Here's a digest of current business news and topics from Western Michigan:
The Right Place, Inc. - Minority-owned shoe manufacturer moving HQ from Oregon to GR
Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, announced that sustainable outdoor footwear company HOLO Footwear will be moving its headquarters from Portland, Oregon to downtown Grand Rapids and opening e-commerce operations in the region, creating 61 new jobs and $1.6M in capital investment. HOLO Footwear is a minority-owned, sustainable outdoor footwear company that launched in 2020. Their goal is to create sustainable and attainable footwear for everyone, using recycled material to build each shoe and ensuring their product remains affordable for the average consumer. They started selling in late 2021 in stores including Nordstrom, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Backcountry, Macy’s, Public Lands, and REI. Learn more here.
The Mill at Vicksburg - $80m mixed-use property opens its 80-acre nature area for summertime children events
While the $80 Mill at Vicksburg property undergoes renovations to become a mixed-use property in Kalamazoo County, owners decided to showcase the natural habitat of the 80-acre property by hosting nature walks for children. This is the second year the Mill has offered this family-friendly activity. In 2021, the Mill saw more than 200 children participate. The appointment-based tours, which last approximately 2-hours between tour and crafts, happens on July 9, August 13, September 10 and October 8 starting at 9:30am. Admission is $10 with all ticket proceeds benefiting the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center. Minimum age to participate is 4 years old, and all children need to have an adult accompany them. Learn more or register at this site: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kids-nature-walks-at-the-mill-2022-tickets-301505199167
Degage Ministries – Dégagé Ministries Hosts Film Series on Causes, Realities, Solutions to Homelessness
Downtown Grand Rapids homeless shelter Dégagé Ministries is hosting Unhoused, a film series on the causes, realities, and solutions to homelessness. The event series will include two films shown at Wealthy Theater, one on on June 22nd and another on July 20th from 6-9 PM, followed by an outdoor community celebration at Dégagé Ministries (144 Division Ave S) on August 10th from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Each film will be followed by a Q&A with representatives from various organizations, including Mel Trotter Ministries, Family Promise, and Network180. Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Kyd Kane will moderate all sessions. To register, attendees can visit https://www.classy.org/event/unhoused-a-film-series-on-the-causes-realities-and-solutions-to-homelessness/e406342, or contact Kacey Spencer at (616) 454-1661 ex. 227, or kacey@degageministries.org with any questions.
Axios HR - Grand Rapids HR firm merges with northern Michigan company to expand statewide human resource service offerings
Axios HR of Grand Rapids, and PMP Personnel, a six-office, 30-year-old employment agency headquartered in Petoskey, announce they have merged to expand service offerings and strengthen relationships among human resources outsourcing and staffing clients. The combined entity will have 72 employees across 11 offices from northern to southwestern Michigan. The merger was finalized in March. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Both brands, along with all staff and office locations, will continue to operate with no interruption or changes. PMP affiliates Care Plus TLC and Financial Search Group are also part of the merger.
Cruise the Great Lakes – International coalition announces that 2022 set to be record-breaking year for Great Lakes cruise ship industry
Cruise the Great Lakes, the international coalition representing the Great Lakes cruise ship industry, shared its anticipated 2022 cruising season statistics. After a two-year pause, Cruise the Great Lakes expects that 2022 cruise passengers will make nearly 150,000 visits to Great Lakes ports. The number of passengers is up by more than 25% from 2019. In 2022, nine ships will be cruising on the Great Lakes including Pearl Seas, American Queen Voyages, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines and, for the first time ever, Viking Cruises. Altogether these cruises will generate an economic impact of over $120 million US. More information is below. Interviews with leaders are available.
LaFleur Marketing - Reading a book helped marketing firm owner re-write his own business plan
Chip LaFleur, owner of Grand Rapids-based marketing firm LaFleur Marketing, created an entrepreneurial account team approach after reading Corporate Rebels (https://corporate-rebels.com/). It motivated him to create a flat organization that allowed his client services teams to make decisions without waiting for any ‘upline’ approval. This was an enlightening moment for Chip as he experienced the corporate & agency account management gridlock in previous jobs as well as the early years of his marketing firm. He is available for interviews on this overhaul. Contact me for more information on this topic.
Degage Ministries – Downtown GR homeless mission to move entrance off Division Avenue
Downtown Grand Rapids homeless shelter Degage Ministries celebrated the opening of a new community center and dining room today – the first phase of a multi-year $7.5m effort to expand the organization footprint and service offerings. As a result of the campus renovations, Degage will be moving its main entrance off the congested Division/Cherry intersection to the more pedestrian-friendly Sheldon Boulevard. Organization leaders are available for comment. Full news release available by contacting me.
ompass College of Film & Media – TV show made in GR b local film school get picks up by streaming service
“The Watchers,” a supernatural thriller series about the archangel Michael who is sent to earth to protect humanity from his brother, the devil who is seeking a weapon that can kill supernatural beings, debuted on Redeem TV last week. The show was produced in partnership with Compass College of Film & Media, Vision Video, and Next Horizon Studios. It became available to view for free at www.redeemtv.com starting June 1, 2022. Interviews are
available with college leaders to discuss the incredible experience Compass students have by working on major productions.
# # #
