FEATURED POSTS
Press Releases
New Lakeshore Advantage Report Reveals West Michigan Economy Holds Strong
Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, proudly announces the...
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Blog
Commonly Heard by Economic Developers: ‘You Know What We Need…’
Here’s How We Get There Jennifer Owens - December 18, 2024 As an economic development leader, I often...
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Press Releases
West Michigan economic development agencies seeking bids for state’s $75 million Revitalization and Placemaking program
The Right Place, Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development looking to help secure funding for projects within 13 county...
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Press Releases
Gentex Announced as Presenting Sponsor for Inaugural SURGE Summit
Innovative partnership to elevate Tech Week GR event and fuel regional growth HOLLAND, Mich. — Lakeshore Advantage is thrilled...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage and The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg Announce Strategic Partnership
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage and The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg (the Chamber) are...
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More Than A Car Wash, More Than A Restaurant
The Heart of Our Community’s Economic Health Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage As the leading organization responsible for...
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True Grit: Knowing When to Push and When to Pause
Jennifer Owens - August 15, 2024 In my last blog, I shared the importance of grit in developing great...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Seeks Input from Young Professionals
New survey aims to identify key opportunities and barriers to local talent retention ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage,...
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Announcements
Q2 2024 Economic Impact
Lakeshore Advantage supports eight business expansion projects resulting in 236 new and retained jobs in Q2 2024 In the...
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Press Releases
Serial Tech Entrepreneur Shawn Dougherty to Deliver Keynote Address at SURGE Summit
Co-creator of iPhone's first battery case to share insights on product development and entrepreneurial success at Holland's inaugural tech event...
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Two treasures that help make our region extraordinary
Jennifer Owens - May 25, 2024 I am a hands-on learner. I learn through seeing and doing. One of...
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Grit: Lessons in Leadership
Jennifer Owens - June 25, 2024 I have always been an avid reader. My mom, a high school English...
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Press Releases
Inaugural SURGE Summit to Spark Innovation Discussion as Tech Week GR Expands to Holland
West Michigan innovators to converge for event aimed at driving technological advancement and regional economic growth HOLLAND, Mich....
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Investor Spotlight
Rod Cooper
Rod Cooper joined Classic Transportation & Warehousing in 2009 and assumed his current role as President/CEO in 2017. Cooper...
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Blog
Celebrate the unsung heroes of thriving communities
Jennifer Owens - April 30, 2024 Economic development is the lifeblood of thriving communities. It is the work that drives...
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Case Studies
Leveling Up with Smart Technologies at Inontime
A case study on automated fulfillment process, Inontime Inontime is a transportation and warehousing solutions provider located in Holland,...
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Case Studies
Staying Competitive with Smart Manufacturing
A case study on vehicle lighting manufacturer, SoundOff Signal Founded in 1992, SoundOff Signal is a manufacturer that produces...
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Case Studies
A Different Kind of Farm for Michigan’s ‘Salad Bowl’
West Michigan’s manufacturing know-how brings Ag Tech company to Hudsonville, Mich. Maui Greens is revolutionizing the Ag Tech industry...
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Announcements
Diversified Success: West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region Attracts Investments Across Multiple Industries
A strong first quarter sees 168 new jobs and more than $90 million in private investment across six industries in...
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Founder Stories
Cue Your Life
CUE is more than just athletic apparel, it’s apparel with a purpose! Website: cueyourlife.com The Story As...
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Founder Stories
Salted Perfection LLC
We craft exceptional culinary salts, seasoning blends, and grilling rubs. Website: www.saltedperfection.com The Story Salted Perfection was born...
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Press Releases
West Michigan Poised for Growth in Advanced Energy Storage Sector
New report details West Michigan's role and opportunities in energy storage technology development and production ZEELAND, Mich. | March...
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Announcements
West Michigan Lakeshore region advanced energy storage sector grows with Korea-Based LT Precision
LT Precision Michigan, LLC will establish its North American headquarters in Holland, bringing 70 new jobs March 6, 2024...
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Blog
‘Ask Jack’
I have had the privilege to work in communities across the state and to benchmark leading regions throughout the U.S....
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Announcements
Profielnorm USA, LLC Creating 32 New Jobs and Investing $7.5 Million in Plainwell
Originally announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation February 29, 2024 Profielnorm USA, LLC, based in Kalamazoo, is...
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Announcements
Uniform Color Company Creating 13 New Jobs and Investing $12 Million in Holland
Originally announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation February 29, 2024 Uniform Color Company, a producer and full-service...
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Announcements
Jennifer Owens named Newsmaker of the Year for startups and innovation by Crain’s
February 28, 2024 - Lakeshore Advantage is thrilled to announce that President, Jennifer Owens has been recognized as Newsmaker of...
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Investor Spotlight
Cameron Buck
Cameron Buck is the executive director of Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland. Born and raised in Battle...
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Press Releases
Beam Signing Marks a Milestone for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Lakeshore Advantage celebrated a significant step in opening the doors to its new business incubator and headquarters by signing one...
