Originally uploaded November 14th.
Chris Holman welcomes back Randy Thelen, President & CEO, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI

Welcome back Randy, remind the Michigan business community about the scope and footprint of The Right Place?

The Right Place recently debuted a Tech Strategy for Greater Grand Rapids Region?

With a 10-year strategy to position the region as a leading tech cluster in Midwest, where else is competing to do that?

Dig deeper on a goal to create 20,000 tech jobs in region?

Tell us more about recommendations that have been segmented into three categories: Talent, Ecosystem and Growth?

The Right Place, Inc. assisted two Walker area companies with expansions, Altus Industries and Falk Panel - tell us about that?

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Michigan Business Beat | Randy Thelen, The Right Place Discuss Tech Strategy and Helping Walker Area

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Sarah Milanowski, LMSW, Licensed Social Worker, Certified Dementia Practitioner & Enrollment and Marketing Manager at LifeCircles. 

Sarah, you were on with the Michigan Business Beat previously in August of 2022, welcome back and remind the Michigan business community about LifeCircles?

A storyline crossed my desk last week,  LifeCircles Pace's commitments to this sector of Michigan's population, so let's have a conversation: 

● Why are the holidays challenging for individuals with dementia and their families?

● How does this sometimes keep families apart?

● What sort of things trigger somebody with dementia?

● Any strategies that families can use to mitigate those triggers?

● What are ways that family members can help de-escalate if their loved-one does become upset?

● So, it follows, tell us about Coping strategies for the family members?

● This is great, but in a practical sense, How would someone go about visiting their family member with dementia
    especially if they can’t leave their home or care facility

● How can you support other family members if you are long distance and aren’t able to help day to day?
If the business community or others in the audience wanted to contact LifeCircles, how might they do so?

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Michigan Business Beat | Sarah Milanowski, LifeCircles Pace's Holiday Tips Connected to Dementia

Originally uploaded Feb. 2nd - re-edited Feb. 14th.
Chris Holman welcomes Raechel Kamphuis, Events Board Member, HYP - Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals, Holland, MI.

Raechel can you let us know about the Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals organization?

What is the Future Leaders Conference/what is the purpose of this 2nd annual event?

Tell us more about Graci Harkema, the keynoter for that conference?

Who are you trying to reach/engage with?  

Can you tell me about the breakout sessions – what was the thought process behind working with these presenters?

How can people participate? 

HYP also shared a release for this occasion:

Young professionals organization to host series of presentations from local powerhouses on February 15.

HOLLAND, Mich. Jan. 2024 – Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals (HYP), a Lakeshore-based nonprofit organization, welcomes Graci Harkema, international diversity, equity, and inclusion speaker, and best-selling author, as the keynote speaker of their second-annual Future Leaders Conference on February 15 from 11:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center.

Through adversity and divine intervention, Graci Harkema leverages her experiences to teach followers the true value of authenticity and entering spaces exactly as you are. At the 2024 Future Leaders Conference, Harkema will speak about her time growing up as an adoptee from the Congo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, tracing her professional path and claiming her own story while encouraging others to do the same.

“Having Graci Harkema as this year’s keynote speaker is a big deal to us,” said Gavin Steenwyk, president of Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals. “It’s easy to feel like we need to change ourselves to fit into certain professional roles, and Graci’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and authenticity speaks to the purpose of the Future Leaders Conference – creating a space for people of all backgrounds to share their stories and distinct career paths.”

More than 150 guests are expected to attend the day-long event, where guests will learn from local powerhouses about combining impact and passion with profession through a series of panel discussions and presentations.

“Breakout session” speakers include Johnny Rodriguez, the executive director of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP); Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage; Keith Van Beek, city manager of Holland; Tracy Bolo, executive director of Lakeshore Non-Profit Alliance; and a panel of Disher professionals, including Rebekah Bakker, Hannah Rumsey, Casey McKellar, Brett Lowe, and Ben Zuiderveen.

“Each speaker offers a different career path and perspective, meaning every guest will leave having learned something new about themselves, their profession, or their hometown,” added Steenwyk.

Lunch and a happy hour will be provided. The agenda for the event is as follows:  

11:30 a.m. – Morning Networking and Coffee
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
12:15 p.m. – HYP Welcome and Notes from HYP of the Year
1:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 1
1:45 p.m. – Break
2:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 2
2:45 p.m. – Break
3:00 p.m. – Keynote Talk by Graci Harkema
4:00 p.m. – Happy Hour

This event is open to the public. For more information on how you can join in on this day of collaboration, visit https://www.behyp.org/events/2024/2/15/2024-hyp-future-leaders-conference.

# # #

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Michigan Business Beat | Raechel Kamphuis - HYP - Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals Future Leaders

Originally uploaded Feb.8th, re-edited Feb. 26th.
Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Dog rescuer (hoarder), community advocate (vigilante), and proud (obsessed) business owner, 8THIRTY FOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI.

Kim, remind the Michigan business community about your marketing firm and what differentiates your company?

Who are your range of clients served?

