Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra Martinez is the managing editor of The Lakeshore WM. After a distinguished career in daily journalism, she launched her Holland-based business, Shandra Martinez Communications. A longtime resident of the Lakeshore, she now writes and edits on a variety of platforms for clients in Michigan and across the country. She can be reached at mailto:shandra@thelakeshorewm.com

Shandra Martinez's Latest Articles

The video was streamed at the Gentex booth at the Michigan International Auto Show. (Gentex)
Students drive awareness of West Michigan’s automotive industry

With help from Gentex and The Mosaic Film Experience, students from Careerline Tech Center and Kent Career Tech Center have produced a student-created video showcasing West Michigan’s ties to the automotive industry.

Rolar Products is growing its footprint in Muskegon County. (GMED)
Rolar Products expands operations in Muskegon County

Rolar Products is growing its footprint in Muskegon County with a new 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Egelston Township. 

Gentex Corp. plans to open a satellite production facility in Grand Rapids. (Gentex)
Gentex to open production facility in Grand Rapids

Gentex Corp. plans to open a satellite production facility in Grand Rapids’ Madison Square neighborhood that will create 50 jobs.

The DNSWM brain injury support group celebrates its first in-person meeting in the fall since the pandemic. (DNSWM)
How the pandemic made a brain injury support group more accessible

After going virtual during the pandemic, the brain injury support group hosted by Disability Network Southwest Michigan has shifted to a hybrid model as in-person meetings resume so more people can attend. 

A performance from the 2022 West Michigan Student Showcase. (Michelle Nickless Greer)
West Michigan Student Showcase returns for 42nd year

Carla Flanders will lead the annual celebration showcasing nearly 250 students from 35 different school districts throughout Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, and Mason counties. 

Nick Nykerk, leff, and Phil LaMothe are the new members of the Lakeshore Advantage board. (LA)
New leadership on Lakeshore Advantage board brings expertise in key focus industries

Phil LaMothe, plant manager of fairlife in Coopersville, and Nick Nykerk, president of Lakewood Construction in Holland, have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board. 

Young professionals group plans its first leadership conference

The Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals (HYP) plans to host its first-ever leadership conference, dubbed the Future Leaders Conference, on Feb. 16 at the Holland Civic Center Place.

Taylor Twork, a GVSU student,  is a recipient of the Thomas and Susan Den Herder Education Scholarship.
How to apply for nearly $900K in scholarships with one application

College, trade school, and high school students can apply for scholarships from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area with one easy application.

Shaun Page (left), Chick-fil-A Operator, presenting a check to Action House CEO Scott Rumpsa (right)
Lakeshore nonprofit wins $75,000 through Chick-fil-A’s ‘True Inspiration Awards’

Community Action House plans to use these funds to further expand services at its recently opened Food Club & Opportunity Hub in Holland. 

Hope College Professor Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren
Can humility help us navigate difficult conversations?

Hope College Professor Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren talks about his upcoming community discussions on “Humility: The Quiet Power of an Ancient Virtue.”

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