Insurance companies play a crucial role in our society, providing individuals and businesses with financial protection against unexpected losses. To do this, insurance companies collect premiums from policyholders. But what happens to your premium once it is paid to the insurance company?
Insurance companies don’t just store your premiums in a giant safe until they’re needed to pay claims. Instead, they put these funds to work by investing them. This practice is vital to insurance companies for several reasons.
Let’s break it down. When you pay a premium for an insurance policy, the insurance company pools your premium together with those paid by other policyholders. The pooling of premiums is the first step that allows the insurance company to spread out the risk of potential claims among many policyholders.
Now, these pooled premiums form a large amount of money known as a reserve. This reserve is there to ensure that the insurance company has enough money to pay out if a policyholder files a claim. But while this money is sitting in the reserve, the insurance company doesn’t just let it idle. They invest this money to generate income and to increase the value of the reserve.
Investment income helps to keep the insurance premiums lower than they would be otherwise. Without the income from investments, insurance companies would need to charge much higher premiums to maintain their financial stability and be able to pay claims.
So, how does an insurance company invest your premiums? They typically follow a conservative investment strategy because it’s essential to maintain the ability to pay claims even in unfavorable market conditions.
The investments of insurance companies are usually in the form of bonds, especially government and high-quality corporate bonds. Bonds are chosen because they are relatively safe compared to other types of investments and provide a steady income in the form of interest. Some part of their investments might also be in real estate, mortgages, and stocks, but these usually represent a smaller portion of the investment portfolio because they come with higher risk.
The specific rules and regulations about how insurance companies can invest their funds vary from state to state and are overseen by the state’s department of insurance in which the company is domiciled. These regulations are in place to ensure that insurance companies are not taking excessive risks with the premiums they have collected.
Insurance premiums are not just used to pay claims. Instead, they are carefully invested to earn income, helping the insurance company to remain financially stable and to keep premiums affordable. This prudent financial management is essential to ensure that the insurance company can honor its commitment to policyholders even in the face of large or unexpected claims.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
During the pandemic, Isabella Diaz-Borrello branched out starting her own jewelry business. (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press)
Over the past couple of years, a Wyoming high school student has worked to develop her own line of alternative jewelry, Dusk Shoppe, that is affordable to all.
In 2020, during the first quarantine, Isabella Diaz-Borrello decided to start up a business as a way to make money and express herself through jewelry. It all started when her father gave her money and told her to “make something out of this, try to double what I gave you and make more.”
While brainstorming ideas, she came across videos on TikTok of other people making handmade jewelry.
She felt inspired.
“I thought, I can do that too,” she said. Dusk Shoppe came to life at this moment. Originally, Dusk Shoppe started off as just an earring business: charms, toys, and other accessories. Eventually, Isabella expanded to wire-wrapped earrings, more intricate designs, polymer clay earrings, and resin earrings as well.
As her business evolved, Isabella started to experiment with other types of accessories. She now makes beaded necklaces with chain details and charms, bracelets, keychains, and stickers (which are her very own design). There may be more additions as well.
“I hope to make and sell ceramic at my shop sometime soon,” she said.
For handmade jewelry, her products are fairly priced. Resin earrings are $10, polymer clay earrings are $15, wire-wrapped earrings are $8, necklaces are $25, bracelets and keychains are $6, and her stickers are $3.
The challenges of having your own business
Although her business has grown, there have been struggles. Advertising has been one. She advertises on Instagram and TikTok through her business accounts.
Earrings created by Isabella Diaz-Borrello (Courtesy, Dusk Shoppe)
“I tried making a TikTok once, but it didn’t work out,” she stated.
Isabella hopes to advertise Dusk Shoppe more in the new year through Instagram and TikTok posts. She is also planning more advertisements about her Depop shop and looking at other art markets.
Advertising has not been a huge hit, but her art markets have. At art markets, her business can run itself.
“I’ve only been doing art markets for a year, I did about six last year,” she said.
She hopes to do way more art markets this year, but her real goal is to partake in a market at the yearly Pride Festival.
“There was a booth that was selling jewelry, but it looked like mass-produced jewelry,” she said. “It had a huge line.”
She believes her business needs to grow in size and get better at advertising, that’s the milestone. “It can be expensive and you need a lot of products,” she said.
Dusk Shoppe has had its ups and downs, but Isabella has succeeded in her past goals. Stay updated on new additions to her shop, and remember, if you’re wanting to start a business, think of the wise words of Isabella: “I can do that too.”
Isabelle Mosher is a senior journalism student at Wyoming High School. She plans to study biochemistry at Michigan State University.
Sounds of music, song, and poetry rang out for close to three hours in the cozy, art-filled space known as ArtRat.
The event, known as “Saturday Musicians Co-op,” showcased local artists, giving them a chance to practice their craft in front of a live audience and on this fall day, about two dozen people came out to watch singers, musicians and poets all take their turn at the mic.
It is only a sample of the array of activities that has been taking place at Division Avenue’s newest tenant, all of which are designed to highlight just what a hidden gem the Heartside District is.
Heartside’s Renaissance
The Heartside neighborhood has gone through a transformation in recent years. Prices for retail space is very reasonable making it attractive for unique specialty shops and eateries that now dot the landscape of the Division corridor. Once such place is ArtRat.
ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
Owned by Matthew Rothenberg and his wife, Nancy Tobin, ArtRat, 46 Division Ave., opened up to the public a little over a year ago. Rothenberg said Tobin, a painter, had already been using the space when the couple saw its potential to build community.
“So Nancy first started using this as her studio in 2018,” Rothernberg said. “And then we realized what a beautiful space this would be to have a gallery. So last year, we renovated the space and opened just before ArtPrize 2021.”
