Affordable WMed dean’s telehealth vision for latest from ‘transformational’ SpartanNash donation PAGE 7 PAGE 22

JUNE 21, 2021 • VOL. 33/NO. 18 • $3.00 SERVING WESTERN MICHIGAN BUSINESS SINCE 1988 www.mibiz.com SPECTRUM, BEAUMONT FOLLOW HEALTH CONSOLIDATION TREND

By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz [email protected]

he proposed merger between Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health could add fuel to the years-long trend of con- solidation in the health care industry. The deal, which was announced TThursday and could close as soon as this fall, would create the largest in-state health system in Michigan with 22 hospitals, 305 outpatient care cen- ters and about $13 billion in operating revenue. The combined company would have more than 7,500 employed, affiliated and independent physicians, more than 64,000 employees, and about $13 billion in operating revenue. Much of the industry consolidation that has occurred over the years involved small commu- nity hospitals joining larger health systems. In fact, Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health grew to 14 hospitals across West Michigan through acquisi- tions in markets such as Ludington, Greenville, Fremont, Zeeland, Hastings and St. Joseph. However, the latest proposal involves joining two major health systems in geographically differ- ent markets to create a health care powerhouse in Michigan. That’s a difference that Michigan Health & Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters consid- ers “emblematic of what we have long thought would be the next logical evolution” in health care A DEAL IN THE MAKING consolidation. “We’ve talked for a while now about the fact Behind the scenes of Herman Miller’s seven-month courtship of Knoll that the number of small, independent hospitals is continuing to dwindle as many of them have joined STORY BY JAYSON BUSSA • ILLUSTRATION BY KAYLEE VAN TUINEN larger, multi-hospital systems. What we’ve said is See page 4 really the next shoe to drop is the mega-merger — these large multi-hospital systems joining with other similar organizations. In this particular instance, you see a perfect example of that,” Peters said. GOP lawmakers push corporate income tax cut, tax credits for businesses BHSH system Spectrum and Southfield-based Beaumont last By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz of their revenue during COVID-19 “When you try to do grants and Michigan chapter of the National week signed a letter of intent to “explore creating a [email protected] restrictions. programs that have all of this crite- Federation of Independent new health system.” They aim to complete due dili- The legislation is designed to help ria, you’re imposing a paperwork Businesses (NFIB). gence, integration planning and regulatory reviews epublican lawmak- businesses recover from the pandemic burden on them that most are not “When you use the tax system to in hopes of closing the merger by this fall. ers are advancing bills through tax relief instead of new state familiar with or not equipped to nav- help small businesses, that’s a pretty Since Spectrum and Beaumont each operate that would reduce grant or loan programs. A lower tax igate. Those businesses that do have straightforward process. It’s a rather in distinct markets without any overlap, Spectrum Michigan’s corporate burden would free up needed cash that kind of expertise, which tend to simple calculation,” he added. Health President and CEO Tina Freese Decker expects income tax rate by 20 flow while avoiding at times burden- be larger, usually gobble up that lim- Owens cited Gov. Gretchen the deal to clear the required regulatory reviews. Rpercent and create tax credits for some grant or loan application pro- ited amount of money very quickly,” Whitmer’s Michigan Economic See SPECTRUM-BEAUMONT on page 8 businesses that lost at least a quarter cesses, according to bill supporters. said Charles Owens, director of the See TAX BILL PACKAGE on page 19

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2 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com reporter’s NOTEBOOK Recognizing Pride as more than Kate Carlson writes about Published since 1988 real estate & development MiBiz® is a registered trademark of and small biz MiBiz, Inc. 616-608-6170 a gesture in West Michigan [email protected] Publisher Brian Edwards / [email protected] Associate Publisher Denise Montambo / [email protected] f you were wondering why numerous first time it has passed an official resolution, said Lowell Pride event exceeded Lintemuth’s expec- tations, she also knew the area has a big LGBTQ businesses and almost every major cor- Grand Haven Mayor Robert Monetza. Editor presence. poration changed their logo on June 1 to “It’s important because it elevates the con- Joe Boomgaard / [email protected] “It was super exciting to see, and especially reflect a rainbow theme, it’s because we’re sciousness of it,” Monetza said. “These are Managing Editor after last year when a lot of us were homebound,” in the middle of Pride month. members of our community, our neighbors, and Andy Balaskovitz / [email protected] Since the late 1970s, the rainbow flag has productive and important citizens, but they suffer Lintemuth said. “It was such an amazing day and I (energy, policy) there were so many families there and so many been a symbol of pride for the LGBTQ commu- in silence in many ways. It’s important to elevate Senior Editor kids in Lowell that will get to see this Pride hap- nity, and each June marks the anniversary of the and recognize and accept these folks as our fel- Jayson Bussa / [email protected] pening and allies and adults around them that Stonewall Inn uprising, which took place 52 years low citizens.” (manufacturing, tech, sports) support them.” ago in New York City. In June 1969, members of However, gestures from businesses to display Senior Writer a rainbow flag or change a social media picture the LGBTQ community fought back against police Mark Sanchez / [email protected] who were raiding the gay bar — a now-historical are increasingly criticized as the bare minimum. Inclusion attracts talent (finance, health care, life sciences) act that marked the beginning of a decades-long Large corporations like American Airlines, Wells Aside from criticism over “rainbow washing,” Staff Writer effort for basic rights for LGBTQ people. Fargo and Walmart have also been criticized for though, business advocates in recent years Kate Carlson / [email protected] This year, several cities in West Michigan — in- making Pride month social media posts while also have increasingly recognized LGBTQ inclusion (real estate & development, small biz) cluding Holland, Grand Haven and Lowell — have contributing financially to anti-LGBTQ causes or as imperative to retaining and attracting tal- Contributing Reporter recognized Pride month in a more public way politicians. ent. That’s why some of the largest companies Josh Spanninga than ever before. Many local Pride festivals were While the “rainbow washing” in full force this in Michigan — names like Blue Cross Blue rescheduled or held virtually this year because of month has been exhausting, it is different and more Shield of Michigan, Kellogg Co., DTE En- VP of Production & COVID-19, but the city of Lowell carried on and meaningful when small businesses — particularly ergy, Consumers Energy, Whirlpool Corp. Audience Development held its first Pride event ever. As well, officials in in smaller, conservative towns — put out a rainbow and Herman Miller Inc., to name a few — Kristi Kortman / [email protected] flag this month, said Nicole Lintemuth, a Lowell Holland and Grand Haven issued proclamations have endorsed a ballot initiative to expand the Digital Specialist recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride month for the resident who organized the city’s first Pride event. state’s civil rights law to include protections for Danielle Affholter / [email protected] “When you’re in a small community, you know first time in their respective cities. LGBTQ individuals. Graphic Designer “The response to this was overwhelmingly the people who own these businesses,” Linte- “As economic developers, we ensure current Kaylee Van Tuinen / [email protected] positive,” Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks said of muth said. “This is the person you live down the and future generations want to live and work in the Pride proclamation he and the City Council is- street from and work with. It’s easy for a corpo- our vibrant economy,” Lakeshore Advantage Senior Advertising Consultant sued on June 2. “We wanted to send a really clear rate board to slap a rainbow on their social me- President Jennifer Owens said in a statement. Shelly Keel / [email protected] message that everyone is welcomed and valued.” dia, versus a store that has a lot of respect in the “Emerging workers have choices to make about Sales & Marketing Associate Holland also recently passed an anti-discrimi- community that has been around for years and where they want to live. Welcoming all people Lauren Frailey / [email protected] nation ordinance in August 2020 that codified pro- says, ‘Hey, we’re going to recognize this.’” and being inclusive is the right thing to do for By organizing Lowell Pride 2021 Better tections for the LGBTQ community on a local level. our community’s business growth and talent at- Director, Finance & Administration It was a significant shift from 2011 when a similar Together, Lintemuth intended to show that traction.” Tarah Buchan / [email protected] anti-discrimination ordinance was voted down by there’s an LGBTQ presence even in a small Bocks agrees that community opposition to the City Council and then-Mayor Nancy DeBoer. community. LGBTQ equality ultimately comes with a price. Circulation For address corrections or “We recognize we’re a stronger community “I live here currently, and have been here “If you can’t respect the LGBTQ community subscriptions, contact MiBiz at for a little over four years,” Lintemuth said. “In when everyone feels welcome in the community just because it’s the right thing to do, there is a 1-877-443-1977 or [email protected] and we can have everyone contributing and mak- my childhood I was in the U.P. in a very small strong economic price for that as well,” Linte- ing this a strong fabric of Holland,” Bocks said. town, so I know what it’s like to grow up in muth said. “We in the LGBTQ community know MiBiz The Grand Haven City Council has voiced the closet.” the places that are safe and the ones that are not, ISSN 1085-4916 • USPS 017-099 support for Pride month in the past, but this is the While the 2,500 people who attended the and the ones that are silent.” Established 1988

MiBiz is published every other week by MiBiz, Inc., P.O. Box 1629, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. Telephone (616) 608-6170. Fax (616) 608-6182. E-mail: [email protected]. Subscription changes: subscribe@mibiz. BIZ BRIEFS com. Periodicals Postage is paid at Grand A recap of recent stories from MiBiz.com. Rapids, MI.

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 3 MANUFACTURING

Public filings shine unusual spotlight on $1.8B Herman Miller-Knoll deal

By JAYSON BUSSA | MiBiz company to purchase Knoll through an all-cash offer [email protected] in January 2019. Knoll declined at the time, claiming the price didn’t match the company’s intrinsic value. s a transformational merger between The investment group, which would factor into two office furniture giants heads for the eventual Herman Miller deal, later purchased final approval, the details of their 4 percent of the outstanding shares of Knoll’s com- seven-month courtship offer insight mon stock and provided a standing offer to serve as into a deal that could change the a source of financing for Knoll, if needed. Aindustry’s landscape. In time, Knoll took Investindustrial up on that Herman Miller Inc. President and CEO Andi Owen oversaw the company’s seven-month effort Zeeland-based Herman Miller Inc. in April offer for financing, closing in July 2020 on a $164 mil- to acquire Knoll Inc. COURTESY PHOTO shocked the industry when it announced it would lion investment agreement in which Investindustrial purchase long-time competitor Knoll Inc. in a $1.8 acquired 164,000 shares of Series A convertible pre- rationale for the proposed transaction. That led to a between Cogan and Owen. Cogan expressed that billion cash-and-stock deal. ferred stock. The Knoll board believed the invest- Feb. 25 teleconference meeting involving represen- the “back and forth had not been received well by The pending deal, which is up for shareholder ment would fortify the company’s balance sheet, tatives from both sides, including Cogan and Owen. the Knoll board.” votes at both companies on July 13, was the result of enhance its ability to execute on its strategic plan in Both parties resolved to go back to their boards to Owen contacted Cogan later that day with a back-and-forth proposals that began in December the uncertain economic environment, and explore continue considering a potential transaction. “best and final offer” of $11 in cash and 0.32 shares 2020 and nearly fell apart because of eleventh-hour other opportunities that might arise, according to Knoll issued a counterproposal in early March of Herman Miller common stock for each share of renegotiations just four days before news of the the prospectus. that placed a $1.91 billion enterprise value on the Knoll common stock to push the deal’s value back merger became public. company before a third proposal by Herman Miller up to $1.82 billion. A prospectus filed in late May with federal secu- Herman Miller pursues deal pushed negotiations to the due diligence phase. This On April 15, Knoll’s board of directors unani- rities regulators included a thorough record of the March 12 proposal included $11.50 in cash and 0.33 mously voted to accept the proposal. deal-making process, outlining both major — and Herman Miller laid the groundwork for the block- shares of Herman Miller stock per share of Knoll With the deal, Herman Miller also will buy out- seemingly minor — meetings, negotiations and buster deal during a regularly scheduled meeting common stock in a deal valued at $1.82 billion. standing shares of Knoll’s preferred stock from discussions. with members of the company’s management team Knoll also communicated with its previous suitor, Investindustrial for $253 million in cash, or $25.06 One West Michigan-based securities attorney and representatives from Goldman Sachs Group Investindustrial, to see if the investment group still had per share. Investindustrial, which aggressively lob- who regularly reviews filings of this nature told MiBiz Inc., its long-time financial adviser. any interest in acquiring Knoll. Representatives from bied directly with Herman Miller throughout the the uncharacteristically robust S-4 filing with the U.S. At an Oct. 12 board meeting, Herman Miller Investindustrial conceded that they would not be able proceedings for preferred stock as opposed to cash, Securities and Exchange Commission contained the management and Goldman Sachs personnel pre- to submit an offer that would prove competitive with a agreed to vote its shares in favor of the deal. longest background section he had ever read. sented a financial analysis of Herman Miller’s poten- strategic buyer’s bid that would offer significant syner- Meanwhile, the blockbuster deal developed tial acquisition of Knoll. The board asked executives gies. However, Investindustrial did say it would support Effects at home several months into a global pandemic that threat- to reach out to Knoll and explore a potential deal. such a deal as long as it was consistent with its view of ened to shake the foundation of the office furniture Eight days later, Herman Miller formed a board Knoll’s fair value. Herman Miller clearly didn’t land a COVID discount industry as employees worked remotely en masse. subcommittee to consider the potential acquisition on the purchase of Knoll, whose stock bottomed out As shareholders at both companies prepare to vote of Knoll, and met to discuss the strategic rationale for A deal in peril at just less than $9 per share in April 2020 in the early on the deal, Herman Miller now seeks to address any the potential deal and to review deal terms. stages of the pandemic. The stock eventually recov- new dynamics that may emerge. Herman Miller President and CEO Andi Owen also The deal nearly died roughly one month into the due ered to $19 per share in March 2021, and jumped 35 “This shows a lot of confidence by Herman called Knoll CEO Andrew Cogan to discuss a potential diligence process when concerns arose during a spe- percent upon the merger announcement. Herman Miller in the future of the furniture industry, which business combination. During the call, Owen shared cial meeting with the Herman Miller board and its Miller’s stock dropped around 8 percent upon the is an industry that was hit significantly by COVID in her great respect for Knoll and that she believed advisers. Herman Miller had discovered that Knoll’s announcement but has since rebounded. general,” said Elisa Berger, vice president of Grand there was a “compelling strategic logic” to bring the internal projections and other findings throughout While it remains unclear how the combined Rapids-based M&A and investment banking firm two companies together given their complemen- the due diligence process “would increase integra- business would address redundancies in function, Charter Capital Partners, which specializes in tary product portfolios, similar digital initiatives and tion costs above what the Herman Miller team had the local region is positioned well to benefit from the working with clients in the contract furniture space. shared commitment to design, according to the filing. expected or otherwise limit the achievable synergies merger, according to Jennifer Owens, president of “Ask someone in March or April of 2020 what the This ushered in a volley of proposals that started in unanticipated ways.” economic development firm Lakeshore Advantage. office furniture industry was going to look like in the in December of last year, beginning with an all-stock On April 14, Owen contacted Cogan to inform “It’s always great to be the home for the company next five years, and I don’t think anyone would be con- offer that failed to ignite negotiations. him certain value assumptions made by Herman that is acquiring versus one being acquired,” said fident in their answer,” Berger said. “For me, this is a After Owen and Cogan spoke by phone on Miller had not been supported by due diligence and Owens, whose organization focuses on helping com- signal that Herman Miller sees a future in this industry.” Dec. 18, Owen delivered a non-binding proposal instructed representatives from Goldman Sachs to panies grow in both Allegan and Ottawa counties. to Cogan that called for the exchange of 0.5 shares reach out to Jeffrey Harris, lead director of Knoll’s “That, I think, puts our community in a better Knoll receives a lifeline of Herman Miller common stock for each share of board, with those same concerns. position and the leadership and headquarters will Knoll common stock. The offer implied an enter- Goldman Sachs representatives told Harris that still remain here with Andi Owen as the head of the The prospectus detailed efforts by Knoll executives prise value for Knoll of $1.42 billion, and Knoll share- Herman Miller’s estimates on short-term cash flows, new consolidated business,” Owens said. and its board of directors to deal with the economic holders would own approximately 30 percent of the the timing of synergies resulting from combining Lakeshore Advantage’s two-county jurisdiction hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, combined company. Herman Miller’s proposal also the businesses and other matters differed from the has seen additional blockbuster deals in the past. even before Herman Miller entered the picture. In indicated the company’s belief that the proposed actual findings, meriting a downward adjustment of In 1996, Johnson Controls Inc. acquired Holland- April 2020, just a month into the pandemic, Knoll’s business combination would yield $80 million to $3.20 per share, even though Herman Miller wasn’t based Prince Automotive, a manufacturer of prod- board determined that the company could potentially $100 million in annual synergies. necessarily proposing that exact price reduction. ucts for auto interiors, from the Prince Holding Corp. be in an uncomfortable liquidity position by the end of Knoll turned down the offer, calling it “suffi- The late-game renegotiation proved to be a deal for $1.35 billion. In 2019, Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd. the year, possibly in violation of its financial covenants. ciently distant” on price and saying the company breaker: The Knoll board voted unanimously on purchased custom automation systems provider JR Despite cost-cutting measures, East Greenville, would not engage in further discussions, according April 14 to shut off Herman Miller’s access to a vir- Automation for $1.42 billion. Pa.-based Knoll saw that its worst-case scenario to the filing. tual information room and cease negotiations while “In those cases, we’re really working to build emerged as the most likely trajectory. At a May 5 However, a determined Herman Miller was able instructing Herman Miller to return or destroy all relationships with the out-of-state and out-of-coun- board meeting, the company’s internal auditors to spark discussions on Feb. 1 of this year with a information provided by Knoll. try headquarters and making sure we’re more than resolved to include a going concern warning in second proposal: A cash-and-stock offer that called In an email to Goldman Sachs representatives, just a dot on the map and they understand the value Knoll’s next quarterly report, indicating the grave for the exchange of $11 in cash and 0.32 shares of Harris wrote: “Knoll was not looking for a buyer and proposition of West Michigan and that we want to uncertainty over the company’s future. Herman Miller common stock for each share of would only consider a potential transaction if the pro- be that company’s partner in growth,” Owens said. But the office furniture maker would find a life- Knoll common stock, implying a $1.65 billion enter- cess would be expedited with minimal distraction for Owens also said that the community at large line in European investment firm Investindustrial prise value for Knoll. In that deal, Knoll’s sharehold- the Knoll Board and Knoll management and if the value would benefit from serving as the home base for the Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: IIAC), which owns a port- ers would then own 22 percent of the combined to Knoll’s stockholders was sufficiently compelling.” newly crowned leader in office furniture. folio of businesses in the health care, technology and company. After seeing its concerns rebuffed, Herman “I think it definitely increases the awareness of manufacturing sectors. In fact, Knoll rebuffed a pre- While Knoll’s board found the second offer to be Miller submitted a revised proposal on April 15, our community as a place to grow, design and make vious attempt by Investindustrial and a sponsoring insufficient, it opted to pursue discussions on the which Knoll rejected, leading to another call products,” she said.

