Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

Final Tally of Tourism for Muskegon County

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

By Dave Alexander | muskegon chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY — For Muskegon County’s tourism industry, 2009 was a year of survival.

But tourism promoters are looking at a men’s state bowling tournament and an improving economy to provide some relief in 2010.

Jill EmeryMuskegon County room tax revenues ended the fiscal year Sept. 30 with a decrease of 10 percent compared to 2008. The White Lake area hotels and cottages were down 15 percent and the Muskegon metropolitan area down 9 percent, according to county statistics.

The county collected approximately $745,000 on its 5 percent hotel and motel room tax in 2009, off about $50,000 from what was expected.

“We are somewhat relieved to be down only 10 percent, as other communities are seeing tourism business reductions of 15, 20 and 22 percent,” said Muskegon County Tourism Manager Jill Emery.

The 2010 budget projects room tax revenues to generate approximately $841,000. Those funds mainly are used to operate the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau and provide tourism promotion dollars for the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

The county’s tourism marketing plan for 2010 will remain at $139,288, the same as 2009. New line items in the marketing budget include $5,000 to support the Men’s State Bowling Tournament set in Muskegon for January through May. Another $6,000 will be used in an attempt to secure the Women’s State Bowling Tournament for 2012.

Each tournament over multiple weekends during the slowest part of the tourism year brings an estimated $4 million to $5 million in economic activity to the county, said Emery, who will present the marketing plan to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners this week.

The county plans to spend $28,800 on direct media advertising buys, compared to about $40,000 last year. However, Emery said the county’s exposure to outside markets will remain about the same as advertising rates have decreased and the county will do more targeted marketing where history has shown there have been greater returns for the investment.

Other major marketing expenditures will be on partnerships. The county will again be a part of the Michigan Beachtowns collaborative with other Lake Michigan communities and participate in two partnerships with Travel Michigan, including a radio promotion.

The visitors bureau and the White Lake chamber will attend several travel shows at the beginning of 2010, including in Milwaukee, Chicago and Fort Wayne, Ind.

The largest portion of the room tax budget goes for visitors bureau salaries and benefits at approximately $289,000. The county also spends $130,000 annually on debt retirement for past improvements at the Heritage Landing festival grounds and for development of a cross-lake ferry dock for Lake Express.

E-mail Dave Alexander at dalexander@muskegonchronicle.com

Leadership Muskegon leads food drive

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Leadership Muskegon leads food drive

By Chad D. Lerch | Muskegon Chronicle

November 09, 2009, 2:48AM

MUSKEGON COUNTY — A group of local business leaders is working to learn about issues affecting Muskegon County, and they’re not just spending time in the classroom, so to speak.

They’re doing something about one of the biggest issues today: feeding the hungry.

The current class enrolled in Leadership Muskegon is establishing several drop-off sites for food pantries. The food will be delivered to Love INC on Nov. 24.

The drop-off locations are: The Chamber of Commerce/Muskegon Area First, 380 W. Western; Muskegon Community College, 221 S. Quarterline; Independent Banks at 5969 Harvey and 3251 Henry; Qonverge, 900 Third, suite 104; Manpower in Muskegon and Whitehall; Neighborhood Investment Group, 1115 Third; and Community Mental Health, 376 Apple.

For a list of requested donations, see full article....The Muskegon Chronicle

Manufacturing Alive in Muskegon County

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Manufacturing alive in Muskegon County

Manufacturing alive in Muskegon County, but high skills needed

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

October 24, 2009, 6:40AM

Manufacturing isn’t dead in Muskegon County but future workers will need high-level skills.

That’s what a crowd at Friday’s Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast was told by presenters from Alcoa Howmet Castings, Bayer Crop Science and Cole’s Quality Foods.

“The days of high pay and low skill are over,” said Bayer Crop Science’s Karl Bloss. The German chemical company makes the active ingredients for agricultural products from its Muskegon Township plant on Whitehall Road.

“We have the high-skill, high-pay jobs. We don’t need button pushers but those that understand the chemistry,” he said.

With 60 employees, Bayer has just completed a $15 million expansion project in Muskegon, where it produces five different ingredients for Bayer farm products. In addition to growing its own business, the company also has more than 300 acres it plans to develop into an industrial park.

Cole’s Quality Foods President John Sommavilla said the frozen garlic bread maker, founded inn 1943, is a Muskegon survivor. A strategic planning process over the past five years has led to new products such as cheese-filled bread sticks and sales increases of about 45 percent.

“It depends on having the right culture here in our plant in Muskegon,” Sommavilla said of employing 150 people between its Muskegon production plant and its Grand Rapids corporate headquarters. “We need our people on the same page every day.”

Besides new products, the employee-driven planning process has led to expansion of its frozen baked goods to private brands for grocers such as Kroger and Meijer, institutional sales to schools and health care facilities and distribution through food service companies such as Gordon Foods, Sommavilla said.

Alcoa Howmet remains Muskegon County’s largest industrial employer with 2,100 workers but the past 18 months have been difficult, said Boyd Mueller, head of the company’s research center in Whitehall.

The maker of turbine blades for jet engines had 2,400 employees prior to the economic downturn and has 700 on layoff, Mueller said. The company recently recalled 75 workers.

“Hopefully, we have hit bottom,” Mueller said of difficulties caused not only by economic pressures but also a Boeing strike and the inability of the company to get its new Boeing 787 through production. Howmet makes parts for General Electric and Rolls Royce engines on the new Boeing 787, he said.

Worker skills also are critical at Howmet, which must compete with its $20-an-hour labor costs in Whitehall versus $4 an hour in Mexico and less than $1 an hour in China.

“To keep the jobs locally, our workers have to be that much more productive,” Mueller said. “Without skills, you can’t do that. Productivity allows our workers to make those kinds of wages.”

Alcoa employees volunteer for Downtown Muskegon beautification projects

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Alcoa employees volunteer for downtown Muskegon beautification projects

By Eric Gaertner | Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON — Nearly 100 members of the leadership team from Alcoa’s Whitehall operations will be working on a variety of beautification and improvement projects in downtown Muskegon Friday.

As part of Alcoa’s Month of Service throughout communities in its worldwide company, more than 450 Howmet employees are completing 26 projects in Whitehall and Muskegon throughout October. Friday’s work, which begins at 8 a.m., is the largest local project for the month of community service.

“We’ve been a significant supporter of the redevelopment of the downtown,” said Amy Heisser, director of human resources at Howmet. “We want to continue to build on that.”

Alcoa Howmet is the largest industrial employer in Muskegon County. Alcoa conducted a week of service from 2003 to 2005 and increased it to a month of service in 2006 across its locations worldwide.

The projects scheduled for Friday include:

• Planting three trees in Alcoa Square at Western Avenue and Third Street;

• Installing two bike racks along Western Avenue;

• Installing downtown redevelopment signs;

• Cleaning and spreading of stones for landscaping in an area between the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce building and Hegg’s Furniture;

• Painting the auditorium floor at the Muskegon Museum of Art;

• General cleanup at various locations downtown.

The Alcoa Foundation also will be awarding $15,000 in action grants to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Muskegon Area Chamber foundation, Muskegon Main Street, Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon Lions Club.

Heisser said the Month of Service “energizes our people in the community. It’s rewarding and fun.”

As part of the area’s Month of Service, an educational trail system is being installed along a section of the White Lake Pathway in Whitehall.

Alcoa worldwide officials reported that last year’s Month of Service featured more than 22,000 employees participating in 784 events.

“I believe together we can achieve extraordinary things by identifying and tackling unmet needs in our communities,” said Ray Mitchell, president of Alcoa Power and Propulsion. “It’s a great feeling to be part of a company whose corporate culture encourages giving back to those less fortunate.”

Former Muskegon mayor Blanche Smith is the 2009 Lakeshore Athena Award recipient

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Former Muskegon mayor Blanche Smith is the 2009 Lakeshore Athena Award recipient

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

Blanche Smith, the recipient of the 2009 Lakeshore Athena Award, has had many firsts in her public career.

She began as the first of 14 children in her family to go to college. She followed that up as the first African American woman on the Muskegon Public School Board of Education.

Smith, the current executive director of the Muskegon Family Services Workforce Development Center, went on to become the first African American member of the Muskegon City Commission and eventually the city’s first African American woman mayor.

“She has a ready smile and an open heart for people in need,” said Judith Hayner, the executive director of the Muskegon Museum of Art and the 2008 Lakeshore Athena Award recipient, while introducing Smith on Tuesday.

Smith is the fifth to be honored with the Lakeshore Athena Award, designed to celebrate women in leadership positions from Holland to Muskegon, who have made a difference in their communities and in mentoring other women.

The Athena Award is co-sponsored by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, and the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce.

Smith was selected for the honor from among 24 nominees from across the Lakeshore region at a luncheon Tuesday at the Trillium Gilmore Collection Banquet & Conference Center in Ferrysburg. It was an emotional moment for her to share with the more than 350 attendees.

“Born in a family of 14, hard work is what we always had,” Smith said in honoring her parents and her family. Smith and husband of 42 years, Richard, have nine children and more than 35 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“As in the past years, it was a challenge for the selection committee to designate just one of the highly-qualified nominees as this year’s recipient,” said Dwana Thompson, chairperson of the selection committee and affirmative action director with the city of Muskegon. “We are honored to have so many women in the Lakeshore area who are dedicated to improving the communities where they live, and work and who seek opportunities to assist women in reaching their full potential.”

Of the four other Lakeshore Athena Award recipients, three have been from Muskegon County: Former Norton Shores Mayor Nancy Crandall; retired Hackley Visiting Nurses Executive Director Nancy McCarthy; and Hayner.

Smith was elected to the Muskegon school board in 1984, the Muskegon City Commission in 1988 and mayor in 1995. As mayor, she worked closely on governmental collaboration with other municipalities on issues such as urban sprawl and development of the U.S. 31 corridor.

Professionally, she has worked in the areas of early childhood education and family services for more than 30 years. She began working on welfare reform issues in Muskegon County in 1994, which led to the development of the Muskegon Family Services Center downtown.

The multi-agency, neighborhood-based human services center is a Michigan Works! employment and training outlet. Smith has developed a chartacter-building, abstinence-based program “Girl Talk 101” and a “Dads Only” initiative for young fathers.

The Athena program also provides college scholarships for women older than 30 who are beginning or continuing their higher education. The scholarship winners this year include Selma Bryant, a student at Muskegon Community College and Tawanda McDaniel and Brenda Schuchardt, both of Baker College of Muskegon.

The luncheon speaker was Kent County Chief District Judge Sara Smolenski, the 2006 Kent County Athena Award recipient. Smolenski provided an energetic and humorous message of “desire, determination and drive” — a life-philosophy she has embraced since being a member of the University of Michigan women’s basketball team in the mid-1970s.

Worker retraining gets multimillion dollar boost

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Worker retraining gets multimillion-dollar boost

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN — Unemployed workers in Muskegon, Ottawa and Oceana counties will be able to tap into $38 million the U.S. Department of Labor is pouring into Michigan due to its high jobless rate.
The federal National Emergency Grant will go toward retraining more than 13,000 workers in 27 targeted counties across the state. An initial $19 million is being funneled into the state through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

West Michigan’s share of the initial funding is expected to be from $4-5 million for Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon and Oceana counties, said Judy Kell, Muskegon County Department of Employment and Training interim manager.

The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth will use the funds in its No Worker Left Behind program, according to Deputy Director Andy Levin, who was in Muskegon Tuesday.
Levin met with the Muskegon/Oceana Workforce Development Board, which advises the Muskegon County Department of Employment and Training. “Michigan needs to get its workers new skills, especially in the manufacturing sector,” Levin said. “(This grant) will go for No Worker Left Behind. We will retrain workers.”

No Worker Left Behind is Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s administration’s answer to the double-digit unemployment in Michigan. The Michigan program began in August 2007 providing qualified unemployed workers with a $5,000 training grant for one year or $10,000 for two years. Sometime this month, the state will have served 100,000 in the training program, but the state has yet to release information on the number that have been successfully re-employed.

Those receiving the No Worker Left Behind grants in the Muskegon area can use them for training or education programs at Muskegon Community College, Baker College of Muskegon or a similar institution.

All area residents needing employment services must enter the state’s job training programs through the network of Michigan Works! agencies, six of which have contracted through Muskegon County to provide services in Muskegon and Oceana counties. There are two Michigan Works! centers in Ottawa County. Levin said that 38 percent of those going for retraining in Michigan have been in health care-related fields. Half of them were in entry-level jobs, with another quarter in technician jobs and the remainder as nurses. Levin said highly-paid industrial workers might not be able to immediately replace their income in the first job after retraining, but without such assistance many will never be re-employed. As time goes by, retrained workers are able to gain back more of their income, he said.
Levin said Michigan never really recovered from the recession early this decade before the economic collapse of 2008.

Michigan has led the nation in unemployment for more than two years and had a 15.2 percent jobless rate in August, compared to a national average of 9.7 percent. Muskegon County’s August unemployment rate was 16.1 percent, Oceana County 14.9 percent, and Ottawa County 12.9 percent.

Chief Judge to Speak at Lakeshore Athena Award Luncheon

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Michigan News

MUSKEGON , MI – The Honorable Sara Smolenski, Chief Judge of the 63^rd District Court and the 2006 Grand Rapids ATHENA Recipient will be the keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Lakeshore ATHENA Award luncheon to be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the Trillium Banquet and Conference Center , 17246 Van Wagoner Road , Spring Lake , Mich. Judge Smolenski, who was appointed as Chief Judge of the 63rd District Court, by the Michigan Supreme Court in 1996, symbolizes the ATHENA tenets both personally and professionally. She actively serves her community by participating on many boards and has received several distinguished awards.

The ATHENA Award event, a program of the Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg; the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, is presented annually to recognize women who have demonstrated excellence in their business or profession, have provided valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in their community, assists women in reaching their full potential and who exhibits the spirit of regional collaboration. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing , Michigan and has since grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada , China , Russia and the United Kingdom.

The ATHENA Award is not a contest or competition but a celebration of excellence. The individual selected to receive the ATHENA Award is referred to as the “recipient” and never a “winner”. The honor of the ATHENA Award is in the nomination. This year we celebrate twenty-four Lakeshore ATHENA nominees, one of which will be announced at the luncheon as the 2009 ATHENA Recipient. This year’s nominees include:

Sherry Albertie Becker ~ Waddell & Reed
Heather D. Brolick ~ Community Shores Bank
Janie P. Brooks ~ Muskegon Community College
Leslie Brown ~ Metal Flow Corporation
Nancy R. DeBoer ~ Holland City Council
Barbara l. DeBruyn ~ SAF-Holland, Inc., Retired
Lisa Delass ~ Independent Bank
Renee Denslow ~ Bluebird Cancer Retreats
Becca Dernberger ~ Manpower, Inc.
Sharon Dryfhout ~ Central Wesleyan Church
Kathy Evans ~ West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission
Mary Fisher ~ Shoreline Vision
Susan Higgins ~ Macatawa Area Coordinating Council
Jeanette Hoyer ~ Pathways, MI
Kathy Jacobson ~ Baker College of Muskegon
Patricia Koeze ~ West Ottawa Public Schools
Gail Kraft ~ Love INC of Muskegon
Donaylle Rogers ~ Donaylle Nicole Hair Studio
Virginia S. Ryan, PH D. ~ U.S. Dept. of Human Services, Retired
Blanche Smith ~ Family Services Center
Cindy Timmerman ~ Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce
Patti VanDort ~ Holland Hospital
Chris Frederick Willis ~ Media 1
Susan Harrison Wolffis ~ The Muskegon Chronicle, Retired

Luncheon Tickets for the event which will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the Trillium Banquet and Conference Center , 17246 Van Wagoner Road , Spring Lake are $35 per person for Chamber members, $45 per person for non-members or $350 for corporate table of eight. A portion of all tickets goes toward the ATHENA Scholarship Program. Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber 616-842-4910 by September 28, 2009. Huntington Bank is the premier sponsor of the 2009 ATHENA® Program.

Muskegon Community College Eyes Downtown Development

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon Community College eyes downtown development

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON — Baker College of Muskegon sees itself as a “catalyst” for further downtown development with the opening of its Culinary Institute of Michigan.

Dale Nesbary Baker might be paving the way for Muskegon Community College to join its fellow college in downtown Muskegon. Both of Muskegon’s higher education institutions are experiencing record enrollments and face the need for more facilities.

MCC President Dale Nesbary told the Business for Breakfast audience of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce Friday that his institution is looking to expand off of its Marquette Avenue campus. In the next nine months, the community college will conduct a strategic planning process that could lead, in part, to a location for a program in downtown Muskegon, he said.

“I’m so impressed with Baker College seeing its culinary institute. It’s beautiful,” Nesbary told the business group in a joint appearance with Baker President Mary Ann Herbst. Both college presidents have come to their leadership positions within the past year.

“We don’t have the programs in place in the community that we need,” Nesbary said of MCC having a facility and programs downtown. “We want to use volunteers in the next nine months from the business community to help us with our moves into the community.”

Downtown programs could include natural sciences, humanities/fine arts or continuing education, he said. “One or more of those areas will move away from our campus,” Nesbary said.

The new MCC president has been in discussions with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to plan a downtown facility and programs, Nesbary said. The foundation has been leading efforts to redevelop downtown Muskegon.

“I think MCC is being inspired by Baker’s (Culinary Institute),” foundation President Chris McGuigan said. “I would hope that MCC would build on a strength it already has or find a completely new program.”

McGuigan suggested that a fine arts program downtown could work with the Muskegon Museum of Art and the theater and musical activities in the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts.

If MCC wants to start a new program, McGuigan suggested that a waterfront facility housing a merchant marine program would provide a “wow” factor that might spur other downtown and waterfront developments. Currently, the only western Michigan training program for those working on Great Lakes ships is at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City.

Herbst told the chamber audience that culinary arts has become Baker College’s number one program in Muskegon, going from 315 students to 529 when the new facility opens Monday.

“In opening the CIM, I am told we are making a wonderful addition to the Muskegon community,” Herbst said. “It will be a catalyst for other things happening downtown.”

Baker College unveils $11M Culinary Institute of Michigan

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Baker College unveils $11 million Culinary Institute of Michigan

By Federico Martinez, The Muskegon Chronicle

That was the reaction by many awestruck community leaders as they visited Baker College of Muskegon’s $11 million Culinary Institute of Michigan for the first time.

Approximately 200 invited dignitaries attended a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for downtown Muskegon’s newest centerpiece Thursday. The Baker College-owned facility officially opens for culinary arts classes on Monday.

“Wow,” said city of Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington. “We’ve had a lot of changes during the past six years downtown, but this, this is something that can put Muskegon on an international level.”

Baker College is banking on it. The 40,000-square-foot, three-story facility at 336 West Clay features state-of-the-art kitchen and classroom facilities, and five-star instructors that school officials hope will someday attract culinary arts students from around the world.

The 528 students enrolled for fall classes already exceeds school officials initial goal of 300 students, Baker President Mary Ann Herbst said. The facility was built to accommodate up to 750 students per day, six days a week, officials said.

In addition to four lecture classrooms, the institute houses three hot food labs, a temperature- and humidity-controlled chocolate and sugar lab, a demo lab and a restaurant lab. The lecture area also houses the Culinary Innovations Center, a state-of-the-art, high-definition recording demonstration kitchen.

Clifford Buck Construction Co. Inc. was the general contractor, and Bosma Architects & Associates PC provided the architectural design.

“What you see is the culmination of many people’s dreams and tenacity,” said John Cappellucci, Baker’s dean of culinary arts. “Am I excited? Yes, I’m very excited.

“This is one of the most exciting days for me and my staff.”

CULINARY INSTITUTE

Here's a sneak peek of the Culinary Institute of Michigan menu

• Caramelized onions and mushrooms gratinee (Portobello, shiitake, crimini, oyster and parcini mushrooms in a rich veal stock with caramalized onions, topped with gratin of provolone).

• Caprese (Heirloom tomatoes, pesto, mozzarella roulade, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction, garnished with fried basil).

• Nicoise (Mesclun greens, tomato, egg, haricot verts, olives, redskin potatoes, grilled black sea bass, with herbed olive oil vinaigrette.

• Pork BBQ (Slow-smoked pork shoulder, sweet corn and andouille polenta, and Southern greens with Carolina barbecue sauce).

• Vegetable Pad Thai (Rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, tofu, peanuts and red pepper, tossed in a tamarind-scented fish sauce).

• Smoked Salmon BLT (Applewood-smoked Atlantic salmon, lettuce, tomato, apple cider, bacon and tarragon aioli on a toasted pretzel roll.

A public open house is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m Oct. 10.

Visitors on Thursday were invited to sample student-made hors d’oeuvres and spirits.

The student-operated Courses restaurant and The Sweet Spot bakery, which are both housed in the new culinary arts building, will be open to the public Oct. 5, said Herbst.

The restaurant, which seats 75 in the main dining area and has a liquor license, will initially serve only lunch Mondays through Wednesdays, but eventually will expand it’s operating hours, Herbst said. The Sweet Spot will operate from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. The retail outlet will offer freshly-baked goods and a full coffee menu along with other nonalcoholic beverages.

Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, Baker’s culinary arts program will offer: a Baking and Pastry certificate and associate degree; Culinary Arts associate degree; Food and Beverage Management associate degree; and Food and Beverage Management bachelor’s degree.

Baker College began offering a culinary arts program in 1997 after the school’s campus was relocated to 1903 Marquette Avenue, noted B.C. Thompson, chairman of Baker College of Muskegon’s board of regents. The program began with 38 students, he said.

“In 1997, when we moved to that 40-acre site, I thought that would allow us to do all the things we would ever want to do — in my lifetime,” Thompson said.

During the past 12 years the culinary arts program and Baker’s overall student enrollment has surged so quickly, the college has had to expand it’s housing and classroom facilities, Thompson said.

Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, said the new facility is expected to benefit efforts to revitalize downtown.

“Students downtown means people downtown everyday,” Larsen said. “They’ll bring life, they’ll bring energy, they’ll bring their friends — we’re thrilled about that.

“This is the first big project that is going to bring people to downtown.”

Baker College leaders cut ribbon on new culinary institute in Muskegon

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM)-- Baker College's Culinary Institute of Michigan opens Thursday.Three-hundred students will begin classes there Monday.
The new 39,000 square foot, $11 million facility in Muskegon will include kitchen suites for
teaching labs and high-tech, multi-media opportunities for students. The Culinary Institute of Michigan
will also have two student run restaurants on site.

The general public is invited to tour the facility from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. October 10.
For more information, call (231)-777-6644.

Muskegon Main Street program hopes to boost membership

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon Main Street program hopes to boost memberships

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- Leaders of the Muskegon Main Street program have given up on the idea of a special tax on downtown property owners as a way of sustaining the economic development and promotional organization.

Instead of asking the city of Muskegon to create a Principal Shopping District for the downtown area that would have imposed a special assessment on property owners, the nonprofit corporation will conduct an aggressive membership drive beginning in October.

When first proposed earlier this year, the tax idea -- which could have generated $135,000 from downtown properties -- was coolly received by downtown businesses.

"We did the work to see if there was support for it," said Main Street Manager Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, at the group's annual meeting Thursday. "After meetings and surveys, we decided not to pursue the Principal Shopping District assessments."

Main Street aims to make the downtown more viable by working with merchants and property owners. Its activities range from special events to marketing vacant properties.

The organization faces significant cutbacks in support from the city of Muskegon and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in the next fiscal year. Major supporters from past years are looking for the organization to become more self-sustaining.

Organization supporters hope to continue the downtown agency by boosting revenue from memberships from $4,400 this past year to more than $30,000 for the 2010 fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Main Street has an overall 2010 budget of $169,000, including the organization's downtown events, but general annual operating expenses are about $75,000, Rinsema-Sybenga said.

Main Street staff and board members will launch the new membership program during October. Member levels range from $2,500 annually for major business sponsors to as low as $135 for basic members.

"Now is the time for the downtown businesses to step up to the plate," said Brenda Moore, a Main Street board member and owner of Clay Avenue Cellars. "It's time for all of us to pay our fair share."

Muskegon's planning and economic development director, Cathy Brubaker-Clarke, said the proposed $5,000 cut in direct city support is due to the budget crisis at City Hall. She suggested that federal Community Development Block Grant funds might generate new money for the organization later in 2010. She also said the city would consider paying Main Street if the organization took over maintenance of West Western Avenue landscaping.

Subway sandwich shop opens in Hines Building in downtown Muskegon

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Subway sandwich shop opens in the Hines Building in downtown Muskegon

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- The opening of another Subway sandwich shop is not a major event, unless it's in the re-emerging Muskegon downtown.

Muskegon Subway franchise owner Pete Gawkowski is testing the downtown waters with his 17th outlet. It opened Wednesday in the Hines Building, 380 W. Western.

And the stakes are high as the community tries to dig out of the current economic recession and keep momentum in downtown redevelopment.

If successful, Subway could pave the way for other downtown businesses. A less-than-stellar opening could have others put the brakes on further business expansions in the downtown.

"This is our contribution to the rebirth of downtown Muskegon," said Gawkowski, whose GNS Subway Inc. has sandwich shops from Newaygo to Grand Haven.

