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Investor Spotlight

Investor Spotlight

Ross Haan

Ross Haan serves as the President of Impact Fab, Inc., and is a second-generation owner in the business. Growing up working on the shop floor, Ross never imagined joining the business full-time. However, after earning his B.S. in Economics from Hillsdale College and spending time in NY and CO, the draw of West Michigan and being part of the family business pulled him back home in 2006. Ross has earned an Innovation Management Certification from The NewNorth Center and is a graduate of the Family Business Alliance “Leading Forward” program. 

 

 

Talk to us about workplace culture. What are some values that you and your team live by?  

Our core values are Respect, Agility, Curiosity, and Excellence.  

At Impact Fab we have always been driven by the question “How can we”? Curiosity guides us to always learn and grow, as people but as a company as well. 

 

 

Can you share your perspective on the current trends and challenges in custom fabrication? 

 Metal fabrication is a mature industry that has seen a lot of highs and lows over the years. The current uncertainty globally brings new challenges but also opportunities for us to highlight the speed to market and quality that sourcing locally offers. We are excited to showcase the craftsmanship and ability of our talented team. 

 

 

What projects or initiatives have you most excited right now? 

I’m personally encouraged to see a renewed interested in the skilled trades from our young people graduating high school. We are particularly blessed with a fantastic tech center and local high schools that have prioritized career development and readiness. It gives me hope that West Michigan can continue to compete nationally as one of the best places in the country to manufacture. 

 

Hear more from Ross HERE.

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Press Releases

Lakeshore Advantage Launches Powering Our Future Growth Plan and Campaign

HOLLAND, MI (April 18, 2025) — Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa Counties, today launched Powering Our Future: The Next Lakeshore Generation, a five-year growth plan and fundraising campaign to ensure an economically strong and vibrant region. The plan is designed to increase the West Michigan Lakeshore region’s competitiveness in the global economy through initiatives that support business growth, talent development, and entrepreneurship. The private-sector-focused campaign has a goal to raise $2.3 million in new revenue. To date more than $1.8 million has already been secured during a quiet phase of fundraising.

 

Campaign co-chairs Jeff Stutz, Chief Financial Officer of MillerKnoll, and P.J. Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Matic, are leading the economic growth initiative alongside Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage.

 

“We all have at least one thing in common: a love for this region and a desire, both professionally and personally, to see it succeed and stay strong,” said Stutz. “This plan is our playbook. It’s how we become the winning team.”

 

The campaign will fund the resources for Lakeshore Advantage to execute their targeted fiveyear growth plan. Powering Our Future is built around three strategic initiatives:

 

• Powering Our Future Workforce: Accelerating attraction, retention, and growth in the talent pipeline with a focus on high-demand and emerging workers.

• Powering Primary Employers and Communities: Supporting the stability and growth of existing businesses while positioning the region as a top-tier location for business investment.

• Powering the Next Generation of Employers: Building a dynamic startup ecosystem for entrepreneurs in target sectors.

 

Through the implementation of the five-year plan, Lakeshore Advantage aims to achieve the following outcomes by 2030:

• 5,000 new primary jobs and 4,374 indirect jobs

• $375 million in new capital investment

• $10 million in new capital investment in startups

• Strengthened regional resilience and competitiveness

 

The Powering Our Future campaign has already received commitments from over 20 regional businesses and organizations, including:

• Now for the Next Fund

• MillerKnoll

• Corewell Health

• Fifth Third Bank

• Huntington Bank

• LG Energy Solution

• Priority Health

• Bank of America

• EV Construction

• fairlife, LLC

• Haworth

• Holland Board of Public Works

• Lake Michigan Credit Union

• Lakewood Construction

• Macatawa Bank

• Old National Bank

• Pioneer Construction

• Boar’s Head

• Brooks Capital Management

• ITC

• Trans-Matic

• Impact Fab

• Warner Norcross + Judd

• Holly and Erick Johnson

• Metal Flow

 

Thompson shared his personal reflection: “When my father started Trans-Matic in 1968, he was thinking beyond the moment—he saw the value of our community and the need to invest in its future,” Thompson remarked. “That’s what we’re doing today: laying the groundwork for the next 50 years.”

 

A private kickoff reception celebrating campaign investors and outlining the plan was held this morning at The Next Center in downtown Holland, with remarks from campaign leadership.

 

To learn more about the campaign or get involved, visit https://lakeshoreadvantage.com/aboutus/strategic-plan-pof/.

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Press Releases

Emerging Worker Survey Illuminates Challenges and Opportunities in the Lakeshore Region

HOLLAND, Mich.—Lakeshore Advantage today released a comprehensive report on the wants and needs of emerging workers in the Lakeshore region—a critical initiative aimed at helping the region’s business community attract and retain top talent. Research was conducted by the Frost Center for Data and Research at Hope College. The survey gathered insights from 216 emerging workers between the ages of 18 and 34 during late summer and early fall 2024.

 

These findings will be used to help guide the future strategic focus for Lakeshore Advantage’s efforts to attract and retain young professionals.

