Innovation News

Same concept, new industry: Veteran operations director launches new business

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April 7, 2011

As an expert in operations and Lean processes, Christopher Wilson's preretirement career was all about efficiency. While at Amway Corp./Alticor, Wilson had a variety of responsibilities within operations for the direct sales giant from around the globe. Near the end of his time at Amway, he was a part of a volunteer team that, as a service project, tackled a logistics problem for a nonprofit by applying the same Lean process tools used at Amway. According to Wilson, the results were an unqualified success. "We had a problem to solve and we ended up creating more products with the same space and the same staff," he says. "We increased the productivity." After that experience, Wilson says he was approached by Doug DeVos, who suggested that when he retired he should consider doing the same type of consulting for other non-profits to help them do things better. With that as the backstory, Wilson is embarking on his second career. Now an entrepreneur, Wilson is launching NonProfit Process Excellence (NPX) with a goal to assist nonprofit organizations by improving their key processes. Wilson has quickly learned that many nonprofits move at a different rhythm than their for-profit counterparts. "I'm positive that this will transform their operations, but it requires time to grasp the concept," he states. "An investment into this service will allow nonprofits to do more with less, to be more efficient." Wilson is counting on strong word-of-mouth among nonprofits and donors to drive his service. "Would you, as a donor looking to invest money into an organization, be interested in donating if you you knew some of this money would be used for these processes?" he asks. Wilson is betting the answer is yes. To learn more about his service, you can visit his website here and contact Wilson directly. Source: Christopher Wilson, Nonprofit Process Excellence Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor.

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Local software firm CQL debuts new networking application

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Entrepreneurship

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November 11, 2010

A new application developed and designed by local software firm CQL will be make its debut at a local networking event on Nov.11 at the DeVos Place from 6-9 p.m. According to Adam Clarke, the "chief alchemist" at CQL, the application was developed at the suggestion of Michael Yoder, organizer of the online networking site LinkedUp Grand Rapids. Yoder was interested in leveraging technology to help facilitate "face-to-face" networking at large events. The application that was developed will be synced with LinkedIn, a popular online professional networking site. As attendees check into the event and register, information from their LinkedIn profile such as such as their name, picture, industry, employer and number of connections will be displayed on several screens. For individuals relying on LinkedIn for business connections, Clarke indicates the information will facilitate networking by helping to make introductions easier and creating a sense of a "who's who" in specific industries and companies. Clarke states that future uses of the application are being explored, but he is very optimistic about its potential, especially for conventions or other large networking events where people might know each other via an online network, but are connecting in-person for the first time. Clarke says the requirements for this application are simple, requiring only internet access, a laptop, projector and screen to use the software. Other businesses collaborating on this event include local branding companies Deksia and Kmotion Design. For more information about LinkedIn Grand Rapids or this event, you can visit their group site on LinkedIn. For details on the application, contact Adam Clarke at CQL. Source: Adam Clarke, CQL Writer: John Rumery Innovation and Jobs Editor

Keller Futures Center mines for ideas with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

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Entrepreneurship

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November 11, 2010

A recent presentation at Fountain Street Church, part of the monthly West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (WMSBF) meeting, revealed the work of a summer initiative to use "design thinking" when exploring potential business and community opportunities. The findings, focused on urban agriculture and local food systems, were part of a "test run" of GRCC's Keller Futures Center, an open source community learning platform in it's early stages of development. A long-term goal is becoming a community resource for creating solutions for large-scale regional issues. Citing the lively discussions over urban agriculture and the potential role of the Keller Futures Center to engage individuals and businesses in new, solution-oriented ways, WMSBF President Gayle DeBruyn felt this meeting was a great example of the role that the WMSBF plays in the community. Going beyond hosting speakers series and facilitating discussions centered around diverse topics, DeBruyn feels that it is the engagement of members and the promotion of critical and deep thinking into the issues of creating sustainable business models and innovation that ultimately makes in a difference in building a stronger community. "Our organization is one of the first business forums created in the region and it has served as a model throughout the state," DeBruyn says. In this particular case, both members of the WMSBF and the team from GRCC came away many ideas on how the Futures Center could be integrated into the community to help organizations of all sizes create innovative solutions to 21st century problems. The WMSBF is open to businesses and individuals and meets on a monthly basis. For information on how to become involved, you can visit their website. Source: Gayle DeBruyn, WMSBF Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor

