MiBiz

State plans second liquor buyback program, unveils Restaurant Meal Program to aid reeling restaurant industry
The state plans to hold another liquor buyback for bars and restaurants. A similar effort earlier this year by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC)…
Experts divided over future of office space
Through multiple lockdowns and workplace restrictions, companies have altered the way they think about and use their commercial office space because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Startup architecture firm founder sees new design trends, need for inclusion in wake of pandemic
Zachary Verhulst started Grand Rapids-based PURE Architects in August, about five months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Verhulst — who was named the 2019 Young Architect…
Experts forecast sustained growth for the U.S. economy in 2021
The U.S. economy that got hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic this spring heads toward 2021 on the rebound, although a surge in cases during the…
Post-pandemic supply chain shifts could boost state’s industrial economy
Michigan’s economy could stand to benefit in the years ahead as manufacturers move to reshore work to the U.S. after dealing with severe disruptions in…

State, federal lawmakers reach agreement on COVID-19 relief packages

State and federal lawmakers have each reached consensus on COVID-19 relief that will support small businesses like restaurants and venues still confronting pandemic-related restrictions.

State plans second liquor buyback program, unveils Restaurant Meal Program to aid reeling restaurant industry
The state plans to hold another liquor buyback for bars and restaurants. A similar effort earlier this year by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC)…
Experts divided over future of office space
Through multiple lockdowns and workplace restrictions, companies have altered the way they think about and use their commercial office space because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Startup architecture firm founder sees new design trends, need for inclusion in wake of pandemic
Zachary Verhulst started Grand Rapids-based PURE Architects in August, about five months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Verhulst — who was named the 2019 Young Architect…
Experts forecast sustained growth for the U.S. economy in 2021
The U.S. economy that got hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic this spring heads toward 2021 on the rebound, although a surge in cases during the…
Post-pandemic supply chain shifts could boost state’s industrial economy
Michigan’s economy could stand to benefit in the years ahead as manufacturers move to reshore work to the U.S. after dealing with severe disruptions in…

Telehealth will ‘stick,’ but many questions about vaccine, deployment remain unanswered
In September, Dr. James Grant became chief medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, making the transition during the COVID-19 pandemic that has elevated telehealth to the forefront…
Construction leaders face a mixed bag of concern, hope heading into 2021
Recent year-end reports on non-residential construction activity softening and a plunging average project backlog are giving West Michigan construction leaders some reason for concern going into 2021.

Manufacturing faces talent problem heading into a crucial 2021
As manufacturing continues to lead both in statewide and nationwide economic recovery, the sector will still need to address a chronic issue that has only worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dispensary owner — among early entrants in West Michigan — fears oversaturation
Born and raised in Muskegon, Greg Maki was the first to open recreational cannabis dispensaries in Muskegon, Ottawa and Montcalm counties. While many businesses ground to a halt during 2020,…

GR tourism group expects gradual hospitality rebound starting next year
The tourism and hospitality sectors took a major hit in 2020 but are expected to slowly rebound in 2021 with positive news about the COVID-19 vaccine. Experience Grand Rapids Executive…

New GRAAHI leader seeks continued momentum on addressing racial health disparities
A lifelong interest in diversity, equity and inclusion led Vanessa Greene to the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, which works to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Greene…

Pandemic cements move to remote work, automation; more stimulus needed
John Ruther joined the Grand Rapids office of O’Keefe Consulting LLC in July as managing director. The company, based in Bloomfield Hills, offers a range of services including turnaround and…

Grocery exec: Pandemic forces long-term shift in consumer habits
Consumers relied on grocery stores and supermarkets like never before during the pandemic. As the state transitioned through various stages of shutdowns, these businesses had to keep their shelves stocked…

Automotive sales outlook stronger than predicted at start of pandemic
Market research and consulting firm IHS Markit recently locked in its latest forecast for the North American automotive industry. Barring any major pandemic-related setbacks, most data indicate a scrappy recovery…

Whitmer appoints engineering, energy storage expert to Michigan Public Service Commission
An electric grid engineering and energy storage expert will fill a new vacancy on the Michigan Public Service Commission.

MEDC leader sees ‘astronomical’ demand for small business relief
Mark Burton took over the Michigan Economic Development Corp. just days before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued her first state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the…

Nonprofit leaders cautiously optimistic about 2021, some organizations face tough challenges
Some nonprofits survived the first nine months of the pandemic relatively unscathed while others are hanging on in hopes that a widely distributed vaccine lifts capacity restrictions and renews confidence…

Despite the odds, higher education shows flexibility during pandemic
Like many in higher education, Western Michigan University moved fast to shift thousands of classes online when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this spring. Some of the changes made during the…

West Michigan small businesses look forward after a tumultuous year
An hour-long conversation this month with three other small business executives was “therapeutic” for Jonathan Jelks.