Lakeshore Advantage adds board members, outlines regional growth strategies

What’s happening: As automation, artificial intelligence, and global market shifts reshape the regional economy, Lakeshore Advantage says it is focusing on coordinated leadership, business intelligence, and entrepreneurship support to help West Michigan companies adapt and grow.

The economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa counties highlighted those efforts in its 2025 annual report while also announcing four additions to its board of directors.

Who’s joining: The organization elected Dave DeGraaf, Olaf Huebner, and Dr. John Selmon to its 23-member board, while Patrick Waterman, Ottawa County administrator, will serve as an ex-officio member.

DeGraaf is CEO of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi’s Automation Division. Huebner is president and CEO of Plascore, and Selmon is president of Muskegon Community College.

What they’re saying: “These leaders strengthen our board’s ability to think systemically and help shape a region that continues to compete and evolve,” says Jeff Stutz, Lakeshore Advantage board chair and chief operating officer at MillerKnoll. “Thriving economies don’t happen when we work in silos. It happens when industry, education, and public leadership move in alignment.”

Why’s it important: The board appointments come as the organization reports increased efforts to respond to economic changes affecting employers across the region.

In its annual report, Lakeshore Advantage says the organization is working to help employers navigate disruptions tied to automation, talent shortages, and global economic shifts.

What does it mean: “As AI, automation and global shifts reshape every industry in 2025, we chose to act,” the organization says in the report. “We leaned into what our employers, entrepreneurs, and communities need now — investing in talent, infrastructure, and innovation.”

Lakeshore Advantage says it is addressing those challenges through its “Grow, Plan, Solve” framework, which combines business outreach, strategic planning, and targeted problem-solving for employers and communities.

What’s the impact: Throughout 2025, the organization says it supported eight business expansion projects, representing 231 new jobs, 592 retained jobs, and $131.9 million in private investment.

It also engaged 250 primary employers and conducted 130 in-depth business intelligence interviews with executives to identify workforce needs, growth barriers, and economic opportunities.

What’s the takeaway: The report also highlights the role of entrepreneurship in strengthening long-term economic resilience. Through its SURGE startup ecosystem, Lakeshore Advantage says it supported 128 companies, with participating startups raising more than $4.5 million in capital.

“Entrepreneurship is a critical part of economic development,” says Nora VandenBrink, Lakeshore Advantage vice president of entrepreneurship. “Startups and second-stage companies help existing industries evolve, create new industries, diversify the economy, and help regions adapt as markets, technology, and workforce needs change.”

What was the result: In addition, Lakeshore Advantage says it worked with 82 strategic partners and 65 human resources leaders to address workforce challenges and launched a Next Gen Talent Council representing 17 industries to help guide regional talent attraction and retention strategies.

The organization also completed its first full year operating from the Next Center, which it says has become a hub for collaboration among employers, startups, students, and community partners.

Why’s it important: That collaboration helped drive a 60% increase in SURGE memberships, expanding access to mentorship, coaching, and accelerator programming designed to help startups grow into investable businesses.

“These leaders understand the interconnected nature of business growth, talent development, and community well-being,” says Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantages. “Their leadership strengthens our ability to anticipate what’s next for our region and act with purpose as we help companies and communities grow.”

DeGraaf, Huebner, and Selmon will serve three-year terms and may serve up to three terms. Waterman serves on the board in his role as Ottawa County administrator. 

A digital version of the 2025 annual report is available at lakeshoreadvantage.com/invest/

Photos provided by Lakeshore Advantage