dietetics, exercise physiology, health informatics and information management, integrative holistic health and wellness, interdisciplinary health sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, speech pathology and audiology
1,131 938
Associate in applied science, associate in science and arts, certificates and diploma
Nursing, respiratory therapy, community health worker, health care support assistant, medical assistant, nurse aide training program
Arlene Hoogewerf
1,100 1,102
BA, BS, BSN, BSOT, BSR, MA
Nursing, neuroscience, pre-medicine, pre-dental, prepharmacy, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, prephysicians assistant, occupational therapy, public health, speech pathology (BA, MA), exercise science, therapeutic recreation
4
Calvin University 3201 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 526-6000 calvin.edu
5
Davenport University 6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (800) 686-1600 davenport.edu
Karen Daley
705 657
AAS, BS, BSN, MS, MSN, PN, certificates and MS in health informatics and information management, diplomas nursing (generalist and family nurse practitioner), occupational therapy; MBA with health care management concentration; BS in biological laboratory sciences, health information management, health services administration, medical case management, nursing (completion), nursing (pre-licensure); diploma in practical nursing; AAS in health information technology and medical assisting
6
Grand Rapids Community College 143 Bostwick Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 234-4000 grcc.edu
Julie Parks Fiona Hert
538 543
Associate in nursing; associate in applied arts and sciences: dental asst., dental hygiene, occupational therapy asst., radiologic technology
Nursing (RN, LPN), dental hygiene, dental asst., radiologic technology, occupational therapy asst., surgical tech. Noncredit/certificate: Acute care advanced skills, pharmacy technician, certificate in aging, dementia care, personal trainer certification, registered medical assistant, phlebotomy, CPR
The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area health care education programs, ranked by 2019 enrollment, is the most comprehensive available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. To showcase a broader range of health care education programs, the Business Journal also surveyed programs in surrounding counties. The Business Journal surveyed 38 programs; 15 returned surveys and 6 are listed. To be considered for future lists, email dnelson@grbj.com. DND = Did not disclose
Cynthia McCurren, dean and professor of GVSU’s Kirkhof College of Nursing, was elected to serve on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing board.
Ranked among the best Muskegon Community College, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University were ranked among the “best” in the state for 2020 by nursingprocess.org.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
9
Spectrum ups funding for equitable health assistance Healthier Communities program will be beneficiary of financial backing. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
Spectrum Health plans to accelerate and expand its ongoing efforts to address racial and ethnic health inequities. The West Michigan health system already directs significant funding to health improvement programs and plans to increase that commitment in West Michigan as well as in southwest Michigan through its Spectrum Health Lakeland division. As a system, Spectrum Health will dedicate an additional 40% to improve health equity, a total commitment of at least $100 million over the next 10 years. “For decades, Spectrum Health — including Priority Health — has been committed to meeting the needs of those in our community that experience the poorest health outcomes,” said Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Spectrum Health. “Our mission is to improve health, inspire hope and save lives for every person, and we understand the urgent need to do more for communities that for too long have experienced health and social inequities.” The expanded commitment will make it possible for Spectrum to build on both its Healthier Communities programs in Grand Rapids and Spectrum Health Lakeland’s efforts to achieve racial and health equity. Spectrum dedicates $6 million every year to Healthier Communities, an organization supporting work that reduces infant mortality, advances family economic security by improving health outcomes and improves community wellness by reducing chronic disease. Funding is provided by Spectrum but monitored by an independent community board. The programs include efforts to better manage chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Plans also will include supporting populations impacted by health inequities to more easily access health care close to home and help them stay on track with medications, nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits, as well as addressing social determinants of health. Ken Fawcett, Healthier Communities vice president, said health inequity goes beyond access to medical care. Issues have existed for years, generations and even centuries that impact the likelihood of people achieving equitable health. “They are complex and intertwined, almost like a rope, and they are going to take some time for us to try to sort out,” Fawcett said. The COVID-19 crisis particularly has allowed Spectrum to see things clearly with regard to racial disparity. Fawcett said having access to high quality health care contributes to about 15% of an individual’s overall health, genetics contributes to another 20%, and the rest of a person’s health out-
comes are a result of behaviors and social factors. “Some of these things are really foundational. For example, access to a secure source of nutritious food, having access to transportation, to housing, to education, economic security,” Fawcett said. “There’s a tremendous linkage between wealth and health.” Fawcett echoed similar statistics that populations of color and people living in poverty have a far greater likelihood of having adverse outcomes related to COVID-19. Blacks make up 14% of
the Michigan population but also account for 40% of COVID-related deaths. Additionally, the Latinx population is overrepresented in number of deaths by a factor of three, Fawcett said. While differential access to care helps create these discrepancies, other contributing factors are the aforementioned access to housing, food, education, etc. and also the stress of racial biases. Ultimately, the goal of Healthier Communities is to address all factors that help to create a pre-
disposition toward bad health outcomes, but it recognizes it can’t change those factors over a period of 90 days. The short-term efforts around COVID must focus on preventing infection in the first place, Fawcett said. Part of Healthier Communities’ work is addressing racial discrepancy in infant mortality, discrepancies that Fawcett argued are not genetic, but occur because of socialization. “If you take a look at infant mortality, those individuals moving from continental Africa and
the Caribbean have infant mortality rates roughly equivalent to Caucasian (Americans),” Fawcett said. “However, after one generation, the offspring of those immigrants will have infant mortality rates that are two, three, four and sometimes even greater than Caucasians.” Fawcett said participants in Healthier Communities programs who are women of color have lower infant mortality rates that are more comparable to white AmerCONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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10
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
Report shows positive emerging economic trends CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
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100% of our workforce,” said Ross VandeWege, president of Holland-based Techno-Coat, a powder coating company. “Demand has returned to around 85% of pre-COVID-19 volumes. Overall, we feel really good about being able to keep our employees safe while meeting the needs of our customers.” While nearly all respondents reported weekly revenue decreases due to COVID-19, the number of respondents reporting a weekly revenue decrease greater than 50% trended downward from 63% to 42% over the seven-week period. Lakeshore Advantage is optimistic cash flow will continue to improve following the reopening of the economy. “We really are in recovery mode, and companies’ weekly revenue is starting to rebound, which I think is really positive, particularly in a region where we’re really heavy in manufacturing,” said Amanda Murray, vice president of business solutions for Lakeshore Advantage. Supply chain confidence was high, with a maMurray jority of respondents either “extremely” or “very” confident that their suppliers will be able to deliver critical components, products and services going forward. Murray said this was surprising. “I thought that the supply chain would appear to be a little more broken than what our respondents have reported. … The majority responded in a very positive way that maybe there were some disruptions that would slow them down a little bit, but it wasn’t going to be catastrophic.” She said another surprise was that 65% of respondents report-
ed that they still have expansion plans in the next three years despite the impact of COVID-19. This compares to last year’s Lakeshore Business Intelligence Report that showed 73% of companies planned to expand in the next three years. Murray said a decrease of 8% was not the “huge gap” she would have anticipated. “Everyone seems to be saying, ‘Yes, we still plan on it; the timeline has just changed a little bit.’ That’s really positive for the economy.” Using data from the quick polls, Lakeshore Advantage was able to see in real time what employers’ needs are and present solutions. “The quick polls helped us pivot our strategy to provide immediate support to our region,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Our team was able to identify the crucial needs of employers and connect them with the right tools and resources.” The most frequently cited needs at the beginning of the survey period were return-to-work personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and no-touch thermometers. Murray said Lakeshore Advantage was able to put together a PPE supply chain initiative to connect local demand to local supply as a solution for the survey respondents. As of June 11, the agency had navigated more than 125 PPE requests from employers and other organizations. “Some of the larger corporations didn’t seem to have as hard of a time sourcing PPE, but those that needed the smaller quantities and then also local units of government or counties that needed PPE, we were able to connect those,” Murray said. “They were able to connect with their neighbors to do that, so it wasn’t that things were coming in from outside of state or outside of the country. It was, you know, a com-
pany in Holland getting PPE from a company in Zeeland — so really closing those gaps.” Other ongoing needs Murray said Lakeshore Advantage has been able to meet include providing a one-stop-shop for information about the ever-evolving Paycheck Protection Program through emails and webinars, as well as revamping its COVID-19 page to help employers find backto-work guidelines and regulations. “It’s really just week to week, whatever we’re hearing,” Murray said. The Lakeshore Advantage team will continue to work closely with employers to understand their needs as the economy reopens and their operating capacity increases, she said. Before the pandemic, the manufacturing sector was facing a nationwide labor shortage due to low unemployment. Murray said the high jobless rate today — coupled with the fact that many jobs in the retail and hospitality sectors have disappeared — means the labor pool is much larger. But an inherent challenge of capturing new talent and transitioning people into manufacturing is retraining, with the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund budget slashed and manufacturers facing revenue shortfalls. Murray said it remains to be seen whether manufacturers will still have a labor shortage with the current lower demand level for goods and less output. She said she believes Lakeshore Advantage is one of the few economic development organizations in Michigan collecting data on companies and publishing reports that track the business impact of COVID-19, and the organization will continue to do follow-up reports in the coming months. The full business impact report for June is available at bit.ly/ biztrendsreport.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
gue for the easing of liability for manufacturers if the PPE they produced using shared patterns turned out to be faulty, except in cases of gross negligence, so that makers don’t have to worry about lawsuits at a time when they are trying to help solve a health crisis. Additionally, MMA advocated with the federal and state government to activate an existing unemployment benefit called workshare that aims to make up the gap that occurs when manufacturing employees return to work with partial hours — say, a reduction of 10% — and their income falls short of what it was when they were on standard unemployment benefits plus the
additional $600 through the CARES Act due to COVID-19. “(Workshare) allows the employees to keep the $600 unemployment kick from the federal government until it ends in July,” Walsh said. Walsh said he and his team at MMA are trying to keep long-range challenges from before COVID in mind, such as the talent gap for skilled workers, which will become an issue again when manufacturing resumes full capacity because of the industry’s need to rebrand itself. “We’re still staying focused on trying to attract individuals to the industry, working with community colleges and other training facilities to continue their training programs and just
to make sure the word is out that this is still a viable, healthy employment situation,” he said. Walsh said overall, the COVID-19 economic recovery process is moving at a pleasing rate, but the last thing MMA would want is for hasty forward movement to cause a setback. “We’re very happy to be back at work, to have our manufacturers producing products again and doing it safely, so we’re going to keep at it. We’re going to keep supporting our members, and we’re going to do it safely and carefully,” he said. “The last thing that manufacturing wants is any of their employees or citizens to get ill. I think it’s pretty safe to say none of us want to see another shutdown. We’re happy, but careful.”
