Business

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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Meet & Greet Congressman Huizenga at Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

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

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, 9:11am

Meet & Greet Congressman Huizenga at Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

Correction on the Meet & Greet session with U.S. Congressman, Bill Huizenga. The date is May 3, THURSDAY 2012 and due to the Congessman's limited availability, he will be at Coopersville Chamber offices from 1:30 to 2:30 PM (one hour - not the previously reported 3:30).

Your Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host our U.S. Congressman, Bill Huizenga, at a Meet & Greet in the Chamber offices TOMORROW, THURSDAY, May 3, 2012 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. This is another opportunity provided by the Chamber in our effort to advocate on behalf of our members, businesses and the local community.

Chamber offices are located upstairs at Coopersville City Hall, 289 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404. Contact the Chamber office if you have questions or a specific item you would like Rep. Huizenga to be prepared to discuss.

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News from the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

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

Monday, April 16th, 2012, 3:53pm

News from the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce

From: http://www.coopersville.com

Greetings!

Don't Forget to RSVP for the Chamber's Third Thursday, April 19 Networking Breakfast. Your opportunity to network with other Chamber members and learn how to expand your staffing capabilities through working with interns.

Please contact the chamber office at 616-997-5164.

Working With Interns

Your opportunity to cost effectively expand your staffing capabilities by working with interns!

April 19, 2012: Chamber 3rd Thurs. Breakfast "Working with Interns" Breakfast; Speakers - Julie Mann & Amanda Avila, of Mann Consulting& Cindy Brown, of Hello W. MI. ; Location: Coop. Ref. Church Activity Center, Above & Beyond catering.

Please RSVP!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Rych, CACC Executive Director

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Upcoming Coopersville Chamber events

Submitted by Christopher Morse, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012, 4:40pm

April 19, 2012: Chamber 3rd Thurs. Breakfast “Working with Interns”Breakfast; Speakers - Julie Mann & Amanda Avila, of Mann Consulting & Cindy Brown, of Hello W. MI.; Location: Coop. Ref. Church Activity Center, Above & Beyond catering.

May 17, 2012: Chamber 3rd Thurs. Breakfast “Maximizing Your Computer Programs,” Speakers (and sponsors): Reps from IT Resource, Inc.; Location (and catering): 327 Pizza & Pub

June 13, 2012: Speed Networking in Allendale

June 18, 2012: “Legislative Luncheon.” Sponsored by Northern Physical Therapy; still looking at location: Moss Ridge or Terre Verde, 11:45 – 1 p.m.

Visit http://www.coopersville.com/ for additional information.

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Your new Executive Director - Rebecca Rych

Submitted by Christopher Morse, Community Web Producer

Monday, March 5th, 2012, 11:06am

Your new Executive Director - Rebecca Rych

From: http://www.coopersville.com/

The Board of Directors of the Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that the Board has unanimously agreed to appoint Rebecca Rych to the position of CACC Executive Director.

Rebecca has over a decade of experience in non-profit administration, fundraising and marketing. She has a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has previously worked as Executive Director of Development and Fundraising for University Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV; as an independent consultant to non-profit organizations including development, grant writing and philanthropic support; and most recently held the position of Foundation Director of West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming.

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Leadership West Michigan Graduates 27 in December 2011

Submitted by Christopher Morse, Community Web Producer

Monday, January 30th, 2012, 3:21pm

Leadership West Michigan Graduates 27 in December 2011

The 2011 class of Leadership West Michigan (LWM) graduated on December 15, 2011. The class of 27 participated in 8 day sessions over the past 4 months which included a two day bus tour of the region and culminated in Regional Trustee day and graduation.

Patricia Ackerberg - Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Justin Arnold - WMPS
Charles Ash, Jr. - Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Douglas Bagley - Ottawa Area ISD - MTEC
Michael Brecht - St. Mary's Health Care
Marlene Brostrom - Michigan Works Ottawa County
Cindy Brown - Hello West Michigan
Frederick Bw'Ombongi - Spectrum Health
Valerie Byrnes - Barry County Chamber of Commerce
Kyle Dannenberg - Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Lori Duff - TrueNorth Community Services
Kathy Finkler - Davenport University
Jeffrey Hoerle - Priority Health
Ammy Johnson - Harbor Hospice

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Berlin Raceway operating under a new management team for 2012

Submitted by Christopher Morse, Community Web Producer

Monday, November 21st, 2011, 5:56pm

Berlin Raceway operating under a new management team for 2012

Berlin Raceway’s 2012 season will have a various number of changes starting with NEW MANAGEMENT! As previously announced a group of investors led by Mr. Don Dewitt has purchased the lease from previous owner / promoter Mike Blackmer. The new ownership has recently begun assembling a new leadership team led by Mike Bursley, Kurt Dietrich and Brian Dewitt who have been working hard in establishing a new staff, new traditions and to continue the legacy of Berlin Raceway.

Bursley, 28, of Holland, MI a former track champion at Berlin Raceway was the former owner of Perfect Circle Racecars and is the current owner of Brian Campbell’s Super Late model racing team, which will be following the CRA Super Series schedule in 2012. Bursley purchased Perfect Circle Racecars in 2007 from the family of the late founder, Lee Anderson. The company has recently merged with Port City Racecars of Muskegon, MI.

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