Category: Economic Development

Living Sustainably: Bus ride to Farmers Market pays off in MAX Market Bucks

By Shelby Pedersen, Macatawa Area Express

A new program will offer $10 of MAX Market Bucks for riding the MAX bus to the Holland Farmers Market.

Holland Farmers Market shoppers will be able to double up their savings simply by riding the MAX bus to the market in June.

A new program will launch June 1 in which people who ride the bus to the market can earn MAX Market Bucks to redeem at market vendors. The program will run through June 30.

Many community members go to the Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. Often, however, they experience busy traffic and limited parking because of how popular the Farmers Market is.

The popular Holland Farmers Market attracts crowds – and traffic congestion – on some of its busiest days.

An alternative is this new program that encourages everyone to use a green way to commute to the market and purchase farm fresh produce. Not only will this ease the troubles of parking and traffic, but riders will earn up to 10 Market Bucks and reduce their CO 2 emissions.

To join in the program, hop on the Route 3 MAX bus to get to the Farmers Market and receive a punch card. To get to the market, riders will get off at Eighth Street west of Maple. Buses stop there at three minutes after every hour.

Riders who get off at this stop will get their card punched by the MAX driver. Then, on the market grounds at the Market Office trailer, riders can get another punch and a reusable MAX bag.

After two trips on the MAX to the Farmers Market, riders will have earned 10 MAX Market Bucks!

Macatawa Area TransitThe MAX Market Bucks are redeemable through the Holland Farmers Market and are accepted by most vendors at the market.
MAX is excited to kick off this challenge to encourage local residents to participate in a greener transportation option. For any more information, reach out to MAX at (616)355-1010 and watch social media for more updates.

 Shelby Pedersen is the marketing assistant and ADA coordinator at the Macatawa Area Express. Go to www.catchamax.org/ for more information on routes and riding the bus.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Transportation: The movement of people, goods, and services within the area is an evolving system that links us to our regional, national and global networks.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.

Living Sustainably: Green Commute Expo marks special week

By Michelle Gibbs, Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute
The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council’s 11th Annual Green Commute Week kicks off today, Sunday, May 13, and runs through Saturday, May 19.
As part of the annual challenge to practice alternative ways of commuting, a Green Commute Expo is set for Friday, May 18. The Expo, focused on the sustainability framework category of transportation, is the last event of the 2017-18 series hosted by the Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore team.

Electric vehicles increasingly are a good option for people interested in green commuting.

Set for 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot at City Hall on a Friday evening, the Expo will be at a special day, time, and location compared to typical events in the series. The Expo is designed to be a family-friendly event highlighting green transportation options for members of the greater Holland area community.
The Expo will include a short presentation about different types of green commute options and the role transportation plays in Holland’s 40-year Community Energy Plan, along with fun hands-on activities for the whole family, hosted by local partners.

Practicing how to load a bike on a MAX bus will be among activities at the Green Commute Expo set for Friday, May 13.

Bike owners are encouraged to bring their bikes. Three local bike shops – Cross Country Cycles, Velo City Cycles, and West Michigan Bike and Fitness – will host stations with safety items, safety checks, a flat tire repair demo, E-bikes, and more.  A MAX bus also will be on-site so riders can practice putting their bikes on the bus rack in a no-pressure situation. (If it is raining the event will move indoors and personal bicycles will not be allowed inside.)

We are encouraging members of the community to commute “green” at least twice this week. So, try walking, biking, riding the bus, or carpooling! New this year, the organizers have added telecommuting and driving a fully electric car as qualifying activities.  Please register your efforts at www.the-macc.org/green-commute/green- commute-week- registration/.
The Expo will be a fun community event celebrating all the ways each of us can have an impact on our personal and community carbon footprint, helping to clean our air, and creating a healthier and more sustainable Holland. We look forward to seeing you at our final Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore
event in this year’s series.
And, happy green commuting!

What: Fun family events at Green Commute Expo
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 18
Who: Free to everyone in the greater Holland area
Where: Holland City Hall

 Michelle Gibbs, is the director of the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute. Its mission is to foster collaborative efforts to infuse sustainability into the minds and practices of the greater Holland community.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Transportation: The movement of people, goods, and services within the area links us to our regional, national and global networks.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.

