The Near West Side district is located across the Grand River from Center City. The area is known for its working-class attitude, rich European traditions and, above all, resilience. The construction of the US 131 highway and Interstate 196 in the 1960's destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the area. It also scarred the heart and soul of a community. But today the Near West Side district is emerging as a much stronger and vibrant place than it was before the bulldozers. With Grand Valley State University expanding in the area; a thriving museum district; a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and locally run shops; as well as aggressive investment in unique urban housing ventures; the Near West Side now stands on the leading edge of Grand Rapids' evolution into a thriving 21st century city.
Having spent over half of her tenure thus far leading a major university amid a global pandemic, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella, Ph.D. is hard at work implementing and accelerating initiatives that she hopes will create lifelong learners through relationship-based teaching, whether this occurs remotely, or in small groups on campus.
“You have to be able to take a step back and, at the core, understand what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to accomplish with your career,” says Laura Hopson, president and CEO of EM Services, LLC. She continuously strives to find opportunities for everyone to thrive, particularly fellow minority- and women-owned businesses. She shares details about her decision to relocate the multi-million dollar company to Grand Rapids and her insights on the importance of diversity within the supply chain.
1st Microgreenery Fresh Living Microgreens sells on Fridays at Fulton Street Farmers Market, Bridge Street Market, and via online orders and social distanced pick-up. Owner Chris Huntoon says tasty microgreens are an easy way to eat healthier.
Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.
Rick Muschiana founder and co-owner of The Søvengård, express solidarity for his fellow food, beverage, and hospitality entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 shutdown, exploring the impact on the now and his optimism for the future.
Though all gyms and fitness studios were temporarily closed on March 16 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer amid the COVID-19 crisis, local studios are offering free resources to engage the community, lift spirits, and keep us moving.
Amongst the chaos of COVID-19, Chris Minarik, Assistant General Manager of Westside Social Tavern, discusses the impact the government-mandated shutdown has not only had on staff but on his own personal life.
GVSU ethics professor and director of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative Michael DeWilde encourage his students to practice emotional empathy to better understand sexual harassment.
Challenge Scholars offers an early scholarship promise so students at Harrison Park, Westwood Middle School, and Union High School and their families know, beginning in at least 6th grade, that a scholarship for college and career training after high school may be available to them.
The journey that medical products take from ideation to launch has been extended over the years by federal standards and regulations, but the basic outline remains the same: help people by making their lives easier, and call in whoever you need to make that happen.
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