4 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com Manufacturing veteran starts recruiting firm to meet industry’s talent needs

By JAYSON BUSSA | MiBiz own headhunting duties to meet the needs of his placements, I’ll say, ‘Hey, give me the top three most “They always say that it’s a career lattice and not just [email protected] sales teams. urgent areas that you want and then let’s start there a career ladder. Manufacturers need talent at differ- “I love the industry, but this is the part that we and really try to focus on that.’” ent levels. The entry level is where you see the most BYRON CENTER — As a veteran of the machine really struggle with,” Swift said. “No one really knows need right now.” and cutting tools industry, Jeff Swift launched our niche business — no one understands what A ‘scary time’ While many employers blame enhanced Swift Placement and Consulting this month we’re looking for. You can’t just throw someone in unemployment benefits as a reason for sidelin- to meet the talent needs there that doesn’t fit that culture. While Swift’s company focuses on a specific seg- ing capable workers, Brown said that higher pay of a niche manufacturing “That’s what I wanted to do: Change things and ment of manufacturing, it reflects the ongoing labor from companies also isn’t necessarily the silver segment. help the industry because we’re really struggling to dilemma across the broader industry. bullet to attract workers. Swift broke into the busi- grow our younger generation, too.” Cindy Brown, vice president of talent initiatives “Along with pay, people want to feel valued,” ness at the age of 17 when Based out of his home in Byron Center, Swift for West Michigan economic development firm The she said. “They want to know the job they’re doing he completed a machinist teamed up with machine and cutting tools manu- Right Place Inc., said the combination of agencies means something to the company. Or we hear that apprenticeship. He would later facturers across the country that readily brought like Swift’s, statewide job training programs, and the candidates want flexibility, and flexibility can embark on a long career pri- him positions to fill. While he currently is a one- efforts of companies’ in-house human resources mean different things. … The more (a recruiter) marily in machine tool sales man operation, Swift said he plans to hire another departments show an “all hands on deck” approach can get to know the hire and what they are moti- and executive roles. person in the coming months. to quell the labor problem. vated by, that helps.” Brown His most recent stops were “The kryptonite is turnover in our industry,” According to a joint study released last month by Matt Tyler, president and CEO of New Troy- as vice president of sales at Swift said. “These customers are spending $500,000, Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the indus- based Vickers Engineering Inc. in Southwest Los Angeles-based advanced $600,000 or $1 million on a machine and all of a sud- try is expected to see 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, Michigan, said his precision machining business machine solutions provider den the salesperson is gone.” which could cost the U.S. economy up to $1 trillion. expects significant growth through 2023. He is con- Ellison Technologies Inc., However, Swift recruits and places more than The survey of U.S. manufacturers showed that cerned about whether he can find the talent to fill and he held the same role at just sales executives. He specializes in high-end 36 percent of respondents are finding it hard to the new positions. Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based machinists, manufacturing engineers, automation recruit talent right now compared to 2018, even Vickers Engineering, which supplies the auto- DMG MORI USA Inc., which engineers, service managers and C-level executives. though the candidate pool is twice the size as it motive, agriculture, military, and oil and gas he recently left to start his new In a climate where finding general labor is tough was three years ago. industries, currently employs 175 people. That venture. enough, sourcing a skilled machinist can be like Brown said the most pressing need is for entry- number is expected to grow to 200 people before Swift While at DMG MORI, spotting a unicorn. While his extensive network is level shop floor workers, but the necessary skills to the end of the year. Swift noticed that the recruiters on staff strug- certainly a help, Swift said he is careful to avoid over- fill open positions is slowly changing. “It’s a scary time right now because of the mar- gled to find workers who fit the company cultur- promising in this tricky labor market. “As we’re moving toward Industry 4.0, there are ket conditions and the labor conditions,” Tyler said. ally, often bringing on employees who jumped “I’m setting expectations right away,” Swift companies that have smart robotics and smart auto- “We’re in the same boat as everyone else. It’s tough, from job to job. Swift eventually carried out his said. “If I have a customer that wants me to do 10 mation. Skill requirements are different,” she said. for sure.”

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 5 HEALTH BIZ Priority Health portal designed to resolve tension between insurers, physicians

By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz automates the prior authorization process, provid- review. Doctors can also check the status of a prior The Grand Rapids-based [email protected] ing physicians a quicker response on whether a authorization request. Priority Health implemented patient’s procedure, diagnostic test, hospital admis- Altruista’s GuidingCare Authorization Portal GuidingCare’s health care s state lawmakers consider more con- sion or medical equipment is covered. — designed with Priority Health and its parent management system in trols over prior authorizations that A physician’s request is automatically approved corporation, Spectrum Health — also features a October 2019 and the utiliza- health insurers require before covering if it aligns with a health plan’s criteria for medical care management component that gathers real- tion management program certain medical care, Priority Health necessity. time data that track decisions and identify trends. last September. Based on has launched a new system designed The portal can also request further information That gives Priority Health added ability to review early data, Priority Health in Ato make the process easier for physicians. from a physician electronically, eliminating the and decide whether to discontinue prior autho- May removed about 20 items The electronic portal that Reston, Va.-based need for calls or faxes between offices. The portal rization for specific tests, procedures or hospital from its prior authorization Donnelly Altruista Health Inc. designed for Priority Health may direct that added data to the insurer’s staff for admissions. list, said Ann Donnelly, Priority Health’s vice president of care S:7.125" and utilization management. “Now we have data that’s going to say, ‘If we’re going to turn something on for prior authorization, what value is that bringing to us? Is it worth Just like you, we’re here the administrative cost for all of the stakeholders to go through McKitterick for your employees. that process, or should we turn it off?’” Donnelly said. “We have information so we can adjust,” Donnelly added. “We now have the data that shows us by service how many prior authoriza- tions are coming in, how many are we approving, how many are we denying, and what’s their cost. We can make educated decisions on the value of asking for that prior authorization, and if there’s no value in it, then why are we asking physicians to jump through them?” Priority Health processes roughly 3,500 prior authorization requests a week, and 80 percent are approved.

Efficiency, checks and balances Altruista worked directly with Priority Health and Spectrum Health to customize the prior authoriza-

S:7.625" tion portal. The company works with more than 50 national and regional clients across the U.S. By automating the workflow, the portal can cre- ate efficiency, reduce the administrative burden for doctors and health plans, and improve response times, said Mike McKitterick, executive vice presi- dent of clinical services at Altruista Health. “It’s really helping to standardize those pro- cesses and create some efficiencies so that the trans- actions that come out of the approvals and denials are more predictable so providers very quickly pick up on what the standard of care is and what’s likely to be approved or what’s not likely to be approved,”

Confi dence comes with every card.® McKitterick said. “Over time that helps the evi- dence-based care that the criteria is built on.” Health insurers routinely use prior authoriza- tion as a check against high costs and to ensure At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we understand you want the best for your employees, which is why we offer physicians use care practices that are supported by a wide range of plans designed to fi t any budget. Plans that give them access to the largest network of physicians evidence and are not ordering what they consider and hospitals in Michigan wherever and whenever. We offer complete benefi ts with pharmacy, dental, vision and medically unnecessary. The process can often frus- emotional well-being health for you and your employees. That’s the Blue Cross difference, which all adds up to trate physicians who view it as intrusive and causing smarter, better health care. See what a Blue Cross plan can do for your business. delays in needed patient care, adding to the tension that can occur between providers and insurers. In partnering with Altruista Health, Priority Learn more at bcbsm.com/employers Health looks to maintain the checks and balances of prior authorization with an automated process for physicians to use when seeking coverage approvals Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. for their patients. “We’re trying to walk that fine line,” Donnelly said. “We recognize the providers are on the front

