Sydney Ritsema was the recipient of the Herbert F. and Mabel L. Olney Memorial Scholarship. She graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in forensic psychology. 

Foundation invites students to apply for more than $860K in scholarships

This year, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area will award more than $860,000 in scholarships for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation.

An expansion at Art Mulder and Sons Trucking will add 147,000 square feet of new facility space and create up to 55 new jobs.
Art Mulder and Sons Trucking plans $31M expansion

The expansion — with assistance from Lakeshore Advantage and the city of Holland — will add 147,000 square feet of new facility space and create up to 55 new jobs.  

Beyond26, a nonprofit that connects job seekers living with disabilities with employment opportunities, is expanding to Grand Haven.
Shredding barriers to employment for those living with disabilities

Beyond26, a nonprofit that connects job seekers living with disabilities with employment opportunities, is expanding to Grand Haven.

Donna Lowry
Pilot grant helps parents, employers deal with ‘critical’ child care crisis

Ready for School and Goodwill Industries of West Michigan are using a state pilot grant to help parents afford quality child care, making it easier for employers to recruit and retain their workforce.

Nikole Hannah-Jones is the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project.
Pulitzer Prize winner to speak at GRCC’s Diversity Lecture Series

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of The 1619 Project, will offer a keynote discussion at GRCC’s Diversity Lecture Series.

Kylen Blom
Screen printing, innovating, and community building: Q&A with Kylen Blom

Kylen Blom is no stranger to starting a new project. The serial entrepreneur has been building businesses since his days as a business student at Hope College.

Volunteer opportunities along the Lakeshore don't stop when the snow falls.
Make Waves on the Lakeshore: Let kindness fight the wintertime blues

There are plenty of ways to fight the good fight this season. Here are some ideas for making a difference this winter along the Lakeshore.

From left, Iliana Ponce, Esther Fifelski, and Susan Kragt are among those advocating for Afghan refugees in West Michigan.
Lakeshore agencies welcome Afghan refugees with open arms

Bethany Christian Services is working in concert with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to help Afghan individuals and families who are seeking asylum following the U.S. armed forces withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Gentex plans to utilize its expertise in digital vision, software development and industrial design to help eSight develop the next generation of mobile electronic eyewear.
Gentex partners with eSight to focus on advanced digital eyewear

The Zeeland-based company is partnering with eSight to develop and manufacture the next generation of mobile electronic eyewear designed to help people living with visual impairments.  

A rendering of the Request Foods expansion.
Lakeshore Advantage builds on 2021 successes as it sets course for 2022

The economic development organization supported 21 expansion projects totaling $259 million, which created 694 new jobs in 2021. Leaders expect 2022 to offer more opportunities for business growth and expansion.

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