Category Archives: Business News

TROY, Mich., March 28, 2019 – Rehmann was named one of Accounting Today’s Fastest-Growing Firms in the United States, ranking among the country’s Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders.

Accounting Today releases an annual ranking of the largest practices in tax and accounting. The list includes the top firms’ growth strategies, service areas and client niches as well as a host of benchmarking data. The publication also recognizes a list of Fastest-Growing Firms, which is comprised of accounting practices with the highest 2018 revenue growth in percentage terms.

Ranking 14^th among the Fastest-Growing Firms in the country, Rehmann showed a 23.28 percent growth rate with revenue totaling $143 million in 2018. Only 20 firms reported growth above 20 percent.

“Ranking among the top 20 Fastest-Growing Firms in the country underscores Rehmann’s commitment to our growth as a firm,” said Randy Rupp, CEO at Rehmann. “At the same time, we’re proud to pursue such growth while continuing to deliver the exceptional results and client service we are known for.”

Rehmann was the only firm headquartered in Michigan to be recognized as one of the top Fastest-Growing Firms.

Accounting Today’s 2019 class of Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders showed a higher growth rate overall than the results released in 2018. The ranking features firms nationwide and in 10 major geographic regions.

About Rehmann

Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services firm of CPAs & consultants, wealth advisors and corporate investigators dedicated to providing clients proactive ideas and solutions to help them prosper professionally and personally. Additionally, through a unique combination with Trivalent Group®, a top 100 managed IT service provider, we have expanded our technology capabilities and launched a managed IT solutions practice. 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.

Contact: Holly Shier

248.458.7923

holly.shier@rehmann.com

The addition of our new physician, Dr. Tarin Paparella, has added to our scope of practice, which now includes rearfoot and ankle deformities, ankle replacements, and ankle fractures. She also treats bunions and hammer toes, flatfoot deformities, fractures, and more.

Dr. Paparella practices at our Muskegon, Fremont, and Ludington offices. She is currently accepting new patients!

To schedule an appointment, call us at 231-733-1111 or go to our website at https://shorelinefaa.com/

MUSKEGON, MI – A leading Muskegon County Credit Union will establish a new downtown Muskegon
presence at the same time as it introduces new interactive teller technology in the local market.
Family Financial Credit Union will open its third branch office in the street level of High Point Flats, the eight-story
mixed-use apartment building at West Western Avenue and First Street. FFCU will lease 3,500-square-feet from
Parkland Properties, developer/manager of the 47-market rate apartments that have been 100 percent occupied since
opening earlier in 2018.

“For the credit union, this is an opportunity to expand our services to a new customer base,” said FFCU Board
Chairman Dave Stamy, a retired engineer from Sealed Power/SPX and owner of Twin Lake Auto and Tire. “Our
strategic plan is to branch out into the community. There is a new excitement in downtown Muskegon where they
need our credit union services.”

FFCU will be creating a “downtown community center” with the new branch which will share the main level
commercial space with another new Parkland tenant, Boom Town Market – a long awaited convenience food store
in the heart of the downtown.

The credit union space will have a “café-feel” with WiFi Internet service as the public –members and
nonmembers alike – will be encouraged to work and socialize in the branch space, according to FFCU CEO Deb
Dietz. The credit union’s interior space will be built out by Muskegon Quality Builders with as many local
subcontractors as possible, she said.

The downtown branch will be equipped with two new interactive teller machines, which work as an ATM but
with much greater service-providing capabilities and interactive video with credit union staff. The new downtown
credit union branch will open in the first half of 2019 with a staff of 8. FFCU staff will offer retail accounts,
consumer loans, mortgages and commercial loans from the new branch but credit union headquarters will remain in
Norton Shores at 3575 Henry Street. FFCU also has branches in North Muskegon at 1798 Holton and in Hart at
4075 Polk.

FFCU began as the Sealed Power Employees Federal Credit Union in 1942 and received its community charter
as Family Financial Credit Union in 2004. Overall, FFCU has $113 million in assets, 16,000 members and 40
employees. It has experienced healthy growth with annual average asset increases of 4 percent, Dietz said.
The credit union will renovate space once occupied by Hackley Union Bank and during the Muskegon Mall era
Comerica Bank. A huge bank vault will remain as part of the credit union branch, becoming a focal point of the
renovation.