6 BCB144280_MSG_Print_MiBIZ_6-21_Insert_F1.indd JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz 1 6/10/21 1:00 PM Visit www.mibiz.com “We recognize the providers are on the SpartanNash joins telemedicine front lines of delivering high quality care to our rush with affordable service members, and we value By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz “The convenience is that partnership with our [email protected] there and the cost is very providers. We wanted to BYRON CENTER — SpartanNash Co. has jumped affordable. It’s time. People help solve that problem, into the rapidly growing telemedicine arena with a new service that emphasizes affordability. are used to doing this.” reduce that burden and SpartanNash partnered with the Land O’ Lakes, Fla.-based Bonum Health LLC on a telemedicine make their lives better.” service that charges a $29 fee for a single virtual — EDDIE GARCIA doctor visit for minor ailments, or a monthly sub- Director of Pharmacy, SpartanNash Co. scription that provides five visits a month for one adult and dependents for $11. — ANN DONNELLY SpartanNash believes VP of Care and Utilization Management, those prices give the tele- Priority Health medicine service an edge “A lot of these people don’t have a personal over virtual care offerings by physician,” he said. “If they go anywhere, they’re health systems and medical going to the emergency room or they’re going to practices, said SpartanNash a clinic that may or may not be open at the time Director of Pharmacy Eddie they come by our stores. This offers an opportunity lines of delivering high quality care to our members, Garcia. for them to get that service at an affordable rate.” and we value that partnership with our providers. “You won’t find one that We wanted to help solve that problem, reduce that you can take a telemedicine Garcia Pandemic drives telehealth burden and make their lives better. I know they don’t visit for $29,” Garcia said. like having to ask.” “We were adamant that we wanted to be more The Byron Center-based SpartanNash, which Priority Health’s turnaround time on prior affordable than what was out there in the mar- has more than 150 retail stores, had considered authorization requests after automating the process ket today.” launching a telemedicine service prior to the is now less than three days. Turnaround times previ- Customers can access the service through COVID-19 pandemic. Garcia was a “non-believer” ously varied based on the type of request. the pharmacy section of the websites for prior to the pandemic given the previously infre- “And as we continue to look at our data and iden- SpartanNash’s retail stores — Family Fare, Martin’s quent use of telemedicine visits. SpartanNash Co. has partnered with Bonum tify what we might be able to turn off or move to auto Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, The rapid growth of telemedicine during the pan- Health LLC on an affordable telehealth approvals, those times are going to come down and Econofoods, Family Fresh Market and Forest Hills demic “made me a believer in the service,” he said. platform. COURTESY PHOTO come down,” Donnelly said. Foods. Users can either download an app or create “Once physician offices actually closed, people a telemedicine account. needed to have an option. That’s when we started during the pandemic hosted 20,000 virtual visits Physicians push reforms “The SpartanNash partnership with Bonum thinking about this and we finally just found the daily, 60 percent of which were with new patients. Health promotes equitable access to U.S. board- right partner,” said Garcia, who has known Bonum Another report, by eMarketer.com, said the Priority Health’s adoption of the Altruista platform certified providers and allows any guest who may Health President Ashton Maaraba for more than number of adults in the U.S. who accessed a doc- came as physician organizations have pushed to rein be uninsured, under-insured or simply looking for two decades. tor through a virtual visit nearly doubled to 41.7 in prior authorization requirements that they say have cost savings with immediate, high-quality care,” “The convenience is there and the cost is very million from 2019 to 2020. Researchers predict gone too far and in some instances delay needed care SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam said affordable,” Garcia said. “It’s time. People are used that to grow to 48.1 million in 2021 and 57.3 mil- or threaten patient safety. Frustrations with prior in a statement announcing the new service. to doing this.” lion in 2022. authorization requirements have even been cited as SpartanNash’s entry into the burgeoning tele- Bonum Health is a subsidiary of health infor- An eMarketer analyst noted in a February a contributing factor to physician burnout. health sector last month was largely driven by mation technology company Trxade Inc. (Nasdaq: report that COVID-19 “has permanently altered The Michigan State Medical Society has pushed customers asking pharmacy staff questions about MEDS) that serves retail pharmacies. our healthcare system and the use of telemedicine for legislation in Lansing that would create new rules proper medicines to treat health issues. The com- The pandemic that began in the spring of 2020 is here to stay, even after the pandemic.” for prior authorization practices in the state. pany wanted to offer affordable options for access- elevated telemedicine to a standard component of SpartanNash doesn’t have a specific target for A bill that unanimously passed the state Senate ing care in cases when customers needed more health care delivery. the number of customers who use the new tele- in April includes language requiring health insurers than what a store pharmacy could provide. A recent white paper by United Kingdom- medicine service through Bonum Health, but to make a standardized electronic request process Garcia said these inquiries often lead to the based Juniper Research noted that New York- Garcia hopes participation gradually grows month available by Jan. 1, 2023. Senate Bill 247, sponsored need for a doctor visit. based platform Teladoc Health Inc. at one point over month “and that it doesn’t plateau.” by Sen. Curtis VanderWall, R-Ludington, is awaiting action in a House committee. Michigan State Medical Society Chief Operating Officer Kevin McFatridge said the organization is still awaiting feedback on Priority Health’s portal, Outfit your team with the essential business-development tool: but that “electronic prior authorization process is where things are headed.” “If the system is user-friendly, based on cur- Timely, relevant business news. rent evidence-based protocols, and more timely in issuing a decision, conceptually it is a good Professionals with sales and business-development responsibilities rely on timely thing. It still does not address the number of business news and intelligence to drive revenue, create new relevant opportunities required prior authorizations and whether those and expand brand presence. that are approved almost all of the time truly provide a value or cost savings to care delivery,” With MiBiz group and corporate subscription packages, you can arm your team McFatridge wrote in an email to MiBiz. “It bears with 24/7 digital access to real-time news, exclusive stories, market insights and GROUP & CORPORATE repeating: These requirements can create has- business intelligence about the companies, policies and strategies that are driving sles for patients and add to physicians’ burden. Michigan business. SUBSCRIPTION Prior authorization rules vary by different pay- ers, which require inconsistent workflow pro- Contact MiBiz today for more information: PACKAGES cesses and submission of additional information 616-608-6170 • [email protected] through a manual process.”

Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 7 HEALTH BIZ

SPECTRUM-BEAUMONT Continued from page 1

“We believe that this combined organization will really benefit patients and members in the state of Michigan,” said Freese Decker, calling the merger “a fantastic opportunity to transform health care in Michigan.” “Spectrum Health and Beaumont share simi- lar purposes, missions, visions and values. We have a long track record of providing exceptional clini- cal care for our communities, as well as a strong focus on academic research,” Freese Decker told MiBiz last week. “So, together we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value and exceptional care that is accessible, (and) it is equitable and affordable, while maintaining our unwavering Spectrum Health’s Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECTRUM HEALTH Fream commitment to our local com- munities in Michigan.” Freese Decker would run Many health systems are already involved in Because Spectrum and Beaumont now operate the new health system, which some form of consolidation talks, LaPenna said. in separate markets, LaPenna doesn’t necessarily “This will signal that would take on the temporary “This is going to cause something to happen,” expect costs to swing a certain way. there is going to be a big name of “BHSH System” and he said. “This will signal that there is going to be “Let ‘em merge. It’s not going to cost anybody have dual headquarters in a big and important statewide system — at least in anything, I don’t think,” LaPenna said. and important statewide Grand Rapids and Southfield. Detroit and Grand Rapids — that will be competing Asked about the negotiating and pricing posture the Created through the for linkages to Kalamazoo, Lansing, and all points in new health system would have, Freese Decker empha- system — at least in 1997 merger of the former the northern tier of the mitten. Other discussions sized that the focus for Spectrum and Beaumont “is Freese Decker Butterworth Hospital in will accelerate to achieve scale and prevent being delivering great value to our community.” Detroit and Grand Rapids Grand Rapids and Blodgett Memorial Medical marginalized over the next couple of years by the “We’re trying to be affordable,” she said. “Our Center in East Grand Rapids, Spectrum Health largest of the health systems. focus is affordability (and) greater value for our com- — that will be competing consists of 14 hospitals, a large group medical “So, if my board was in pre-pre-merger talks with munities that we are serving. We want to transform for linkages to Kalamazoo, practice, and a network of outpatient care centers another system or hospital, now might be the time health care. We want to reduce the total cost of care.” across the region. to speed it all up.” Lansing, and all points in Beaumont Health has eight hospitals in the Rob Casalou, president and CEO in Michigan for Opportunity for Priority Detroit area, plus 155 outpatient sites, nearly Trinity Health, similarly told MiBiz that the merger the northern tier of the 5,000 physicians and 33,000 employees. The health could spur “more serious discussions” at other One of the potential beneficiaries of the merger is system also partners on a medical school with health systems in the state about consolidating. the Spectrum-owned Priority Health. mitten.” Oakland University. “It will cause other discussions to start in the The connection to Beaumont would give Priority —MIKE LAPENNA Health a foundation to make further inroads in the The combined health system would have equitable state,” Casalou said. “For us right now, I don’t think Principal of LaPenna Group Inc. corporate governance. Spectrum and Beaumont each there’s a direct impact. We just want to maintain our Detroit-area health insurance market that’s largely would appoint seven seats to a 16-member board. The already good relationship with the new combined controlled by Blue Cross Blue Shield, LaPenna said. board would also include the CEO and a final appoint- system.” That can create greater competition between Priority ment after the new health system is created. Trinity Health is the parent corporation for Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Local boards would remain in place. In West Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids and “My impression is this is a great thing for Priority in patient revenues. That includes $188.9 million Michigan, that would include oversight boards Mercy Health Muskegon. Health,” he said. “Beaumont is now a platform for in operating income earned by Priority Health in for BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan, BHSH Priority on the east side of the state.” 2020, plus a $24.8 million operating loss at Spectrum Spectrum Health Lakeland, and Priority Health. Market effects? Quite often when seeking quotes for clients Health Lakeland in St. Joseph that operates as a in Southeast Michigan, Bob Hughes, principal of separate division from the health system’s other Strength in scale The potential market price effects of the Spectrum- Advantage Benefits Group Inc. in Grand Rapids, hospitals. Beaumont plan, or any health care merger, remains sees how Priority Health still experiences a lack For the first quarter of 2021, Spectrum Health Part of what drives consolidation between large a key question. Analyses over the years have reached of familiarity in the market. Hughes believes the recorded $88.4 million in operating income on $2.21 system mergers today is the same element that varied conclusions on the effect mergers have on merger of the two health systems can accelerate billion in revenue. The quarterly results included makes a small hospital merge into a larger part- costs and pricing. Some studies have shown that Priority Health’s growth in Southeast Michigan. $59.1 million in operating income at Priority Health ner: a need to generate economies of scale and effi- greater concentration within a market drives up “The perception when you bring up Priority, even on $1.421 billion in revenue. ciencies, Peters said. prices, though the American Hospital Association when they have better rates, is, ‘Who are they? Who’s A deal with Spectrum comes after Beaumont and Peters believes the Spectrum-Beaumont plan “is has conducted analyses disputing that notion. in the network?’ Their network’s gotten a lot better Advocate Aurora Health, a nonprofit 28-hospital sys- very likely to spur a conversation” at other health Still, the new health system would have consid- over the years and it’s really a viable option, but even tem based in Downers Grove, Ill., ended merger dis- systems about resource adequacy and staying com- erable clout in negotiating contracts for reimburse- with that there’s buyer reluctance because people cussions last fall that had been met with opposition petitive in the new landscape. ment payments from health insurers. Michigan’s aren’t familiar with it like the Blues,” Hughes said. from Beaumont doctors. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting largest health insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of “Now that they would have Beaumont under their Beaumont has since added more system physi- financial stress on many health systems may drive Michigan, said it intends to look at the merger for wing, that’s going to add to the credibility factor.” cian representatives to its board, going from three to the trend even harder, he said. any potential fallout. An annual report by the American Medical six, “and they really helped us understand the per- “It doesn’t matter how large you are, even the “These are two organizations where Blue Cross Association indicates that Blue Cross Blue Shield spective of physicians and what would be important larger health systems have some vulnerability in has deep partnerships and with whom we have holds more than a two-thirds market share in the to them in structuring a deal of this type,” said Julie terms of financial status and the operational viability worked over many generations on behalf of our Detroit area. Fream, Beaumont’s board chair. At least three physi- when hit with a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic,” members and customers. This proposed arrange- Spectrum Health owns a 93.9 percent stake in cian representatives would be included on the board Peters said. “And there is strength in scale.” ment is very complex with potentially significant Priority Health, Michigan’s second-largest health at the new health system. Mike LaPenna, a health care consultant and the implications,” Andy Hetzel, Blue Cross Blue Shield plan with 1 million members statewide that gener- Beaumont physicians are “excited, and with principal of Grand Rapids-based LaPenna Group of Michigan’s vice president for corporate commu- ates a majority of the parent health system’s revenue their excitement, we think we really have the right Inc., also believes that the proposed deal could nications, wrote in an email to MiBiz. “We will be and earnings. thing for both organizations to move forward,” prompt other large players in Michigan to pursue assessing the impact it may have on our members Spectrum Health in 2020 recorded operating said Fream, who would chair the board of the new a merger. and the health care market in Michigan.” income of $295.5 million on nearly $8.3 billion health system.

8 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com 7.5.2021 Industry 4.0: Automation Contract Deadline: 6.23.2021 7.18.2021 West Michigan Tribal Economy Contract Deadline: 7.7.2021 8.2.2021 UPCOMING Insurance Contract Deadline: 7.21.2021 8.16.2021 Automotive Supplier Outlook Commercial Lending Quarterly: ISSUES Growth Lending Update Contract Deadline: 8.4.2021 8.30.2021 Education/Talent Development

Grand Rapids Open-heart Contract Deadline: 8.18.2021 explores surgery reviving formal partnership a arts council ‘game-changer’ PAGE 21 PAGE 9