Tobin is a Grand Rapids native and graduated from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 1981. She eventually made her way out West, where she met Rothenberg. Years later, the couple moved back to be closer to Tobin’s family.
Having spent several years living in bigger cities, like New York and San Francisco, Rothenberg said Grand Rapids has its own unique vibe. One he digs.
“It’s got the kind of intensity and vibrancy that we look for in cities,” Rothenberg said. “Nancy and I are city people. Our kids are too. This feels like that.”
Building the Community
But it’s not just art and artists’ performances taking center stage at ArtRat. To get people more engaged in the community, ArtRat is hosting more civic minded events. The gallery held a voter registration event in the fall and partnered up with PROACTIVE Project to try to get more citizens registered for the recent midterm election.
ArtRat audience enjoys an evening of music and poetry during the Saturday Musicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
ArtRat was also one of four sites picked to host a voting event for Participatory Budgeting GR. Participatory Budgeting GR was an initiative that allowed citizens to vote on proposals created by residents in order to spend the $2 million that the City was allocated to get because of the American Rescue Plan Act. Residents were asked to come up with ideas on how to spend the federal funds and then they got to vote on their favorites.
ArtRat has also been mixing art with song, music, poetry, and other live performances in an effort to bring in patrons and local artists alike. They’ve hosted ‘The Hai-Cuu Experience’ at the gallery about once a month. The Hip-Hop poetry experience is a collaboration with Cuu JoSama and Kenneth Cortez Productions.
It’s just the cool place to be
Starting in November, a new monthly event, ‘Americana Sundays’ will showcase individual singer-songwriters and bands performing in American roots music styles.
Rothenberg said he hopes events like this will help make people aware that this hip, cool scene is happening in the Heartside neighborhood. A vibrant and diverse area that’s starting to attract younger artists and people who enjoy the arts. Rothenberg said he’s confident once people see the potential this neighborhood has, they’ll be back.
“People may not be aware that it has a thriving retail scene with lots of unique things for people to do,” said Rothenberg. “There’s plenty of parking, cool businesses, cool people. Just a cool community to be a part of.”
Building a community through the Arts
Madyson Visscher, a local artist, works for the gallery as its social media manager. The 22-year-old moved to the neighborhood a year ago and like the owners she works for, she fell in love with the area and what it has to offer. She said Heartside has seen an explosion in the art scene, making the gallery a perfect hub for the community and herself.
ArtRat is located at 46 S. Division Ave. in the hear to the Heartside District. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
“I feel at home here for sure,” said Visscher. “There’s even this strip now. With all of the new retail and like resources that are here. Whether it’s a little space, so someone like me, an artist, I can go work in there. It’s a co-working space, plenty of cafés. We got the new vintage stores that are up and I’ve been spending way too much money in those.”
Visscher has been writing features on behalf of the ArtRat gallery showcasing some of the businesses in the area. The stories are published via email once or twice a week. She’s also been talking and getting feedback from residents in the neighborhood. Visscher said the gallery hopes it can break the stereotype that it only caters to people of a certain status.
“I think some art galleries can be a little uppity or sophisticated,” said Visscher. “But we’re definitely trying to change that narrative and be a space not only for artists, but just for the community too.”
Open Mic Night a Success
Rothenberg, a musician, said he wanted to give artists a place to hone their skills thus that is how the “Saturday Musicians Co-op” came to be.
Eli Winkelman, on drums, was excited to showcase his talent during a recent SaturdayMusicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
That opportunity to showcase his craft is why 18-year-old drummer Eli Winkelman came. The recent high school graduate of Grand Rapids has played a few times in front of people but mainly for school related events. He said the owners are a friend of his dad’s. He said he was happy for the opportunity to jam.
“It was actually really fun,” Winkelman said. “Because like, we actually got like, a lot of people, and it was pretty cool. Made me feel good.”
Some more seasoned performers took part as well. Journeé Evans, 23, is no stranger to performing. Evans is an artist and poet. The audience sat in silence, drinking in the words falling from her lips. She was met with the roar of applause afterwards. Evans said she was happy to be a part of the experiment.
“I feel like it is very unique”, Evans said. “And it’s very innovative, bringing in two genres that aren’t usually together, and then making an experience that everybody can enjoy. I feel like that’s a very balanced and awesome way of bringing attraction to any place.”
Journeé Evans, receives around of applause after her poetry reading. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
And that for Rothenberg was the whole point.
“Something I can do is create opportunities for people to come here”, Rothenberg said. “And perform here and interact here. You know, just get them down here and they can see the opportunities for themselves.”
West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” in October. (Photo from Pxhere.com)
West Michigan’s economy took an expected turn into a “shallow recession” as area manufacturers are reporting inflation-related headwinds and a slow-down in demand, according to an October survey of purchasing managers by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at Seidman, said the downturn came as no surprise, with local results mirroring national ones.
“If we compare our statistics with those being collected at the national level, we see a pattern of economic erosion with higher interest rates around the world and the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Long said. “We can probably expect both our local and national statistics at the industrial level will probably continue to soften.”
The key new orders index made a turn into double-digit negative territory for the first time in 30 months, amid inflationary pressures, softening demand and uncertainty in the market.
Employment and purchasing indices also were in negative territory, with an increasing number of companies reporting investments in those areas were down versus the previous month.
Meanwhile, production, or gross output, grew during October as some manufacturers continue scrambling to meet demand in sectors like the auto industry, where supply chain issues have hampered business growth.
“Just like last month, the market for office furniture has continued to soften, but pent-up demand for new cars will most likely keep our West Michigan auto parts suppliers and the assembly lines running for the foreseeable future,” Long said. “The comments from our survey participants have now turned increasingly tenuous, and some firms are openly bracing for an impending recession.”
