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Development News Ciarra

City seeks micro-local contractors for river restoration

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, July 21, 2020
The City of Grand Rapids announces initiative to engage micro-local business enterprises (MLBE) in hundreds of thousands of dollars of upcoming river restoration contracts with hopes for lowering barriers to the area’s small minority-owned businesses.
Feature Story 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

BY ANDREA GOODELLTuesday, July 21, 2020
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. 
Feature Story On the Ground Battle Creek Waseyabek

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi finds the value in a diverse portfolio

By Jane SimonsMonday, July 20, 2020
Michigan's Non-Gaming Tribal Economic Impact Study shows just how much the tribes' nongaming arms mean to the state's economy, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi is helping.
Feature Story 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

BY ANDREA GOODELLMonday, July 20, 2020
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.
Feature Story Hope College professor Jordan VanHemert performs.

How bebop influenced the civil rights movement

By Jordan VanHemertSunday, July 19, 2020
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.
Feature Story Justin Raha owns the downtown Grand Haven bakery, Grand Finale Desserts and Pastries.

Gay business owner shares emotional response to Supreme Court ruling

By Justin RahaSaturday, July 18, 2020
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.
Feature Story DeWys-team-member

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

By Shandra MartinezFriday, July 17, 2020
Like many employers, DeWys Manufacturing added new communication and cleaning protocols to protect workers' health and well-being in the wake of COVID-19.
Feature Story Amy

Published Together: Amy Bailey on celebrating LGBTQ+ foster and adoptive parents

By Amy Bailey, LMSW, Child Welfare Program Director at Arbor CircleFriday, July 17, 2020
In this special op ed, Amy Bailey, LMSW, Child Welfare Program Director at Arbor Circle explores the recent history of discrimination against LGBTQ+ foster and adoptive parents, and why she, in contrast, celebrates and supports them in her role at the nonprofit.
Feature Story 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

By Peter D. RhoadesThursday, July 16, 2020
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. 
Feature Story ICCF

Local organizations work to assist residents and improve housing equity during COVID-19

By Leandra NisbetWednesday, July 15, 2020
For many, navigating the coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges, including increasing concerns around housing security. Nationwide, renters have raised complaints about discrimination within the housing sector. Local organizations are working to actively provide assistance to community members now and help improve housing equity in the future.
Feature Story Margaret Paxton, Assistant to the Curator of Collections, works at the Community Archives and Research Center.

14 ways grants are making a difference in the Grand Haven area

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, July 15, 2020
One grant will be used to digitize Tri-Cities Historical Museum collection into a searchable online database that will provide the community — including local schools — with remote access to the museum’s entire collection.
Longform b2b

How Michigan became a land of trails

By Patrick DunnTuesday, July 14, 2020
"These are investments that are going to pay dividends for generations. You don't get a chance very often to make these things happen."
Innovation News GROW

GRow1000 connects youth to jobs now and careers in the future

By Estelle Slootmaker, Interim Innovation News EditorTuesday, July 14, 2020
City of Grand Rapids' 6-week program enlists businesses and organizations to employ and connect with 1,000 youth ages 15 through 21 from the 49503, 49507, 49508, and 49509 ZIP codes, neighborhoods hit hardest by disproportionate outcomes.
Feature Story Patrick Cisler is executive director of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.

Why counting young people is critical to success of 2020 census

BY ANDREA GOODELLTuesday, July 14, 2020
Young adults don’t always recognize the civic responsibility of filling out a form, but the federal government uses answers to measure population and determine federal funding distribution to local governments.
Feature Story Jennifer Owens is president of Lakeshore Advantage.

Grants up to $20,000 available for small businesses impacted by COVID-19

By Shandra MartinezMonday, July 13, 2020
Lakeshore Advantage will be awarding the grants totaling $3.5 million to more than 160 small businesses in Allegan and Ottawa counties. Applications for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program will be accepted July 15-Aug. 5.
Feature Story Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.

What small businesses and nonprofits need to know about EIDL funds

By Liz HoffswellSaturday, July 11, 2020
As a part of the CARES Act, the EIDL program offers economic support for eligible small businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Business expert Liz Hoffswell explains what you need to know. 
Feature Story John

Schools, summer, and Grab and Go Meals: A Q&A with GRPS' John Helmholdt

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorFriday, July 10, 2020
When Governor Whitmer ordered schools closed for the remainder of the school year this spring, GRPS quickly pivoted to continue offering meals to families. As they approach another uncertain school year, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs John Helmholdt looks back on how the school supported the community in the spring, and how they continue to do so with Grab and Go meals this summer.
Partner Content Students listen to a lesson about MyPlate.

National Kidney Foundation of Michigan introduces nutrition and fitness to classrooms

By Jaishree Drepaul-BruderThursday, July 9, 2020
Presenting a program called PE-Nut in classrooms, the foundation uses a whole-school approach to motivate students, parents, and educators to eat healthier and be physically active. 
Feature Story The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness honored Gene Ekema, who until recently was homeless himself, as its 2020 Volunteer Champion.

How volunteering helped turn a homeless man’s life around

BY ANDREA GOODELLThursday, July 9, 2020
The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness honored Gene Ekema, who until recently was homeless himself, as its 2020 Volunteer Champion.
Feature Story Dennis Knight

When staying home is not an option: How Grand Rapids homeless navigate the COVID-19 pandemic

By Michelle Jokisch PoloWednesday, July 8, 2020
When one is experiencing homelessness, abiding by social distancing guidelines can be extremely difficult, and not having a place to live makes quarantining nearly possible. Local individuals and nonprofits share how COVID-19 is affecting the homeless population, and the unique challenges they seek to overcome.
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