Living Sustainably:  Rethink, Reuse, Recycle with Holland BPW during Tulip Time

By Morgan Kelley, Holland Board of Public Works
As part of its ongoing commitment to encourage conservation and sustainability, the Holland Board of Public Works is the Tulip Time Conservation Partner, working to promote and encourage festival goers to apply sustainable practices during the festival.
Among the activities it is offering, the HBPW will be at the Family Rest Area on Eighth Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 10, Kinderparade day, with games and great prizes for all ages. The public is invited to stop by for fun and chances to win!
And while you’re enjoying Tulip Time all week, remember to “Rethink, Reuse and Recycle.”
A big question is always how to get around and experience all that Tulip Time has to offer? Rethink your transportation choice by taking the MAX Tulip Time shuttle. The shuttle not only offers optimal convenience for getting around the festival, but it’s also better for the environment. By using public transportation, you’ll save time by avoiding traffic and parking lines and also reduce your carbon emissions. Check out the interactive map for details and routes so you can plan your Tulip Time activities now. Go to www.tuliptime.com/visit/transportation for the map and other information.
You can also reuse as you explore the Tulip Time Festival by bringing a refillable water bottle to use the free water bottle filling stations – two on Eighth Street and at Centennial and Riverview parks. Save money and support sustainability; there’s no need to buy wasteful, plastic bottles when you can conveniently refill for free!
And be ready to recycle acceptable materials during Tulip Time. You will find recycling bins around the festival events, promoting stewardship of our resources. Already on Saturday, May 5, staff and students from the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute and Careerline Tech Center planned to host recycling and waste reduction stations during the Tulip Time Run.
Finally, mark your calendars for the week after Tulip Time for Holland BPW’s annual drive-through, drop-off Recycle Rewards event. Recycle Rewards will take place 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19 at the HBPW Service Center parking lot at 625 Hastings Ave.
The HBPW will accept and give its customers rebates for working refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. It will also accept old holiday lights, anything 50 percent metal or more, and electronics. TVs and computer monitors will not be accepted. For a complete item list, visit padnos.com/recycling-centers.
Remember to “Rethink, Reuse, Recycle!” See you at Tulip Time!
 Morgan Kelley is the conservation programs specialist at the Holland Board of Public Works where she tracks and administers residential energy efficiency programs and represents HBPW at community events.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Smart Energy: We need to use both conservation and efficiency measures to manage our resources to provide access to reliable and cost-effective energy.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.

April 2018 Sustainability News

April 2018 Sustainability News

April 30, 2018 – Sustainability at the 2018 Tulip Time Festival

April 30, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s Summit on Race and Inclusion

April 30, 2018 – Department of Energy Announces $19 Million for Advanced Battery and Electrification Research to Enable Extreme Fast Charging

April 30, 2018 – 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide

April 30, 2018 – Sign-Up for Green Commute Week (May 13-19)

April 30, 3018 – Classroom Spotlight: Brad Smit teaches relevant, hands-on science at Saugatuck

April 29, 2018 – Things to know about Holland’s proposed 2018 budget

April 29, 2018 – What to know about Zeeland’s proposed 2019 budget

April 29, 2018 – Green Investment: Volunteers give and get benefits in Ottawa Parks

April 27, 2018 – World’s Biggest Retail Brands Back Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative

April 27, 2018 – Plans for new Holland growhouse moving forward

April 26, 2018 – Climate change communication and activism

April 26, 2018 – Letter: We must fend for Earth, since Pruitt won’t

April 26, 2018 – How art is elevating voices from the front lines of climate change

April 26, 2018 – Adopt-A-Highway cleanup days in full swing

April 25, 2018 – 3 communities thriving thanks to unconventional partnerships

April 25, 2018 – UK To Ban All Plastic Straws, Q-Tips, And Single-Use Plastics

April 25, 2018 – Council to install formal process for accepting art donations

April 25, 2018 – What other cities can learn from Portland’s fossil-fuel ban

April 24, 2018 – Because of climate change, some birds are nesting earlier

April 24, 2018 – Greenhouse plans to be discussed by Holland council

April 24, 2018 – How your lawn equipment is harming the environment

April 23, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Green Commute plans for any weather options

