Livability Lab is about making positive changes in Muskegon County

Livability Lab is an innovative, community-driven initiative that invites residents, students, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Muskegon County to get involved in making positive changes.

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.  

Benjamin's Hope offers programming for adults with disabilitys as well as opening up its Park Township campus to the community at large.
With activities accessible for all abilities, Harvest Festival returns

Since opening in 2010, Benjamin’s Hope has hosted an annual Harvest Festival that is accessible for people of all abilities. This year’s event returns Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3-6 p.m.

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. 

Cameron Buck is new executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus. (GRCC)
New leader of GRCC Lakeshore Campus has strong ties to Ottawa County

The new executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus brings experience in technical education and strong ties to Ottawa County.

The new technology hub is on the second floor of 25 Ottawa, in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. (Gentex)
Gentex to open tech hub in in downtown GR

The Zeeland company is opening a technology hub to help the company support, attract, and retain top engineering and software talent from throughout West Michigan.

Grand Haven resident Lesa Jordan with Sheyenne Cole, a counselor in Senior Resources of West Michigan's Behavioral Health at Home program.
Behavioral health at home helps Muskegon-area older adults improve quality of life

Multiple organizations in the Muskegon area are bringing trained counselors to the homes of older adults who face mobility or transportation challenges.

A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.
Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Improved career pathways, state incentives, and improved wages are essential to recruiting and retaining the early education workforce needed for the PreK for All roll-out.

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority Grayling location.
Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.   

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.

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