Here's a digest of current business news and topics from Western Michigan:
Graydon’s Crossing – Popular GR pub feeding 150 people with free Thanksgiving meals
This Wednesday, popular Grand Rapids gastro pub Graydon’s Crossing, 1223 Plainfield Avenue NE, is giving away prepackaged, ready to eat meals to 50 people that have expressed a need this holiday season. Media are welcome to cover the giveaway between Noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. The meals can feed up to 3 people and include turkey, gravy, potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. EatGR coordinated the selection process and has already identified the 50 people who will receive the meals.
Degage Ministries - Degage Ministries seeks donations for annual Heartside Community Christmas Store
Degage Ministries is preparing to open the Degage Ministries Christmas Store to help low-income and homeless residents of the Heartside neighborhood purchase holiday gifts for family and friends. Store items are donated and then sold to residents at reduced prices, providing an opportunity for the individuals to feel dignity and value in not only choosing, but also paying for the gift items. The public can help Degage by donating items for the store, and volunteering to help run the store, which will be open Dec. 16 and 17 at LaGrave Christian Reformed Church. Anyone interested in donating can drop off unwrapped gift items from Degage’s wish list to any Center for Physical Rehabilitation location, or by purchasing items from Degage’s Amazon Wishlist. All donations must be received no later than Dec. 9. Volunteers are also needed. Degage executives are available for interview on how the community can help.
Priority HR - Job placement firm finds success helping fill needed manufacturing jobs with college-age workers
Longtime job placement executive Jim Cox is known for being incredibly creative in finding talent that is a fit for are manufacturers. Throughout the pandemic, Cox has found a niche in helping current out-of-work college students employment at area manufacturers that are desperate for full and part time help. Cox is available discuss his success and how he is leveraging college interns to also help staff his own company.
The trU Group - Six West Mich business leaders profiled in new book on “honest culture” in the workplace
Years of asking highly-successful business leaders “What do you want from your business?” and getting consistent responses focusing on the success and growth of their staff led Grand Rapids-based author and leadership development coach Scott Patchin to write his most recent book Truth at the Heart (Patchin, 2020), which published Nov. 18. The second book in the “Honest Culture” series, Patchin gives readers a glimpse of how six West Michigan business leaders answered that question. He along with the business leaders are available for interviews.
The Right Place, Inc.. – 2021 Economic Outlook for West Michigan to be held online Dec. 10
The Right Place is hosting its annual economic forecast event Thursday, Dec. 10, from 8 to 10 a.m. This year’s event will be held on Zoom. Cost is $45 per person. Jim Robey, director regional and economic planning services from UpJohn Institute will review regional, state and national industry trends as they relate to West Michigan and provide employment projections and overall economic forecast. Robey will address current thinking around post-pandemic economic recovery and what that looks like for West Michigan. Birgit Klohs will deliver her final year in review for Right Place (she’s retiring January 2021). Full registration details are here: https://www.rightplace.org/events/2021-economic-outlook-for-west-michigan.
Homes Giving Hope - Divine moment leads Rockford trio to develop23-acre independent living community for special needs individuals
A 2019 ‘divine moment’ between friends who all had the same vision for opening an independent living community in Rockford for special needs adults has become reality with the opening of the nonprofit Homes Giving Hope. The 23-acre development just outside downtown Rockford has one home in use and plans to construct others on the property in the future. All are focused on providing living for young adults with special needs who require some assistance with daily tasks. The trio of friends are willing to sharing their deeply moving experience that brought them together to pursue this calling. A full news release is available by contacting me.