"There is a good chance that this will not be a high-volume, high-profit outlet at the start," he said. "This is all about being part of the downtown rebirth. We expect the summertime to eventually carry this."

However, difficulties in completing the first-level Hines Building space for the 89-seat restaurant kept it from opening for the summer festival season. Gawkowski had planned to have the Subway open prior to Muskegon Bike Time in mid-July.

However, his opening comes just prior to Baker College of Muskegon's unveiling of the Culinary Institute of Michigan, one block south on Third Street. By the end of the month, Baker's professional food school will have up to 400 students and staff -- all of which are new potential downtown customers for a shop like Subway.

The downtown Subway is Gawkowski's largest and also sells Seattle's Best Coffee -- a national Starbucks' brand. With coffee and a new breakfast sandwich -- an omelet that can be put on sandwich or flat bread -- the new Subway's hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

"This is a bigger Subway ... it's a nice investment downtown," said Ed Garner, president of Muskegon Area First -- the economic development agency that manages the downtown Muskegon Main Street promotional organization.

"We think Subway is a perfect fit for the downtown, and we hope it spurs other developments," Garner said. "The goal is to build downtown (foot) traffic, especially with Baker opening up."

The downtown Subway is opening with a staff of about 10. The manager is Rikki Vallie, who comes from GNS's outlet on Harvey Street near The Lakes Mall.

New logo campaign touts products made in West Michigan!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- Dozens of local manufacturing companies will be using a new logo on their product packages and promotional brochures with the message "Quality Made in West Michigan."

The Muskegon Chamber is leading the "Quality Made in West Michigan" campaign, making the logo available to area manufacturers. They hope hundreds will join the promotional campaign.

Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, said the logo will spread the word about West Michigan's proud manufacturing heritage.

"If just 100 West Michigan manufacturers participate in this program, for virtually no cost, it will send a strong message around the world about the quality of manufacturing here," Larsen said.

Larsen said her organization is making the logo available to other West Michigan chambers of commerce. She said the Grand Haven, Holland and White Lake chambers will make the logo available to manufacturers in their areas.

Janessa Stroud, vice president of government affairs for the Muskegon chamber, said she is excited about the program.

"It will send a unified message out on products made in West Michigan to bring attention to this side of the state and the quality products that are being made here," she said.

Harbor Front Interiors of Muskegon is one of the first companies to use the logo.

"We send our products all over the United States," said J.R. Duncan, the company's president. "Why not include a message about West Michigan and send it to all our customers?"

The Muskegon chamber is making the logo available on its Web site -- muskegon.org. The logo is free and can be sent to companies in JPEG format, Stroud said.

"The companies then find the most cost-effective ways to incorporate the logo into their packaging, invoices, labels or brochures," Stroud said.

Business incubator prominent on Muskegon Heights wish list

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Business 'incubator' prominent on Muskegon Heights' 'wish list'

by Federico Martinez | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS -- An alternative energy-operated business "incubator" site is one of several ambitious projects Muskegon Heights city officials are seeking to fund with federal money.

City officials recently submitted a proposed project "wish list" to the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, which will review and then forward the request to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.

Topping the city's list is a proposal to establish an incubator program to help small industrial businesses develop, said Muskegon Heights City Manager Natasha Henderson.

Many municipalities in Michigan submit funding requests, but Muskegon Heights will receive special consideration because it has been designated one of the Cities of Promise -- part of a statewide initiative to help revitalize urban areas.

The city's top three proposed projects are:

• An alternative energy-operated incubator to help small industrial companies get started. The city is requesting $2.5 million for the project, which would be located at the former Bennett Pump site.

• A request for $2.5 million for continued improvements at Mona Lake Park.

• A request for $9 million for further renovations of the downtown Strand building.

Not all projects are expected to be approved anytime soon, and some are never approved, said Henderson. Federal officials look at a number of factors when determining funding requests, including the feasibility of the proposed project, its likely impact on the community's economy and a community's need.

GVSU water research on a funding roll

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Grand Valley State University water research on a funding roll

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon has recently secured $1.5 million in research grants, and there should be more to come.

The institute and its researchers have received eight grants in the past two months, including ones from the National Science Foundation for invasive aquatic plant research in Michigan and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to study bottom invertebrates in White Lake.

GVSU GRANTS

Recent water research grants received by GVSU:

• Two National Science Foundation grants and one from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to Ryan Thum to study invasive aquatic plants in Michigan.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Gun Lake Tribe grant to Carl Ruetz to assess lake sturgeon on the Kalamazoo and Grand rivers.

• Two Michigan DEQ grants to Rick Rediske to study bottom invertebrates in White Lake and how blue-green algae toxins are affected by chemical lake treatments in Muskegon, Bear and Mona lakes.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant for the restoration of the south shoreline of Muskegon Lake as Ruetz and Al Steinman will provide biological and socioeconomic surveys for the project.

• A private donor contributed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship for an aquatic research project on a Muskegon-area body of water.

"It was an awfully good two months," institute Director Al Steinman said. The institute usually receives from $500,000 to $1 million in research grants in any given year.

The center has an annual budget of about $6 million, employing eight principal researchers and up to 70 full- and part-time workers this summer. The institute conducts research, provides education and public outreach on freshwater issues.

One of the grants is a first for the GVSU institute, which moved to Muskegon and opened the Lake Michigan Center in 2001. A private donor has offered $110,000 over two years so the institute can offer a post-doctoral fellowship.

GVSU has narrowed its 45 post-doctoral applicants down to three with the final award being made in October, Steinman said. The winning candidate will have a specific aquatic science research project involving a Muskegon-area body of water, Steinman said.

"The post-doc fellowship is wonderful and is a sign of the institute's maturation," Steinman said. The donor is only being identified as a Muskegon native who continues to have a cottage here and is interested in supporting environmental research.

Beyond the recent grants, the freshwater research center on Muskegon Lake is well positioned to take advantage of approximately $400 million of the first installment of the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding.

"The next five years should be superb," Steinman said of future research opportunities. "We are positioned to be a player and we could be a leader. This is a growth area today in the Great Lakes."

GVSU has smaller environmental research activities than Michigan State University and the University of Michigan but it is located on the Great Lakes and has proven its capabilities, Steinman said. The local institute is being approached to partner on several of the potential federal initiatives, he said.

Steinman said the local water research center will look at federal work concerning "areas of concern" such as pollution in Muskegon and White lakes, near-shore health, and nonpoint source pollution such as urban and farm runoff into local lakes and streams.

Congress is working on the Great Lakes appropriation for the 2010 fiscal year -- the first of what could be a $5 billion trust fund to restore the Great Lakes. The program would be similar to other major federal initiatives taken along the Gulf Coast, in the Chesapeake Bay and throughout the Everglades.

Sappi land could take years to redevelop

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With all of its land-use issues, Sappi site could take years to redevelop

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Chronicle file photoThe Sappi Fine Paper plant sits on 119 acres, with a mile of Muskegon Lake frontage. Community leaders say it is one of the top development sites in Muskegon County.

ON THE WEB

• City can draw on experience of local economic development official

• Photo slideshow, including some already submitted by readers, after the jump.

For those thinking the closed-down Sappi site on Muskegon Lake might be revitalized into something different in the next few months, history tells us otherwise.

Redeveloping the old Whitehall Leather Co. property on White Lake has taken nearly a decade. The community hopes for residential construction to begin on the once-polluted site next year.

Then there's the Sealed Power manufacturing plant in Muskegon Heights on Sanford Street. Franklin Contractors took the better part of a year just to bring down the 220,000-square-foot plant on 5 acres.

Sappi is more than two times larger than the Sealed Power plant and sits on 119 acres. With its one mile of Muskegon Lake frontage, it is one of the most important development sites in Muskegon County, community leaders say.

Community speculation has been rampant since April -- when Sappi Fine Paper North America idled production at the plant -- on what might become of the valuable property. The owners did not announce until last week that the plant would be closing permanently and the land put up for sale.

High-quality publishing paper had been made at the paper mill for 109 years.

The future of the plant could be anything from another paper operation or industrial activity to a high-end, waterfront residential development with a marina and complementary commercial businesses, Muskegon-area citizens suggest.

Scott Huebler

Whatever that future, Whitehall City Manager Scott Huebler said residents need to be patient. He has seen the ups and downs of cleaning up the Whitehall Leather site for redevelopment.

A site the size of Sappi with all of its environmental and land use issues, re-use or redevelopment could take years if not decades to revamp. Some point to the reuse of the Sappi site as a "100-year decision" by the company and the community.

"You have to be patient," Huebler said when asked to provide advice to Muskegon officials. "The first thing is you have to get everybody at the table from the outset."

Officials from the city of Muskegon sat down with local Sappi managers late last week after the disappointing -- but not unexpected -- announcement that the remaining 190 Sappi employees would lose their jobs with the permanent closing of the plant.

New Culinary Institute to open soon

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

New Culinary Institute to open soon!
WZZM 13

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM)- The new Culinary Institute of Michigan will soon welcome its first students.

Construction on the $11-million dollar building in downtown Muskegon started in the Spring. The new facility is slated to open to culinary arts students on September 28th.

According to John Cappellucci, dean of culinary arts, more than 300-students have already signed up to take classes. "With the advent of Food Network and all the other cooking shows. I think its inspired a lot of young people to consider the culinary arts or cooking as a profession. It's not just a trade. It's not a trade school. We're actually a college," he says.

Cappellucci has also noticed a new trend of older students. He says, "With the economy, a lot of people are either finding themselves underemployed or out of work. They're tending to go back to school and really try to pursue something that may have been a dream of theirs for a long time."

The Culinary Institute of Michigan will offer courses in culinary arts, baking and pastry, and food and beverage management. The new 39,000 sq. ft. school will include kitchen suites for use as teaching labs. There will also be high-tech multi-media opportunities for students. A demo kitchen, complete with high definition cameras, will be used by instructors to record demonstrations and stream online for students.

Cappellucci says CIM is more affordable than most culinary schools. But, he's quick to add that the curriculum is just as intense as the top schools across the country. Cappellucci says, "I'd like for us to be more than a regional culinary program. I want to really bring us to a national scale. Where we have same notoriety and reputation as larger schools have."

CIM will also have two, student-run restaurants on-site. One restaurant is called "Courses". The pastry and coffee shop is named "The Sweet Spot." Both will open to the public the same day the school opens.

"I must get 10 phone calls a day asking when the restaurant is going to be open. So, I really think the biggest challenge is going to be being ready for when the public starts streaming in here," says Cappellucci.

To learn more about the Culinary Institute of Michigan click HERE.

GM honors part suppliers

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

GM honors three parts suppliers from region

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN -- Three West Michigan auto suppliers have been honored by the General Motors Corp. for their quality parts production in 2008.

The General Motors recognition -- including ceremonies Friday at ADAC Automotive in Muskegon, Shape Corp. in Grand Haven and Gentex Corp. in Zeeland -- come as the worst depression and restructuring in the American automotive history eases.

It has been a year in which many auto parts suppliers are in bankruptcy proceedings and many more laying off workers, reducing work weeks or imposing extended shutdowns.

However, the popularity of the federal "Cash for Clunkers" incentive program has led to the sale of more than 700,000 new vehicles in the past two months. That movement of vehicles has the automakers ramping up production and needing more parts.

"No doubt 2009 has been a challenging year," said Doug Evans, ADAC chief operating officer. "But we have seen an uptick in the last part of this year. We see a steady climb out of this, but not a huge leap. 2010 will still be a challenge for our industry."

ADAC manufactures door handle systems in its two plants in the city of Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park for such vehicles as the new GM Buick LaCrosse. It had gone to four-day work weeks earlier this spring and summer and laid off workers.

However, Evans said in recent weeks the Grand Rapids-based company has been able to bring back a full workforce in Muskegon. Historically, the company employs nearly 500 in its Muskegon operations.

Bob Socia, General Motors vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, and GM Executive Director of Exterior David McKean made the West Michigan award presentations. They represent America's leading carmaker, which was forced to seek federal taxpayer bailouts and was driven into U.S. Bankruptcy Court earlier this year to reorganize its business.

"Your quality is as good as any in the world, Europe or Asia," McKean told the ADAC employees, who produced only 47 defective parts in more than 1 million shipped to GM last year. "Your product is just outstanding. As the door handle, your product gives our customers the touch and feel of their first impression of our vehicles."

At Shape Corp. in Grand Haven, the story was similar.

The Grand Haven auto parts supplier provides bumper systems for General Motors for such models as the new Chevrolet Camero, the Chevy Malibu and many of its sport utility vehicles.

The first layoffs in Shape's history came when 400 workers were furloughed in December and another 230 in February -- leaving about 1,000 workers through the spring and summer.

Company President Tom DeVoursney said in recent weeks the company has called back 200 workers but is still below its full employment of 1,450.

"Everything depends on what happens after the Cash for Clunkers to see if its just not a sales spike but if it can be sustainable," DeVoursney said. "General Motors has made a nice comeback."

Gentex Corp., the automotive mirror supplier, was honored as GM's "Corporation of the Year," which is the highest honor given to a supplier.

Muskegon County will weather economic storm.

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Report: Muskegon County will weather economic storm

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Muskegon County is not only expected to survive the current economic strife without significant losses in population or jobs, but will actually grow in coming years.

• Muskegon County jobless rate inches up in July; other West Michigan counties register small drops

Those are the conclusions of recent demographic and economic projections for a five-county region by the Muskegon-based West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission.

WMSRDC predicts Muskegon County's population will grow 5.8 percent by 2020 to a total of 184,627. In addition, the planning agency projects a 2.7 percent increase in overall employment for Muskegon County by 2013 with 86,953 workers.

Employment is especially expected to grow in health and social services, though employment in government is expected to nosedive.

Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best

by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle

Trinity Health -- the Catholic health system that owns Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon -- has been named one of the Top 10 health systems in the United States.

An analysis from Thomson Reuters -- an information and media company with expertise in health care -- looked at 252 U.S. health systems and found the Novi, Mich.-based Trinity one of the best performing hospital systems, Trinity announced.

The Thomson Reuters analysis looked at 12 million Medicare patients on mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average length of hospital stay and adherence to standards of care.

One area of innovation was highlighted with Trinity's health information technology and its interconnected network of health records. Mercy Health Partners installed the system in 2004 at its Mercy and Muskegon General facilities and will implement that record system at the Hackley and Lakeshore campuses in 2010.

Trinity is the fourth largest Catholic hospital system in the United States with 45 hospitals, 379 outpatient facilities and 26 long-term facilities employing 46,000 full-time staff. Mercy Health Partners operates four hospital facilities along the Lakeshore with more than 4,000 employees and 375 physicians.

Buy Local

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: Buy local

by The Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board
Sunday August 23, 2009, 6:25 AM

We all know the trivia game six degrees of separation from actor Kevin Bacon. It's a fun challenge to connect actors through their movies or television appearances with Bacon.

Sometimes it seems like there's six degrees -- or more --Â of separation in our own community between businesses and consumers. With the current economic climate, it's important to strengthen those ties and to see the advantages of having close connections between local businesses and consumers.

Right now, with the Farmers Market stalls in every community filled with a wide variety of perfectly ripened fruits and vegetables, it's easy to remember to buy local. Those fresh foods from area farmer's fields are too tempting to ignore.

And major grocers in our area have made a point of advertising that they also are buying from local farms. Even Lay's Potato Chips has gotten into the act with billboards stressing how many pounds of Michigan potatoes go into their chips.

While purchasing and eating local food is a good way to start pumping up the local economy, it is only one small part.

In June, the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce made a push to encourage government agencies to buy products and services from locally owned businesses. Area governments spend millions of dollars annually on everything from police cruisers to video equipment and printing services, all of which could be provided by local businesses.

"If every person in Muskegon County spent $100 at locally owned businesses, it would pump $10.5 million back into the economy," Janessa Stroud, the chamber's vice president of government affairs, wrote in a letter to area governments. "Imagine the potential impact your organization could have on keeping money local. This means more people get a paycheck, pay their bills and purchase goods and services from their friends and neighbors."

Of course, government agencies can't solve all the problems by changing their bidding. They are required to seek competitive bids in a process that is open to scrutiny by the public. Sometimes they can give a nod to local businesses because of response time and delivery costs, but mostly it depends on the bid. And that's up to the local business to supply as competitively as possible.

But, something good happens when local residents support local businesses and businesses support each other. You grow more jobs and businesses opportunities in your community. You also give the community the ability to chart its own economic course.

And you build relationships that sustain people and places.

It's an important opportunity.

Plan floated for flights to Chicago

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Plan floated for flights to Chicago

By Eric Gaertner, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- Commercial passenger jets could be flying between Muskegon and Chicago this spring, and the fare could be quite competitive.

Based on an innovative plan unveiled to Muskegon County commissioners Thursday, regional service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport would return to Muskegon County Airport after a seven-year hiatus. The proposed plan would require a significant financial commitment from community investors, both public and private.

Despite the obvious questions about acquiring about $2.7 million in commitments from investors in these poor economic times, local leaders seemed intrigued by the concept and recognize the importance of Muskegon-to-Chicago flights.

Muskegon County Airport Manager Marty Piette said he is asked at least five times a week when Muskegon service to O'Hare is going to return. A market analysis also shows that a Chicago flight is the most sought-after destination for local travelers.

"This is the best opportunity we've seen in seven years," Piette said. "It very well might be the best opportunity we ever see."

County board Chairman Ken Mahoney said his initial reaction to the proposal is that a second airline service to a second hub would provide competition in the market and hopefully lower fares for all. Currently, Delta subsidiary Mesaba Aviation regional service operates the only commercial flights out of Muskegon, flying to Detroit.

"I'm hoping it floats," Mahoney said. "Right now, there's only one game in town."

Jack Penning, director of market analysis for the consulting firm proposing the plan, made a similar presentation Thursday to the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We find the proposal to be intriguing and fundamentally different than the previous efforts to bring service from Muskegon to Chicago," said Cindy Larsen, chamber president. "Chicago is the No. 1 hub in the Midwest, so getting to Chicago is critical for not just manufacturing but our tourism industry."

The community-backed air service plan, which is being considered by 23 other communities with mid- and small-sized airports, is being promoted as a way to put the community in control rather than an airline. On the positive side, the plan is designed to provide stability in service, allow investors to profit and generate little risk to the airline. On the negative side, the plan features a large upfront financial commitment and a financial risk for investors.

Based on cost estimates from the consulting firm, the proposed plan would produce a round-trip fare of $123.80 and a local economic impact of $8 million.

Airport officials and the consulting firm, Sixel Consulting Group, will make similar presentations in the coming weeks and gauge community interest. They also will seek support from potential investors. The community would need a total investment pledge of $2.7 million, including $890,000 to be held in escrow in case ticket sales don't cover expenses.

Larsen said the proposal will need to be thoroughly researched and "if we find it could be profitable, there's a good chance we can find investors."

The recently announced $650,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to relink Muskegon and Chicago with air service can't be used for this project because a federal subsidy for air service has been designated for the county airport.

$11M Downtown Muskegon condo development to open sales modeal with lake views

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

$11M Downtown Muskegon condo development to open sales model with lake views

Accommodation, Construction, Development, Downtown Living, Real Estate, Sales, Sustainability

Developer Jon Rooks says downtown Muskegon's HighPoint Flats is halfway to opening the project's condominium model – a model with a view of Muskegon Lake and distant views of Lake Michigan.

Clifford Buck Construction Co. is building the model on the sixth level of the circa 1916 Hackley Bank building, 285 W. Western. Each of the model's two bedrooms includes an en suite bathroom with double sinks and a large walk-in shower. A surprise twist: each shower has a showerhead with built-in colored lights that illuminate the shower spray in a variety of hues.

The living area includes a future window wall overlooking the two lakes and downtown Muskegon.

"The window opening will be the size of a two-stall garage door and will open out to a balcony," says Rooks. "That will be added when we do the full rehab of the entire building. We'll rip off sections of the exterior wall and replace them with glass and sliders to each of the balconies."

The model will be open by October.

The project proposes construction of 70 condos, split between the nine-floor main building and a two-story addition yet to be constructed.

The main building will have a shared rooftop deck and hot tub; optional rooftop decks with hot tubs are available to residents of both buildings.

"Benefits from the Michigan tax package allow residents 13 years, if they move in in 2010, to pay no city income taxes, no property taxes and no Michigan income taxes," Rooks says. "There will be a lot of people who live (at High Point Flats) who will pay their mortgage payment with the taxes they save and will live there for free."

Rooks estimates that the completed development will have a gross value of $11 million.

Serve Studio is the architect. Tylor Devereaux is the interior designer.

Source: Jon Rooks, Parkland Properties

Related Articles
Muskegon’s $11M HighPoint Flats to open condo model, offer extended tax-free living

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Growing communications firm creates four more technology jobs

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Growing Muskegon communications firm creates four more technology jobs

Advertising, Business Development, Design, Marketing, Media, Public Relations, Technology, Website Design

A young and growing Muskegon-based marketing and communications company announced this week the creation of four new technology jobs.

Qonverge, 900 Third Street, added a server and infrastructure administrator, an interactive developer, a producer, and a server and infrastructure administrator.

"We've had pretty steady growth over the four years since we formed Qonverge," says Jason Piasecki, CEO and co-owner with Andy Maciejewski. "Our gross revenue last year had 30 percent growth, and we're on track to maintain that growth this year."

Piasecki declined to divulge the company's annual revenue.

Qonverge specializes in online and social media marketing and communications. The firm offers video production, branding and logo development, print design for tradeshow graphics and signage, brochures, audio production and podcasting, and web development. Piasecki says the company is working on a new viral application similar to Elf Yourself, and hopes to market it soon.

Qonverge filled the new positions with former contract employees, bringing the total number of fulltime employees to eight.

"[Using contractors] has been a great proving ground for us and a chance to see what's sustainable for us," Piasecki says. "Clients have been working with the contractors and can continue to work with them as full-time employees. We've developed a good team and we want to preserve that."

Source: Jason Piasecki, Qonverge

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Muskegon PR firm launches social networking tool for Muskegon Community College

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Proposed Whitehall bioenergy complex still in the works - could bring 150 jobs

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Proposed Whitehall bioenergy complex still in the works, could bring 150 jobs

Alternative Energy, Business Development, Environment, Sustainability

The proposed transformation of a former Muskegon County wastewater plant into a self-sustaining bioenergy complex is moving at a snail's pace – but it is moving, according to Scott Erdman, the visionary behind the idea.

Erdman, 48, proposes transforming the brownfield site at 2000 Holton-Whitehall Road, Whitehall, into the 640-acre Silver Creek New Energy Development. He's promoted the plan for nearly five years, hitting a number of hurdles along the way – but in February he says he'll close on the $1.325 million purchase of the property.

The Department of Environmental Quality approved a $1 million Clean Michigan Initiative Brownfield Redevelopment Loan for a baseline environmental assessment, demolition and other related costs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded $491,767 in tax capture to the project.

The plan proposes:

Setting aside 40 acres for biodigester and ethanol production plants. The biodigester would produce energy using waste products from local fruit, vegetable and meat processors who would pay for disposal. The electricity produced would provide power to the complex.
Producing biodiesel from algae grown in a 50-acre pond on-site.
Farming (using the biodiesel), a third of the property for cash crops using fertilizer produced by the biodigester.
Growing cranberries for market in any/all of several one-acre basins.
Constructing greenhouses to grow tomatoes for the commercial market.
Using 75 acres for commercial purposes, including a fuel station to sell the ethanol and biodiesel.

""We're not waiting for the money to close on the property, that's a done deal. We're currently putting together our pilot plants at Erdman Machine," says Erdman, who owns the machine shop located across the road. "From there we'll ramp up to a standard plant."

If things move forward as Erdman anticipates, he says the development could create 150 jobs over the next several years.

"The farming operations will start right away (after the closing and approval of an environmental study). The big plan is to raise the capital for the [biodigester]," Erdman says."We're working with several venture capitalists to raise the capital for the development."

Source: Scott Erdman, Silver Creek New Energy Development, Erdman Machine Company

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

A 20-acre site along Muskegon's downtown waterfront is midway to becoming a conference center and resort under the guidance of longtime developer Jon Rooks of Parkland Properties.

The complex at 750 Terrace Point that houses Rafferty's Dockside Restaurant, The Shoreline Inn and Terrace Point Marina dropped back into Rooks' lap when a prospective buyer defaulted on the purchase. A deed in lieu foreclosure allowed Rooks to keep the inn and marina open, salvaging 21 jobs.

Proposed plans for Rafferty's Dockside Restaurant, now closed, could convert the existing space into a combination restaurant and conference center that could accommodate 365 people and offer catering services.

The 140-room Shoreline Inn has an indoor and an outdoor pool and three meeting rooms for groups of 16 to 70. Renovations include a rebuilt outdoor pool, a new convenience store, new phone system, wireless Internet access throughout the building and a proposed game room.

"The hotel was built in 2002 and is in fantastic shape. Our first step was to get a new general manager and new sales director," Rooks says.

"We've also put new piling in the marina, new dock boxes, and fixed the cable, the water lines and the power problems. This is my sixth marina renovation and I have owned a hotel, so all of this I've done before."