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
INSIDE TRACK
JUNE 29, 2020
11
Bocanegra climbs legal ranks Ottawa County assistant prosecutor learned value of hard work from migrant-worker parents. Ehren Wynder
ewynder@grbj.com
J
uanita Bocanegra prides herself in having experienced both the defense and prosecutor’s sides of the courtroom. The assistant prosecuting attorney for Ottawa County described herself as one of those weird people who always knew what they wanted to do. Since first grade, when asked the obligatory question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” she knew the answer was for her to be an attorney. The young Bocanegra didn’t actually know what an attorney did, though, let alone the various areas of practice she could get into. But she was inspired by her parents who were migrant field workers and wanted a more comfortable career path for their daughter. “I also knew attorneys, generally speaking, whatever field they were in, help people,” she said, “and I wanted to help people.” Coming from a migrant family, Bocanegra said she learned to appreciate what hard work looks like. Her parents, who were migrants from Mexico most of their adult lives, worked from sun-up to sundown and only had elementary-level education. “I learned to appreciate things like health insurance, paid vacation, working with people who come around you when there’s a family need,” Bocanegra said. She also realized the labor value of consumer goods like the latest designer blue jeans. Even though certain brands were all the rage, she didn’t dare ask her parents for a $100 pair of jeans, because she knew it would take them two full days of work to earn that amount. “To me it wasn’t worth it,” she
said. “I knew they were getting up at 4 o’clock in the morning every day. They were working until 5 or 6 p.m. every night — hard, physical labor in the cold or in the rain — and I just didn’t want to put them through it. I also knew if I had asked, they would have made the sacrifice.” Bocanegra’s family first came to Holland in 1979 when she started kindergarten, but her parents would migrate seasonally between Michigan and Texas for work, which was inconvenient for her studies, because the work season ended in the middle of the school year. Fortunately for her, she had a math teacher who went the extra mile for her students and would mail Bocanegra her assignments from November through March while she was living in Texas and allowed her to keep up with the rest of the class. “I was able to keep up with the class up until calculus,” she said. “I love math. Calculus is not math, I’m convinced.” College was a taste of reality, she said. She didn’t have to work hard to make good grades in high school, but the work demands outside of class were greater in college. Bocanegra achieved her B.A. from Grand Valley State University in 1997. After graduation, she found work as a legal assistant with Hann Persinger PC in Holland, where she was involved in criminal defense, family law, workers’ compensation, social security, disability and general litigation. Bocanegra stayed with the firm through her graduate studies at Cooley Law School, which she found even more demanding. At the time, she began to ask herself if she was really cut out to be an attorney, she said. Briefing cases was difficult for
JUANITA BOCANEGRA Organization: Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office Position: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Age: 45 Birthplace: Mexico (U.S. citizen) Residence: Holland Family: Husband, two adult daughters, father, and mother Business/Community Involvement: Holland Hospital Board of Directors and Community Outreach Committee; Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan and Executive Committee; Holland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and Executive Committee; Ready for School Board of Directors and Executive Committee; Holland chapter of Women Who Care member; Lakeshore Community Advisory Board for Chemical Bank; Movement West Michigan and Executive Committee; Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation, Distribution Committee and Executive Committee; Lakeshore Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence; 2017 Minority Business Champion of the Year Award from the Michigan West Chamber of Commerce Biggest Career Break: Privilege of working for Ronald J. Frantz at the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office
Juanita Bocanegra knew from an early age she wanted to be an attorney, even if she was unsure exactly what they did. Courtesy Ottawa County
her to figure out initially, because there’s usually no black or white answer, she said. Cases involve a heavy amount of reading and interpretation, and often there can be multiple right answers, but the absolute best outcome remains unclear. “It wasn’t like math, where two plus two always equals four,” she said. “Eventually by my second year, I learned how to do that, and it became much more manageable, and it even became enjoyable.” Her hard work paid off. When she graduated Cooley in 2008, she’d racked up a top litigator award, certificates of merit, an honors scholarship, first place in a mock trial competition and made the Dean’s List. Throughout high school and college, Bocanegra imagined she wanted to travel. She once had the vision of doing international corporate law for Coca-Cola, which as it is today was visible in every corner of the world. But when she married her husband and started having a family of her own, she instead decided to keep her work confined to West Michigan. When she graduated law school, she knew from her experience with Hann Persinger that she wanted to get into family law. As a legal assistant, she had years of experience drafting pleadings and meeting with clients. Bocanegra officially started practicing family law with Rhoades McKee in Grand Rapids. There she got into difficult conversations with the attorney she worked for and his partners, because she didn’t agree with the
outcomes of certain criminal cases based on the evidence. “They would come into the office, and I would say, ‘I don’t understand how you can sleep at night,’” she said. “You know that this person is guilty, and you just got them a ‘not guilty’ knowing they told you they did it.” Her superiors explained to her it’s their job as attorneys to defend clients, and if the prosecutor doesn’t meet the burden of proof, or if the police made an error, then the defendant is not guilty. It’s not a technicality of the law. It is the law. When a position with the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office opened up, one of Bocanegra’s defense colleagues at Rhoades McKee called her and recommended the job to her based on her always arguing for the other side. Bocanegra said she took almost three months to put in the application, because it meant a huge pay cut to go from private practice at a big law firm in Grand Rapids to government work. Regardless, it was one of the best decisions of her life, she said. “I don’t think being on this side of the law makes you any better or worse person than being on the other side of the law,” Bocanegra said. “My friends will tell you my biggest thing is own it … My biggest issue is with a lot of the people I worked with, the answer is not, ‘I didn’t do it.’ The answer is ‘prove it.’ And from there, for me, it’s game on.” Working for the prosecutor’s office has given Bocanegra a greater family-work-life balance and made her more engaged in
the community, she said. The work is no less emotionally taxing, however. Bocanegra recalled a murder case she finished last year. A young child was left orphaned after the father was sentenced to prison for life after murdering the mother. “Being able to see the defendant, who was a very nice gentleman, and knowing what his criminal history was — he was a violent offender even before this homicide — and knowing how he had killed this lady and left his child orphaned, I had a very hard time thinking this was the same man who had committed this murder,” Bocanegra said. Another case spanning three years involved an undocumented woman with an abusive ex-boyfriend who would threaten to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement on her if she ever called the police. “My dad’s a U.S. citizen … we were never undocumented,” Bocanegra said. “But I worked with a lot of undocumented people … regardless of my personal legal status here, it really angers me that someone would use that to intimidate and physically and mentally abuse another person.” Bocanegra said the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department has been vocal about telling residents it is not ICE, and deputies will not ask victims for legal status. Bocanegra is currently on the ballot for 58th District Court Judge, which will be decided in November. Although it’s a state position, she still would be serving in Ottawa County from the bench if she wins.
