Jim Lee, vice president of data policy and analytics at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Data sharing among health providers boosts Michigan’s pandemic response

Beyond the color-coded counties and line graphs we've all seen, data sharing has helped Michigan's many health providers better understand and respond to the pandemic.

Kiosha Jeltema is a West Michigan Works! Business Solutions Manager.
Job seekers can now connect face-to-face with employers at virtual job fair

West Michigan Works! is debuting new video chat technology at its next hiring event, set for Sept. 16. Each employer will have a virtual “booth,” where discussions about job seekers’ skills and experience will be conducted.

Zeeland residents Jordan and Jill Emmick have signed on for Zeeland's first Good Neighbor Pledge.
Zeeland challenges residents to be great neighbors

City asks residents to take the Good Neighbor Pledge and pick up a pennant to display outside their homes. With the pandemic keeping many people inside, leaders decided there was no better time to join the national campaign and strengthen Zeeland’s "great neighborhoods."

Downtown Holland launched its outdoor expansion program in June, allowing shops and restaurants to expand their operations onto the sidewalks and parking spaces. 
Downtown Holland extends popular outdoor expansion program

The successful program that allows shops and restaurants to conduct their operations outside was set to expire Sept. 7. However, the Holland City Council has voted to extend the arrangement, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, through Dec. 1.

Crop dusting planes maneuver to avoid electric lines, irrigation towers, woods and more when working. (Photo by Bev Berens)
More farmers are using cover crops to keep pollutants out of lakes and streams

A cover crop “blanket” helps hold soil and contaminants like phosphorus in fields, reducing runoff into Lakeshore waterways. It also builds organic matter and nutrients, improving soil health.  

Michael Sandoval graduated from Michigan State University in 2019.
MSU grad praises TRIO Upward Bound, Promise Scholarship for success in college and beyond

Michael Sandoval was surprised when he received a Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship, which meant he could attend MSU without accumulating student debt. He credits summers spent in Upward Bound classes at Hope College with keeping him focused on what he wanted to achieve, academically and in life.  

Kevin Foster started Capital for Compassion in 2004.
Capital for Compassion works to enable homeless to ‘live a more gracious life’

Capital for Compassion comes alongside Lakeshore nonprofits as they strive to provide affordable housing and shelter for the homeless. The Holland company wades through complex funding regulations to ensure they have the resources to carry out that mission.  

Charles Beasley, a product development engineer at DISHER, is given latitude to work on passion projects such as his mini mobile home he is designed for homeless people.
Stewardship part of DISHER’s mission to make a positive difference

DISHER, which started as an automotive product design firm, has branched out to engineering, marketing, and business solutions. Investing in the community is important, and the company puts a percentage of its annual profits into stewardship programs.

From the top of Mount Pisgah, you can look out over Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. (Photo by Mike Lozon)
What to do in September? 9 fun ways to explore the Lakeshore

September brings the last throes of summer, offering Ottawa County residents and visitors plenty of interesting and engaging places to explore. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

Andy Rozendaal (left) and John Puttrich (right) comprise the leadership team and are Eighth Day Farm's two full time employees.
Eighth Day Farm makes big impact from its small urban setting

With a philosophy of caring for Earth and the people who inhabit it, Eighth Day Farm provides produce for CSA members and the food insecure in the Holland community from a former mall parking lot. The farm’s influence also includes composting, support for local growers, and connecting the next generation to the food cycle.

Our Partners

Allegan County Community Foundation logo
Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
On Point Allegan

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything West Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.