Completed renovations in the marina's clubhouse include an overhaul of the shower rooms, a kitchen remodel and the addition of a new laundry room and pool table.

Parkland Properties hopes to strike a deal with a restaurateur who would like to open a new eatery and catering business adjacent to the conference center. The remaining renovations on the complex will be completed in the next month.

Source: Jon Rooks, Parkland Properties

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

GVSU officials brief congressional staff on energy issues

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

GVSU officials briefs congressional staff on energy issues

Friday, August 07, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- Energy and environmental issues will be front and center in coming years as the national debate plays out in the U.S. Congress.

Grand Valley State University officials want to make sure the Michigan congressional delegation knows it has plenty to add to the conversation.

To that end, the university hosted 15 congressional staffers this week from offices of Michigan U.S. senators and representatives to show off the university's energy and environmental initiatives.

The heart of the congressional staff tour was in Muskegon , with stops at GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center and the Annis Water Resources Institute.

"Energy and alternatives are on the radar screen in Washington this year and next," said Matt McLogan, GVSU vice president for university relations. "We want to bring the Washington staff to MAREC and the Lake Michigan Center to see what is available in Muskegon . GVSU can be a resource in the years ahead."

Besides the energy and water institutes, the congressional staffers began their exploration with a tour of the den Dulk Dairy Farm in Ravenna where GVSU and the farm jointly developed a cow-waste-to-energy project.

The tour also included stops at the Consumers Energy B.C. Cobb Plant in Muskegon , Ludington Pumped Storage Facility and Rogers Dam hydroelectric plant near Big Rapids. Finally, the group traveled to McBain near Cadillac to see construction of Heritage Sustainable Energy's nine-turbine wind farm.

Staffers heard from Water Resources Institute Director Alan Steinman concerning Great Lakes issues, including the potential of putting wind turbines on Lake Michigan . Professor Erik Nordman is leading a GVSU research team to look at issues of locating wind turbines in a four-county lakeshore region, while MAREC continues to explore a demonstration wind turbine installation on Muskegon Lake .

The survey of facilities -- from a wind farm and the solar energy panels at MAREC to more traditional electrical generation such as the Cobb coal plant and Rogers hydro plant -- is timely for the congressional staffers.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a major energy and environmental program called "cap and trade." The controversial program now sent to the Senate is designed to limit greenhouse gasses and address climate change.

"A tour like this gives you a comprehensive look at the energy issues," said Zak Tomich, legislative counsel for U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. "This ties together a lot for us and shows us the great potential Michigan has for the future of energy production."

The energy policy staff members for both Michigan Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin along with House members Fred Upton, Bart Stupak and Vern Ehlers, among others, were on the tour.

GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute Director Alan Steinman discusses Great Lakes research programs with congressional staffers aboard the university's W.G. Jackson research vessel on Muskegon Lake .

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson Technologies Tax Break Will Create Jobs!

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Johnson Technology's tax break will create jobs

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Desperate economic times have the city of Muskegon desperately seeking job-creating companies.

Muskegon city commissioners this week completed an economic development deal with Johnson Technology Inc. that will bring 74 new jobs and a $14.1 million investment to the company's manufacturing plant at 2034 Latimer in the Port City Industrial Park.

The city has granted the wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Electric Co. two tax abatements. The first is a 50 percent tax break for 12 years on $2.9 million in improvements to the company's real property. The second is a 100 percent personal property tax abatement for 12 years on $11.2 million in equipment.

City Manager Bryon Mazade said this is the first time the city has provided a 100 percent personal property tax abatement, and only PolyCem in Norton Shores has received a similar incentive in Muskegon County history.

The two combined property tax breaks will mean an annual estimated tax savings -- and loss of local government revenues -- of $227,174 for all taxing units, with the city of Muskegon losing $70,516.

The Muskegon City Commission unanimously and enthusiastically approved the two abatements, but Commissioner Larry Spataro pointed out that the city's revenue loss roughly equals the pay and benefits of a police officer. The city faces difficult budget deficits in the 2010 fiscal year due to the poor economy.

"I'd recommend the (tax breaks) based on the job creation of 74 workers in this economy," Mazade told commissioners in light of a 16.8 percent Muskegon County unemployment rate. "In the city, the income tax (from the new jobs) is more important than the loss in property taxes."

The company -- which has 259 workers in its Muskegon plant and another approximately 160 in its Norton Shores plant -- is in the process of bringing work previously performed outside of Michigan into its Muskegon facility.

Johnson Technology makes jet engine parts that are on Boeing and Airbus commercial airliners and on U.S. military aircraft.

The Johnson Technology investment will be made in a new high-tech plasma coating process used in the production of engine parts, company officials have said. General Electric had looked at locating the new process and the jobs in another state, with one option being Indiana.

Johnson Technology, the city of Muskegon and Muskegon Area First were successful in June in obtaining a Michigan Economic Growth Authority state tax credit valued at $2 million over 12 years. That state incentive was granted with the expectation of the city property tax breaks, Mazade said.

"Congratulations on bringing the work to Muskegon," Mayor Steve Warmington told Johnson Technology officials. "We appreciate the growth in your company."

Johnson Technology officials are buoyant about their future in Muskegon, said Director of Operations Tom Jasick.

"It's all about jobs, and our future is looking very, very bright," Jasick told commissioners.

Leaders, Muskegon Residents Help Chart State's Future

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Leaders, Muskegon residents help chart state's future

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- As Michigan makes critical decisions to chart its future, a group of 145 Muskegon residents found out Tuesday that every voice counts.

Take, for example, Oregon native Leslie Naramore. She recently moved to Muskegon with her husband, Mikael, who returned to his West Michigan roots to follow a business dream.

Among the civic leaders and residents at the "community conversation" of The Center for Michigan were the Naramores, who brought along their 8-month-old son Atticus. The family moved into Muskegon's McLaughlin Neighborhood, where Mikael Naramore operates Terrestrial Records, an audio production business.

"I learned that my voice matters, so come out and speak your mind," Leslie Naramore said after the two-hour session at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor.

The Ann Arbor-based think tank held one of its "conversations" on the future of Michigan that have been conducted in more than 200 communities among more than 5,000 Michigan residents over the past two years.

The earlier "conversations" resulted in a report on "Michigan's Defining Moment" -- an agenda for transforming the state at a time of collapse in its auto-based economy and an inability of its political leadership to get beyond hardened partisanship.

• Muskegon residents asked to sound off on state's future for think tank

• For more information go to the Center For Michigan's Web site.

Four groups of Muskegon residents participated in separate conversations in an event sponsored by the Alcoa Foundation and the Michigan Municipal League. The event was produced by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the United Way of the Lakeshore.

Earlier conversations identified education, economic development and effective government as the key issues and nine specific strategies needed to move the state beyond its current dismal situation. The work is in preparation of the 2010 elections when a new governor and majority of the Michigan Legislature will be elected and the question of a state constitutional convention will be before voters.

A group of 25 Muskegon residents led by Mike Holiday --Â a Center for Michigan volunteer -- concluded that creating an accountable and bipartisan leadership along with diversifying the economy were the most critical strategies to the state's success.

Political solutions coming from the Holiday group ranged from public financing of campaigns, to a nonpartisan elected Legislature to abolishing political parties.

The economic development suggestions from the Holiday group included a bond issue to support wind and alternative energy, marketing the state's quality of life and affordable housing, an awards competition for innovation, expansion of the agricultural sector and teaching innovation in the schools.

The Muskegon conversation organizers will report the results from all four group discussions back to the community in the coming weeks, according to the chamber's Janessa Stroud.

Health care debate center on issues important to Muskegon

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Health care debate centers on issues important to Muskegon -- rich in health care jobs, poor in health care coverage

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle
Saturday July 25, 2009, 9:49 PM

As the health care reform debate rages in Washington, the decisions made by Congress and the president will affect individual health and the economy in communities like Muskegon.

Those closely tied to the health care industry in Muskegon have been closely following the Washington debate as intensely as many others have been watching the beach and boat forecasts during the lazy days of summer.

"It is a hard issue for the country right now," said Muskegon County Department of Human Services Director Jane Johnson, expressing frustration that the Washington debate is providing no easy solutions.

There are 23.5 percent or almost one in four people between the ages of 18 and 64 in Muskegon County who do not have health insurance, according to estimates from the Muskegon Community Health Project.

The national health care issue also has implications for local jobs.

In Muskegon County, one in every six jobs is in the health care field, accounting for more than 11,000 workers. Health is the only sector in Muskegon County -- an area with a 16.8 percent unemployment rate -- not to have suffered a drop in jobs over the past year.

As Congress and the country remain divided on the direction health care reforms should take, so are Muskegon-area leaders.

Help needed, but what kind?

The consensus that seems to have formed in Muskegon is that the health care crisis is real and the federal government needs to enact policies to address the issues of rising costs and the growing uninsured.

The other consensus opinion from nearly all ends of Muskegon's political spectrum is that health care should remain in the private sector. There is no vocal support for a single-payer government health system like in Western Europe or Canada.

President Obama is pitching a plan that includes a mix of public and health options.

"It is an extremely complex issue but a legitimate issue," said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's unclear how we can find a solution to transform an entire industry without there being winners and losers. The status quo is not acceptable but neither is a big government program."

Dr. Remmington Sprague -- the chief medical director for Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon -- says that a new public health care policy is way overdue.

"With the uninsured, we are having cost shifting that is hurting everyone," said Sprague, explaining that unpaid hospital bills of the uninsured are being absorbed through higher hospital charges passed on to everyone else.

"As a result, private insurance is going away," said Sprague, who also is a board member of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan State Medical Society. "This is an absolute crisis."

Sprague said that a new national health care policy must provide universal coverage and contain rising costs. He said that the system might best be managed on a community or regional level -- moving the decision-making out of Washington.

A national policy mandating that everyone have health care coverage, like the law that requires all drivers to have auto insurance, is critical, Sprague said. Health reform proposals run the gambit. Some have coverage coming from private insurance companies through individual or employee group policies, while others include a national insurance option in the model of Medicare.

"Everybody has to be covered," Sprague said.

Health options abound

Those in the Muskegon health care system point to innovative programs such as Access Health and federal low-income health clinics in Muskegon that provide everyone with basic services. Access Health has received plenty of national attention as the cost of insurance for the "working poor" is split among the employee, employer and public financing.

Steve Wisneski sells employee benefit plans as an independent agent to businesses and organizations in West Michigan through his company Creative Benefit Systems. He seeks a private-sector solution to America's health care problems.

Wisneski -- a Muskegon city commissioner and member of the Muskegon chamber board -- is philosophically against government mandates but he is open to mandating health insurance for all Americans.

The federal government must set a "national health care standard" that would work like a "health savings account" in providing minimal coverages, Wisneski argues. That coverage could be obtained through the workplace, individually or through health care pools for those not having insurance.

He calls for a payroll tax to pay for those in the private-sector insurance pools.

But in the end, he said, a government program is not the answer.

"National health insurance is way beyond what this country can fathom," said Wisneski, a leader in the National Association of Health Underwriters. "The cost figures are staggering. The federal government knows that it can't afford a national health care system."

A government insurance option to private insurance is supported by Marge Faville, a former nurse at Mercy Hospital and now president of the SEIU HealthCare Michigan -- a union representing 55,000 health care workers in the state. A government insurance option would make coverage more flexible for those losing or changing their jobs, she said.

"That's why we believe that a public insurance option -- one that can compete with private insurance conglomerates -- is a critical piece of any adequate health care reform package," said Faville, a Muskegon resident. "Our union has been fighting to make sure that happens."

Government is not the main culprit in the current crisis but insurance companies, pharmaceutical giants and unwarranted lawsuits from trail attorneys to name three, according to Dr. Virgilio Vasquez, president of the Muskegon County Medical Society and a physician with the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Clinic in Muskegon.

"The powerful insurance companies and their strong lobby monopolize how medicine is practiced," Vasquez said. "On the other hand, drug companies monopolize the price of medication. We can do much better and the cost of medical reform would be much less if we abolish defensive medicine, duplication of services and, last but not least, trial lawyers."

Wellness programs critical

Both Sprague and Larsen point to the critical need for wellness to be a part of any health care reform mandate coming from Washington. The federal policy must help change unhealthy behaviors, Sprague said, while Larsen said incentives must be given for healthy lifestyle choices regarding smoking, diet and exercise.

But the greatest fear of business is having the federal government mandate new huge, costly public health care programs, Larsen said.

"Any change in our health care system better be well thought through or otherwise we are just going to put more people out of work," Larsen said. "Our worst fear is that the solution will put another financial burden on small business."

There is little confidence among Muskegon's leadership that the political system in Washington is able to solve the health care crisis regarding rising costs and the uninsured.

"My greatest concern is that this critical issue will be reduced to a war of politics as it has in the recent past, resulting in inaction," said Christine Robere, president of the United Way of the Lakeshore. "For more than 20 years, we have talked about this issue and the need for health care reform. It is time to find the compromises that can keep moving America's health care system forward in a humane and sustainable way."

Join the Conversation

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: Join the conversation

by The Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board
Thursday July 23, 2009, 9:29 AM

It's clear Michigan is at a critical crossroads as it struggles through a decadelong recession and its main industry, auto manufacturing, moves in and out of bankruptcy.

We've all developed an opinion about state government's role in all this and what it should or shouldn't be doing.

Instead of complaining to your spouse or neighbor, now your ideas can be heard during a two-hour group conversation offered by the Center for Michigan, a nonpartisan Ann Arbor think tank.

Center for Michigan has held similar conversations across the state with thousands of Michigan residents since 2007. The initial discussions led to the development of a three-point agenda for which the group is attempting to build statewide consensus.

The Muskegon forum will seek opinions about developing a globally competitive work force, creating an economy that provides a high quality of life and establishing efficient and accountable government.

There are 150 seats available for the community conversation 7:30-9:30 a.m. July 28 at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, 939 Third. Center for Michigan facilitators will conduct up to five sessions that will be divided into groups of 30.

To register, contact the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce at www.muskegon.org or 722-3751. The event is free.

Residents Sound Off On States Future

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Residents asked to sound off on state's future

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

At few times in Michigan's 172-year history has the state been at such a critical crossroads.

Muskegon citizens are being asked to join a statewide effort to chart a course for the future in the wake of a decade-long state recession and the implosion of the domestic auto industry.

"Michigan in 2010 is facing a real watershed," said Chris McGuigan, president of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. "We are clearly at a crossroads in Michigan, facing a period of great change."

A "community conversation" will ask Muskegon citizens: What comes next?

A free, two-hour group conversation July 28 on issues facing the state will be offered by The Center for Michigan, a nonpartisan Ann Arbor think tank. The 7:30-9:30 a.m. "community conversation" will be at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, 939 Third.

This first Muskegon "conversation" through the Center for Michigan initiative is being sponsored by the Alcoa Foundation and the Michigan Municipal League through the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Lakeshore and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.

There are 150 slots available for those wanting to participate. Center for Michigan facilitators will conduct up to five sessions that will be divided into groups of 30.

Beyond the general community event July 28, the Community Coordinating Council of Muskegon County will bring together human service providers in an Aug. 18 Center for Michigan conversation. Another young leadership conversation is being planned for September in Muskegon.

The Center for Michigan has had similar conversations around the state with thousands of Michigan residents beginning in 2007. The initial discussions led to a proposed three-point agenda for which the group is attempting to build statewide consensus.

The July 28 event will seek Muskegon reaction and opinion concerning a Michigan agenda based on a talented and globally competitive work force, a vibrant economy that provides a high quality of life and efficient and accountable government.

"This format allows for an intelligent conversation of the issues we face in Michigan," said Janessa Stroud, the chamber's vice president for government affairs. "In the end, we need to go to the Michigan Legislature and demand these changes."

READ

A conversation of Muskegon residents July 28 is designed to help a think tank build statewide consensus on new directions for Michigan in the face of the current economy.

To sign up

Those wishing to register for the July 28 "community conversation" should call the chamber of commerce at www.muskegon.org or 722-3751. As media sponsors, The Muskegon Chronicle will continue the conversation online at www.mlive.com/muskegon.

Muskegon Chamber Encouraging Buy Local

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon Chamber of Commerce encouraging governments, residents to buy local

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce is making a push to encourage government agencies to buy products and services from locally-owned businesses.

From the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners to townships, area governments spend millions of dollars annually on everything from police cruisers to video equipment and printing services.

The chamber's goal: Encourage governments to "think local."

Chamber officials say residents should "think local" as well.

"If every person in Muskegon County spent $100 at locally-owned businesses, it would pump $10.5 million back into the economy," Janessa Stroud, the chamber's vice president of government affairs, wrote in a letter to area governments.

"Imagine the potential impact your organization could have on keeping money local. ... This means more people get a paycheck, pay their bills and purchase goods and services from their friends and neighbors."

In the letter, the chamber offers governments a link to a list of local businesses.

Specifically, the chamber is asking area governments to work with businesses headquartered in Muskegon County or West Michigan. The chamber also wants consideration to be given to businesses that have 50 percent of their employees living in Muskegon County and use environmentally-friendly practices.

Muskegon County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley said local and county governments are bound by law to seek competitive bids in a transparent process. And in the age of Web access, bids can come from anywhere.

"We certainly encourage buying locally as much as we can, but we have to look at each purchase on a case-by-case basis with the regulations and cost advantages," Hammersley said.

When a county, city or township approves a purchase, an advertisement known as a "Request for Proposal" is published seeking bids. In theory, it is part of a competitive and open process.

"While we have the ability to take into account response time and delivery time, which could be an advantage to local companies, we can't specifically say, 'You have to be from Muskegon.'"

And as environmentally-friendly laws hit the books, governments might gain more flexibility to buy local, Hammersley said. That's because it takes less gasoline to transport goods from a local company as opposed to a company from California. Less gas emissions are good for the environment, she said.

Grant Spurs Jobs

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Federal stimulus grant drives $30M cleanup of Muskegon Lake, spurs 125 construction, engineer jobs

One of the largest contributors to the Great Lakes coastal wetlands ecosystem will soon undergo a $30 million environmental cleanup, thanks to help from a $10 million federal stimulus grant.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the grant to the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) to restore some 10,000 feet of "hardened" shoreline containing broken concrete, sheet metal, sawdust and slag from industrial sites. The project includes the removal of over 180,000 metric tons of degraded lake bottom sediment that has impaired aquatic and plant life.

About $20 million for the project comes from additional funding and in-kind support from local organizations.

The GLC has partnered with the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission on the project. Initial estimates indicate the rehabilitation will create 125 jobs, mostly construction and engineering related, and will stimulate tourism and water recreation. Last year, sport fishing alone generated $1.2 million for the local economy; project leaders expect that amount to increase after the restoration.

GVSU's Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) will monitor the results of the rehabilitation to determine the project's success.

"Dr. Carl Reutz will monitor the fish populations," AWRI Director Al Steinman says. "My lab will be looking at the aquatic macrophytes – at what comes back, the numbers, the densities restored. We'll collaborate with Dr. Paul Isley at the SBTDC to look at indicators of the social and economic success of the restoration."

The socio-economic monitoring includes an analysis of Muskegon Lake property values, a survey to determine how much money people spend to get to the lake and while at the lake, and a valuation survey of the lake's users and non-users to estimate how much money they would be willing to pay to use the lake before restoration and after restoration.

The project runs between September 2009 and December 2010.

Source: Al Steinman, Annis Water Resources Institute; Kathy Evans, West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

New Economic Developer Has Begun

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Longtime Grand Haven economic developer Karen Benson has begun working for Muskegon Area First

by Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN -- An experienced Grand Haven-area economic developer has signed on with Muskegon Area First to promote retention and expansion of Muskegon County businesses.

Karen Benson has been named business development manager for the local economic development agency, according to its president, Ed Garner. She began work at Muskegon Area First this week and replaces Rich Houtteman, who has become deputy city administrator in Kentwood.

"This is a perfect fit for me as it just gives me a new territory to explore," Benson said of joining Muskegon Area First after 16 years experience in economic development.

Benson was executive director of the Northwest Ottawa Economic & Industrial Development Corp. from 1986 to 1989 and economic development director for the Chamber of Commerce in Grand Haven from 1989 to 2002. In both positions, she headed the Tri-Cities economic development programs.

For the past seven years, Benson was vice president for business development and most recently loan portfolio manager for Grand Haven Bank, now Michigan Commerce Bank. As vice president, she was the bank's lead person in the community working on marketing, advertising and developing business relationships.

Benson said her position at the bank was eliminated in March.

"When this job came available, it was like coming home," Benson said.

Garner had been economic development director for the Grand Haven chamber from 2005 to 2007 before heading Muskegon Area First. He said he knew Benson through his work in the Tri-Cities.

"She has a vast amount of experience in economic development," Garner said. "She can quickly get up to speed on our issues and our community. She will bring some new, fresh ideas from outside of Muskegon."

In her new job, Benson will focus on retention and expansion of businesses in Muskegon, specifically working with the manufacturing sector. She also will work on new business development and will handle the agency's efforts to market and expand use of the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System.

It's About Time!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: It's about time

by The Muskegon Chronicle editorial board
Wednesday July 01, 2009, 7:39 AM

Sometimes persistence pays off.

For years, tourists have been confused about how to find Muskegon when coming off of I-96 to U.S. 31. The signs gave people a choice -- north to Ludington or south to Grand Haven.

So, where was Muskegon? Missed, according to tourism officials.

Way too many people trying to find Michigan's Adventure and other tourist attractions assumed going south would get them to Muskegon. When that didn't work, they shared their frustration with local tourism officials.

Recently, the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce initiated discussions with state officials about adding Muskegon to the signs -- something the county Convention and Visitor's Bureau had also sought. New signs are now in place, courtesy of the state.

The real question is why did it take this long? And where were our elected officials? They drive those roads, too.

Tourism dollars -- Muskegon Summer Celebration alone pumps about $6 million into the local economy -- are too important to take a chance on people having a negative experience on their way to the area because of confusing highway signs.

Muskegon is working hard to overcome its image as a rusted out factory town and transform itself into a regional tourist destination, among other things. And the effort has caught the attention of plenty of tourists.

It's great that the state is finally on board.

Maybe it's a sign of the times.

Chamber Hopes Highway Signs Spark Tourism Traffic

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Chamber hopes highway signs spark tourism traffic

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- For years, tourists making their way to Muskegon from eastbound I-96 complained that it was confusing to find destinations like Michigan's Adventure.

The problem: The roadside signs in the Nunica area directed drivers north to Ludington or south to Grand Haven.

Well, where's Muskegon?

"People would call us all the time, saying they turned south expecting that would get them here," said Janessa Stroud, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It was incredibly confusing and frustrating."

So Stroud and chamber representatives initiated discussions with state officials about adding Muskegon to the signs.

The state agreed and recently installed three new signs worth $10,000. Stroud said the state picked up the tab.

In the minds of chamber and tourism officials, the new signs are a major victory. After all, tourism dollars are crucial to Muskegon County's economy.

It's estimated that tourists spend millions of dollars annually in Muskegon County on everything from food, retail goods, hotels, gasoline and tickets to festivals and the Michigan's Adventure amusement park.

Tourism officials say Summer Celebration alone pumps $6 million annually into the local economy. Meanwhile, a 5 percent bed tax at hotels brings the county $880,000 annually.

But if tourists can't find Muskegon, some might bypass the city and continue south to Grand Haven or Holland.

Tim Judge, manager of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Muskegon service center, said the change will make a difference -- especially for visitors looking for Michigan's Adventure.

"This definitely clears up some confusion on what to do when you hit U.S. 31," he said. "For us, it was not a real difficult change. It was an easy change for us and it solves bigger concerns."

Jill Foreman, tourism manager for the Muskegon County Convention & Visitor's Bureau, said her agency lobbied the state to change the signs for years.

"It's always been of interest to us," she said. "But we always hit roadblocks."

In an age of inexpensive GPS navigation systems, officials said it's still important for state, county and local agencies to work together on making road signs more user friendly.

"Personal GPS units are helpful, but they are not always accurate and not everyone has one," Foreman said.

Development Still Alive in Downtown Muskegon

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Development still alive in downtown Muskegon
Pete Daly, Grand Rapids Business Journal

MUSKEGON — This lakeshore city has had to roll with the economic punches many times over a lot of years, so a little old recession isn't going knock out all new development or scare off plans by its entrepreneurs.

"It's real difficult to get some economic development projects going because of the state of our economy, but I will also say I think we've been very fortunate in Muskegon to still have a number of projects ongoing — either continuing or beginning during this economic time," said Bryon Mazade, Muskegon city manager.

Grand Rapids developer Jonathan Rooks' business involvement in downtown Muskegon increased dramatically in May when he took possession of the 11-story Shoreline Inn & Suites on the shore of Muskegon Lake, just a couple of blocks away from the downtown high ground where his Highpoint Flats condo project is located.

The Shoreline Inn property entails 20 acres and includes Terrace Point Marina — with 114 slips — plus an adjacent restaurant that has been known as Rafferty's. The 9,000-square-foot restaurant is temporarily closed pending the transfer of a liquor license, according to Rooks, but the hotel has remained in continuous operation.