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Michigan Economic Development Corporation is committed to helping businesses in our state during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. If you own a business, MEDC has dedicated programs and resources available to you now: • Small business support • Access to capital • Entrepreneur resources • Buyer and supplier matchmaking Learn more about the MEDC COVID-19 response at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
Greenhouse project fills unexpected need STEM students at Holland Middle School see fruits of their labor feed the community during pandemic. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
A greenhouse project that was created a year ago to help students learn more about science, technology, engineering and math proved to be an essential source for feeding the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Action House food bank in Holland was the beneficiary of produce grown at Holland Middle School’s greenhouse to feed low-income and homeless families in the community during the crisis. Prior to schools being closed in March, STEM students from the middle school, under the guidance of Bill Boerman, Holland Middle School STEM educator, were able to utilize its new 960-square-foot greenhouse. The students were able to use 10 garden beds inside the greenhouse to plant lettuce, swiss chard, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, corn, bell peppers, peas, beans
and watermelon. Some of the fruits and vegetables have not yet been harvested, but the students have harvested 20 to 40 pounds of lettuce, swiss chard and kale three times so far. Cucumbers, tomatoes, raspberries and blackberries currently are blossoming, and corn is growing on the stalk. Bell peppers, peas, beans and watermelons have been planted and are expected to be ready to harvest by August. While the greenhouse has proven to be beneficial to the community, Boerman said the idea for the greenhouse project stemmed from his realization that many students at Holland Middle School did not have a basic understanding of nutrition. “My father comes in to volunteer once a week,” he said. “(My parents) have a garden and my father would bring in some fruits. He would bring in raspberries and I had multiple students who never had raspberries before. He would bring in blueberries and I had multiple students who never had blueberries before. So, I just became aware that general nutritional understanding was an area of need. Needless to say, understanding how to eat and taking care of your body is a key component to getting a good education because if you are not eating well, it affects your education and
Holland students and community members pitched in to build the greenhouse at Holland Middle School. Courtesy Bill Boerman
what happens in school. That was where the idea of creating a greenhouse came from.” STEM students also are being taught the fundamentals of design, gardening and nutrition. Months before the greenhouse was built, Boerman’s advanced STEM class worked on the engineering portion of the greenhouse, including designing, planning and preparing for the greenhouse facility. Since the structure has been operational, Boerman said any
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of the 700 students enrolled in the middle school can visit the greenhouse. “We have science classes that have been able to come in and study plants and their life cycle,” he said. “They also study temperature, humidity and different subject areas that impact plants. We have special needs students who come in and learn about life skills. This past year they were out there once a week learning about growing, planting, nutrition education and serving
the community.” Boerman recently installed an upgraded irrigation system that includes different watering zones that — once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted — will allow students to monitor watering volume and measure soil moisture. “We have small drip lines that go through all the beds,” he said. “Everything is on a timer. It gets watered on a daily basis (and) for CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Minor league sports teams at a standstill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
every year. The MLB season was on track to begin as players started spring training but that was halted. Currently, different variations of the schedule for the 2020 MLB season are under negotiation between the league and the players union. “We really hope we will have a season because everyone is really starving for live sports at this time,” Chamberlin said. “Once the major league level has a plan, we will be waiting for them to decide how the minor league fits into it for 2020.” Steve Jbara, co-owner and president of the Grand Rapids Drive, an NBA G-League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, said team officials have been a part of bi-weekly calls with NBA leadership about “what the landscape looks like for next season.” The NBA is looking at different scenarios for next season because of the volatility of the pandemic. The G-League already has been canceled for the rest of this season. “For now, we are planning for a couple different potential models,” Jbara said. “One would be emulating what the NBA will do, which is to have everyone playing at one location. I think that is everyone’s least favorite option, but nonetheless, that is what is out there. That is the worst case. “The best case is playing the season as usual, but because of what the NBA is doing right now, their current season will not end until early October and the players will get some time off and then their 2020-21 season will start in December, which probably means that the G-League season will not start until January. So, a full season starting in January is an option. Potentially (with) a limited fan base. Another doomsday scenario is playing with no fans.” Last year, the Drive announced the organization will stay in Grand Rapids after it was revealed the Pistons have plans of bringing their own G-League team to Detroit to play in a new arena at Wayne State University when their hybrid operating agreement with the Drive expires after the 2020-21 G-League season. Jbara said plans remain the same. “The pandemic has taken precedent over everything,” he said. “We haven’t necessarily really sat down to discuss next year. We have a few options moving forward. Obviously, we love our partnership with the Pistons, but as of right now we have not sat down and discussed it. We will when everything gets back to normal. We will talk to the Pistons and the NBA and try and figure out if there is another team out there that wants to partner or whether we will be an independent team, but we are committed to Grand Rapids. We will do everything we can to stay in the league and stay in Grand Rapids.” For the Griffins, the 2017 Calder Cup champions and an American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the path ahead of
the 2020-21 season is unclear, but the AHL recently established a Return to Play task force to bring some clarity to the situation. The task force is made up of 12 NHL and AHL team owners, presidents and executive directors, and is chaired by the outgoing president of the AHL, David Andrews. It is designed to provide strategic leadership to the league in developing or identifying opportunities for a return-to-play process that can gain widespread support in both the AHL and the NHL. Steve Yzerman, executive vice president and general manager for the Red Wings, is a part of the task force. In addition to the task force, Tim Gortsema, president of the Griffins, said all member teams participated in a schedule survey a few weeks ago and there are a few scenarios floating around about how to approach the 2020-21 season. “That survey is trying to understand teams’ receptivity to different scheduling scenarios,” he said. “The schedules included a normal season that runs from October to April, or a late start where the season begins in November and carries out to May but still have full season. Or (there’s) a shortened schedule from December through May, and play fewer games, or a January start and end in May and play less than our full complement of games. The league is just trying to figure out these different scenarios and whether teams operate under these scenarios.” Along with the schedule, Gortsema said the league is trying to figure out different attendance constraints. “Hypothetically, could teams play games with no fans?” he said. “How many teams would say yes or no? In reality, most teams are going to say no because in this league most revenues are localized. They are driven (by) fans and whoever is coming to your venue. To have no fans, it would have a massive impact on your budget because you would mostly have all of the same costs but virtually no revenue to offset it.” The Griffins played 31 home games before the 2019-20 season was cut short with an average attendance of 7,466 per game. A full schedule is 38 home games. What happens next for minor league sports in Grand Rapids ultimately will depend on COVID-19 and resulting restrictions on large gatherings, said Gortsema. “The challenge we have is that we have 31 member teams that operate in 31 different markets in different states and different countries because we have some Canadian teams, all of whom may have different protocols and different restrictions,” he said. “So, the challenge that the league has is you can have states that say, ‘Hey, we are good to go right now’ whether it is at full capacity or at a percentage capacity, and then there are other states that say, ‘Nope, we can’t do anything until ‘x’ date. “It is a waiting game right now. The league is trying to manage that process and see how things develop across all states.”
JUNE 29, 2020
15
City moves forward on cannabis zoning CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
uity related to cannabis licensing. There are two parts to the proposal: a “fast-track” approach and a deliberative approach, he said. The fast-track approach is an effort to advance a zoning amendment by July 7 for certain non-retail recreational uses, but only includes recommendations where the city commission may be unified in its approach. Specifically, the fast-track zoning amendment would address the following: •Allow medical or recreational growers, processors, secure transporters and safety compliance facilities to grow, process, transport, or test marijuana products. The amendment would allow new recreational marijuana facilities and the conversion of existing medical facilities to recreational. •Allow for administrative review of these facility types (growers, processors, secure transporters, and safety compliance facilities). Growers and processors are currently Special Land Uses. However, any new co-located medical provisioning center would require Special Land Use approval and be subject to the required sensitive use separation distances. •Preserve all current separation distance requirements for growers and processors (neither secure transporters nor safety compliance facilities have, or are proposed to have, separation distance requirements).