April 22, 2018 – How to get a more sustainable yard this spring with battery-powered products

April 22, 2018 – Hope College student awarded prestigious science fellowship

April 22, 2018 – DNR urges ORV enthusiasts to be ready to ride

April 20, 2018 – Too early to tell if cold April will impact summer Great Lake temperatures

April 20, 2018 – Free boat checks offered to Ottawa County residents

April 19, 2018 – Expert panel reflects on sustained power and impact of Earth Day–as we laud Year 48

April 19, 2018 – U.S. Department of Energy and Geological Survey Release Online Public Dataset and Viewer of U.S. Wind Turbine Locations and Characteristics

April 19, 2018 – Plastic straw and cotton bud ban proposed in England

April 18, 2018 – Senate drops measure to exempt ship ballasts from Clean Water Act

April 18, 2018 – Holland council votes 5-4 to allow Airbnb pilot

April 18, 2018 – Hope College ’95 Stories’ students push for more welcoming campus

April 17, 2018 – Holland once again named best small city in America to start a business

April 17, 2018 – Michigan official: Tugboat damaged Great Lakes pipelines

April 17, 2018 – Advice for adult children of aging parents who need help at home

April 16, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Fly fishing helps promote conservation

April 16, 2018 – SCIENCE, SUSTAINABILITY AND A BAHAMIAN TOWN DUMP

April 16, 2018 – BPW offering tours of Holland Energy Park visitor center

April 16, 2018 – Energy efficiency can help 32 states meet clean air rules by cutting pollution

April 16, 2018 – Starbucks to train workers on ‘unconscious bias,’ CEO says

April 15, 2018 – 3 ways to make your home more eco-friendly with smart home technology

April 15, 2018 – Stewardship volunteer opportunities available in area state parks

April 15, 2018 – 5 ways smart cities provide a healthier, safer, richer life for residents

April 15, 2018 – In age of #MeToo, can there be forgiveness, second chances?

April 13, 2018 – HOPE COLLEGE BLOG:  THE YOUTH ARE SCREAMING FOR CHANGE

April 13, 2018 – Local businesses to donate to Ready For School

April 13, 2018 – 13 ways to celebrate Earth Day and slash your home energy bills

April 10, 2018 – FROM THE PRESIDENT: REV. DENNIS N. VOSKUIL, PH.D.

April 10, 2018 – HOPE COLLEGE SUSTAINABILITY:  SERVING AND PROTECTING THE GARDEN THAT IS EARTH

April 10, 2018 – Grand Rapids’ Retail Shops That Focus on Sustainability

April 10, 2018 – Hard water proves hard on your wallet

April 9, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Diverse business resources sustain a vital community

April 9, 2018 – HOPE COLLEGE SENIOR, EMMA NYHOF, OF HOLLAND, TO PRESENT ECONOMICS RESEARCH CONDUCTED AS A RECIPIENT OF A NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP

April 9, 2018 – A Grass-Roots Movement For Healthy Soil Spreads Among Farmers

April 9, 2018 – How to grow a garden you’ll love (and love to take care of)

April 9, 2018 – SpartanNash to Mark Earth Week in April

April 6, 2018 – Matthew T. Mangino: GAO finds racially disproportionate discipline in schools

April 6, 2018 – Tulip Time Downtown Holland Park & Ride Shuttle

April 6, 2018 – Good Sweet Earth provides organic lawn care resources

April 5, 2018 – EPA fails to do its homework on light-duty standards

April 4, 2018 – Businesses Say EPA Will Hurt Economy with Pull Back of Emissions Standards

April 4, 2018 – Here are the American Cities Using the Most Solar-Powered Energy

April 4, 2018 – 5 Plants and Animals Utterly Confused by Climate Change

April 4, 2018 – Leaked memo: Pruitt taking control of Clean Water Act determinations

April 4, 2018 – Anti-Pruitt Sentiments Soar: GOP Members Call for Resignation as Media Campaign Circulates Petition

April 4, 2018 – Western Michigan nature preserve more than doubles in size

April 3, 2018 – 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan beach, 17 acres of dunes added to preserve