More information about this month’s survey results and an archive of previous survey data is available at the Seidman College of Business website.
Owners Tom and Amy Payne. Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. (John D. Gonzalez)
TwoGuys Brewing thinks of itself as “Big City Dining,” but without the hassles of driving and parking downtown.
Even when they put together a business plan in 2006 – 12 years before they opened – the owners always planned to offer quality, locally sourced dining for the community of Wyoming.
“Upscale is not even the word,” said former homebrewer-turned-head chef, Tom Payne.
It was always meant to offer a “downtown restaurant feel and quality of food for our neighbors here in Wyoming.”
Tom and wife/co-owner Amy are doing exactly what they set out to do, and they’re doing it in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. It’s a no-frills location, just great food and beer.
Quality that doesn’t break the bank
The quality of dining is what you might find in downtown Grand Rapids or other metropolitan cities, they said, but not at the same cost. Plus, they have free, on-site parking in Wyoming.
Burgers at Two Guys start at $11. (John D. Gonzalez)
“Pricing downtown is just exorbitant, and I understand, their rents are also much higher than ours in some cases,” Amy said.
“But we’re Gen-exers,” she added. “We don’t park six blocks away from where we’re eating.”
“I worked 16 hours today; I don’t want to walk,” said Tom with a laugh.
A burger downtown, for example, might cost as much as $18.
At TwoGuys, where burgers are ground fresh every day, it will cost $11, unless you customize it with a lot of add-ons, like one online customer who built a half-pound burger with multiple toppings that came in at $19.
One of Tom’s priciest creations, a Poutine Burger, which was a special in July, cost $14. It was Prime rib, ground fresh from English cut roast shoulders.
It might cost a little extra, “but we touched every part of that burger, from the condiments on it, to the grinding of the beef,” Tom said.
“And it had hand-cut fries on it,” Amy said.
Foodies and others are taking note
Since opening in 2018, TwoGuys has established itself as “a great place for delicious eclectic food and great Michigan beers. Family-friendly with a great neighborhood feel!,” which it says right on their Facebook page.
That’s where most of their 13,000-plus followers keep up to date on food specials, new beer releases and community causes.
Two Guys Brewing is located in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. (John D. Gonzalez)
Just take a look at their food photos online, and you will immediately have a craving for one of Tom’s creative creations.
Along with a team of dedicated employees, they’re hard work is paying off and putting Wyoming on the map. Foodies everywhere are taking notice.
With a national tourism conference in town last week, Experience GR had some nice things to say about them in a blog post offering a “Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food,” saying TwoGuys is a “must visit” for craft beer and food enthusiasts “due to its decadent food, dessert and craft beer selections.”
It added:
“TwoGuys makes most of its items in house, to the extent of house-smoking beef, corned beef and turkey, hand-dredging chicken and hand-cutting potatoes for fries. The menu emphasizes shareables, from tacos, fried pork rinds and wine-braised mushrooms to cheese curds, charcuterie boards and chorizo fundido, a sausage-and-beer cheese combo.
You can also count on a tantalizing special or two, always made with the freshest local ingredients.”
The silver lining of COVID
The praise is heart-felt by the couple, who work countless hours, but always put their staff and customers first.
“There are some weeks we don’t take home a paycheck,” Amy said. “And we’re OK with that.”
They were humbled during Covid when locals flocked to their restaurant to pick up pre-packaged, family meals that Tom said was “real honest food that you didn’t have to do the hard part.”
To borrow a couple of overused words at the height of the pandemic, they learned to “pivot” and make the best out of an “unprecedented” period in our country’s history.
In a weird way, it was Covid that put TwoGuys on the map outside of Wyoming.
They were humbled again this summer when a smoker caught fire and caused damage to the exterior of their building, which led to a GoFundMe Page. On Facebook they posted:
Damage from the smoker fire that took place earlier this summer. (John D. Gonzalez)
“We could use your help if you’re so inclined.
“We DO have insurance. Anything donated above the deductible and immediate costs to repair, replace, and clean up will be donated to a local charitable organization supporting women, pregnancy, and infants. It has always been our mission to support our local community and we will do that through this as well!”
They asked for $2,500, which the community nearly doubled in less than a month.
It wasn’t an easy ask for a couple that, like the community itself, prides itself in hard work and pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.
They were overwhelmed.
The extra money will go to charities they support and align “with our values.” But they’ll do it quietly without making a big deal about it.
“When you do something good, sometimes you just have to shut up and let people notice,” Amy said.
“There are a lot of good restaurant owners in this community, but you’re never going to miss the fact they are doing good. That takes a little bit away from (the fact) you’re doing good if you’re using it as a marketing plan.”
More than a family affair
Married in 1990, the couple met in 1988 at Village Inn Pancake House on 28th Street (now New Beginnings). He was 18. She was 16.
Seeing their restaurant full is one thing that keeps Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne going. (John D. Gonzalez)
Today they are the parents of three adult daughters (Meghan, Zoe and Abigail). They live only a few blocks away from TwoGuys.
As local business owners, the couple just wants to make an honest living, support the community, and make great food and beer.
Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. When he needs a little “alone time,” Tom creates beautiful tie dye shirts across the street in the production facility to sell in their merchandise shop.
What keeps them going every day?
“Seeing this place full every night,” Tom said.
“Coffee and Ibuprofen.” Amy said.
‘Just be good’
In all seriousness, they hope popular beers, seltzers, sangrias, along with hand-cut fries, New Orleans-inspired food, burgers, tacos and other specialties will keep people coming back. It’s been a dream of the couple “forever.”
“But it’s never been a selfish dream,” said Tom, referring to the jobs they’ve created for their family and employees.
“We’ve got 20-some families of those that work here whose lives are better because we’re here,” he said.