•Preserve current waiver requirements. •The proposed fast-track amendment would not allow the conversion of existing provisioning centers to recreational retailers or allow new recreational retailers. Based on the Feb. 25 committee of the whole discussion, the deliberative approach is expected to address issues like allowing the conversion of existing medical provisioning centers to recreational retailers and permitting designated consumption establishments. City Manager Mark Washington also created a staff work group — the Cannabis Justice Work Group — in March that has developed a social equity policy that will accompany marijuana licensing and land use regulations. Ciarra Adkins, local attorney and member of the work group, said the group was deliberate in using the term “cannabis” in social equity work, because of the historical use of the term “marijuana” to stigmatize brown and black communities. The goals of the CJWG are as follows: •Establish social equity expectations and voluntary commitments for applicants for all recreational cannabis license types •Utilize strategies that enhance the growth and development of local, small and emerging businesses •Foster supplier diversity •Reduced barriers of entry into
the cannabis industry •Increased opportunities within Neighborhoods of Focus •Address low-hanging fruit now and more complex elements by October 2020 To achieve these goals, the CJWG issued the following recommendations to the city commission: •Adopting a cannabis social equity policy to guide implementation and outcomes •Creating a new nonprofit to help achieve social equity outcomes •Adopting a licensing framework to implement social equity outcomes, assign priority for zoning and licensing consideration, and establish renewal criteria •Adopting fast-track zoning ordinance amendments to allow medical and recreational growers, processors, safety compliance and secure transporters via administrative review first in the near term •Adopting subsequent zoning ordinance amendments for implementation by Oct. 20 for recreational retailers, microbusinesses and other cannabis uses as part of the deliberative approach •Rescinding city commission Policy 900-57 regarding park waivers and relying on planning commission determinations for parks •Adopting subsequent zoning ordinance amendments by Oct. 20 to address separation distances, waivers and sensitive uses and waivers as part of the deliberative approach
16
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
COMMENT & OPINION
GUEST COLUMN David Van Andel
When COVID-19 struck, West Michigan’s generosity and compassion shined
T
he coronavirus pandemic has resulted in monumental challenges for society. But, as is often the case in times of crisis, it also spurred powerful acts of solidarity, adaptability and innovation. You need look no further than West Michigan to see this in action. Acts of giving are deeply ingrained in our community ethos. As the scope of the crisis became clear, Grand Rapidians rose to the challenge with strength and resolve. Grand Rapids is home to worldclass health care and emergency response organizations, and we owe a great deal of thanks to the critical frontline workers who continue to do life-saving work and the essential workers who kept needed services up and running. We also are blessed to have a diverse regional economy that quickly adapted to support these critical industries and address quickly evolving societal needs. Our manufacturing sector stepped up to produce materials like protective masks and gloves for health care workers, as well as critical parts for ventilators. Local distilleries and breweries swiftly shifted gears to produce much-needed hand sanitizer in response to shortages early on in the pandemic. These are just a few examples that showcase the spirit of West Michigan. Van Andel Institute also forged ahead into the rapidly changing landscape, and we continue to actively seek ways to support our
community and further our collective understanding of COVID-19. Van Andel Institute Graduate School students reviewed thousands of research articles published in scientific journals to pinpoint useful information that may guide care of COVID-19 patients in Grand Rapids and nationally. The Institute also shared laboratory equipment to help with testing and donated coolers to assist with specimen transport. VAI’s expert educators created a number of free, online learning resources to help families and teachers who were affected by abrupt school closures. Among these resources were a curated list of science experiments that could be conducted at home and a virtual project called “Prevent the Spread,” where students could learn about how they could help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Much of the Institute’s research into diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s has continued remotely since March. Onsite lab research that can’t be done remotely has ramped back up in accordance with state and federal guidelines to ensure physical distance and safe workplace practices. In many ways, this pandemic and the efforts to find treatments and a vaccine have heightened public awareness about the importance of biomedical research. The urgency that fuels scientists researching COVID-19 is familiar to us at VAI — it’s the same drive that has long empowered us to
GUEST COLUMN
he COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying government orders have led to major disruptions in the construction industry in Michigan. Although some critical projects continued during the stay-at-home order, most were idled until May 7. This and related interruptions will undoubtedly lead to disputes among owners, contractors and subcontractors regarding how to handle the resulting delays and cost overruns.
Andrea J. Bernard and Emily S. Rucker
COVID-19 construction issues
T
DEALING WITH DELAYS During the initial weeks of Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders, delays were inevitable for most projects. Owners, contractors and subcontractors should all review their contracts for provisions dealing with delay. Contracts will often differentiate between delay caused by the owner or contractor. Most COVID-19 delays, though, have been caused by circumstances outside either party’s control — namely, a government order prohibiting work from proceeding. Many standard form contracts contain a “force majeure” provision to deal with these sorts of unavoidable interruptions, although the contract might not use those precise words. If there is no force majeure provision, terms addressing compliance with legal requirements
search for the root causes of diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s, as well as potential new therapies and even cures. Though COVID-19 has created many hurdles for us all, it has been inspiring to watch the West Michigan community face this shared challenge head-on with compassion and generosi-
ty. Brighter days lie ahead. VAI is proud to stand with the community that has been our home for many years, and your continued support emboldens us to keep focus on the important work we do every day. David Van Andel is chairman and CEO of Van Andel Institute.
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also may provide relief. Each party should review its contracts for these provisions and note whether any notice to the other party or parties is required. Since most work has resumed, contractors and subcontractors now may be in a better position to quantify the anticipated delay. Consider sending an updated notice to add more detail about the anticipated delays, along with other issues that may have arisen since the initial notice. Owners should carefully review any lease agreements for the property and any loan documents that may be impacted by delays in completion. For lease agreements, review provisions that apply to the completion of construction and what rights the tenant may have to terminate the lease if construction is not completed in a timely manner. Leases also may have force majeure provisions permitting extensions in certain circumstances. Make sure all notice requirements in the force majeure clause are folLETTERS POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes letters to the editor and guest commentary. Letters and columns must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the philosophy of the Business Journal.
lowed. There is no such thing as over-communication in this case. COST INCREASES Supply chains for construction materials have and continue to be disrupted by factory shutdowns, which may result in significant cost increases and delivery delays. Contractors and subcontractors should each review their contract documents for any terms related to material cost increases and identify which party bears the burden of increased costs. Some contracts contain price escalation provisions that allow the contractor or subcontractor to seek reimbursement of increased materials costs from the owner or general contractor. MITIGATION OF DAMAGES Every party to a contract, construction or otherwise, has a duty to mitigate its damages when a loss occurs. A contractor experiencing material supply chain disruption should take steps to find an alterCONTINUED ON PAGE 21
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
Five-year transportation plan receives federal approval CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
where issues with the transportation system were.” The GVMC Technical Committee approved the plan in March and the Policy Committee approved it in April. The GVMC board unanimously approved a resolution accepting the plan early in May. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Transit Administration and the Michigan Department of Transportation also reviewed the plan as part of the confirmation process. According to the survey, the public’s top interest was to improve roadway pavement condition (68.3%), followed by a desire to reduce traffic congestion and delays (43.48%), widen busy roads and interchanges (36.68%), and enhance public transit (34.60%). “Our planners used innovative methods to obtain three times the volume of public input compared to the 2015 survey,” said John Weiss, executive director. “The key thing we’re most proud of is the significant public input we got this time.” The results of the survey mirror the feedback from the 2040 MTP survey conducted in 2015. Dennis Kent, region transportation planner for the Michigan Department of Transportation, also praised GVMC’s efforts to engage a large portion of the public in the process. “They’ve done a great job of gathering information and collaborating with MDOT, local agencies, The Rapid and federal agencies to identify the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s areawide needs and federal priorities,” Kent said. “We look forward to working with GVMC in implementing this plan.” The 2045 MTP outlines transportation projects and funding priorities for the next 25 years and addresses all aspects of the system, including road conditions, traffic congestion, safety, freight movement, passenger rail, air travel, non-motorized transportation and public transit. The MTP allows Kent and
eastern Ottawa counties to receive hundreds of millions of federal dollars for road/transportation projects for years to come. Without an MTP, federal transportation funding could not be allocated to the region. Throughout the development of this MTP, efforts were made to establish a basic vision of where West Michigan’s transportation system would need to be in the year 2045 and how the system could achieve optimal performance. Issues related to the condition of the pavement, the reliability of travel times, the convenience of the local transit system, the availability of alternate means of transportation and the efficiency of moving freight throughout the system all were analyzed. The Business Journal previously reported, in order to achieve a PASER rating of 6, or “fair,” for pavement, GVMC would need a 50% increase in the annual budget, or $20.5 million, which would bring the total annual investment for pavement from $41 million to $61.5 million. In this scenario, the amount of pavement funding needed over the life of the MTP would be over $1.5 billion. Potential future funding as identified by the MTP includes Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed 45-cents-per-gallon gas tax, which would raise over $2 billion to fix Michigan roads over one year. In the fall of 2019, the state budget moved forward without Whitmer’s 45-cents-per-gallon increase. However, negotiations about how to more fully fund Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure are continuing, which GVMC officials hope will lead to additional transportation funding. GVMC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for Kent and eastern Ottawa counties. As such, GVMC is responsible for developing a long-range, multimodal transportation plan, which is updated every four years. GVMC’s coverage area encompasses approximately 3,580 road miles, including county roads, state roads, trunklines, etc.
