Quarter 3 - 2018
Regional Dashboard
Update Regional leaders launch redesign of West Michigan Prosperity Dashboard
TALENT WEBINAR RECAP RETHINK WEST MICHIGAN 2018 THE RIGHT PLACE & OCEANA COUNTY ENTER PARTNERSHIP
is now available online!
We’ve just launched an online version of the RPI Insider, available to all of our investors. This digital edition will make it easier to print, save, and share the RPI Insider. To access your online copy of this issue, follow these steps:
1. Visit www.rightplace.org/insider 2. Enter the passcode: RightPlace1985
TABLE OF CONTENTS
19
2
10
Investor Spotlight Progressive AE
The Right Place & Oceana County Enter Partnership
CEO Update
3
12
20
Economic Development Progress Update
FEATURE ARTICLE: Regional Dashboard Update
Meet the Team Administration
2018 Projects & 3-Year Progress
24
4
16
Calendar of Events
Projects Tech Defenders Medbio, Inc. Amazon
Manufacturing Leadership Summit
25
18
8
Etc. New Hire & Awards
Talent ReThink West Michigan
Talent Webinar Recap
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CEO Update “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” This familiar phrase has guided business leaders for decades, and the principle behind it has always driven our economic development efforts at The Right Place. After all, how do you know if you are succeeding if you can’t measure your results?
We put this principle into action region-wide last year when we collaborated with local economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development partners to launch theWest Michigan Regional Dashboard. This dashboard is an online tool that tracks the region’s progress on critical economic, social, and environmental indicators. The goal of the dashboard is to inform, educate, and focus regional efforts around this common set of indicators, so progress can be achieved quicker and more collaboratively. Before the launch of this dashboard, the region lacked a common set of metrics by which to measure its overall growth, health, and prosperity. Although several organizations track their own individual dashboards and metrics, a coordinated and easily accessible tool was missing. The West Michigan Regional Dashboard brings this data together to fill that gap. While the dashboard was started just over a year ago, organizations are already using it to inform strategy and decision-making. Keeping this in mind, we recently redesigned and updated the dashboard with the support of our partners. The improved dashboard offers a more user-friendly design, the latest available data, and several additional indicators. You can find these updates explained in greater detail in the feature story of this issue on page 12. The updates to the West Michigan Regional Dashboard, along with the dashboard itself, would not have been possible without a collaborative group of partners, along with funding from the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance. The participation from our local economic development partners, workforce development agencies, metro planning groups, and community foundations made the development and redesign of the dashboard a reality. The updated and improved dashboard can be viewed at www.wmdashboard.org . I encourage you to visit the dashboard for yourself and explore how your organization can impact West Michigan’s future health and prosperity.
Birgit M. Klohs President & CEO The Right Place, Inc.
2
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
2018 Economic Development Projects ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED: 21 ANNUAL GOAL: 17 MANUFACTURING SUPPORT CONTRACTS COMPLETED: 106 ANNUAL GOAL: 120 COMPANIES SERVED: 493 ANNUAL GOAL: 400 CUMULATIVE COMPANY ASSISTS: 1,447 ANNUAL GOAL: 1,333 WORK-READY TALENT ASSISTS: 329 ANNUAL GOAL: 525 EVENT ATTENDEES: 1,563 ANNUAL GOAL: 1,600
Retained Jobs
New Jobs
Company
Payroll
Investment
Axis Company LLC
50
$4,248,400
$4,000,000
Foremost Farms Greenville
33
$1,621,620
$57,952,000
MPH Trucking and Logistics
22
$515,840
$2,701,360
VNA Corporation
4
$323,980
$25,000
Jedco Inc
39
$2,014,480
$9,290,000
Parker Hannifin Corp
46
$1,952,340
$5,100,000
Agropur Nartel USA
62
$2,554,396
$21,300,000
HexArmor
50
$2,473,900
$8,750,000
Amazon
1000 $30,000,000
$150,000,000
Grimm (SMFS, Inc.)
