Economic Development

Scott Heerema (left) walks away from a house fire in Park Township.

From campus to community — Gentex facilities director serves

Gentex, itself, has deep community roots, and it encourages the same in its employees. Facilities Director Scott Heerema feels those community connections in his roles in public safety.

Latest in Economic Development
Tech Council marks decade of growth for West Michigan’s tech sector

A decade after its creation, the Tech Council boasts over 70 members and a vision to make Greater Grand Rapids a major tech hub in the Midwest. Gentex, Ottawa County’s biggest employer, is a part of the effort. 

KCAD grads Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez head up Common Object, which helps organizations take steps toward sustainability.
Take a journey into regenerative design with Common Object

KCAD grads Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez share their philosophy of regenerative design in their firm Common Object, which helps organizations take steps toward sustainability.

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director Brian Love awards Chris Petras with th
Spring Lake historian surprised by trifecta of awards for his work to bring home Purple Hearts

Chris Petras has worked for years to honor World War I veterans who did not receive their rightful Purple Hearts. Earlier this spring, Petras, himself, was honored for his work at a ceremony in Lansing in ways that surprised him.

Chef Lucas Grill reopened Public restaurant in downtown Zeeland today.
Beloved Public restaurant comes home to Zeeland

Beloved restaurant Public, which closed its doors three years ago, is back in its old home on Zeeland's Main Avenue. Some things change, some things stay the same.

Pride Fund awards $15K to support Allegan County groups

The Allegan County Community Foundation has completed its first annual Pride Fund grant cycle, distributing $15,000 to five local organizations.  

Escape Ministries is one of six nonprofits to receive grant funding in the latest round of awards from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.
6 ways nonprofits are making a difference in the Holland/Zeeland area

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area is supporting six organizations making a difference in the area with grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000.

Zeeland leaders celebrated the grand opening of the city's first welcome center last year.
Zeeland Welcome Center finds a natural home with museum

After the Zeeland and Holland chambers of commerce combined, Zeeland leaders wanted to make sure the little town didn't get lost in the shuffle. The Zeeland Welcome Center found a natural home with the Dekker Huis Museum in downtown Zeeland.

The Brooks Media Center in the Loutit District Library in Grand Haven includes more than 3,000 vinyl albums.
Loutit opens Brooks Media Center with vinyl albums, listening stations, more

Loutit District Library's Brooks Media Center includes hundreds of vinyl record albums, spanning the decades and genres as well as CDs, public computers, and a quiet study space.

The Fourth of July is a special day, worthy of big celebrations. Communities all along the lakeshore are hosting picnics, parades, and — of course — fireworks to mark this spectacular holiday.
July things to do: Fireworks, Fiesta, Coast Guard Fest, county fairs, kids’ activities, and music

You’ll need your calendar to keep up with all of the events on tap in July. There will be fireworks on the Fourth, festivals, fairs, and much more.

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