Stories

Feature Story Rachel Gorman, chief operating officer of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, will succeed Cindy Larsen as president.

Rachel Gorman steps up into new role with Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber

Rachel Gorman, chief operating officer of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, will succeed Cindy Larsen as president on Oct. 4 after years of preparation.

Feature Story A river view of the City of Allegan's downtown. (City of Allegan)

City of Allegan selected for CEDAM fellow

A CEDAM fellow will support Allegan’s economic development, assist with planning updates, and promote equity and community growth.  

Feature Story Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) cut the ribbon at its new location last month.

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation moves into new home in historic setting

The long-awaited new home of Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is in a historic setting with more space to work collaboratively with its partners.

Feature Story Beatrice Salgado, a preschool teacher at the Early Learning Center in Grand Rapids, was honored in the childcare category in 2023.

Front-line employees across West Michigan to be recognized

West Michigan Works! is accepting nominations through Sept. 30 for its 2024 Bev Drake Essential Service Awards. The awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in a service industry position.

Feature Story A $200,000 grant for the expansion of the Rosy Mound Natural Area is among six grants the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently awarded.

Foundation grants supports Rosy Mound expansion

A $200,000 grant for the expansion of the Rosy Mound Natural Area is among six grants the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation recently awarded.

Feature Story Hope’s athletes will also have access to a new orthopedic center opening in November.

Holland Hospital and Hope College partner to elevate athletic care

Holland Hospital and Hope College athletics have a new partnership to provide comprehensive athletic training and physical therapy services for all Hope athletes.

Feature Story The Hackley Castle Inn and Suites is scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2025.

Muskegon landmark to become boutique hotel

The historic Hackley Administration Building will undergo a transformation into a one-of-a-kind 45-room boutique hotel, aptly named the Hackley Castle Inn and Suites.

Longform A rendering of the future Fresh! by Gleaners.

Fresh food pantry set to open near Detroit, building upon other innovative Michigan models

Gleaners Community Food Bank has broken ground on Fresh! by Gleaners, an innovative concept that will make free, fresh food available to people living in Wayne and Macomb counties.

Feature Story Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training for staff at Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke and Brad Hastings.

Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Brad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, is honored with Muskegon’s Future 15 Award for his work in disability advocacy and improving community accessibility.

Partner Content Nicole Milton

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.  

Feature Story Project Connect Flyer

Project Connect brings together Sanilac County residents and resources

Taking place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26 at the Sandusky Fairgrounds, Project Connect will share resources, services, food, health care access, and more with county residents in need.

Feature Story Local public health works alongside families.

U.P. campaign affirms “Local Public Health Cares”

The six Michigan health departments covering the whole Upper Peninsula teamed up to promote the importance of public health in their communities and raise awareness about the many services they provide.

Feature Story  Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.

Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Feature Story Lord of the Rings-themed crafts and a "walk to Mordor" (with Tolkien buttons as prizes) will be part of Herrick District Library's Lord of the Rings Week.

Take an unexpected journey to the Herrick District Library for Tolkien fun

Herrick District Library is celebrating all things of Middle Earth with a week of Tolkien events. From walking to Mordor to creating hobbit crafts to competing in a Lord of the Rings trivia night, patrons can find something unexpected every day Sept. 16-20.

Feature Story The 190-unit mixed-income development broke ground last month along Holland Township’s Lakewood Boulevard and will be completed in phases over the next two years.

Affordable housing options expand with Holland's Lakewood Place Apartment Village groundbreaking

To be completed in phases in 2025 and 2026, Lakewood Place Apartment Village will be one of the region’s largest mixed-income housing developments alongside commercial and park space, creating a connectivity along Holland Township's Lakewood Boulevard.

Feature Story Ripple Effects

New Community Inclusion Center in Portage creating Ripple Effects

"We don’t get to choose how other people parent because we don’t know their child or their child’s needs so really it’s a place where you be the family that you are and we want to encourage you, pat you on the back, let you know to keep going."

Feature Story READ Ottawa Executive Director Ally Velderman

READ Ottawa has new, familiar executive director

READ Ottawa is welcoming Ally Velderman back to West Michigan as its new executive director.

Feature Story The Going PRO Talent Fund grants will benefit several industries, with manufacturing receiving the most awards, 54.

GoingPro grants boost workforce development across West Michigan

Benteler Automotive is one of 94 regional employers that have been awarded $4.8 million in the Going PRO Talent Fund grants. These awards will support skill development and workforce capabilities across multiple industries.

Feature Story Hadley Streng, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation president.

Area community foundations give out $910,000 at Scholarship Ice Cream Social

This year, the GHACF, in collaboration with the Allendale Community Foundation and Coopersville Area Community Foundation, awarded more than $910,000 in scholarships to 234 area students.

Partner Content Hero Walk family team

Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.