Business

My Town: Battle of the Buildings energy reduction competition expands for second year

Submitted by Megan Susterich on Tuesday, January 20th, 7:00 am

Registration is officially open for Michigan commercial and industrial buildings of all sizes interested in joining the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan's (USGBCWM) second annual Battle of the Buildings competition. The statewide competition is an expansion of the Battle of the Buildings that started in West Michigan last year.

Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction. The competition is a way to encourage energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state of Michigan and to instill a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators. Steelcase, Western Michigan University and Nichols have already committed for the 2015 competition totaling over 3,000,000 sq. feet.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, 7:00am

WALKER, Mich.—Christmas came early to 213 Meijer shoppers, who received a checkout surprise.

On Dec. 13, the Walker-based retailer paid for all of the gifts and groceries filling each shopper’s cart, ranging from $350 to $1,200 each. The company posted video of the event on YouTube, which you can find here.

“The holidays are a time for kindness and joy, and the Very Merry Meijer event was a perfect opportunity for us to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said. “Our family has always believed that our customers don’t need us, but that we need them. That philosophy still guides us today. We are very thankful for our customers, and wanted to find a special way to wish them a very Merry Christmas.”

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014, 7:00am

More green for eating greens: Eat local movement gets federal boost

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The eat local movement is getting a federal boost.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded Local First a two-year $94,000 grant for Community Supported Agriculture. Local First is teaming up with West Michigan Growers Group and Michigan State University Extension to provide resources for farmers to grow their CSA programs. With CSAs, community members purchase a share of a local farm, which then divides its harvest among investors. The CSA form of farming provides stability for farmers and allows investors to enjoy seasonable, locally grown produce. The program provides the health, relational and economic benefits that come with eating local.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, December 11th, 2014, 3:19pm

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is getting ready to revamp its logo and brand.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, airport officials will unveil a new logo and brand promise that supports the airport's marketing campaign for 2015. The event will also include a cake adorned with the airport's new logo.

Ford Airport's current logo highlights the travel hub's 50th anniversary. The airport hit that milestone in 2013.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Thursday, December 4th, 2014, 9:59am

My Town: Bottoms up! Kent District Library serving a second round of KD aLe

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Kent District Library is ordering a second round of its popular series for beer lovers.

KD aLe will return Monday, Dec. 8 with a home brewing workshop by Edward Long from Siciliano’s Market. Long will outline the basics of brewing during his visit to the Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch. The home brewing workshop schedule is as follows:

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Submitted by Rob Byrne, New Business & Digital Sales Manager

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014, 11:20am

My Town: Local First & Boxed GR showcase businesses in Local Treasure Holiday Box

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Local First and Boxed GR are collaborating this fall to offer the Local Treasure Holiday Box - a holiday gift box full of full-size and sample products and gift cards, all from West Michigan retailers and specialty service providers.

The box’s contents are valued at more than $350, but only cost $32, making this limited edition gift a smart and easy way to give local goodies to those who love all things Michigan.

Unwrap the following items in the box:

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Monday, December 1st, 2014, 8:55am

My Town Cascade Township: Shop women-owned businesses during 2014 Sparkle

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich.—Cross some items off your holiday shopping list while helping women entrepreneurs during the 2014 Sparkle event this week.

Cascade Hills Country Club will be hosting the shopping celebration by Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW). 2014 Sparkle will run from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, which has also been dubbed “Giving Tuesday,” in a push by nonprofits to bring in last minute holiday donations.

More than a dozen businesses are participating in this year’s event, including:

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