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The EV Revolution Continues in Michigan with Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park
Michigan took a huge step toward fortifying its place at the center of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution securing a $3.5 billion investment by Ford to establish its latest EV battery plant in Marshall, Mich. Michigan took a huge step toward...
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Combat the Hard Insurance Market with a Captive Program
Almost every business leader has felt it: the sense of no control as your insurance premiums seem to skyrocket. Whether it is your commercial insurance program or your employee benefits package, it often appears there is little you can do to avoid...
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Nonprofits explore non-traditional leadership structures to avoid burnout, grow diversity
Nonprofit organizations are increasingly turning to alternative leadership structures with shared responsibilities to help combat burnout as well as open doors for more diverse executives. Nonprofit organizations are increasingly turning to alternative...
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Where Invoice Automation saves time and money.
By now you’ve probably heard about accounts payable (AP) automation, but you might be wondering if it can really have a significant impact on your business. There are many reasons that companies choose invoice automation, but savings is usually at the...
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3 United Way chapters merge to build capacity, keep local focus
The merger last year of three United Way chapters serving mid- and Southwest Michigan into a single entity created one of the largest United Way chapters in the country and will expand local support services to more Michigan residents. The merger last...
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Recruitment Challenges: Change Your Strategy In 2023
The pandemic’s grip on our world has finally loosened, but not without leaving permanent changes to our work lives and expectations. From this, a new challenge for businesses was born: The war for talent. The pandemic’s grip on our world has finally...
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West Mich. leaders to help inform $50M nonprofit relief program
West Michigan nonprofit leaders are helping state officials distribute the first round of $50 million in operational support grants for small and medium-sized nonprofits. West Michigan nonprofit leaders are helping state officials distribute the first...
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New financing tools available as developers, investors contend with housing challenges
While local housing officials expect last year’s spike in housing prices and interest rates to cool off in 2023, high demand and low inventory are still creating difficulties for renters and homebuyers. While local housing officials expect last year’s...
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Growing the talent pool and pipeline critical to Michigan’s economic future
Michigan’s top executives have confidence in their state operations and high demand for qualified talent, even with potentially softening economic conditions, according to a recent survey by Business Leaders for Michigan. Michigan’s top executives have...
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From Freezer to Future: Grand Ice leverages Center West in consideration of advanced manufacturing technology
The phrase “launched by two people in their garage,” is synonymous with startup technology companies, conjuring images of people hunched over their laptops, furiously clacking away at keyboards. It’s not as often you hear a similar story for...
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Training program launches second year of boosting agribiz leadership pipeline
Astatewide training program has launched its second cohort to build on efforts of bolstering Michigan’s pipeline of agribusiness leaders. Astatewide training program has launched its second cohort to build on efforts of bolstering Michigan’s pipeline...
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Nonprofits confront economic challenges to fundraising in 2023 as community needs grow
As 2023 approaches with rising interest rates and widespread predictions of at least a mild recession, some nonprofit leaders are already seeing the effects of rising consumer prices and other economic headwinds on fundraising. As 2023 approaches with...
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Preventive Maintenance Programs Support Healthier, Higher-Performing Buildings
No matter who you are, if you have an interest in the operation and performance of a building, a preventive maintenance program (PMP) is key to long-term success. The process can be compared to changing the oil on your car. On average, every 3,000...
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Michigan’s Path to the Top 10: Invest in people
To compete with top-performing states, Michigan must invest in talent Businesses go where the talent is based. Michigan is in a race with other states for talented people to fill jobs. The availability of highly skilled and educated workers will make...
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You Don’t Have to be One to Stand With: 3 Allyship Actions
“Allyship” - is a noun … the definition of allyship is the state or condition of being an ally: supportive association with another person or group. “Allyship” - is a noun … the definition of allyship is the state or condition of being an ally:...
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Key Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Before Selling Their Business
Sooner or later, every business owner faces the question of whether or not to sell their business. If you own a business, there are some important questions to ask yourself before considering a sale: Sooner or later, every business owner faces the...
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How Energy Management Pays
Whether or not we spend much time thinking about it, our lives and businesses are powered by energy. And the ways we engage with this resource can make a big difference for our operating costs – and our planet. With so many ways to manage energy,...
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REFRAMING THE SHORTAGE: In a world of limited labor, talent retention is key
It’s time to reframe the talent shortage. Throughout the country, companies across industry sectors struggle to find the necessary workforce. Gone are the days of a consistent deep pool of workers to draw from, and it is increasingly unlikely those...
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Q&A: West Coast Chamber embraces change amid leadership transition
Throughout her career, Jodi Owczarski has learned to wear many different hats. She’s worked in human resources at a large manufacturing company, run a nonprofit organization, launched her own business and worked in operations for a global consulting...
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A Look Inside the 12th Annual EPIC Awards
The premier business awards celebration of the region returns on Wednesday, October 19 to recognize 27 upstanding businesses in West Michigan and present awards to the top finalists from each of the nine categories. The premier business awards...