Women 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.” 

A 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.

LANSING — 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.

GRAND 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.

A roundup of promotions, new hires, advancements and award winners in West Michigan.

Sophia 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 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.

In 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.

A 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.”

Here are the staffing announcements from the Jan. 16, 2023 print edition. 

Late 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.

Federal 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 this week rolled out the public phase of a $35 million capital campaign.

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.

Here are the staffing announcements from the Nov. 21, 2022 print edition. 

Here are the staffing announcements from the Nov. 7, 2022 print edition. 

During 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. 

The 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.

MUSKEGON — 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.

GRAND 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. 

MECOSTA 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. 

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: A roundup of new hires, promotions and awards in West Michigan.

People 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.