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LAKESHORE ADVANTAGE

News

  • Gentex Announced as Presenting Sponsor for Inaugural SURGE Summit blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage and The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg Announce Strategic Partnership blog image

    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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  • True Grit: Knowing When to Push and When to Pause blog image

    Blog

    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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  • Q2 2024 Economic Impact blog image

    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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  • Serial Tech Entrepreneur Shawn Dougherty to Deliver Keynote Address at SURGE Summit blog image

    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 blog image

    Blog

    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 blog image

    Blog

    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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  • Rod Cooper blog image

    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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  • Celebrate the unsung heroes of thriving communities blog image

    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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  • Leveling Up with Smart Technologies at Inontime blog image

    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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  • Staying Competitive with Smart Manufacturing blog image

    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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  • A Different Kind of Farm for Michigan’s ‘Salad Bowl’ blog image

    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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  • Diversified Success: West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region Attracts Investments Across Multiple Industries blog image

    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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  • Cue Your Life blog image

    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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  • Salted Perfection LLC blog image

    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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  • West Michigan Lakeshore region advanced energy storage sector grows with Korea-Based LT Precision blog image

    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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  • ‘Ask Jack’ blog image

    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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  • Profielnorm USA, LLC Creating 32 New Jobs and Investing $7.5 Million in Plainwell   blog image

    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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  • Uniform Color Company Creating 13 New Jobs and Investing $12 Million in Holland   blog image

    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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  • Jennifer Owens named Newsmaker of the Year for startups and innovation by Crain’s blog image

    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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  • Cameron Buck blog image

    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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  • Beam Signing Marks a Milestone for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem blog image

    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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  • Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Outdoor Discovery Center Network Receive Lakeshore Advantage Strategic Partner of the Year Award blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Reports Major Economic Growth in 2023 blog image

    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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  • Joe Dyer blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Appoints Three New Board Members blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage 2024 Events blog image

    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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  • SURGE Member Spotlight: Devon Hudson blog image

    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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  • Investments in West Michigan Lakeshore Signal Continued Growth in Region’s Advanced Energy Storage and Medical Devices Industries blog image

    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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  • Automation systems provider Koops expanding in Holland, creating 24 jobs blog image

    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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  • 2024 Lakeshore Advantage Annual Meeting Awards blog image

    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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  • John Johnston blog image

    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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  • Walinga USA Creating 31 Jobs in Wayland, Further Boosting Michigan’s Agricultural Leadership  blog image

    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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  • SURGE Holiday Gift Guide blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Women Connect blog image

    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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  • DeWys Metal Solutions Expansion in West Michigan Creates 80 Jobs blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Supports Three Expansion Projects blog image

    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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  • Kent Ensing blog image

    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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  • $6.1M in Revitalization and Placemaking Program funds will support 17 West Michigan placemaking projects blog image

    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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  • West Michigan Lakeshore Product and Technology Startups Gain Momentum for Accelerated Growth blog image

    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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  • Industry Trends Report Emphasizes Need For Continuous Investment In Smart Technologies blog image

    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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  • Entrepreneur creates first-of-its-kind accessory for deaf, hard-of-hearing gamers blog image

    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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  • 21 New Jobs Coming to West Michigan blog image

    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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  • Michael Weis blog image

    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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  • Nora Balgoyen blog image

    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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  • Andrew Boatright blog image

    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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  • Matthew Haworth blog image

    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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  • Bill Hoefer blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Hosts Expert Panelists To Discuss The Return On Investment For Implementing Smart Manufacturing Technologies blog image

    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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  • Liberty Plastics Expands Holland Charter Township Headquarters, Creating Ten New Jobs blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage and GMED Win Economic Development Deal of the Year Award blog image

    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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  • Marcus A. Jackson blog image

    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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  • New West Michigan Technology and Innovation Hub Announced blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Announces The Appointment Of Two New Board Members blog image

    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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  • Robin Afrik blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Supports Historic Business Growth In 2022 blog image

    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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  • Industry Trends Report Reveals Exceptional Growth Among Primary Employers In Lakeshore Region blog image

    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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  • Brandon Erhart blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Wins International Economic Development Award blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Provides Funding To Increase Training Technology And Equipment blog image

    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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  • Lakeshore Advantage Announces Request For Business Stabilization ARPA Projects blog image

    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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  • Metal Flow Expands In Holland Charter Township blog image

    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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  • John Parker blog image

    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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  • Matt Paul blog image

    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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  • Gentex Expands In The City Of Zeeland And Zeeland Charter Township blog image

    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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  • Two Companies Expand In Jamestown Charter Township blog image

    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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  • Coastal Container Corporation Expands In The City Of Holland blog image

    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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  • Roger Price blog image

    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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  • Bonchul Koo blog image

    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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  • Mark Custer blog image

    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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  • Bill Brown blog image

    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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  • Menaka Abel blog image

    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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  • Josh Szymanski, PE blog image

    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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  • Jack Johnson blog image

    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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  • Rich Lievense blog image

    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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  • Nick Nykerk blog image

    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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  • Kelly Springer blog image

    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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  • Tysha Gill blog image

    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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  • Scott Lubbers blog image

    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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  • Brian Pageau blog image

    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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  • Jim Eickhoff blog image

    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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