HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Each week, WHTC hears from editors at The Lakeshore, an online-only publication focused on good things happening in Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. The Lakeshore’s assistant editor, Andrea Goodell, talked to morning-news anchor Peg McNichol about people and organizations making a difference. (Listen to the podcast.)
Here are some of the highlights of their conversation for the week of April 16, 2021.
Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year: Nayeli Mora ‘s essay on how she overcame bullying and embraced her culture. Mora was bullied in elementary and middle school as she struggled to learn English. As the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland’s 2021 Youth of the Year, she hopes to use her voice and her story to make a difference in her generation and inspire her peers to advocate for themselves.
Lakeshore housing initiatives focus on a group known as the “missing middle.” Though wages increasing 5.2 percent in the past five years, the average home sale price shot up 64.5%, leaving homeownership out of reach for most moderate wage-earners — particularly those who earn $15 to $20 per hour. Several Lakeshore nonprofits and trade associations are spearheading initiatives to help this “missing middle” navigate the path to buying a home.
2021: The year to start a business? Uncertainty remains in 2021 as we take steps to get ahead of the pandemic. However, emerging trends — including the explosion of e-commerce and pent-up customer demand — show this might be a great time to start a business.
Investing in growth: Automated Machine Systems is growing its existing Georgetown Township facility, investing $1.5 million in the 35,000-square-foot expansion. Lakeshore Advantage helped connect AMS with resources to support its growth.
Education legacy: GRCC Foundation receives $10 million gift, largest in college’s history. The nearly $10 million donation to GRCC from the late Robert Richmond, a West Michigan developer, will be used to support student resources and modernize buildings. GRCC Foundation leaders say the gift will “keep higher education within reach.”
Things to Do
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17: Allendale Outdoor Artisan & Craft Marketplace, Life Stream Church east parking lot, 6561 Lake Michigan Drive. Outdoor marketplace features more than 30 vendors showcasing their artisan merchandise; snacks available for purchase. Learn more at visitgrandhaven.com.
