Harbor Steel Expanding in Holland Charter Township

Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation is investing over $2M to expand their current facility in Holland Charter Township, expecting to create 10 more jobs over the next two years. READ MORE.

187 Small Businesses Awarded Survival Grants

Lakeshore Advantage, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and strategic partners, announced one hundred eighty-seven small businesses received a total of $1.8M in Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Funding. READ MORE.

Certifying your business opens up opportunities to increase your customer base and support network. We partnered with Michigan business leaders to create this educational video series on why and how to certify your small business.

Check out How to Certify Your Business

Throughout the year, we interview over 120 companies in West Michigan to compile data ranging from company sales to new products to year-over-year expansion comparisons and more. View our 2020 Business Intelligence Report to learn how the pandemic shifted mindsets, growth plans, and the bottom line for companies in our region.

View the Business Intelligence Report

Scott Lubbers, Lakeshore Market Executive Vice President at Fifth Third Bank, discusses relational-based banking, how Fifth Third continued to support the community and businesses during this pandemic, their accelerated DE&I efforts, and more in this month's Investor Spotlight.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

New! Essential workers in the food processing and agriculture industries will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of March 1st, as supply allows.

Michigan's Vaccination Prioritization Plan can be found HERE.
Businesses that employ essential workers should fill out the Employer Vaccination Intake Form.
Individual eligible essential workers can register with their local health department: Allegan or Ottawa. Links to health departments in all West Michigan Counties can be found HERE.

For an in-depth blog on this update, click HERE.

Recent Bright Spots and News of Note

Celebrating what makes West Michigan a great place to live, work, learn, grow and start a business.

The State of Michigan has a program called Michigan Reconnect that helps those 25 and older receive free in-district community college and skills scholarships.
Zeeland is investing $2M in a new building in their wastewater plant.
Hope College broke ground on a $3.3M facility on their athletic campus.
Dave Ash of Lakewood Construction shares 6 things to think about when purchasing land in a recent blog post.
GRCC and West Michigan Works! received a $9.8M grant that focuses on job skills in manufacturing.
Barnes & Thornburg wrote an article on employer's rights requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees.
Congrats to Gentex who received a high ranking on Forbes 2021 America's Best Midsized Employers list.
GLTAAC wants to help manufacturers who have been hurt by import competition. Contact GLTAAC to learn about TAAF matching funds that could help.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is taking applications for the Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year Award. Apply today.
The State of Michigan awarded nearly $5M to Grand Haven to support residential development.

Upcoming Events

Blue Cross Blue Shield with Grand Valley State University presents the 2021 Health Check which showcases West Michigan trends and opportunities on March 2 at 9 am.
Last Call to Register! Join us for this free webinar as we host Jeff Korzenik of Fifth Third Management Group where he will speak on Planning for Post-Pandemic Manufacturing on March 4 at 1 pm.
The Van Andel Global Trade Center is hosting the 22nd Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium virtually this year. Register for the upcoming Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium on March 11 at 8 am.
Connected Nation Michigan is hosting a Virtual Listening Tour to discuss both broadband and technology within the state.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is hosting a 2020 Community Health Needs Assessment on March 11 at 1:30 pm. Businesses should attend as understanding health trends in our community can help select the most optimal wellness plans or health insurance for area employees.
The Michigan Outdoor Industry Supplier Summit will highlight industry trends and available opportunities on March 23.

In case you missed it, HERE is a recap of the Corporate Buying Process webinar we hosted this week.

Thank You, Gallagher, for Your New Investment in Lakeshore Advantage.

Thank You, Herman Miller, for Your Increased Investment in Lakeshore Advantage.

Lakeshore Advantage investor support positively impacts the region's economic health. Contact Beth Blanton at beth.blanton@lakeshoreadvantage.com to learn more.

This news and events update was sent to you as a service of Lakeshore Advantage. We send communications on a regular basis to keep you up-to-date on information that may be helpful to you as a West Michigan primary employer. Please direct questions, comments and future submissions to Kelsey Sivertson at kelsey.sivertson@lakeshoreadvantage.com.

616.772.5226
www.lakeshoreadvantage.com
West Michigan's Business Advantage

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