Talent
People in the news: Jan. 30, 2023
Written by Margot AmouyalA roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.
ZEELAND — West Michigan engineering, consulting and product development firm Disher Corp. has acquired leader-development organization Leading by Design LLC in what company executives call an “ideal fit.”
Charles Lepper started this week as the 11th president of Grand Rapids Community College, succeeding Bill Pink, who took a job in July 2022 as the president of Ferris State University.
People in the news: Jan. 16, 2023
Written by MiBiz StaffHere are the staffing announcements from the Jan. 16, 2023 print edition.
Reconnect reforms boost program flexibility; advocates seek to lower minimum age to 21
Written by Andy BalaskovitzLate last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a pair of bills into law that aim to boost participation in a free statewide community college tuition program by shifting reporting requirements and allowing more flexibility in class scheduling.
Survey: Low pay, child care constraints hold back West Michigan labor participation
Written by Mark SanchezPeople in West Michigan indicate that low pay and the inability to find affordable child care are two key factors keeping them out of the workforce.
Proposed FTC rule would ban use of non-competes blocking workers from jobs at competitors
Written by Mark SanchezFederal trade regulators want to ban the use of non-compete agreements that some employers use to keep workers from taking a job at an industry competitor.
Davenport University launches public phase of $35M capital campaign to support next generation of students
Written by Mark SanchezDavenport University this week rolled out the public phase of a $35 million capital campaign.
People in the news: Dec. 5, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere are the staffing announcements from the Nov. 21, 2022 print edition.
Falling off the “benefits cliff,” declining higher education enrollment, and a widespread skills gap have each contributed to Michigan’s labor force participation rate dropping by nearly twice the national average over the past two decades.
People in the news: Nov. 21, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere are the staffing announcements from the Nov. 21, 2022 print edition.
As job-seeker’s market persists, West Michigan employers boost wages to stay competitive
Written by Mark SanchezGrand Rapids-area employers raised wages by an average of 5.2 percent this year, an amount that exceeds historical norms as companies adjust pay to attract and retain people in a fiercely tight labor market.
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People in the News: Nov. 7, 2022
Written by Andy BalaskovitzHere are the staffing announcements from the Nov. 7, 2022 print edition.
CHANNELING HOPE: DEI consultant Julian Newman helps organizations expand cultural bandwidth
Written by Joe BoomgaardDuring the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julian Newman became disillusioned with all the back-and-forth arguing that was taking place in commentaries and on social media.
Davenport University plans new outreach to boost Latino student population, faculty
Written by Mark SanchezGRAND RAPIDS — Davenport University wants to increase the number of Latino students enrolled at its campuses across Michigan and in online courses through a new outreach initiative.
Wyoming Kentwood Chamber forms BIPOC advisory council to convene minority business leaders
Written by Kate CarlsonThe Wyoming Kentwood Chamber hopes a newly formed BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council gives a voice to business owners and entrepreneurs from underrepresented yet demographically prominent communities.
GRAND RAPIDS — The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) recently received a $150,000 grant from Google to support the nonprofit’s new Adult Career Training Program.
Here are the staffing announcements from the Oct. 24, 2022 print edition. To subscribe (free to qualified business executives), visit mibiz.com/subscribe.
Steinman steps down as GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute director to pursue research
Written by Andy BalaskovitzMUSKEGON — Alan Steinman, who helped grow Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute in size and prominence within the Great Lakes region during his 21 years as director, recently stepped down to focus on research full time.
GRPS, WMU partner on manufacturing and design training certificate for high schoolers
By Danneisha McDoleGRAND RAPIDS — Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Public Schools have formed a two-year dual-enrollment partnership to assist high school students interested in pursuing careers in integrated design and manufacturing.
People in the News: Oct. 10, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
Large battery projects create EV workforce training opportunities for higher ed
By Mark Sanchez and Andy BalaskovitzMECOSTA COUNTY — Landing large battery manufacturing plants that promise to drive billions of dollars in investments and create thousands of jobs represents not just major economic development for Michigan but also a significant opportunity for educators.
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 firm. Now, Owczarski can add one more title: CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, an organization where she’s worked since 2017. Owczarski took over running the West Coast Chamber following the retirement of longtime leader and mentor Jane Clark, who was with the organization in various capacities for 32 years. Owczarski recently spoke with MiBiz about embarking on her new role and how she plans to help the West Coast Chamber and the local business community succeed.
People in the News: Sept. 26, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
GRAND RAPIDS — The West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, a nonprofit focused on increasing social and economic opportunities in the region, is launching a new tech education pathway within its Adult Career Training Program.
People in the News: Sept. 12, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
The Right Place launches 10-year plan to grow tech sector in greater Grand Rapids
Written by Abigail HamEconomic development agency The Right Place Inc. has launched plans to transform the greater Grand Rapids area into a technology and innovation hub over the next 10 years.
People in the News: Aug. 29, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
The former CEO alliance known as Talent 2025 has rebranded as Talent First Inc., unveiled a fresh strategic initiative and will soon launch a five-part program designed to address employers’ needs amid a quickly evolving workforce.
People in the News: Aug. 15, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
People in the News: Aug. 1, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
A nationwide bus driver shortage has forced school districts to cut routes and scheduled transit services to trim trips.
People in the News: July 18, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffPeople in the News: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.
KALAMAZOO — Western Michigan University’s longtime general counsel has joined law firm Miller Canfield PLC.
People in the News: July 5, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz People in the news report for July 5, 2022
Grand Rapids staffing and human resources outsourcing firm Axios HR recently completed its merger with Petoskey-based PMP Personnel Services, creating an 11-office entity spanning Northern to Southwest Michigan.
People in the News: June 20, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz People in the news report for June 20, 2022
Formed more than eight years ago, the psychiatry residency program at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services has been paying dividends by helping to ease an acute shortage of providers and expand services.
A new state law makes Michigan the 14th state to require personal finance education as a prerequisite for high school graduation.
Researchers’ abrupt split from Calvin University drives new business opportunities
Written by Andy BalaskovitzA social science research organization that abruptly split from Calvin University in recent months hopes to seize new opportunities to raise capital and work with more organizations that may have been hesitant to partner with a religious academic institution.
GRAND RAPIDS — A three-day conference slated to kick off Thursday in Grand Rapids will promote diversity in the technology industry.
Compensation report shows fast rise in West Michigan starting, industrial wages
Written by Mark SanchezThe number of various West Michigan job positions paying $15 to $17 an hour has spiked since early 2020, illustrating how fast employers operating in a tight and fiercely competitive labor market have had to raise wages to attract workers.
West Michigan colleges and universities saw significant leadership turnover during the spring, bringing in a new crop of presidents as workforce development proves crucial during a widespread talent crunch.
MiBiz on WOOD-TV8: Proposed federal rule change threatens Michigan Works! funding
Written by MiBiz StaffA new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor could jeopardize crucial funding for Michigan’s primary workforce development association, leading to the potential closure of at least 20 job training facilities and a loss of more than 200 staffers.
People in the News: June 6, 2022
Written by MiBiz StaffHere is the MiBiz People in the news report for June 6, 2022
‘Ridiculous’ federal rule change could close 20 Michigan Works! training centers
Written by Jayson BussaThe Michigan Works! Association, which provides a wide range of services for both job seekers and employers throughout the state, says a proposed federal rule change would strip the agency of significant resources.
Two longtime Grand Rapids-area communications professionals are on the move.