 

“As competition for talent intensifies, we must stay laser-focused on ensuring the Lakeshore region remains an attractive, viable option for emerging workers,” said Mandy Cooper, vice president of strategic initiatives at Lakeshore Advantage. “The fact that so many young adults would recommend living here and see themselves staying long-term is incredibly promising. Now is the time to tackle issues and secure the talent our businesses need today and in the future.”

 

The survey found that 66% of respondents say they would pick the Lakeshore region over any other location. If they can find the right job and housing, they want to stay here. Additionally, the report pointed to several key positive attributes related to living and working in the area including:

 

  • Access to Lake Michigan
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Living close to family
  • A sense of safety

 

Participants also shared constructive feedback:

 

Affordability and Compensation: Respondents rated local salary/benefits 3.24 out of 5.0, while cost of living earned only 2.78 out of 5.0. Fewer than one-fifth consider the region “affordable”.

 

Inclusivity and Advancement: Only about half of respondents said they feel the Lakeshore region is inclusive, and fewer than half see ample opportunities for career advancement or professional networking.

 

“As a young professional, I want to build my career in a place that offers both opportunity and a great quality of life,” said Noah Walters, journeyman eyelet tool and die maker at Trans-Matic. “It’s encouraging to see a focus on talent retention and community investments that make it easier for people like me to stay and grow here.”

 

As a next step, Lakeshore Advantage plans to actively promote the region’s high-demand career opportunities and engage a diverse group of emerging talent to guide its strategic initiatives. The organization will connect local employers with key resources and forge partnerships with educational institutions and government leaders to create vibrant, supportive communities. These efforts are designed to strengthen the talent pipeline, ensuring a skilled workforce is ready to meet the region’s future needs.

 

Read the complete Lakeshore Advantage: Emerging Worker Survey Report for additional data and insights.

 

About Lakeshore Advantage:

 

Lakeshore Advantage is the nonprofit economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa Counties in West Michigan. Since 2003, it has supported the growth of primary employers—ranging from startups to global corporations—by solving economic challenges and fostering long-term regional prosperity. Last year, Lakeshore Advantage facilitated $243.9 million in private sector investments, secured $44.7 million in support funds, and helped create or retain over 550 jobs. Learn more at www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.

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Press Releases

West Michigan Business Leaders Honored for Exceptional Vision and Community Impact

Manufacturing Leader Jon DeWys and Attorney Jack Marquis to be Honored

 

HOLLAND, Mich. | Feb. 3, 2025 – Lakeshore Advantage announces two prestigious awards for business leaders in Ottawa and Allegan counties. The Visionary Award will recognize Jon DeWys, CEO and co-owner of DeWys Metal Solutions and the Standing Ovation Award will honor the late John “Jack” Richard Marquis, a distinguished attorney and founding chair of the organization. Both awards will be presented at Lakeshore Advantage’s Annual Meeting on February 20 at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville beginning at 3 pm.

 

Visionary Award: Jon DeWys

 

Jon DeWys, CEO and co-owner of DeWys Metal Solutions, is being recognized for his outstanding leadership and business acumen. His family-owned manufacturing company, located in Marne, employs over 300 team members in West Michigan. With a passion for education, Jon drove the launch of an extensive employee training program, DeWys University. The employer-led program provides hands-on training and education opportunities in the technical space to new and current team members who wish to expand their skills in manufacturing.

 

The Visionary Award, to be presented by Fifth Third Bank, recognizes business leaders in West Michigan’s Lakeshore region who demonstrate exceptional vision, community engagement, and far-reaching positive impact. Previous recipients include Leslie Brown of Metal Flow, Dick Haworth of Haworth, and Jim Brooks of Brooks Capital Management.

 

Standing Ovation Award: John “Jack” Richard Marquis

 

John “Jack” Richard Marquis (May 17, 1943 – February 25, 2024) was a distinguished attorney and dedicated community leader in Holland, Michigan. Throughout his legal career, Jack practiced health, business, real estate, and tax law, and served as the attorney for Holland Hospital for over 45 years. Jack was deeply committed to civic engagement and economic development, playing a crucial role as founding chair of Lakeshore Advantage.

 

The Standing Ovation Award celebrates Jack’s selfless work and lasting legacy of service, leadership, and community dedication.

 

“Jon and Jack represent the very best of our region’s leadership. Their innovative thinking and commitment to community exemplify the spirit of collaboration that drives our region’s economic success,” remarked Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “These awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective potential of our communities. We are proud to honor their remarkable contributions.”

 

Nearly 300 business and community leaders are expected to attended Lakeshore Advantage’s annual meeting. This event brings together senior-level business leaders, the organization’s investor network, and key partner organizations to report on economic growth projects and key milestones. For information or to register to attend visit: https://lakeshoreadvantage.com/events/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos: Jon DeWys (left), Jack Marquis (right)

 

 

About Lakeshore Advantage

 

Lakeshore Advantage is the economic GPS for West Michigan’s Allegan and Ottawa Counties. The nonprofit economic development organization grows primary employers at all stages of development, plans to ensure long-term economic health, solves economic challenges, and identifies opportunities. Lakeshore Advantage was established in 2003 by forward-focused business and community leaders to assist primary employers—from startups to established global corporations—as they navigate growth in the Lakeshore region. Learn more at www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.

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