Author: KMF Infotech

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Announcements

Automation systems provider Koops expanding in Holland, creating 24 jobs

Originally published by Michigan Economic Development Corporation 

 

December 21, 2023

 

Koops, Inc. specializes in factory automation systems, designing and building assembly machines and automated equipment for a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, defense, life science, and battery. The company currently employs 244 Michiganders.

 
Koops’ customers continue to increase their usage of automation, and as a result, it needs to expand its footprint in Michigan which would allow the company to work on larger scale projects. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3 million and create 24 jobs with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan over a competing site in South Carolina for this strategic project. 
 

“This facility expansion is part of increasing Koops‘ machining, fabrication, and logistics capacity, which is critical to Koops‘ methodical and strategic growth plans,” said Koops Director of Strategic Growth, Eric Steenwyk. 
 

The project would bring immediate advanced manufacturing jobs to the region and would solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state. Koops has expanded four times in Holland, including the construction of its first Holland facility, and an expansion of that building in 2018. Both projects were supported with MSF funds, and the company has met all performance requirements of the grant agreements. 
 

The city of Holland anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. Information on careers with Koops can be found here. 
 

 

“Lakeshore Advantage is thrilled to celebrate yet another expansion by Koops Automation Systems” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Their continued investment in the lakeshore region goes to show how much they believe in the incredible talent and many assets this community has to offer. We are grateful for the opportunity to step alongside Koops as they navigate growth and continue to bring good-paying jobs to West Michigan’s lakeshore.” 

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Press Releases

Lakeshore Advantage Recognizes Top Leaders Driving Economic Vibrancy

Leslie Brown named 2024 Visionary Awardee and Nonprofits contend for Strategic Partner Award

 

ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for Allegan and Ottawa counties, has named Leslie Brown, owner and chairperson of Metal Flow Corporation, the recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award. In addition, three nonprofit organizations have been selected as finalists for Lakeshore Advantage’s inaugural Strategic Partner of the Year Award.

 

Both awards will be presented to their respective recipients at Lakeshore Advantage’s Annual Meeting on February 1 at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.

 

“Our community thrives on a unique blend of visionary business and community leaders dedicated to fostering economic growth through collaboration,” remarked Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “For decades, Leslie and her family have consistently taken the initiative to actively support and champion impactful economic and community initiatives. Her unwavering commitment serves as an inspiring example for everyone to emulate.”

 

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. Past recipients of the Visionary Award include Dick Haworth, chairman emeritus of Haworth, and Jim Brooks, chairman of Brooks Capital Management, among others. Fifth Third Bank will present the Visionary Award.

 

“Leslie’s leadership has created a legacy and example we can all learn from,” said Scott Lubbers, Lakeshore Market Executive, Fifth Third Bank. “She also sets the tone with her commitment to so many organizations that are making this community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

Leslie Brown, owner and chairperson of Metal Flow Corporation

 

One of the three finalists for the Strategic Partner of the Year Award will be announced at the event. The Strategic Partner of the Year Award recognizes a trailblazing non-profit organization that is helping to overcome barriers to economic growth and seize opportunities. Ottawa and Allegan counties are among the fastest-growing counties in the state. This significant growth has resulted in increased demand for housing, childcare, and workforce development. Lakeshore Advantage relies on strong partnerships with hundreds of organizations to build a bright economic future for West Michigan’s lakeshore.

 

These finalists are leveraging unique, innovative approaches that strengthen our lakeshore communities:

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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.

 

  • Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) and Outdoor Discovery Center Network (ODC Network) (joint finalists) 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.

 

Lakeshore Advantage’s Annual Meeting is presented by Pioneer Construction. The event is a gathering of senior-level business leaders, the Lakeshore Advantage investor network, and key partner organizations that have aided business and economic growth projects. It is the official report-out to investors, and the business community, on the organization’s work and key milestones.

 

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Annual Meeting and to invest in the work being done by Lakeshore Advantage,” said Tim Schowalter, CEO at Pioneer Construction. “Investing in the long-term economic health and vitality of our communities is paramount to our success as a company, and as a region.”

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Announcements

2024 Lakeshore Advantage Annual Meeting Awards

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.

 

 

Continue reading “2024 Lakeshore Advantage Annual Meeting Awards”

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Investor Spotlight

Investor Spotlight

John Johnston

John Johnston has been an entrepreneur since the age of 13. He moved from Northern Ireland to the United States in 2004 and currently works as a co-founder at PeopleIT which offers top tech talent to help companies optimize their systems and leverage their data to empower growth. 

Johnston is a husband, father, hiker, traveler, and a rugby and soccer fan. He is also a community advocate for Goodwill West Michigan, Holland Education Foundation, and Ready for School. 

 

Tell us about your leadership style and how it’s developed over your career. 

As a younger ‘wannabe’ entrepreneur I believed I had to be a fighter and thought I knew what I was doing. Today, I now look for—and depend on—the wisdom of others to help guide me. We take the approach of everyone is a leader. One of our mantras is ‘the best idea wins’. My style of leadership now is much more passive and led by curiosity and question-asking. I’ve found it to be the most liberating and empowering for everyone. 

 

What strategies do you employ to motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best performance? 

We have a lot of events and get-togethers. We want people to have friends at work. We also keep 100% of our work visible to everyone, there’s no shadow work. Everyone has a key measurable of success and they can track that daily, weekly, and monthly. People feel supported and empowered and have a clear indication that they’re either winning or in need of support. We also have a profit-sharing plan, so we all feel ownership of our success as a company. 

 

What’s your take on current trends and challenges in the tech sector? 

The current joke is: “What’s the fastest thing on earth right now? …people becoming AI experts”. AI is at the center of the conversation, and it should be. The pace of change will be dramatic over the next decade, and we believe the next few years are about preparing for the tipping point and embracing what AI is doing today. Our goal is to partner with companies on that journey and take incremental steps to connect with and embrace the future. 

 

What key experiences have shaped your career? What lessons have you learned? 

One of the greatest lessons is that hard work doesn’t matter if there’s no demand for what you’re selling. I almost went bankrupt trying to work harder and not taking stalk of the reality around me.  Also, if you can, find a partner who is smarter than you and who you enjoy spending time with. It makes every day a lot more fun. 

 

What about your work has you most excited right now? 

We’re five-and-a-half years old and we’ve gone through a couple of major changes. Every change we make is trying to make the company more like the one we want to work for. I’m excited about the changes we’re embarking on for 2024 as we strive to live into our purpose of ‘helping people thrive’. 

 

What do you enjoy most about living and doing business in West Michigan? 

I migrated to West Michigan from Northern Ireland in 2004. I was immediately struck by the number of flourishing companies and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an inspiring community of people who are focused on innovation and reinvestment in the community.  

 

Why is it a priority for you to invest in our region’s economy? 

I was one of the first entrepreneurs in Lakeshore Advantage’s business incubator 20 years ago when I moved from Ireland. Beyond having a deep commitment to the work of Lakeshore Advantage, the broader scope of economic development is imperative to help us become a destination for not only the greatest companies in the world but also the greatest entrepreneurs and workforce. 

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