APRIL 12, 2021 • VOL. 33/NO. 13 • $3.00 SERVING WESTERN MICHIGAN BUSINESS SINCE 1988 www.mibiz.com

Gender disparities Drinking Economy in the workforce CRAFT BREWERS 9.13.2021 ‘uncovered further’ by RETOOL TO COVID-19 pandemic Family Business MAINTAIN By KATE CARLSON | MiBiz [email protected] Contract Deadline: 9.1.2021 en and women both expe- PROFITABILITY rienced steep declines in employment at the begin- By JAYSON BUSSA | MiBiz ning of the COVID-19 pan- [email protected] demic, but on average, the Mworkforce for men is back to pre-pandemic ooking back on a 2020 plagued by the Kalamazoo levels in Michigan while women have left the Deborah COVID-19 pandemic, Ed Collazo didn’t workforce at disproportionate rates. sound like a business owner who just County regroups The pandemic’s negative effect on work- Prato takes saw his company’s revenue plummet by after housing ing women is amplified for working mothers, helm at half a million dollars for the year. especially for women L“2020 was a blessing, dude,” said Collazo, proposal fails of color, according to The Rapid CEO of Grand Rapids-based microbrewery City PAGE 6 a state Women in the PAGE 22 Built Brewing Co. Michigan Workforce There is certainly no disputing that top line MARCH 29, 2021 • VOL. 33/NO. 12 • $3.00 SERVING WESTERN MICHIGANreport BUSINESS released at SINCE the 1988 www.mibiz.com revenue for virtually every craft brewery took end of March. a hit in 2020, a year when brewpubs and tap- 9.27.2021 “Traditionally we rooms were either shut down completely or have been facing this See PROFITABILITY on page 14 issue for a long time, it’s just the pandemic that ‘Substantial and Also Inside: Fauble is pushing it to the fore- n Craft beverage roundtable, page 11 front,” said Blanca Fauble, chief development n Suppliers see highs and low in pandemic, Cannabis officer for the nonprofit Michigan Women far-reaching’ page 12 Forward. “It’s always been there, it’s just now n Group seeks affordable health plans for craft that it’s been uncovered further.” beverage workers, page 13 Part of the problem is that more women Federal proposal than men are in low wage jobs. Because of the City Built Brewing Co.to CEO change Ed Collazo. some PHOTO BY STEPH HARDING lack of workplace protections that lower wage metropolitan areas’ jobs tend to have, employees in these roles Cannabis Roundtable were the most at risk for losing their jobs for status could jeopardize longer periods of time during the pandemic. 8-story Spectrum Health development to ‘breathe more life’ into GR district According to 2018 data from the Brookings crucial funding and Institution, close to half of all working women By MARK SANCHEZeconomic | MiBiz developmentthe Center for Transformation Spectrum expects to save about $15 “I think it’s certainly going to in the country — 46 percent, or 28 million — [email protected] and Innovation that will rise on a million annually in rent. transform the neighborhood. It’s Contract Deadline: 9.15.2021 From left: Award-winning designer Joey Ruiter sits on his NOMOTO motorcycle concept at his design studio in Ada. A rendering of Buell worked in jobs that paid low wages averaging 4.8-acre site along North Monroe Spectrum Health hopes the going to bring even more life into a Motorcycles’ 1190 Super Touring bike. Ruiter and Buell recently formed a new collaboration. PHOTO BY KATY BATDORFF. COURTESY RENDERING Cybersecurity $10.93 an hour, while 37 percent of all work- GRAND RAPIDS By— TheKATE eight-story CARLSON |Avenue MiBiz and Ottawa Avenue just project will lead to further rede- neighborhood that’s growing now, standards to Natalia ingKovicak men earn low wages. These percentages office tower [email protected] Health plans east of the Grand River. The $60 velopment and “breathe more life” and I think more development will ot many designers — ifare any even — fea higher- has for turned Black heads and Latina over the women years with his transto- build will bring a major new rede- million to $80 million project into the Monroe North business happen as a result of us being there reshape defense ture a portfoliotakes of workhelmin quite the workforce, likeat portation of which curiosities. 54 percent and 64 velopment and hundreds of employeveral- Michiganwill house communities about 1,200 Spectrum district that most recently saw a than if we weren’t there,” Cox said. manufacturing Design Joey Ruiter.GR Econpercent, Club respectively,In 2019, are Ruiterlow wage teamed earners. up with fellow conees- to the Monroe North neighborare at -risk ofHealth losing administrative crucial federal staff — exec- former industrial site transformed The center also will house a From award-winning“(The office pandemic) ceptual has designer opened Rem our eyesD. Koolhaas to to hosthood near downtown Grand Rapids.funding underutive proposed leadership, changes human resources, into the 246-room Embassy Suites training and a learning center in a PAGE 4 furniturePAGE designs 26 to a aproject lot of differenthe an things,”exhibition Fauble called said. DISRUPTORS “From at the Spectrum Health aims toto begin their designationlegal and as finance metropoli —- now work- hotel, said Spectrum Chief Financial first-floor meeting space for up to calls Snoped, a reimagined, black aluminum Los Angeles-based Petersen Automotive tan areas, which local officials say Disruptor N See WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE on page 17 construction late this summer on ing at 26 leased offices in the city. Officer Matt Cox. See SPECTRUM OFFICES on page 3 OCTOBER 26, 2020 • VOL. 33/NO. 1 • $3.00 SERVING WESTERN MICHIGAN BUSINESS SINCE 1988snowmobile that rides like a cafe racer, the www.mibiz.comMuseum, showcasing conceptual approaches Swould negatively affect services and economic Grand Rapids-based Ruiter is not your typical to automotive design. development efforts. Ada-based designer nine-to-five office furniture designer. As a self-described minimalist in his The White House Office of Management PERIODICALS Joey Ruiter leaves his In fact, it’s his work with cars, motorcycles, trade, Ruiter generally begins each of his and Budget (OMB) is considering a proposal Managed service boats and other transportation elements that projects by first stripping an object down to to redesignate 144 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical providers play key Panel: Rural broadbandminimalist development mark on should the has mirror grabbed attention electric from nationwideMichigan grid media build-outits core only to build it back up in unique and Areas as “Micropolitan vehicle and furniture and enthusiasts alike. unexpected ways. Statistical Areas” that are 10.11.2021 “Some of my work is provocational,” Ruiter One such example is his NOMOTO, a based on smaller popula- By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz developers say is critical for both The issueinfrastructure has become increasingly impor- advisory role in shift industries and starts a said. “It’s a piece of art. People will look at it motorcycle concept where a metal, graffiti- tion sizes. The proposal [email protected] businesses and households. tant during the pandemic as companies con- and I want them to ask questions and for it to clad body completely camouflages the bike would affect metropoli- to work-from-home new collaborationEliminating with the so-called duct businessplanning virtually and students would learn Cannabis startups raise emotions.” against typical urban settings. The bike is also tan areas in Niles, Battle ichigan and the nation need the same “digital divide” must become as remotely, Klohs said. The pandemic brought Buell Motorcycles With his studio located inget Ada, Ruiter’sboost fully from functional. seek entry toCreek, market Jackson, Midland, By JAYSON BUSSA | MiBiz kind of concerted effort to deploy important as extending electri- greater awareness to the issue and how in some bread and butter might be lending designs to The Consumer Car is another highlight Bay City and Monroe. [email protected] broadband internet access as 90 years cal and telephone service into areas the digital divide “is more like the Grand some of West Michigan’s top furnitureBiden manu -planin Ruiter’s portfolio. Beginning with a 1993 outside of retailCurrently, Real Estate: Industrial ago when America set out to electrifyBy JAYSON BUSSA | MiBizrural markets in the 1930s,facturers Birgit — namesCanyon,” like Steelcase Klohs Inc. said., Herman Ford Festiva GL chassis and drivetrain, Ruiter Metropolitan Statistical ichard Reiffer and his staff Mrural areas following the Great Depression, eco- Klohs, CEO of The Right Place “Our childrenPAGE shouldn’t 18 be sitting in cars in the PAGE 16 Hackbarth [email protected] Miller Inc. and Nucraft Furniture Co. — but he See RUITER on page 3 Areas must contain a U.S. at Grand Rapids-based nomic developers say. Inc. in Grand Rapids, said dur- parking lot of a restaurant to get Wi-Fi so they can Klohs Census Bureau-delineated urban area with a Fusion IT LLC tend to The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the ing a recent virtual panel dis- do their homework. I think that’s just Third World,” population of at least 50,000, while micropol- take a proactive approach need to fix a lack of affordable high-speed internet cussion at the Michigan Economic Developers Klohs said. itans are areas with populations of 10,000 to Contract Deadline: 9.29.2021 Rwhen it comes to advising clients access in some markets of the state that economic Association’s annual conference. See MEDA on page 3 50,000. on digital strategies. Experts seek federal guidance as employers offer COVID-19 vaccine incentives The OMB’s proposed change would So when COVID-19 transitioned increase the minimum population to qualify into a full-blown pandemic in early By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz if they get the dual-dose vaccine from Pfizer Inc. or company has 127 stores in Michigan, Indiana and as a Metropolitan Statistical Area from 50,000 March, the team was already tell- [email protected] Moderna Inc. The amount will more than compen- Ohio, more than 2,300 employees, and is one of the to 100,000. ing the mid- sate employees for the time they may need to leave nation’s largest tire dealers. OMB published a notice on the proposed size companies growing number of employers are Westwork to get vaccinated, Michigan company officials citiessay. “We want all of the employees of all types to change on Jan. 19, kicking off a public comment it works with to offering incentives to their workers “We want to make sure all of the employees be able to do that so that they feel when they are period that ended March 19. OMB will consider start facilitating who opt for getting a COVID-19 vac- who want the vaccination can get it and feel safe, at work it’s safe to be at work,” Barnes told MiBiz. recommendations from a review committee effective remote cine, including with extra paid time off weighand that they don’t policy have to choose changes between stay- “We to want to make sure we create a safe working and public comments, and any revisions will work. or small cash bonuses. ing on the clock and earning an hourly wage versus environment for all and we don’t want any of our be announced in a final notice. The potential Fusion IT, AAt automotive repair center Belle Tire, employ- bolstertrying to get the vaccination,” affordable said Don Barnes III, housing teammates to hesitate.” changes could go into effect in 2023. which works ees are paid $25 for each vaccination visit, or $50 total president of the Allen Park-based Belle Tire. The See VACCINE INCENTIVES on page 9 See MSA AND CENSUS on page 5 with businesses Reiffer on an ongo- By KATE CARLSON | MiBiz to — such housing, including ing basis as a managed service [email protected] high-density rentals. 10.25.2021 PERIODICALS provider (MSP), even developed The Lansing-based Michi- white papers to serve as a refer- est Michigan cit- gan Municipal League has ence for effective work from home Geography adds to ies are examin- stepped in to help local gov- strategies. talent challenges ing new poli- ernments solve their housing “We started warning our clients ciesINSIDE: to expand puzzle. The MML plans to issue Cybersecurity early and most of them acted on for northwest Waffordable housing and create guidance in early 2021 on code it to get equipment if they didn’t a supportive environment for reform that can help increase already have equipment capable Michigan developers as studiesUtilities show an affordable housing units. of running their remote work,” said ongoing need for more units. That includes incentivizing Reiffer, the company’s vice presi- manufacturers The renewed &discussions Energy affordable housing developers Contract Deadline: 10.13.2021 dent of strategic initiatives. “For a PAGE 4 this year among SEEcity officialsPAGE 10 through tools like brownfield while there, the backlog to get lap- in Grand Rapids, Holland, credits, streamlining zoning tops was about six months.” Kalamazoo and Grand Haven codes and a refined applica- The ongoing pandemic has come as the COVID-19 pan- tion process. ushered in a tidal wave of remote Drew Phillippy is president of Grand Rapids-based Purple East, which demic has driven high unem- “What happens is you have working for companies that were recently emerged from bankruptcy under a new law meant to help small ployment and financial strain, developers sinking a lot of either forced to send workers home businesses. raising concern among offi- money into the process and or did it out of precaution. Many cials who say it could exacer- it makes it harder for them to of these companies’ MSPs have bate the need for affordable build housing developments become the brain trust for work- housing. affordably,” said MML Policy from-home setups and strategies. Cities are attacking the Research Director Shanna New chapter problem in a variety of ways, Draheim. including revamping outdated Uneven footing Meanwhile, studies con- zoning codes to make it eas- tinue to show a need for afford- With remote work a growing trend ier for developers to include able housing throughout the before the COVID-19 pandemic, for Chapter 11 affordability in housing devel- region. A recent Housing Next 11.8.2021 many companies already had a opments, as well as prioritizing study shows at least 5,340 more rough infrastructure in place to affordable or mixed-use hous- rental units and 3,548 more make the transition smoother, For small businesses facing bankruptcy, the new ing for incentive tools such as owner-occupied units are Reiffer said. federal Small Business Reorganization Act is proving brownfield credits. needed in the next five years Still, some businesses had to to be a cost-effective and timely lifeline. A Grand Despite the effort being in Grand Rapids to meet hous- swiftly make up ground while some made to add more housing ing demand. Housing North, a Education/Talent Development of it was dictated by their respec- Rapids retailer offers an early test case. SEE PAGE 14 stock at varying price points, nonprofit that spans 10 coun- tive industries. housing advocates and local ties in the northwestern Lower See WORK FROM HOME on page 12 STORY BY ANDY BALASKOVITZ // PHOTO BY KATY BATDORFF planners are still confronting Peninsula, showed last year a stigma associated with — the region would need about and community opposition See HOUSING on page 11 Contract Deadline: 10.27.2021

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INSIDE: Mergers & Acquisitions Solar industry on edge PAGE 7 SEE PAGE 16 11.22.2021 Commercial Lending Wrap-up Contract Deadline: 11.10.2021 12.6.2021 Construction Wrap-up Contract Deadline: 11.24.2021 12.20.2021 Crystal Ball 2022 Contract Deadline: 12.8.2021

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 9 FOCUS: TRANSPORTATION GR, Wyoming, Commercial fleets poised to Kentwood seek bolster electric development vehicle market

opportunities By JAYSON BUSSA | MiBiz [email protected]