WMEAC forums open dialogue about alternative energy issues

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Innovation News

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November 11, 2010

The first of four monthly forums presented by the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) will examine what is one of the most discussed alternative energy issues in West Michigan: offshore wind energy development. WMEAC and the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College will present "The What, Where and How of Lake Michigan Wind Turbines: Balancing Sustainable Energy with Lakeside Living and Natural Resources" Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Aquinas College's Donnelly Center at 7 p.m. The objective of the full series is to create a conversation on a wide variety of alternative energy issues and "prepare West Michigan for what can happen next -- much of which will be up for significant debate," says Daniel Schoonmaker, member services director of WMEAC. Schoonmaker is pragmatic about the forums, acknowledging that some issues can be polarizing, but hopes the series will transcend the political debate and create a level of civic engagement where the discussion becomes focused on not whether to move forward with alternative energy, but how businesses, professionals and communities can find a balance while still advancing. "At some level, alternative energy policies will move forward," he says. The first forum will feature a panel of area experts. Topics such as reducing regional energy demand and investment in emerging energy technologies like solar, biomass, hydro and nuclear energy will be highlighted in future events. For more details on the first forum, panelists and future events, you can visit the WMEAC website. Source: Daniel Schoonmaker, WMEAC Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor

Organization provides assistance to independent physicians

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General

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November 4, 2010

Patients aren't the only ones needing help to make sense of healthcare reform. A new organization will offer a way for the state's doctors and doctor groups to remain independent while, at same time, having access to the latest information, resources, training and expertise needed to stay current in the complex and quickly changing healthcare environment. The formation of the Physician Organization of Michigan (POM) was announced last week. Goals of the POM include helping participating physicians reduce or contain the growth of healthcare costs. According to David Silliven, executive director, an organization like POM serves independent physicians who are not only responsible for the patient care, but also responsible for running their business. Besides helping these physicians meet new requirements resulting from healthcare reform and private insurance firms policies, POM also provides opportunities for training and shared technology platforms that are more common for physicians employed by a hospital. Silliven feels his organization will help physicians remain independent, which in turn is a positive for patient care. "The more competition, the better the consumer is served," he says. Source: David Silliven, Physician Organization of Michigan (POM) Writer: John Rumery, Innovations and Job News Writer

Local organizations take center stage in global entrepreneurship event

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Entrepreneurship

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November 4, 2010

During the week of Nov. 15-19, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages in West Michigan will have a smorgasbord of opportunities to learn, network and be inspired. As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, Grand Valley State University's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will be facilitating a series of 16 events including business plan training, speakers and pitch competitions to help celebrate and inspire imagination and creativity. According to Linda Chamberlain, executive director of CEI, the activities in West Michigan will hopefully do more than just celebrate past accomplishments. After the week is over, "We hope to build on that energy to help entrepreneurs create value," she says. Ryan Vaughn, entrepreneur and founder of Varsity News Network, is also a believer in the potential for events like this to create value. "GEW is a chance for entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids to learn from and collaborate with our colleagues, both locally and around the world," says Vaughn. "I'll take what I learn from any one of the events and apply it to our company the next day." Ten organizations will be helping to bring these events to West Michigan including the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Lakeshore Advantage, Cornerstone University, the Muskegon Inventors's Network, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and The Factory. Regionally, Michigan Emerging is a day-long event that will be held in Dearborn, MI on November 17. This conference is intended to help connect entrepreneurs, inventors and investors from throughout the state and hopefully serve as a catalyst for new venture formation. Global Entrepreneurship Week, founded by the Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise UK, is expected to have countries across six continents participating. Find out more about Global Entrepreneurship Week at their website. For a listing of events, visit the community calendar for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Source: Ryan Vaughn Writer: John Rumery, Innovations and Job News Editor

