Regional leaders invest in bold economic growth plan
HOLLAND, Mich. (September 29, 2025)—Lakeshore Advantage today announced the successful close of Powering Our Future: The Next Lakeshore Generation, a five-year growth plan and fundraising campaign designed to strengthen the West Michigan Lakeshore region’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Launched publicly in April 2025, the private-sector-focused campaign set out to raise $2.3 million in new revenue to fund strategic initiatives supporting business growth, talent development, and entrepreneurship. The campaign exceeded its goal, raising more than $2.4 million through commitments from 38 regional businesses, organizations, and individuals.
“This campaign has been about more than dollars—it’s been about uniting our region’s leadership around a shared vision for the future,” said Jeff Stutz, campaign co-chair and chief operating officer of MillerKnoll. “These investments will directly fuel the initiatives that our region’s employers and communities need to remain strong, resilient, and competitive for years to come.”
Stutz co-chaired the campaign alongside P.J. Thompson, CEO of Trans-Matic and Lakeshore Advantage President, Jennifer Owens. Funds raised will power the execution of Lakeshore Advantage’s targeted five-year growth plan, built around three strategic pillars:
- Powering Our Future Workforce: Accelerating attraction, retention, and growth in the talent pipeline, with a focus on emerging workers in high-demand positions.
- Powering Primary Employers and Communities: Supporting the stability and growth of existing businesses while continuing to position the region as a top choice for business investment.
- Powering the Next Generation of Employers: Growing a dynamic startup ecosystem for product and technology entrepreneurs.
Through these initiatives, Lakeshore Advantage aims to achieve by 2030:
- Creation of 5,000 new primary jobs and 4,374 indirect jobs
- $375 million in new business expansion investments
- $10 million in new capital investment in startups
- Strengthened regional resilience and competitiveness
Thompson reflected on the campaign’s significance: “When my father started Trans-Matic in 1968, he was investing in the future of our community. That’s exactly what this campaign represents—laying the foundation for the region’s immediate future and the next generation.”
The campaign’s success reflects a broad base of private sector support for the region’s economic vitality. Top supporters of the campaign include:
- Now for the Next Fund
- Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
- MillerKnoll
- Allegan County Community Foundation
- Corewell Health / Priority Health
- Fifth Third Bank
- Huntington Bank
- LG Energy Solution
“Exceeding our goal shows how deeply our investors are committed to building sustainable economic growth,” expressed Beth Blanton, vice president of engagement at Lakeshore Advantage. “When economic development is working at its best the return is clear: it means thriving businesses, strong local governments, and high-quality job opportunities for people in this region.”
Lakeshore Advantage contracted Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to help conduct the campaign. For more on the Powering Our Future plan, visit lakeshoreadvantage.com/about-us/strategic-plan-pof.
Image: Campaign co-chair and CEO of Trans-Matic, P.J. Thompson delivering remarks at the Powering Our Future campaign launch in April
