Holland

Located on the shores of little Lake Macatawa, just off the coast of expansive Lake Michigan, Holland is the epicenter of West Michigan's Dutch history and culture. Not surprisingly, then, the city is perhaps best known for its annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But there's much more to the Tulip City than, well, tulips. The city's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts as much retail activity as any urban core in the region. The community is flush with wildly popular waterfront beaches like Tunnel Park and Holland State Park. And Hope College lends the clean, conservative town a bit of youthful spirit. Holland is the quintessential family town that's a choice destination to work, live, and recreate.

Mike Ramirez is who is serving as the Restart Grant Board Chair for the Lakeshore Advantage grant administration process.

Transparency and inclusiveness drive Restart Grant award process

Lakeshore Advantage received almost 900 applications for Michigan Small Business Restart Grants. The committee allocating $3.5 million to businesses and nonprofits in Ottawa and Allegan counties is sharing the award process to ensure transparency. 

Chara Bouma-Prediger is the Holland Farmers Market's new Food Navigator.
Farmers Market adds bilingual Food Navigator to assist shoppers

Ottawa Food and the Holland Farmers Market are offering another service to ensure all county residents have access to fresh, healthy food. Food Navigator Chara Bouma-Prediger will help patrons build healthy eating habits, make the most of SNAP benefits, and build relationships with their farmers.

Gentex interns Collin Mitchell and Ciana Witherell took part in the Lakeshore Advantage event.
Lakeshore Advantage helps interns picture their future in West Michigan

After a summer spent gaining hands-on work experience, Gentex interns were celebrated for their contributions. The gathering was also designed to showcase what the region has to offer them as a place to live, work and play.

The 'Epic Swim' team practices a night swim on Lake Michigan. Pictured from left to right are Nick Hobson, Todd Suttor, Matt Smith, Jon Ornée and Jeremy Sall. (Missing from the photo is team member Dave Ornée.)
6 friends prepare for 60-mile ‘Epic Swim’ across Lake Michigan

The idea of swimming across Lake Michigan has been floating around in one ultra-endurance challenge competitor’s mind for years. He and five other athletes are preparing to take the plunge this week. 

New bankruptcy law could be lifeline for small businesses

Chapter 11 reorganization, which requires up-front cash and can take years to complete, hasn’t been a viable option for small businesses. In response, Congress passed the Subchapter V Act in 2019.

Michelle Bombe in her garden at her Laketown Township home.
Backyard gardens gain popularity during pandemic

MSU Extension has seen a spike in interest from those seeking to create home gardens since the pandemic began. Those who are trying it say gardening provides a food source and fills the need to nurture.

Spring Grove park is wheelchair accessible.
What to do in August? 8 ways to explore your Lakeshore backyard

August is a prime time to enjoy the Lakeshore’s enchanting summers. This is a great month to get outside and explore Ottawa county’s treasures. Tourism expert Sally Laukitis offers up a list that includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

Violet and Quinn Tunison were excited to back at the Howard Miller Public Library in Zeeland.
Libraries’ reopening brings people back to ‘community living room’

Nearly all of the libraries across Ottawa County have reopened with new safety precautions in place. Reporter Heidi Tunison tried out the libraries with her two young ones in tow. She explains how the library experience has changed during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Rodger Price is the founder of Leading by Design.
One man’s vision: making West Michigan known for great leadership

Rodger Price is on a mission to train 1,000 West Michigan leaders. His Leading by Design program boasts an impressive list of alumni.

Jane Clark is the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce President. 
Chamber trailblazer earns elite designation

Under Jane Clark’s leadership, the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce is nationally recognized as an industry leader that is impacting the Holland-Zeeland area for the greater good.  

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