by Kimberly Viers | Oct 30, 2020 | Culture
With a strong artistic and entrepreneurial spirit but few local opportunities to apply his passions, Alex Weller, owner and operator of Weller BBQ Food Truck forged his own path. “I grew up in Grand Haven. There are only two options: either work in factories or...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 26, 2020 | Uncategorized
We all know that higher education is an investment in ourselves that will pay off in many ways. To make the investment more accessible, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are working to ease the financial burden of higher education by...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 22, 2020 | Culture
Recently retired from the army with a great deal of energy and passion to share, Jason Baldwin jumped into the food truck business starting On the Roll Food Truck with the encouragement of his wife and co-owner Brenda. “When he said he was going to retire, I said,...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 22, 2020 | Culture
Throughout this past summer, the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo supported families by providing fun and safe camp programs during the day. To continue its support of the community, particularly working families and school children in Kalamazoo, the YMCA worked with local...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 20, 2020 | Culture
If you traveled back in time 20 years, the one square mile sitting on top of a hill in Kalamazoo may be unrecognizable. Known as the Eastside Neighborhood, the place used to be home to upwards of 30 businesses, explained Neighborhood Association Director Pat Taylor....
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 18, 2020 | Uncategorized
It’s that time of year when lots of things start creeping up: Halloween, midterm exams, and unless you’ve been hiding under the bed after seeing a spider—Election 2020. To help keep your panic at bay when you pull the curtain closed in that dark election booth (one...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 16, 2020 | Business
Early training and support for young professionals and high potentials is a crucial investment. The first few years of anyone’s career are an unanticipated and critical point of transition. Young professionals move out of the structured and predictable world of...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 16, 2020 | Culture
Fresh, warm donuts are the sweetest fall treat to enjoy for any meal or snack. Who can resist enjoying fresh apple or pumpkin donuts along with a day at the orchard, picking up some fun fall flavors on your way to work to share with your team, or even sweetening up...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 15, 2020 | Culture
Have you seen that tall, lime green “tacos” banner flying in the wind next to a brilliantly white, new food truck? The name, “Teresa’s Kitchen” is printed across the side with a shadow of a monarch butterfly. More than a decade ago, Maria...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 14, 2020 | Leadership
FIRST & 42 is giving readers a front row seat to read the stories of leaders from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo in our FIRST & 42 Leader Spotlight. Learn more about these leaders’ “firsts’ in life as well as insights about leadership and their visions...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 13, 2020 | Leadership
From registering to vote through casting a ballot on Election Day, informed voters are empowered voters. As you prepare for the big day on November 3, 2020, the best thing you can do for your voter self is to make a plan of action for when you enter that voting booth...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 12, 2020 | Leadership
FIRST & 42 continues to celebrate the stars from the 2020 Class of Leadership Kalamazoo with our Leader Spotlight series in which these leaders share insights on leadership, some personal “firsts” in life, and their vision for our community. Abbie Rumery, partner...
