Allie Hopkins is the Associate Manager of Herman Miller Cares.

Herman Miller partners with Community Foundation to tackle COVID-19 crisis

Throughout the pandemic, Herman Miller has supported the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area with impactful financial resources. Support from the Zeeland manufacturer has been directed to CFHZ’s Emergency Human Needs Fund and Community Stabilization Fund.

Koops Automation Systems team members work together to assemble an automated system.
Employee-owned Holland company on a growth streak

Koops Automation Systems is expanding for the third time in four years. The Holland manufacturer has built a reputation as one of the best employee-owned companies in the state.

Joe Matthews is the Vice President of Purchasing and Diversity Officer for Zeeland-based Gentex Corp.
Love of language translates into action

Joe Matthews is having a positive impact on others, from immigrants to other professional Black men. The Gentex executive explains how his grandparents’ example is the root of his love of knowledge and his philanthropic work.

Zeeland's Tripelroot brewpub has had to shift gears to stay relavant in the time of COVID.
Brewpub shifts focus during COVID with help from Lakeshore Advantage, MEDC

Tripelroot is known as a Zeeland community gathering place, but COVID-19 forced the brewpub to change course. A pair of grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation helped the owners reimagine the establishment as more.

Here’s how Michigan health care experts are reducing risks of medication overload

Those taking five or more prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements concurrently can be at risk for serious combined side effects.

Kids' Food Basket is expanding its meal program to children in Ottawa and Allegan counties with a new site in Holland.
Gentex makes commitment to fight childhood hunger

Zeeland manufacturer will donate $60,000 annually for five years — for a total of $300,000 — to help Kids’ Food Basket combat childhood hunger. A majority of the donation will go toward the nonprofit’s Feeding Our Future campaign to fund projects in Allegan and Ottawa counties.

Patty Janes and volunteers of Michigan Cares for Tourism (MC4T).
Founder shares how nonprofit highlights generosity of tourism industry professionals

GVSU Professor Patty Janes used her experience with the hospitality and tourism industries to create a nonprofit initiative that engages Michigan industry professionals in volunteerism. Thousands of volunteers have participated in efforts to rehabilitate state attractions in need through Michigan Cares for Tourism.  

The Armistice Day Storm exhibit at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum shines a spotlight on the deadliest storm in Great Lakes history.
Holland diver breathes life into 80-year-old tragedy on Lake Michigan with new museum exhibit

Valerie van Heest is an experienced diver, a shipwreck aficionado, and a museum display designer. Her fascination with The Armistice Day Storm led to an exhibit at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum that shines a spotlight on the deadliest storm in Great Lakes history.

Produce from the Buckley Community Garden.
Bountiful community garden helps reduce food insecurity in Northwest Michigan

A simple conversation between a Buckley Community Schools principal and Traverse Bay Area ISD officials planted the seeds for a farm to school  initiative that combined nutrition education with a new community garden at the school. 

Eastern Market staff load food boxes that were ordered online.
COVID-19 prompts many Michigan farmers and farmers markets to offer online sales for the first time

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many health challenges, but it's also made it easier than ever for Michiganders to get healthy, local food, as many farmers and farmers markets have started reaching customers online.

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