Spectrum ups funding for equitable health assistance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
icans. However, only around 40% of eligible women are choosing to participate. With increased funding, Healthier Communities is looking toward creating interventions that aren’t tied to meeting people in their homes. The millennial population is more mobile than previous generations, so Healthier Communities is exploring digital and mobile options for participation.
Healthier Communities also is engaged in building economic security. Part of the effort is putting nursing resources in public schools with the goal of not only improving the health of students in the short run, but also to keep kids in school and ensure greater educational outcomes and better employability in the long run. Fawcett said individuals who earn less than $35,000 a year report fair or poor health at twice the rate of those who make $35,000 to $45,000 a year.
Ev
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Educational platform caters to new audience School Zone Publishing sees uptick in subscriptions to web-based program for younger students. Danielle Nelson
dnelson@grbj.com
Since March, when schools were ordered to close in Michigan, families have turned to the web for educational content for their children. One of the places they’ve turned is Anywhere Teacher, a yearlong online educational platform that was created by Grand Haven-based School Zone Publishing, which has been around for 40 years. Subscriptions for the program have doubled since March, said Barbara Peacock, managing director of School Zone Publishing. Anywhere Teacher is for children ages 2-8. With the surge in demand, Anywhere Teacher will accommodate more families with the launch of the kindergarten guided path portion of the program in July. The online platform already has content specific to preschoolers and first graders. “Anywhere Teacher is a solution to support parents looking for educational resources to keep their children engaged at home,” said Jonathon Hoffman, president for School Zone Publishing.
“The content available to families has been created in tandem with leading education professionals, is easy to use and is secure. With so much uncertainty surrounding schools and the likelihood that many questions will remain over the next several months, families will need access to additional resources to enhance at-home learning.” The platform has been available for three years. It serves as a curriculum for children and provides more than 2,000 activities, including books, flash cards, games, songs and a Play Zone. Kindergartners will be able to learn their colors, numbers and sounds of letters, among other things. “They say summer brain drain is 20% of what they learn they lose, and it happens every summer. It doesn’t matter whether it is during a pandemic or not,” Peacock, said. “What is great about Anywhere Teacher it can be used on any device. It is browser-based so you can get on a phone or a laptop and multiple kids can be on at the same time.” Peacock said the curriculum for Anywhere Teacher is constantly being updated. She said School Zone Publishing has been able to work with teachers locally to help align the activities with the national educational standards. Some of the teachers are from the Grand Rapids area, including the Kenowa Hills and Spring Lake public school districts, and
the company also uses a local preschool teacher for assistance. “It is nice to have local teachers to work with because we also get to go inside the classroom and observe children using our product so that we can improve what we make,” she said. “It is really important with digital products. With Anywhere Teacher it is really important to understand how quickly they are able to navigate the interface to play the games, see what they learn from the games, how they are enjoying it and just to really watch them interact. When we go into the classroom, we try not to give them any help. We are just there to observe how they use the product.” The publishing company, which was founded by educators James Hoffman and his wife Joan Hoffman, has been on the front line of technological change. Anywhere Teacher is just the latest program launched by the Grand Haven company. A School Zone app was part of Apple’s first-generation iPad debut in 2010. In 2013, School Zone introduced the first in its new flagship Little Scholar product line — educational tablets for kids — which eventually included the “mini,” a tablet for smaller hands that was preloaded with 70-plus apps, eBooks, songs, videos and more, according to the company website. “School Zone has always been innovative in our approach to education,” Peacock said.
Various studies report a 20% “brain drain” for students over summer vacation. Software platforms designed to be used by multiple children with in-home devices is one way to address that outcome. Courtesy School Zone Publishing
20
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
JUNE 29, 2020
ACCOUNTING
Maner Costerisan announced the additions of Michael Nordmann, principal and chief wealth officer; Emily Harris, responsible for expanding the reach and services of the firm’s association solutions business in the association management services division; Julie Ross, director of marketing; David Henson, business development manager; Gina Vermeersch, associate in the tax department; associates in the audit department: Tessah Sperry; Trevor Polewka; Kyle Feguer; Brendan Baker; Matthew Bainor; Victoria Argyle; and Abagail Miller, associate in the accounting and outsourced department.
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
Driesenga & Associates Inc. has hired engineering technicians Matthew Amstutz, Justin Sherburn, Matt Pilarski and Shawn Stafford for its Kalamazoo office.
AWARDS
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation recently paid tribute to retired Grand Rapids Police Department officer Bob Wildman, one of the first officers assigned to the department’s E-Unit team in 1971, as a level three emergency medical technician. Wildman was honored for his dedicated service to the city of Grand Rapids during a virtual commemoration ceremony.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Grand Rapids-based BlueWater Partners acted as the financial adviser for Wisconsin-based manufacturer Orchid Monroe LLC’s acquisition of
Carter Motor Co., a designer and manufacturer of electric motors, gear motors, rotary converters and tachometers.
EDUCATION
Ferris State University in Big Rapids announced Robert (Bobby) Fleischman, vice president for strategic business, education and regional partnerships at Minnesota State University, Mankato, will become Ferris’ next provost and vice president for academic affairs. Fleischman replaces Paul Blake Fleischman who retired earlier in June. Fleischman begins his new position July 19. Ferris State University has been named the 2020 No. 5 Nursing Informatics program by RegisteredNursing.org in its 4th Annual Nursing School Program Rankings. The Van Andel Education Institute announced the Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence Awardees: Amanda Barbour, 5th grade teacher, Kentwood Public Schools; Keli Christopher, executive director/STEM Greenhouse, Grand Rapids; Eunsub Cho, science teacher, Potter’s House; Paul Deboer, 4th grade teacher, Sibley Elementary; Heather DeJonge, science teacher, Lowell High School; Cory Kavanagh, instructional specialist, Van Andel Institute; Amber Kirksey, 5th
grade teacher, Gerald R. Ford Academic Center; Jon Oosterman, instructional specialist, Van Andel Institute; Patti Richardson, science teacher, Forest Hills Central; Sarah Rosema, 5th grade teacher, Sibley Elementary; Russ Wallsteadt, Health Science Academy instructor, Kent Career Technical Center; Christine Wright, 5th grade teacher, San Juan Diego Academy; Alyssa Wysocki, 4th grade teacher, Saint Stephen Catholic; Joyce Zimmer, science teacher, Greenville High School; Danielle Vallad, 5th grade teacher, Cannonsburg Elementary; Mary Ann Bridge, kindergarten teacher, St. Thomas the Apostle; Helen Gillespie, 5th grade teacher, Mulick Park Elementary; Graham Schultze, science teacher, Evergreen Christian Academy; Renee Speed, 4th grade teacher, Mulick Park Elementary; and Alyssa Wysocki, 4th grade teacher, Saint Stephen Catholic.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Kalamazoo-based Greenleaf Trust announced it has been recognized as a West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For recipient and was named 2020 Elite Award Winner for Employee Achievement and Recognition.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Holland-based New Holland Spirits has introduced a line of hard seltzers, made with Lake Life Vodka and fruit flavors. Long Road Distillers marked its fifth anniversary with a limited release of its new Long Road Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Whisky. A bottled-in-bond whisky must be distilled in a single
Wightman wins Michigan Concrete Association Award Consulting firm Wightman recently was honored by Michigan Concrete Association with the organization’s Michigan Awards of Excellence in the Structural – Transportation category for its work on the Halbert Road Culvert replacement project. The Calhoun County Road Department discovered five Halbert Road culverts over Waubascon Creek, north of the City of Battle Creek, had reached the point of critical failure and required replacement. Wightman designed and facilitated permits for a new structure that would replace the five failing culverts and would minimize environmental impacts on the surrounding wetland area. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Wightman is located in Allegan, Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo, and its services include architecture, civil engineering, environmental and surveying.
Editor’s note: The coronavirus response has affected many public gatherings. Please check organizations’ websites for the latest event information. JUN 30 AHC + Hospitality Open Interviews. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. Registration: ahchospitality.com. JUN 30 Builders Exchange of Michigan Safety and Networking Series. Topic: An in-depth analysis of the Silica Standard and a simple how to create a compliant Silica Exposure Control Plan for your company. 3-5 p.m., RVC Conference Room, 678 Front Ave., Suite 212. Cost: $35/person. Information/registration: home.grbx. com/event/safety-series-2020-silica/. JUN 30 Wyoming Business Leaders Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Information/registration: (616) 261-4500 or d.kuba@instantcashmi. com. JUL 7 AHC + Hospitality Open Interviews. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. Information/ registration: ahchospitality.com. JUL 7 Builders Exchange of Michigan Summer Safety Instruction Workshop. Topic: New and Traditional Fall
CHANGE-UPS & CALENDAR
distilling season for a single distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least 4 years, and bottled at 100 proof. The Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 established these requirements. The Grand Rapids Downtown Market announced the Feed the Family | Feed the Frontline initiative, a program that contributes meals to families in need and essential frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A $15 donation feeds one health care worker or $60 feeds a family of four. For more information go to: downtownmarketgr. com/education-foundation/feed.
