The Lakeshore

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.  

The Morales family rode on the Lakeshore Habitat parade float down Columbia Avenue to their new home at 132 E. 37th St., where an outdoor dedication was held.
Parade celebrates nonprofit-church partnership in building Habitat home

In spite of construction shutdowns due to COVID-19, a partnership between nonprofits and churches has completed a Habitat for Humanity home for one Holland family. The completion of the project was celebrated with a parade and a home dedication.

LEDA Executive Director Gloria Lara introduces Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at the Summit.
LEDA’s 1st virtual conference brings together leaders for day of inclusion education

In an age when racial inequity has been thrust to the forefront, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s annual summit on race and inclusion drew nearly 800 people. Among the virtual event's attendees were representatives from cities, public schools, police departments, public health departments, corporations, nonprofits, and universities.

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot in her first election by mail
Mail-in ballots attractive to first-time voters

Recent high school grad Gezelle Kingdom Grier is ready to cast a ballot by mail in her first election. “I was looking forward to voting in person but I think this will be much easier," she says. 

A new program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords.
Renters avoid eviction, landlords get back rent with new state program

The Michigan Eviction Diversion Program is providing $60 million in coronavirus relief funds to prevent homelessness statewide by paying back rent to landlords. “It’s a win for everybody,” says Good Samaritan Ministries Executive Director Drew Peirce. 

Theresa Glass only recently recognized the role her childhood played in her health issues as an adult .
Thrive shines light on childhood trauma’s effects on adults

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or a home with mental illness, domestic violence, or the loss of a parent can affect people long into adulthood in ways that can manifest as both mental and physical maladies.

Hope College professor Jordan VanHemert performs.
How bebop influenced the civil rights movement

Hope Professor Jordan VanHemert writes about his love for Bebop, a style that challenged the status quo during the Jim Crow era and why he thinks everyone should listen to this music.

Justin Raha owns the downtown Grand Haven bakery, Grand Finale Desserts and Pastries.
Gay business owner shares emotional response to Supreme Court ruling

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from job discrimination based on sex, Justin Raha explains the personal toll that lack of protection has taken on him.

Communication key to helping employees adjust to new COVID-19 normal

Like many employers, DeWys Manufacturing added new communication and cleaning protocols to protect workers' health and well-being in the wake of COVID-19.

Customer and employee safety remains a priority for businesses in downtown Holland and Grand Haven.
What businesses need to know about Michigan’s mask mandate

As positive cases of COVID-19 rise, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expanded the previous recommendation-only directive for use of face masks to a mandate. There are many implications to businesses, their patrons, and employees. Here's what you need to know. 

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