Category Archives: Business News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 21, 2020 –Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences’ Electrodiagnostic Medicine program is pleased to announce that it recently earned the highest designation of Electrodiagnostic (EDX) Laboratory Accreditation given by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) – Laboratory Accreditation with Exemplary Status.

“Accreditation with Exemplary status puts Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences’ Electrodiagnostic Medicine laboratory among the top electrodiagnostic laboratories. This is an important accomplishment for the Hauenstein Neurosciences team and the patients we care for,” said Laboratory Medical Director Min Zhu, MD.

“This is truly the result of our Electrodiagnostic Medicine team’s hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Herman Sullivan, Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences medical director. “It’s among the many steps we take to provide the highest-possible level of care.”

“We commend Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences’ Electrodiagnostic Medicine Laboratory for making the commitment to becoming accredited. Taking this step demonstrates their dedication to ensuring patients are receiving the best possible care,” said Shirlyn A. Adkins, JD, AANEM Executive Director.

EDX Laboratory Accreditation acknowledges laboratories for maintaining the highest level of quality, performance, and integrity based on AANEM’s professional standards. These standards evaluate diagnostic services and clinical operations essential to providing quality patient care, such as:

• Clinical staff qualifications and continuing education
• Physical facilities
• EDX equipment
• Protocols for performing EDX studies
• Patient reports
• Policies for ensuring the health and safety of every patient

Laboratory Accreditation with Exemplary Status is the highest level of accreditation an EDX laboratory can achieve through the AANEM. In order to achieve this status, physicians performing studies in the laboratory must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a neurology or physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program
• Completion of a minimum of three months of training in EDX medicine as part of a residency or fellowship program

In addition to the requirements listed above, the Lab Medical Director(s) must be certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM), or the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in clinical neurophysiology, or the ABPN/American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in neuromuscular disease.

The AANEM has accredited more than 300 main electrodiagnostic laboratories and satellite locations since 2011. For more information about the AANEM EDX Laboratory Accreditation program, visit http://www.aanem.org/Practice/EDX-Laboratory-Accreditation.aspx.

MUSKEGON, Mich., (August 28, 2020) — Mercy Health Muskegon recognizes the importance of high-quality CPR competence, performance, and delivery in saving more lives. That’s why the Resuscitation Quality Improvement® program (RQI®), co-developed by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical and delivered by RQI Partners, was implemented at Mercy Health Muskegon in July 2017 to help the hospital’s clinical staff achieve sustained mastery of high-quality CPR skills and competence, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Today, Mercy Health Muskegon was recognized as an RQI Lighthouse Organization, joining an exclusive group of hospitals from around the country that demonstrate resuscitation best practices using the RQI program.

This recognition is awarded to participating RQI hospitals that advocate for quality and a culture of resuscitation excellence and serve as a beacon to other organizations looking to improve their resuscitation programs and patient outcomes. With a reputation for superior quality and efficient processes, RQI Lighthouse Organizations align with the RQI mission to eliminate preventable death from sudden cardiac arrest.

“Mercy Health Muskegon is committed to adopting best practices and continually improving resuscitation quality that promotes positive patient outcomes,” said Linda Dunmore, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, CHSP, senior director of Clinical Services at Mercy Health Muskegon. “Our clinicians are skilled in the latest practices in resuscitation, maintaining competency on a quarterly basis at the RQI manikin station, helping our patients have a greater chance of survival and recovery from cardiac arrest. This recognition is a testament to the work and the dedication of our entire clinical team.”

It is estimated that 292,000 in-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with survival rates at less than 26%. Patients who suffer a cardiac arrest must receive the highest quality CPR possible, which is known to be the cornerstone for survival; however, certain studies show CPR skills can decay within three to six months following this training. Mercy Health Muskegon’s adoption of RQI 2020 prepares their clinical providers to deliver high-quality CPR and verify competence in Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support through simulated skills sessions and eLearning simulations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mercy Health Muskegon as part of the inaugural RQI Lighthouse Class of 2020,” Tina Keeler, RQI Partners’ impact manager, stated. “The Mercy Health Muskegon team has done an exemplary job of implementing the program and recently published their findings on staff performance improvement and confidence in responding to a resuscitation event. This illustrates the staff’s commitment to making high-quality CPR a priority organization-wide and furthering our mission to improve patient care and help save more lives.”

To learn more about the RQI program and the value it brings to hospitals, patient care and communities at-large, visit www.rqipartners.com.