That fits with their core values, which is to make a difference and “just be good.”
“Be better than you were yesterday,” Amy said.
“Change the world one pint at a time,” Tom said.
“We’ve really worked hard to try to make this corner of Wyoming better,” Amy said. “We’re hoping that ripples into other corners of Wyoming.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Right Place team that lead the survey included Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction; Eric Icard, Senior Director, Business Development, Olivia Lancto, Coordinator, Business Development, and Rafael Martinez, Manager Business Intelligent and Research (Supplied)
West Michigan business leaders are reporting strong confidence in the health of their companies and the economy at large, according to a March survey of 138 local companies by The Right Place.
Over the course of a year, The Right Place typically meets with more than 400 local companies. However, the economic development organization recently began intensifying its outreach by committing to meet with at least 100 companies in March and October of 2022. During these meetings, Right Place team members talk with companies about their plans and any barriers to growth they may be facing. While the details of individual meetings are confidential, The Right Place gathers qualitative data in aggregate form to provide a snapshot of regional business sentiment.
“In March, our team met with the leaders of 138 area companies, which is the highest number of business visits ever recorded by The Right Place in a single month,” said Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “Through these meetings we were able to provide customized business assistance while gaining valuable insights on the health of our local economy. Overall, we see an optimistic business community planning for continued growth through 2022.”
Key findings include:
Companies are projecting growth
The majority of companies (57%) reported they have plans to expand. This growth typically includes increased headcounts or capital expenditures, and is an indication that area business leaders are feeling confident in the future. Specifically, 46% of companies indicate they plan to increase their rate of hiring.
Increasing sales
With pandemic restrictions subsiding, consumers continue to spend more, slowing only slightly since the last snapshot report in June 2021. Most area companies (73%) are reporting increasing sales. Of the remaining companies, 23% reported stable sales, and only 4% reported a decrease in sales.
The talent challenges may be shifting
Recruiting talent to open positions remains a persistent challenge, with 48% reporting difficulties. However, this is down slightly from last June, when 53% reported difficulties. Instead, 52% of companies reported no recruitment issues in March.
Increasing investment in employee training
In response to recruitment challenges, 39% of employers are reporting increased investment in training for their existing workforce, with the goal of raising retention rates.
Of the businesses surveyed, the majority employ under 100 with annual revenues between $1 million and $99 million. The businesses surveyed represent a global workforce of 656,534 people. Specifically, 76% employ under 100, 20% employ between 100-500, and 4% employ over 500. The revenue ranges included 26% of companies between $1 million and $9.9 million in sales, 31% between $10 million and $99.9 million, 9% over $100 million, and 1% over $1 billion.
The Right Place’s coverage area includes Kent, Ionia, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Lake, and Oceana counties. The organization primarily serves businesses in the advanced manufacturing, technology, and health sciences industries.
From left to right, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. Chamber member Kathy Bates and Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan at one of the candidate forums hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce . (Supplied)
By Sheila McGrath WKTV Community Writer
Nine years after taking the helm of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Bob O’Callaghan is ready to let someone else steer the ship. He plans to retire at the end of this year.
As president and CEO of the chamber, it’s O’Callaghan’s job to help businesses in Kentwood and Wyoming grow stronger.
“I get asked once a week, ‘What do you do? What is your job?’” he said. “I’m a connector. I connect businesses to other businesses to help them grow, and give them a chance to do more business.”
Bob O’Callaghan helping to promote the 28th Street Metro Cruise which expanded to Woodland Mall in 2021. (WKTV)
More than 400 businesses are members of the chamber, and most of them – around 70 percent in recent years – are actively involved. Those businesses have representatives serving on committees and offering volunteers to staff the chamber’s many events.
As he looks back on his years of service, O’Callaghan says the group’s community involvement is his proudest achievement.
“We look at ourselves as a community chamber,” he said. “Some of our events, like the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the Santa parade, and the Government Matters meetings … are really huge because it gives exposure to the chamber and gets information out that’s sometimes not out to the general public.”
O’Callaghan has been involved with the chamber in some capacity for three decades. Prior to leading the group, he served on various committees and on the board of directors. In nearly 30 years with the chamber, he has seen both Kentwood and Wyoming become much more diverse cities. And he witnessed those cities go through bad times and good.
Chef Joseff VanHorn with Bob O’Callaghan who has been a champion to local businesses for 30 years, 9 as the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s president/CEO. (WKTV)
During the Great Recession of 2007-2009, Wyoming saw the General Motors plant on 36th Street, the Studio 28 movie theater and Classic Chevrolet, one of the biggest Chevrolet dealers in Michigan, close within three weeks of each other.
“Everyone was down in the mouth and asking ‘Are we ever going to come back,’” he said. “To see that devastation and to see how we’ve come back – COVID has been a kick in the rear again, but before that, everything was going well. There weren’t a lot of empty buildings available, people had staff, the economy was good. So it was nice to see that come back, and I think it will again. COVID is just a temporary setback on the business community.”
He acknowledges that businesses everywhere are struggling now with lack of staff due to COVID. He hopes some of the biggest businesses in the area, like Metro Health, Lacks and Steelcase, might be on the leading edge of finding new ways to attract and retain employees.
“They are going to have to change the way they operate in regards to employment, and the bigger companies will be leading the way to take us forward,” he said. “Once we get over this shortage of people – however we do that – I think you’ll see some changes in how things are done.”
O’Callaghan said more than 70 people, who are hoping to serve as his replacement, have already been interviewed, and the final candidates will be narrowed down after Thanksgiving.
His last official event will be the chamber’s annual meeting on Jan. 28.
At the Santa Parade, which this year will be Saturday, Dec. 11, Bob O’Callaghan would often ride in the vehicle that pulls Santa. (WKTV)
“It’s kind of a great way to go out,” he said.