Grand Rapids flexing its design prowess

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General

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October 28, 2010

Two years ago, Kevin Budelmann posted a question on LinkedIn to determine if there was any interest in forming a local chapter of AIGA, a professional organization that supports the interests of design professionals, students and educators throughout the world. For many years, west Michigan professionals in the design industry participated in AIGA activities sponsored by either the Detroit or Chicago chapter. Although there had been informal discussions on establishing a local chapter no one actually took the time to begin the process but Budelmann sensed the increasing alignment of many businesses and local initiatives tied to the design industry. "I was astounded by the response" Budelmann recalls about his LinkedIn request. "Within 30 days I had 70-80 people signed up in the group". And that was only the beginning. Within 18 months AIGA West Michigan had up to 270 paying members and has been recognized by the national organization as one of the fastest growing chapters in the country. "We have a very high percentage of design talent for a community this size", Budelmann indicates. Stressing the benefits of having a local chapter, he cites not only the importance of bringing the values of the national organization to west Michigan, but the training, networking, and recognition opportunities for local design professionals. He also feels very strongly that having a local organization helps in the retention of design talent and plays a significant role in branding west Michigan as a design hub throughout the country. AIGA not only provides services to professionals but can be a major influence for students interested in a design career. Besides providing inexpensive networking and big industry events "people don't always appreciate the breadth of the design industry. Far to often, design is equated with decoration. While design has an artful quality, it is really problem solving". The national organization has a membership of over 22,000 and works on activities and local programs with 64 chapters and 240 student groups. For information on the west Michigan chapter of AIGA you can visit their website Source: Kevin Budelmann Writer: John Rumery

Leading a West Michigan brain gain

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Entrepreneurship

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October 28, 2010

With car sales bouncing back, especially in global markets, and an increased use of new technologies in automotive products, Zeeland, MI is rapidly becoming a career destination for engineers thanks to Gentex,a high tech manufacturer of automotive electronics. According to Bruce Los, vice president of human resources, the company has hired over 500 people in the last year of which over 100 were engineers. Los admits that at first glance, attracting top notch talent, especially engineers, to west Michigan might seem to be a difficult task. "The vast majority of engineers we hire have job options all over the country". However Los makes a compelling case for both working at Gentex and living in west Michigan. "Gentex has a small company feel" and the engineers get to "work on cutting edge and creative technologies". As one of the largest patent generators in the state, Los cites the entrepreneurial culture and the company's ownership policies at Gentex as a great selling point. "Inventors are free to work on areas of interest in a great environment. We also have stock options and profit sharing programs in place". With 2,900 employees, Gentex also hires more than engineers and typically has line positions open but Los states "we're not your parents factory" alluding to the high tech manufacturing facility. Los notes that positive word-of-mouth about the Gentex culture is playing a key role in attracting talent too. He states that often times parents are telling their children, who had moved away because they weren't able to find a job in Michigan, about the work going on at Gentex. "Who would of thought of all this creative technology going on in Zeeland?" Source: Bruce Los Writer: John Rumery

Local non-profit seeking experienced attorney

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General

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October 28, 2010

Over the past summer, six interns working with Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project, Inc (MMLAP) spent time doing outreach in the migrant worker community. What they found was a level of domestic violence much higher than was anticipated.MMLAP, also known as Migrant Legal Aid, is a non-profit organization funded to provide legal assistance to migrant and seasonal farm workers. It is the primary legal service provider for farm workers in the state of Michigan.Using the information discovered by the legal interns, MMLAP was "facing a massive intake of new clients" with an added layer of complexity due to the immigration issues that go beyond family law. To meet the demand, Executive Director Teresa Hendricks began the process to hire a an experienced Spanish-speaking attorney with a background in immigration.According to Hendricks, funding for this new position has been aided by several local foundations including the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF). Laurie Craft, program director at GRCF, views this a great example of solving a complex problem through collaboration as she identified the Hispanic Center, Legal Aid and the YWCA Domestic Violence Center as playing key roles in this future hire.With the addition of this attorney, MMLAP will have a staff of seven full-time staff who handle anywhere from 500-1100 cases per year. Source: Teresa Hendricks. Laurie Craft Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Job News Writer

Preparing high school students for the knowledge economy

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General

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October 14, 2010

Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) has received a $50,000 grant from the Michigan College Access Network to establish the Kent County College Access Network (KCCAN). According to Ruth Bishop, GRCF education program officer, this grant will support the high school counselors and local networks that coordinate the programs, services, and resources helping primarily low-income and first-generation students to pursue postsecondary educational opportunities. Bishop is quick to point out that the program is not only focused on four-year schools. "We use the word college, which is the word the national organization uses, because it is something everyone understands," says Bishop, "but these programs also support two-year schools and vocational training programs too." To accomplish their goals, the program will have services to help students navigate their way through the financial aid bureaucracy so they can access the money to continue their education. The programs will also consistently reinforce a strong message on the importance of continuing education and training beyond high school. "We want the individuals working with students to plant the college culture seed early," states Bishop. The Community Foundation will provide oversight to KCCAN. A team including individuals from youth-oriented nonprofits, K-12 and higher education and the private sector will lead the planning and implementation. A portion of the grant will also help hire a part-time coordinator to get the program up and running. For more information on this program, you can visit their website. Source: Ruth Bishop Writer: John Rumery