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Announcements
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Outdoor Discovery Center Network Receive Lakeshore Advantage Strategic Partner of the Year Award
Inaugural Award Recognizes Trailblazing Nonprofits Strengthening West Michigan’s Lakeshore Communities Lakeshore Advantage congratulates the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD)...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Reports Major Economic Growth in 2023
New Report Details Substantial Business Expansion, Job Creation, and Investment in West Michigan Lakeshore Region ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore...
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Investor Spotlight
Joe Dyer
Joe Dyer is passionate about developing people, leading growth, and Making a Positive Difference in our world as President of...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Appoints Three New Board Members
New board members bring expertise in tribal economic development, furniture manufacturing and automotive manufacturing ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage...
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Announcements
Lakeshore Advantage 2024 Events
Lakeshore Advantage Signature Series (These events are subject to changes. Visit lakeshoreadvantage.com/events for registration and updates.) Annual Meeting Thursday,...
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Founder Stories
SURGE Member Spotlight: Devon Hudson
Member: Devon Hudson Company: SwivelServe About I'm Devon Hudson, residing in Hudsonville, Michigan, with my wife of 5 years, Danielle,...
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Announcements
Investments in West Michigan Lakeshore Signal Continued Growth in Region’s Advanced Energy Storage and Medical Devices Industries
Originally announced by Michigan Economic Development Corporation December 12, 2023 ATC Drivetrain, Inc. plans to consolidate its Center...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Announcements
Walinga USA Creating 31 Jobs in Wayland, Further Boosting Michigan’s Agricultural Leadership
Originally published by Michigan Economic Development Corporation November 30, 2023 Walinga USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Walinga Inc.,...
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Announcements
SURGE Holiday Gift Guide
Shop local by purchasing a gift from one of our West Michigan-based startups. Lakeshore Advantage has supported the growth of these companies...
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Partner Events
Lakeshore Women Connect
Thursday, February 29, 2024 (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM) (EST) At Lakeshore Women Connect, we welcome new women to...
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Press Releases
DeWys Metal Solutions Expansion in West Michigan Creates 80 Jobs
Originally published by Michigan Economic Development Corporation DeWys Metal Solutions, founded in 1977 in Grand Rapids, provides full-service custom...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Supports Three Expansion Projects
40 new jobs and over $7 million investment in West Michigan’s lakeshore region ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage announces...
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Investor Spotlight
Kent Ensing
Kent Ensing is the President of Global Concepts Enterprise in Holland since 2021. Prior to that he spent 20 years...
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Press Releases
$6.1M in Revitalization and Placemaking Program funds will support 17 West Michigan placemaking projects
Originally published by The Right Place (GRAND RAPIDS, MICH) – West Michigan economic development organizations Greater Muskegon Economic Development,...
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Announcements
West Michigan Lakeshore Product and Technology Startups Gain Momentum for Accelerated Growth
Three SURGE startups receive awards from state innovation program HOLLAND, Mich. – Three members of Lakeshore Advantage’s SURGE program...
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Press Releases
Industry Trends Report Emphasizes Need For Continuous Investment In Smart Technologies
Analysis of more than 120 Ottawa, Allegan County business leader interviews unveils assets and opportunities for lakeshore region economy ...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Breaks Ground on Region’s Premier Innovation Hub
HOLLAND, Mich.—Sept. 1, 2023 - Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, gathered with dozens...
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Announcements
Entrepreneur creates first-of-its-kind accessory for deaf, hard-of-hearing gamers
GRACE MAIULLO | THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023 This Q&A is part of a series that spotlights SURGE program entrepreneurs and explores the...
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Press Releases
21 New Jobs Coming to West Michigan
21 New Jobs Coming to West Michigan After Fabric Building Covers Establishes New Operations in State Company chooses West Michigan...
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Investor Spotlight
Michael Weis
Michael Weis is the President of Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation. Born and raised in a farming community in Western...
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Investor Spotlight
Nora Balgoyen
Nora Balgoyen is an Area Manager with Local Government and Community Affairs at ITC Holdings, the nation’s largest independent electric...
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Investor Spotlight
Andrew Boatright
Andrew Boatright became the General Manager for the Zeeland Board of Public Works in January 2019. Previously, he served as the...
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Investor Spotlight
Matthew Haworth
Matthew Haworth has been part of the family business since 1983. Starting out in manufacturing, and joining the company full-time...
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Investor Spotlight
Bill Hoefer
Bill Hoefer, Market Leader for Corewell Health Pennock and Zeeland Hospitals, is a healthcare executive with over 28 years of...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Hosts Expert Panelists To Discuss The Return On Investment For Implementing Smart Manufacturing Technologies
HOLLAND, Mich. – Today, Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Ottawa and Allegan counties, hosted an event as part of...
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Press Releases
Liberty Plastics Expands Holland Charter Township Headquarters, Creating Ten New Jobs
HOLLAND, Mich. – Liberty Plastics, based in Holland Charter Township, Michigan, announced they are expanding. The company, which has been operating...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage and GMED Win Economic Development Deal of the Year Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage, the nonprofit economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, was selected alongside Greater Muskegon...