along South Storefronts along the South Division Avenue corridor where officials in Grand Rapids, Kentwood s the consumer vehicle market gradually and Wyoming hope to spur new, “incremental” development. PHOTO BY KATE CARLSON transitions to electrified models, auto- motive experts say the commercial fleet Division corridor asphalt parking lots with commerce, a sense of IncDev Alliance, a nonprofit that trains small segment has the potential to transform community, and public space.” developers on projects nationwide, was contracted the sector more rapidly. to lead workshops last fall on how to achieve such ACorporations and municipalities are increas- Seeking density, developments. The process involved more than ingly considering electrification as they begin By KATE CARLSON | MiBiz equitable outcomes 100 local community members participating in to rethink the fuels for their fleets. Whether fleet [email protected] education sessions. operators are motivated by the financial bottom line, The Division United study seeks ways to activate “The benefit of having smaller sites and hav- anticipated emission mandates or public opinion, lanning officials in Grand Rapids, and add density to the areas around Silver Line sta- ing them redeveloped is you’ll see some localized industry analysts suggest that mass adoption by Kentwood and Wyoming hope a tions from Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids to 60th involvement from people who already live or work commercial fleets is on the near horizon. nearly completed study will help spur Street at the border of Kentwood and Wyoming. in that corridor,” Schweitzer said. “If you have an “When you look at commercial fleets and pub- redevelopment along South Division The initiative focuses on transit-oriented develop- economic downturn, franchises might be more apt lic fleets, there is no question that electrification — Avenue after a highly touted bus rapid ment that provides people with a choice of housing to move elsewhere, whereas local developments or some form of electrification, not necessarily full Ptransit project failed to deliver on its economic and employment around stations. are seen as being stronger.” electric vehicle — is definitely where everyone is development promises. “The Rapid sees this as an opportunity to show- Division United study leaders reached out to looking for a variety of reasons,” said Glenn Stevens, Involving local residents and community lead- case the reason why we build and provide transit, small business owners and people who were inter- executive director of statewide auto industry asso- ers to share their vision for the future was a key which is for the benefit of what is outside of the street,” ested in doing small-scale development projects to ciation MICHauto. aspect to the study known as Division United. Monoyios said. “That’s kind of the big vision here, and attend the workshop. Incremental developments According to the federal Bureau of “What do people who live there want to see our North Star was to ensure equitable outcomes.” could include small housing projects or a live-work Transportation Statistics, plug-in hybrids and all- and how do they want to flourish?” asked Nick The study made specific suggestions for 11 of space with a local retail component. electric vehicles accounted for just 2.1 percent of Monoyios, planning manager at the Interurban the 34 stations along the Silver Line, including a “This doesn’t have to be something that hap- the light vehicle market in 2019. However, experts Transit Partnership, commonly known as The set of zoning recommendations for each area, site pens to you, it’s something that you can be calling say commercial fleet adoption could accelerate the Rapid. “Oftentimes it’s easy to bring in a group of plans for the immediate station area, and one to the shots on,” said Hank Kelley, transportation and slow-moving consumer market. planners with idealistic ideas of what it should be three recommended special projects. Many recom- planning supervisor with the city of Grand Rapids. “Adopting (full-electric) or some form of elec- and it’s easy to omit and keep to the side people mendations focus on enhancing non-motorized “In a way, that was the big conversation in this tric vehicles on fleets can help you drive scale, and who live there and what they want.” travel and moving away from the “drive through” whole project.” a lot of people think that it really can be a big influ- For Angelica Velazquez, owner of La Casa de la mentality that characterizes the corridor today. Residents want to continue living in the area ence on trends to come,” Stevens said. “We know Cobija clothing store at 2355 S. Division Ave., the The community sees Velazquez’s store on but also want to see some improvements and that consumer electrification is hot with the OEMs most important corridor improvements will avoid Division as more than just a place to buy formal access to better amenities and jobs without being now, but fleet management and conversion is a logi- displacing residents. wear — it is also an unofficial community gather- displaced, Kelley said. Additional workshops may cal place to start.” “We want this to be inclusive of the people and ing place. But people need more opportunities to also occur based on local interest. keep the people here who live here,” Velazquez told gather along the corridor, Velazquez said. “I was surprised by the number of people that A push to electrify MiBiz. “Equal opportunity is what we want to see. “Everything is centralized downtown,” participated in the incremental development We deserve a better quality of life, we deserve to Velazquez said. “I want to see a historical place workshops and the interest in doing something According to Stevens, the widespread adoption live better.” where we can sit down, see our kids play, and we along Division Avenue, not just in Kentwood but of electric or hybrid commercial fleet vehicles The roughly 18-month-long study is effectively want to feel confident walking around and enjoy in Wyoming and Grand Rapids, and ideas were can be far less cumbersome compared to con- complete as the process moves into the implemen- concerts and have dinner in the place we live.” brought up that I don’t think we have ever con- sumer vehicles. tation stage. The study was funded by a $686,000 Velazquez also hopes to see a community sidered,” said Lisa Golder, economic develop- For example, many fleet vehicles travel along grant from the Federal Transit Administration, a youth center developed in the area, as well as ment planner with the city of Kentwood. “There fixed or predictable routes and return to a specific $174,000 grant from the Michigan Department of affordable housing options that give residents is a whole economic development toolkit to depot or location to charge. This means a fleet man- Transportation, and $25,000 grants each from the opportunities to own their own homes and build incorporate and recommend tools for financ- ager doesn’t have to rely on the availability of con- cities of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and Kentwood. wealth. Velazquez, who is also on the Garfield ing incremental development and how to get sumer charging stations. Local officials say the study was driven by the Park Neighborhood Association board, is people involved.” Fleet vehicles also are used frequently, which lack of economic development that was promised encouraged by the inclusive nature that the The study also recommends removing bar- helps a business or municipality recoup upfront costs along the corridor after The Rapid’s Silver Line bus Division United planning effort has had, but she riers to economic development by streamlining relatively quickly through savings on fuel, plus electric rapid transit route launched in 2014. wants to see action and results. zoning codes to promote more density, including vehicles cost less to maintain compared to internal “(The Silver Line) was touted as a spark to spur “It can be little by little, but I want to see changes to setback requirements, increasing build- combustion models. This makes shuttle buses, deliv- redevelopment along that corridor,” said Terry the progress and say, ‘We did that,’” she said. ing heights, and increasing lot coverage. The study ery vans, box trucks and similar light-duty vehicles Schweitzer, community development director for “Sometimes we’re working in circles. The city and also recommends zoning that supports accessory good candidates for electrification, experts say. the city of Kentwood. “What we had found sub- people with the money know what we need. I’m dwelling units and multiplexes. In addition to the fuel saving benefits of on-vehi- sequent to the introduction of that service is rid- hungry to pull many people in to come and start Officials from The Rapid, Grand Rapids, cle technology, hybrid and electric vehicles are out- ership has gone up but we have seen little to no some opportunities in this community.” Kentwood and Wyoming are all hoping to use the fitted with advanced telematics, which can provide redevelopment along that corridor.” template of the Division United plan in the future valuable information for fleet managers. The Rapid and other community leaders say First steps when it comes to collaborative planning. Novi-based The Shyft Group Inc., a manufac- they were naive to believe economic growth along “This is a little bit of a unique process with three turer formerly known as Spartan Motors that main- the Silver Line route would occur without inten- The three municipalities along the Division partner cities,” said Wyoming City Planner Nicole tains a large presence in Charlotte, saw opportunity tional coordination, Monoyios said. Avenue corridor are now left to largely implement Hofert. “The Rapid did some neat things throughout in the electric vehicle space, specifically for Class 3 “Right now there are more cars on Division the study’s recommendations, including focusing the process like actually connecting with people who light-duty vehicles such as mini-buses, RVs, walk-in than there are people,” Monoyios said. “That, by on “incremental development” along the Silver live and work along the corridor. I think that shows a vans and city delivery vehicles. the nature of economics, doesn’t stimulate eco- Line. This involves small-scale projects that are real desire to understand what the community needs The specialty vehicle manufacturer announced nomic growth. We want to see if we can fill those locally owned and maintained. are across all three communities.” earlier this month that it will bring to market an

10 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com all-electric, purpose-built Class 3 chassis platform “We know that consumer designed to serve a wide array of medium-duty truck markets, from last-mile parcel delivery fleets to work electrification is hot trucks, passenger buses and recreational vehicles. Shyft Group President and CEO Daryl Adams with the OEMs now, but told MiBiz that two of the company’s larger clients lobbied it to fill a void of quality products in the fleet management and Class 3 space. The Shyft Group’s executive team saw opportunity. conversion is a logical The Shyft Group is currently searching for a loca- place to start.” tion to produce the chassis and is poised for large- scale production in late 2023, Adams said. As a company that has built more than 2,500 — GLENN STEVENS alternative propulsion vehicles in its history, Shyft Executive Director, MICHauto executives foresee an era when electrified Class 3 vehicles will be crucial for operations, Adams said. “We’re seeing it in Europe, where a lot of the cit- ies are saying you must be green to deliver inside the city limits,” Adams said. “These would be perfect to will be for them as the adoption rate continues to do some of the delivery in a city that is mandating increase over the years,” Adams said. something like that.” Boston-based XL Fleet Corp. is another The Shyft Group is a leader in the North company looking to capitalize on the growing Boston-based XL Fleet Corp. is among companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for American market in purpose-built delivery vehicle demand for electrified fleet vehicles. XL Fleet electrified fleet vehicles. COURTESY PHOTO solutions, a $3.2 billion industry dominated by par- recently opened a 24,655-square-foot facility cel delivery. This segment of The Shyft Group gener- in Wixom — its fourth facility nationwide — for ated $491 million in sales for the company in 2020. product research and development programs. significant challenges that still exist today and itself, many clients are leaning on XL Fleet’s hybrid A third-party study commissioned by The Shyft The site has technology capabilities for proto- they existed 10 years ago when we founded the solution as more of a necessity than a cost-saving Group showed that the country’s fleet of walk-in and typing, controls development and electrical and company,” said Eric Foellmer, director of mar- luxury, Foellmer said. cargo vans totaled some 150,000 vehicles in 2015 and systems engineering. keting for XL Fleet. “We hear from customers much more fre- is expected to grow to 450,000 by 2025, partly fueled XL Fleet has developed kits to retrofit exist- Foellmer pointed to the lack of widespread infra- quently now that say, ‘I have a sustainable man- by a booming e-commerce industry that was acceler- ing vehicles with plug-in hybrid technology. This structure, the scarcity of electric vehicles and the date. What do you have that can help me meet that ated two or three years by the COVID-19 pandemic. allows fleet managers to reap similar benefits with- fact that fully electric vehicles may never be ideal right away?’” compared to asking about system “From a delivery standpoint, or anyone that out going fully electric. for certain fleet applications. costs and a return on investment, he said. “It’s leaves a location and comes back to that exact same “The industry wants to push toward an all- However, when clean energy mandates come a much different conversation now than it used location on a daily basis, I think electric vehicles electric landscape, but there are a number of from states, municipalities or within a company to be.”

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 11 FOCUS: TRANSPORTATION Commuter transit route between GR and Holland to be revisited post-pandemic

By KATE CARLSON | MiBiz “It’s a shame because [email protected] there was some good he COVID-19 pandemic and subse- quent widespread shift to remote work- momentum around the ing has stalled plans for a commuter transit system that would connect project. But because Grand Rapids and Holland. everything could be TThe West Michigan Express initiative launched in 2017 to provide transportation so different after the for commuters along the Chicago Drive corridor. pandemic, it’s good too Before the pandemic, plans were in motion to pilot a bus to take another look at it. route starting in the fall of 2020 that would make stops It’s a project we remain in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Hudsonville, Zeeland and interested in.” Holland. Municipalities along the Kirk — BILL KIRK proposed route were in talks Business Affairs Specialist, The Rapid The proposed route of the West Michigan Express commuter transit line, which has been put on hold to partner with the Interurban during the COVID-19 pandemic. COURTESY ILLUSTRATION Transit Partnership, com- monly known as The Rapid, to extend a bus route and link “We still feel very good about expectations, potential shifts in long-term commuting habits Despite the ridership trends caused by the pan- the communities. The ini- but we want The Rapid to do the study before we because of the pandemic. demic, The Rapid remains in a “pretty financially tiative called for eventually proceed,” Waterman said. “When we do study this and try to understand sound position” with revenues continuing to flow evolving into a rail system. The Rapid’s master plan will look at potential how demand has changed, we’ll look at all of that from local property tax millages in the six cities it ser- “Conversations are defi- regional routes, including along the Chicago Drive stuff and if there is still a good level of demand vices and federal relief funding from the American nitely still happening, but corridor, said Bill Kirk, The Rapid’s business affairs and that a service like this could work, then we Rescue Plan Act, Kirk said. Waterman we want to reaffirm all of our specialist. The proposed West Michigan Express will be pursuing it,” Kirk said. “As we try to under- The transit master planning process will likely assumptions for ridership in a post-COVID-19 route has a “head start” because of prior public feed- stand the ‘new normal,’ we want to make sure start in the second half of 2022 and could take environment,” Hudsonville City Manager Patrick back and studies that can be updated and incorpo- we give people another option on the transpor- around a year to complete. Even if the project is still Waterman told MiBiz. “We do assume with the rated into the master planning process, Kirk said. tation side.” feasible, it remains unclear how the operating struc- manufacturing and health care industries we “It’s a shame because there was some good Aligning with national trends, The Rapid’s rid- ture might work. have that there probably won’t be too much in momentum around the project. But because ership on existing routes has dropped significantly, “That remains to be determined, because the way of changes, and those were planned to everything could be so different after the pan- Kirk said. Ridership at the beginning of the pan- one of the things we were looking at before the be our primary riders.” demic, it’s good too to take another look at it,” demic decreased 90 percent compared to previous pandemic was The Rapid being the operator and The Rapid is updating its transit master Kirk said. “It’s a project we remain interested in.” years, and today is about 60-percent lower than typi- providing vehicles and labor,” Kirk said. “But plan in 2022 and plans to incorporate the West cal years, he said. The initial steep decline was also another option was to contract that out to another Michigan Express concept into the process. Changing commuter habits related to buses running at lower capacity under operator.” However, the commuter transit plan is on hold COVID-19 safety precautions. until that master planning process is completed, Even as workers return to physical offices, Kirk and “It’s slowly coming back, and we’ll see if things Remaining optimistic Waterman said. other planners are keeping an open mind about start to pick up more as restrictions lift,” Kirk said. Tim Mroz, senior vice president of strategic initia- tives at The Right Place Inc., is optimistic about workers returning to office spaces more broadly after the July 4 holiday. “The parking structures downtown are start- ing to fill up again, and I think people are miss- ing that in-person interaction,” Mroz said. “We are getting there.” Meanwhile, local officials have long touted the potential commuter project as a talent reten- tion and attraction measure, particularly for areas between Holland and Grand Rapids that aren’t currently served by transit agencies. A 2018 survey by Hope College researchers found 38 percent of workers along the Chicago Drive cor- ridor would use a service like the West Michigan Express on a daily basis if it existed. A separate pre-pandemic study showed that roughly 27,000 people use the corridor to commute daily. Mroz noted that every municipality along the corridor publicly supported the project before the pandemic hit, and that additional federal fund- ing could be available with a federal infrastructure package being debated by lawmakers and the Biden administration. “Depending on what this infrastructure bill ultimately looks like, we could have a once in a generation opportunity to make this happen,” Mroz said.

12 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com Getting Back, Together. Contact us to start a transportation program at your organization.

