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.
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.”