In December 2007, Rooks bought the mortgage on the property, which was owned by John and Susan Payne. The Paynes built the 140-room hotel in 2002; the marina and restaurant were already there. In May, Rooks received a deed in lieu of foreclosure from the Paynes. He did not reveal how much he paid for the property.

Rooks said he has "a lot of plans" for the marina, including the installation of wireless Internet service throughout, a new laundry in the clubhouse, new mooring pilings and other improvements. The slips can accommodate boats up to 50 feet in length, and the marina has direct access to Lake Michigan via Muskegon Lake. Rooks said he may also invest in small boats, kayaks, bicycles and jet skis for rent at the marina, and perhaps put in a launch ramp for boaters staying at the hotel. There is even a possibility of creating a beach on the forested portion of the Shoreline Inn property further west on Terrace Point.

He said he is looking for a restaurateur to lease and run the restaurant, which may re-open in late July.

Rooks' Highpoint Flats condominium project was launched in 2007 but there was little visible progress last year. It began moving again in June when construction began on a demonstration condo on the sixth floor, which Rooks hopes to complete by the end of July. Highpoint Flats is Rooks’ name for the 90-year-old, eight-story office tower on Western Avenue that was the Hackley Bank building for many years, and then Comerica Bank.

He said he ultimately will have 70 condos in the building, which he said has "stunning views" of Muskegon Lake from every floor. The condos will sell from $89,000 to $299,000, and the top floor units will have 20-foot-high ceilings, which will allow for a loft level. Rooks also is planning a two-story addition on Western Avenue adjoining the tower, with a parking area behind it out of sight of the street.

Rooks said he has invested less than $1 million in Highpoint Flats thus far but he plans on an $11 million project before it is completed.

A few months ago, the state of Michigan extended the Renaissance Zone tax-exempt status for the downtown area that once was the site of the Muskegon Mall and is now largely vacant. That was good news for Rooks and another downtown developer, Gary Post, because it means their residential developments will be more attractive to buyers for a longer amount of time. Residents there will be free of state and local income taxes through 2023.

Post, who is semi-retired from a career in construction, now owns Port City Construction and Development Services LLC, which plans to build a 22-unit condo project called Heritage Square Townhomes on Clay Avenue between Second and First streets. The first unit was completed last year, and Post and his wife, Beth, moved into it. A second unit is about 60 percent complete.

"I've had a lot of interest in it but nobody that's signed a purchase agreement, and we really didn’t care to finish it until we could finish it to an individual's specifications," he said.

Post said he will build more units as they sell. He has four plans to choose from, ranging from about 1,000 square feet to almost 3,000, with prices ranging from $180,000 to $400,000.

"The economy is no doubt an impediment, a hindrance at this time," said Post. "But I think in spite of that, there's been some great things happening here downtown."

Two new buildings were completed last year at a major downtown intersection that is shaping up as the epicenter of the city's cultural and social scene. One is the Hines Building, which houses the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and several businesses. Opposite the Hines Building on the corner of Western Avenue and Third Street is the new Sidock Building, which just received Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the second LEED building certified in Muskegon, although others — including the Hines Building — may also receive certification.

On another corner of that intersection is the historic Frauenthal Theater, one of several major cultural venues in downtown Muskegon. Nearby at 333 Western Ave. is a popular new sports bar/restaurant, the Muskegon Athletic Club, also known as the MAC.

Post also owns three nearby buildings on Western Avenue that were part of the enclosed Muskegon Mall. One, the Century Club building, was completely renovated two years ago and is now occupied by a retail furniture business. The other two are the so-called Daniels Building and the Muskegon Savings Bank.

Post said he is in the process of turning the Daniels Building into an indoor marketplace. He said he has tenants lined up, "but here again, the financial piece" of the project is lacking.

"I haven't met my original schedule but I think we're making some good progress, and my goal is to open it yet this year," he said.

Just a block away, close to Heritage Square Townhomes and adjacent to the site of the former mall, is the new $11 million Baker College Culinary Institute of Michigan. The 39,000-square-foot building is being built by Clifford Buck Construction Co. Inc., which has been the contractor on many recent downtown developments.

When the culinary institute classes begin in September, it is expected to bring more than 400 people — students and faculty — downtown each day, according to Post.

"I think that's going to have a huge impact," he said. "We need people on the streets (downtown) and that helps do that."

The culinary institute also will have its own restaurant and delicatessen, open to the public.

"We are very happy to be part of the redevelopment of the downtown area," said Baker College interim president Mary Ann Herbst, noting that the community has welcomed the institute "with open arms."

The Downtown Muskegon Development Corp. is the nonprofit group redeveloping the site of the old Muskegon Mall, with Muskegon Main Street serving as its marketing agent. Dan Rinsema-Sybenga of Muskegon Main Street said there was no housing downtown back in the days of the Muskegon Mall, and housing is what is needed now to "add more vibrancy" downtown and help drive commercial development there.

"I think the additional housing in Highpoint Flats and the Heritage Square Townhomes is going to drive more economic development in downtown Muskegon. Hopefully, they will be catalyst projects," said Rinsema-Sybenga.

"Downtown living will be something that people consider," he said. "I know a lot of people were considering it before the bottom fell out" of the housing industry.

Developer Dan Henrickson, who has a significant investment in downtown Muskegon, said it is going to be a tough business "until the world gets back on its axis."

Henrickson, CEO of True North, an architecture/construction/investment firm in Belmont, said there was an RFP recently for a government building, and his firm was prepared to present a proposal but couldn't nail down financing.

A few years ago, True North acquired 25 acres in a 32-acre site on Muskegon Lake, former industrial land now called Harbor 31, a designated Michigan SmartZone. The state will help start-up companies there that invest in new technologies.

Henrickson said Harbor 31 is not a typical development site; it is practically in downtown Muskegon and on a beautiful lake with direct access to Lake Michigan. It also should have perceived value to companies or organizations that want to invest in sustainable technologies. Adjacent to the True North parcels is GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center. MAREC recently received a federal grant of $1.4 million to experiment with commercial generation of power using offshore wind turbines but is now searching for the required matching funds to be able to use the grant.

"The city is very cooperative," said Henrickson, adding it has done a lot of things to spur development in Muskegon.

He said True North is "fortunate to be in position where we don’t have to do anything today"— but he added that "the city wants us to move along at a better pace."

Last year, True North's Harbor 31 property was improved with the help of brownfield loans, but so far there have been no takers on any of the parcels.

Henrickson said if demand for development property picks up again in the next year or two, "we are in a position to go fairly quickly on development."

Investors who might have been thinking about launching a project in Muskegon "might be stepping back for a period of time, just to see how long the economy is going to play out the way it has," said Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington.

Muskegon Employees Urged to Ride to Work

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon-area employees urged to ride to work Friday

by Local reports | Muskegon Chronicle
Thursday June 18, 2009, 11:52 AM

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- The Ride On Muskegon coalition will have its second "ride to work" day of the summer Friday.

A group of 70 Muskegon-area businesses and organizations, the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Employers Association of West Michigan and Access Health Inc. have joined together to promote bike riding for health, economic and environmental reasons.

The first local bike-to-work day in May had the participation of many businesses and employees. The five businesses or organizations with the most participation were Muskegon County government, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Brunswick Bowling and Billiards, Independent Bank and Community Shores Bank.

Organizers ask participants to register at the group's Web site: www.rideonmuskegon.com. The final two local bike-to-work days are July 17 and Aug. 21.

Sidock Building Officially Awarded 'Green" Certification

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Sidock Building officially awarded 'green' certification

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

By Jeff Engel, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- The skylight system and large glass windows of the Sidock Building in downtown Muskegon were not designed just to filter sunlight to the interior -- they also make the structure more "green."

The skylights are one of about 15 design and construction features that have helped Sidock Group's commercial office building, 379 W. Western, achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Platinum and gold are the top two designations possible in that category, respectively.

LEED is the council's rating system for designing and constructing the world's most energy-efficient and high-performing buildings.

"Building operations are nearly 40 percent of the solution to the global climate challenge," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the council, in a press release. "While climate change is a global problem, innovative companies like Sidock Group are addressing it through local solutions."

According to the council's Web site, Muskegon currently has one other LEED-certified building -- Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy building, 200 Viridian. It has gold certification.

Four other local projects are pursuing LEED status, including the Hines Building across the street from the Sidock Building and the newly remodeled Meijer store in Norton Shores, 700 W. Norton.

Sidock Group's two-story, 15,584-square-foot structure is on a site previously occupied by the Muskegon Mall. The building, owned by Sidock Properties LLC, opened last year. Approximately $400,000 of the $2.9 million construction cost went toward environmentally friendly aspects, according to Robert Jordan, director of architecture with Sidock Group.

"We wanted to make a very clear statement about the importance of that location and the importance of the redevelopment (of downtown Muskegon)," Jordan said. "It speaks to our commitment to the future."

The building's other "green" features include a white reflective roof system to reduce the need for heating and air conditioning, perforated seepage basins and storm piping to contain stormwater runoff, and low-maintenance landscaping to eliminate irrigation needs.

The building also utilizes high-energy fluorescent and LED light fixtures that are turned on and off by programmable controls and occupancy sensors.

Sidock Group, an engineering and architecture firm with other offices in Novi and Wyandotte, occupies the second floor of the building while half of the first floor was recently leased to a local restaurant.

EarthTronics Snags Honeywell Name on its New Gearless Wind Turbine

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

EarthTronics snags Honeywell name on its new gearless wind turbine

June 8, 2009 - Exclusive By Lisa Sibley, Cleantech Group

As the small wind turbine market grows, a Muskegon, Mich.-based company thinks its new product could become the “Blackberry of wind.”

A new wind turbine from Muskegon, Mich.-based EarthTronics is coming to a hardware store near you, opening up new potential markets in low-wind areas. The turbine starts generating power at wind speeds as low as 2 miles per hour.

The company launched its Honeywell Wind Turbine today, a new wind energy system for home and business owners that EarthTronics said has higher performance output and lower installed cost per kilowatt than any other unit on the market.

EarthTronics President Reg Adams told the Cleantech Group the company is planning to market the new turbine across America for residential and light commercial uses, hoping for it to become the “Blackberry of wind.”

“We want to relieve pressure off the grid by bringing energy generation to the demand location, in other words, to your home or your commercial facility,” Adams said.

EarthTronics worked with Honeywell International (NYSE:HON), licensing the Honeywell brand to put on its turbine. Adams said Honeywell, a technology and manufacturing company that makes everything from air purifiers to aerospace products, has an interest in alternative energy. EarthTronics has also committed to build larger turbine units for Honeywell, which could be used through Honeywell's business development group.

A new report this month from the American Wind Energy Association, the AWEA Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study, highlights how the U.S. market for small wind turbines grew 78 percent in 2008, with a total of 17.3 megawatts of new installed capacity, compared to 14 percent in 2007, with 9.7 MW of new capacity (see Windation eyes commercial buildings for enclosed turbines).

Small wind turbines are those with a capacity of 100 kW or less. The report indicates the growth is due largely to private equity investment in the sector, as well as economies of scale, increasing electricity prices and growing public interest.

The EarthTronics wind turbine, made of stainless steel and plastic, measures six feet in diameter and weighs less than 95 pounds. It can produce over 1,500 kilowatt hours per year in low wind speeds, which is about 15 percent of an average household’s energy needs.

One of the company’s competitors Southwest Windpower, which makes the Skystream wind turbine, hasn’t yet been able to produce 1,000 kilowatt hours, Adams said. He said it’s still a good turbine but requires higher wind capacities, citing the problem that in America only 10 percent of the country has high enough wind speeds to power traditional turbines. In 2006, Southwest Windpower received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification for a key component its Skystream 3.7 residential-scale wind generator (see Southwest Windpower shipping new UL-approved residential generator).

Another competitor, BroadStar Wind Energy, emerged from stealth in 2008 revealing its AeroCam Turbine, which it claims can be deployed almost anywhere—including urban environments—at a cost-effective $1 per watt installed.

Other wind medium-to-small turbine equipment companies include Bergey Windpower, Solar Wind Works and Entegrity Wind Systems (see The race for affordable wind).

Startup Windation Energy Systems began taking orders earlier this year for its enclosed turbines for commercial rooftops. The 5-kilowatt capacity unit costs $40,000, plus $10,000 for installation by crane. It can generate power with winds starting at 7 mph.

The EarthTronics turbine generates energy from its fast-moving gearless blade tips, rather than a complex center gear box like its competitors. The blade tip system cuts in at wind speeds as low as 2 mph and as high as 45 mph. Adams described the hub of the development as a “center bicycle wheel concept.”

“We have no gearbox and generators in the center hub. It’s just like a large bearing on a bicycle wheel,” he said.

The Blade Tip Power System eliminates mechanical resistance and drag, Adams said, and also doesn’t have the typical noise associated with wind turbines. The blades “free wheel” like a pinwheel, he said.

The product, when packaged with EarthTronic’s compact fluorescent light bulb kit, offers 30 percent yearly saving on home energy bills, or 18 percent savings without the bulb kit.

Adams said he expects demand for the product to be driven by growing state and federal renewable energy incentives. U.S. consumers can receive a 30 percent rebate when they purchase turbines, thanks to the new federal tax credits in the U.S. (see Solar takes stock after tax-credit battle).

EarthTronics reviewed more than 280 wind turbines before selecting its current model, developed by E-Net and invented by Imad Mahawili, former director of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center at Michigan's Grand Valley State University. EarthTronics licensed the technology from E-Net and has taken the product through to commercial launch. The technology is patented in 120 countries.

EarthTronics is ramping up production with 3,000 orders to be released to Ace Hardware stores in October for a $4,500 retail price.

By December, Adams said the company plans to be producing 5,000 units per month, and then doubling that by March 2010. He alluded to the private company’s planned IPO route in the future, and intent to take the company’s technology global. Adams wouldn't disclose the names of investors but said the company isn’t venture backed.

The first pilot plant is slated for either the United States or Canada, Adams said, with a final decision to be made by the company’s board of directors in June.

During the next 24 months to 30 months, EarthTronics plans to build six or seven additional production plants to serve customers in India, China, Europe and North America, which are emerging markets for power demand.

Muskegon's MAREC Fires up Energy

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon's MAREC fires up energy, incubator development, brings WMSTI's Cook on board

By: Deborah Johnson Wood, Rapid Growth Media

With an eye to ramping up alternative energy innovation and economic development, Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) announced that it will bring aboard new talent with new energies.

Beginning this month, Rich Cook, director of the Grand Rapids-based West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative venture center, will spend two days a week at MAREC.

"We're sitting in a 32-acre SmartZone which is largely vacant at this point, and we envision that MAREC will help contribute to bringing development of new industries and technologies together in one common site," says Interim Director Arn Boezaart, adding that True North owns the property.

"The City of Muskegon felt that MAREC's economic development focus had gotten lost and that's why the city originally agreed to participate in this effort. They saw it as a means of moving the city forward into development of alternative energy."

Cook fits into the picture in a couple of ways: recruiting alternative energy startups to fill the 4,000 square feet of incubator laboratory space with companies interested in wind, solar, biowaste, photovoltaics and other alternative energy opportunities – space which is vacant after graduating its recent tenant, EarthTronics – and also offering business consultation to those companies.

Boezaart plans to work with the lakeshore communities and several of GVSU's departments – including engineering, natural resources and the business college – to develop opportunities for business leaders, students and faculty to become integrals parts of MAREC's future alternative and renewable energy projects.

"Here in Muskegon it's about developing the vacant acreage toward a diversified economy," Boezaart says, "and toward alternative and renewable energy while doing that."

Source: Arnold Boezaart, Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center

Business As Ususal in West Michigan After GM Announcement

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

For now, it's business as usual in West Michigan after GM announcement

by Dave Alexander and Jeff Engel | The Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN -- They were still selling General Motors cars at the Betten, Witt and Rypma dealerships Monday.

On the day that some say the future of American manufacturing might have taken a new course -- or launched the beginning of the end -- local GM dealerships continued to operate, as the once-mighty corporation ended up in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

"We've been busy all day," said Chris Baker, co-owner of the Betten Chevrolet in Muskegon and Betten-Baker in Coopersville. "Our showroom has been full all day. It doesn't seem to have affected us. We're excited that if they do reorganize, we'll have a better company."

Betten and all of the other Muskegon-area dealerships were spared the prebankruptcy decision by GM officials to eliminate 1,100 of their dealerships nationwide by the end of 2010. How dealerships will be treated in the bankruptcy proceedings is still an unknown.

Local manufacturing continues

And West Michigan auto parts manufacturers continued to produce for GM and the other bankrupt auto firm, Chrysler, along with Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and others.

GM's bankruptcy is not expected to affect Shape Corp. in Grand Haven, according to Tom DeVoursney, president and CEO. The company is being paid by GM under its supplier insurance program and will continue to ship parts for GM on normal schedules, he said.

Shape -- a Grand Haven-based roll-forming supplier of bumpers -- laid off 400 workers in December 2008 and another 230 in February due to downturns in the auto sector. It currently employs nearly 1,000 people. DeVoursney said he does not foresee more layoffs in the wake of the bankruptcy because GM is expected to continue production.

In fact, DeVoursney said he hopes to rehire approximately 80 manufacturing workers when Chrysler is expected to reopen plants within two or three weeks as a result of the Fiat-led buyout. Chrysler closed its 22 U.S. factories May 1.

Even though the industrial and corporate worlds shook Monday with the GM bankruptcy, it seemed like it was business as usual in West Michigan Monday. But the ramifications of both the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies undoubtedly will settle into communities like Muskegon, especially as the state of Michigan takes further economic hits to its automotive manufacturing sector.

However, the Muskegon area should not feel the same kinds of economic pain as Flint, Pontiac and Detroit -- the historic heart of Michigan's and the United States' auto industry. The immediate Muskegon area does not have any GM plants and many of its 35 or more automotive parts manufacturers are not heavily reliant on GM, economic developers say.

Many of the parts suppliers have been diversifying their operations for years, including moving from the former Big Three automakers to the "foreign domestics" such as Toyotas built in the United States, they said.

Others have diversified outside of automotive to make parts for companies in other sectors such as office furniture and appliances. Like GM, local businesses will carry on but likely shrink, suggested David Miller, vice president of economic development with the Chamber of Commerce for Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.

Current major parts suppliers in Muskegon County include, among others, CWC Textron, ADAC Automotive, Anderson Global, the Port City Group and DMI, the former Hayes Lemmerz International.

"Most of the companies here have made the adjustments long before now," said Ed Garner, president of Muskegon Area First -- the local economic development agency. "The GM bankruptcy might not affect us as significantly in Muskegon County."

Workers to be harmed

But anyone working for an automotive company -- or relying on a pension and retirement benefits from one -- was probably glued to the bankruptcy news Monday.

"It's scary ... retirees already lost their vision and hearing benefits, and there's probably more to come," said Muskegon County Commissioner Roger Wade, a 42-year veteran of the Sealed Power Co. piston ring operations in Muskegon and a longtime leader in United Auto Workers Local 637. Wade said he fears for the economic survival of auto parts suppliers, hoping workers won't lose local jobs like has been the case with the former Sealed Power plants here.

Kimberley Buchner's job was a casualty of the American auto industry's nosedive. The Muskegon resident was laid off in December by Grand Haven Plastics, a producer of auto parts.

"It's been a long time coming," Buchner said of the GM bankruptcy after driving her 2004 Chevrolet Malibu to the West Sherman Boulevard Wesco Monday afternoon. "I don't think GM can recover from this in the near future."

The key to the GM bankruptcy for West Michigan is how quickly the court proceedings progress, said Paul Isely, associate professor of economics at Grand Valley State University.

"If GM is able to move through bankruptcy how Chrysler has been able to do, then the damage to West Michigan won't be as bad," Isely said.

If it becomes drawn out, Isely said the bankruptcy could hurt West Michigan businesses, especially Tier II auto suppliers -- those providing parts to the major suppliers such as the Dana Corp. or Magna International Inc. It could also accelerate elimination of local auto dealers, he said.

Communities in the firing line

Communities also need to be concerned about the global automotive industry and GM bankruptcy. The city of Muskegon already has dealt with a $1.1 million budget cut earlier this year, and the Muskegon City Commission will see more cuts suggested by administrators next week, said city Finance Director Tim Paul.

"There is no bright side," Paul said of local income tax revenues dropping due to the economy -- in part because of fewer industrial workers in the city -- and significant reductions expected in revenue sharing payments from the state.

And don't expect Michigan's economy to reach previous peaks once the recession is over, said Brian Long, director of supply chain management research in Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business.

Milwaukee Chamber Boss Offers Tips for Development

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Milwaukee chamber boss offers tips for development

Saturday, May 30, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- Economic and community development has much more to do with people and their skills than it does with tax policy, highways or the fresh water of Lake Michigan.

That was the message the head of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce gave a Muskegon business group Friday at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor.

Milwaukee chamber President Tim Sheehy acknowledged that his community and Muskegon share a tremendous asset in Lake Michigan but he learned from an economic minister of Singapore on a trip a decade ago what was important to a region's economic future.

"Milwaukee, Muskegon and Singapore all have great deep-water ports," Sheehy told the Business for Breakfast gathering of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. But the minister said his country's future was tied to it being a "port of human knowledge."

The game changer in attracting companies to a community like Milwaukee or Muskegon is the population's education and the workers' skills, he said.

The Milwaukee economic development strategy is to focus on two key indicators: the percentage of work-age residents with at least a bachelor's degree and the percentage of work-age residents without a high school degree. The most important economic development strategy should be to increase the former and decrease the latter, he said.

Sheehy's numbers show Muskegon has a lot of work to do in improving its "human capital."

Milwaukee has 27 percent of its 18-to-64-year-olds with at least a four-year college degree, compared to only 13 percent for Muskegon County. As for non high school graduates of the same age, Milwaukee has 11 percent, compared to Muskegon's 17 percent.

GVSU's Alternative Energy Center Adds More Expertise

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

GVSU's alternative energy center adds more expertise

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- A seasoned corporate executive will assist in developing companies at Grand Valley State University's alternative energy center in Muskegon as the university and the community contemplate the institute's future.

Rich Cook -- retired CEO of X-Rite Inc. in Grand Rapids and current venture center director at the West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative -- will be at the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon for two days a week beginning in June.

Cook will help MAREC recruit and counsel West Michigan startup businesses in the alternative and renewable energy sector. The energy center in the Edison Landing SmartZone on Muskegon Lake has 4,000 square feet available for companies seeking modestly-priced work space and the desire to draw on university resources.

"Our goal is to take the MAREC incubator and related entrepreneurial consulting program to the next level," said Arn Boezaart, MAREC interim director. "Rich will really be able to help with those services. He has expertise with business incubators and new product commercialization coaching in the region."

Cook has a background in instrumentation, software, office furniture, transportation, aerospace and solid waste disposal, among other businesses, over the course of his career.

The West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative is a Grand Rapids SmartZone in the GVSU Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences and is a collaboration among the university, city of Grand Rapids, the Right Place Inc., Van Andel Research Institute and Grand Rapids Community College, among others. It counsels business clients, assists in gaining grants and helps companies in taking products to market.

Boezaart took over the struggling energy center in April with the departure of founding director Imad Mahawili, who has become a technical consultant with EarthTronics -- a MAREC-launched company developing wind turbine and lighting products.

Beginning late last year, a series of meetings between GVSU and the community represented by the city of Muskegon, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Muskegon Area First and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce have focused on MAREC's future.

Community leaders have wanted more activity and economic development opportunities generated at the energy center. The city and the foundation financially invested in developing the energy center in 2003.

The university has continued its community conversations about MAREC's future with new directions expected to be developed by mid-July, Boezaart said. At that time, GVSU will decide how it will proceed in replacing Mawahili, Boezaart said.

Milwaukee Chamber President to Speak in Muskegon

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Milwaukee chamber president to speak in Muskegon

by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast Friday will explore the advantages of waterfront communities and Muskegon's links to its cross-lake, big-city neighbor -- Milwaukee.

Addressing the last Business Breakfast for the current season will be Tim Sheehy, president of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce. Sheehy will discuss taking advantage of a waterfront location in the current down economy and how Milwaukee and Muskegon share a "blue water economy" in the Lake Michigan region.

The winners of the Muskegon County Environmental Coordinating Council awards also will be announced at the Friday morning event.

The 7:15 a.m. breakfast at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor costs $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For more information and registration, contact the chamber at 722-3751 or through the chamber Web site www.muskegon.org.

Tourism Officials Hoping to Capitalize on 'Stay-cations'

Tue, 26 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon, Grand Haven tourism officials hoping to capitalize on 'stay-cations'

by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle

Double-digit unemployment and cash-strapped consumers do not necessarily spell doom and gloom for West Michigan's tourism industry, experts say.

Drivers are expected to drop fewer dollars at the gas pump and West Michigan residents on a tight budget might stick closer to home, choosing Muskegon and other nearby counties instead of traveling out-of-state or to destinations like Traverse City, experts say.

KEY TOURISM EVENTS

• Muskegon Summer Celebration: The annual 11-day party at Muskegon County's Heritage Landing, from June 25-July 5.

• ROTHBURY: The second-annual national music festival will be held at Double JJ Resort July 2-5.

