By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor's Latest Articles

Food Summit grows connections to support a just West Michigan food system

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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General

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February 13, 2020

A collaboration between students from all majors, faculty, and staff, the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project grows food for students while growing awareness of sustainable food systems through initiatives like its Jan. 31, 2020 Growing Connections Food Summit, which was sponsored by Grand Valley's Office of Sustainability Practices. The summit brought more than 100 people together at GVSU’s downtown campus to discuss growing a healthy food system for all.

How will North End Lofts transform the Creston Neighborhood?

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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February 6, 2020

The Creston Neighborhood Association is concerned about high rents and one-bedroom apartments planned for $7.5 million North End Lofts.

West Michigan Sports Commission’s on the go, on the grow

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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January 23, 2020

In January 2020, the West Michigan Sports Commission moved into new offices at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW and hired a new national sales manager, Alyssa Updegrave.

DGRI gives seven small businesses a boost

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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Development

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January 16, 2020

DGRI awarded $250,000 in grants to seven local downtown businesses in December 2019: Mosby’s Popcorn, $45,000; Oh, Hello Co. Paper and Gifts, $21,000; Ambiance GR Kitchen and Lounge, $45,000; Art Caribbean Fusion, $36,000; GR Noir Wine and Jazz, $21,000; and Mel Styles, $10,908. 

One hundred years in business. $100,000 for local charities.

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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General

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January 9, 2020

2019 marked Andy J. Egan Co.’s 100th year in business. The mechanical contractor and fabricator serves West Michigan construction managers and builders with engineering, fabrication, mechanical insulation, controls, and 24/7 service. To celebrate the centennial, the company embarked on a year-long $100k Community Giveaway, giving $10,000 to 10 West Michigan nonprofits, one each month from February through November 2019.

Local toy store “The Gathering” place in GR

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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December 19, 2019

Locally owned, independent Galactic Toys & Collectibles has two locations: 3120 28th St. SE and 4174 Alpine Ave. NW. The new location, which opened in November of this year in Comstock Park, is a gathering place for customers to play cards and games.

Grand Rapids Chinese Language School: Speaking the dialect of diversity

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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December 12, 2019

For the past 28 years, the Grand Rapids Chinese Language School (GRCLS) has provided opportunity for families of Chinese descent to learn about and celebrate their heritage. The school has also served as a beacon of diversity and inclusion throughout West Michigan.

St. James Apartments find a place in the sun

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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December 5, 2019

St. James Apartments and Townhomes’ now has 308 solar panels at its 750 First St. NW affordable housing project, which opened December 2018. With the solar panel installation completed last month, they began capturing energy from the sun and transforming it into electricity for the renovated school’s 52 units. The solar array is expected to generate 125,000 kilowatt hours per year and reduce electricity costs by 50 percent.

Malamiah Juice Bar moving to Studio Park

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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November 21, 2019

Jermale Eddie, co-founder and co-owner of Malamiah Juice Bar, hopes to have his popular enterprise up and running at Studio Park’s 122 Oakes St. SW storefront by December 1.

And Kingfisher makes three: That Early Bird proprietors settle in at the center of the universe

By By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News Editor

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November 14, 2019

Sarah Wepman and her husband/chef, Joel Wabeke, opened the Kingfisher Restaurant and Deli at 1001 Lake Dr. SE earlier this year. They also own and operate That Early Bird Café and The Littlebird.