Economic Development

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.

Latest in Economic Development
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.

How the state’s Going Pro funds boost workers’ skills and pay

In 2019, the Going PRO Talent Fund awarded $32 million in 898 grants that helped pay for training more than 25,000 workers. Those new skills contributed to an average annual wage increase of nearly $6,000.

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.   

Assessment gives first report on health of Ottawa County nonprofits

The first-of-its-kind assessment of Ottawa County organizations was undertaken by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance. The data gathered covers a range of issues, from finance to diversity and inclusion efforts. 

Ottawa County nonprofits flock to board leadership training

“How to be an effective board member” workshops teach new board members best practices of providing leadership for a nonprofit, from governance to fundraising. More than 700 people in Ottawa County have taken part in some kind of board training offered by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.

Holland success story shows training and coaching key to better-paying jobs

Karuna Khadka attended workshops, received job-search assistance, referrals to ESL classes, and transportation assistance. That wraparound support paid off. She increased her job skills and wages.

Allise Wilkerson Talent Solutions Manager for West Michigan Works
Ottawa County’s workforce shortage puts more attention on training

With an unemployment rate under 3%, Ottawa County has one of the lowest in the state. Allise Wilkerson, talent solutions manager for West Michigan Works!, discusses the opportunities the talent shortage is creating for workers.

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