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 13 FOCUS: TRANSPORTATION

Muskegon transit agency replaces some fixed routes with Uber-like program

By ANDY BALASKOVITZ | MiBiz on June 23. MATS users can download an app to years, and River North will provide the technology, Koens expects the service to be particularly [email protected] hail rides within the city of Muskegon, Muskegon equipment and drivers for the turnkey program. valuable for employees getting to and from jobs Heights, Norton Shores and Roosevelt Park. Fares Four Go2 minivans are scheduled to operate or for people getting to appointments. MUSKEGON — Facing ongoing budget con- are $4 per one-way trip, and reduced rates are from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, “There’s a lot of different use cases where peo- straints, the Muskegon Area Transit System available for elderly passengers or people with and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. ple could benefit,” Koens said. “The development (MATS) is launching a new program this week that disabilities. MATS contracted with River North “It allows us to replace some of our services of the ridership base will come from a lot of dif- aims to cut costs while providing the same level of Transit LLC, a subsidiary of New York City-based that we discontinued in our route program, but it ferent angles.” service through an on-demand platform similar Via Transportation Inc., which has deployed also expands service to some additional locations Several program details are still undeter- to Uber and Lyft. similar on-demand services around the world. and to earlier mornings and later evenings,” said mined, including potential partnerships with The new Go2 “microtransit” service goes live The roughly $2.7 million contract lasts for three MATS Manager Jim Koens. more municipalities and additional offerings such as advanced bookings. A microtransit option was among several rec- ommendations in a 2019 study as MATS sought to reduce costs after over-expanding services about 10 years ago “when the economy was really strug- Lighthouse’s fleet safety gling,” Koens explained. “As the economy improved, we had fewer riders services include: on board,” Koens said. “We determined we needed to do something with our programs to reduce its Integrated Claims Management expense.” In-house Fleet Safety & Loss MATS reportedly operated at a $400,000 Prevention budget deficit in 2019, drawing criticism from Lighthouse Insurance Group county officials who had threatened to defund Online Safety, Training, and HR the agency. Compliance Programs Meanwhile, the West Michigan Shoreline Publications and Support Materials Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) CSA Motor Carrier Safety is in the beginning stages of a study that’s explor- ing a potential merger with Harbor Transit, Measurement System Evaluations which operates in Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Safety Leadership Training Ferrysburg. Industry Seminars Harbor Transit Transportation Director Scott Borg said he is familiar with the MATS Go2 pro- gram but that the tri-cities agency isn’t yet explor- ing a similar option. “We’re certainly keeping our options open and looking at different ways to grow Harbor Transit,” Empowering transportation companies to Borg said. Drive Confidently. Disability advocates’ concerns While two of the four Go2 vehicles will be wheel- chair accessible, disability advocates remain concerned about the new MATS platform, which Meet the Expert eliminated some previous routes in favor of on- demand ride hailing. Brian DeKorte is a Senior Vice President at Lighthouse, An “The concerns remain high around the Alera Group Company. With 15 years of industry experience, changes to MATS and their new microtran- Brian leads the organization’s transportation insurance sit services,” Diane Fleser, CEO of Disability division. Network West Michigan, said in an email to MiBiz. “We’re aware of people who are anx- His extensive industry knowledge combined with strong iously awaiting to give it a try, including our relationships with key underwriters allows Brian to create team, as over 50 percent of our staff are peo- ple with disabilities, some of whom use MATS quality performance-based insurance programs that will services.” enhance, rather than impede, your business. Other concerns involve whether the app will meet Americans with Disabilities Act require- ments and rides “only being available as a corner- “Brian and his team have been invaluable in helping TransWay manage to-corner service,” which won’t reach specific des- and grow our operation. Their safety resources and loss control capabilities have saved us immensely and having Brian on my team of tinations, Fleser said. advisors has freed me to focus on my business, not my insurance.” “This causes great concern, especially for people who use mobility devices or are visually - Tom VanWyk, President, TransWay (Holland, MI) impaired,” Fleser said. Koens said MATS will continue to provide ser- vice for those with disabilities, as is required by Brian DeKorte, Senior Vice President federal law. “We do expect we’ll continue to make all of 616.656.1757 | [email protected] those services available to that group of custom- ers,” he said. “And we’re eager to do so.”

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Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 15 SMALL BIZ

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The Green Panel Inc. has opened a showroom of various renewable energy products in Byron Center. COURTESY PHOTO SE Mich. solar installer opens Byron Center showroom amid hot market

By ANDY BALASKOVITZ | MiBiz Harris said The Green Panel, which has [email protected] about 50 employees, is “hiring more people every week,” and business continues to grow BYRON CENTER — After selling off his telecom- after avoiding supply chain challenges during AMERICAN AIRLINES I DELTA AIR LINES I UNITED AIRLINES munications firm in the mid-2000s, Adam Harris the pandemic. ventured into another emerging technology field Since Harris launched The Green Panel 15 poised for rapid growth: renewable energy. years ago, the U.S. solar market has ebbed and “When I opened my business, I looked like flowed with favorable tax policies and early the town idiot,” said Harris, managing director government support that never materialized for Brighton-based The Green Panel Inc. “This into widespread development. In recent years, was 2006 to 2007. It was not a very vogue time to though, the cost of producing solar power has Coming Soon! open a business and it was a climate where solar come down significantly. U.S. solar installa- was nonexistent.” tions grew 46 percent in the first quarter this Since then, The Green Panel has taken its EF&I year, and year-over-year growth is expected to WEST (engineer, furnish and install) approach to doz- reach nearly 24 percent compared to last year, ens of corporate, municipal, higher education according to a recent report by Wood Mackenzie. and residential customers looking to install solar Corporate purchasers are helping to drive MICHIGAN either for environmental or cost-saving purposes. utility-scale projects while the return on invest- On July 10, the company will hold a grand ment for onsite installations is growing shorter TRIBAL opening for a Byron Center showroom that fea- for commercial and residential customers. tures the products it sells, including three leading Harris said the improving economics are cou- solar panel brands, Tesla Powerwall home battery pled with growing uncertainty among utility ECONOMY storage units and electric vehicle charging ports. customers about the future of electricity rates Harris says the showroom — a roughly which, in Michigan, have steadily climbed in JULY 19, 2021 1,300-square-foot space at 325 84th St. — sets recent years. Despite setbacks caused by the pandemic, The Green Panel apart from other installers by “As people get older, they’re living on a fixed several tribes are continuing to roll out allowing customers to examine products in buf- income,” Harris said. “Electricity becomes an ambitious economic development projects fet-like fashion. The COVID-19 pandemic accel- unknown variable for them, they’re at the mercy erated plans for a showroom that had been in throughout the state of Michigan. In of the utility company. Solar allows this flatlined the works for years, and Harris thinks the retail variable for them.” this focus section, MiBiz will provide a model is more customer-friendly and less intru- The Grand Rapids-area showroom also opens comprehensive report on the emerging sive than installers coming to properties. after shifts in Michigan’s solar regulatory envi- tribal economy in Michigan, including M&A “When COVID came, you didn’t want any- ronment that changes the way utilities compen- activity, real estate developments and new one in your house,” he said. “The showroom sate rooftop solar owners for the excess power Indigenous businesses throughout the is set up and designed with several different they send back to the grid. The state’s new dis- types of system offerings that illustrate and tributed generation program credits customers state. Plus, we’ll host a roundtable of tribal show the customer the basic electric elements at a lower rate than the previous net metering executives and advisers. in their home.” program. The showroom includes products from Tesla, While solar advocates have battled utilities Don’t wait to be in this issue! Contact us by Panasonic and SunPower. Harris compared the for years over a fair compensation rate, Harris Wednesday, July 7 to advertise. experience to picking out a car at a dealership. believes the emerging battery storage sector will “The customer gets to pick and choose what be equally beneficial for customers. they want with their system,” he said. “Then “People say, ‘I won’t send any power back, Contact Us Today! we’re able to design a system that meets their then I won’t have to worry about what you charge [email protected] needs down the road.” for sending it to the grid,’” Harris said. “Those [email protected] The Green Panel’s customer base is 60 systems in the future are going to be an island. percent residential and 40 percent commer- You won’t even have to go to the utility because 616-608-6170 cial. Past clients include Dow Chemical Co., you’ll feed nothing back to the grid. The net Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., Michigan State metering elimination opened the door for stor- University and Western Michigan University. age in a huge way.”

16 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT Communities early to opt in see economic development benefits of recreational cannabis

By KATE CARLSON | MiBiz — to operate at additional locations in the city, [email protected] including near downtown. “We decided there were some other key proper- ities that were early to opt in to recre- ties throughout the city we had not been able to get ational cannabis are now seeing the reinvestment on, some older buildings that could benefits from entrepreneurs redevel- use the cannabis industry to jumpstart other proj- oping old properties into sleek, mod- ects in the area,” Franzak said. ern retail businesses. Massive, aging industrial buildings around the CMuskegon, for example, initially created a medi- city are also being reviewed for redevelopment into cal marijuana overlay district to steer development non-retail cannabis establishments, Franzak said. within an underutilized industrial section of the city. “The investment doesn’t seem to be stopping,” The city’s first dispensary, Park Place Provisionary he said. “It’s just been really good for our econ- at 1922 Park St. that has been rebranded as New omy, we’re seeing a lot of job hiring out of it, and it Standard Park Place, started selling recreational strengthens our tax base.” Timber Cannabis Co. at 313 W. Laketon Ave. in one of Muskegon’s designated zones for cannabis on Jan. 17, 2020. The city of Kalamazoo has experienced similar suc- cannabis businesses. COURTESY PHOTO Muskegon now has six dispensaries just east of cess since adopting its medical marijuana ordinance in Seaway Drive. Last fall, city commissioners in a divided 2018, said Assistant City Planner Pete Eldridge. The city “It’s right on Laketon Avenue, so I’m sure the Timber Cannabis installed a new roof, resur- vote amended its zoning ordinance to expand the mari- now has 12 recreational cannabis retail stores operating city is enjoying the refresh that cannabis com- faced the parking lot, and added new flooring and juana district and add six individual properties. across the city, according to state data. panies are doing in the city,” Moorehead said. landscaping. Muskegon Planning Director Mike Franzak called “There has been rehabilitation of warehouses in “Once land is zoned into a ‘green area,’ the prices “I was really surprised and excited at our the city’s overlay district approach a success story. the manufacturing areas, older buildings on some of go sky high.” final product. It looks like a classy establish- “We took areas that were heavily disinvested in our community corridors like Portage Street, and it’s While cities that have opted in to recreational ment now with a comfortable atmosphere,” and very blighted along major corridors that are definitely made an impact on some of our decaying cannabis have taken varied approaches to zoning Moorehead said. easy to find,” Franzak said. “We’ve been able to take building stock in a very positive way,” Eldridge said. the industry, skyrocketing real estate prices have Muskegon’s overlay district approach was an that area and just see an amazing transformation. It tended to follow. alternative to capping the number of cannabis looks like a completely different corridor than it was Prime real estate “Right now, that’s the impediment to the businesses that could operate there. As a result, before, and that was with our initial overlay district.” growth of the industry: The lack of available prop- new retail stores are competing for customers, often The city’s zoning ordinance was recently Julie Moorehead, co-owner of Timber Cannabis erties, no question,” said Ben Wrigley, a partner at doing so with freshly upgraded facilities. amended again to allow microbusinesses — which Co. at 313 W. Laketon Ave. in Muskegon, initially Cannalex Law in Cascade Township. “The prop- “A lot of our employees live nearby and appre- can grow up to 150 plants, process and sell products saw potential in the property that included a run- erties are in such demand because there are only ciate the nice aesthetic that’s been going on,” to adults but not other adult-use establishments down former banquet hall. so many of them.” Moorehead said.

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Grand Rapids is teeming with innovative people knew his team could provide the level of exper- and companies. Young professionals recognize tise and service needed to make GRIP a reality. the city as the ideal jumping off point for their careers. Entrepreneurs see the tremendous val- “In terms of the delivery model and our compre- ue in leveraging the ample resources available to hensive platform, which includes real estate de- bring their ideas to life. And along the Medical velopment, financing, construction and property Mile, which encompasses an expansive stretch management services, we were completely con- of Michigan Street east of the Grand River and fident in our ability to bring this to life,” Mraz said. just south of Interstate 196, groundbreaking re- search is transforming the healthcare industry. Recognizing the complexity of the work, Rock- ford helped form Health Innovation Partners It’s no surprise that Michigan State University (HIP), a real estate development joint venture (MSU) chose the Medical Mile as home base for (JV) between Rockford Construction/Rockford their College of Human Medicine at the Secchia Development, Walsh Construction/Walsh In- Center. That decision kickstarted the real estate vestors, Murphy Real Estate Services, Harrison development efforts that have led to the genesis of Street and MSU. Collectively, the group selected the Grand Rapids Innovation Park (GRIP). GRIP is a public-private partnership (P3) approach to de- a healthcare innovation hub that encompasses the velop the project. P3s allow public institutions, Grand Rapids Research Center, Doug Meijer Med- like universities, to team up with private industry has done throughout its history – give us a diffi- will provide more than $300 million in economic ical Innovation Building (DMMIB) and 430 Monroe partners who are well equipped to handle the sig- cult problem and we’ll find a solution.” Avenue, which will become home to Perrigo Com- nificant capital outlay and allocation of risk as- impact to Kent County each year. sociated with large-scale projects like GRIP. They pany plc’s new North American Corporate Head- Beyond engaging the partners in a P3 approach Looking forward, Rockford envisions an oppor- quarters after construction is completed in 2022. also allow work to be completed with enhanced to delivery, Rockford and the collective team also tunity to complete similar projects at additional speed and efficiency. The vision for GRIP is grand: Generate an envi- brought significant technical knowledge and ex- sites, leveraging the power of P3s to bring ad- ronment in which a variety of industries – edu- Without the P3, MSU may have had to engage in perience to the development portion of the work. vanced healthcare systems to the public quickly cation, healthcare, hospital systems and private other efforts to finance the work, such as a long- The development group successfully navigated and with the highest level of care and quality. industry – can collaborate to license, manufac- term fundraiser. But through the expertise of HIP the complex design needed to situate all three ture, distribute and commercialize health innova- and Rockford, the development kicked off success- buildings within GRIP to maximize visibility. tion with speed to market. Achieving such a bold fully and has been moving forward ever since. Additionally, the team was able to balance com- vision requires the perfect partner along with a plementary architecture; appropriate floor plans; bit of ingenuity. “P3s require plenty of innovation and creativity,” site infrastructure; mechanical, electrical and said Melissa Collar, Rockford’s chief counsel and plumbing systems; and more to establish a plan From the onset, Mike Mraz, president of real vice president of strategic partnerships. “But be- for the associated buildings and facilities that estate development at Rockford Construction, ing a thought leader is something that Rockford won’t just attract world-class tenants, but also rockfordconstruction.com

Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 17 FINANCE

Barnes continues to co-own two wireless busi- valuations that may lead some business owners to GR Venture Capital scours market for nesses, Mobile Defenders and Tech Defenders, act now rather than wait any longer. which his partners and co-founders operate. He also “They may have been looking recently — maybe has invested in a close friend’s olive oil business in over the past few years — but weren’t ready to pull small biz investments, acquisitions Italy to help him sell products in the U.S. the trigger,” Baas said. “Seeing these other opportu- GR Venture Capital operates more as a family nities and incentives maybe pushed them further By MARK SANCHEZ | MiBiz believes a “generational wave” office or private equity, as opposed to traditional along in that trajectory.” [email protected] is occurring in entrepreneur- venture capital as the name implies. However, At the same time, “a ton” of prospective ship. “There’s going to be more Barnes and his partners are considering whether buyers are also scouring the market for deals, s an investor and acquirer of small entrepreneurs than ever, more to form a venture capital fund. according to Baas. businesses, Steve Barnes is scouting a businesses than ever, and (I “We’re toying around with creating a fund in the The pandemic and economic fallout have gen- market that appears to hold plenty of want to) help them get a chan- Grand Rapids area over the next year or two, whether erated a rise in entrepreneurship among people opportunity. nel to find or grow their invest- it’s under the GRVC name or something else,” he who lost their jobs or who decided to buy a small Barnes, an entrepreneur who previ- ment in their business.” said. “It’s something we want to do in the future.” business to run, Baas said. In his estimation, more Aously co-founded three wireless companies, formed GR Venture Capital aims to Barnes targets additional small busi- people are deciding “I want to own my own busi- GR Venture Capital LLC a year ago to capitalize on Barnes complete two or three invest- nesses deals amid what Matt Baas, a partner ness, I want to be in control of myself, and they’re ongoing generational shifts and invest in small busi- ments annually and focus on at Grand Rapids-based Small Business Deal venturing out and doing something on their own,” nesses that he can grow. technology and distribution companies in West Advisors LLC, considers to be a strong market, as similar to what occurred in the wake of the 2008 He recently closed on the acquisition of Grand Michigan, although the quality of a deal matters many companies are now coming to market after financial crisis. Rapids-based Professional Courier Services, a more than quantity, he said. going through the harsh economic downturn last A first quarter report by online small busi- same-day, small package delivery and errand ser- Barnes formed GR Venture Capital as a way to year during the COVID-19 pandemic. ness marketplace BizBuySell.com found height- vice whose owner, Cathy Smith, wanted to retire. invest the proceeds from the 2018 sale of Genius Some business owners who delayed their exits ened demand among buyers “is likely here to GR Venture Capital typically targets small busi- Phone Repair, a company he co-founded in 2011 are now seeking to sell, while others are acceler- stay,” as small business ownership “has become nesses that have between $200,000 and $2 million with two partners. They grew the business to 18 ating existing exit plans, said Baas, who repre- a haven for individuals seeking security in times in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depre- retail locations in Michigan and Indiana. sented Smith at Professional Courier Services in of uncertainty.” ciation and amortization), where Barnes can sup- “I was looking for a new business to jump into,” the sale to Barnes. In a quarterly BizBuySell.com survey, one of port a new generation of business owners through said Barnes, who looked at about 150 businesses “It’s been really strong. We continue to find sellers five respondents buying a business said they were majority investments or minority deals to help own- before buying Professional Courier Services. “Right that are ready to move forward. A lot of them have man- newly unemployed and 37 percent said they were ers transition their companies to new ownership. now, it’s the stage of my career where I had the aged through the past year, but are still at the point that unhappy with their job and wanted control over In a minority investment scenario, he’s looking for opportunity to find something new and this is Grand they need to retire,” Baas said. “At this point … it’s just their future. situations in which a seller will remain with the busi- Rapids-based, where I live. It’s the right size and it time to get out, whether to retire or do something else. “The pandemic has presented a wakeup call for ness in an operating role. gives me the opportunity to have flexibility and to We have run into a few that are in that position.” American workers who have faced job loss or stay- “One major goal is to help younger entrepre- grow it, and I believe it’s in a great market and that He thinks record available capital and low inter- at-home downtime to assess their future,” accord- neurs like myself 10 years ago,” said Barnes, 32, who this style of transportation is only going to grow.” est rates have created a strong market with high ing to the quarterly BizBuySell.com report.

INTRODUCING THE 11TH ANNUAL MICHIGAN CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR (MCOY) NOMINEES

On August 26, 2021, the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM) will celebrate the 11th Annual MCOY Award Celebration at the home of the Whitecaps, Lake Michigan Credit Union THANK YOU TO OUR Ballpark. MCOY recognizes Michigan’s general contractors and construction managers with a track record of best practices, professionalism, and collaboration within the trade contracting community. TOP SPONSORS

ASAM IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THIS YEAR’S MCOY AWARD NOMINEES:

• The Christman Company • Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. • Dan Vos Construction Company • Pioneer Construction • EV Construction • Rockford Construction • First Companies ASAM members will vote to determine which of these nominees will take home the coveted award. Nominees will be scored on the following criteria: bid ethics & practices, safety, jobsite supervision, communication, schedule coordination, project relations, administrative procedures, payment terms, and quality workmanship. For more information about ASAM and MCOY, please visit ASAMichigan.net

• 11TH ANNUAL• MEET THE BAND: MCOY AWARDS MID-LIFE CRISIS

Mid-Life Crisis is a popular, award-winning Grand Rapids band has that been rocking West Michigan since 2001. This versatile group of six friends

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK and experienced musicians draws musical inspiration from every decade BAck atOctober it -xx, together 2017 and knows how to get a crowd to their feet with their fun, high-energy performances. Come out and enjoy the fun!

18 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com POLICY

TAX BILL “Providing tax PACKAGE Continued from page 1 relief now is the Tax rankings most direct way Great Lakes states’ ranking on overall business climate and the corporate income tax rate (from lowest to highest), according to the Tax Foundation’s 2021 State Business Tax Climate Index: Jumpstart Plan that was proposed this month and that we can help would use billions of dollars in federal funding for a variety of initiatives. For example, the Michigan our financially Corporate income Mainstreet Initiative would allocate $300 million State Overall ranking for small businesses in the form of restart grants, struggling tax rank microenterprise grants and SmartZone funding. Owens said that while grant programs are well- businesses keep Illinois 36th 36th meaning, they also include administrative costs that siphon off some of the funding. their doors open “If we can focus most of our effort on these Indiana 9th 12th broad-based programs that are going to have a widespread (effect) and touch many of these busi- now and in the nesses, we think that’s a smarter approach,” he Michigan 14th 20th said. future.”

Staying competitive Minnesota 46th 45th — SEN. JON BUMSTEAD Senate Bill 392 — introduced in late April by R-Newaygo Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo — would reduce New York 48th 15th Michigan’s corporate income tax rate over two years from 6 percent to 4.9 percent. If approved, the state’s corporate tax rate would decline retro- actively to 5.5 percent for 2021 and to 4.9 percent overall business climate rankings are based on Ohio 39th 42nd in 2022. corporate, individual income, sales, property, and The Senate Finance Committee approved the unemployment insurance taxes. bill along party lines on June 2, sending it to the Michigan’s corporate income tax rate is cur- Pennsylvania 27th 43rd full Senate for consideration. rently lower than rates in Wisconsin (7.9 percent), “The pandemic has been an economically Illinois (9.5 percent), and Pennsylvania (9.99 per- challenging time for our local businesses,” cent). Ohio, which ranks 39th in overall business Wisconsin 25th 30th Bumstead said during a May hearing on the legis- tax climate, instead levies a gross receipts tax of lation. “Providing tax relief now is the most direct 0.26 percent that equates to a ranking of 42nd way that we can help our financially struggling nationally among corporate income taxes, accord- NOTE: The Tax Foundation’s overall ranking for business climate is based on corporate, individual income, businesses keep their doors open now and in the ing to the Tax Foundation. sales, property, and unemployment insurance taxes. future.” The bill to reduce the state’s corporate Bumstead argues that a lower corporate income tax has support from the Michigan income tax rate would also make Michigan more Manufacturers Association, Small Business competitive with other states. He cited Indiana’s Association of Michigan and the Michigan 5.25 percent corporate income tax rate that Chamber of Commerce. several state and local will decrease to 4.9 percent this summer, and The state Treasury Department and the business groups, now Kentucky’s present 5 percent rate. Michigan League for Public Policy indicated sits before the House “Providing this tax relief is important so our their opposition at last month’s legislative Tax Policy Committee. state can be competitive with not just these neigh- hearing. Lawmakers in 2020 boring states but with all states across the nation,” “Simply put, now is not the time for broad tax passed property tax Bumstead said. “Reducing our business tax to a cuts for big businesses, as we need investments relief twice for busi- competitive rate like other states near us is impor- in our people, like child care, roads and water nesses affected by the tant to incentivize companies to come and stay systems, education, state safety net services pandemic, though in Michigan.” and more,” Michigan League for Public Policy Whitmer vetoed both Bumstead Daley Kramer Owens The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of President and CEO Gilda Jacobs said in a state- efforts. A similar mea- Commerce also supports the bill as a way to keep ment to MiBiz. “We understand that the pandemic sure included in a supplemental appropriations that need the most relief. Once that goal is Michigan competitive with other states. has hit our people, our businesses and our econ- bill earlier this year was line-term vetoed. achieved, we want to make sure that we are able “This is all about signaling to our business omy hard, but as we look to pull out of this health The Treasury Department took a neutral to administer the program and ensure that it’s community and businesses about making it a lit- crisis, we believe that strategic investments in position on S.B. 393, although it has “a num- successful.” tle more business-friendly state, and especially what Michigan workers and their families need ber of concerns,” said Aaron Keel, the Treasury Daley and bill supporters estimate that the bill taking that into account as we get ourselves out to thrive will benefit our businesses and state bud- Department’s director of legislative affairs. Those would result in $75 million in lost revenue in fiscal of COVID mode and back into whatever this new get as well.” concerns include “incredibly difficult” admin- year 2022. While it’s unclear how many businesses normal looks like,” said Alexa Kramer, direc- istration of the tax credits, their retroactive might potentially seek a retroactive tax credit, the tor of government affairs for the Grand Rapids Refundable tax credit nature, and verifying revenue losses of affected Senate Fiscal Agency reported that the bill would Chamber. “This is something we can do to help businesses. reduce state General Fund and School Aid Fund out businesses so we can get our businesses back, Meanwhile, Senate Bill 393 would create a two- Still, the Whitmer administration is open to revenue by an “unknown and potentially signifi- get our communities back, and put Michigan in a year refundable tax credit for businesses that were working with lawmakers on potential tax cred- cant amount that would depend on the number of really good position to be competitive with other forced to close during the pandemic for at least six its as part of broader budget negotiations for the eligible taxpayers affected.” states.” weeks and lost at least 25 percent of sales. Those state’s 2022 fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, Keel said. Owens said the Treasury Department’s will- Michigan ranks 14th nationally among businesses could claim an income tax credit for He noted that the proposed tax credits could ingness to at least discuss the legislation gives states for overall business tax climate and 20th 2020 and 2021 up to their total property taxes on result in $150 million to $400 million in potential him hope for some form of tax relief next fiscal for corporate income tax rates, according to an the affected business. lost revenue to the state. year for businesses hit hard by the pandemic. annual report by the Washington, D.C.-based The legislation “creates another source of “We do believe that that’s a big price tag that Whitmer and top GOP lawmakers also recently Tax Foundation. The only Great Lakes state that relief” for businesses affected by last year’s belongs in a larger conversation about how best agreed to negotiate over a 2022 budget, and ranked higher was Indiana, which was ninth over- shutdowns, said bill sponsor Sen. Kevin Daley, to provide for and target relief for businesses Owens expects both sides to get part of what all for tax climate and 12th for its corporate income R-Lum. that are struggling the most with the resources they want. tax, according to the Tax Foundation’s report on The state Senate passed Lum’s bill on a 19-16 that we have,” Keel said. “We want to be a part- “I think that there’s a possibility that some of state business climates. The Tax Foundation’s vote on June 9. The bill, which is also backed by ner in identifying and assisting the businesses these things will be signed into law,” he said.

Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 19 INFORMED IMPACT To overcome racial, social and economic inequities we must respond with intention and care. Grand Rapids Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to answer community needs.

Our partners inspire, motivate and guide our work.

The Community Foundation connects people, passion and resources to meet our region’s toughest challenges. Learn more at grfoundation.org.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a proud sponsor of MiBiz’s nonprofit news section.

20 JUNE 21, 2021 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS National giving trends in 2020 create unique opportunities, challenges for local nonprofits