But before that, he’ll have one last Santa parade – one of his favorite chamber events – to participate in. The parade is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, and runs down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to 44th Street.
“I have been fortunate enough to ride in the vehicle that pulls Santa. Nobody sees me, of course, but I would see the kids waving, and mom and dad smiling and taking pictures. That’s a really good feeling when you see that happening. We’re doing something in our community that’s needed,” he said. “There are years I come back and I don’t feel my feet are touching the ground.”
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
Although still positive, the recovery for the West Michigan industrial economy has slowed considerably in recent weeks, according to Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
Long said the slowdown is expected at this stage of an economic recovery because of pent-up demand.
Long said the worldwide chip shortage is hampering auto production for almost every nameplate in the world. Dealer lots are predominately empty and Long said it may be 2022 before supply catches up with demand.
Highlights from Long’s economic report:
New orders, the index of business improvement, came in at +14 – typical of the recovery from most recessions once the initial pent-up demand has been satisfied.
The on-going chip shortage has washed backward into the automotive supply chain, causing slowdowns or temporary stoppages in production. The production index tapered to +11.
Staffing continues to be a major problem for many firms, even though some have raised their starting wage and offered signing bonuses. Many economists are concerned about a wage-price spiral.
Despite the Covid Delta Variant, the JPM international survey posted at 54.1, only a little below the all-time high of 56 set in May. The supply chains of the world continue to show no sign of returning to normal.
The employment index remained positive at +19, but would be stronger if there were people to hire. With some of the generous unemployment benefits coming off line, there is speculation that the employment situation will improve in coming months.
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
The fun never ends at Wyoming’s Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers. Having been in the community for 22 years, Craig’s Cruisers provides a host of activities from mini golf to go-carts. In 2009, it added the 700-capacity seating restaurant – the largest seating capacity restaurant in Kent County – and a few years ago expanded again to add an inside roller coaster, laser tag, trampolines, and a Ninja obstacle course. Marketing Manager Cait Thrasher filled us in on some of the details about the popular family fun spot.
Name of business: Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers
What is your business? (IE: Restaurant serving Italian specialities, gift shop, manufacture of auto parts): Family Fun Center / Amusement / Entertainment
How long has your business been operating? The business began in Silver Lake, Michigan, in 1979. We’ve been in Wyoming since 1999.
How did your business get started? In 1979 Craig Cihak and his parents Ron & Donna Cihak purchased property in Silver Lake, Michigan (formerly Bill’s Dune Rides). They started the first go-kart track with just eight go-karts. Each spring for several years, new attractions were added. Campers and seasonal tourists at the beautiful sand dune vacation spot patronized the first Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center. As patronage grew, so did the business. In 1990, a second location was built in Muskegon. In 1994, a third location was built in Holland, and in 1999, a fourth location was built in Grand Rapids (Wyoming).
Craig’s Cruisers has the largest capacity restaurant in Kent County. (Supplied)
Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area? Craig’s Cruisers wanted to be able to offer indoor entertainment for guests through all four of Michigan’s seasons. After much research and planning the doors to our fourth Grand Rapids (Wyoming) location opened in December 1999. The first offerings included: indoor electric go-karts, laser tag, video arcade, private party/meeting rooms, full kitchen and four outdoor attractions.
What has been the greatest challenge for your business? Recently, operating during the pandemic with the ever-changing restrictions and regulations. The covid restrictions have been very hard on the entertainment and hospitality industry.
What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant? Go-Karts
What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time? Express Signs on 44th St. is a business that we use on a regular basis. On a personal note, nothing beats Marge’s Donut Den!
Hopes for 2021: We hope to see covid numbers and restrictions disappear so we can continue to host our customers. We hope to see the return of school field trips and corporate outings. Lastly, to continue to offer a safe, clean and fun space for guests to make memories!
One of the recent additions was the rollercoaster. (Supplied)
It can be a challenge to open a business in any era and that was especially true for an African American in the early to mid 1900s, but Herman E. Curtis defied those odds to open one of the first, and very successful, African American businesses in the City of Wyoming.
According to his grandson, Michael Curtis, who came to the WKTV studios to share his grandfather’s story through VOICES, Herman E. Curtis was a man of many talents, a pilot, a boat captain, and a well-known band leader with several groups in Michigan and surrounding states.
Curtis decided to add to that list and become a businessman. This was not an easy task for an African American as the banks were not as willing to give loans to those who were not white.
Michael Curtis, a board member of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, shares the story of his grandfather’s business with resident and Kent County Commissioner Monica Sparks. (WKTV)
“He got himself a white business partner,” said Curtis, who serves as a board member at the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. “So the business partner would go to the bank and to help get the loan, Herman added ‘ma’ to his last name, making it Curtisma.”
The business partner would bring the papers to Herman, who would sign them, Curtis said. The business partner would then take everything back to the bank with bank officials never actually meeting Herman.
Herman would open the General Paint and Body Shop across from the former GM plant on 36th Street and Buchanan. While the business is no longer around, the building at 3818 Buchanan is still there.
Herman E. Curtis was a man who had many positions including being a pioneer businessman, opening the General Paint and Body Shop in Wyoming. (Supplied/Michael Curtis)
The General Paint and Body Shop was known for painting logos and images on trucks and trailers. Today that has mostly been replaced with decals. But back in the 1940s and 1950s, a lot of the work was done by hand and Herman’s shop along with another Ranco, which operated out of the same building, were famous for what they did. The owners of Ranco were Randy Brown and local artist Paul Collins.
“When we started, people were astonished that we could do this,” Collins said during a phone interview. “They had never done business with black folks before.”
Collins said they realized they were paving the way in breaking down stereotypes and building new business relationships between whites and blacks.