What were 2023's highlights for you and your clients?

2024 is underway, what are you passionate about and expecting this year?

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Michigan Business Beat | Kim Bode, 8THIRTY FOUR Marketing - Showcasing Full Service in 2024!

Originally uploaded Feb. 19th, reedited Feb. 29th.
Chris Holman welcomes Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, LLC, headquartered Grand Rapids, MI.

Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners, has been named chair of the National Restaurant Association for his 35 years of ownership and leadership in the hospitality industry.

Jeff -- tell us your story of how Restaurant Partners Management evolved?

What is the impact/mission of the National Restaurant Association?

What do you plan to accomplish as Chairman of the National Restaurant Association?

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Michigan Business Beat | GR's Jeff Lobdell, Is New Chair of the National Restaurant Association

Chris Holman welcomes back Rodney Cole, President DTE Foundation and DTE Corporate Citizenship at DTE Energy, Detroit, MI.
 
In their conversation, Chris wanted to learn several things from Rodney:
We’re still in the beginning of 2024, so tell me about the DTE Foundation’s impact in 2023?

What can we look forward to from the DTE Foundation in 2024?

What was the driving factor for launching this program?

What are the outcomes you’re looking for from the Community Transformation grant program?

What else can we expect from the DTE Foundation this year?

DTE is sharing further information as well in a release: 

DTE Energy Foundation invites community transformation-focused nonprofits to apply for $150K in grant support

Detroit, Mich. (March 1, 2024) – The DTE Energy Foundation today invited Michigan nonprofits that serve local communities to submit Letters of Intent for a chance to be selected for a grant that will support community transformation efforts. The DTE Foundation will provide up to $150,000 to be shared across two or more Michigan nonprofits focused on local, community transformation and revitalization.

Letters of Intent will be accepted now through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying can do so at the link here. The winning nonprofits will be notified by Friday, Oct. 4.

“Community Transformation is a key focus of the DTE Foundation, and we understand each city in Michigan has needs specific to residents and their location,” said Rodney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “That’s why it’s important for us to hear from the nonprofit applicants, ensuring we support their unique mission and community needs. “

The DTE Foundation transforms lives by helping area communities renew, refresh, or create community space, restore safety, beautify blocks, and increase community health and well-being. It focuses on community spaces, safety and security, and community development.

Grants will be considered when meeting the following criteria:

· Applicants must be legally established 501(c)(3) public charities by the Internal Revenue Service and have the capacity to directly receive and manage the grant to be eligible.

· Fiduciary, fiscal sponsor payment arrangements and Type III supporting organizations are not eligible.

· The organization must be located in and directly benefit a project in Michigan.

· The DTE Foundation must be the majority contributor to the overall project.

· Submitted projects cannot be energy-related in any way.

· The organization must provide a long-term sustainability plan for any future needs of the project.

· The grantee must provide an annual report detailing the community impact of the grant.

· The organization must be willing to fulfill press release and grant presentation requests.

About the DTE Energy Foundation The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2023, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $17 million in grant support to nearly 300 nonprofits where the company has a business presence with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in key areas like jobs, equity, human needs and the environment. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the

world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in the communities across Michigan. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.

###

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Michigan Business Beat | Rodney Cole, DTE Energy Foundation - Apply: Community Transformation Grants

Chris Holman welcomes Travis Alden, Senior Director of Community Development, - The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI.

[A project to develop a 237-acre parcel in Lowell Charter Township into a commercial and industrial campus was one of 18 projects to receive funds at the end of January from the MEDC’s new Strategic Site Readiness Program]

Welcome Travis, give us a brief overview of MEDC's new Strategic Site Readiness Program?

Tell us the highlights of this new project you're working on in Lowell Charter Twp.?

Getting things "Shovel Ready" ... Does The Right Place have any idea in store for beyond that? --
Or at least categories of businesses to attract or expand in western Michigan with this effort?

These sorts of projects don't happen alone, tell us about cooperation with the township, Franklin Partners, and Advantage Commercial Real Estate?

Here were further details from the time of the announcement:

State awards $17.5 million grant to prepare Lowell Township’s Covenant Business Park for development

237-acre parcel is one of 18 statewide projects awarded by MEDC’s new Strategic Site Readiness Program 

(GRAND RAPIDS, MICH) – Today, The Right Place, Inc., and project partners Franklin Partners and Lowell Charter Township announce they have received $17.5 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) new Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) to help prepare the 237-acre Covenant Business Park in Lowell Township for industrial and commercial use. The Lowell site is one of 18 statewide projects announced as recipients of the funds at this morning’s Michigan Strategic Fund board meeting.

About SSRP

The SSRP provides financial incentives to eligible applicants to conduct activities on or related to strategic sites in Michigan to create a statewide inventory of investment-ready sites that will attract and promote investment in the state. The program provides access to grants, loans, and other economic assistance.

In its announcement to the project team, the MEDC noted that the Lowell site is strategic for the region and that the funds will help make progress on preparing the property to become a premier site. The award letter also noted that the property will become a critical offering and help MEDC build a strong pipeline of sites across the state.