By JOSH SPANNINGA | MiBiz million in rental assistance, and we are giving making sure they understand how much we appre- Layton said. “Instead, if they identify nonprofits [email protected] about $400,000 to $500,000 a week in assistance. ciate their support.” working in an area they’re concerned about, they The needs are great, and it will just continue.” “We operate under the assumption that it’s a lot should trust those nonprofits, and kind of strip down he COVID-19 pandemic caused major more effective and efficient to maintain donor rela- and simplify the procedures for applying for grants shifts in philanthropic giving last year Small donations increased tionships once they’ve been established rather than and reporting requirements afterwards in an effort as human services organizations ben- to be constantly involved in that churn of attracting to allow those nonprofits to focus on the work, and efited and small-level donors increased, As more donors contributed to emergency new donors,” Zack added. not so much the red tape and bureaucracy.” according to a recent report from global causes last year, the number of small donations Giving Tuesday researchers expect donor reten- In 2020, Heart of West Michigan United Way Tnonprofit Giving Tuesday. increased. The number of donations between $101 tion to drop significantly in 2021, specifically for raised $3.3 million in unrestricted funds that it The Giving Tuesday Data Commons report and $500 increased by 11 percent last year, which human services. Heart of West Michigan United Way could then flexibly allocate to nonprofits. Van released last month collected data from more than was a large contributing factor to the 1.3-percent plans to combat the expected drop through regular Dyke said this flexibility allowed the organiza- 100 contributing partners to identify 2020 U.S. giv- top-line gain in donors overall. In contrast, mid- contact with donors and offering opportunities for tion to quickly respond to community and non- ing trends that were reshaped by the pandemic. size and major donations — from $501 to $50,000 donors to get involved with volunteer work. profit needs. Unsurprisingly, the 2020 data reflect a tumultuous — decreased in 2020. “For the most part they really want to have “Many of them were very small nonprofits that year for nonprofits. Michael Layton, W.K. Kellogg Community an impact in the community, so for us it’s about wouldn’t have been able to do any kind of fund- Philanthropy Chair at Grand Valley State communicating that impact,” Van Dyke said. “It’s raising for their efforts,” Van Dyke said. “That was University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for allowing our donors to get engaged in volunteer really important, and United Way has the proce- Philanthropy, said this reversed a five-year opportunities so that they really get the hands-on dures and the systems in place to be able to do trend of small donations decreasing. connection to the work that we’re doing. All of that this work and very quickly get the funds into the “The long-term trend had been for fewer helps to retain donors by making sure they under- hands of the nonprofits who needed it to meet the families to donate a greater and greater per- stand the impact and making sure that they can emergency needs of their clients.” centage of all the dollars that constitute char- engage with the mission.” itable giving in the U.S,” Layton said. “And Optimism for arts and culture there was a lot of concern about what that Unrestricted funds needed meant. Just as the distribution of wealth in As fundraising returns to pre-pandemic levels, Layton Van Dyke Zack our economy is becoming more and more Nonprofits rely on both restricted and unrestricted experts say arts and culture organizations that saw While overall fundraising dollars increased unequal, so too was the philanthropic universe funding from donors that determine whether con- a sharp drop in donations last year will likely benefit. 5.4 percent year over year from 2019, much of being increasingly dominated by bigger and bigger tributions must be used for specific causes or uses These organizations and their venues were largely those gains went to human services organiza- donors. The fact that there was an uptick (in small within the organizations. Though the Giving Tuesday closed during the pandemic in 2020, which caused tions, which saw a 1.9-percent dollar growth. donations) this past year I think represents a really report doesn’t differentiate between the two types of steep declines in ticket sales and gift shop sales that All other causes experienced a drop in year over exciting opportunity.” funding when analyzing 2020 donations, it shows many organizations rely on for revenue. year donation dollars. Arts and culture nonprof- While donations of more than $50,000 saw that much of the giving last year was to meet emer- Layton agrees that the forecast looks much more its fared the worst with a 16.3-percent decline in the most year-over-year growth, this was mostly gent needs in communities. That includes pandemic positive for arts and culture organizations moving donation dollars. because of initial responses to the pandemic as response and addressing racial injustice. forward. The large growth in human services fund- large donations declined year over year, according Layton said responding to emergent commu- “I think it would be pretty shocking if, as people ing was a result of the public responding to the to the report. nity needs aligns with the concept of “trust-based went back to theaters and started enjoying perfor- pandemic and racial justice issues. Heart of West As giving trends return to pre-pandemic lev- philanthropy.” mances and art and museums again, that people Michigan United Way was a large benefactor of els and small donations are expected to decrease, “In trust-based philanthropy the idea is that wouldn’t be opening their wallets and checkbooks this trend. Layton still sees an opportunity for nonprofits to grantmakers and foundations should not be so and credit cards and supporting those organizations “I think it’s important to recognize the response focus more on attracting this specific demographic. heavy handed in how they make grants with lots of again,” Layton said. “I think those are very safe bets, of this community and to donors during the pan- “The challenge for nonprofits now is we’ve strings attached in terms of what it takes to apply but the question is how quickly and how strongly demic. It was remarkable,” Michelle Van Dyke, pres- had this big surge and connected with a lot of or what you’re expected to report on afterwards,” the arts and culture organizations rebound.” ident and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United new donors, engaged especially with smaller Way, told MiBiz. “The $3.3 million that we raised donors,” Layton said. “How do we maintain that for coronavirus response came not only from foun- momentum?” dations and corporations, but from individuals all throughout this community. People stepped up in Donor retention will be critical really big ways.” 2020 Donor Shifts The Giving Tuesday report showed a sharp Experts say the Giving Tuesday report under- During the pandemic last year, dollar amounts from small-scale and increase in donations in April 2020 during the early scores the importance of donor retention. “supersized” donors increased while mid- and major-level donations decreased. stages of the pandemic. Fundraising then had a Despite a spike in April 2020, donor retention downward trend until October, when end-of-year dropped overall last year. donation dollars increased. Meanwhile, new donors accounted for 59 per- Donor size Donor size % 2020 % YOY % of total Authors of the report expect giving trends to cent of donor growth in 2020. The other 41 percent of name range dollars growth dollar growth return to pre-pandemic levels by donor growth came from recaptured the end of the year, and will most donors who had previously given to Micro up to $100 3.5% 4.1% 2% likely result in year-over-year NONPROFITS a cause, lapsed, and then returned declines for human services non- NEWS in 2020. This indicates a trend that profits. Van Dyke believes many — donors are more likely to be mobile in Small $101 - $500 7.3 % 5.8% 10% human services organizations Sponsored by: the future, switching between causes GRAND RAPIDS will continue to feel some strain as COMMUNITY they support. Mid-size $501 - $5,000 18.1% -4.5% -20% some of the long-lasting financial FOUNDATION Giving Tuesday report authors effects of the pandemic, such as an urge nonprofits to emphasize donor $5,001 Major 27.9 % -1.6% -10% increased need in rental assistance, retention in 2021 through ongoing - $50,000 become apparent. engagement to leverage the rise in the number of “We administered [Kent] county’s CARES donors in 2020. Supersize $50,001 + 43.2% 11.0 % 118 % Act dollars, and now we are administering the Marilyn Zack, vice president of development for federal COVID emergency rental assistance the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, said program. It’s a testament to the need that’s still donor retention is a “big issue for us, and we spend Source: Giving Tuesday “Giving In Unprecedented Times” report out there,” Van Dyke said. “We have about $40 a lot of time connecting with our donor partners and

Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JUNE 21, 2021 21 WMed lands historic financial gift as IN THE NEWS medical students M&A washes, has opened its first facility in Michigan face financial n Grand Rapids-based Lake Michigan Credit with a new location at 5401 Beckley Road in Battle Union will gain a larger presence along Florida’s Creek, according to a statement. WhiteWater Ex- Gulf Coast with the proposed acquisition of Pilot press, which is backed by San Francisco-based pri- challenges Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Pilot Bank vate equity firm SkyKnight Capital, plans to develop and National Aircraft Finance Co. (NAFCO), which four additional express car washes in Michigan by specializes in financing aircraft. Under the deal, the end of 2021. A Q&A with Dr. Paula Termuhlen, dean Lake Michigan Credit Union would add six more n Midwest Fastener Corp. plans to create up offices in the Tampa Bay area, and more than $656 to 90 jobs as part of a $10.8 million investment to of the Western Michigan University million in assets and $511.2 million in deposits. The expand its headquarters and distribution center in deal should close in the fourth quarter, pending Portage and operations in Decatur. The manufac- Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine approvals from regulators and Pilot Bancshares turer and distributor of nuts, bolts, anchors, deck shareholders. Investment banking firm Donnelly and drywall screws and specialty fasteners received Dr. Paula Termuhlen took the helm of the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Penman & Partners Inc. advised Lake Michigan a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Pro- gram performance-based grant from the Michigan Medicine (WMed) on May 1, succeeding founding Dean Dr. Hal Jenson, who retired after 10 years at Credit Union on the transaction, and the law firm Honigman LLP served as legal counsel. Economic Development Corp. to support the ex- the post. Just one month into Termuhlen’s tenure, Western Michigan University announced a historic, pansion. An acquisition last year created a need for anonymous $550 million gift to the university over the course of 10 years. WMed will receive $300 million n Grand Rapids-based Continuum Ventures LLC, the family investment company of Doug and additional office and distribution space. The new of the donation, the largest gift ever bestowed upon a public university. MiBiz spoke with Termuhlen on Maria DeVos, invested in Harbor Springs-based jobs will involve positions at the company’s head- how she plans to use the funds and where WMed is heading after reaching its 10-year milestone. Walstrom Marine Inc. along with St. Clair Shores- quarters as well as skilled and unskilled laborers at based Colony Marine Sales and Service Inc. its warehouse and distribution center. What were your thoughts as WMed received such transformational funding a month after you Walstrom Marine, a yacht sales and service com- n Adhesives, sealants and coatings manufacturer started as dean? pany and marina operator, has locations in Harbor Seal Bond Inc. is planning to relocate its opera- tions and headquarters from Spring Lake Township The exciting part is realizing that one of the biggest challenges we face in medicine today is really creat- Springs, Traverse City, Bay Harbor, Charlevoix and to a new 200,000-square-foot facility planned for ing health equity for all and that every medical school plays a role in that. Cheboygan and employs more than 70 people. The company sells yachts made by Tiara Yachts, Pursuit vacant property at 1251 E. Mt. Garfield Road along Now, we really get to create an identity and what we can be known for. To have this gift arrive and Boats, Chris Craft, Sea Ray, Lund, Crest, and Nau- US-31 in Norton Shores. The site is owned by Kent- recognize the work that we needed to do, we can create an inspirational and aspirational vision around ticStar. Under the deal, Continuum Ventures took wood-based Grooters Land Development LLC. health equity. I’m so excited. This now gives us the opportunity to take a young school and really do a majority position in the 75-year-old Walstrom something transformational with our space. Marine while Colony Marine Sales assumed a mi- HEALTH CARE The challenge now is: This is hard work and we’re going to expect to be held accountable by not just nority ownership position. Terms of the deal were n Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health has our benefactors, but also our community to do this work and do it at a high level and be responsible for undisclosed. joined several health systems around the country the stewardship around a gift like this. n Jackson-based CMS Energy Corp. plans to that committed to increasing purchases from lo- sell EnerBank USA, a Salt Lake City-based bank cal minority- and women-owned businesses. The dozen U.S. health systems that signed on to Wash- Are any other medical schools taking this focused approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, or is that specializes in home improvement lending na- tionwide, to Regions ington, D.C.-based Healthcare Anchor Network’s WMed seeking to create the blueprint? Bank, a subsidiary of “Impact Purchasing Commitment” will increase People are doing a lot of really good work, and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that the his- Regions Financial Corp. spending by at least $1 billion over five years with torically black colleges and universities and their medical schools are a part of this system — they have in Birmingham, Ala. The minority- and women-owned businesses, and en- owned this work forever. It’s part of their DNA, it’s why they exist. Having said that, having a school like companies expect the $960 million deal to close in terprises that are owned by employees, coopera- ours that is a smaller and private school in the Midwest — no one else is doing this work and we have the fourth quarter, pending regulatory approval. The tives and nonprofits. The health systems also agree the opportunity to do it. divestiture of the “non-core asset” will allow the par- to adopt sustainable procurement goals for goods ent company of Consumers Energy to invest in its and services that “minimize damage to health and core energy business, including clean energy, ac- the environment.” You mentioned that you hope to use the donation for financial assistance for WMed students. Is cording to CMS President and CEO Garrick Rochow. n Hope Network will close a long-term housing financial need the biggest barrier in accessing a medical school education? Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial ad- center in Coldwater for people with severe dis- It’s one of the most pressing needs, but it’s not the only pressing need. Here’s a reality: I’m a first-gener- viser to CMS Energy, which was advised by the law abilities as a new fee schedule is set to take effect ation college student and I just paid off my student loans the same month I became the dean of a medical firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. under recent automotive no-fault insurance re- school. This happens in families that don’t have resources where their students finally get into medical school n Escanaba-based TEAM Wireless has signed forms. The 2019 and maybe they’re first-generation college students. This is commonly seen in underrepresented and minority an agreement to acquire Canton-based Cellular & no-fault reform populations. And not just students of color, but other diversity measures. More, an independent Verizon authorized retailer law imposes a It’s about creating wealth for families over time. (Financial aid) allows them to take their resources and with stores throughout southern Michigan. The 45-percent reduction in reimbursement payments deal, expected to close July 1, includes 15 locations, from auto insurance carriers to facilities that care spend it on their children so, generationally, you can continue to create economic capacity within families. including stores in Hastings, Kalamazoo, Charlotte, for people who were traumatically injured in crash- Lansing and Jackson, according to a statement. The es and require ongoing care. The change is set And paying tuition is just part of the financial dilemma of attending medical school? acquisition is the fifth for TEAM Wireless in the last to take effect on July 1. The Grand Rapids-based Particularly with students that come in and are of a lower socioeconomic status. Let’s say they get 11 years. With the addition of the Cellular & More Hope Network said that 10 of the 12 residents at the tuition money and they get some financial aid for living expenses. Often that doesn’t cover ev- locations, TEAM Wireless will own and operate 63 the Coldwater care home are crash survivors. The erything. There are several schools around the country now that are starting to understand what it retail locations and employ more than 400 people. pending reimbursement cut makes operating the means to have food insecurity within their student population. We actually have medical schools n Kamps Inc., a Walker-based pallet recycler, center financially unsustainable, according to Hope Network officials. that will create food shelves and so forth. I can’t speak explicitly for WMed except that I know it exists. signed a definitive purchase agreement to ac- I don’t have our data about that yet, but it is real and now we’re having national conversations about quire Buckeye Diamond Logistics Inc., a South Charleston, Ohio-based packaging solutions pro- BANKING what we are doing with our medical students as they’re trying to become young physicians and also vider. Buckeye maintains 20 onsite locations and n United Bank of Michigan plans to expand to worrying if they will have enough to eat. employs 1,100 full-time people. Terms of the deal, the lakeshore market with the opening of a branch which is expected to close at the end of the month, office next year in Holland. The branch will go into What’s next now that WMed has reached the 10-year milestone? were not disclosed. Kamps has now made three the $28 million, five-story Towers on River mixed- We have to do a good job of figuring out how to create a physician workforce that reflects and under- strategic acquisitions in 2021, and six after sell- use development on South River Avenue that’s stands the people we serve. That really does focus on the diversity, equity, inclusion and justice compo- ing a majority stake to Los Angeles-based private now under construction. The office will become the nent. We need to do some work to really hardwire how we get that work done and then we can actually equity firm Freeman Spogli & Co. at the begin- Grand Rapids Township-based United Bank’s 13th ning of 2020. think about, ‘Ok, let’s grow some more, let’s expand our classes and do some more.’ At the moment, the office in West Michigan and first on the lakeshore. n Caledonia-based producer of disposable sur- Plans for the location come after United Bank pre- bottleneck is our ability to identify clinical sites within our two hospital partners and within some of the gical products Aspen Surgical Products Inc. viously opened a loan office in Holland in October communities in Southwest Michigan where we have relationships. As time goes on, we’re looking for acquired Stork, a division of Briggs Healthcare, a 2019 that built a customer base. The new Holland opportunities and partners to expand. We’ll be on the lookout while we do this work on the front. Des Moines, Io- location will open in the summer of 2022 as United wa-based maker Bank’s regional headquarters. Does WMed track where its graduates eventually go to work? If so, has the school been successful of branded ster- n Consumers Credit Union has started con- in keeping graduates in Michigan? ile disposable obstetric products. The acquisition struction on a new office in Muskegon that will ex- We are so young. After you graduate medical school, you still have to do additional medical training in “strengthens Aspen’s broad portfolio of medical pand its presence along the lakeshore. The office your specialty. We only have one class that has barely made it out of the door and not even a full class and surgical disposables sold into the acute care on East Sherman Boulevard should open in early market,” the company said in announcing the deal. because some of them are still in training. However, this is absolutely critical to our work. This is some- 2022. Holland-based GDK Construction Co. is the Terms of the transaction, the fifth for Aspen in 18 contractor and Kalamazoo-based Bosch Archi- thing that most schools track in some ways, but for me personally, my dream is that we’re not only just months, were undisclosed. tecture Inc. designed the office. The Kalamazoo- tracking where people are practicing and serving communities but I also want to know how they’re do- based Consumers Credit Union presently has two ing that. We’re going to be tracking all of this very, very carefully as time goes on. EXPANSION offices in the lakeshore market in Holland and a n Houston, Texas-based WhiteWater Express branch in South Haven. A Grand Haven office now Interview conducted and condensed by Jayson Bussa. Courtesy photo. Inc., an operator of more than 40 express car under construction opens this summer.

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