“I remember there was an Oldsmobile dealer who wanted to get some promotions painted on his windows,” Collins said. “We went there and he said he couldn’t believe that color boys could do such work.
“We made him a deal and told him if he let us paint the windows, if he didn’t like it, he didn’t have to pay for it. He gave us a chance and I even painted an image of him in one of the windows.”
Needless to say, the car dealership owner loved what he saw. Collins and Brown would become famous for their work and meet people such as Rich DeVos and Jay VanAndel. The business connections opened up doors for Collins to move on to become a full-time artist and Brown and him closed their business.
Herman E. Curtis also became very well respected in the community for his work and in fact, there was a street off of Hall near the U.S. 131 interchange that was named Herman E.Curtis. The street is now gone, but you can look back at old street maps to see it. Herman also was immortalized in the book “Bud, Not Buddy,” which was written by another grandchild, Christopher Paul Curtis. The book received numerous awards including an ALA Coretta Scott King Award and is used in educational curriculum.
For more about African American owned businesses and life in Grand Rapids, visit the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, 87 Monroe Center NW. GRAAMA’s website is graama.org.
Clothing. Makeup. Candles. These are just some of the items that can be found at this weekend’s the United We Sell #TheRealAmercia event.
Set for Saturday at English Hills Terrace, 5179 W. River Dr. NE, United We Sell is designed to give a platform to local businesses. More than 30 local vendors will be there featuring an array of items. DreamScape Desserts will highlight its cupcakes and goodies while Horizon Cruise Planners will be showcasing travel adventures. Organic loose leaf tea from Nature’s Healing Teas, clothing from Kiiys Collection, and popcorn from Robinson’s Popcorn are just sine if the other businesses that will be in attendance.
Entrance is free for those who bring fruit cups or pudding cups for Kids Food Basket otherwise it is $5 to enter. Those who attend will have their names entered into a drawing for prizes.
For more information, visit Robinson’s Popcorn’s Facebook page and go under events or call 616-784-6802 or 616-318-7378.
There are lots of incredible businesses and restaurants right in our own backyard which is why WKTV has partnered with the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to bring this series focused on businesses right here in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
Starting the series is Tomato Pie. which was recently purchased Chef Joseff VanHorn, owner of YoChef’s Catering Company and YoChef’s Café.
Name: Tomato Pie, 5301 S. Divison Ave.
What is your business?
A restaurant serving wood fired thin Napoli-style pizza, with a wonderful bubbly crust. Combining high quality ingredients with unique flavor combinations. Also serving hot subs and specialty salads.
How long has your business been operating?
I took over the pizza business November 16, 2020 from Sam D’Angelo (open a total of 18 months)
How did your business get started?
Sam D’Angelo had a vision of what pizza should be (hand tossed dough made from scratch and a red sauce that was made from scratch but not too sweet. Sam & I have been friends for years and in the middle of 2020 we both had to make a move. Catering was at an all time low for me and Sam needed someone he could trust to keep his vision alive and take it to the next level! I excepted the challenge and have been using my 30-plus years of operating many kitchens to bring Tomato Pie to the next level.
Chef Joseff VanHorn just put a wood fire pizza into the oven. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area?
Sam owned a car lot on which the new building stands. I have another business in Kentwood – YoChef’s Catering Company & YoChef’s Café so it was a perfect fit to be located right around the corner.
What has been the greatest challenge for your business?
Keeping our business open during 2020. COVID-19 and all the rules and regulations that have affected the hospitality business has made it almost impossible to stay open.
Tomato Pie’s Crazy Greek features fresh spinach, roast artichokes, red onion, roasted red pepper, feta, mozzarella and Kalamata olives. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant?
Specialty pizzas that you can’t find anywhere else separate us from the standard pizza place. We slice to order a lot of specialty meats and cheeses to make your pizza just the way you like it. People have told us the Margherita, four cheese, & aged prosciutto pizza are the best in town.
What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time?
I have not had much free time. Mostly my away time is spent shopping for local products, meats and cheeses. I really enjoy Lee’s Market for Asian and the Mediterranean Island Market for the hard to find specialty meats and cheese like Suho Meso and Sudeka (smoked beef products).
Hopes for 2021:
We hope to get Tomato Pie open and profitable where people enjoy dine-in or take out food for lunch or dinner. You can not tell from the street but when you walk inside Tomato Pie it is a GREAT place to dine-in. We have an open kitchen where guests can see us toss the dough by hand in the air and make their lunch/diner right in front of them. It is all about the show!
On Nov. 19, residents in the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming will be able to participate in a free virtual lecture and question-and-answer session on small-scale development strategies for the Division Avenue corridor.
The event, which is from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m, will feature Monte Anderson, the CEO/president of Options Real Estate Investments, Inc, and founding member of the IncDev Alliance.
The IncDev Alliance works to help residents and stakeholders strengthen their neighborhoods through small-scale development projects. Small-scale development projects include duplexes, pocket neighborhoods, and live-work arrangements.
This event is another component of the Division United project, which identifies and will recommend transportation and development improvements that benefit South Division Avenue neighbors, businesses and stakeholders. The project’s primary goal is to ensure future development along Division Avenue honors the vision and objectives of the residents and businesses along the corridor and protects the character of existing neighborhoods and business districts.
Anderson will share strategies for neighbors to influence and participate in development projects and success stories from other communities.
“The Division United project continues to focus on collaboration between our communities, and developing strategies to encourage development without displacement,” said Nick Monoyios, planning manager and Division United project manager at The Rapid. “Monte Anderson and the IncDev Alliance will provide great informational resources and experience from other communities that will help to empower residents and stakeholders.”
