Category Archives: Business News

The former Red Lotus Center for the Arts that has been located at 356 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon, lower level of the Century Club Retail Center since 2014, is starting a new chapter. It is under new ownership and has been renamed City Center Arts, LLC.

The mission of the gallery is to curate, present and sell the work of emerging and established artists from the Muskegon and surrounding areas with the vision of being a vibrant space where artists can continue to grow in their knowledge and expertise while engaging with the community thru programs that inspire, challenge, support and educate the appreciation and value of the visual arts. City Center Arts is primarily local West Michigan artists, many of whom continue to be members from Red Lotus Center for the Arts. City Center Arts is open to non-member artists and member artists to participate in our programs. Come share the arts with us and our community when we reopen after a couple of weeks of remodeling and rebranding with a new logo, website, and décor.

We will reopen with the upcoming Black and White Show on January 29th .

Black and White Show Opening January 29th. Classic, dynamic, bold! The Black and White show is all about the best classic art with a new edge. It’s a new year, a new owner and a new audience! We are starting the new year off with the classic, the bold, the big, the stunning, the beautiful and the best for The Black and White Show. This is a show with everything from photography to 3D pieces. Come see what the new gallery has for you. You’re invited to the Black & White Gala Event starting at 6:00pm on January 31st.

Details can be found on our new website: www.citycenterarts.com

The gallery will continue offering its successful Open Mic Night which will continue on the 4th Friday of the month starting in February. The fourth Friday of every month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to City Center Arts for Muskegon’s longest running open mic event! Any kind of talent is welcome; songs, poems, readings, comedy, plays, dancing or whatever other skill you want to show off. Observers are welcome, too.

We make art accessible! Please contact us with any questions.

Renae Hesselink
Owner/Directo
City Center for the Arts
renae@citycenterarts.com
(231) 260-6697 gallery

Companies need a front-line defense against malware and other threats, or risk crippling consequences of a breach

Cybersecurity attacks have become a destructive and all too common occurrence. And the harsh reality is that no organization is too large – or too small – to be a target.

While cyberattacks facing large corporations and government entities may dominate headlines, small businesses are victim to the majority of cybersecurity breaches. In fact, nearly half of small businesses in the United States suffered a cyberattack in 2017, according to a recent study.

Cybersecurity attacks are constantly evolving to accommodate the latest technologies. Small businesses contend with several existing and emerging internet-related threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing and botnet infections.

Faced with increased competition and restricted resources, it is easy to imagine the daunting challenge small businesses face to defend themselves from nefarious cyber actors. But as the threat landscape becomes increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, small businesses cannot afford inaction.

Small Business’ Path to Cyber Safety

For businesses large and small it’s less about “if” a breach will happen and more about “when” it will happen. That’s why it’s best to invest in protection and prevention before a crippling attack occurs. According to security firm Kaspersky, the average cost of a breach in North America is $149,000. Just as damaging, the loss in public trust and reputation can be irreparable.

Cybersecurity keeps business owners up at night because they face an onslaught of challenges, from various, ever-changing forms of cyberthreats that can result in the loss of sensitive information or the disruption of business operations. When it comes to defending against cybersecurity threats, owners need solutions that can protect all devices connected to their networks without straining budgets.

In the past, cybersecurity tools were developed to suit the needs of larger companies, which have the money and resources available to deploy complex solutions and continually enhance security networks. Now, many small businesses are turning to cloud-based internet security solutions that are engineered to help them effectively manage the growing risk of cyberattacks while maximizing resources without compromising security.

In many cases, small businesses have already established a digital infrastructure but lack the bandwidth to expand it further. Using cybersecurity technology that can be built into existing hardware offers these businesses an all-in-one solution that requires no additional investments in equipment or setup. To further maximize their cybersecurity investments, small businesses can look for tools that automatically cover all connected devices on their networks, from mobile phones to wireless printers, without requiring new software installations.

Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions shouldn’t just protect small businesses against external breaches – tools that block access to compromised or malicious domains can help prevent business owners, employees, or guests from accidentally accessing an infected internet site. Businesses with little to no IT support can also look for tools with dashboards and features that can be customized based on their needs. For example, a tool that allows owners to filter web content will give them more visibility into their network safety.

The ability to gather insights from cybersecurity solutions is critical, but sometimes there is not enough time in a fast-paced work day to pull a threat assessment. Tools that automatically update internet domain threats in real-time can protect companies from attacks without needing manual downloads or updates. Your business works hard to carve out a competitive space – your cybersecurity tools should be a hassle-free addition to the workplace.

To learn more about Comcast Business security solutions, please call or email:

734-277-9910 or email alexandra_barron@comcast.com  

By: Jeffrey Marston, VP of Business Services, Comcast Business

Lisa Stafford has officially joined Training Direct in the role of Strategic Business Partner.  Her role will be focused on matching talent to opportunity, igniting cultural change and unleashing the power of teams. She brings with her thirty years of Human Resources experience with the last 24 years as a Human Resources Manager for a large automotive supplier.  Lisa holds a BA degree from Michigan State University.

“Lisa Stafford is an outstanding addition to our Training Direct team as she brings solid experience to help employers match talent with opportunity,” said John Heiss, Chief Servant Officer.