• Muskegon Bike Time: Bikers unite in the motorcycle gathering in downtown Muskegon from July 17-19.

• U.S. Coast Guard Festival: Grand Haven's celebration of the Coast Guard is July 24-Aug. 2.

• Unity 2009: The Christian music festival at Heritage Landing is Aug. 6-8.

• MIchigan Irish Music Festival: "A weekend of all things Irish" at Heritage Landing will close out the festival season Sept. 18-20.

• Parties in the Park: May 29-August 14. Friday evenings, 5-9:30 p.m. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon, corner of 3rd Street & Clay Avenue. Free admission.

• Miss Michigan Pageant: June 17-20. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western, Muskegon.

"We're 'up north' enough," said Sam Wendling, director of the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We have miles and miles of beaches, Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park, maritime displays."

Despite a tough economic climate and consumers who are pinching their pennies a little tighter than in previous years, tourism officials from Grand Haven to Whitehall say they're confident 2009 will be a successful year.

They point to gas prices which are up recently but nowhere near the $4 mark of last July, increased interest in discount travel packages, and the desire of many residents to escape the stress of the work place.

"People want to get away and forget their problems," Wendling said.
Travel season under way

The summer travel season will kick off this weekend when an estimated 1.1 million Michigan residents will hop in cars and board planes for the Memorial Day holiday, according to AAA Michigan.

That's up .6 percent from 2008, an increase that AAA says is "small but psychologically significant." The organization attributes the slight uptick to lower fuel prices and travel bargains.

"Michigan gas prices are currently $2.31, about 39-percent lower than last year at this time," said Claire Lockley, vice president of Travel for The Auto Club Group, before prices zoomed to $2.47 per gallon in time for Memorial weekend.

"And due to challenging economic conditions, travelers can readily find bargains on many destinations and will take advantage of them."

Chronicle file photoMuskegon's beaches and activities like the sand sculpture contest at the Pere Marquette Park beach bring thousands of tourists to town.

Gas prices are estimated to stay below last year's level all summer according to an estimate by the Energy Information Administration. The federal department says prices are expected to average $2.21 per gallon through September, down about $1.60 from last summer.

Along with good weather, that might be the boost that helps the West Michigan tourism industry survive what could be a very tough summer, Wendling said.

"If we get good warm weather I think everything is going to be fine," he said. "I don't think the economy is going to hurt us."

So far, there's an indication he could be right.

An index by Comerica Bank found Michigan tourism activity such as hotel bookings has increased slightly, even though Michigan's economy remains sluggish.

It's difficult to say what area is seeing the slight increase, but one Grand Haven Bed & Breakfast owner says he sees signs of an uptick in activity.

Tony Kowalski, who runs the Boyden House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Grand Haven, says he's already received numerous reservations and been filled to capacity on a recent weekend, forcing him to turn people away. Some guests have also traveled from as near as Grand Haven and Holland, a trend he says could continue.

Chronicle file photoMichigan's Adventure Amusement Park brings hundreds of thousands of people to Muskegon County each summer.

"We expect to be at capacity throughout the summer," Kowalski said. "It's better than last year already."

Marci Cisneros, executive director of tourism in the Grand Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said many lodging properties have reported "solid" bookings.

"This area has been a vacation destination since the late 1800s, and I don't see that changing," Cisneros said in an e-mail message. "If people can still afford to travel, they will -- it's our job to get them to choose the Grand Haven area."

Hotel operators and tourism officials also say a successful year at festivals like Muskegon's Bike Time are a must.

Last summer, Muskegon's Bike Time drew an estimated 90,000 motorcycle enthusiasts downtown, and more than a few wound up at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, said Nikkita McBride, senior sales manager at the hotel.

She says a high turnout at Bike Time and other summer festivals would be a big boost for the hotel. "It was one of our biggest weekends," she said.

Wendling, Muskegon's head tourism official, said the optimism isn't without its merit. The hotel room tax the county collects fell by about $10,000, a drop Wendling considers minor considering the gloomy economic forecasts some experts predicted.

"I think we'll have a good summer," he said. "I would like to say we're going to be up by 20 percent, but that's not the case."

Chronicle file photoJosef Crosby, left, and Alexander Fedoryka of Scythian perform during the 2008 Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing. Tje Irish Fesetival closes out the festival season Sept. 18-20.

Maintaining current tourist levels is a goal shared by many, including White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce officials, who say travelers aren't securing reservations as early as previous years.

"We're optimistic for the coming summer," said Amy VanLoon, executive director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. "If it's as good as last year, we'll be pleased. Time will tell."

Officials at Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park are also hoping to replicate last year's season, which drew record crowds.

Camille Jourden-Mark, general manager of the amusement park located between Muskegon and Whitehall, says fewer businesses are holding events at the park, a loss being compensated by visits from groups such as schools and churches.
Study says expect tough year

Despite the optimism by tourism officials, there's still a good chance many destinations could suffer this season.

A Michigan State University tourism forecast released in March predicted a 3 to 4 percent decline this year.

Chronicle file photoA crowd listens to the music at Parties in the Park in 2008. The party series kicks off Friday, May 29, and runs through Aug. 14.

"This year will be an even more challenging year for Michigan's tourism industry because this state, which is typically the source of about 70 percent of our tourists, has slipped even further into recession, and the economies of other states that we rely on for out-of-state visitors are far weaker than last year," said MSU tourism analyst Don Holecek.

Lake Express, the high-speed ferry service between Muskegon and Milwaukee, has felt the effects. The ferry has seen a reduction in traffic and reservations, said Ken Szallai, President of Lake Express.

To help offset the loss, Lake Express is allowing children under the age of 18 to travel free with their parents through the end of June.

"These are tough times, no doubt," Szallai said, declining to give specific operational statistics because of market competition. "But this season, we will make a high-quality trip on the Lake Express more affordable."
-- Staff writers Dave Alexander, Brian McVicar and Jeff Engel contributed to this report.

Local Energy Company Aiming High

Wed, 20 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Local energy company aiming high

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

dalexander@muskegonchronicle.com MUSKEGON -- EarthTronics developers are planning big.

The Muskegon-based company has a "very aggressive" plan to introduce the Grand Valley State University-inspired wind turbine technology across the globe, according to company President Reg Adams.

EarthTronics and its WindTronics turbine unit received state of Michigan support Tuesday to locate its first manufacturing plant in the city of Muskegon. An initial plant location decision should be announced in early June, Adams said.

But that would be just the first of five or six manufacturing facilities expected to be opened in the next 24 months, Adams told The Chronicle. Bolstered by a licensing agreement with Honeywell International Inc. -- a $32.5 billion technology and manufacturing company based in Morristown, N.J. -- WindTronics has plans to build the wind turbines in two U.S. plants and others in China, India, Europe and possibly Canada.

The operations in China and India would develop quickly with licensing agreements for manufacturing and distribution with existing companies.

The initial 6-foot version of the turbine designed for residential use in North America will be sold as the Honeywell 6000 Wind Turbine, Adams said. The first units would be sold exclusively in Ace Hardware stores but distribution would expand to other types of outlets, he said.

WindTronics officials have said it will initially offer the wind turbine, its control systems and wiring along with compact fluorescent bulbs as part of a "home energy package" for less than $4,000. It will use a group of electricians across the country for installation and service.

Honeywell and WindTronics plan to design other units using the wind turbine technology developed by GVSU Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center former Director Imad Mahawili, who continues as a technical director with WindTronics.

The WindTronics unit can be scaled up to a commercial-sized unit for businesses or down to a 36-inch unit for personal energy needs in the developing world, Adams has said.

"Hopefully, this is a long-term venture for Muskegon," Muskegon Area First President Ed Garner said.

EarthTronics already has made a major commitment to downtown Muskegon. It has moved from temporary offices at the GVSU energy center to the third floor of the Hines Building at Third Street and West Western Avenue -- the new home to the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, among other offices.

Adams said EarthTronics -- an alternative energy products distribution company -- has a dozen employees working in its new Hines Building headquarters. He said more employees will be hired in Muskegon as the WindTronics and other EarthTronics products are introduced into the market. The company will need a service center and a group working with its installation network, he said.

Adams said his company is working to fill excess manufacturing capacity in plants in China and India.

produces power at the turbine blade ends instead of at the hub of the unit where a traditional turbine powers a gearbox. It is a design that WE ARE REFERRING TO THIS FROM THE 1A STORY

With a previous artist's rendering of the unit in edit download for Wednesday on the photo server.

Wind Turbine Plant Could Create 219 Jobs

Wed, 20 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Wind turbine plant could create 219 jobs

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- The city of Muskegon is in the running for the first WindTronics manufacturing plant to produce the company's new residential wind turbine developed at the Grand Valley State University energy center in Muskegon.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board Tuesday tried to sway WindTronics officials' plant location decision by granting the company a 10-year, $3.7 million tax break if it selects an existing building in Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park.

WindTronics plans to invest $4.4 million in its first manufacturing plant that would employ up to 219 workers within five years. Michigan Economic Development Corp. officials say such a plant in Muskegon would generate an additional 243 indirect jobs.

WindTronics/EarthTronics President Reg Adams told The Chronicle that his company's board of directors will select the first manufacturing site in early June. That plant will build the home-based wind turbine which will carry a Honeywell International Inc. brand.

"We have to come to grips with what plant we do first," Adams said of a strategic plan to build five to six manufacturing plants around the globe in the next 24 months. Production is expected to begin by October, he said.

Adams said his company has looked at two buildings in Muskegon County -- one in Norton Shores, and the "primary choice," which is the former Bay Logistics building on Olthoff Drive in Muskegon's industrial park.

State officials said the company has also looked at an initial manufacturing plant in Oregon, and local economic developers say a plant in Ontario is being discussed. Adams said if the initial production plant is not located in Muskegon, the company would consider Muskegon for subsequent facilities.

The state put its money and backing on the Muskegon location Tuesday. The state offered an incentive package to WindTronics that was among 16 projects in Michigan generating a potential of more than 3,900 jobs and $103 million in investments, according to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

The state's MEGA tax credit would eliminate 100 percent of WindTronics' Michigan Business Tax payments for 10 years, according to Muskegon Area First President Ed Garner. In addition to the $3.7 million tax break, the state is offering a $500,000 up-front loan, Garner said.

"The state's offer shows that this is an important project for the community and Michigan," City Manager Bryon Mazade said of the WindTronics deal. "This is an important time in our history to attract jobs."

WindTronics is a division of EarthTronics, a Muskegon-based alternative energy distribution company that is licensed to commercialize a wind turbine technology developed by former GVSU Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Director Imad Mahawili.

INSIDE: EarthTronics developers are planning big. Page 3A.

Editorial: Buy Local. Think Global.

Thu, 14 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: Buy local, think global

by The Muskegon Chronicle editorial board

The sustainable living movement has been quietly taking hold in Muskegon -- and that's a good thing. But more people are going to have to support the idea if it's going to succeed here.

Sustainable living refers to a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or a community's use of natural resources by altering transportation, energy consumption and diet. Sometimes, sustainability has been described as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."

It also has been boiled down to simply eating local products, using local services and supporting local businesses and farmers.

Montague filmmaker Chris Bedford, who also is president of the local organic foods market, has produced several documentaries on the topic and has helped organize the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition, which has promoted recycling and is looking at using locally produced foods in school lunches.

The Northwest Ottawa County Sustainability Initiative is promoting those goals in Spring Lake, Ferrysburg and Grand Haven.

But you know you've arrived when the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce jumps on board. Chamber President Cindy Larsen stressed at a recent screening of Bedford's new documentary, "Coming Home: E.F. Schumacher & the Reinvention of the Local Economy," that sustainability addresses important issues and ties in with the chamber's current slogan, "Buy local, think global."

She pointed out that the United States is developing a whole new economy, so the old rules don't apply anymore.

"If we can keep as much of it local as possible, then we win this game," she said.

Some of the ideas that have been discussed include eating more locally produced food -- some advocates say you should eat only what's grown within 100 miles of your home -- setting up a local currency, establishing urban gardens and shared farmland and pursuing the use of alternative energy produced here.

It also includes such simple things as increasing recycling, we have a pretty poor record of around 50 percent of the households recycling each week, and reusing existing products.

Or promoting and using local businesses. For instance, in some cities supplies have offered to buy dinner out for their employees at the restaurants of their customers. Others have set up special displays or offered discount prices on locally produced products. It keeps the money in town, supporting workers and businesses who live here.

Or riding your bike to work. Ride On! Muskegon is trying to get 1,000 Muskegon County workers to ride their bikes to work this summer and has set up special dates -- May 15, June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21 -- when participants can park their vehicles for the day at specially designated lots and receive information and support. Go online at www.rideonmuskegon.com for more information.

Sustainability is an idea we need to embrace -- in all of its many forms.

Bike To Work Challenge

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Take the 'ride your bike to work' challenge

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

My inspiration for wanting to "ride to work" came one February morning when I saw Dan Rinsema-Sybenga riding his bike to work in near blizzard conditions.

So when participating in the Muskegon ride-your-bike-to-work promotion last August, I recalled the biking exploits of the manager of Muskegon Main Street -- the downtown development organization. I thought this year it was time for me to ride an entire week to work.

You really can't say I challenged Dan to join me in riding our bikes beginning Monday for the entire week. Dan was going to be doing that anyway.

"We sort of fell into bike riding when in Japan we just started biking everywhere," Dan said of he and his wife Sarah's four-year stint as English teachers in Kumamoto, Japan where the young couple road their bikes instead of cars.

"When you make it through the first rainy season in Japan, you've got it," he said of the 1998-2002 experience. "It's putting your mind to it. Biking in winter is not the most fun but you can do it."

Dan and I will participate in the League of American Bicyclists Bike to Work Week beginning Monday and ending Friday with the Ride On! Muskegon County Bikes to Work event. We will both share our thoughts on the experience through blog postings on www.mlive.com/muskegon beginning Monday and we encourage the community to add their comments on biking in West Michigan.

Ride On! is a once-a-month, ride-your-bike-to-work event sponsored by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Employers Association of West Michigan and Access Health. The Friday event will be followed up with other ride-to-work days June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21.

"It's great exercise and it's for people who want to be physically fit," said Scott Blease, event coordinator and a sales representative at Access Health. "We want more people involved and to get them interested in pushing for more bike lanes, trails and paths in Muskegon County."

For the Rinsema-Sybengas, biking has become more than just a lifestyle. It's their life.

When moving to Muskegon in 2005 after their Far East experience that included a six-month bike trip through Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, the Calvin College graduates purposely bought a house in the Muskegon High School area of the city's Nelson Neighborhood so they could continue biking.

Dan and Sarah are about a mile from their places of work: Dan in the downtown Hines Building offices of Muskegon Area First and Sarah on Terrace Avenue in the offices of Community enCompass where she is executive director of the nonprofit housing corporation.

Dan rides his bike to work everyday that is practical, 12 months a year. Sarah is not as much of a winter biker, Dan said, but she does her share of commuting by bike. The couple share a single car so at the beginning of each week they coordinate their schedules so on any given time only one has an out-of-the-downtown meeting that demands driving a vehicle, he said

The biking life has gotten a little more complicated in the Rinsema-Sybenga household with the arrival of Micah. The couple's 8-month-old son bikes right with them in a kid's bike "trailer."

"He'll learn to bike just as he learns to walk," Dan said of taking his son to daycare many days on the back of a bike.

People have different motivations for biking. For me, its health and physical fitness.

For others, helping the environment by reducing your personal "carbon footprint" through not driving a car is key. Meanwhile, others are driven by the cost savings.

The Rinsema-Sybengas are a rare West Michigan professional couple, having only one car. But health, environment and economics are just icing on the cake, Dan said.

"You realize all of those things are benefits but I couldn't imagine not riding a bike if I could do it," Dan said. "It is ingrained in our lives. I am an independent-type of a person and I like having the power to get myself to work."

Dan and I both will be biking to work but I think I have a bit more of a challenge. Where it might take Dan five minutes from home to work, my biking commute from the Bluffton Neighborhood on the west-end of the city is more like a 30-minute ride.

However, I have the Lakeshore Trail, which I can access right in front of my house. The trail provides a beautiful and relaxing trek along the south shore of Muskegon Lake and is easily accessed from The Chronicle offices downtown.

Again, Dan gives me the proper perspective and motivation: "You can do it. You just have to put your mind to it. Hey, riding next week is going to be a walk in the park compared to last winter."

The 10-day weather forecast calls for moderate temperatures in the 60s and a chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday only.

Editorial: We Must Pare Down Government

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: We must pare down government

by The Muskegon Chronicle editorial board

A recent surge of interest by West Michigan cities and schools in expanding efforts to share and consolidate services couldn't come at a better time.

With income tax revenues and state shared revenues declining and a probable decline in property taxes expected in 2010, we need to seriously work to reduce the cost of local government through consolidation.

It's past the time for tweaks. We in Michigan need to take a fresh look at the structure of our government at all levels.

"Big government" is not always just in Washington, D.C. Sometimes it's in our backyard, the result of inertia and tradition we can't seem to break free from.

Consolidation would eliminate bureaucratic overlap and duplicate jobs, provide serious cost-savings in purchasing and other combined functions, and position government to make the most sensible planning decisions for the greater good of the community.

In April, Whitehall and Reeths-Puffer schools took advantage of some vacancies to combine four administrative positions into two in a one-year pilot project. The neighboring districts will share a maintenance supervisor and a transportation director to save an estimated $122,000 the first year.

Area schools already are participating in joint purchasing, professional development and special education and adult and community education programs, among other things.

In addition, consolidation and collaboration were the words of the day when the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce brought together for the first time in recent history the seven Muskegon County mayors and new county administrator Bonnie Hammersley. A grant from Alcoa Foundation and the Michigan Municipal League Foundation funded the effort.

Thankfully, Muskegon County governments have a history of consolidation with the HAZMAT hazardous materials team, areawide fire department training and 911 central emergency dispatch. They also share Muskegon Area Transit System, Muskegon Area First consolidated economic development services, wastewater treatment and Call 211, a community service line. Of course, there are smaller shared services as well, like the Whitehall and Whitehall Township water system and the Muskegon Heights, Roosevelt Park and Norton Shores water system and the use of Muskegon's vehicle maintenance and repair facility by Muskegon Heights and Roosevelt Park, to mention a few.

Now is the time to take the next step. Instead of just sharing fire department training, let's merge those departments where it makes sense. Same goes for city police. Individual departments have already made or are facing cuts. Consolidation, at least in the metro Muskegon area, may be a way to improve public safety in the face of dwindling tax support.

The White Lake area already has merged its departments into a northern fire authority.

It's time to make these hard decisions. We've been dancing around the consolidation idea for decades, held back by politics and state laws that virtually prohibit it.

But the time is right. We can't afford not to do it now.

Chamber Hires Marketing Veteran

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Chamber hires marketing veteran

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- A longtime retail marketer has joined the staff of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce as director of marketing and programs.

Norton Shores resident Pat Ackerberg joins the chamber staff after six years as marketing director of The Lakes Mall. Mall owner CBL & Associates Properties of Chattanooga, Tenn., consolidated marketing positions on a regional level, eliminating Ackerberg's job at the beginning of April.

Ackerberg and the chamber are a good fit in that she has been a chamber ambassador for a number of years and is a former member of the chamber's board of directors, chamber President Cindy Larsen said. Her chamber position was created with the consolidation of two previous part-time positions, Larsen said.

"It was a fortuitous turn of events," Larsen said of Ackerberg's availability and the chamber's staff realignment. "Her background in marketing and event coordination is a perfect fit for the chamber. She's here for our mission."

Ackerberg said she will go from serving the marketing needs of a narrow group of retailers at The Lakes Mall to a much broader group of businesses in the 1,200-member chamber.

"The chamber serves its members well from an advocacy standpoint, and now it is time to brand the chamber to nonmembers as well," Ackerberg said. "We need to raise the bar on the marketing side of our operation."

Ackerberg is a Muskegon native who has worked in several cities around the country during her retail career. A North Muskegon High School graduate, she received a degree in education from Eastern Michigan University.

Ackerberg joined the newly opened Steketee's department store as it became one of the two anchors of the Muskegon Mall in 1976. Retailing took her to positions with Clothes Works and the Children's Place, working in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago and Angola, Ind.

She came back to Muskegon to become a regional marketing manager for the Horizon Group, the former outlet mall development and management company that had properties across the country. She has also worked for Prime Retail in Michigan City, Ind., and for General Growth Properties in a mall in Battle Creek. She also worked in marketing for the Westwood Group, a former Muskegon-based retail development company.

Chamber Jubilee Planned for June 4

Mon, 11 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Chamber 'Jubilee' planned for June 4

by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce has transformed its annual mid-winter celebration this year into an early summer kickoff of downtown events.

The chamber's Jubilee will be 5:30-9 p.m. June 4 in Alcoa Square outside of the Hines Building and chamber offices at the Third Street and West Western Avenue traffic circle.

The Jubilee is an attempt to throw a fun party during a year in which many businesses are struggling. In the past, a February Chamber Salute allowed the business organization to recognize its volunteers and name new members of the Muskegon Business Hall of Fame.

Changing up its event for 2009, the Jubilee will be an outdoor event that highlights the progress and continued fundraising needs of the Third Street Promenade, which is a public space being developed along the east side of Third Street from Clay to Morris avenues.

The band West Side Soul Surfers will play during the Jubilee, and hors d'oeuvres will be provided by the Lakeshore Restaurant Originals -- a marketing group of 10 locally owned and operated independent restaurants. There will be a cash bar, a travel raffle and an auction.

The Jubilee will cost $39 per person with a corporate group price of $260 for eight. For more information, contact the chamber at www.muskegon.org or 722-3751.

Michigan Cities Slammed in Forbes' List

Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan cities slammed in Forbes' list

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

WEST MICHIGAN -- Looking at the Forbes.com listing of Muskegon County as the eighth-worst "small city" in the United States to get a job, one could conclude this might not be a bad place to be if you have time on your hands.

TOUGHEST JOB MARKETS

Forbes.com lists of the worst places to get a job

Large cities
1. Detroit

2. Providence, R.I.

3. Cleveland, Ohio

4. Santa Ana, Calif.

5. Oakland, Calif.

6. West Palm Beach, Fla.

7. Sacramento, Calif.

8. Warren-Troy

9. Tampa, Fla.

10. Riverside, Calif.

Medium cities 1. Toledo, Ohio

2. Hickory, N.C.

3. Sarasota, Fla.

4. Dayton, Ohio

5. Ann Arbor

6. Youngstown, Ohio

7. Melbourne, Fla.

8. Reno, Nev.

9. Daytona Beach, Fla.

10. Santa Rosa, Calif.

Small cities 1. Jackson

2. Saginaw

3. Flint

4. Battle Creek

5. Dalton, Ga.

6. Elkhart, Ind.

7. Redding, Calif.

8. Muskegon

9. Holland-Grand Haven

10. Anderson, S.C.

Source: Forbes.com

The latest Forbes.com lists of the worst 10 cities to find a job are laden with Michigan communities from Detroit and Ann Arbor to Grand Haven and Holland.

But things are bad all over. Florida and California show up on the lists as often as Michigan.

As for Muskegon, the financial publication's Web site highlights "No. 8: Muskegon-Norton Shores, Mich."
A short text accompanies a picturesque photo of the city's Pere Marquette beach showing Lake Michigan and the inner harbor Muskegon Lighthouse. Someone in Ohio or Kansas might think Muskegon is a pretty good place to be unemployed.

And Forbes points out that even though employment from 2007 through 2008 dropped 4.1 percent here, total employment actually has risen 2.8 percent from 1997.

"Well, on the bright side, this is a huge improvement over the lists we made in the 1980s," said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. Back then, Muskegon and other mid-sized Michigan communities such as Jackson were in the bottom five communities on a list of the best places to live in the United States by Money Magazine.

Larsen said community leaders realize that Muskegon, West Michigan and the entire state have been taken down by the depression in the automobile industry. The foundation of the state's economy has been crumbling for several years, ranking Michigan as the top state in the country in terms of unemployment.

Larsen acknowledged that it's not going to be easy for Muskegon and Michigan to dig out of their current economic situation. "And maybe we are hanging on by a thread but we are hanging on and we are not going to let go," she said.

In the small cities category of the worst places to get a job, Jackson led the national list followed by Saginaw, Flint and Battle Creek. Muskegon County was eighth and Ottawa County was ninth.

The worst large city in America in which to get a job? Detroit, if there was any question. The Detroit suburbs of Warren-Troy were listed at No. 8. And for medium-sized cities, Ann Arbor was the fifth-worst in the nation.

Discussion Focuses on Locally Based Economy

Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Discussion focuses on locally based economy

Thursday, May 07, 2009

By Eric Gaertner, The Muskegon Chronicle

"People are really energized. We had a great conversation. It's a good first step."

Montague filmmaker and organic farming advocate Chris Bedford.

MUSKEGON -- People interested in creating an ultra-locally based economy, encompassing everything from food to energy, in Muskegon County have started what they hope will be a community conversation about the concept.

About 50 local residents Monday watched a new film on sustainability, "Coming Home: E.F. Schumacher & the Reinvention of the Local Economy," by Montague filmmaker and organic farming advocate Chris Bedford, and discussed ways of keeping more local money in the community and working together to support small businesses and farmers.