27
$4,071,600
$601,312
Ventra Ionia Main, LLC
109
$6,201,000
$4,850,000
Tech Defenders
115
$3,516,240
$2,709,000
ADAC Automotive
50
$4,504,448
$21,294,678
Auvesy GmbH & Co KG
3
$312,624
$154,980
Larry's Tire, Inc
30
10
$962,000
$1,000,000
Greenville Cabinet
9
0
$277,056
$850,000
Extremis North America
2
$225,157
N/A
Farm Country Cheese House
17
0
$437,756
N/A
Granco Clark
0
$0
$1,200,000
Kawasaki Precision Machinery
4
$133,120
$500,000
MedBio
43
$1,652,924
$3,526,000
Totals
56
1,699
$67,998,881 $295,804,330
2018 TOTAL: 1,755 3-YEAR TOTAL: 3,171
ANNUAL GOAL: 1,400 3-YEAR GOAL: 4,200
NEW/RETAINED JOBS
2018 TOTAL: $67,998,881 3-YEAR TOTAL: $138,882,775
ANNUAL GOAL: $50,000,000 3-YEAR GOAL: $150,000,000
NEW/RETAINED PAYROLL
2018 TOTAL: $295,804,330 3-YEAR TOTAL: $416,449,687
ANNUAL GOAL: $167,000,000 3-YEAR GOAL: $500,000,000
NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT
3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE
TECH DEFENDERS
Local tech-repair firm announces Grand Rapids expansion
“As we continue to grow both nationally and internationally, we need a larger location that will growwith us,” said Garry VonMyhr, CEO, Tech Defenders. “We are grateful to The Right Place, and their partners, for providing the strategic insights and resources we needed to make this happen right here in Grand Rapids.” The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with the approval of a $172,500 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. “We’re excited towork with Tech Defenders and build the business case to keep their company growth right here in West Michigan,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager at The Right Place, Inc. and project lead. “As mobile devices becomemoreprevalent ineducation, services likeTechDefenderswill becritical to school districts nationallyand internationally.” For more information on Tech Defenders' services, please visit techdefenders.com .
Grand Rapids-based Tech Defenders, an IT asset disposition and mobile device repair company, announced it will be expanding into an existing warehouse in Grand Rapids, creating 115 new jobs and investing $2.7 million in the expansion. The company provides lifecycle solutions for large scale technology deployments, and works primarily with school districts across the U.S. who use mobile devices in the classroom, such as Chromebooks, iPads, andMacbooks. TechDefenders offers many services to help maximize the lifespan and recovery value of these devices, such as repairing them or buying them back when they become obsolete. With 120 current employees, TechDefenders is experiencing rapid growth and is at capacity in its existing facility. The new 73,000 sq. ft. facility will allow for increased operations, capacity, and storage.
4
MEDBIO, INC.
Medbio selects West Michigan for local expansion with assistance from The Right Place
clusters in the Midwest, the region now employs over 20 percent of Michigan's medical device professionals, and has the fourth largest high-tech workforce in the nation.” As of 2017, approximately 2,462 jobs, with an average annual salary of $71,604, can be attributed to the West Michigan medical device manufacturing sector. Those numbers reflect 7 percent local job growth between 2013 and 2017 among the 29 companies that work in the region’s medical device manufacturing space. That concentration is 150 percent above the national average. For more information on Medbio, visit- medbioinc.com .