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Investor Spotlight
Marcus A. Jackson
Marcus A. Jackson serves as the Vice President, Community and Economic Development Manager for the Western Michigan Region. He is responsible...
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Announcements
New West Michigan Technology and Innovation Hub Announced
Three-story downtown Holland office building will serve as a center for business incubation, economic development and community collaboration HOLLAND,...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Announces The Appointment Of Two New Board Members
ZEELAND, Mich. – Lakeshore Advantage announced today the appointment of two new members to the board of directors. Elected to serve...
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Investor Spotlight
Robin Afrik
Robyn Afrik serves as the first Director for the Ottawa County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, where she assesses...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Supports Historic Business Growth In 2022
Jan. 3, 2023 // ZEELAND, MICH – Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization for Allegan and Ottawa counties, released its 2022 Successful...
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Press Releases
Industry Trends Report Reveals Exceptional Growth Among Primary Employers In Lakeshore Region
12/15/2022 -ZEELAND, Mich. – Primary employers in Allegan and Ottawa Counties have experienced remarkable growth in 2022, with 97% reporting increased...
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Investor Spotlight
Brandon Erhart
Brandon Erhart is Regional Manager-West Shore, Health Plan Business for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He is tasked with...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Wins International Economic Development Award
10/4/2022 | ZEELAND, MI – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest nonprofit association for professional economic developers in the...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Provides Funding To Increase Training Technology And Equipment
08/26/2022 // ZEELAND, MICH – Lakeshore Advantage, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), awarded $130,150 to three training providers...
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Press Releases
Lakeshore Advantage Announces Request For Business Stabilization ARPA Projects
08/23/2022 // OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Lakeshore Advantage announced today a call for Business Stabilization projects as part of its role...
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Press Releases
Metal Flow Expands In Holland Charter Township
08/19/2022 // HOLLAND, MICH – Metal Flow, a worldwide leader in deep draw and progressive die stamping, is investing $7.2M into...
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Investor Spotlight
John Parker
John Parker is the Vice President of Project Development for EV Construction, a nationally recognized construction management firm. He works...
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Investor Spotlight
Matt Paul
Bio Matt Paul President and Chief Operating Officer DTE Gas Matt Paul is president and chief operating officer of DTE...
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Press Releases
Gentex Expands In The City Of Zeeland And Zeeland Charter Township
07/26/2022 // ZEELAND, MICH – Gentex Corporation, a high-tech supplier of electro-optical products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection...
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Press Releases
Two Companies Expand In Jamestown Charter Township
06/21/2022 // HUDSONVILLE, MICH – MFP Automation Engineering and Sprinkles Donut Shop both announced growth projects in Jamestown Charter Township last...
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Press Releases
Coastal Container Corporation Expands In The City Of Holland
05/31/2022 // HOLLAND, MICH – Coastal Container Corporation, a full-service provider of packaging supplies serving multiple industries including agriculture, automotive, eCommerce,...
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Investor Spotlight
Roger Price
You have years of Senior Executive leadership experience. Who are the people who have had a profound influence on you...
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Investor Spotlight
Bonchul Koo
Bonchul Koo is the president of LG Energy Solution Michigan, Inc. He started his tenure at LG Energy Solution, Michigan,...
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Investor Spotlight
Mark Custer
Mark Custer is a second-generation co-owner and CRO (Chief Revenue Officer) of Custer, Inc. (interior solutions and workplace design), CS Erickson (electrical and integrated...
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Investor Spotlight
Bill Brown
William (Bill) Brown has been the Superintendent of Allegan Area ESA since 2016 and is celebrating 30 years in public...
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Investor Spotlight
Menaka Abel
Menaka Abel serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Request Foods. She has earned experience in International Finance, Sales, and...
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Investor Spotlight
Josh Szymanski, PE
Josh serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Owen-Ames-Kimball, a West Michigan based commercial construction contractor. Utilizing his two decades of...
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Investor Spotlight
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is a visionary entrepreneur who is adept at finding the value and potential in challenging opportunities. With specialized...
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Investor Spotlight
Rich Lievense
Rich was the principal founder and chairman of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation which started and owned The Bank of Holland...
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Investor Spotlight
Nick Nykerk
Nick Nykerk is the President of Lakewood Construction, a commercial construction firm that serves clients throughout West Michigan. Nick leads...
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Investor Spotlight
Kelly Springer
Kelly Springer serves as Metal Flow Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Metal Flow Corporation is a manufacturer of technically sophisticated...
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Investor Spotlight
Tysha Gill
I live in South Haven, MI with my husband, John. We have three children, Keysharri (28 years old) who is...
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Investor Spotlight
Scott Lubbers
Bio Scott Lubbers Lakeshore Market Executive Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Scott Lubbers serves as the market executive and vice...
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Investor Spotlight
Brian Pageau
Bio Brian Pageau President, Foresight Management Brian Pageau lives in Holland, MI with his wife of 17 years, Anne, and their...
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Investor Spotlight
Jim Eickhoff
Creative Dining President & CEO Jim Eickhoff Serves Up Insight on Leadership, Sales Strategy and Employees as Family Jim Eickhoff...
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