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About Mercy Health
Mercy Health is a regional, multi-campus, Catholic health care system serving West Michigan and the lakeshore with four hospital campuses, more than 90 physician offices, more than 1,300 medical staff physicians, more than 700 hospital beds and more than 9,000 colleagues, and hospice, home health and long-term care service offerings. Mercy Health Physician Partners, our multi-specialty medical group, employs more than 700 physicians and advanced practice professionals in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and the lakeshore. Mercy Health has annual operating revenues of about $1.4 billion and returns about $80 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs. Mercy Health, a member of Trinity Health, is committed to being a trusted health partner for life, transforming the communities we serve, by providing high-quality care that is the most accessible, compassionate and personalized in West Michigan. Visit us at MercyHealth.com.

About RQI Partners LLC
RQI Partners LLC is a partnership between the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical, positioning the organizations to deliver innovative solutions that accelerate the impact of their lifesaving mission. The company blends the Association’s leadership in science with Laerdal’s expertise in technology and implementation to deliver impactful and innovative resuscitation quality improvement programs. For more information, visit www.rqipartners.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Laerdal Medical
Laerdal Medical, one of the world’s leading providers of healthcare solutions, is dedicated to helping save lives with products and services for Simulation, Airway Management, Immobilization, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Patient Care, Self-Directed Learning and Medical Education. Laerdal is pleased to serve all healthcare providers and educators, from the lay rescuer to medical professionals. Laerdal operates sales and support offices in 23 countries worldwide, and with the head office located in Stavanger, Norway. For more information, visit www.laerdal.com or call 877-523-7325.

Troy, Mich., August 25, 2020 – Rehmann, a fully integrated financial services and advisory firm, has been named one of Construction Executive’s (CE) Top 50 accounting firms for the second year in a row.

“The construction industry has been impacted significantly by COVID, and our advisors have continued to provide critical support and real-time solutions to clients in the industry,” said Bob Nagle, principal at Rehmann. “Rehmann has a solution to meet a wide variety of business needs, and we are honored to partner with a many leaders in the construction industry.”

CE developed The Top 50 Construction Accounting Firms ranking by asking hundreds of U.S. construction accounting firms to submit their 2019 revenues from construction practices, number of CPAs in construction practices, percentage of firm’s total revenues from construction practices and number of construction clients in 2019, among other data.

“Construction accounting firms play a vital role in helping construction companies make sound financial decisions, whether it’s business as usual or during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lauren Pinch, editor-in-chief, CE. “This ranking highlights the leading firms in our industry and the people who help contractors financially plan for the short- and long-term to ensure their businesses and their workforce are resilient, profitable and successful.”

Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services and advisory firm with nearly 900 associates in Michigan, Ohio and Florida, providing accounting and assurance, comprehensive technology, accounting and human resource solutions, specialized consulting and wealth management services to their clients.
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About Rehmann
Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services and advisory firm that provides accounting and assurance, comprehensive technology, accounting and human resource solutions, specialized consulting and wealth management services. For more than 75 years, Rehmann has provided forward-thinking solutions and made it a priority to anticipate our clients’ daily and future needs. Rehmann has nearly 900 associates in Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Rehmann is an independent member of Nexia International, offering clients a global approach. Find us online at rehmann.com.

MUSKEGON, Mich. (August 24, 2020) – Mercy Health Muskegon has earned Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) designations from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Hospitals receiving this designation have created stewardship programs led by Infectious Disease-trained physicians and pharmacists that advance science in Antimicrobial Resistance and have achieved standards aligned with evidence-based national guidelines such as the IDSA-SHEA guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Core Elements.
Mercy Health Muskegon, a member of Trinity Health, represents one of only four hospitals in Michigan and only 101 programs nationwide to have earned the designation since the program’s launch in 2017.
“Receiving this recognition is the formalization of the commitment to high quality antimicrobial stewardship on behalf of our colleagues, medical staff and, in particular, our antimicrobial stewardship team,” said Justin Grill, DO, M.Ed.HP, MHA, chief medical officer for Mercy Health Muskegon. “This tremendous work has led to reduced rates of inappropriate antibiotic utilization, lower rates of antimicrobial-related acquired infections and has truly improved the quality of care and safety for our patients.”
One of IDSA’s top priorities is fighting antimicrobial resistance through research, education, training and policy initiatives. The core criteria for the CoE program place emphasis on an institution’s ability to implement stewardship protocols by integrating best practices to slow the emergence of resistance, optimize the treatment of infections, and reduce adverse events associated with antibiotic use and other challenging areas related to antimicrobial stewardship.
Mercy Health Muskegon’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) was started in 2016 and has made great strides to prevent antibiotic overuse, decrease antimicrobial resistance and improve patient safety/outcomes. The infectious disease team includes ASP co-chair Todd Capron, PharmD, BCIDP; Hillary Roberson, PA-C; Deb Hoeker, RN; and co-chair/ASP program director Dani Pellegrini, MD.
“As one of four hospitals in the state, and the first institution to be recognized as an Antibiotic Stewardship Center of Excellence in West Michigan, we are proud to partner with IDSA as we continue to provide our community with high quality, evidence-based care while combating antibiotic resistance, adverse drug events and hospital acquired infections,” said Dani Pellegrini, MD, RN, BSN, medical director for antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control at Mercy Health Muskegon.
To learn more about the IDSA Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers of Excellence program, please visit www.idsociety.org/clinical-practice/antimicrobial-stewardship/.