Charter Township submitted an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption (IFT) application totheStateofMichiganTreasurydepartment. Medbio had several options for North American expansion, including locations inWest Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama, but the lure of staying local, along with local and state support, helpedwith the decision. “Medbio continues to be one of West Michigan’s most successful medical contract manufacturers,” said Eric Icard, senior business development manager for The Right Place, and project lead. “West Michigan hosts the highest concentration of medical device manufacturers in the state. As one of the fastest growing medical
Medbio is investing $3.5 million to expand its operations in Cascade Charter Township, which will result in 43 new jobs for the region. Medbio is amedical contractmanufacturer that specializes in clean room injection molding, assembly, and packaging. With clients based throughout the U.S., Europe and Central America, the company is experiencing rapid growth with its injection molding operations and intends topurchase between 20 and 30 new injection molding machines. The company plans to renovate a 25,000 SF building located across the street from its current operations to accommodate the growth. In July, the company announced that Philadelphia-based private equity firm Graham Partners made a substantial investment in the firm. The newpartnership is expected to help boost Medbio’s aggressive growth objectives. “We are grateful to The Right Place and Cascade Charter Township for helping us expand right here in the region,” said Chris Williams, Medbio president & CEO. “We are eager to expand our footprint, add jobs and operate more effectively.” The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company, Cascade Charter Townshipand theMEDC toensureMedbio continues to expand in the region instead of other states. The MEDC is supporting the project with the approval of a $180,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, while Cascade
5
2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES
AMAZON
Amazon expansion in Gaines Township to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs
where the company will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, over 16,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, ITprogrammingand radiology, tonameafew. “Amazon’s continuing investment in our state and our people is exciting news,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “We are thrilled Amazon has discovered our talented workforce, creating additional opportunities toprovidemoreMichiganders with good jobs, and look forward to our ongoing partnership.” To learn more about Amazon fulfillment centers, visit amazondelivers.jobs .
The Right Place, Inc. “We look forward to continuing our work together bringing over 1,000 new job opportunities to the West Michigan community.” Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, disability insurance, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one. The company also offers up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leaveand innovativebenefits suchas Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibilitywith their growing families. “We are very pleased to welcome Amazon to Gaines Township with this new type of Amazon Robotics fulfillment center,” said Gaines Township Supervisor Robert DeWard. “This is a huge win for Western Michigan and a wonderful opportunity for our entire region, providing jobs for subcontractors, suppliers, and the 1,000 employees whowill join the Amazon team.” Amazon also offers full-time employees innovative programs like Career Choice,
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced plans to open its fourth Michigan fulfillment center in Gaines Township, which will result in a capital investment of $150 million and the creation of more than 1,000 full-time jobs. “Michigan has been a great place to do business for Amazon and we look forward to adding a new fulfillment center to better serve our customers in the region,” said Mark Stewart, Amazon’s Vice President of North American operations. Amazon employees will work alongside innovative technologies at the more than 850,000 square foot fulfillment center to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. The facility will feature innovative technology such as Amazon Robotics that will assist employees in fulfilling customer orders. “This announcement is a big win for West Michigan, and is a result of collaborative teamwork between The Right Place, Gaines Charter Township, and the MEDC,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO,
6
2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES
SAVE THE DATE Tuesday, December 11th Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Registration opens on October 18, 2018
2019 Economic Outlook
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO ADDRESS WORKER SHORTAGES
8
TALENT WEBINAR
FREE WEBINAR OFFERS STRATEGIES TO GROW MANUFACTURING TALENT.
Bradley Rick, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Amway, has found success with high-performing organizational principles, which drive results and give people a chance to grow. This approach results in increased diversity by removing obstacles women and young people might find in a traditional manufacturing setting. Women comprise half of the workforce in facilities that useHPOprinciples, compared to 20 percent in a traditional facility, and move up the ranks proportionally, he said. What’s different at these facilities is the relationship between employees. In a traditional plant, procedures and precedents create narrow jobs and many titles but little flexibility. In the new approach, there’s a free flow of information, and creating tasks moves workers away from the “not my job” mentality. People are involved in the decision-making process, resulting in a high-trust environment. To learnmore, checkoutthe free, 50-minute webinar on The Right Place website. If you have questions, contact the experts at Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center - West.
For current needs, she offers several tips: • Share your company's story on social media and LinkedIn. Explain why people would want to work there. • Review compensation and benefits to ensure they are competitive. • Monitor culture by asking employees for ideas to fix what isn’t working. • Tap into resources to help struggling workers deal with barriers such as transportation, day care or learning soft skills. • Grow in-house talent with training and leadership opportunities like coaching a robotics team. Training has been key for DeWys Manufacturing, a sheet metal fabrication company that launched DeWys University and created partnerships with local high schools, said Laura Elsner, Dewys’ Workforce Development Manager. The company now has three full-time trainers to acclimate new hires and help employees grow their skills.