Training Direct is a PXT Select™ Authorized Partner.  PXT Select, a Wiley brand, offers superior selection and employee-assessment solutions that fill the gap between the resume and the interview. By identifying the most suitable candidates, organizations reduce turnover, boost employee engagement, and ultimately invest in improving in their workplace.

For over three decades Training Direct has helped to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of individuals, teams and leaders in organizations.

Organizational success begins with matching talent to opportunity. Are you ready to hear more about this talent management solution that gets results?  I would like to invite you to contact us at Training Direct to hear more about creating positive change.

Please visit our website at www.trainingdirectllc.com

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to announce that the firm has been ranked among the top law firms in the United States in the 2020 edition of “Best Law Firms,” which is published by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.

The publication’s tiered list ranks law firms based on both practice areas and metropolitan areas.

Smith Haughey received first tier ratings in the following areas:

Ann Arbor

• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Grand Rapids

• Arbitration

• Bet-the-Company Litigation

• Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

• Commercial Litigation

• Family Law

• Health Care Law

• Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

• Litigation – Construction

• Litigation – Insurance

• Mediation

• Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Smith Haughey also received the following second tier rankings:

Grand Rapids

• Environmental Law

• Family Law Mediation

• Litigation – Environmental

• Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

• Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

• Tax Law

Finally, Smith Haughey also received the following third tier rankings:

Grand Rapids

• Construction Law

• Insurance Law

U.S. News and Best Lawyers joined forces to create the list of top law firms for its 10th consecutive year. The rankings provide a comprehensive view of the U.S. legal profession that is unprecedented both in the range of firms represented and in the range of data used to develop the rankings. Law firms were evaluated using surveys submitted by attorneys, clients, marketing officers, and recruitment officers. The surveys gathered data pertaining to expertise, responsiveness, understanding of a business and its needs, cost-effectiveness, civility, integrity, client profiles, diversity, pro-bono commitment, and more.

Brian T. Lang, a partner in the Muskegon office of the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine.

Lang was named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list for his work in business litigation. The peer-review award recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in Michigan have been named to this list in the 14th annual publication.

About Warner

By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a corporate law firm with 230 attorneys practicing in eight offices throughout Michigan: Grand Rapids, Southfield, Midland, Macomb County, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Lansing and Holland. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on Twitter @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn.

Worksighted, a Michigan-based managed IT services provider, has earned its eighth consecutive ranking on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies.  The Inc. 5000 list ranks companies by overall revenue growth over a three-year period. This year, Worksighted is listed as 3,615.

“Making this list for 8 years in a row has not been an easy feat,”said Mike Harris, CEO of Worksighted. “I’m proud of our team and the hurdles we’ve overcome in the last year, but I’m even more excited to see what they can accomplish going forward.”

Founded in Holland, Worksighted has an additional office in Wixom, and continues to invest in communities throughout West Michigan and metro-Detroit.

“While our ranking on the list changes from year to year, one thing that remains constant is our obsession with helping our clients understand how digital transformation affects their business, and working alongside their team to navigate these changes smoothly.”

To celebrate being on the list for 8 years, Worksighted is giving away 8 items over 8 days on their Instagram. Giveaways include items ranging from a Worksighted Yeti Tumbler to an Amazon FireTV Cube. For a chance to win, navigate to instagram.com/worksighted.

Worksighted was also recently recognized as one of West Michigan’s “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” for the eighth consecutive year.

The peer-review award, which designates legal excellence in specific practice areas, individually recognized:

• Robert A. Dubault, employment law, labor law
• Paul R. Jackson, tax law
• Brian T. Lang, commercial litigation

The three Muskegon partners are among a total of 103 Warner attorneys, representing more than 55 different practice areas, to be included in the 2020 list.

About Warner

By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a corporate law firm with 230 attorneys practicing in eight offices throughout Michigan: Grand Rapids, Southfield, Midland, Macomb County, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Lansing and Holland. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on Twitter @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn.

Rehmann has been named one of the world’s premier managed service providers (MSPs), according to Channel Futures’ 12th annual MSP 501 rankings. Rehmann (previously listed as Trivalent Group) ranked among the top 100 global MSPs for the ninth consecutive year.

Every year, managed service providers worldwide complete an extensive survey and application to report their product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, revenue mix and more.

“Rehmann is honored to be recognized as a top 100 MSP on this esteemed list of MSPs for the ninth consecutive year,” said Larry R. Andrus, Rehmann’s president of technology solutions. “Being one of only three companies in the world to be named both a top 100 MSP and top 100 managed security services provider (MSSP Alert) reflects our relentless dedication to continuously safeguarding our clients’ data and infrastructure.”

In the 12 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking list into a vibrant group of service providers, vendors, distributors, consultants and industry analysts working together to define the growing managed service opportunity.

“The 2019 MSP 501 winners are the most elite, innovative and strategic IT service providers on the planet, and they stand as a model of excellence in the industry,” says Kris Blackmon, Content Director of Channel Partners and Channel Futures and lead of the MSP 501 program. “Our heartfelt congratulations to the 2019 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of both the 501 and the thriving managed services sector.”

Ten special award winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at Channel Partners Evolution, held September 9-12, 2019 in Washington, D.C.

The complete 2019 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures.

Background

The 2019 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from March 1 through May 31, 2019. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.

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, making it our duty 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.

About Informa Tech

Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events.