Lakeshore Advantage

How Holland, Michigan, Explored Every Community Broadband Model... After spending decades investing slowly in municipal fiber, the @Holland Board of Public Works engaged the community in a decision to more rapidly expand the network to residents and area businesses.  That decision - to invest in local infrastructure - joins a long history of public investments that made Holland what it is today.   https://zurl.co/Zg1fY

Big thanks to Scott Lubbers @Old National Bank for sharing this invaluable insight on a topic we’re all eager to learn more about – TARIFFS! 🙌 We’re fortunate to have so many brilliant minds working tirelessly to keep us inspired, energized, and prepared for the future! https://zurl.co/uzuUM

🎉 One Year Anniversary Celebration for Lindsay Maunz! 🎉 It’s hard to believe it's already been a year since Lindsay joined the team! From day one, she’s brought tons of energy and an always positive attitude that has made such a difference in our workplace.  Whether she’s navigating the intricacies of grant writing or making the magic happen behind the scenes, Lindsay approaches every task with determination and a smile. Her positive vibes are always shining through, inspiring all of us to do our best work and create a better future together. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the team, Lindsay! Here’s to many more years of success, positivity, JJ's waffles, and making great things happen. 🙌💫

Hello, hot topic! Trade, Tariffs, and Trump: What’s Ahead for the United States? Join Prof. Stephen L. S. Smith, Ph.D. and Robert W. Haack Chair in Economics, Director, Global Studies Program of @Hope College for insights into what we can anticipate in regard to new policy. President Trump has initiated the largest change in U.S. international trade policy since the Bretton-Woods agreement at the end of World War II. What are the likely consequences? Will the new policies spur economic flourishing in the United States? Will they be a constructive part of the response to the global challenge posed by China’s totalitarian system?  Q+A after... Register here: https://zurl.co/HbSHW

Hello West Michigan's registration is now OPEN for Intern Connect! Intern Connect is a summer-long program that introduces interns to West Michigan’s vibrant lifestyle and top employers. Each summer, the program attracts 600-700 interns, making it the largest intern gathering in the region. Intern Connect 2025, happening IN PERSON on Wednesday, June 25, at GLC Live at 20 Monroe! Register here: https://zurl.co/X8wGY

Hey, Allegan County Government residents, what do you envision for the future? Allegan County leaders are seeking your input through the 2025 Allegan County National Community Survey to help shape the future of public services, economic growth, and community programs. Your voice matters—this survey will directly influence plans for years to come! If your household was selected, please complete the survey ASAP. Didn’t get a mailed copy? No worries! The online version is also available. The more responses they get, the better the data—and the stronger our community solutions will be. Let your friends and neighbors know they can participate. Kudos to Allegan County for taking such a proactive, data-driven approach to planning our future! 🙌 #AlleganCounty #CommunitySurvey #FuturePlanning #GetInvolved Read more here: https://zurl.co/TSRja

🌊🍻 Supporting Conservation in the Lakeshore Region 🌿 The food processing and agribusiness sector in the Lakeshore region is thriving, and we’re excited to see local businesses like Saugatuck Brewing Company continue to make a positive impact on both our economy and environment! Through their ongoing partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Saugatuck Brewing Company is working to protect one of Michigan’s most iconic species—the lake sturgeon. Their new Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program, launching this April, will help raise awareness and funds to support lake sturgeon habitat restoration. A portion of proceeds from every Lake Street Light sold will directly contribute to these critical conservation efforts. 🌱🐟 We’re proud to live in a region where businesses care about sustainability and our natural resources. It’s a perfect example of how we can grow our economy while protecting what makes our region such a special place to live and do business. Here’s to continued growth, sustainability, and protecting the places we love. 💧💚 Read more here: https://zurl.co/uuYvi #LakeSturgeon #SaugatuckBrewing #Conservation #Sustainability #LakeshoreRegion #LocalBusiness #ProtectOurWaterways #Michigan #GrowWithPurpose

🚀 The Koops' Expansion! 🚀 Back in 2023, Koops Automation Systems initiated a game-changing expansion. Not only did they choose Michigan over a competing site in South Carolina, but they also boosted their machining, fabrication, and logistics capacity, further solidifying their strategic growth plans. Fast forward to today—check out this incredible video, showcasing all the progress they've made! 🎥👇 It’s a shining example of the resilient and forward-thinking mindset that drives the Lakeshore’s economic development. 🌟 #Growth #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #MichiganMade #Manufacturing #LakeshoreSuccess https://zurl.co/4Rp7G

Advocacy in Action: Housing Solutions + Supply Data Updates June 17, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM The @Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce  and Housing Next will be presenting the updated Ottawa County Housing Needs Assessment, highlighting critical trends and exploring what these findings mean for the future of our housing market. This is your chance to be part of the conversation and ensure that housing remains a top priority for our county. Join us to advocate for sustainable, business-friendly solutions that can create more housing opportunities for all.  Your voice is crucial in making change happen. Don’t miss out—let’s work together to drive the change our community needs! Register here: https://zurl.co/W7vSI

🚀 At Lakeshore Advantage, we’re committed to investing in the future of the Lakeshore region and fueling the growth of our start-up community. That’s why we’re so proud of SURGE – our all-in-one resource hub for West Michigan entrepreneurs, helping them thrive and SURGE forward at every stage of early growth. SURGE connects innovators to the social, intellectual, and financial capital they need to succeed. Ottawa and Allegan counties have been among Michigan’s fastest-growing regions for the past decade – ranking 1st and 4th, respectively. Innovation plays a big role in this success, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. 🌱✨ Want an insider's experience to the magic of the SURGE program - join us for a Lunch + Learn!  March 20, 2025 11:30 am - 1:00 pm The Next Center In this session Justin Sadowski will share how to use the META suite of advertising products to launch and grow your businesses at any stage. Programming includes the presentation, lunch, Q + A, and time for networking. About Justin Sadowski Justin Sadowski is the first employee of Pitstick, founded by his partner Andria, a marketing consultant for start-ups and early-stage DTC companies, and works full-time in Advertising sales for Meta Platforms (fka Facebook) working with large businesses in the Retail, eCommerce, and Technology space. #SURGEForward #StartUpSuccess #LakeshoreInnovation #WestMichiganEntrepreneurs #CommunityGrowth #LakeshoreAdvantage https://zurl.co/eKaSM