Rebranding Michigan

WMU unionization a growing trend

2009-07-09T12:00:59Z

Western Michigan University part-time instructors and adjunct faculty certified the Professional Instructors Organization as their union June 29. Although still early, the formation is seen as part of a trend happening throughout higher education institutions. The issues of pay and...

Tech hiring outlook looking up

2009-07-08T10:00:51Z

DeWilde The technology sector remains a comparative bright spot in an economy that's generated high unemployment rates. A new employment outlook from Paragon Recruiting in Holland shows more than a quarter of the Mid- and West Michigan companies surveyed plan...

Bankruptcy judge OKs GM to sell the bulk of its assets to a new company

2009-07-06T14:06:17Z

Federal Judge Robert Gerber ruled late Sunday that the sale is needed to avoid "immediate and irreparable harm" to GM and is in the best interests of both the automaker and its creditors.

Holland Hospital begins process for Zeeland site

2009-06-30T19:00:11Z

Rendering courtesy Holland HospitalThe proposed new Holland Hospital medical office building in Zeeland. Holland Hospital, even as it remains open to an alternative, is moving ahead with plans to set up shop down the road from Zeeland Community Hospital. In...

New career coaching firm looks for new opportunities

2009-06-30T19:00:01Z

As job opportunities in Michigan remain hard to find, many displaced workers will have to get creative to secure employment. "Most of the jobs right now, I'd say 90 percent, are being filled through word of mouth and networking, just...

State launches program for retraining workers

2009-06-30T18:00:47Z

Retraining for a new career path might seem a daunting task for some of Michigan's displaced workers. Not only are they learning to do something new, but they also have to figure out how to support themselves while they're learning....

Meijer CEO to accept lifetime innovation award

2009-06-30T17:50:31Z

Meijer Meijer Inc. CEO Hank Meijer will make a rare appearance July 16 when he accepts Business Review's Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation on behalf of the Grand Rapids-based retailer. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Meijer Inc. was founded...

Economic downturn could change office furniture industry forever, experts say

2009-06-25T13:00:20Z

Keane As they navigate through the U.S. recession, executives at office furniture makers based in West Michigan know they'll come out the other side facing a decidedly different marketplace. How different, exactly, is the question executives are unsure about right...

Spectrum supports universal coverage

2009-06-25T12:00:44Z

Freed In offering its views on reforming health care in America, Spectrum Health joins a number of peers in endorsing universal coverage. But, in conservative West Michigan fashion, the Grand Rapids-based health system advocates a market-based approach and opposes an...

Buy American rule could cost contractors

2009-06-24T18:00:29Z

It makes sense the government would like to see stimulus money spent on materials made in the U.S.A. However, the Buy American requirement for stimulus-funded construction projects could cause confusion, extra expenses and delays for contractors on these jobs. The...

Realtors see light ahead for industrial category

2009-06-24T13:00:51Z

Our second Power Brokers feature of 2009 focuses on those commercial Realtors who handle industrial property. Although the challenges of the auto industry probably are affecting this category more than most, if we compare this list feature to our retail...

Small business group touts 'economic gardening' to fix state economy

2009-06-23T17:17:33Z

Rob Fowler Reviving Michigan's economy requires much more "economic gardening" to create jobs, says the chief executive of a trade association representing 5,550 small business owners in Michigan. That means "not hunting to bring new companies to our state but...

Economy, costs drive more health management

2009-06-18T13:00:07Z

Edgren Economic conditions have employers in West Michigan doing more to better manage employee health benefits to control costs. The adoption of consumer-driven health plans and wellness initiatives have grown in the past year, as have limitations on spousal coverage...

Higher education adapts for tomorrow's jobs

2009-06-18T12:00:23Z

Dawson The ability to adapt is one of the best qualities a business can have in today's quickly changing world. And it's no different if that business happens to be an institution of higher education. In fact, it's probably more...

MSU bio incubator lands first tenant

2009-06-18T12:00:21Z

File photoMSU's Bioeconomy Institute opened in May in Holland. A new business incubator at Michigan State University's Bioeconomy Institute in Holland opens another venue for seeding new businesses. The incubator covers 38,000 square feet within the former Pfizer Inc. research-and-development...