From travel journals to teaching others, artist builds community through sketching
Inspired by a senior resident, Marcia Schrotenboer now teaches urban sketching, helping West Michigan residents slow down and connect through art.
Holland
Located on the shores of little Lake Macatawa, just off the coast of expansive Lake Michigan, Holland is the epicenter of West Michigan's Dutch history and culture. Not surprisingly, then, the city is perhaps best known for its annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But there's much more to the Tulip City than, well, tulips. The city's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts as much retail activity as any urban core in the region. The community is flush with wildly popular waterfront beaches like Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. And Hope College lends the clean, conservative town a bit of youthful spirit.
Social justice awards honor people and organizations advancing equity
Community members gather during MLK week to honor local leaders creating solutions that expand equity, access, and opportunity across Holland.
West Coast Chamber opens new home in Next Center
The West Coast Chamber takes the top floor of Next Center, joining Lakeshore Advantage to support business growth, workforce development, and regional innovation.
Trans-Matic CEO receives Visionary Award for leadership
Trans-Matic CEO P.J. Thompson is recognized for decades of business leadership, community investment and collaborative impact across the Lakeshore region.
Libraries find new ways to expand services
Two libraries in Ottawa County are adding learning and dementia programs, helping students, job seekers, and seniors through free, community-focused services.
Rural radio station becomes lifeline for West Michigan’s performing arts
Broadcasting from the woods, Blue Lake Radio connects listeners, orchestras, and venues while navigating financial challenges and a shift away from news programming.
Student preserves Hispanic business history to empower future generations
Holland resident and GVSU student Galilea Bahena researches 100 years of Hispanic businesses in West Michigan for a Grand Rapids museum exhibit, ensuring community stories endure.
Revolutionary housing collaboration in Holland bridges faith, accessibility, and tribal communities
The Kollen Park Housing Development, created through a collaboration involving a former food pantry, church land, and tribal partnership, is an example of how communities can work together to address housing challenges.
FSU/KCAD and ArtPrize partnership empowers student art careers
A Holland artist is among the students benefiting from paid internships created through a partnership between Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, and ArtPrize.
Lakeshore Advantage honored as Neighborhood Builder, boosting regional economic momentum
Bank of America awards Lakeshore Advantage funding and leadership training to strengthen the workforce, entrepreneurship, and business growth across the expanding Lakeshore region.