On Nov. 19, The Right Place, Inc. and Hello West Michigan will partner to attract talent back to West Michigan. The two organizations and several local businesses will host the ninth annual ReThink West Michigan event, a virtual career fair to attract former West Michiganders back to the region.
Thanksgiving is usually a time when former Michiganders visit “home.” With Covid-19 and a reduction in visits and traveling, the nostalgia for home is even higher than usual. Together with 24 companies, Hello West Michigan will convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.
This year ReThink West Michigan will take the form of a virtual career fair and move to a new date: Nov. 19. Job seekers can chat one-on-one with recruiters from hiring companies. Community ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about the area.
The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, from 3 – 7 p.m. The event is open-house style and attendees do not hav etc be logged on the entire time. Registration is free. To register visit www.backtomichigan.com.
Rachel Gray, executive director for Hello West Michigan (Supplied)
“Covid-19 has affected the status of many in person events,” said Hello West Michigan Executive Director Rachel Gray. “But ReThink West Michigan is our signature event and a fantastic tool for talent attraction. With Covid-related relocations on the rise, we knew we needed to give job seekers the chance to explore what a move to West Michigan could look like for them.”
Spectrum Health is the Region Champion Sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a Region Supporting Sponsor.
“As the largest employer in West Michigan, we are excited to sponsor this event,” said Spectrum Health Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Pamela Ries. “ReThink enables important connections and highlights amazing personal and professional possibilities when relocating to West Michigan. We need to continue to foster growth in our region and attract individuals who make West Michigan a great place to live and work.”
This year, ReThink West Michigan will be a part of a larger statewide effort under the umbrella brand Back To Michigan. With support from the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment & Training and sponsored by Consumers Energy, 12 organizations from across the state will host eight virtual events from Nov. 17-24.
ReThink West Michigan and all Back To Michigan events are targeted to people living outside of West Michigan, people who recently relocated, or people who are local and unemployed. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality and more. The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at: www.backtomichigan.com.
West Michigan companies that are participating are Bethany Christian Services, Consumers Energy, County of Muskegon, Dicastal, DTE, Famiy Healthcare, Flo’s Collection, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Herman Miller, JR Automation, LG Chem, Magna, Meijer, Mercy Health, North Lake correctional Facility, ODL, Perrigo, Peterson Farms, SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Steelcase, TGG Solutions, the City of Grand Rapids, The Enterprises, Veteran Health Administration Vocation and Rehab.
Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan State University, Rockford Construction, and the City of Grand Rapids, announced that global self-care provider, Perrigo Company PLC, will establish its new North American corporate headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of $44.7 million over the 15-year period of the lease, the expansion will bring more than 170 new jobs to the area. The company opened its first manufacturing facility in 1921 in Allegan.
Founded in 1887 in Allegan, by Luther and Charles Perrigo who ran a general store and apple-drying business. Luther Perrigo had the idea to package and distribute patented medicines and household items for country stores. He launched the “private label” concept as a way to enhance customer loyalty. For no additional cost, Perrigo offered to imprint the store’s name on the labels of epsom salts, sweet oil, bay rum and dozens of other wet and dry goods stocked in general stores.
Over the years, the company grew and when over-the-country prescriptions were made available, it provided Perrigo with opportunities to launch new store brand versions of products such as Advil®, Tylenol®, Flonase®, Allegra®, Prilosec®, Nicorette® and many more. From 1997 to 2013, saw rapid expansion into the global market adding such products as infant formula and animal health.
Today, Perrigo is a leading global provider of quality, affordable self-care products. The company, which employs more than 4,000 people in West Michigan and 11,000 globally, has local operations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Allegan.
The new North American head quarters of Perrigo will be located in the MSU Grand Rapids Innovation Park. (Supplied)
“Michigan State University is excited that Perrigo will be a major tenant in the MSU Grand Rapids Innovation Park,” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., M.D., MHS, Michigan State University executive vice president for health sciences. “The focus of the innovation park is to bring industry together with academic research and clinical care along the Medical Mile in order to transform health care together. We are looking forward to significant opportunities to collaborate with Perrigo on efforts to improve access to and affordability of health care.”
The new office will be constructed within Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park being built by Rockford Construction at 430 Monroe Ave. NW, on what is known as the Medical Mile. The 63,550-square-foot office space will primarily house corporate and functional leadership and certain administrative roles, and will feature adaptable workspace to promote collaboration opportunities.
“Perrigo established its roots in West Michigan more than 130 years ago,” said Perrigo’s President and CEO Murray Kessler. “Since then, we’ve become an industry leader and created thousands of jobs in the region. We are excited to continue our growth surrounded by organizations that share our passion for self-care in the heart of a thriving city. We are thankful for all of those involved in making this project a reality, especially Governor Whitmer, The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC.”
The Right Place worked closely with Perrigo, MEDC, Michigan State University, and other community partners to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations in Chicago and Florida. With the approval of a $2M Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the MEDC is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place
“Since 1996, Grand Rapids has been investing in its now world-renowned health industry cluster focused on improving the lives of consumers and patients,” said The Right Place, Inc. President and CEO Birgit Klohs. “The Medical Mile is a thriving hub for research and innovation and Perrigo’s decision to establish its North American Corporate Headquarters here further solidifies the Medical Mile and Downtown Grand Rapids as a destination for business success.”
West Michigan’s life science and medical device industries are growing at a considerable rate of 18.5 percent, outpacing the national average by more than double its growth rate of 9 percent.
The City of Grand Rapids is supportive of the expansion and will be considering a property tax abatement. “This headquarters announcement solidifies the competitive advantage Grand Rapids provides to global companies like Perrigo,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We look forward to their investment and its impact in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan region.”