The labor crunch has many manufacturers struggling to find and keep workers. But someWest Michigan companies are finding innovative ways to address that challenge. The webinar “Help Wanted: Strategies to Find, KeepandGrowManufacturingTalent,” highlights some of those solutions. More than 60 professionals participated in the August 28th webinar, which featured experts fromtheMichiganManufacturing Technology Center-West, Marne-based DeWys Manufacturing, Ada-based Amway and West Michigan business publication MiBiz. Justine Burdette, Vice President of Technical Services at The Right Place and Regional Director of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West, suggests employers think of recruitment in two buckets: current and future needs. The future includes exposing young people to careers with programs such as Discover Manufacturing, Manufacturing Day/Week, MiCareerQuest, Manufacturing Engineering Partnership Programs (MEPP), internships and apprenticeships.
9
TALENT WEBINAR
THE RIGHT PLACE & OCEANA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ENTER PARTNERSHIP
The agreement will take effect as soon as a business development coordinator has been selected for the position. At that point, work will begin to identify areas where The Right Place can add value, whether it be for workforce development, manufacturing training, business retention, or other regional needs. “This partnership has brought about an exciting time for Oceana County and its businesses,” said Fox. “We’re ready for this new stage of economic development in our community, and believe the years ahead will hold many great opportunities for our region.”
the larger region as an area with great potential for economic growth, and believe this collaborative effort will be a positive step for the county and its residents.” Oceana County, known primarily as an agricultural community, is home to more than 20,000 permanent residents. In the summer months, it attracts thousands of tourists as a result of its close proximity to the Lake Michigan lakeshore. “For over 30 years, we’ve seen The Right Place use its economic development knowledge to strengthenWest Michigan’s economy,” said Eric Fox, Chair, Oceana Economic Development Corporation. “This partnership will allow us to better serve current and prospective businesses in Oceana County, as we’ll now be able to leverage Right Place programs and services to their benefit.”
The Right Place, Inc. and the Oceana County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to drive current and long-term economic growth in Oceana County. Under the terms of the three-year agreement, The Right Place will support the county’s economic development efforts by providing comprehensive business retention, expansion, and attraction services. The Right Place will also assist the county with its marketing and communications as a means of attracting new businesses to the area. “We look forward to this new multi-year partnership with Oceana County,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, “We see Oceana County and
10
OCEANA PARTNERSHIP
11
OCEANA PARTNERSHIP
REGIONAL LEADERS LAUNCH REDESIGN OF WEST MICHIGAN
PROSPERITY DASHBOARD
A year-and-a-half after the launch of the West Michigan Regional Dashboard, The Right Place has collaborated with other local economic development, workforce development, and infrastructure leaders of West Michigan to launch a redesigned and updated version of the dashboard. The goal of the dashboard is to inform, educate, and focus regional efforts around this common set of indicators, so progress can be achieved quicker and more collaboratively.
12
REGIONAL DASHBOARD UPDATE
The selected indicators focus on the triple bottom line framework of people (social), planet (environmental), and profit (economic). Each of these areas plays a vital role in the long-term growth of the region. By focusing on a wider, more comprehensive set of indicators, the dashboard is able to provide a more holistic view of the region’s health, sustainability, and prosperity.
This tool tracks the region’s progress on over 30 critical economic, social, and environmental indicators. These cover a wide range of measurements, spanning from labor force participation rates to per capita water usage. These indicators where selected by an advisory committee of local leaders, who reviewed over 100 indicators before selecting the final set. One of the major evaluation criteria for the indicators was ensuring that the indicators are actionable and have an impact on the prosperity of the West Michigan region. The data also needed to be free to access, and able to be displayed on both a regional and county level.
THE WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL DASHBOARD
Originally launched in February 2017, the dashboard created a common set of measurements by which to track West Michigan’s growth and prosperity. Although several organizations were already collecting, tracking, and sharing valuable data within the region, that data was not combined and presented as one common set of shared information. The launch of the dashboard allowed these resources to be viewed through one easily accessible tool, and it has already received over 6,000 visitors.
