Sarah Spohn, Author at Rapid Growth

Partner Partner Content How URC is building talent-generating capacity, designed to propel Michigan’s economy

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September 6, 2023

“The state of Michigan has realized that this is a ‘do or die’ moment with this economic and technological transformation of the automotive industry and related industries,” says University of Toronto Professor Richard Florida. It's one of the reasons he is part of a group working closely with universities, cities, and stakeholders to build better, more vibrant, sustainable cities in our state.

Statewide collaboration allows redesign to reflects city’s ‘innovative by nature’ tagline

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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August 30, 2023

Through a statewide design collaboration, an aged half-mile stretch of a once-bustling Auburn Road received a new life with a recent streetscape redesign. The city of Rochester Hill’s tagline ‘innovative by nature’ is reflected in the project, which features rain gardens, lush flowers, shrubs, tree-lined median, benches and vibrant sculptural designs.

Advocating for libraries and strengthening communities

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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August 29, 2023

Nearly 440,000 area residents have benefited from the materials, resources and programming at the Kent District Library. Now community members have a chance to help increase that number by attending or sponsoring KDL’s annual literacy program fundraiser, the Literacy Libations Gala.

Ford Experience Center is reimagined to promote connection

By Sarah Spohn

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Technology and Innovation

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August 21, 2023

A substantial renovation and redesign took place at the Ford Motor Company’s corporate campus in Dearborn. In partnership with Landscape Forms, Ghafari Associates and Zaremba & Company worked on transforming the indoor space to be modern, welcoming and timeless, while tying it together with the cohesive, multi-functional outdoor space.

Courtesy of Tommy Allen/ Hoopla can connect to a car's speakers for hands-free listening.

Audiobooks and digital collection enable library patrons to use ‘books on the go’

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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June 28, 2023

June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and the Kent District Library (KDL) provides patrons with a wide range of audiobook and digital resources year round. This collection provides a convenient option for enjoying titles whilst traveling, working, multitasking and more.

Rural library branches impact on communities by providing connections and resources

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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May 31, 2023

Within Kent District Library’s network of 20 branches, a variety of communities are served, with unique needs at each location, whether urban or rural. At rural branches, the library staff provide crucial resources like reliable, high-speed Internet, tech lessons, audiobooks and more to residents who might not otherwise have access to such.

Dale Robertson, president and CEO, Grand Rapids Public Museum

Leaders overcoming stigma: Community mental health is for everyone.

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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May 9, 2023

Despite an increased awareness around symptoms and treatment options, a lot of stigma around seeking mental health care still exists. For leaders and professionals in esteemed positions and industries, this stigma can be even more difficult to overcome.

Providing programs and resources to help families reach early literacy goals

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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April 30, 2023

First Steps Kent is an early literacy initiative that aims to ensure children have exposure to books at a young age. Raising a child takes a village and many local organizations, including the Kent District Library, provide helpful resources in line with the initiative.

With their latest upgrade and installation of the WonderKnook spaces, KDL continues to encourage play, an important element of learning.

New WonderKnook playscapes invite families to enjoy and explore

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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March 28, 2023

Play is also an important element of learning. The new WonderKnook playscapes installed at Kent District Library invite children and families to imagine, explore curiosity and play within their branches.

The John Ball Zoo is working together with Grand Valley State University and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to support field work to protect baby eastern box turtles.

John Ball Zoo works in partnership to help declining eastern box turtles population

By Sarah Spohn

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General

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March 20, 2023

The John Ball Zoo is working together with Grand Valley State University and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to support field work to protect baby eastern box turtles. The conservation work aims to protect the species, experiencing population decreases within the state.

Sarah Spohn

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