Each year, the Hudonville Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses and business leaders. Last year, Hult, Inc received the Business Excellence Award. (Supplied)
A local business with offices in Wyoming and Kentwood was recognized by the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce for being an outstanding business that has excelled in its industry while contributing to the Hudosnvile Community.
The Hudsonville Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy, which its Wyoming office is a member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, was a finalist for the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Award. Also a a finalist was Healthy Choice Family Chiropractic with Farmhaus Cider Co. receiving the 2020 award fr its excellent innovation, unique business model and community involvement.
Each year the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce chooses two business, and two individual as recipients o nth eBusiness Excellent, Spark, Leadership, and Chamber Champion Awards.
The Spark Award serves to recognize businesses/organizations who serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the Hudsonville Community. This year’s finalists included 317 Coffee, City2Shore Real Estate, and 4G Athletic. 317 Coffee received the Spark Award as they have a strong mission, and are truly spark-ing growth in Hudsonville.
The Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have excelled professionally and support the development of the Hudsonville business community. This year’s nominees included Patrick Waterman, Henry Samaniego, and Kris Keegstra. Kris Keegstra received the award for being an active volunteer in our community.
The Chamber Champion Award recognizes individuals who have personally contributed to the success of the Hudsonville Chamber. Adam Locker was recognized as the 2020 Chamber Champion as he is constantly going above and beyond to benefit both the Chamber and the Hudsonville Community.
Peters announces bill to help small businesses applying for federal contracts
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to help protect small businesses from falling victim to fraud when they register to procure federal contracts. The Procurement Fraud Prevention Act would require small businesses to be notified that free assistance is available for help in procuring government contracts through federal programs, including Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Many business owners are unaware these resources exist and fall victim to scams that mislead them into paying high sums of money for contract procurement assistance.
All small businesses applying for federal contracting opportunities must register in the General Services Administration’s (GSA) System for Award Management (SAM). Unfortunately, bad actors disguised as vendors or government officials obtain businesses’ contacts from this public database and email business owners directly after they have registered asking for high sums of money in return for registration and contracting assistance. As a result, many small businesses unwittingly sign up for services they were not seeking at the cost of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Procurement Fraud Prevention Act requires GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that any direct communication to a small business about its registration in a procurement system, including SAM, contains information about cost-free federal procurement technical assistance services available through PTACs, SBA, MBDA and other programs.
Michigan is home to ten PTACs and over 850,000 small businesses that account for half of the state’s private workforce.
Peters, Stabenow urge Trump Administration to release Army Corps Brandon Road Study to stop spread of Asian carp
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) together with 10 other Great Lakes Senators have called on the Trump Administration to release a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study that recommends specific measures to prevent Asian Carp from getting beyond the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a crucial chokepoint in the Chicago waterway system. The study, which is critical to stopping the flow of Asian Carp and other invasive species, was supposed to be released at the end of February but was delayed by the Trump Administration.
“We request the Administration release the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ draft proposal to prevent Asian carp from reaching and severely harming the Great Lakes,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are concerned by what we understand to be a White House decision to delay and potentially modify this report that has been under development for years. When taken together with the proposal to eliminate all funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the fiscal year 2018 budget, delaying the release of this plan to address Asian carp only raises further questions about the Administration’s commitment to protecting our Great Lakes.”
Peters, Gardner call for increase in U.S. science funding
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging the Committee to support a substantial increase in federal funding for science, research, and development at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“Ongoing federal initiatives in research and development are already responsible for billions of dollars in economic output and tens of thousands of jobs in our home states of Colorado and Michigan,” wrote the Senators.
“The United States is facing fierce international competition: China invests more than $335 billion annually on research and development initiatives, making them the second largest investor in the world and putting them on track to eclipse U.S. investments soon,” continued the Senators. “Without a substantial increase in research and development appropriations, the United States risks losing its role as the global leader in innovation.”
Peters, Gardner introduce resolution to eliminate duplicative government programs
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) have introduced the Congressional Oversight to Start Taxpayer Savings Resolution (COST Savings Resolution), bipartisan legislation that would require Congressional committees to hold oversight hearings on the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Annual Report of Opportunities to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap and Duplication and the GAO High Risk List.
“Congress is responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently, and this annual report provides a roadmap to help Congress streamline government and cut wasteful spending,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management. “By reducing programs that overlap or duplicate efforts, we can cut costs for taxpayers and help ensure that government is serving the American people more productively.”
The COST Savings Resolution directs Congressional committees to take into account recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of government programs and eliminate unnecessary costs caused by duplicative federal programs, as well as vulnerabilities for waste, fraud, and abuse and the need for transformation of government programs.
The 2016 GAO annual report identified 37 areas across the federal government where Congress could eliminate duplicative programs and improve efficiency and effectiveness, as well as 25 areas where Congress could reduce the cost of government operations.
The City of Kentwood prides itself on being business friendly. It’s a city looking for ways to create jobs, generate commerce, and offer opportunities for those looking to open a business in Kentwood.
In a study of 1,268 small-sized cities in America, Kentwood came in at number 51.
Mayor Kepley is focused on keeping Kentwood business friendly
“The City leaders, past and present, have intentionally focused City staff and services to be ‘Open for Business’,” noted Mayor Kepley. “It is exciting to see our efforts result in a national ranking.”
The study compared cities with a population size between 25,000 and 100,000 residents across three different dimensions – business environment, access to resources, and business costs. Those three dimensions where then broken down further into 15 relevant metrics that were weighted accordingly.
Kentwood scored well enough to place itself just outside of the top-50. In fact, Kentwood sits atop the nation when it comes to inexpensive office spaces.
The ranking doesn’t act as validation for the city but instead registers as verification that Kentwood is open and ready for business.
Other rankings of note – Wyoming comes in at 230 and Holland tops the list at number 1.
By: Mike DeWitt