13
REGIONAL DASHBOARD UPDATE
NEWLY ADDED INDICATORS: Prime working age population (25-54)
REGIONAL COLLABORATION The creation of theWest Michigan Regional Dashboard would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of regional partners, along with funding from the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance. Members include: • Barry County Chamber of Commerce • Grand Valley State University • KConnect • Michigan Works! West Central • Sustainable Partners LLC • Talent 2025
THE REDESIGN Along with a more user-friendly design and the latest available data, the updated dashboard now includes six new indicators, bringing the total to 37 indicators: 17 economic, 14 social, and six environmental. All indicators are believed to fall within the sphere of influence of at least one regional partner organization or stakeholder. These new indicators (shown in the sidebar to the left) were selected by the Advisory Committee this year as part of a continuous improvement process for the dashboard. Through the process, each original indicator was reviewed to ensure it was still actionable, impactful, and available on the county level. Upon review, a couple of indicators were removed because they no longer fit that criteria, while the six new indicators were added because they helped create a more robust picture of West Michigan’s overall health and prosperity.
Points to the strength of an economy and society as a whole, as this cohort generates the most goods, services, earnings, and tax revenue overall. Total number and value of small business loans Represents the lending activity of local, regional, and national banks to growing West Michigan businesses. These loans can be used for working capital, expansion, and equipment purchases. Percentage of jobs at young firms (0-5 years old) Indicative of the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which research has identified as a crucial driver of innovation and net job creation. Estimates the revenue from seasonal and secondary homes, which provides critical tax revenue for municipalities across the region, especially in the northern and lakeshore portions of West Michigan. 8th grade math level Defines the percentage of students who tested proficient or advanced on an administered mathematics examination. Recent research finds students with low math levels in 8th grade have a higher likelihood of not graduating high school and living in poverty. Housing affordability Evaluates the proportion of residents considered ‘rent-burdened’, or paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Individuals in this category are more likely to have difficulty affording necessities like food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Seasonal residential property tax base
• The Right Place, Inc. • W.E. Upjohn Institute • West Michigan Works!
EXPLORE THE DASHBOARD The newly redesigned and updated dashboard can be explored online at www.wmdashboard.org . If you have any questions about the dashboard, please reach out to The Right Place at info@rightplace.org .
“As Habitat Kent begins work on a 5.5 acre site in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood, we will be measuring the impact of our efforts on the resident’s quality of life. The West Michigan Regional Dashboard will be an important tool for how we effectively collect, display, and measure this project’s results.”
Andrew Claucherty Grants and Data Specialist Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Ec Economic
So Social 2 Population 25-34 years old 209,767
$52.5K
1.59M
719,932
$45.5K
1
Median household income 49.4%
Total population by AGE and RACE/ETHNICITY
Average annual wage
Total employment
37.9%
10.2%
67.6%
39.2%
Households below the ALICE threshold
Employment gap
Labor force participation rate
3rd grade reading level
8th grade math level
81.1% 57.9%
38.5%
35.7%
76,044
66.2%
High school graduation rate
Prime working age population (25-54)
Population 25+ with Associates Degree or higher
Percentage of females employed 13,203
FAFSA application rate
High school enrollment
20,193
2.1%
6.7%
45.7%
279 301
Post high school certificates awarded
Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
Percentage of engineers in the workforce
Income from self-employed workers
Career Technical Education (CTE) enrollment
Housing Aordability
En Environmental 3
$0.1064
7.0%
7.4%
63.9%
19.2%
Low birth-weight percentage
Voter participation rate
Energy Costs per kilowatt hour
Households with >1GB broadband internet access
Percentage of highways in good condition Seasonal residential property tax base 32.8%
73.1% Population on a municipal water system 61.0%
86
45
514
8.3%
Per capita water usage (gal/day)
Closed beach days
Total number of small business loans
Percentage of jobs at young firms (0-5 years old)
3.2
8.6
Population with <30 minute commute
Per capita Type II municipal waste (cubic yards)
Particulate matter 2.5 mg per cubic meter
Latest data update completed on: July 2018
15
REGIONAL DASHBOARD UPDATE
Learn about the digital
transformation of manufacturing at Oct . 30 tH Event
IBM’s global automation business, and has experience building and developing skills and competencies across automation, artificial intelligence, and enterprise solutions. Keynote speaker Dr. Tracey Wilen will talk about the future of work, skills, and leadership in the New IndustrialWorld.An author and prominent thought leader on the impact of technology on society, work, and careers, Wilen has held manufacturing positions at Apple, HP and Cisco, and strategy positions at the Apollo Group. Sign up now for the Oct. 30 Summit, that runs from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.at theAmway Grand Plaza Hotel at www.mfgleadershipsummit.com .