April 3, 2018 – Faith leaders reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s religious legacy

April 3, 2018 – Researchers: Hurricane Irma created new island off Georgia coast

April 2, 2018 – Living Sustainably: Workshop targets positive community impacts by business

April 2, 2018 – EPA Moves To Weaken Landmark Fuel Efficiency Rules

April 2, 2018 – Schools celebrate the end of a successful Reading Month

April 2, 2018 – Firms probe Kent County on request for garbage-fueled innovations

April 1, 2018 – We’ve Given Up Buying ‘Stuff’ In Favor Of Experiences, And We’ve Never Been Happier

April 1, 2018 – Big in Sweden: Picking up trash + jogging = ‘plogging’

2018 Hope College Student Sustainability Research Projects

In Holland, we believe that in order to become a vibrant, world-class community we must look at all aspects of our community.  This includes the “Triple Bottom Line”  and the economic, social, and environmental impacts we all have. Our City of Holland Sustainability Committee has created a seven-pillar framework with “lenses” to help us evaluate and make more sustainable choices. We have used this framework model as a way to identify the 2018 Hope College Sustainability Research Projects.

The Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute (HHCSI) would like to formally recognize the following projects:  

PDF Document:  2018 Sustainability Research Projects

PDF Document:  2018 Program

This year’s research projects were designated with a “green ribbon” on their research poster at the annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Performance. Original research by students on topics ranging from the use of drones to track the movement of sand dunes, to the relationship between educational attainment and opioid overdose rates, to the Civil War and racism, were highlighted during the Celebration at Hope College on Friday, April 13, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse.

Framework Categories:

SMART ENERGY  

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

TRANSPORTATION  

COMMUNITY & NEIGHBORHOOD  

QUALITY OF LIFE  

COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE  

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION & AWARENESS  

For more information about the Framework visit:

www.hollandsustainabilityreport.org

For more information about the Annual Celebration visit:

https://hope.edu/academics/celebration-undergraduate-research/

The students and their projects represented all of the college’s academic divisions — the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural and applied sciences — and a total of 28 departments and programs.

This year’s event also commemorated the campus-wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments that Hope received from the Council on Undergraduate Research last fall. The award recognizes exceptional undergraduate research, scholarship and creative-activity programs. Only nine colleges and universities nationwide, three per year, have received the recognition since the award program began in 2015. Hope is the only institution in Michigan to have earned the award.

The research and performance celebration, first presented in 2001, is designed to spotlight the quality and importance of student-faculty collaborative research at Hope. Undergraduate research is a hallmark experience for many Hope students and has been a teaching model used at the college for more than seven decades. Mentored collaborative research happens year-round, with approximately 300 students conducting faculty-supervised independent research during the academic year and 200 doing research over the summer, making Hope’s summer research program among the largest in the nation at a liberal arts college. Since faculty are active in scholarship year-round, many more students engage in research during the academic year.

Research has a long and storied history at Hope College. More than 100 years ago, biologist Dr. Samuel O. Mast designed research laboratory space for the college’s Van Raalte Hall, which opened in 1903. The late Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl, who taught chemistry at the college from 1923 to 1964, is widely recognized for developing research-based learning at Hope in its modern sense.

Hope has received recognition in a variety of ways through the years for its success in teaching through collaborative faculty-student research, and for the high quality of the research itself. For the past 16 years, since the category debuted, the “Best Colleges” guide published by U.S. News and World Report has included Hope on its listing of institutions that are exceptional for their emphasis on undergraduate research and creative projects. Hope is one of only 42 institutions of all types, and one of only 12 national liberal arts colleges, on the list in the 2018 edition.

March 2018 Sustainability News

March 2018 Sustainability News

March 31, 2018 – DOWNLOAD YOUR DIGITAL GUIDE TO WILDFLOWERS IN WEST MICHIGAN!

March 31, 2018 – Resource from the MSU Extension.  How to plan your garden tip sheet.