The two-hour event inside the Beardsley Theatre featured questions and comments from residents, Bedford, Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Larsen and State Rep. Mary Valentine, D-Norton Shores. The consensus from the event was that the group needs to be expanded to help examine strategies to reinvest in the Muskegon-area community.

Based on the film and the ensuing discussion, some of the proposed initiatives might include eating more locally produced food, setting up a local currency, establishing urban gardens and shared farmland, and pursuing the use of alternative energy produced here.

"People are really energized," Bedford said after the event. "We had a great conversation. It's a good first step."

Larsen said the issues are important and they tie in with the chamber's current mantra, "Buy local, think global." She pointed out that it is a whole new economy, so the old rules don't apply anymore.

"If we can keep as much of it local as possible, then we win this game," she said.

The film focused on strategies implemented in Great Barrington, Mass., by the E.F. Schumacher Society. Those strategies include local currency designed to keep more money circulating in the community, creation of a local food market and establishment of a land trust to make for more affordable housing.

Bedford pointed out during his presentation following the film that, based on Department of Human Services statistics, 37,350 of Muskegon County's 174,300 residents, or 21 percent, receive some form of government food assistance.

"This is the challenge we're facing," Bedford said. "We're very rich in a lot of things -- people with skills and Christian concerns.

"We don't have to wait for the federal government to act or the state government to act. We can do it ourselves."

Bedford, president of a local organic foods market, began his push for keeping money local by focusing on food. In addition to the market, he is one of the organizers of a group pushing for a local-food-to-schools program in Muskegon County.

Bedford said he plans on showing more films in the county to help generate more discussion about forming a more locally based economy.

"People are really energized. We had a great conversation. It's a good first step."

Montague filmmaker and organic farming advocate Chris Bedford.

Promise Zone Designation is First Step

Mon, 04 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Promise Zone designation is 'first step'

by Marla Miller | The Muskegon Chronicle

Although Muskegon County has been designated one of 10 educational Promise Zones in Michigan, tuition assistance for local students could be a long way off.

That is the message from Susan Meston, superintendent of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, which will be charged with overseeing the Promise Zone and establishing an 11-member authority board.

Meston will now serve as CEO of the initiative meant to support local, private fundraising efforts to promise a college education for all graduates of a public high school within the MAISD boundaries.

PROMISE ZONE

School districts that were awarded Promise Zone designations:

• Baldwin
• Battle Creek
• Benton Harbor
• Detroit
• Hazel Park
• Jackson
• Lansing
• Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
• Pontiac
• Saginaw

School districts within MAISD boundaries:

• Fruitport
• Holton
• Mona Shores
• Montague
• Muskegon
• Muskegon Heights
• North Muskegon
• Oakridge
• Orchard View
• Ravenna
• Reeths-Puffer
• Whitehall

"This is an important first step in our journey to encourage more students to attend college," she said. "We have a very engaged collaborative group of community leaders in Muskegon County who are definitely up for this challenge."

After the second year of distributing privately funded scholarships, the Promise Zone program can then capture one-half of the growth in the state education tax collected statewide through property taxes. The funds can be used for a two-year associate's degree or up to a four-year degree for resident students. However, due to Michigan's weak economy and depressed home values, there may not be any growth to capture for a while, Meston said.

The Promise Zone legislation, signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in January, was modeled after the Kalamazoo Promise, which guarantees free college tuition to graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools. Under the Promise Zone plan, there is no minimum GPA requirement. The only requirement is that students seek out other forms of financial aid first.

The next step will be to establish the governing authority that will spend time conducting research, planning and evaluating the potential to raise the private dollars that must fund the Promise Zone for the first two years.

For the past two years, the MAISD has been engaged with a group of education, business and community leaders called Muskegon Opportunity.

The group has explored the possibility of a collaborative, communitywide effort to expand the post-secondary opportunities for all local children and will be involved in raising the funds necessary to offer the promise of college, Meston said.

Muskegon Opportunity has more recently focused on helping students identify financial aid and scholarships that are already available. Last year, volunteers screened every high school student in the county to determine their eligibility for the little-known Tuition Incentive Program. They determined that 2,400 students qualified for TIP, which provides money for full tuition and fees for those in pursuit of an associate's degree.

The group could not apply for Promise Zone status but fully supported the MAISD's pursuit of the designation. Their role will continue to be critical to the effort because Promise Zone money is designed to be a last-resort, or last-dollar option for students.

"I really applaud Dr. Meston and the MAISD's board for their leadership, tenacity, and confidence in moving the effort forward. Muskegon Opportunity will do whatever we can to help them pursue this dream for the greater community," said Brian Barber, Muskegon Opportunity co-chairman and interim director of White Lake Area Community Education.

Ohio Sues Over Certifichecks Gift Certificates

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Ohio sues over CertifiChecks gift certificates

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle
Friday April 24, 2009, 4:11 AM

While the Ohio attorney general is suing the gift certificate company CertifiChecks Inc. for misleading customers, area chambers of commerce continue to field calls from angry shoppers.

Earlier this year, chambers of commerce across the country were stunned to learn the Ohio-based company that managed the CertifiCheck program had filed for bankruptcy.

CertifiChecks were marketed as "Muskegon Money" for goods and services at participating businesses here. The idea was for people to give the CertifiChecks for gifts as a way to boost local merchants.

People who have "Muskegon Money" can trade those certificates at the chamber of commerce, 380 W. Western, for vouchers redeemable at several businesses.

The White Lake Golf Club is offering $15 off fees for 18 holes of golf with a cart when the vouchers are presented. Such a round normally costs $50.

Vouchers at Oak Ridge Golf Club are worth $5 off nine holes and $10 off a round of 18 with a cart, said Janessa Stroud, the chamber's vice president of government affairs.

Meanwhile, Lakeshore Eyecare is offering $25 off exams or frames, Stroud said.

Earlier this month, the chamber announced the voucher program would offer discounts for Summer Celebration season passes, popcorn at Cinema Carousel and Harbor Theatre.

"The chamber is also working on a one-on-one basis with businesses holding large amounts of Muskegon Money in trade for marketing and promotional services," Stroud said.

Several local businesses purchased large amounts of Muskegon Money for employees.

The Ohio attorney general's lawsuit alleges the Dayton-based company's failure to honor its gift certificates violates the Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act. The act protects against unfair or deceptive acts in consumer transactions.

The Muskegon chamber supports the lawsuit but is not a co-plaintiff.

Muskegon County Leaders Talk Cooperation

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - The mayors of seven Muskegon County cities gathered this morning to talk about how their communities can better work together to prevent job loss and survive the economy.

From Montague in the north to Norton Shores in the south, the top elected official from each community says they're all facing similar challenges - maintaining jobs in their communities and attracting new ones.

The group talked about using tax breaks to attract new businesses. Many have offered tax breaks to businesses already in the county to help them grow. An overall theme of the Chamber-sponsored event was 'if the cities work together, all of Muskegon County would benefit.'

Work sessions after the pannel discussion were held to further the dialoge about communities partnering with each other.

Jon Mills, WZZM 13

Chamber Pushes Government Cooperation

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Chamber pushes government cooperation

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON COUNTY -- The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce is the latest to take up the banner of local government cooperation -- a decades-long effort at bringing together dozens of public entities.

The chamber will kick off the latest initiative at Friday's Business for Breakfast event where all seven mayors in the county will present a panel discussion on the "state of our cities."

Propelling the chamber's efforts at exploring government cooperation and functional consolidation is a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, which has received funding through the Alcoa Foundation.

This is not the first effort to bring together the county's seven cities, four villages and 16 townships. The former New Muskegon organization put functional and political consolidation issues on the ballot in 1984. In this decade, community leaders formed One Muskegon to explore similar issues.

"From ordinances to taxes, it is important to the business community that local governments are working together," said Janessa Stroud, vice president for government affairs for the Muskegon chamber.

Immediately after Friday's public discussion of local government issues, the chamber will have community leaders facilitate separate discussions with the clerks, fire and police officials, building inspectors and municipal leaders -- mayors, city managers and township supervisors.

The 90-minute sessions will attempt to identify best practices in each area, outline community needs and see how the governments can coordinate filling gaps, Stroud said. Chamber officials hope the initial meeting will lead to ongoing discussions.

The Municipal League/Alcoa grant will allow the chamber to bolster its candidates' school, scheduled for April 29. This year, the seminar to educate those considering a run for public office will focus on city councils and school boards.

Finally, the chamber is partnering with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to conduct a "community conversation" on the future of Muskegon and Michigan sponsored by the Center for Michigan. That event still is being planned.

Similar "conversations" across the state are a grassroots attempt to establish a consensus on how Michigan will move forward.

The Ann Arbor-based think tank is working on future issues of the state as Michigan experiences some of the worst economic times in its history. Similar "conversations" across the state are a grassroots attempt to establish a consensus on how Michigan will move forward.

"We are seeing a great deal of collaboration among local governments as we try to push the boulder up hill," Stroud said. "Municipalities -- through necessity or voluntarily -- need to find partnerships to reduce redundancies and save valuable taxpayers dollars without harming the quality of services."

Upcoming chamber events

* Friday's Business for Breakfast on the "state of our cities." A panel discussion will include the county's seven mayors: Whitehall's Mac Hatch, Roosevelt Park's Jeff Lenartowicz, Muskegon Heights' Darrell Paige, Montague's Henry Roesler, Norton Shores' Hank Waldo, Muskegon's Steve Warmington and North Muskegon's Chris Witham. Also included in the discussion will be Muskegon County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.

The 7:30 a.m. event is at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

* Candidate Information Workshop, a nonpartisan seminar for those considering running for city council or school board this year. The April 29 seminar from 5-8:30 p.m. is in the chamber's training room, 380 W. Western, Suite 202. The cost is $15.

* For more information and reservations for either event, contact the chamber at 722-3751 or e-mail macc@muskegon.org

116 New Jobs for Muskegon County

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

116 new jobs for Muskegon County

PolyCem receives tax credits
WOODTV8

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - A company planning to make concrete floor and wall tiles plans to add 116 jobs in Muksegon County after state tax credits were approved Tuesday morning.

PolyCem, LLC, would add the jobs in Norton Shores over five years. The company, formerly headquartered in Grand Haven, is moving manufacturing from Mississippi.

The types of jobs that will be available include chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, process engineers, printer operators and line workers.

PolyCem purchased some of the technology of Stonecraft, LLC , a company that filed for bankruptcy in Mississippi in 2003. Company president Jameson Goorman told 24 Hour News 8 the new company has different ownership but some of the same staff. He said the new company should be able to succeed where the other didn't because of better engineering.

Goorman said the talent base in West Michigan is unlike any other in the country.

Tax Credit Seeks To Lure Material Developer

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Tax credit seeks to lure material developer to Muskegon County

by Mark Sanchez | Business Review Western Michigan

A company developing a new flexible concrete material for floor and wall tiles may invest $5.6 milion to launch production in Muskegon County.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority today approved a high-tech, seven-year tax credit valued at $791,000 for PolyCem, which has been developing its Stone-Craft Tile for five years.

The company has a manufacturing plant in Mississippi but is considering moving production to Norton Shores, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

PolyCem's main investor owns a facility in Milwaukee that could house the company and offer subsidized rent. The MEGA tax credit is needed to sway the decision in Michigan's favor, MEDC staff wrote in a memo to the MEGA Board.

"PolyCem needs to make a strong enough case to stay in Michigan versus moving the project to Milwaukee," MEDC staff wrote.

The City of Norton Shores also has approve a tax abatement for the company.
The project would directly create 116 new jobs over five years that pay an average weekly wage of $595, plus another 93 jobs indirectly, according to an MEDC analysis.

Hartshorn Centre Offers Office Space in Muskegon

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Hartshorn Centre offers office space in Muskegon
Pete Daly, Grand Rapids Business Journal

MUSKEGON — Ted Fricano really enjoys showing visitors through the Hartshorn Centre, his historic window-shade factory overlooking Muskegon Lake — especially a vacant office on the third floor at the front of the building that is fitted with an antique built-in vault.

The 60,000-square-foot concrete and steel Hartshorn Centre, built in 1885, now has about a dozen loft-style office and commercial suites on its four floors, ranging in size from 750 to 2,000 square feet. The exact footage of that office on the third floor is unknown, if you want to count the space inside the locked walk-in vault.

The door on the vault still shows faint remnants of its original ornate filigree. Stewart Hartshorn invented and patented the spring-roller window shade in the 19th century. In 1952, his former business became the Breneman-Hartshorn Co., which continued manufacturing window shades but left Muskegon in the early 1980s.

The vault door is locked tight and the chrome pin handle for opening it is gone.

"It hasn't been opened in years," said Fricano. "I like to think maybe there is a lost Monet in there," he said, grinning.

Fricano, 41, is a member of the Grand Haven Fricano family, well-known for many years for its thin-crust pizza sold in the family’s restaurants in Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo. Fricano has operated his own pizza restaurant and bar — Fricano's on Muskegon Lake — in the Hartshorn Centre since May 2002.

On Feb. 12 of this year, Fricano became owner of the entire building.

According to Fricano, Bailey Group partners George Bailey and John Bultema II bought the old factory in 2001, after it had transitioned through phases as the Lumbertown Building and then the Waterfront Centre. They had previously suggested to him that he open a Fricano's in Muskegon.

"When I saw this (building), I knew it had a story," he said. Having been a factory for so long, he figured it had nostalgic value to many families in the community — just the right type of ambience for a laid-back local restaurant. Now, as owner of the building, he said he would like to restore much of the interior to the grandeur of an earlier period in Muskegon history, when factories were thriving and generations of the same family called the city home.

Although Fricano's on Muskegon Lake, a 300-seat restaurant, opened during the stalled economy following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Fricano said he believes the restaurant is "the most amazing success story in downtown Muskegon in probably 30 years."

"Our numbers are solid," he said, adding that he has not had to lay any employees off in the current economic troubles. One reason is that his restaurant business model is very simple and efficient: The restaurant serves only 12-inch pizzas — and a lot of them. He invested in 10 professional pizza ovens that enable his employee team to produce 90 pizzas every 20 minutes. The company that supplied the ovens, Bakers Pride, told him they had never sold that many ovens to one independent restaurant before.

Fricano won't reveal what he paid for the Hartshorn Centre, which includes a total of 12 acres. (The city of Muskegon and its Hartshorn Marina own the strip on the waterfront behind the building.)

Bailey and Bultema had invested almost $2 million in new plumbing and electrical in Hartshorn Centre, he said. Then, about three years ago, they indicated they would be interested in selling it to Fricano, and eventually they started negotiations. As the deal was coming together, "I was caught right in the middle of this banking fiasco," said Fricano, but eventually he got financing from Fifth Third Bank.

Fricano said the building is not in a Renaissance Zone: "Across the street, you're in a Renaissance Zone. Here, you're not." So he was not eligible for tax credits to help finance the project. However, early on he was granted a Class C liquor license by the state of Michigan, which was a big help in successfully launching his restaurant in the building.

Although 70 percent of the building is currently leased, there is office space available on the first and third floors. Space is renting for about $10 per square foot, he said.

The entire fourth floor is leased by Hospice, and the office space with lake views on the third floor is leased. A large open office area on the second floor was previously a call center, but that company left. Now Fricano's priority is to turn that 10,000-square-foot space into a banquet facility seating up to 600. He said it could be catered by a number of companies in the area.

Fricano also plans to renovate a smaller space on the second floor into a smaller, private banquet room. Word leaked out lately that he might be opening a banquet hall, and he immediately started getting calls from potential customers.

But first, there's a lot of work to be done.

"This building has been reconfigured so many times," said Fricano.

Scenic Drive Work to Begin in the Fall

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Work to repair 10 miles of Scenic Drive to begin in the fall; repaving next spring

by Marla Miller | The Muskegon Chronicle
Sunday April 12, 2009

On a sunny day early this month, Harley-Davidson rider Tom Miller decided to take Scenic Drive to Whitehall for a leisurely trip to the Secretary of State's office.

Miller of Cedar Creek Township said he likes to ride Scenic when he has time to spare, and he believes the road could be a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts who visit Muskegon during warm weather months. It's one of few roads from which you can see, smell and hear Lake Michigan and be cooled by shade trees along the way.

SCENIC DRIVE

SCENIC FACTS

• Scenic Drive was constructed in the 1920s for $400,000 using a special assessment from area residents.

• The road is a state-designated Shoreline Trail and one of the few routes in the area offering views and stop-off points for drivers to access Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes.

• The road serves Muskegon State Park, Pioneer County Park and Duck Lake State Park. There are nearly 500 campsites at Muskegon State Park and Pioneer County Park.

• Last year, the Muskegon County Road Commission spent $65,000 to patch the road.

SCENIC ROAD PROJECT

• Funding for road work will come from $1.2 million in federal economic stimulus money.

• Laketon and Fruitland townships are considering a special tax assessment on residents to raise more than $1 million to pay for paved shoulders.

• The entire stretch of road, from South Shore Drive in Fruitland Township to Fenner Road in Laketon Township, will be repaved, with the existing asphalt milled off and repairs made to the existing concrete joints.

• Some shallow ditches will be dug along both sides, and trees will be removed.

• Preparatory work will begin this fall, with actual road work to begin in spring 2010.

• The project will be discussed at the Fruitland Township board's work session 4 p.m. Tuesday and its regular 7 p.m. board meeting April 20.

But the uneven surface and patchy sand and gravel have made it almost unbearable and unsafe even for local riders, he said.

"It's terrible," Miller said. "Anyone that comes over from Milwaukee, you sure can't point them to take Scenic because it's so bumpy. I know better to take it easy and spots to watch."

While Scenic Drive will be a bumpy ride for yet another tourist season, the long-awaited repaving of roughly 10 miles is on the horizon. Preparatory work is expected to begin this fall, with repaving set to start next spring.

The Muskegon County Road Commission, Fruitland and Laketon township officials and area residents want to see the road not just resurfaced, but widened with 3-foot paved shoulders on each side. The $1.2 million in federal stimulus dollars already committed for the project will not fund the paved shoulders, and so the road will keep its gravel shoulders unless a special tax assessment is approved.

Fruitland and Laketon townships plan to pursue the assessment, and informational meetings and public hearings will be scheduled in coming months. Officials need to decide whether to levy the assessment on Scenic property owners only, or on all residents in the townships, Fruitland Township Supervisor Sam St. Amour said.

The road commission, through a grant request submitted by the manager of Muskegon and Duck Lake state parks, is seeking additional state money to pave the stretches of road that run through Muskegon and Duck Lake state parks, according to Ken Hulka, managing director of the Muskegon County Road Commission. The road commission would have to supply the 20 percent match.

The road, once resurfaced, should last another 15 to 20 years, Hulka said.

Sparse traffic, important route

Scenic Drive follows the Lake Michigan shoreline between North Muskegon and Whitehall and is known for its tree canopy and scenic beauty. Many view it as a gateway to Muskegon County and a tourist draw because of its lake and dune access.

The road receives minimal traffic in the winter, which has kept major repairs at the bottom of the road commission's priority list, Hulka said. However, it is a hot spot for campers, beach-goers, vacationers and locals the rest of the year.

The nearly 90-year-old Scenic Drive has deteriorated over the years due to a lack of funds to properly repair it, plus the fact there is minimal grade and no paved shoulders for the water to drain, Hulka said.

Instead, rainwater and snow saturate the road, and when the ground freezes in the winter, there is nowhere for the moisture to go. The slope for runoff also has filled in over the years, causing sand and salt to build up and accelerate the breakdown of the road's surface.

Painter, 31, walks her dog "Rowdy" along Scenic Drive in Laketon Township. Painter said she walks along the road four to five times a week. I'd like to see it repaved with a shoulder." As a driver, she said it's hard to get around bicyclists and as someone who walks and bikes the road herself, she'd like a place to go when cars approach.

"With the best maintenance in the world, the asphalt still wears out," Hulka said. "That's just an old road that has lasted way beyond its expected life, and on top of that, you have this water problem."

The road commission has to repatch it every year, throwing good money after bad, St. Amour said. The original surface is hard to see in some spots -- it has become a patchwork of blacktop, creating a steady series of thumps that test the shocks on cars.

The road is definitely no fun for passengers riding on the back of motorcycles, or drivers, Miller said.

"Every bump you hit, your rump scoots forward," he said.

Complaints stalled work

The road commission intended to spend its own funds to repave a two-mile portion of the road last summer, but the project stalled due to residents' complaints about how the work was being done.

As part of the improvements, county road crews had begun digging shallow ditches last August when residents living along Scenic Drive became alarmed. Most of the ditches -- needed to improve runoff and prolong road improvements -- were dug on the east side of the road along the stretch between Fenner and Giles roads.

Residents also complained about trees marked for removal, though none had actually been removed, and their concerns ended up halting the planned road work, Hulka said.

The roadside trees that form the leafy overhead canopy are one of Scenic Drive's best features and many residents want to see them remain.

"We're a big supporter of the trees and canopy because it is such a beautiful stretch of road," said Janessa Stroud, vice president of government affairs for the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. "We're coming from the position that there are new technologies available that could help preserve the trees while creating a road that's safe."

But citizens also want paved shoulders for the safety of walkers and bikers. Trees need to come down to make room for the wider shoulders that also would help with the road's long-term maintenance, Hulka said.

Last year's controversy prompted newly elected supervisors St. Amour and Kim Arter in Laketon Township to form a citizens advisory committee to meet with township and road commission officials and work out a compromise. The committee met through the fall and winter months and the two townships hosted a joint meeting March 17 for residents to learn more about the pending work and express any concerns.

More than 100 residents attended, and the conversation mainly focused on paved shoulders and how to pay for them, St. Amour said. By a show of hands, those attending indicated they want the paved shoulders.

"There was a good strong showing that people would be willing to (help pay for the shoulders); that's why we are following up," Arter said. "I think the road needs that for the safety of the walkers and kids on the road."

Arter plans to attend the Fruitland Township board's Tuesday work session, when the issue will be discussed, then take information to her township board. The goal is for the improvements to be consistent through both townships, she said.

The road commission has a 66-foot right-of-way, including 10 feet for each of the driving lanes. That gives crews more than 20 feet on each side to take out trees. However, the commission has reduced the number of trees that will be removed to help quell area residents' concerns, St. Amour said.

"It's bad we have to cut down any trees, but the road commission has been more than reasonable," he said.

Muskegon County Airport Seeking Help in Landing Second Carrier

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon County Airport seeking help in landing second carrier

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle

A resurrected advisory committee will help Muskegon County Airport officials navigate important issues, including an attempt to land a contract with a second commercial airline company.

With several high-profile initiatives expected in the near future, officials believe it's wise to bring back an airport advisory committee that disbanded in the 1990s.

The 11-member panel could be established yet this spring. It will include county commissioners, a resident, business leaders and airport business park tenants.

"I'm looking forward to having active members who provide some guidance," said airport Manager Marty Piette.

Piette said his office is negotiating with commercial airline companies to bring flights to Muskegon County. Currently only Delta/Northwest has flights in and out of the airport.

Piette said an advisory committee will bring fresh perspectives to the negotiations, and he hopes it can develop incentive plans to get additional airlines to operate out of the airport.

"Good negotiations are taking place," Piette said. "We have interested parties, but until we have a firm agreement, we can't talk about it. We're not dead in the water, put it that way."

The committee also is expected to review ways to fight a plan to move radar workers out of the county airport -- a move local officials fear would hamper the safety of air traffic in Muskegon. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced plans to merge radar services for regional airports. Under the plan, radar workers from Muskegon, Lansing and Grand Rapids would move to Kalamazoo in the next four years.

Officials with the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce support the creation of an advisory committee for the airport, which they say plays a vital role in the county's economic health. The chamber estimates the airport injects $54 million into the county's economy annually -- including jobs, taxes, tourism and other spending.

"The chamber has been a long-time advocate of the re-creation of an airport advisory committee," said Janessa Stroud, vice president of government affairs for the chamber.

"It's like having a board of directors ... When there are different interest groups represented, you have a better chance of having plans that meet the needs of businesses and the community."

Piette said the advisory committee also would seek ways to reduce expenses and increase revenues. While it would be difficult to make the airport a self-sufficient operation, "it's a good goal to shoot for," Piette said.

Going Green in Muskegon

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

BBC airs going 'green' in Muskegon

by Cindy Fairfield | The Muskegon Chronicle

The challenges of going "green" in Muskegon will be the focus of a six-part documentary film being aired tonight by the British Broadcasting Company during BBC World News America.

A BBC reporting and film crew visited Muskegon in February to see how difficult it is for people in the Midwest to adopt environmentally friendly habits. Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called "Ethical Man," is the face of the documentary and he talked to people in Muskegon, Washington D.C., Texas and California as part of the series that will be broadcast on BBC America and BBC World News channels.

The Muskegon portion of the series included interviews with Chronicle environmental writer Jeff Alexander and a Laketon Township family -- Gary and Cheryl Howard and their three children, Lauren, 18, Olivia, 15 and Trevor, 12 -- to see how a typical Midwestern family lives.

"They wanted to look at what things help us be green in the Midwest and what hinders us," said Cheryl Howard, a surgical nurse for Mercy Health Partners. "We thought they were really going to come in and say, 'You are wasting a lot of energy,' but that wasn't the case."