include the Industrial Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence,Automation, Big Data, Blockchain, and Leadership. The first keynote of the summit features Eckhart Inc.CEOAndy Storm,who will discuss how Industry 4.0 will reinvent manufacturing. Storm has helped the world’s largest industrial companies adopt 4.0-based innovation by integrating advanced manufacturing solutions that include autonomous guided vehicles, collaborative robots,and additive manufacturing. Attendees will also learn how manufacturers can get started with artificial intelligence from Gene Chao, Global Vice President at IBM Enterprise Automation. Gene leads
The technology and innovation behind the fourth industrial revolution are changing the future of manufacturing. Is your company ready for Industry 4.0? Do you have the infrastructure in place? Learn about the digital transformation of manufacturing at the upcoming Manufacturing Leadership Summit. The Oct. 30 event will bring together the region’s manufacturing community for a day of exploring the latest industry advancements and trends. Attendees will gain competitive insights from leading speakers and attain the knowledge and resources to plan for the future.Topics
16
MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
17
MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
ReThink West Michigan on Thanksgiving Eve
Michigan provides an easy atmosphere for candidates to learn about local employers and what the region has to offer. Conversely, the event gives employers the chance to meet job seekers they don’t typically have access to. ReThinkWest Michigan has inspired other regions around the state to host similar events to attract their former residents. AnnArbor, Lansing, Houghton, andTraverse City all host similar events based on the ReThink model. If your company is interested in participating, visit www.rethinkwm.com for information on registering for a company booth. If you have friendsor family visiting for Thanksgiving that are interested in possibly relocating to West Michigan, they can attend for free. Pre-registration required at www.rethinkwm.com .
Hello West Michigan and The Right Place will be co-hosting the 7th annual ReThink West Michigan, their annual Thanksgiving Eve event, on Wednesday, November 21. Following on the success of last year’s expansion, ReThink will again be a multi-location event, with simultaneous events happening in Grand Rapids, Hastings, Ludington, Muskegon, Holland, and Fremont. The multi-location format is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and in partnership with The West Michigan Economic Development Collaborative. Economic development agencies, including The Right Place, The Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agency, Lakeshore Advantage, the Mason County Growth Alliance, and Muskegon Area First, are helping to coordinate ReThink events in each of their respective counties. The event has become a Thanksgiving Eve tradition in West Michigan, attracting over 800 attendees and resulting in over 65 hires in the last 6 years. Specifically centered around the holiday, the event is targeted to former Michiganders who still have ties to the area and travel to the region for the weekend. Designed not as a traditional career fair, nor as a Thanksgiving Eve party, ReThink West
18
RETHINK WEST MICHIGAN
Progressive AE invests in economic development to cultivate thriving communities
“The Right Place is true to their mission of advancing West Michigan’s economy and we’re excited to be part of, and support that. In fact, we’re dependent upon sustainable growth and vibrancy in West Michigan to fuel our organization. Investing in The Right Place provides the opportunity for Progressive AE to help stimulate a healthy economic environment where businesses can thrive and, in-turn, reinvest in the community – whether that’s building new, re-purposing existing space, job creation, or attracting top talent to the area. When these things happen, we all win. Not only does West Michigan offer a diversified economy and market-mix, it boasts a high quality of life for employees and families. The community’s casual and friendly culture makes it easy to get connected, build relationships, and get active in community building. Since Progressive AE is dependent on personal connections with community partners and clients, this culture fits our firm well. In addition to a friendly and professional business climate, there is a great Midwest work ethic that makes for strong business performance both regionally and nationally. When we export our professional services out of the region, we find the business culture and work ethic make for a competitive offering. We are proud to call West Michigan Home”
Bradley Thomas President & CEO Progressive AE
Photo: Johnny Quinn
19
INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT
Administration
Over the next several issues of the RPI Insider, we want to introduce (or reintroduce) you to our Right Place team members. These are the professionals that make our organization happen. Each issue we will focus on a different team at The Right Place. This quarter is dedicated to The Right Place’s Administration team. The staff on our Administration team ensure operations at The Right Place run smoothly, and they provide dedicated support to our other departments.
