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Discover Manufacturing Week gives students a chance to see up close how manufacturing is advancing in the region. (West Michigan Works!)

Manufacturers to welcome more than 10,000 next-gen innovators

Students will have a chance to explore West Michigan’s manufacturing future during Discover Manufacturing Week on Nov. 6-11. This year’s event marks the return to fully in-person tours after the past two years of pandemic-related disruptions.  

Latest in General
Lakeshore Advantage leaders present the findings of West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region 2023 Industry Trends Report.
Report: More employers turning to automation to overcome labor shortages

The Lakeshore Advantage report is an analysis of more than 120 interviews with Ottawa, Allegan County business leaders. More than half of the employers plan to expand in the next three years. 

Harbor 31 is a waterfront redevelopment of a former engine plant property. (City of Muskegon)
3 Muskegon waterfront housing projects receive $3M in state funding

The city of Muskegon has received three brownfield redevelopment grants and developer-backed loans to assist three transformative housing projects.

Left to right: Sen. Roger Victory, Holland Township Manager Steve Bulthuis, Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks, Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens, Brian Burch, LDFA Board Chair, Rep. Greg VanWoerkom and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga. (Carl, Inc.)
Lakeshore Advantage breaks ground on Innovation Hub

The Next Center will be a three-story, 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in downtown Holland. Construction is expected to finish in November 2024.  

Jon Ornée starting his swim off the North Manitou Island on Sept. 10. (Jon Ornée)
‘Epic’ record-holder swims between Manitou Islands

A spur-of-the-moment idea led Jon Ornée to complete what is believed to be the first-ever swim from the North Manitou Island to the South Manitou Island on Sept. 10. 

Students surprised with laptops as part of Comcast donation to LAUP

Comcast donates 70 laptop computers to LAUP Más Adelante and Adelante youth programs to bridge the digital divide. 

Prettyrock Big Bear, of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi from Dowagiac, performs a jingle dress exhibition dance for spectators attending the International Festival of Holland at the Holland Civic Center. (J.R. Valderas)
How to take part in the International Festival of Holland

The International Festival of Holland offers three opportunities for community members to be part of the Sept. 30 event at the Holland Civic Center Place. 

The Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster has grown significantly in its 14 years on the historic farm. More than 150 reenactors will join the fight this year.
Van Raalte muster brings spectacle, theater, and living history to Holland

For one weekend a year, Van Raalte Farm turns into a living history museum with 150 reenactors. The 14th annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will be Sept. 16 and 17.

The SURGE Center at Collective Idea supports startups.
Lakeshore Advantage turns 20: A look back at initiatives that grew the economy

The success and prosperity of West Michigan's Lakeshore communities are a testament to Lakeshore Advantage’s visionary leadership and collaborative efforts.

Columnist Lucia Rios participated in a disability etiquette panel discussion during the Disability: IN conference last month.
What is disability etiquette?

Lucia Rios explores what is disability etiquette, why it is open to individual interpretation, and whether there are universal attitudes on certain topics.

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