Union offers apprenticeship model to talent-constrained firms

Submitted by MiBiz, Serving Western Michigan Business Since 1988

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, 3:17pm

Union offers apprenticeship model to talent-constrained firms

By Joe Boomgaard

COOPERSVILLE — Companies looking for a model of how to maintain a highly skilled workforce might turn to the example set by an unlikely source, at least in West Michigan: a skilled trade union.

When Ryan Bennett, business agent of the West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local #174 based in Coopersville, hears companies complaining about the struggles of finding talented workers, he said he can’t help but notice that most of those companies don’t take an active role in developing their current and future workforces.

“We’ve kept an eye on the industry and stayed on top of where it’s going and figured out ways to teach our workers,” Bennett told MiBiz.

Through apprenticeship programs and continuous training, licensing and certification offerings, the plumbers union...

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Sign up for the NEO annual golf outing

Submitted by Stanton Tang, News & Information Director

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 3:57pm

Signups are underway for the Northeast Ottawa (NEO) Forum's Annual Golf Outing, which will take place on Saturday, June 16th.

The NEO Forum helps to provide programming aimed at reducing substance abuse and juvenile delinquency, primarily in Chester, Coopersville, Polkton, Tallmadge and Wright. Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies also teach classes in local schools.

Entry fees are $70 per person or $280 per team. The tournament will be held at Terra Verde Golf Course, 11741 Leonard Road in Nunica.

You can find more information at the City of Coopersville website or by calling Dennis at 616-997-2130 or
Dave at 616-997-2123

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Walking for "Lori's Voice"

Submitted by Gomez, The Communicator

Saturday, May 12th, 2012, 1:25pm

MARNE MI ~Mark your Calendars for June 16, 2012 ~ Help "Lori's Voice" to raise money for special needs children. Come and walk! Bring your friends!

The walk will take place at St. Mary's in Marne winding through the parking lot to the end of the road. Rain or shine-9:00 AM-noon.

Registration begins at 8:30 AM-please go to the website to download a registration form and pledge sheet http://www.lorisvoice.org/ Don't miss out on all the fun!! With your $15 registration fee you will receive a custom embroidered T-shirt!! Check out the website to learn more!

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Man dies after truck crashes

Submitted by Jessica Puchala, Social Media Coordinator, Multimedia News Producer & Online Buzz Reporter at WZZM 13

Friday, May 11th, 2012, 8:48pm

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (WZZM)- Investigators are trying to determine if a medical problem led to Friday's deadly crash in Ottawa County.

The accident happened on Center Street, north of Sunset Street, in Coopersville shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Deputies say 42-year-old Aaron Bouchard was traveling north on Center Street when he drifted across the center line, side-swiping another truck before hitting the front porch of a home.

Bouchard was unresponsive when rescuers arrived. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.

The other driver was not injured.

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High School Art Show photos now online

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events

Friday, May 11th, 2012, 3:37pm

Coopersville High School held an art show last night from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

You can see dozens of photos of the event and its artwork by visiting their gallery on Facebook.

Click here to see the gallery.

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Kid's Days at the Coopersville Farm Museum

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events

Thursday, May 10th, 2012, 4:14pm

Kid's Days at the Coopersville Farm Museum

Visit http://www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org for additional information.

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Coopersville Schools millage renewal passes

Submitted by My Town Staff, Hyper-Local News, Information, and Events

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 9:08am

Coopersville Schools millage renewal passes

Voting took place in Coopersville yesterday where voters approved the renewal of the school millage.

The millage renewal passed 74.7% to 25.3%.

Click here to see additional election results from around West Michigan.

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