Grand Rapids Business Journal
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May 20, 2013
Volume: 31
Edition: 20
Since 1983, Grand Rapids Business Journal has been West Michigan's primary and most trusted source of local business news. The weekly print edition of the Business Journal, a must-read for the area’s top decision-makers, is known as the business newspaper of metro Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and all of West Michigan.
May 20, 2013
GR building permit volume soars in April
Figure may indicate commercial construction and local economy have rebounded.
The monetary value of the building permits that were applied for and granted just in Grand Rapids, and only in April, totaled a nearly unbelievable $77 million — a figure that breaks out to a daily average of $3.5 million for each of the month’s 22 business days.
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The mayors agree: It’s Beer Region USA
Furniture City has turned into Beer City USA.
Although Grand Rapids has many identities, its love affair with craft beer recently made it the most visible.
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Made in Michigan product line offers companies sustainable gifts
Having items made locally also means more jobs are filled.
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Companies focused on developing zero waste streams are looking for recognition products that fit their sustainability mission, and Grand Rapids company Promotional Impact’s Green Giftz line is creating products to fill that need.
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Inside Track: Still looking ahead and embracing the future
Mark Tanis of The Image Group has been called a “true visionary” for his accomplishments in the communication industry.
One challenging aspect of interviewing business leaders is they often prefer talking about their team rather than themselves.
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KCLBA views local banks as vital to its operation
Land bank feels lenders have responded positively to its mission.
Kent County Land Bank Authority Executive Director Dave Allen said the response his fledgling agency has received so far from the local banking community has been extremely positive.
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Construction on city commission’s agenda again
Construction projects filled the Grand Rapids City Commission agenda last week, as commissioners scheduled four public hearings and extended the completion date for a development in the city’s Renaissance Zone.
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Cooking up new business
Changing food trends lead to winners and losers.
Jeff Grogg, a Battle Creek consultant to the food industry across the U.S., sees potential trouble ahead for the sugar industry but lots of new opportunities for the growers and processors of fruits and vegetables.
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MAREC gets grant to study solar energy in Michigan
It isn’t as lame here as some think, according to MAREC researcher.
The Michigan Energy Office has been awarded a $44,000 grant to the GVSU Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center to study solar energy system costs and improvements for more efficient use in Michigan’s climate.
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City ready to listen to tax talk
Grand Rapids city commissioners will give taxpayers a chance to chime in on the proposed city budget and new property tax millage rate.
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Taking measure of revenue gains
Recovery. The regional economy is showing fundamental recovery, with a capital R.
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West Michigan companies face software audits
An increasing number of businesses in West Michigan are being hit with software audits — and if they’re not handled properly, companies can find themselves on the hook for millions of dollars in fees and penalties.
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Amount of tax information on Internet of concern to businesses
The advent of technology and the Internet has changed the way we live our daily lives and conduct business transactions.
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People don't know what they have: It’s better than money
I'm sure you've heard the expression, “Count your blessings.”
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JPMorgan Chase economist encouraged by global economy
Anthony Chan will be in Grand Rapids this week to talk to private clients.
The global economy ultimately affects individuals — especially high-net-worth individuals whose personal wealth and business capital is subject to constant economic changes on the other side of the globe, as well as the other side of Michigan.
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Chase Bank expands in Michigan
Nineteen more Chase Private Client offices open in Michigan
Chase Bank recently announced the opening of 19 additional Chase Private Client offices throughout Michigan this year, which provide affluent families and individuals with banking and J.P. Morgan investments.
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Change Ups: Visbeen wins retail design award
The Association for Retail Environments Design Awards recently recognized Visbeen Architects for Outstanding Merit in the Specialty Store Over 25,000 Square Feet category for its design of A.K. Rikk’s.
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Health care: Let’s get on with the Affordable Care Act
As we get closer to the start of 2014, the emphasis on educating people about decisions and responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act seems to be cranking up.
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Public Record
May 17 — MORTGAGES
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Street Talk: West Michigan: lower unemployment, higher growth
Add Chinese consumers as friends.
The growing number of consumers in China is a good thing for manufacturing centers like West Michigan, according to Brad Haverkamp.
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