by Kimberly Viers | Oct 14, 2019 | Leadership
Patricia Provot North American Continental Leader at Armstrong International 1978 | Born in Belgium I was the first of four children born to a French-speaking dad and Dutch-speaking mom. My delivery happened while my parents were on vacation for a month in Belgium. My...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 8, 2019 | Business
Two local counties—Kalamazoo and St. Joseph—will be seeking tax dollars to fund an expansion of career and technical education during the Tuesday, November 5 election. This comes at a time when existing regional employers of all sizes face a workforce skills gap and...
by Kimberly Viers | Oct 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
Or should we say “succession plan”?Or should we say “succession plan”? Human resources (HR) functions within organizations are changing. Fading are the days when HR managers were hired solely to keep employees compliant with policy and the benefits competitive. Today,...
by Kimberly Viers | Sep 24, 2019 | Business
Did you know that Southwest Michigan is home to one of the nation’s largest centers of design-driven businesses? Everyday products like Kitchen Aid mixers, Sharpie markers, Yoplait cups, and Kellogg’s cereal boxes are all designed right here in our backyard. But...
by Kimberly Viers | Sep 6, 2019 | Leadership
Prevention Works is arming Southwest Michigan with the tools it needs to build a brighter future. The prevention-focused nonprofit is built upon best practices for community-wide prevention of drug and alcohol use, relationship violence, adolescent health, and...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 26, 2019 | Business, Culture
On August 8, 2019, Landscape Forms hosted a celebration for its 50th anniversary of crafting unique products for enjoyment across the world. The beautiful weather was the perfect complement to Landscape Forms’ 50th anniversary celebration, as more than 100 community...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 20, 2019 | Business
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...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 19, 2019 | Uncategorized
At this Gourmet Gala, the March of Dimes Celebrates Serving up Miracles: An Inside Look with Mark Jones. DETAILS COURTESY OF MARK JONES Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amerifirst Home Mortgage, Presenting Sponsor of March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 16, 2019 | Business, Leadership
With Russ McFee, President of GHS Strings. 1959 | BORN IN BATTLE CREEK: My good friend’s grandfather was the doctor who delivered me at the community hospital. I always say he was the first person to see me alive on this earth. 1960s | BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Back in...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 16, 2019 | Uncategorized
College students return to the region for career-building internships. For Michigan State University student Kimberly Verduzco, summer vacation doesn’t mean a hiatus from working toward career goals. Verduzco, who studies advertising with a minor in public relations,...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 16, 2019 | Uncategorized
Hard seltzer becomes the new favorite beach-day beverage. It’s basically fact: All the best Michigan summer activities require a cold beverage in hand. Beach bumming on one of the Great Lakes, hiking around a state park, or kayaking down a lazy river just wouldn’t be...
by Kimberly Viers | Aug 16, 2019 | Business
Miniature Custom Manufacturing Recognized for Growth Trajectory. Sparkling confetti rained down on Steve Shoemaker as he stood—attired in a black tux and bow tie—center stage at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. It was the evening of May 8, 2019, and his...