GRANTS
The Porter Hills Foundation has received a two-year $100,000 Community Health Impact grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to support dementia training to reduce caregiver stress and burnout for team members at LifeCircles PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). The project also will serve family members of PACE participants as well as formal and informal care partners throughout the region.
HEALTH
Diversified Medical Staffing offers onsite workplace health screening services to help support the re-opening of manufacturing in Michigan. For additional information contact Kevin Hagler, (616) 901-3058 or khagler@dmshome. com. Spectrum Health and Betty Ford Breast Care Services are open and are following the CDC guidelines for safe operations. In addition, the Betty Ford Breast Care Services Mobile Mammography Unit has expanded the number of locations on its schedule to allow more women to be screened for potential breast concerns. Call (616) 774-7998 to schedule a mammogram screening at a mobile location.
INSURANCE
AmeriHealth Caritas and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan jointly announced the appointment of Paul Loffreda as market president of Blue Cross Complete of Michigan.
LEGAL
Dickinson Wright PLLC announced the firm has received ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification, becoming the first law firm headquartered in Michigan and one of the first law firms in the world to achieve the privacy management certification.
Protection Equipment Displays, Anchor Points. 3-5 p.m., RVC Offices Conference Room, 678 Front Ave NW, Suite 212. Cost: $35/person, includes pizza. Information/ registration: bit.ly/BXSafetyWorkshops.
Commerce Government Matters @ City Hall - with Elected Officials. 8-9 a.m., Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Information/registration: (616) 531-5990 or michelle@southkent.org.
JUL 15 West Michigan Works! Jobs Fair. 9 a.m.noon, Westside Service Center, 215 Straight Ave. NW. Registration: form.jotform.com/ WestMichiganWorks/GRJobFair.
JUL 9 Division Avenue Business Association Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille 4157 S. Division Ave. Information/ registration: tombrann@branns.com.
JUL 14 Mel Trotter Ministries Meet The Mission Luncheon. Meals and refreshments served by MTM kitchen staff wearing proper PPE. Masks required to enter building. Parking at meters on the streets at own expense or city ramp on Cherry Street and Commerce Avenue. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., 225 Commerce Ave. SE. Information/registration: (616) 588-8753, rhondavandyk@meltrotter.org or meltrot ter.org/luncheon.
JUL 16 Acton Institute Lecture Series. Topic: “Lessons Learned from the Kavanaugh Confirmation,” by Carrie Campbell Severino, chief counsel and policy director, Judicial Crisis Network. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Acton Institute’s Mark Murray Auditorium, 98 E. Fulton St. Cost: $15/person, $10/student, includes box lunch and beverage. Information/registration: acton. org/event/2020/SeverinoALS.
JUL 9 Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Virtual Business Exchange. Hosted via Zoom, alongside chamber Director of Business Services Mark Allen, who will guide participants through a series of virtual breakout sessions to build connections. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Information/ registration: mark@grandrapids.org or grapidsrapids.org. JUL 9 Grand Rapids Savvy Seniors Learning Series. Learn a myriad of living choices that encompass multiple lifestyles and levels of care. 1-2:30 p.m., Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. SE. Cost: free. Information/registration: GRSavvySeniors.com. JUL 12 Start Garden Happy Hour. 5:30-7 p.m., Grid70, 70 Ionia SW. Information/registration: bit.ly/JulyStartGardenHappyHour. JUL 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of
JUL 14-AUG 4 Grand Rapids Young Professionals Advanced Golf Clinics. July 14, 6-7:30 p.m.; 6-7 p.m./after, Thornapple Pointe, 7211 48th St. SE. Cost: $70/person. Information/registration: gryp.org/ events/. JUL 15 AHC + Hospitality Open Interviews. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. Registration: ahchospitality.com. JUL 15 Massey Insurance Auto Reform Community Discussions. 5:45-7:15 p.m., Massey Insurance, 5384 S. Division Ave., Kentwood, snacks/beverages provided. Information/registration: (616) 532-6071.
JUL 16 Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce Meet, Eat and Learn Series. Topic: Is Climate Change Really a Climate Crisis? Noon-1 p.m., The Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville. Cost: free/ members, $15/additional members, $25/ nonmembers. Information/registration: mfare@hudsonville.org. JUL 21 AHC + Hospitality Open Interviews. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m., Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. Registration: ahchospitality.com. JUL 23 Grand Haven/Spring Lake/Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce July BASH. An evening of networking, appetizers and drinks. 5-7 p.m., West Michigan Lakeshore
LEISURE & RECREATION
The Michigan Agritourism Association has released the 2020 edition of Discover Michigan Farm Fun, Michigan’s Agricultural Tourism Directory, a popular guide for finding fun activities on Michigan farms. More information is available at michiganfarmfun.com/ getadirectory.asp.
NONPROFITS
Guiding Light again has been awarded a Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information on U.S. nonprofits. The Platinum designation is the highest level bestowed by GuideStar, a designation shared by less than two dozen of the more than 2,300 nonprofits GuideStar tracks in the greater Grand Rapids area. Mel Trotter Ministries has been awarded a grant for an undisclosed amount by the Saint Mary’s Foundation to offer telehealth services to the homeless, who will receive accessible medical care onsite by removing barriers that hinder them from receiving care. Services will be billed through insurance and those without insurance will be guided to resources in the community to receive health insurance.
REAL ESTATE
Rockford Property Management, a division of Rockford Construction, announced it has assumed property management responsibilities at the historic McKay Tower in downtown Grand Rapids. Built in 1890 in the heart of the city, the building has undergone many additions, developments and renovations as the city’s population has grown and the building has added new tenants. The McKay Tower partnership represents a co-investment by the economic development arms of two Native American Tribes based in Michigan. The Tower was purchased in 2020 by tribally-owned Gun Lake Investments and Waséyabek Development Company LLC from Steadfast Property Holdings for $17.5 million.
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.