BBC producer Sara Afshar said the documentary is not intended to ridicule Americans but to explore obstacles people face in meeting green goals.

Cheryl Howard learned quickly about such obstacles.

She and her husband biked to the nearest Muskegon Area Transit System bus stop a few times during the February cold to utilize public transportation.

"It was a five-mile bike ride," Howard said. "I enjoyed my first-ever ride using public transportation but because it isn't available in Laketon Township, it really isn't feasible to do that.

"What we learned is the main obstacle stopping people from going green is cost. I'd love to have a greener furnace and more energy-efficient windows, but it is very expensive."

With Michigan leading the nation in unemployment and the economy providing major challenges to those who are employed, going green can be a tough goal, Howard said.

"I am paying more attention to things going on," she said. "When we had to buy a washer and dryer, we paid more for a front-loading unit that is more environmentally friendly. But it was twice as expensive."

Howard said her children -- especially Olivia -- are very conscious about the environment.

"She's a vegetarian, she is constantly reminding us about recycling and she is always saying, 'That's the green way,' " said Howard.

Howard is thankful for the experience.

"It really has raised my awareness," she said. "And if being environmentally aware helps promote Muskegon, then that is a good thing. We really love Muskegon."

Chamber's Muskegon Money Plan a Prudent Move

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Editorial: Chamber's Muskegon Money plan a prudent move

by The Muskegon Chronicle editorial board
Sunday April 05, 2009

The Muskegon Chamber of Commerce and several area businesses made the right move in trying to find an alternative to the Muskegon Money program.

In late February, CertifiChecks, the Ohio company running the Muskegon Money program, abruptly ceased operations and said it was filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company provided similar services to 350 chambers of commerce and associations in 47 states. The chambers marketed the CertifiChecks as money for goods and services at participating business. The idea was to give the "money" for gifts as a way to boost local merchants.

Earlier this month, the Ohio Attorney General sued the defunct company in an attempt to hold the firm responsible for reimbursing consumers.

As much as $1.3 million in CertifiChecks were in circulation in Michigan over the past year, with at least 23 chambers affected by the company's closure, according to the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals. Some of the chambers have small operating budgets and won't be able to reimburse certificate holders,

The Muskegon Chamber had issued at least $250,000 in Muskegon Money in 2008 and was seeking a way to provide something for people holding the worthless certificates. Shoppers now can trade their worthless "Muskegon Money" for vouchers offering discounts on Muskegon Summer Celebration passes, movie tickets, popcorn and the purchase of travel books. The participating businesses and organizations will share in the burden of funding the program.

More entertainment partners are expected to join the program soon.

The chamber plan is a prudent move. Muskegon Money holders will get a dollar for dollar exchange under the plan and the chamber will remain solvent.

It's a win-win situation.

Muskegon Company Succeeding With Manhole covers

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - A Muskegon-area company says it has a lighter, safer way to cover manholes in city streets and while other manufacturers are slowing down, demand for GMI's composite manhole covers is keeping the company busy.

GMI was started in the 1920's as a button company. GMI's button work has long passed. Now the company focuses much of its attention on composite manhole covers. Owner Bob Brady says GMI has experienced success ever since launching the product more than a decade ago. Sales are rising 15 to 18 percent a year

"The first one we made was 1993 and it was only 12 inches in diameter," said Brady. "By 1995, we were making covers over 44 inches in diameter."

Brady says composite molders that were tied too closely to the auto and boating industries are seeing troubles. But GMI got in on the new growth industry early.

Brady says he gives much of his company's success to the strong West Michigan manufacturing industry. He says the equipment and materials used to produce his company's composite covers comes from other Muskegon-area businesses.

"The composites industry has seen inroads in civil engineering," explained Brady. "That is what we have seen as our growth area."

Composite covers have 1/10th of the weight of a traditional cast-iron cover, but they're just as strong and much easier to handle. The cost for composites is slightly more, but municipalities can save money in the long run.

With the old manhold covers, "They have to take heavy trucks with cranes," explains Brady. (They need) "two man teams to open a manhole, not necessary to do the work. If these (covers) stop one back injury, the city would save that money by preventing on injury."

The covers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and can even be personalized. GMI covers are being used across the country and later this year, right here in its own backyard, Roosevelt Park.

Roosevelt Park will use install GMI covers this summer and with an estimated 200 million manholes in the United States alone, the market is just being tapped.

Jon Mills, WZZM 13

Muskegon Inventor Named to National Association Board

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon inventor named to national association board

Pete Daly, Grand Rapids Business Journal

Published: March 30, 2009

Cooper

Crain

Orville Crain, a successful inventor and founder of the Muskegon Inventors Network, has been named secretary of the United Inventors Association, a national nonprofit organization that represents about 10,000 inventors.

Crain, who lives in Muskegon and is president of MIN, is listed as an inventor on four patents and has a fifth patent pending.

The United Inventors Association was formed in St. Louis, Mo., in 1990 following a conference of independent inventors sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Acting as a national clearinghouse for inventor resources, UIA has referred thousands of independent inventors to local inventor groups for advice and support.

Crain said he learned recently that in December he had been voted onto the board of the UIA as secretary. Crain said he had previously met the executive director at inventors' events around the country and that the UIA was quite familiar with MIN.

"To be recognized like that is quite an honor," said Crain — and, he added, it entails "quite a lot of work" with the UIA board.

The UIA serves as a parent organization for independent inventors’ organizations, and seeks board members who have had a successful invention and have started a local inventors’ group. Crain meets both of those qualifications.

Crain is one of the inventors of a patented box cutter called Klever Kutter, which was introduced in 2005 and is now approaching sales of two million. Crain, who has worked as a marketing specialist, developed Klever Kutter with Jeff Kempker, who had the original idea for it, and Matt Jacobs, owner of Advanced Molding Solutions in Grand Haven, where the product is made.

Today, Crain and Jacobs are partners in Klever Innovations, which makes the Klever Kutter, a small, disposable hand tool with a recessed blade that prevents contact with the cutting edge. The cutting area is also shielded, which reduces the risk of damaging merchandise inside boxes being opened. Inspiration for the tool came after the September 11, 2001, attacks, in which the plane hijackers used conventional box cutters as weapons.

As for sales of Klever Kutter, Crain said January "was the third best month in the history of our company. February was the best month we've ever had — and March is already ahead of February, so March is obviously going to be the best month we've ever had."

The Klever Kutter is sold in volume to industrial and safety supply companies, which re-sell the product to end users. Many end up at retail stores where employees frequently open corrugated boxes, and at manufacturing companies that receive large volumes of shrink wrapped materials that need to be cut open.

Crain said the recent growth of Klever Kutter sales probably has to do with a shift in marketing focus to match the economic downturn. The original marketing emphasis was on the safety of the cutter and the fact that a user could not inadvertently slit contents inside a shipping container being opened. That pitch "did very well," said Crain. Over the last three months, however, the Klever Kutter partners realized that its low cost was an advantage.

"Everyone's cutting their budget, by 20 percent or 30 percent," said Crain. "My cutters cost less than two dollars. Many times a company is spending four, five, six, even up to 20 dollars for a box cutter."

"We pushed the focus onto low cost, and it has helped us tremendously," he said.

Most of the marketing is done by Crain at trade shows. Last year Klever Kutter was exhibited at four large shows.

"We don’t do any national advertising. We feel like it's too expensive," he said.

In January, Klever Innovations was an exhibitor at a private trade show in Florida just for the 2,500 sales reps for Grainger Industrial Supply, one of the largest industrial supply houses in the world.

"We're just having phenomenal sales with them, right off the bat. That's another reason why our sales are up," said Crain.

Klever Kutter was also exhibited at the National Safety Congress show in Las Vegas, and at another safety products show in Chicago at McCormick Place.

A new user of Klever Kutter is Food Lion, a chain of 1,500 supermarkets throughout the South.

"When you get one of the big guys, it becomes a lot easier" and provides leverage for capturing other large customers, he said.

Klever Innovations now has a second product called Klever Koncept, a cutting tool with an ergonomically designed handle.

A distributor of the Klever Kutter in West Michigan is IMC Products Inc. of Muskegon, which is headed by Irmgard M. Cooper. She also serves as secretary of the Muskegon Inventors Network and is one of its original members.

Cooper noted that MIN just turned three years old in mid-March. The organization now has about 55 members; it is normal for 40 or more to be at each meeting. The group meets regularly at the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides meeting space at no cost. Another MIN sponsor is Huntington Bank.

First-time inventors generally find themselves in a bewildering thicket. Sometimes an expectation of great wealth coming their way will make them easy prey to individuals who glibly promise "professional help" in developing their invention — for a fee. A few of the so-called helpers are actual scammers who drain as much cash from their victims as they can.

MIN meetings focus on things such as free resources available to inventors, who to turn to for help, and the types of situations to avoid. Of constant interest to the neophytes are the myriad legal issues, ranging from patents to registered trademarks, with frequent presentations to MIN by attorneys with experience in the invention process.

Cooper's advice to would-be inventors is: "Come to one of our meetings. Every meeting is informative."

She said MIN has "a number of would-be inventors but we also have a lot of people who have already invented, and they continue to come back year after year, meeting after meeting, to share their experiences."

"It's almost like a coming-to-church event, because we encourage people to get up and tell us where they are in their invention process," said Cooper.

At every meeting, encouraging and useful information comes out when members give reports on their latest progress or success. Cooper said people who think they have an idea for an invention should attend a meeting. In some cases, a little advice from experienced inventors like Crain will make a big difference in helping that would-be inventor decide to proceed, or not.

Cooper said the first meeting is free but after that, participation requires membership. Dues are $40 per year, with meetings held almost every month.

Neophyte inventors are practically desperate for help. Crain said several MIN members who attend the Muskegon meetings live in the Grand Rapids area, some are from the Holland/Zeeland area, and a couple sometimes come from Ludington. On at least one occasion, a person came all the way from the Traverse City area.

Crain is working to facilitate the start of inventors' groups in Holland/Zeeland and in the Traverse City area.

"I'm talking to people, even as we speak. If somebody is interested in an inventor group in Zeeland/Holland, Grand Rapids or Traverse City, they could give me a call and I could get them on a list.

"The United Inventors network will be the parent organization for all the new groups we help start. United Inventors has done an outstanding job in assisting me and our group, and will be significant in helping these groups start in these other cities," said Crain.

"There aren’t any other animals like us out there, anywhere in western Michigan," he joked.

For more information, visit www.muskegoninventorsnetwork.org.

Noble Co. to Add Jobs With Help From Tax Abatement

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Noble Co. in Norton Shores to add jobs with help from tax abatement

By: Dan Calabrese

The city of Norton Shores has approved a 12-year, 50 percent tax abatement for Noble Co. – a move that helps Noble proceed with a facilities expansion that will add three-to-five jobs to the company’s existing employment base of 27.

Noble’s expansion will add 31,000 square feet to the company’s facility at 7300 Enterprise. Founded in 1937, Noble formulates hydronic and fire protection fluids and manufactures accessory products for plumbing and tile industries.

Richard Maher, community development director for Norton Shores, said the city’s action is consistent with its overall policy of working to facilitate local business expansion.

“The city council has always been proactive when it comes to our local businesses,” Maher says. “We appreciate businesses that are expanding and growing in our community, and especially in these tough economic times. And Noble has been a good corporate citizen, and we’re happy to support the expansion.”

The value of the tax break for Noble is estimated at $26,047 for all taxing units in the first year, including $3,556 for the city of Norton Shores.

Source: Richard Maher, city of Norton Shores

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Muskegon's $11M HighPoint Flats to Open Condo Model

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon’s $11M HighPoint Flats to open condo model, offer extended tax-free living

By: Deborah Johnson Wood, Rapid Growth

The developer of HighPoint Flats in downtown Muskegon signed off this week on a contract to build a condominium model featuring sixth-story views of Muskegon Lake. The view from the model represents the view that some 70 percent of the condominiums will have.

The project involves the rehabilitation of the Hackley Bank Building, 285 West Western, an eight-story structure constructed in 1916, and the construction of a new two-story addition. Seventy condos ranging from studios to 2,300 square feet will sell for $89,000 to more than $299,000.

“We have the longest Renaissance Zone in Michigan and residents will pay no city taxes, no property taxes and no 4.35 percent state income tax until 2023,” says Jon Rooks, developer. “That was a big, big part of our decision to go ahead [with the project] in today’s market. The Ren Zone helps us be more competitive as people are more concerned with living expenses.”

Rooks estimates that on a purchase of a $125,000 condo at 5 percent interest, a couple could save enough money just on the income tax and city tax (1 percent) to cover about 60 percent of the interest.

The development includes 46 units in the renovated bank and 24 new construction units in the addition. Amenities include an eighth-story roof deck for all residents, a fitness center, a clubhouse, and optional parking garages.

One unusual piece to the project is the city of Muskegon’s approval for the entire building to be residential with no retail component.

“We wanted to add customers more than we wanted to add retail space,” Rooks says. “Except for Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile, there’s more activity here than in any West Michigan city—new restaurants, the new Chamber building, Sidock’s new building, Gary Post’s projects.

“This project already has 32 reservations because of that momentum, and 34 more people are interested. We’re a tiny cog on the big wheel that will help Muskegon reach its full potential.”

Rooks expects the condominium model to be ready by early summer.

Source: Jon Rooks, Parkland Properties

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Neighborhoods: Muskegon

Muskegon Winery's Popularity Spurs Increase of Floor Space

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon winery’s popularity spurs owners to increase floor space

By: Deborah Johnson Wood, Rapid Growth

It’s only been two years since Clay Avenue Cellars began in a 300-square-foot space. But already the winery’s popularity spurred owners Bob Rajewski and Garret Anguilm to construct a 1,200-square-foot basement addition last winter to serve additional clientele.

“We make semi sweet fruit wines, just above dry,” says Anguilm. “We buy fruit from local growers from Shelby to Holland to Coopersville. We buy the fruit in season, and start making wine with the capacity we have. The rest we freeze until we have space to make it into wine.”

The Cellars makes 19 different varieties, such as sweet cherry, tart cherry, plum, blueberry, cranberry and wines from grapes. They also make combos, like their Black and Blue, which is blackberry and blueberry.

“I started making wine as a hobby in 1979,” Anguilm says. “Bob started making wine about 15 years ago and we became good friends because his girlfriend, Brenda, and my wife used to work together.”

Rajewski’s girlfriend, Brenda Moore, saved the building from demolition—a 1920s gas station she moved to 611 Clay Avenue in 2004. Moore started an art gallery, Clay Avenue Station, in 2005. The gallery is part of Clay Avenue Cellars. Patrons can browse the art offerings while shopping for wine or partaking in one of the monthly wine tastings.

“We have tastings the second Saturday of the month and we have all our varieties open for tasting,” Anguilm says. “We’ve had as many as 500 to 600 people through here in six hours.”

Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 to 5:30, Saturdays from noon to five, except on tasting Saturdays when the store closes at 6.

Source: Garret Anguilm, Clay Avenue Cellars

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.

Neighborhoods: Muskegon

Culinary Institute Aims to Attract Future Chefs

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Baker’s corner
Monday, March 02, 2009 - MiBiz

By Karen Gentry | MiBiz
kgentry@mibiz.com

Culinary Institute of Michigan, Baker College of Michigan

Location:

downtown Muskegon

Investment:

$11 million

Square footage:

39,000

Kitchen space:

12,000

Construction manager:

Clifford Buck Construction Co.

Architect:

BMA Architects

Food service consultant:

Post & Grossbard Inc.

Mechanical/electrical:

Rhoades Engineering

Construction turnover:

September 2009

MUSKEGON – The new Culinary Institute of Michigan aims to attract and train prospective world-class chefs. Part of that attraction is a state of the art building tailored to the needs of a learning kitchen.

Baker College’s new 39,000-square foot Culinary Institute of Michigan in downtown Muskegon is the largest project currently in the Baker College system statewide.

Baker College Director of Facilities Patrick Kopypek said Baker representatives have had major participation in the design and construction process.

"We like to think we are the cornerstone of downtown development," Kopypek told MiBiz. "This gives Baker College of Muskegon a presence in the downtown. Quite frankly it’s part of our commitment to community, which has always been a Baker focus."

The new three-story culinary arts building on the corner of Clay Avenue and Third Street is nearing the final touches of construction.

Designing and building a facility that includes 12,000 square feet of working kitchens was a challenge, according to David Mayville, owner of BMA Architects.

BMA worked with New York-based Post & Grossbard Inc., food service consultants, and Muskegon-based Rhoades Engineering for mechanical and electrical work. The entire second floor is a kitchen and there’s a kitchen to go with the Courses restaurant on the first floor.

Mayville jokingly refers to a demonstration kitchen on the third floor as "my Martha Stewart room." Students will be able to videotape shows with space for an audience in that kitchen.

"There’s just a lot of utilities and mechanicals involved — plumbing, mechanical and kitchen hood systems," Mayville told MiBiz.

The facility will include a specialty pastry lab, a temperature and humidity controlled lab for specialty chocolate and sugar design and three hot food labs, as well as demonstration classrooms.

Kopypek said the interior also includes three modular classrooms, which are more teacher friendly than the classrooms on the current campus.

Mayville said the interior was designed to help the public move vertically. A circular staircase in the large atrium in building’s center invites the public to move throughout the building.

"The public is encouraged to go to the second floor where all the teaching kitchens are located," Mayville said. "They’re able to walk around the rotunda and watch the students cooking and doing their arts."

In the central atrium space is a 17-foot by 17-foot pyramid-shaped skylight.

"The idea is to let a lot of natural light filter through this entire building," Mayville said.

The building’s exterior is brick and cast stone with a lot of detailing and ornamentation to emulate other buildings in downtown Muskegon.

"Our building picks up architectural elements from the surrounding buildings, in particular the brick work and masonry detail and also the natural lighting of the interior space," Kopypek said.

The exterior cladding of all masonry is in three different colors — sandstone, light gray and a dark red — also intended to pick up colors of the surrounding buildings.

Although LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification will not be sought, it’s possible in the future. Mayville said the design approach was to be able to go back and seek LEED certification fairly easily. High efficiency mechanical and lighting technology was used, and the building envelope insulation values were increased. The roof will be able to support the added weight of a green vegetative roof system if desired in the future.

There are two main entrances to the building — one from the back parking lot and one from Clay Street directly adjacent from Hackley Park. Mayville said outdoor seating will be available from the restaurant and the Sweet Spot pastry, coffee and retail outlet in the corner of the building.

Jack Wallen, project manager for Clifford Buck Construction Co., said the building will be ready in time for Fall 2009 classes.

"We’re working on the finishes right now — the interior painting and floor finishes," Wallen said in mid-February. Construction started in May 2008. Clifford Buck Construction has done a lot of primarily remodeling projects for Baker College in the past, and BMA completed numerous projects for Baker College’s main Muskegon campus.

Public tours have already taken place, and Baker staff and community members are excited about what they see, according to Kopypek. The new building is expected to attract more students to Baker College’s culinary program. Currently more than 300 students are enrolled in one of Baker College’s four business administration degree options in the culinary arts program.

"We’ve had nothing but positive response," he said.

Muskegon Manufacturing Sights & Sounds Set to Music!

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Sights, sounds of Muskegon area manufacturing set to music, art

by Marla Miller | The Muskegon Chronicle
Saturday March 21, 2009, 10:42 PM

The economy was still doing fairly well when Carla Hill, president and CEO of the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, suggested bringing an innovative, multimedia pops program celebrating American manufacturing to Muskegon.

Now that the country's manufacturing sector is limping along, and Michigan's auto industry is on the verge of collapse, Hill believes the time is right to shine the spotlight on past and present companies that have employed generations of local residents.

IF YOU GO

What: "American Made: The Art of Manufacturing" presented by West Shore Symphony Orchestra and The Now Device

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 452 W. Western, downtown Muskegon.

Featuring: The Now Device presentation. The Now Device is a national multimedia business.

Tickets: $14-37, with discounts for students, seniors and groups. Tickets are available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and prior to performances at the Frauenthal Box Office, or at Star Tickets Plus Outlets in Meijer stores, online at www.starticketsplus.com or by calling (231) 727-8001 or (800) 585-3737.

Free tickets: The symphony will offer 100 free tickets to laid-off workers for each concert. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and laid off/unemployed workers may request up to four tickets. Deadline is noon Thursday by calling 726-3231.

Information: Call the WSSO office at (231) 726-3231 or visit www.wsso.org.

Related events:

• Free student reception, career fair and concert preview, beginning around 6 p.m. Thursday in the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts lobby. The career fair runs 6:15-7 p.m. with the following companies represented: L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems, Hines Corporation, Alcoa/Howmet, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Eagle Alloy, Bayer Crop Science, Huntington Bank, Padnos Iron & Metal, Shape Corporation, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing at Grand Valley State University, Lorin Industries, Inc., Bissel Corporate, TGW Ermanco, Cascade Engineering, Muskegon Community College, Muskegon Area Career Tech Center and The Now Device.

• "Industrial Arts: West Michigan," an exhibition featuring fine art photography of area manufacturers and employees at Muskegon Museum of Art. The exhibit is on display through May 31 in the Cooper Gallery. The MMA commissioned nine West Michigan artists to partner with major manufacturing companies operating in the region to complement the WSSO's "American Made" concert. Call 720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for admission, hours and other visitor information.

The symphony's next performance, "American Made: The Art of Manufacturing," will engage the audience through both sight and sound. More than a concert, the dynamic, sensory show melds together live video, footage of West Michigan manufacturers and recorded visuals of the manufacturing process with classic symphonic scores, Hill said.

The WSSO is the second symphony to present such a program, made possible through a partnership with The Now Device -- a national multimedia business that combines music with big-screen TV images.

"I think it's even more important now that we really step up and honor manufacturing in this community," she said. "When you start connecting the faces of manufacturing to the products and the process, I think people will be very moved by that."

Not only did the symphony receive financial backing from local industries, the Muskegon Museum of Art organized a complementary photo exhibition. Several educational partners also joined the effort and will help host a career fair for students.

"The important part of 'American Made' for me is really how it's being received by the community. There's just a lot of buzz," Hill said. "Our local economy still relies heavily on manufacturing, and we felt that this performance would pay homage to the men and women who design and build the cars, appliances and consumer goods that keep our country running."

Few communities can boast of an industrial legacy like Muskegon, a community that continues to support and promote its manufacturing companies. Since Charles Hackley and his fellow sawmill owners ended the Lumber Era in Muskegon in the late 1800s, Muskegon has set itself up as an industrial center, exploiting its deep-water port and tons of sand.

That sand formed the basis of the foundry industry in Muskegon, propelling the community into the "arsenal of democracy" during the height of the war production years surrounding World War II. Back then, 10,000 people worked in the heavy industrial plants just blocks from the Frauenthal Theater.

Key to that history has been the more than 100 years of making Continental Motors in Muskegon, now done by defense contractor L-3 Communications -- the prime sponsor of the "American Made" symphony presentation.

"As our presence in Muskegon now enters its second century, we are committed to U.S. and Michigan manufacturing enterprises which are under tremendous pressure in the current economic downturn," said L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems President Michael Soimar.

Of all of the Muskegon manufacturing companies, L-3 continues to expand its research and manufacturing operations in Muskegon. It has been hiring both production workers and engineers.

Hill heard about The Now Device's "American Made" concept from the music director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Springfield, Ohio, which first debuted the program. The WSSO's related educational components helped sell the concert to regional businesses and educational partners, Hill said. While talking to area manufacturers, Hill learned that jobs are out there but the skills needed to do them have changed.

Local students are invited to attend a free, educational dress rehearsal preview on Thursday. There will be a career fair, not a job fair, where students can learn about various manufacturing careers and the education and experience required, Hill said.

"This show fuses sound and image in a way that younger audiences will find compelling," Hill said. "'American Made' is unlike anything we've ever staged before, and we believe it will help us introduce a new generation to the power and beauty of American classical music."

Choreographed in real time by The Now Device technicians, images will flash on multiple screens as WSSO musicians play in the foreground. The Now Device filmed at several manufacturing locations throughout West Michigan last November, including Eagle Alloy, Michigan Spring and Bennett Pump Company.Â

All the music is by 20th century American composers. While Music Director Scott Speck did not select the program, he cannot wait to conduct it, he said.

"All of this music is very accessible and enjoyable to listen to -- and with the added multimedia images, it should be a visceral thrill," Speck said. "This is an incredible example of how a multi-media presentation, when it's done really well, can be more than the sum of its parts."

A committee of WSSO board members, led by retired industrialist Roger Andersen, secured sponsorship for the program which covered production costs plus some for the symphony's coffers. Andersen said the concert will link the importance of Muskegon's industry to the music and multi-media presentation.

"If you ever worked in manufacturing, work in it today or want to work in it in the future, you need to see this concert," Andersen said. "It's going to be a great celebration of our heritage. I think they'll like the music and be proud to see fellow employees and people in local plants."

-- Dave Alexander contributed to this report.

Senator Stabenwo Encourage Alternative Energy Jobs

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Stabenow encourages alternative energy jobs

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

MUSKEGON -- U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow Friday huddled with Muskegon leaders working on manufacturing alternative energy devices to outline economic incentives coming from Washington.