More information on the program can be found here.

The funds awarded represent 50% of the $35m needed to get the site “shovel-ready” for development. Most work will center on infrastructure efforts, primarily sewer extension and connection.

About the property

The parcel, which is zoned PUD for industrial and commercial use, is located at the southwest corner of Cascade Road and Alden Nash, just north of I-96; with its proximity to a major highway and minutes from an international airport, Covenant Business Park has been considered to be the finest parcel available in greater Grand Rapids.

Travis Alden, senior director of community development at The Right Place and the project’s lead, formally submitted the request last October. The site owner and developer, Franklin Partners, and real estate broker Advantage Commercial Real Estate are also assisting with the project.

The team’s application received written support from Michael Burns, Lowell’s City Manager; Jerry Hale, Lowell Charter Township’s Supervisor; and state representatives Rep. Joe Tate, Rep. Angela Witwer, Rep. Gina Johnsen, and Rep. Phil Skaggs.

Official Address: 4687 Alden Nash Avenue S.E., Lowell, MI 49331

Total Area: 237 Acres

Developable Area: Approximately 190 Acres

Zoning: PUD for industrial and commercial uses 

More information about the Covenant Business Park project can be found here. 

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Michigan Business Beat | Travis Alden, The Right Place - Pairs with Strategic Site Readiness Program

Originally uploaded March 20th, re-edited April 5th.
Chris Holman welcomes Jon Ippel, Executive Director at Amplify GR, Grand Rapids, MI. 
 
Chris had several Grant Announcement Questions for Jon

Why is HUB 07 important? And what does it mean to have the support of the State of Michigan through this Community Center Grant?

Your mission as an organization is to preserve and widen pathways that create greater opportunity for neighbors to participate in and benefit from community growth. Please explain more about your work rooted in two specific Southeast Grand Rapids neighborhoods - Boston Square and Madison Square.

How does your local work connect to the larger national picture through Purpose Built Communities – of which you are a network member?

How does that national research and knowledge impact neighbors on a local level?

More on this topic: Amplify GR – With a $1 million state grant in hand, construction at Boston Square community hub is picking up pace

With a $1M Michigan Community Center grant secured, place-based nonprofit Amplify GR is picking up activity supporting the construction of HUB 07, a 45,000 square foot “front porch and living room” in the Boston Square Neighborhood of Grand Rapids. HUB 07 will open in late 2024 and serve thousands annually through an early childhood education center, a health clinic, a community space and café, a financial health suite, dedicated spaces for afterschool programming and multigenerational enrichment and wellness, and a co-lab suite for smaller, grassroots organizations to scale their impact. Organization officials are available to comment, and current and future construction site tours are available.

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Michigan Business Beat | Jon Ippel,  Amplify GR - A $1M State Grant to Help  Boston Square, G.R.

Originally uploaded April 2nd, re-edited April 12.
Chris Holman welcomes Jennifer Maxson, President, Jennifer Maxson & Associates, Belmont, MI

● What does Women’s History Month mean to you and how do you reflect that in your work? 

● Talk a bit about your mentorship of young women through the Peter Cook Leadership academy? 

● Can you talk about your involvement in Power of 100 Women, its mission and impact? 

● As a leadership coach, what are some of the most important qualities for the women of today to possess in order to eventually shape history?

● Are there any women you’ve coached who you can already see shaping our corner of history? 

● As a woman empowering other women, how are you recognizing Women’s History Month? 

[About Jennifer Maxson and Associates For individuals and businesses seeking experts in Leadership Development, Jennifer Maxson & Associates is the comprehensive, results-driven coaching partner. The mission of Jennifer Maxson & Associates is to Enhance the Credibility of Leaders. We develop leaders at all levels through Everything DiSC® assessments, personalized coaching, and programs focused on communication, presentation skills, and leadership. Our purpose is to inspire current and future leaders to Lead to the Max!®]

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Michigan Business Beat | Jennifer Maxson,  Power of 100 Women, its Mission, Impact and More!

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Karen Mead,  antique lovers and flea market shopper, Co-Owner,  Farmgirl Flea Spring Market, Hudsonville, MI 

● This is the 9th annual Spring Market. Can you give us a little background on how you got here?
● In your opinion, what’s causing the growth of flea markets in recent years?
● What makes this market unique?
● How do shoppers support the vendors?
● You have an array of vendors. How do you ensure that the market supports the development of small businesses?
About Farmgirl Flea:
Farmgirl Flea offers an array of handmade and curated goods by local vendors for local consumers. With its three main flea markets and markets held throughout the year, Farmgirl Flea is recognized nationwide for its signature farmhouse aesthetic and wide range of selections. Located in Hudsonville, Michigan Farmgirl Flea services the West Michigan area. For more information, visit www.farmgirlflea.com.

Michigan Business Beat | Karen Mead, Farmgirl Flea Market - Returns for its 9th Year!

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