Association of Realtors, 12916 168th Ave., Grand Haven. Information/registration: grandhavenchamber.org/. JUL 26 Start Garden Update Night. 5-8 p.m., Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center. Information/registration: bit.ly/ StartGardenUpdateNight. JUL 28 Wyoming Business Leaders Meeting. 8-9 a.m., Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Information/registration: (616) 261-4500 or d.kuba@instantcashmi. com. MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS Information: Stephanie Bradley, (616) 233-3577 or sbradley@experiencegr. com. 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 BANKRUPTCY
20-00971 – LOVE, Vanessa M., 5960 Crestmoor SE, Kentwood, Michael M. Malinowski (Ch. 7) 20-00972 – KELLER, Michele K., 135 Loomis, Sparta, pro se (Ch. 7)
MORTGAGES
Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds WEED, Timothy D. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412114153001, $275,000 HARLEY, Michael et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411430478012, $316,350 KLOOSTERMAN, Jeffrey L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 410635208002, $354,350 EATON, Michael R. Jr. et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 412121176024, $291,620 KOCHANNY, Michael H. et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411426252023, $330,000 DROOG, Thomas et al, Primelanding, Parcel: 411410454013, $331,750 GARRISON, Scott et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412317299106, $368,253 WARD, Stephen et al, Allen Edwin Home Builders, Parcel: 412124301090, $367,970 DURKIN, Emily T. et al, Old National Bank, Parcel: 411411402027, $484,000 AAT HOLDINGS LLC, Chemical Bank, Parcel: 411931100042, $600,000 BOWEN, Joshua L. et al, Freedom Mortgage Corp., Parcel: 411915465024, $278,193 OLSEN, Peter et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 412217308080, $298,400 RAMMAL, Connie F., Planet Home Lending, Parcel: 411906226016, $320,336 KOZAK, Kevin et al, Primelending, Parcel: 411403424007, $310,500 SNYDER, Nolan et al, Consumers Credit Union, Parcel: 411026151052, $405,000 NEXT CHAPTER INVESTMENTS LLC, Hart Equity LLC, Parcel: 411907178001, $370,000 KING, James et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 410727378039, $404,985 BEAN, Terrance et al, Veterans United Home Loans, Parcel: 411017406052, $328,000 ELKINS, Patrick et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411017406052, $567,100 CARNEY, Jordan M. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 410728202005, $348,300 EISENLOHR, Jared A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 410634227012, $340,800 GREYDANUS, Martin et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411910201019, $400,000 WRIGHT, Patrick et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 410213300011, $340,000 HILLER, Anne et al, Primary Residential Mortgage, Parcel: 411803153016, $385,500 LARUE, Ryan et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411821251005, $350,300 PIEH TRUST, AmeriFirst Financial Corp., Parcel: 411902453011, $321,000 NAWARA, Daniel, Union Home Mortgage Corp., Parcel: 411007426007, $295,000 JOLMAN, Jacob A. et al, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 411915201023, $750,000 DALLA, Steven et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412229374004, $475,200 DEVRIENDT, Zachary et al, Lake Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL Credit Union, Parcel: 411131226044, $330,000 BRUMMEL, Jamie et al, Grand River Bank, Parcel: 411106351005, $383,200 TRAN, Hanh V. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 412116402019, $510,000 DEOLIVEIR, Rui et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411517427010, $409,500 WEILSON, Aimee et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411427454045, $510,400 WILLIAMS, Jake, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412301380001, $379,905 HAYWOOD, Jefferson R. et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 412303326026, $399,200 COOK, John R. Jr. et al, Quicken Loans, Parcel: 412303301030, $321,591 PILIPOVIC, Amanda, Envoy Mortgage Ltd., Parcel: 412121427010, $396,000 MCNEIL, Jason et al, Heartland Home Mortgage LLC, Parcel: 412321126020, $283,550 HELSING, Jodi A. et al, TCF National Bank, Parcel: 411921111022, $293,000 LANG, Keith E. et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411429257021, $275,000 EMA II PROPERTIES LLC, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 412002352026, $348,000 BARSHIED, Gregory et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411434302015, $283,000 BIEGALLE, Neil et al, Neighborhood Loans, Parcel: 411433106015, $390,250 ANDREA, Kevin et al, United Bank, Parcel: 411108214006, $280,000 WONJEWSKI, John et al, Quicken Loans, Parcel: 412114177003, $298,355 RADEMACHER, Ryan et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 410717200045, $477,000 HUGHES, Robert L. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412116302003, $300,000 BIRD, Anthony S. et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 411411199017, $324,500 FATA, Jennifer M. et al, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Parcel: 412301430013, $275,000 DICKEY, Trisha R., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412205380009, $316,711 SHAW, Matthew, Independent Bank, Parcel: 410628452027, $403,750 GRABILL, Daniel A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411705165001, $286,200 MALONE, Joshua D. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Parcel: 411618300026, $299,475 ROGERS, Daniel M., Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411324317007, $308,750 THATCHER, Timothy J. Jr., Mortgage 1, Parcel: 411021101041, $275,217 KAREL, Patrick et al, Mortgage 1, Parcel: 412303176012, $489,155 RICHARDSON, Edward et al, United Federal Credit Union, Parcel: 410605400046, $307,900 PAJ, Rakeesh K. et al, Bank of America, Parcel: 411433302007, $555,000 GRAYSTONE HOMES LLC, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411034376008, $893,902 WELLS, Mark W. et al, Benchmark Mortgage, Parcel: 411108480023, $505,000 HOLMES, Trent M. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411732426014, $282,860 LOUISELL, Karas, Macatawa Bank, Parcel:
COVID-19 construction issues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
nate source of supply if possible, communicate with the owner or general contractor about its efforts and document all such efforts in case of a later dispute. PREPARING FOR DEFAULTS The delays and cost increases discussed above are bound to slow even those projects that did not stop completely. Not all owners and contractors will be able to withstand the disruption, and some will inevitably default on contracts or fail completely. It is critical for contractors, subcontractors and materials suppliers to ensure that their lien rights are protected. Review all projects to ensure that notices of furnishing have been properly issued, and review and follow your internal controls for tracking the tight deadlines to file your claim of lien and/or foreclose on the lien. Likewise, owners
should carefully review and track sworn statements to avoid the surprise claim of an unpaid subcontractor. Finally, all parties to a construction contract should stay in constant communication with each other regarding the status of work. All parties should also carefully document any issues related to delay, cost increases and mitigation of damages so that if a dispute does arise later, they will be well equipped to defend it. With proper communication and cooperation among all parties, many disputes can be avoided at the outset. Andrea J. Bernard and Emily S. Rucker are litigators at the law firm of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP who focus their practice on the construction industry. They can be reached at abernard@wnj.com and erucker@wnj. com.
411904127005, $300,000 DOUGLAS, Teressa J. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411426252040, $332,405 JASSAR LLC, Chemical Bank, Parcel: 411033332018, $975,000 ADRIAN, Kathryn W. et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 412114307013, $308,477 BILBREY, Craig et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411428352002, $475,000 MILLER, Jared A. et al, TCF National Bank, Parcel: 411812402002, $281,600 KENNEDY, Margaret, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Parcel: 411803258017, $421,600 SARWAR, Sajjad R. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411908277007, $385,000 GRITTER, Chris et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411125200029, $300,000 JACKSON, Cheyne, Northern Mortgage Services, Parcel: 412208204008, $326,000 BENN, Matthew B. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412332126021, $293,000 ALDRICH, David et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411125200022, $399,000 DAMUTH, Robert E. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411024172015, $437,000 MABIE, Derek et al, Top Flite Financial, Parcel: 412221300028, $291,120 MOSS, Timothy et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411329476031, $438,400 CHATMAN, Joshua K. et al, TCF National Bank, Parcel: 411934130006, $284,000 BILLMEIER, Adam R. et al, Old National Bank, Parcel: 41173137708, $289,000 SCHUTLZ BUILDERS LLC, Finance of America Commercial LLC, Parcel: 411116301013, $606,906 CAMBRIDGE PROPERTIES LLC, First Community Bank, Parcel: 411430327002, $580,000 VANDERPLOEG, Steven et al, United Wholesale Mortgage, Parcel: 410636178020, $350,400 MAHER, Lori, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411111277028, $400,000 COPE, David et al, Mimutual Mortgage, Parcel: 412302327006, $501,500 COMPAGNONI, Michael C. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411129375049, $429,250 EKIN, Trevor L., Envoy Mortgage, Parcel: 411322351033, $280,250 LEHNEN, Theodore et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411329402023, $279,100 JACOBS, Thomas Jr. et al, Lake Michigan
Credit Union, Parcel: 412110102012, $580,500 BARBER, Benjamin et al, Inlanta Mortgage, Parcel: 411434451011, $510,400 PINTER, Kara S. et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411131226007, $410,875 SLCC HOLDINGS LLC, Chemical Bank, Parcel: 411110376010, $650,000 KUKLA, Karen A. et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411627200038, $308,000 BLAHNIK PROPERTIES LLC, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411316353020, $360,000 HERLACHER, Frederick D., Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411409177017, $360,905 BLAHNIK, Jeffrey, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411429428003, $300,000 DOEZEMAN, Michael et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 412132400031, $432,000 BROSSMAN, Nicole et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411705165002, $353,250 FLAHERTY, Ryan et al, Fifth Third Bank, Parcel: 411522151019, $340,100 BERSON, Brody, Success Mortgage Partners, $303,610 VANOS, Casey R. et al, PNC Bank, Parcel: 410835100023, $359,550 KERR, Christopher, Private Mortgage Wholesale Inc., Parcel: 411430430011, $440,000 DOUGHERTY, Mary L. et al, Mercantile Bank, Parcel: 411431202008, $289,000 SHARPE, Joshua et al, Cason Home Loans, Parcel: 410606327022, $305,857 SHABHANG, Behrooz et al, Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411414227041, $712,000 SVABIC, Shimo et al, Eastbrook Homes, Parcel: 412114153015, $394,418 KRAGT, Benjamin J., Huntington National Bank, Parcel: 411022101037, $294,500 TOLER, Kevin M., Old National Bank, Grand Rapids, $972,000 OATMEN, Tyler et al, Veterans United Home Loans, Parcel: 411014229003, $304,900 DRAFT, David P. et al, VanDyk Mortgage Corp., Parcel: 411427477006, $360,000 FRASER, Alyssa et al, Bank of America, Parcel: 410627251344, $343,250 EDKINS, Mary E., Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Parcel: 411417427002, $276,000 GIRARD, Steven K. et al, Northpointe Bank, Parcel: 411132153008, $366,300 MORGAN, Brian et al, Union Home Mortgage Corp., Parcel: 412110377001,
JUNE 29, 2020
21
$360,950 WELLER, James G. et al, Independent Bank, Parcel: 411210126022, $380,000 BORCHERT, Thomas et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411427451012, $668,000 MCCLUNG, Blair A. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412211310018, $300,000 SCHADENBERG, Brent, Caliber Home Loans, Parcel: 410635210007, $304,000 BECKER, Carl P. et al, Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Parcel: 410724100002, $378,000 PANGRAZZI, Garrett et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 412310277007, $609,000 KING, Ryan T. et al, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Parcel: 411001351021, $641,000
CO-PARTNERSHIPS FILED
Co-partnerships filed with the Kent County Clerk D & G LAWN CARE, 5431 Blaine SE, Anthony Mlejnek, Glenda Mlejnek DAVE’S DRYWALL & MORE, 10375 Pine Island, Sparta, Samuel D. George, Kathy S. George
ASSUMED NAMES FILED
Assumed names filed with the Kent County Clerk ABR COMPANIES, P.O. Box 13, Ada, Howard Foy ACCURATE MECHANICAL, 5101 Brookwood SE, Kentwood, James Morgan A LITTLE GEM AND WIRE, 539 Griggs SE, Kayla Bennett ALPINE ESTATES TOWNHOUSES, 2260 Johnson, Marne, Amber Ben BITTNER LIGHTING SYSTEMS, 8266 Lamplight, Jenison, Joyce Bittner CAMBIUM CARPENTRY, 723 Powers NW, Brady Cone COSCHCOTEN STAINLESS, 2607 Golfridge NE, Daniel O’Keefe DR. HOME IMPROVEMENT, 7793 Freeport, Clarksville, David M. Bessey DRAPERIES AND MORE, 3982 Shorewood Court, Grandville, Jane MaLamara EFFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION CO., 7825 Fruit Ridge NW, Yobani Rodriguez
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.
