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Talent

KALAMAZOO — Western Michigan University, in coordination with three local tribal nations, will begin offering a graduate certificate program in tribal governance in early 2023.

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.” 

Over 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.


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.


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 Q&A with Philomena Mantella, president of Grand Valley State University



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.

A $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.


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.

Winnie 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.


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.”

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.


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.

People 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. 


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.

Here 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.

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

Grand 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.


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. 

GRAND 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.


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.

Here are the staffing announcements from the Oct. 24, 2022 print edition. To subscribe (free to qualified business executives), visit mibiz.com/subscribe.


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. 

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


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. 

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

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