March 30, 2018 – Big in Sweden: Picking up trash + jogging = ‘plogging’

March 30, 2018 – A break for spring: Week is full of activities for students

March 30, 2018 – Holland schools recognized for positive behavior

March 30, 2018 – Wind energy plays leading role in Michigan utility’s renewable plans

March 30, 2018 – Multiple environmental groups oppose Saugatuck Dunes development

March 29, 2018 – Local women fill business leadership roles

March 28, 2018 – Fossil Fuels Squeezed by Plunge in Cost of Renewables, BNEF Says

March 27, 2018 – Upton talks school safety, Great Lakes protection at Holland event

March 27, 2018 – MAX interim directors chosen during embezzlement investigation

March 26, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Watershed monitoring is community effort

March 26, 2018 – Work release program places inmates at Kent County recycling center

March 26, 2018 – US stocks rally; Dow surges 669, clawing back lost ground

March 24, 2018 – Michigan retailers experience slow start to 2018

March 23, 2018 – Couple offers recycling solution:  RecycleBoxBin provides unobtrusive bins, hopes to educate community on good recycling habits.

March 23, 2018 – Great Lakes Invasive Carp Challenge finalists to compete Tuesday in livestream event (recording is available)

March 23, 2018 – China imposes retaliatory tariffs on 128 American products, roiling US markets

March 23, 2018 – Volunteers search for affordable housing units in Ottawa County

March 22, 2018 – How to Shop for Used Clothes ” and Why You Should

March 21, 2018 – Holland Energy Park helps reduce city’s carbon footprint

March 21, 2018 – Neighborhood petition impacts process of Hope Ave. reconstruction

March 21, 2018 – Letter: Hope Ave. project needed better handling

March 21, 2018 – Mushrooms: Gentle on the Planet, Healthy on the Plate

March 20, 2018 – 7 plant-based tips for a healthy weight

March 20, 2018 – Earth Day 101: 6 impactful ways to teach your kids about food waste

March 19, 2018 – Living Sustainably: How to ‘green’ your yard’s warm weather routine

March 19, 2018 – 6 skills of happiness help teens live a more positive life

March 19, 2018 – 10 reasons to plant a tree this spring

March 18, 2018 – Ottawa County: healthiest county in Michigan

March 16, 2018 – Holland police investigating embezzlement at MAX Transit

March 16, 2018 – Plastic Packaging Hospital Waste Recycling Initiative Kicks Off in the US

March 16, 2018 – Developer Hits Milestone for Large 100% Geothermal Community in Kentucky

March 15, 2018 – Big Efforts at Fort Hood Pay Off: Recycling Program Leads to Revenue

March 15, 2018 – Don’t Forget About Flint, Michigan

March 15, 2018 – Lighting Technology Can Reap Energy Savings of Up To 70%

March 15, 2018 – Bioplastics Can Pose Hidden Risks for Corporations

March 15, 2018 – Mindful eating: 5 ways millennials are driving healthier diets

March 15, 2018 – Dust storms + snowpack raise late-summer water concerns

March 14, 2018 – GREEN HOPE TAPS MAPLE SYRUP IN PINE GROVE

March 14, 2018 – Restaurant Industry Faces Challenges with Plant-Based Packaging Shift

March 13, 2018 – Coastal states opposing offshore drilling plan

March 13, 2018 – These March Madness mascots are in danger from climate change

March 13, 2018 – Holland BPW proposes lower costs for electric utility

March 13, 2018 – The year-long Dance Marathon fundraiser culminated with a 24-hour dance-a-thon, raising $311,442.19 for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

March 12, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Skilled workers needed to sustain local manufacturing

March 12, 2018 – Hope College has again been selected in 2018 as one of “West Michigan’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For”!  This will be the 13th year that Hope College has been honored with this award.

