Economic Development

Q&A: How Michigan Works is helping job seekers during COVID-19 crisis

Brittany Lenertz, the talent solutions director with West Michigan Works!, answers questions about how to find employment as Gov. Whitmer's Stay Home, Stay Safe order has resulted in the temporary closure of many businesses.

Latest in Economic Development
‘Big thinker’ Patrick Moran works to cultivate ‘beautiful community’ for all

Patrick Moran, who’s been in a leadership role at United Way since 2006, has played a critical role in helping promote new avenues of collaboration between government and nonprofit organizations in Ottawa and Allegan counties, as well as insisting on data-driven studies and solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.

Quincy Byrd stands with his wife, Sara and children Daisy (left), Holly and Ethan. (Courtesy photo)
From homeless to helping: Holland leader shares his Habitat story

Holland City Council member Quincy Bryd understands the affordable housing crisis better than most. A decade ago, his family was facing homelessness after he lost his job. 

A worker adds installation in a new Jubilee Ministries mixed-income housing project being built in Holland.
Nonprofits join forces to tackle affordable housing shortage in Ottawa County

The Rodriguez-Matos family will finally move into their own home thanks to the work of local nonprofits that are joining forces to more quickly move the needle on available affordable housing in the Holland area.

Jessica Christopher
One story of recovery: ‘She gave me a chance when I didn’t think I would get one’

When Jessica Christopher applied to be part of the staff at the Momentum Center for Social Engagement, she worried her past would be an obstacle. It turned out to be an asset. 

Hope professor taking Lakeshore jazz to the next level with new orchestra

Hope professor Jordan VanHemert is the force behind the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, which is bringing high-quality jazz performances and learning along the Lakeshore.

21 Lakeshore expansion projects create 1,000 jobs in 2019

Lakeshore companies collectively invested more than $127 million in 21 primarily expansion projects in 2019, creating more than 1,000 new jobs.

Food Basket is looking for land similar to what it has for its farm in Kent County, shown here.
GR-based nonprofit aims to fight hunger with Lakeshore expansion

A portion of the funds raised through the Feeding our Future Campaign for Allegan and Ottawa counties will go toward the purchase of land to create a second Kids' Food Basket farm.

Lakeshore initiatives provide support and community for seniors aging in place

Older Americans are increasingly choosing to “age in place,” staying in their own homes and avoiding the move to a retirement home. Many senior programs now have the express goal of helping older adults stay in their homes longer.  

Shelby Baumann is a material handling manager at Fogg Filler.
Holland woman advances from job to career with workplace training

In the last three years, Shelby Baumann's wages have steadily increased along with her skills. She has benefited from workplace training, partially funded through the state's Going Pro grants.   

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