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

GRCC's Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory is recognized as one of the top programs in the nation.
GRCC early childhood center among top programs in nation

The Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory allows future teachers to interact with highly qualified mentors while observing and participating in the delivery of effective curriculum for young children.

Paul Sachs
Ottawa County creates board to help protect and conserve groundwater resources

The Board of Commissioners established the groundwater board to help guide Ottawa County’s efforts to effectively manage its groundwater resources, upon which thousands of county residents depend.

The Ottawa County Commission recently adopted the Focus on Agriculture plan.
Ottawa County endorses plan to address challenges faced by farmers

The Ottawa County Commission recently adopted the Focus on Agriculture plan. The four-part framework targets challenges faced by local growers and processors, including succession planning, comprehensive land use vision, economic viability, and agricultural easements.

Jessa Challa is a software engineer and principal community liaison at the Grand Rapids software firm Mallowfields.
IT industry issues call for those with Tech Talent to create gender-diverse workforce

Job seekers and IT professionals are invited to attend IT’s Happening West Michigan. The free virtual networking event on March 25 also offers an opportunity for women to meet with local employers and, perhaps, help close the gender gap in the industry. 

A GRCC student in a math class.
GRCC freezes tuition for 2021-22 academic year

The Grand Rapids Community College board has voted unanimously to freeze tuition and all universal fees for the 2021-22 academic year. Officials say the freeze reflects GRCC’s focus on keeping a college education affordable and accessible.

A donation from the Gun Lake Tribe is funding a new mobile vaccination unit in Allegan County.
Gun Lake Tribe donation funds Allegan County mobile vaccination unit

The Gun Lake Tribe’s recent $225,000 distribution to Allegan County is making it easier for vulnerable groups to access the COVID-19 vaccine. After the pandemic, the unit will be used for outreach programs, flu vaccinations, and other public health services.

The Holland Energy Park opened in 2017.
Investment in Holland Energy Park paying off for city, residents

The Holland Board of Public Works is retiring debt early for the Holland Energy Park that opened in 2017, eliminating millions of dollars in interest. The utility is passing along those savings, increasing its annual contribution to the city and proposing a 10% rate decrease for customers.  

A GRCC student talks to his physical science professor.
GRCC to offer more in-person classes, services this fall

Grand Rapids Community College is focusing on safety as it plans to offer more on-campus classes this fall, though online and hybrid formats will continue to be offered. The college also plans to maintain through the fall its programs that offer loaner laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other equipment.

Hadley Streng is president of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
GHACF invests $1.5M to provide low-cost loans to community nonprofits

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently approved a five-year investment in IFF. Income from GHACF’s stake in the community development financial institution will be used to provide loans to nonprofits in Northwest Ottawa County target communities.

Grand Rapids Community College’s Bill Pink and Muskegon Community College’s Dale Nesbary have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board.
Lakeshore Advantage board adds college presidents as part of focus on education

Two college presidents — Grand Rapids Community College’s Bill Pink and Muskegon Community College’s Dale Nesbary — have joined the Lakeshore Advantage board. Their appointment demonstrates the organization’s recognition of how important access to affordable higher education is to the region’s economic growth. 

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