March 12, 2018 – This technique could restore a big chunk of Amazon rainforest

March 12, 2018 – 50 gallons of sewer discharged at Grove Lift Station

March 11, 2018 – Owens, Wilderer named among ‘Most Influential’ women

March 9, 2018 – Too Much Technology: Children Growing up With Weak Hands, Fingers

March 9, 2018 – Community-Scale Solar to Account for 10% of US Power? Could Be…

March 8, 2018 – Hope College in top 25 colleges in Peace Corps volunteers

March 7, 2018 – Kohler Signs 100-MW Wind Power PPA with Enel Green Power North America

March 7, 2018 – MICHIGAN SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM SUPPORTS SEVERAL HOPE COLLEGE PROJECTS

March 6, 2018 – Saving South Africa: The Real Issues Businesses Face When it Comes to Water Shortages

March 6, 2018 – GE Develops ‘World’s Largest Offshore Wind Turbine’

March 5, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Herrick’s collection ‘grows’ with new seed library

March 5, 2018 – Climate Action Makes Business Sense – See These Recent Commitments

March 5, 2018 – Grand Rapids parent fighting lead poisoning wins environmental award

March 5, 2018 – Holland Christian adding nature-based kindergarten

March 5, 2018 – Ways to conserve water

March 4, 2018 – Construction could start on Grand River restoration next year

March 4, 2018 – Women change agents panel to be held at Herrick District Library

March 4, 2018 – West Michigan’s Blue Economy: A Special Report from MiBiz

March 4, 2018 – Amid transition to clean energy, utilities tackle water conservation

March 4, 2018 – How to keep your seafood wild

March 2, 2018 – PROTECTING DRINKING WATER IN THE GREAT LAKES:  Great Lakes states should ensure clean, safe drinking water for all residents. New report shows how Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin are implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act.

March 2, 2018 – Ottawa County to begin search for new assistant administrator

March 2, 2018 – County OKs $37,640 to improve historic barn at Eastmanville Farm

March 1, 2018 – Michigan Legislature OKs $175M infusion into roads, bridges

March 1, 2018 – They’re Here to Fix Climate Change! They’re College Republicans.

March 1, 2018 – The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan – 2018 

Living Sustainably: Workshop targets positive community impacts by business

By Hanna Schulze, Local First
Helping businesses make positive social and environmental impacts on their community is the focus of a workshop called “Raising the Bar for Business” to be held in Holland on April 12.
Local First has partnered with the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute to host the workshop. Together they will share how to integrate both social and environmental justice values into business plans.

Those who attend will walk away with tangible methods to retain and attract talent, broaden their customer base and create lasting financial sustainability. Refreshments will be provided by Joe 2 Go.
The Holland workshop kicks off the six-part spring lineup of the 2018 Measure What Matters Workshop series, part of the “Good for Grand Rapids” campaign that celebrates West Michigan companies using their business as a force for good in the region.
“A key part of Good for Grand Rapids is providing educational resources to local businesses through our Measure What Matters Workshop series,” said Elissa Hillary, Local First president.
“Our workshops equip business owners with the tools and information they need to demonstrate a positive social and environmental impact on our community. Building upon last year’s success, we have a great series planned for 2018 and welcome any business owner or community member who has an interest.”
“Local First continues to provide impactful events like the Measure What Matters series, where business owners and decision-makers can gain knowledge, access resources and create an action plan that helps address critical issues like diversity in small businesses and renewable and efficient energy use,”
said Christine Lindeman, relationship and operations manager for Sytsma Wealth Strategies and a previous Measure What Matters attendee.
“It’s energizing to be around people who care so much about our community and the individuals who live here.”
The spring schedule for the Measure What Matters workshop series covers a variety of topics, from building healthier teams to best practices for environmental sustainability. Series participants will also learn more about the Good for Grand Rapids campaign and Local First’s Quick Impact Assessment.
In addition to the April 12 workshop, set for 9 to 11 a.m. at Herrick District Library in Holland, subsequent workshops will include “Affording Retention: Building Healthier Teams” and “Putting the ‘Eco’ in Economy,” both of which will be held in Grand Rapids. Go to http://localfirst.com/events# to find out more.
 Local First’s mission is to lead the development of an economy grounded in local ownership that meets the basic needs of people, builds local wealth and social capital, functions in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages joyful community. For more information about Local First and its efforts to promote a sustainable local economy, visit localfirst.com.

If You Go
What: “Raising the Bar for Business” workshop on positive social and environmental impact
When: 9-11 a.m., Thursday, April 12
Where: Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
How: Free for Local First members and non-members. Register at www.localfirst.com/events/raising-the-bar-for- business

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Economic Development: Businesses and the local consumers are driving engines that generate capital for growth and development. We want to be a location of choice for new business and industry.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.