Category: Business Strategy

Designers, creatives, and innovators throughout the world have been called to action this year to rethink every part of life. In our region alone, professionals and students alike have worked to develop products that will be essential not only now, but in the future. To celebrate our region’s creatives and check out what’s new on […]

Do you have an idea or a problem that needs to be solved? A product that needs to be created? Have you had an idea for a business that you’ve been itching to make a reality? Do you feel that with a little guidance, you’d be able to finally launch your concept? If this sounds […]

As businesses continue to navigate COVID-19, they continue to return to work safely and strategically. For Schupan & Sons, Inc., a diversified metals and plastics business with a global footprint, the return to work has been a process of responding to the market and continuing to keep in mind the well-being of its over 500 […]

Allied Mechanical Services (AMS) has been recognized for its culture and focus on safe practices for years by Associated Builders and Contractors of West Michigan and other organizations. Earlier this year, AMS received a new recognition, one for its dedication to excellence in diversity. “Our success with creating a diverse company stems from the culture […]

The fall-favorite destination, Gull Meadow Farms has innovated during the past couple of weeks to bring a little joy to the community through its donuts. While donut making is typically reserved for autumn at Gull Meadow Farms, Manager Justin Wendzel decided to begin production as a way to cheer people up while creating work and […]

Benton Employment Solutions is working with area teens to set them up for success.  There is nothing more important to a teenager than freedom—but after turning in final exams at the end of another school year, kids are hit with a hard truth: Going out with friends every day isn’t cheap. For high school students, […]

Honor Credit Union, Arbor Financial Credit Union, and Huntington National Bank reveal insights on personal leadership and financial management for small businesses at the Chamber’s July Lunch & Learn event. July 24, 2019 | Southwest Michigan small business professionals from across the region joined together at the Chamber’s July Lunch & Learn to spark a […]

Regional leaders share lessons they’ve learned on their journeys. When it comes to expanding communities, the focus tends to fall on young and emerging professionals: how to lure them in, how to make them stay, and how to set them up for growth. While young people are an undeniable asset to an evolving economy, it’s […]

WMU’s Research University drives growth through student education. Successful urban planning and development depends on partnerships—business and government leaders, commercial and residential developers, and major institutions like hospitals and universities—all of which contribute significantly to the economic vitality of a community and region. A recent study shows that Western Michigan University (WMU) is a big-time […]

Local hinge manufacturer banks longevity on quality. Team members at SELECT Products Limited in Portage have a great story to tell. The geared continuous door hinge they produce survived an independent test of 25 million open-and-close cycles. The test required over four years to complete. Every other component in the door failed except the hinge. […]

The Cekola siblings of Kalamazoo are growing the family business(es). The Cekolas are not what you’d call a typical family. And they know it. “Everyone looks at us like we’re weird,” laughs Bill Cekola. If you’re from Kalamazoo, you likely know, or know of, the family. In the off chance that you don’t know them, […]

Mno-Bmadsen and Accu-Mold give back by growing business and employment. It has been said that when a major change occurs within a business’s world—like a change in ownership, leadership, or both—a good three to four years is needed for that change to settle in, settle down, and the company to evolve and thrive. It has […]