The state of Michigan plans to use nearly $18 million granted by the U.S. Department of Education to help job seekers make a smoother transition from education and training to the workforce.

GRAND RAPIDS — A family-owned Grand Rapids manufacturer with 60 years of experience in polystyrene patterns and prototypes is changing ownership.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio is resigning his government position to take the helm at Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for October 11, 2020.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for September 27, 2020.

GRAND RAPIDS — Despite the uncertainty that has accompanied 2020, Grand Rapids-based franchise operator Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. reported an increase in sales for both the third quarter and the nine months that ended Sept. 27.

GRAND RAPIDS — Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt has announced he is retiring in July 2021. 

The state has awarded $12.7 million in grants for projects to improve rural broadband internet access.

A Grand Rapids-area manufacturer of air distribution products for both residential and commercial HVAC clients has changed ownership.

MARNE — Citing common values, philosophies and capabilities, DeWys Manufacturing Inc. of Marne announced that it has acquired Grand Haven-based metal fabricator ReFab LLC.

GRAND RAPIDS — Wood products company UFP Industries Inc. recently announced the acquisition of a business that specializes in developing and testing high-performance chemicals for wood preservation.

Products that leave the La Colombe Coffee Roasters production facility in Muskegon will now reach farther across the U.S. after a recent distribution deal.

WAYLAND — Sports betting will kick off at Gun Lake Casino on Saturday with the formal launch of the Wayland-based casino’s new Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge.

HOLLAND — TES America LLC, which has developed touch solutions for kiosk integrators across a variety of sectors, plans to add to its portfolio after acquiring assets from 3M subsidiary 3M Touch Systems. 

Thousands of small businesses across West and Southwest Michigan have received grant funding from a state COVID-19 relief program.

GRAND RAPIDS — Some financial relief could be on the way for Kent County businesses that have been forced to shut down because of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders.

Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos has unveiled its new sports book, which will operate out of Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel near Traverse City and also feature a satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino.

Traditional, outdoor agriculture is profoundly dependent on climate, but high-tech indoor farms that grow premium, hyper-local produce for consumers year round may be commercially viable in the future.