Talent
Western Michigan University partners with 3 tribes on graduate tribal governance certificate
Written by Margot AmouyalKALAMAZOO — Western Michigan University, in coordination with three local tribal nations, will begin offering a graduate certificate program in tribal governance in early 2023.
West Michigan women business leaders share insight, inspiration from their careers
By Abby Poirier, Grand Rapids Business JournalWomen business leaders in West Michigan discussed the value of diverse perspectives in leadership, finding mentors in unexpected places and “saying yes to the next challenge.”
‘It’s a noble profession’: Land surveyors are aging and retiring in Michigan amid ongoing needs
Written by Margot AmouyalOver the past seven years, Michigan experienced a 12-percent decline in the number of active land surveyors, raising questions about the future of a profession that a wide variety of other industries depend on to keep projects moving.
People in the News: March 27, 2023
Written by MiBiz StaffA roundup of new hires, promotions and other advancements across West Michigan.
GRAND RAPIDS — Joining Waséyabek Development Co. LLC represents a merging of Erika Weiss’ professional experience in business and tribal law, and offers an opportunity to explore a long-held interest in non-gaming economic development.
Grand Rapids Business Journal’s list of Notable West Michigan Lawyers for 2023 is now live.
Michigan Senate votes to repeal ‘right-to-work,’ restore prevailing wage
By David Eggert, Crain’s Detroit BusinessLANSING — Democrats on Tuesday approved bills to rescind Michigan’s 2012 “right-to-work” law, voting to again allow labor contracts that require workers to pay union fees as a condition of employment.
Workforce development leaders seek state funding for community, short-term training
Written by Kate CarlsonGRAND RAPIDS — West Michigan workforce development leaders say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest budget proposal should include a greater focus on short-term training programs and community organizations currently excluded from state-funded talent initiatives.
People in the news: March 13, 2023
Written by MiBiz StaffA roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.
People in the news: Feb. 27, 2023
Written by Margot AmouyalA roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.
GRCC librarian takes on statewide role with mission to ‘stand firm’ against book banning
Written by Andy BalaskovitzSophia Brewer is applying her longtime experience as a Grand Rapids librarian to a statewide role as a recently elected director to the Michigan Library Association board.
A Q&A with Philomena Mantella, president of Grand Valley State University
People in the news: Feb. 13, 2023
Written by Margot AmouyalA roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.
The massive tech industry downsizing across the U.S. offers opportunities for regions such as West Michigan to pursue highly coveted talent.
$125K grant to support initiative attracting high-tech talent to West Michigan
Written by Mark SanchezA $125,000 grant from an association representing the state’s automotive, mobility and technology cluster will support an effort to attract high-tech talent to West Michigan.
Southwest Michigan chef hopes James Beard honor opens eyes to great food in different settings
By Jay Davis, Crain’s Detroit BusinessIn the more than 30 years that the James Beard Foundation has been honoring outstanding restaurateurs and chefs, most of the names were associated with big markets.
ALLENDALE — Grand Valley State University is partnering with five major West Michigan employers on a new training program that will place students at companies for two years before and after graduation.
Winnie Brinks went from the school PTO to Senate majority leader
By David Eggert, Crain’s Detroit BusinessWinnie Brinks was working as a nonprofit caseworker and volunteering with the East Grand Rapids parent-teacher organization when she got an unexpected call in 2012.
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.
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.