LGBTQ leaders celebrate Title VII ruling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
basis of gender identity or expression and sexual orientation, there are still “subtle workarounds” that result in LGBTQ people being fired from their jobs or denied housing, ostensibly for other reasons, and his organization will continue to fight for more “teeth” in the ordinance so that landlords, property managers and employers are held accountable, especially given the new precedent set by the SCOTUS ruling regarding employment. The Grand Rapids Pride Center’s work in the employment space will have new energy behind it because of the new Title VII ruling, Pierce said. He said the Pride Center will continue to refer people to and work with groups like Equality Michigan and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to bring
suit in cases of employment discrimination. Pierce said he believes the SCOTUS ruling was “amazing and great,” but the community has a lot of work to do on other levels, including understanding and acknowledging the intersectionality of various demographic factors with LGBTQ status, and how those factors contribute to layers of discrimination that can be hard to unravel if only considered one at a time. Kulas-Dominguez said one of the tangible ways people can contribute in the continuing fight for LGBTQ equality is to first educate themselves and others. “I always think about what my husband (Carlos Kulas-Dominguez) has to say. He always talks about how the more we know about ourselves and the more we share our experiences, the more we can help grow our community
as a whole,” he said. “A lot of the change that we’ve seen happening over the past couple of decades is because people now have that personal connection — ‘I know somebody who’s gay, my neighbor’s gay, my brother’s gay, or I know somebody that’s transgender’ — so it helps personalize it. “The more people can get informed about the issues, whether it’s talking to The Grand Rapids Pride Center or reaching out to the ACLU of Michigan — there’s a West Michigan branch here that you can volunteer with and get information on — the more you know about the issues that you can then share with your neighbor, your family and your friends, I think that’s where we’re going to start seeing change,” he said. “(Change) happens from the grassroots level and works its way up.”
Greenhouse project fills unexpected need CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
a set amount of time. With the help of Hope College and Gentex in the Zeeland area, we have been able to install larger fans. So, we have great ventilation in there.” In addition to donating to Community Action House, Boer-
man said after July 4, the greenhouse will be open to the public and community members will be able to harvest fruits and vegetables for free. He also will move his mobile kitchen unit to the greenhouse, allowing families from different cultural backgrounds to gather, harvest, cook and dine
together. This, too, would depend on lifting of COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. The creation of the greenhouse project was supported by numerous businesses and organizations, including Herman Miller, Gentex, Ridge Point Community Church and Jonkers Garden.
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GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL
STREET TALK
Bills, bills and more bills Sign of the times. BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF
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Joshua Lunger, senior director of government affairs for the chamber. “This legislation provides a short-term lifeline for these severely impacted businesses such as theaters, restaurants, sporting and event venues, and more. We want these employers to be a part of our recovery and, at no fault of their own, they need more time to get their feet back under them and begin earning revenue.” Lew Chamberlin, founder and chairman of the West Michigan Whitecaps, echoed Lunger’s statement. “With the prospect of no baseball this summer, the West Michigan Whitecaps knows that we will be facing a significant deficit, and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are able to serve the community when baseball returns,” he said. “I know that there are many small businesses facing similar challenges, and we are pleased this legislation will help our business community navigate a difficult recovery from the coronavirus.” House Bill 5781 passed in the Michigan House of Representatives June 17. The chamber said the legislation is “critical to supporting the restaurants who contribute greatly to the vibrancy and fabric of our communities” and it will create opportunities for them to
safely serve customers outdoors. The bill lets local governments designate the social districts and provide greater flexibility to these small businesses. “Restaurants have been hit hard by the virus, and we are working to overcome a lot of uncertainty,” said Chris Heileman, CEO of Uccello’s Hospitality Group, which owns several Grand Rapids-area restaurants. “The social districts are amazing tools for us to safely serve guests and reactivate our community.” The Business Journal on June 12 reported on the city of Grand Rapids’ work to implement social zones, which draws on the statewide social districts legislation. RAPID RESPONSE The Rapid will hold multiple input meetings in early July to gather public feedback on three proposed changes to service: elimination of the Silver Line downtown Grand Rapids fare-free zone; reinstatement of regular fares on Route 19 (Michigan Crosstown); and the system-wide elimination of paper ticket transfers and change cards. The fare changes on the Silver Line and Route 19 are intended to standardize fare payment and collection on all fixed-route service. The elimination of paper ticket transfers and change cards is part
FOOD FAIR In an effort to support Kentwood businesses and jumpstart the local economy, the Kentwood City Commission earlier this month passed a resolution reducing regulations and expediting the site plan review process for temporary outdoor retail, food, beverage and personal service uses. Effective through Nov. 1, the resolution suspends time limits on temporary sign display and waives business license fees. Retailers,
THE OAKS AT BYRON CENTER, BYRON CENTER, MI 89,146 SQ FT SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
he Michigan House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation geared toward helping businesses in West Michigan and statewide survive the COVID-19 crisis. Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, said he and his team “applaud” the legislation, which the chamber advocated for along with other groups across the state. “The chamber has spent the last several months pursuing every potential avenue to help West Michigan businesses survive the public health crisis and the economic shutdown,” Baker said. “The chamber is thrilled to see two top items from our ‘Smart Restart Agenda’ nearing the finish line, and we urge the Senate to quickly send the legislation to the governor to be signed into law.” House Bills 5761 and 5810 allow for an extension of the summer 2020 property tax without the threat of interest or fees and create a mechanism to support cash-flow for local units of government. “Summer property taxes can be the single largest bill for a business every year, and concerns over ability to pay were among the greatest concerns for businesses who have gone with little to no revenue for an entire quarter,” said
of the continued transition to The Rapid’s e-fare system, The Wave. Meetings will take place on Wednesday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 8, at the Rapid Central Station Community Room. Each day will provide morning and evening input opportunities, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Any members of the public that plan to attend the in-person meetings will be asked to wear a mask or face covering if they are medically able to minimize the risks of exposure and spread of COVID-19. In addition, a maximum capacity of 20 people will be allowed at one time, and physical distancing will be required. Other options are available for anyone that would prefer to provide feedback without attending a meeting, including a dedicated public comment email address, comment@ridetherapid.org, a dedicated voicemail box, (616) 774-1235, and a mailing address: Communications Department, 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The public comment period is open until July 10. All three changes take effect Aug. 1
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restaurants and personal-service businesses, such as training facilities, wanting to add expanded outdoor spaces for customers now have the opportunity to apply. “COVID-19 and shelter-inplace requirements over the past three months have had tremendous impacts on our local businesses,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “As we look to restart the local economy, the city of Kentwood remains committed to being a help and not a hindrance for our business community, and has implemented a number of measures to assist. “The resolution passed is intended to ease and expedite businesses’ abilities to serve customers in a manner that’s consistent with evolving public health recommendations.” The review and approval of site plans for general retail sales, food, beverage and personal-service establishments seeking to utilize outdoor areas, such as exterior building aprons or parking areas, will be conducted through the Planning Department. Interested businesses are asked to complete the online application at kent wood.us/businessrestart for consideration. Under the temporary sign moratorium, one temporary sign of up to 32 square feet is allowed per business. Other restrictions applicable to temporary signs, such as sign placement and similar matters, remain in effect. For the licensing year, city fees will be waived for businesses with the exception of the following: transient, waste hauler, door-todoor and snowplowing licenses, or hazardous material fees.
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