1620
ADMINISTRATION
Twayne Howard Chief Operating Officer
Jackie Beering Staff Accountant
ABOUT TWAYNE HOWARD As the Chief Operating Officer at The Right Place, Twayne directs all activities related to finance, human resources, information technology, infrastructure and administration, contracts, and third party consultants. He also leads events and administrative staff as well as the Leadership Team and professional staff. PAST EXPERIENCE Twayne has been with The Right Place for 22 years. He began as the Controller in 1995, was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer in 2004, and in 2009, began his role as Chief Operating Officer. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • LaughFest Cabinet Member • Institute of Management Accountants and several more. EDUCATION • Master of Science, Administration with concentration in Leadership | Central Michigan University • Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Accounting, and Production Operations Management | Central Michigan University. FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN WEST MICHIGAN Twayne’s favorite part about living in West Michigan is that it has an amazing conf luence of big city amenities and attractions, with a small town feel.
ABOUT JACKIE BEERING Jackie provides accounting support as well as oversight of all project tracking, collections, and records management. She is responsible for processing accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions. Jackie also manages grant reporting for MMTC-West, and is responsible for investor billing and record maintenance. PAST EXPERIENCE Jackie hasworked inaccounting at The Right Place since 2009. She is an experienced financial professional, holding various positions in accounting and finance over the life of her career. FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN WEST MICHIGAN As a transplant from New York, Jackie’s favoritepartabout living inWestMichigan is the quality of life. It has a small town feel, yet is large enough to be interesting. She loves being in close proximity to so many different types of areas, such as beaches, cities, and wilderness.
21
ADMINISTRATION
Lorraine Brügger Office Administrator
Kelly Farran Office Administrator/ Executive Assistant
Maulin Pont-
McClelland Assistant to the President
ABOUT LORRAINE BRÜGGER Lorraine provides general off ice management and support services to the entireorganization, includingaccounting, fundraising, and human resources administrative support. She ensures that The Right Place office runs smoothly by welcoming andgreeting all guests, answering and referring telephone inquiries, managing any IT issues, and coordinating the conference rooms and AV equipment. PAST EXPERIENCE Before coming to The Right Place, Lorraine spent 20 years working full-time raising her family. In her earlier career she participated in on-the-job training for the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) in Montreal, Quebec. Through this training, she became a purchasing manager in the telecommunications field for over 15 years. Lorraine also uses her French language skills for voice-overs and working as a French language director. CERTIFICATIONS • She is a certified Personal Support Worker (PSW), specializing in dementia and Alzheimer’s FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN WEST MICHIGAN Lorraine’s favorite part about living in West Michigan is Lake Michigan, where she takes every opportunity to sail.
ABOUT KELLY FARRAN Kelly provides general office management and support services to the entire organization such as customer service, organization, inventory, deposits, and invoices. She ensures that The Right Place office runs smoothly by welcoming and greeting all guests, answering and referring telephone inquiries, and coordinating in house meetings. In addition to her role as Office Administrator, Kelly is also an Executive Assistant to Rick Chapla, VP of Strategic Initiatives and Tim Mroz, VP of Marketing & Communications. PAST EXPERIENCE Prior to her role at The Right Place, Kelly worked as a Supervisor at PNC Bank. In addition, she has experience as a Mortgage Supervisor. CERTIFICATIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • Licensed Massage Therapist • Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity • Volunteer at Safe Haven FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN WEST MICHIGAN Kelly’s favorite part about living in West Michigan is the abundance of activities and events going on. She loves that there are family friendly events as well as adult-oriented ones.