Muskegon, Michigan, September 1, 2020—Life-long Muskegon resident Jim Hansen has been hired as the new director of business operations for Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care.

It is a seamless next step for a man who spent the past 15 years working with the Muskegon Rescue Mission and Christian Care.

“I loved being part of the ministry of those two organizations,” says Hansen, who received his bachelors of business administration from Western Michigan University. “It was a blessing knowing I was helping make a difference for people coping with homelessness and for seniors and the unique challenges they face. It is an honor to be part of Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care now and to apply my skills so our patients can continue to receive the best palliative and end-of-life care possible.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the team,” says Susan Houseman, president and CEO of Harbor Hospice and Harbor Palliative Care. “Jim’s finance and accounting expertise and nonprofit experience will enable us to continue our long history of fiscal responsibility and accountability and continue our mission of providing expert end-of-life and palliative care.”

Harbor Hospice served its first patient in 1983. Today a team of more than 100 staff members provides hospice and palliative care to nearly 1,400 patients a year in homes and residential facilities in five West Michigan counties and at the organization’s Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon. Dozens of volunteers also assist patients and their families with services ranging from shopping for groceries to providing respite care and spiritual support.

The organization has continued to welcome new patients and to provide care and counseling throughout the pandemic. For more information, call 231-728-3442.

Muskegon Michigan – Hardware Distributors, Inc., founded in 1952, was a third-generation family-owned business operated by Dan Workman and his three cousins. In a recent transaction, Eric Seifert from Left Coast Capital was able to successfully sell Hardware Distributors, Inc to, Greg and Jill Lamphere.  Greg is a sales professional and has a worked in the paper and packaging industry. Jill operates a family business.

Family-owned and operated businesses are an extremely important part of our local economy. According to Grand Rapids’ Family Business Alliance, the greatest part of America’s wealth lies in family-owned businesses. This is why Left Coast Capital takes time and pride in the work they do to help locally-owned business transition ownership.

Some local companies are struggling to survive and compete with big box stores especially with the current economic climate. Left Coast Capital has the experience to find win-win solutions for local companies looking to buy or sell.  A key factor when working with Left Coast Capital is their desire to keep business local when scouting opportunities.

Eric Seifert, Principal of Left Coast Capital stated, “A special relationship exists between family-owned and operated businesses. These family-owned businesses provide a humanistic and supportive atmosphere because they are run by people who live and work in the local community. By connecting local opportunities, the majority of the company’s wealth stays in the local economy.”

For more information on buying or selling a family-owned business contact Left Coast Capital at 616.822.3804, info@leftcoastcapital.com or www.leftcoastcapital.com.

For the complete story about the Hardware Distributors, Inc. transaction click here.

About Left Coast Capital Resources, LLC
Left Coast Capital works with both sellers and buyers to provide a range of services related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, buyouts and other transactions. They help secure capital through bank credit, angel investors and other private capital sources. Left Coast Capital prepares companies for a sale that will maximize the value of the company, helping to achieve financial/personal objectives and ensuring an orderly transition. They assist by identifying the right buyers, negotiating the value and structure, and taking an organization through the process from beginning to end.

The  Fab Lab is now open to provide curbside service to its members and the community!   What can we do for you?  Signs for your business in acrylic or wood?  How about stickers, window clings, or banners?   Entrepreneurs and inventors – need to make prototypes?  Not a member, no problem.  Here’s a chance to try us out!

Go to lakeshorefablab.com to complete and send a needs form to us.  We will contact you via email to confirm receipt and next steps.

June 22, 2020  •  Muskegon, MICH— Rolar Manufacturing is being recognized as one of the 2020 awardees for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Rolar Manufacturing will be honored at an awards ceremony during the 16th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business virtual gala event, July 28.

Rolar Products is the preferred producer of precision machined CNC products. Our employees are our most important asset. Through these experts we deliver world class quality in everything we do.

“We are proud to be a recipient of this award! It is an honor for our employees who execute our rewarding, progressive and innovative culture every day,” said Jack Russell, President.

