2024 Visionary Award
The Lakeshore Advantage Visionary Award recognizes individuals in the lakeshore region who think big; who make a positive impact within the community that goes above and beyond their career position; and who convene multiple stakeholders to accomplish far-reaching achievements.
Leslie Brown, Metal Flow Corporation
Leslie Brown is owner and chairperson of Metal Flow Corporation, a Holland-based metal stamping company that began as a family business in 1978. She assumed the role of chairperson in 2003, leading the organization’s growth and evolution for the last twenty years. Leslie additionally serves on the board of directors of Gentex Corporation, the lakeshore region’s largest employer, lending her significant understanding of, and experience with, challenges faced by manufacturing companies that supply the global automotive industry. In addition to her years of leadership as an entrepreneurial automotive supplier, Leslie is active in the community and has served as past Chair on the Boards of Holland Hospital, TalentFirst, and the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area. She has also served on the boards of the West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Holland Historical Trust, West Michigan Community Bank, and Harbor House Ministries.
Strategic Partner of the Award Year
The Strategic Partner of the Year award recognizes trailblazing non-profit organizations that are helping to overcome barriers to economic growth and opportunity. These organizations are leveraging unique, innovative approaches that strengthen our lakeshore communities.
Finalist:
Workforce Development
Key Partner: Johnny Rodriguez, President & CEO, Latin Americans United for Progress
Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) is a pioneering leader in workforce development. LAUP’s new workforce development program, Educate, Elevate!, offers Ottawa County adults the opportunity to build an empowering career for themselves. In less than a year, LAUP’s workforce development program served more than 150 traditionally underserved Ottawa County residents.
Housing on the Lakeshore
Key Partner: Allegan County Community Foundation
Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) stepped up in 2023 to address a critical gap. Access to housing has been increasingly identified as a significant hurdle to growth by employers in the region. A study commissioned by the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) revealed eye-opening data on this need for the community and is making plans to address it.
Access to Childcare
Key Partner: (joint finalist nomination) Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Outdoor Discovery Network
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) and Outdoor Discovery Center Network (ODC Network) are making significant strides to open more childcare spots across the region. Accessible and affordable childcare is critical to the region’s economic strength and research indicates a significant shortage of childcare spots for West Michigan’s lakeshore