ABOUT MAULIN PONT-MCCLELLAND
Maulin is the Executive Assistant to the President. In this role, she provides high- level and confidential administrative support to the office of the President, the Board of Directors and its Committees, and the Regional Air Alliance. Maulin is also the primary point of contact for The Right Place President and CEO, Birgit Klohs. PAST EXPERIENCE Maulin has been at The Right Place since 2012 and has held multiple roles within the organization. She started as Office Manager, and then was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Business Development. EDUCATION • Bachelor of Arts, Media Communications | Universidad Sagrado Corazon FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN WEST MICHIGAN Assomeonewhowas born in theCaribbean, she greatly appreciates the beauty of the region’s four seasons. Maulin feels she is getting the best of everything, a little bit at a time. Also, Maulin is a big fan of art, theater, music, culture and great food; West Michigan offers it all and more. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • Volunteer at ArtPrize
1622
ADMINISTRATION
YOUR DIRECT PATH TO BUSINESS GROWTH.
Running a growing business is dicult enough. And as you grow, knowing what resources are available, where to find them, and when to reach out can be another challenge entirely.
Fortunately, we’re here to make those challenges easier. The Right Place is your single source for business success in West Michigan, providing you with the tools and support you need to continue doing what you do best—running your business.
Find guidance, resources, and a team ready to assist at rightplace.org .
info@rightplace.org \ 616-771-0325
CALENDAR OF EVENTS S M T W T F S OCTOBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 S M T W T F S NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 S M T W T F S DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Tuesday, October 30 Amway Grand Plaza Learn more and register at: www.mfgleadershipsummit.com
INVESTOR BREAKFAST Thursday, November 8 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Frederick Meijer Gardens
RETHINK WEST MICHIGAN Wednesday, November 21 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Multiple West Michigan Locations Learn more and register at: www.rethinkwm.com
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR WEST MICHIGAN 2019 Tuesday, December 11 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Amway Grand Plaza
For more information on upcoming events, visit: rightplace.org/events
The Right Place team welcomes new business development coordinator
a transportation planner and GIS analyst for ITS Regional, and a graduate assistant for the St. Charles Parish Department of Planning and Zoning. Prior to his career in economic development, Spence joined the United States Peace Corps as an environmental health volunteer and worked for two years in Tambacounda, Senegal.
Spence Riggs has joined The Right Place team as its new business development coordinator for Kent and Ionia counties, for which he provides business expansion, retention, and attraction services. Before coming to The Right Place, Spence worked as the executive director for the Mason County Growth Alliance (MCGA),
Spence Riggs
Therese Thill receives economic developer award
individuals in the economic development field who demonstrate a commitment to their line of work, a dedication to growing his or her community, and who have a strong record of professional achievement.
Vice President of Business Development for The Right Place, Inc., Therese Thill, has been named as the 2018 Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Medalist of the Year. The award is given to
Therese Thill
Rachel Bartels named GRBJ 40 Under 40 Recipient
area young professionals who have made significant contributions to the community. Honorees are recognized for their exceptional success in business, entrepreneurial leadership, and community service.
Hello West Michigan’s Program Manager, Rachel Bartels, has been named as a 2018 recipient of the Grand Rapids Business Journal (GRBJ) 40 Under 40 award. Since 2002, GRBJ has highlighted more than 300
Rachel Bartels
25
INTERN SPOTLIGHT
The Right Place, Inc. 125 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 450 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
IN BUSINESS, FOR BUSINESS.
THE RIGHT PLACE IS YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS IN WEST MICHIGAN.
To request a meeting with our team, visit www.rightplace.org or call 616.771.0325
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