Michigan's junior Democratic senator heard about local alternative energy efforts at Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in downtown Muskegon. The Friday afternoon session included both public and private sector officials.

Two key Muskegon-based companies participating in the conversation were L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems and EarthTronics -- developers of the new WindTronics home-based wind turbine. L-3 is working with a German subsidiary to bring cutting-edge wind turbine technology to the United States for production, company officials have said.

"The ingenuity in that room is why I think the new 'green economy' is a winner for us in Michigan," Stabenow told The Chronicle after the session. "We have the entrepreneurs, the knowledge and the skills. What we need is the capital support and the work force development."

Stabenow said she made a pitch to both companies to keep their future manufacturing operations in Michigan. EarthTronics is within a month of deciding where it will initially produce WindTronics units -- the so-called "wind turbines in a box" to be sold through ACE Hardware outlets.

The senator outlined the assistance that new federal legislation brings to the local manufacturers and what might be coming in a new energy bill now being developed. Stabenow is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

The current economic stimulus package included $1.65 billion in advanced energy manufacturing tax credits of 30 percent based on the cost of building industrial facilities. Those credits can be converted into U.S. Department of Energy grants if the company is a startup or does not have federal tax liabilities because it has yet to produce a profit, she said.

"I am focused on manufacturing," Stabenow told the group at MAREC. "There are 8,000 parts on a (commercial) wind turbine and we can make each and every one of those parts in Michigan."

The meeting, hosted by GVSU President Thomas Haas and MAREC Executive Director Imad Mahawili, included officials from the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Area First, and Muskegon County, among others. Stabenow was accompanied by state Rep. Doug Bennett, D-Muskegon.

Muskegon Entrepreneur of the Year Announced!

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Advertising firm owner earns award

Thursday, March 19, 2009

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

dalexander@muskegonchronicle.com

MUSKEGON -- The 2009 Entrepreneur Award winner began pouring cement driveways with his father before he sold clothing and then radio advertising.

From those humble beginnings, Randy Crow has established a major advertising, marketing and sign company in Muskegon. He built RC Productions and SourceOne Digital into a 38-employee, $9 million operation.

He was selected by a Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce committee among three other nominees for the annual top small business award in Muskegon County. Crow and his RC Productions colleagues were honored at a chamber luncheon Wednesday at the Muskegon Country Club.

"Randy Crow has built RC Productions into a major Muskegon business," said chamber award committee Chairman Bob Scolnik, a former entrepreneur winner.

Crow was in Florida vacationing with his family Wednesday but longtime friend and RC Productions executive Tim Achterhoff accepted the award on Crow's behalf.

"He has worked very hard," Achterhoff said of a business that has national clients such as Sara Lee, Nestle, Cabela's and the National Hot Rod Association.

This is the third time Crow was nominated for the award given by the chamber each year. Also honored Wednesday were:

* Denise Kanaar of D&D Logistics.

* Deb Lambers of the Book Nook & Java Shop in Montague.

* Jason Piasecki of Qonverge.

Crow became Muskegon's youngest disc jockey at age 15 on Muskegon radio station WTRU. A 1979 graduate of Mona Shores High School, Crow went on in the radio industry at WMUS, eventually becoming the station's sales manager. He helped establish radio station WLCS in Muskegon and by 1981 began his own radio production studio.

That production studio business evolved into RC Productions. In 1996, Crow purchased a sign company to take his firm in a new direction.

In 2007, SourceOne Digital moved into an industrial building in the Norton Shores Industrial Center.

Past 10 Entrepreneur winners

* 2008: Rick Puthoff, Lee's Famous Chicken

* 2007: William Lowry, MiBiz

* 2006: Dave Hazekamp, Hazekamp Meats

* 2005: Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, Generation Care

* 2004: Gordon Torresen, Torresen Marine

* 2003: Sue Pemberton, Norton Pines Athletic Club

* 2002: Scott Erdman, Erdman Machine Co.

* 2001: Hoby Thrasher, restaurant creator and consultant

* 2000: John Darien, Darien Homes

* 1999: Larry Larsen, Daniel's Office Supply

RC Productions Recognized by Muskegon Chamber

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

RC Productions recognized by Muskegon Chamber
WZZM 13

Updated:3/19/2009 3:35:44 PM - Posted: 3/19/2009 2:29:07 PM

The entrepreneurial spirit was recognized today by the Muskegon Chamber of Commerece.

Amway President Doug De Vos was the key note speaker at the Chamber's entrepreneur awards lunch.

Four local business owners were finalists for the award which recognizes the risk entrepreneurs take and their role in fueling the economy.

In the end the chamber honored Randy Crow from "RC productions" and "Source One Digital".

Crow runs a full-service advertising agency with clients across the us.

Crow was out of town today so his business partner accepted the honor on his behalf.

Tim Achterhoff, Vice President RC Productions said, "Randy has a great vision for what's next. getting into digital audio and video early and now large scale digital printing. That is a new medium that is growing every year. And we have more production capacity than any other company that does that in the nation."

Crow's company employees 35 people, operating out of two Muskegon area facilities.

Community Mourns Passing of Norton Shores Mayor Jerry Wiersma

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Colleagues, friends mourn death of Norton Shores Mayor Jerry Wiersma

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle
Friday March 13, 2009, 4:39 PM

Chronicle file photoIn this file photo, Jerry Wiersma talks with an atendee of his party after winning the election for mayor of Norton Shores in 2005. Wiersma died Friday at the age of 76.

Norton Shores Mayor Jerry L. Wiersma, remembered for his dedication to service and sense of humor, died early Friday morning after a long battle with cancer.

City officials swore in Hank Waldo as Wiersma's successor later in the day. Waldo, a city council member and mayor pro tem, will serve out the remainder of Wiersma's term through November.

"He was a friend and a strong leader," Waldo said. "We're going to miss his incredible sense of humor. He was a fun guy to be around."

Wiersma, 76, was an 18-year council member when he was elected as Norton Shores mayor in 2005. He began his political career with the city in 1984 when the council appointed him to the city's zoning board of appeals and then to the planning commission in 1985. Wiersma was first elected to the city council in 1987.

"Jerry was an excellent council member who wanted what was best for the entire city," said Nancy Crandall, a former Norton Shores mayor and council member who served with Wiersma. "On the council, he was always the peacemaker, coming up with solutions that were not readily apparent. He was a very special man."

Wiersma was a human resources manager with Consumers Energy in Muskegon for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1990. He and his son Jerry Wiersma Jr. have owned and operated West Michigan Power Cleaning Systems Inc. in Norton Shores since 1992.

Wiersma was active with the Muskegon Elks Lodge and the Muskegon Rotary Club among other community activities. He also was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

He is survived by his wife Lois and five children: Cheryl Gaudette of Montague, Tom Wiersma of Rothbury, Joy Wiersma of Spring Lake, Patricia Stoevsand of Norton Shores and Jerry Wiersma Jr. of Norton Shores.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, 6291 S. Harvey. Visitation at the Lee Chapel is Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. An Elks Lodge Sorrows Service will be Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The mayor's office and three at-large council seats, including Waldo's, are up for election in November. Waldo's vacant seat must be filled in the next 30 days, according to city charter.

Waldo said it's too early to know whether he'll run for election as mayor.

Muskegon Wind TUrbine Technology Turns Heads in Vegas

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Muskegon wind turbine technology turns heads in Vegas

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle
Sunday March 15, 2009, 7:49 AM

Courtesy photoThe EarthTronics residential wind turbine incorporates technology developed through Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon.

• Norton Shores to have its own wind turbine

The WindTronics 760 produces power at the turbine blade ends instead of at the hub of the unit where traditional turbines power a gear box.
A new residential "wind turbine in a box" was introduced at a Las Vegas Ace Hardware show last week to rave reviews, according to the head of the Muskegon-based EarthTronics.

The technology was developed through Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center and is being commercialized by EarthTronics. Muskegon and Michigan remain in the running for the location of the initial production plant, which could start with 60-100 employees.

WINDTRONICS 760

What: A residential electrical-generating wind turbine.

Who: EarthTronics of Muskegon.

Output: Up to 1,500 kilowatts per year depending on wind patterns -- 15 percent of a typical home's electrical needs.

Size: Six-feet in diameter and 90 pounds.

Price: Sold as a "home energy package" with a suggested retail price less than $4,000.

Incentives: Various state and federal incentives can provide rebates from 30- 100 percent of the unit's cost depending on location.

"The reaction was overwhelming," said Reg Adams, president of EarthTronics -- a startup distributor of alternative energy devices. "The unit was the talk of the show. Our booth activity was nonstop."

EarthTronics will begin sales of the 760 unit in early fall, initially through the 4,600 Ace hardware stores around the world. Adams said that other channels of distribution for the residential units are in the works.

The WindTronics 760 produces about 15 percent of a typical residential home's electrical needs and when combined with a "home energy package," including compact fluorescent bulbs, will reduce electric utility bills by 30 percent, the company claims.

The "home energy package" will be sold for less than $4,000. Substantial state and federal alternative energy tax credits are available to reduce the cost of the units, the company says.

The technological breakthrough might be the operating wind range. The company says the unit will produce electricity with as little as 2 mph wind speeds where as traditional units need around 8 mph. Whereas other geared turbines might shut down at 30 mph, the WindTronics unit can produce in winds greater than 40 mph, the company claims.

EarthTronics needs to begin producing the 6-foot diameter, 90-pound units in June with initial production expected between 4,500-6,000 units a month. Ace has agreed to sell a minimum of 3,000 units per month.

The Muskegon company needs to decide on the location of an initial production facility in the coming three weeks, Adams said. EarthTronics is being wooed by communities in other states, which have provided several enticing proposals.

Muskegon economic developers are making a full-court press to keep the WindTronics production local. Local officials have been working with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to provide a competitive proposal.

EarthTronics -- which also has developed sales and distribution of energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs among other items -- has a partnership with the Honeywell Corp. to provide research and development assistance for the new turbine technology. Honeywell and EarthTronics are working with Underwriter's Laboratories to get a safety certification on the turbine, its wiring and control systems.

Besides production and sales of the WindTronics 760, Adams said EarthTronics is working with a California company to establish a network of installation and repair technicians. The unit must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Beyond various residential units, a smaller unit for developing countries is being studied along with larger units for the office and commercial building markets.

"It's getting pretty exciting," Adams said of a product launch that has been being planned for less than a year. "We are very pleased with the results of the Vegas show. It reinforces the fact that we are on the right track."

"Luge" Yourself in Muskegon!

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Luge yourself in Muskegon - It's the thing to do while in snowbound Muskegon

By Christopher Borrelli | Chicago Tribune reporter February 15, 2009

MUSKEGON, Mich.-"You know," my 15-year-old luge instructor tells me, to ease my nerves, "more people die in cheerleading than luge." I nod and lean back against the yellow sled, inching toward the gate, nothing but icy curves ahead, all pointing downhill. "It's true," she says. She's sunny and says she holds the record for the fastest time on this track.

"No one ever died at luge. Not here." I ask if she cheerleads, trying to make small talk-anything to avoid being shoved inevitably down that slope. "No," she says. Actually, they don't shove you. They don't push you, either. You launch yourself down the 850-foot track, from a starting point roughly two stories high, through your own stupid volition. Considering that the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex has one of the few publicly accessible luge tracks in the country-the most publicly accessible, they claim-it's a surprisingly bucolic place. There's no screaming. Just a heavy swooshing sound and the thwack of steel against wood, then this guy up in his booth:

"22.3 seconds," he says.

Or some other time, depending how fast a person goes from nervous launch to bumpy stop. I visited Muskegon a few weeks ago. Everything about Muskegon is calm in January. There's no one here. No out-of-towners.

Just locals. It's a seasonal spot, the land curled around an inlet of Lake Michigan like the thumb of a mitten meeting the rest of the fingers. I was here to luge, maybe ice skate a little-the sports complex has a lovely outdoor skating path, carved into the woods and lighted at night. So let me come back later to that impending luge run.

Because first I want to tell you about Muskegon itself-to be specific, what I did during my unintentional 40 hours here. For reasons obvious to anyone who has ever spent more than an hour in a vacation town during its least operable time of the year, this will be brief.

I left on a Friday afternoon for a Saturday morning luge reservation.

(Tip! If you go, call ahead, what with all the Boy Scout troops that arrive here by minivan after minivan, to prove their manhood.) It's a 31/2-our drive from Chicago. I showed up too late for anything but a beer and a very nice medium-rare cheeseburger at Racquets Downtown Grill.

I stayed at the Shoreline Inn, a hulking rectangle turned on its end, dark and ominous against the winter sky. Indeed, there didn't seem to be a single room with a light on. I couldn't see the hotel; until my eyes adjusted, I thought I was staring at frozen lake. In July, the spot is ideal, a hotel on a pier, perfect for boating or dangling your feet from the dock. But, in January, to enter the lobby of the Shoreline, I had to pry open the non-automatic automatic doors. The staff seemed to number exactly one, despite 139 rooms.

The next morning, when I tried to leave for the luge track, the snow was so high I couldn't make out the road leading from the hotel. I called a cab. (The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is within Muskegon State Park, which, it goes without saying, is plowed even less.) There was a foot-plus of snow on the ground, traffic had slowed to 10 miles per hour and the highway was closed. Later, when I returned from luging, the drifts had grown even taller, the traffic slower. I decided against driving back to Chicago.

I couldn't drive anywhere; my laptop was dead (so, no music); I had no cell phone charger (so, no one to talk to); and the hotel had no Wi-Fi anyway. I had packed a book-Julian Barnes </topic/entertainment/julian-barnes-PECLB000351.topic> ' "Nothing To Be Frightened Of," an essay/memoir about the inevitability of death, and, though lively, not meant to be the only entertainment one should have when spending a snowbound weekend alone in Muskegon.

I left the hotel and went next door for food and was met with a wall of cigarette smoke and a dining room of locals playing poker. Onlookers hovered over the shoulders of intense young men who wore Detroit Lions </topic/sports/detroit-lions-ORSPT000041.topic> jackets and sunglasses.

I wandered into the mostly emptied downtown by walking across train tracks and a four-lane street, my head bowed against the stinging wind off the lake. The marquee at L.C. Walker Arena glowed. It said the Muskegon Lumberjacks were playing the Kalamazoo Wings.

If you've seen "Slap Shot," you know the rest. Minor-league hockey. The first fight-no joke-came four seconds into the first period. The players stripped off their gloves with a bit too much ceremony to seem genuinely mad as the referees sighed, skated off to the side and waited. But it was "Star Wars Night," so Darth Vader dropped the puck and I ate a bucket of popcorn.

Back to luge.

Which is not bobsled (with its capsule-like rocket), or skeleton (which is similar to luge, but with you pointed head-first down the track).

Luge requires you to recline, toes pointing inward to control the sled rails. You stare down your abdomen, head raised slightly. Naturally, the complex (which asks $40 for Saturday lessons) wants to see proof of health insurance-which should not freak you out. Sue Halter, my instructor, told me that in 15 years here she had seen only one person lose teeth while luging.

What a relief.

She also said people climb to the top of the track, then look down the slope and say, "No way. I'm done," and never come back. I would not be one of them. The track, said executive director James Rudicil Jr., was designed 18 years ago by Olympic lugers but always intended as a "grass-roots track," to draw the nervous and curious. You have to get good before they let you luge from the very top of the mountain. So amateurs start in the middle, which is still high enough for you to race at 30 miles an hour.

This feels fast when you have nothing between you and the track but your coat and your only way to hold on is the small pegs at the side of the sled. I pushed off. The first curve I took like a pro. The next, I tensed up and one leg waved outward like a pulled turkey bone. I bounced off the wall of the track. Up one side, down another, up one side again.

It felt violent. I regained control and took the next turn easily, then hit a straightaway. Staring down my torso I saw a long curve. I hit it fast and rose so high up the side that I noticed the track beneath me.

Then I straightened out and could hear Sue yelling, "STOP! STOP!"

At the end of the track, I plowed into the giant foam block set up for total idiots. It all took "23.4 seconds."

National Gift Card Supplier Shuts Down

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

National gift-card supplier shuts down

Friday, March 6, 2009 3:09 AM

By James Hannah

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DAYTON -- A company that sold gift certificates to businesses and individuals across the United States has closed, leaving thousands to wonder whether unredeemed certificates for restaurants and stores are worthless.

CertifiChecks Inc., a Dayton-based company that operated in 47 states, said it is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company hasn't said whether it will honor the unredeemed gift certificates.

Many businesses and chambers of commerce across the United States promoted CertifiChecks by offering gift certificates up to $100 that were redeemable at local businesses.

The Columbus Chamber did not offer the gift certificates, spokeswoman Susan Merryman said.

Most Columbus-area chambers of commerce didn't offer them either, said Margery Amorose, executive director of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. She said the product was used more by more-rural communities that have fewer shopping options.

Larger cities' chambers would find it more difficult to administer them, Amorose said.

"We had looked into using them years ago, but our fear was what would happen if they went out of business," she said. "We wondered, 'Who would be left responsible for the certificates?' "

A Catholic hospital in Illinois said its employees have $30,000 worth of unredeemed gift certificates.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, a military command that supplies merchandise to soldiers at post exchanges, has agreed to reimburse families and others who bought the certificates. It could end up paying out $700,000.

As much as $1.3 million in CertifiChecks circulated in Michigan in the past year, with at least 23 chambers affected, said Bob Thomas, spokesman for Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals. Some of the chambers have small operating budgets and won't be able to reimburse certificate holders, he said.

"We're talking about a grandmother who may have received this as a Christmas gift," said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce in Michigan.

Messages seeking comment were left this week at CertifiChecks, and no one answered the door at its Dayton headquarters, which appeared vacant.

On its Web site, the company warns businesses that accepted the certificates in exchange for goods or services not to deposit them in the bank because they will be returned. The Web site suggests that holders mail the certificates to the company for "potential" reimbursement.

But some chambers of commerce worry that that could mean giving up proof of ownership, and the holders would not be reimbursed.

"You know who everyone's mad at? They're mad at us," said Jody Humphries, president of the Chamber of Commerce in Northville, Mich., which sold $25,000 worth of the certificates during the past year.

Kim Kowalski, a spokeswoman for the Ohio attorney general's consumer protection division, said the office is aware of CertifiChecks' situation but declined to comment further. She would not say whether the office had received complaints.

Dispatch reporter Tracy Turner contributed to this story.

Editorial: Community must act to replace Sappi jobs

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

by The Muskegon Chronicle

While Muskegon has long had a love-hate relationship with the Lakeside paper mill currently owned by Sappi Fine Paper, the announcement that Sappi will "suspend operations" for at least six months beginning April 1 is sobering.

The loss of another 190 jobs -- high-paying, high-skill jobs -- at a time when Muskegon's unemployment rate is hovering near 12 percent is tough even if it is only for six months. The fact that those jobs could be lost permanently is an economic black eye.

One of the city's first major manufacturers, Sappi opened as Central Paper Co. in 1899 at the end of the area's lumbering era. It was lured to Muskegon along with the Amazon Knitting Co., Brunswick-Balke-Collender, Shaw-Walker Co., Continental Motors, Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry, Lakey Foundry, Alaska Refrigeration and the Piston Ring Co.

As the company's reputation for top quality, high gloss printing paper grew, so did its employment to a high of 1,200. Even with global competition and the cuts that it forced, most recently in 2005 when 365 jobs were lost, Sappi remained among the few "legacy" manufacturers still employing more than 100 workers in Muskegon.

The loss of this company will be felt by more than just those in the unemployment line. Numerous vendors and contractors will be affected as will community businesses patronized by Sappi workers.

The plant shutdown could raise the cost of sewage service in a community that has relied heavily on payments by this company to operate its wastewater system.

Sappi also is the third largest property taxpayer in Muskegon County, sending about $1.9 million to local schools and governments.

And the company has been a generous supporter of the community's nonprofit organizations. Sappi is a longtime sponsor of Muskegon Summer Celebration's annual Pass Party and the Holiday movie festival at the Frauenthal Theater. It has contributed to Lakeside's annual clean-up project and to numerous small organizations seeking funds for visits by Santa Claus or other activities.

The community cannot become mired in handwringing over this loss, as significant as it is. Muskegon has been marching down this path for years.

Now is the time to dust off the economic vision established in 2006 and get cracking.

Community leaders fashioned a six-point plan that based Muskegon's future prosperity on turning the area into:

A global leader in advanced manufacturing in metals, plastics, alternative energy and agricultural processing.

A popular destination for year-round tourism, recreation and cultural activities.

A waterfront destination for residential living, especially for those in their "retirement" years.

A regional center for affordable, quality health care, from the basics to specialty treatments and A regional center for retail services.

A center for lifelong learning from quality childhood programs, K-12 and post-secondary education to advanced research found in both private and public educational institutions.

The vision was created by the boards of directors of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and Muskegon Area First -- the economic development agency -- with One Muskegon, a leadership group that is exploring governmental cooperation and consolidation, and the leadership of the Muskegon Areawide Plan, a government-sponsored land-planning effort.

It's a solid plan. Now, like the community leaders a century ago, today's leaders need to act.

If they need a pot of money, like what was raised a century ago, the timing couldn't be better. Economic stimulus funds are on the way. If they can't use stimulus funds, they can use the funds left in the coffers because we got stimulus funds.

If that doesn't work, they need to find other funds.

One thing is for sure, there has never been a more important time for us to come together as a community to find solutions

Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

Final Tally of Tourism for Muskegon County

By Dave Alexander | muskegon chronicle

Leadership Muskegon leads food drive

Leadership Muskegon leads food drive

By Chad D. Lerch | Muskegon Chronicle

November 09, 2009, 2:48AM

Manufacturing Alive in Muskegon County

Manufacturing alive in Muskegon County

Manufacturing alive in Muskegon County, but high skills needed

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

October 24, 2009, 6:40AM

Alcoa employees volunteer for Downtown Muskegon beautification projects

Alcoa employees volunteer for downtown Muskegon beautification projects

By Eric Gaertner | Muskegon Chronicle

Former Muskegon mayor Blanche Smith is the 2009 Lakeshore Athena Award recipient

Former Muskegon mayor Blanche Smith is the 2009 Lakeshore Athena Award recipient

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

Worker retraining gets multimillion dollar boost

Worker retraining gets multimillion-dollar boost

By Dave Alexander | Muskegon Chronicle

Chief Judge to Speak at Lakeshore Athena Award Luncheon

Muskegon Community College Eyes Downtown Development

Muskegon Community College eyes downtown development

By Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle

Baker College unveils $11M Culinary Institute of Michigan

Baker College unveils $11 million Culinary Institute of Michigan

By Federico Martinez, The Muskegon Chronicle

Baker College leaders cut ribbon on new culinary institute in Muskegon

Muskegon Main Street program hopes to boost membership

Muskegon Main Street program hopes to boost memberships

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Subway sandwich shop opens in Hines Building in downtown Muskegon

Subway sandwich shop opens in the Hines Building in downtown Muskegon

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

New logo campaign touts products made in West Michigan!

by Chad D. Lerch | The Muskegon Chronicle

Business incubator prominent on Muskegon Heights wish list

Business 'incubator' prominent on Muskegon Heights' 'wish list'

by Federico Martinez | The Muskegon Chronicle

GVSU water research on a funding roll

Grand Valley State University water research on a funding roll

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Sappi land could take years to redevelop

With all of its land-use issues, Sappi site could take years to redevelop

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

New Culinary Institute to open soon

GM honors part suppliers

GM honors three parts suppliers from region

Muskegon County will weather economic storm.

Report: Muskegon County will weather economic storm

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best

Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best

by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle

Buy Local

Editorial: Buy local

by The Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board Sunday August 23, 2009, 6:25 AM

Plan floated for flights to Chicago

Plan floated for flights to Chicago

$11M Downtown Muskegon condo development to open sales modeal with lake views

$11M Downtown Muskegon condo development to open sales model with lake views

Growing communications firm creates four more technology jobs

Growing Muskegon communications firm creates four more technology jobs

Proposed Whitehall bioenergy complex still in the works - could bring 150 jobs

Proposed Whitehall bioenergy complex still in the works, could bring 150 jobs

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

GVSU officials brief congressional staff on energy issues

GVSU officials briefs congressional staff on energy issues

Veteran developer renovates marina/hotel complex on downtown Muskegon's waterfront

Johnson Technologies Tax Break Will Create Jobs!

Johnson Technology's tax break will create jobs

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Leaders, Muskegon Residents Help Chart State's Future

Leaders, Muskegon residents help chart state's future

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle

Health care debate center on issues important to Muskegon

Health care debate centers on issues important to Muskegon -- rich in health care jobs, poor in health care coverage

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle Saturday July 25, 2009, 9:49 PM

by The Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board
Sunday August 23, 2009, 6:25 AM

by Dave Alexander | The Muskegon Chronicle
Saturday July 25, 2009, 9:49 PM

by The Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board
Thursday July 23, 2009, 9:29 AM

by The Muskegon Chronicle editorial board
Wednesday July 01, 2009, 7:39 AM

by Local reports | Muskegon Chronicle
Thursday June 18, 2009, 11:52 AM