Features

Feature Story Harrison is a city of more than 2,000 residents in Clare County.

Redevelopment Ready: Harrison and AlleganBoth communities hope hotel projects spur development

Communities across Michigan are tapping a state toolkit to help them create a streamlined approach to development and a clear vision for their future. The Michigan Municipal League is helping, preparing communities like Harrison and Allegan for development projects.

Feature Story Pictured is a lovingly preserved American Foursquare home with kitchen, living room, dining room, and possibly a parlor or den downstairs, and four bedrooms upstairs. The porch connects the home to the neighborhood.

Housing America — Classic American Foursquare architecture in Holland

Retired community planner Dale Wyngarden explores how West Michigan has used the simple and versatile American Foursquare — and how it might use it as housing shortages persist.

Longform Grand Haven resident Lesa Jordan with Sheyenne Cole, a counselor in Senior Resources of West Michigan's Behavioral Health at Home program.

Behavioral health at home helps Muskegon-area older adults improve quality of life

Multiple organizations in the Muskegon area are bringing trained counselors to the homes of older adults who face mobility or transportation challenges.

Feature Story The 52,000-square-foot facility has nine classrooms, four computer labs, and five unique labs for biology, chemistry, electronics, automation, welding, and machine tooling.

New leader of GRCC Lakeshore Campus has strong ties to Ottawa County

The new executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus brings experience in technical education and strong ties to Ottawa County.

Feature Story Benjamin's Hope offers programming for adults with disabilitys as well as opening up its Park Township campus to the community at large.

With activities accessible for all abilities, Harvest Festival returns

Since opening in 2010, Benjamin’s Hope has hosted an annual Harvest Festival that is accessible for people of all abilities. This year’s event returns Saturday, Sept. 30, from 3-6 p.m.

Feature Story The Muskegon DDA is offering grants to fund improvements to downtown Muskegon buildings. (City of Muskegon)

Muskegon DDA expands successful facade grant program

After a successful first year of a downtown facade grant program, the Muskegon DDA has expanded the program to improve the exteriors of downtown businesses and commercial properties.  

Feature Story Discover Manufacturing Week gives students a chance to see up close how manufacturing is advancing in the region. (West Michigan Works!)

Manufacturers to welcome more than 10,000 next-gen innovators

Students will have a chance to explore West Michigan’s manufacturing future during Discover Manufacturing Week on Nov. 6-11. This year’s event marks the return to fully in-person tours after the past two years of pandemic-related disruptions.  

Feature Story Jennifer Owens is CEO of Lakeshore Advantage.

Report: More employers turning to automation to overcome labor shortages

The Lakeshore Advantage report is an analysis of more than 120 interviews with Ottawa, Allegan County business leaders. More than half of the employers plan to expand in the next three years. 

Feature Story Livability-Lab

Livability Lab is about making positive changes in Muskegon County

Livability Lab is an innovative, community-driven initiative that invites residents, students, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Muskegon County to get involved in making positive changes.

Feature Story The new technology hub is on the second floor of 25 Ottawa, in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. (Gentex)

Gentex to open tech hub in in downtown GR

The Zeeland company is opening a technology hub to help the company support, attract, and retain top engineering and software talent from throughout West Michigan.

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