This year’s Michigan 50 Companies to Watch have made a substantial economic impact, totaling $365 million in total annual revenue for 2019. From 2016 through 2019, these companies generated $1 billion in revenue and added 723 employees (both in Michigan and out of state), reflecting a 101.9% increase in revenue and 93.8% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 26.9% annual revenue growth and 24.8% annual growth in employees.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies and play a vital role in making our communities attractive places to live, work, visit and play,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “As the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, we are honored to recognize and celebrate these small businesses, which demonstrate the resilience, innovation and grit that sets Michigan apart.”

Companies nominated for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.

Judges from economic and entrepreneurship development organizations selected the 2020 winners. The judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on the following:

• Employee or sales growth
• Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
• Sustainable competitive advantage
• Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success

Michigan Celebrates received 575 nominations for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award, which surpassed last year’s record of 425 nominations. In addition to a competitive landscape for this award, the businesses who are selected by the judges go through a rigorous due diligence process prior to the final decision.

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About Rolar Manufacturing

Rolar Products has supplied local and international customers for over 30 years. Our products are the result of a dedicated culture of excellence. We pride ourselves on innovative approaches to common and not-so-common challenges. We continue to invest in the latest measuring technologies and processing methods to ensure we have the right tools to meet and exceed your specifications and expectations. Learn more at www.rolarproducts.com/

About Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses (MCSB)

Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is a collaboration of trusted statewide founding organizations who offer resources for small businesses. Since 2005, Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards gala has placed a spotlight on how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. The MCSB organization is focused on supporting, promoting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.

The Manufacturing Growth Alliance is the Managing Partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Founding sponsors are the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, PNC Bank, AF Group, and Dynamic Edge, Inc.

Information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business can be found at www.MichiganCelebrates.org.

There is no doubt that this is an unprecedented time for this country,
especially for the state of Michigan. With the Governor’s recent lift of the stay-at-home order and the
phased reopening of businesses, many business owners have changed their perspective on opening
from “When?” to “Why Not Us?”

For Lari Hines, owner of Salon 297 in Muskegon, and many other salon and spa owners across the state,
frustration is high as many local businesses now have permission to open their doors.

“We are going above and beyond our current in-place sanitation practices to ensure that all CDC
recommendations are met for a safe reopening,” said Hines. “I know by keeping salons and spas closed,
stylists and guests will “go underground” and choose to operate in-home, in potentially unsanitary
environments. If the Governor is really concerned about keeping our community safe, she would open
salons and spas and put our guests in the safest environment possible.”

“What I don’t understand is why we are being held back when multiple states now allow salons and spas
to operate,” added Hines. “Massage therapists are allowed to work in medical offices, but we don’t have
permission to perform the same procedures? We, as business owners, have so many questions that
need to be answered. But, when the time comes, we are safely prepared and ready to take care of our
community.”

Intending to reopen in the very near future, Salon 297 has taken the initiative to retool and remodel
their salon stations, retail, spa and lobby areas to comply with six-foot distancing requirements. They
have implemented and documented additional safety measures to protect their employees and guests.
In addition to required training hours and current sanitation practices, Salon 297 is Barbicide® certified
and adhere to 20 strict standards that represent best practices in infection control.

For salons and spas to become licensed in the state of Michigan, a required amount of “sanitation
patron protection” training hours must be completed. These hours have always been a requirement, not
just since the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are a few examples of what is required by the state to obtain a
license to operate.

• Cosmetologist – 1500 required hours to become licensed – 130 of the 1500 hours are dedicated
to sanitation patron protection
• Massage Therapist – 500 required hours to become licensed – 30 of the 500 hours are
dedicated to sanitation patron protection
• Manicurist – 400 required hours to become licensed – 100 of the 400 hours are dedicated to
sanitation patron protection
• Esthetician – 400 required hours to become licensed – 50 of the 400 hours are dedicated to
sanitation patron protection
“All of my staff, including myself, have dedicated hours to understanding and implementing the proper
way to sanitize and disinfect our salon and spa,” said Hines. “The additional safety measures we have
put into place are simply there to add extra protection to our employees and guests.”
Here is the complete list of changes and safety protocols that will be in place upon the reopening of
Salon 297.

View this video link that also outlines these changes.

• All service areas are six-feet apart for proper
social distancing.
• Doors will be propped open and surfaces
wiped down throughout the day.
• Check-in areas are spaced and equipped with
plexiglass partitions.
• Clients and stylists will wear masks.
• All guests will receive a fresh, clean cape.
• Equipment will be sanitized and disinfected
after each use with Barbicide® disinfectant.
• Purell® sanitation stations and several
handwashing areas have been added
throughout the salon and spa.
• All pedicure and manicure tools will be
sterilized with medical autoclave equipment.

“We are ready to open our doors… safely,” continued
Hines. “We want our clients and staff to know that
we are taking every possible step to make sure that
you are comfortable walking through our doors. And
I sincerely hope that is soon.”

For more information about Salon 297, please visit
salon297.com