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A store that offers pet supplies, dog-wash stations and a grooming salon has opened in the region.

Dan Skinner and Kasey Skinner and Craig LeMieux and Dianne LeMieux recently opened a franchise location of Livonia-based Pet Supplies Plus in Norton Shores, at 5729 S. Harvey St.

“Our store is large enough to carry everything your pet needs, and you can always expect to receive neighborly service,” Dan Skinner said. “Ultimately, we want to provide our neighbors and their pets with the best shopping experience possible. That’s what our ‘minus the hassle’ tagline is all about.”

Continue reading, at grbj.com

Morea Chiropractic Wellness Center of Fruitport would like to announce that the practice is celebrating its 17th anniversary during the month of March. Led by chiropractor Mike Morea, Morea Chiropractic provides non-invasive, drug-free pain management and injury rehabilitation, and complete wellness care to patients of all ages. The office also boasts state of the art technology, a supplement room and massage therapy.

“Dr. Mike”, as his patients affectionately call him, graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Biology. From there he went on to Life University to receive his doctor of chiropractic degree. Dr. Mike is an active participant in the Michigan Association of Chiropractors. He is using the anniversary of his practice as an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of chiropractic care and to encourage families to learn more about how chiropractic care would enhance their loved ones lives.

Our mission is to help as many families in our lifetime by loving, giving, and serving.

Following our mission we are extending a special invitation for new patients to receive a chiropractic exam and consult for only $17. On March 12th the office will be offering $17 adjustments from 4-6pm.

All month long anyone can be entered to win the grand prize drawing of a one night stay at The Shoreline Inn and dinner at the lake house.

Morea Chiropractic would like to thank the community for 17 wonderful years and they look forward to many more health focused years in the area.

To learn more about MCWC visit: www.moreachiro.com or call the office at 231-865-7474.

MUSKEGON — A West Michigan solar energy developer is pursuing new projects and job-training in low-income communities across the state that qualify for tax relief under recent federal tax reforms.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created qualified Opportunity Zones that allow investors to defer taxes on capital gains meant to spur development in low-income areas. While most projects involve real estate development, some developers across the U.S. are beginning to explore the potential for renewable energy in Opportunity Zones.

To continue reading, visit MiBiz

A unique concept positioning Mercy Health’s community health and wellness expertise on the forefront of turf sports and recreation in Downtown Muskegon’s L. C. Walker Arena.

Mercy Health’s commitment to the Muskegon Lakeshore community has expanded!

On Saturday, February 2 during the Muskegon Risers home game in L. C. Walker Arena, the Muskegon Lakeshore community will experience “Mercy Health Field” for the first time. The game will effectively launch a longstanding agreement between Mercy Health, Muskegon Risers, and West Michigan Ironmen that places Mercy Health on the forefront of all turf sports and recreation activities in L. C. Walker Arena.

“Mercy Health is proud to show our commitment to the Muskegon community through our partnership with the Muskegon Risers and West Michigan Ironmen,” said Gary Allore, president of Mercy Health Muskegon. “Being the title sponsor of the turf field at the L.C. Walker Arena is an opportunity to show our support for active and healthy lifestyles.”

The concept includes Mercy Health’s logo at center field, arena signage, video monitors with engaging health and wellness content, “Mercy Health Field” listed on the Shoreline Drive Marquee and incorporated with all turf event & activity promotions.

An online turf rental platform has also been developed to allow members of the Muskegon sports community to view turf availability and make reservations for practices, camps, and other turf-related community events. The creation of this platform will help maximize downtown Muskegon’s potential as a hub for health and wellness activity.

“Mercy Health has shown an incredible commitment to local athletes for many years and provides unmatched service surrounding all aspects of an athlete’s health.” said Ironmen GM, Nate Smith, “Having the arena turf named Mercy Health Field is incredibly fitting and is the physical representation of what Mercy Health does; they lay the ground for our athletes to succeed.”

For more information, please contact:

Amy Rotter, Mercy Health (amy.rotter@mercyhealth.com)

Matt Schmitt, Muskegon Risers (matt.schmitt@muskegonrisers.com)

Nate Smith, West Michigan Ironmen (nate.smith@ironstrong.cc)

TROY, Mich., January 31, 2019 – Rehmann’s Roger Webster was named the director of resource partners for the Michigan Society of Human Resource Management (MISHRM).

MISHRM supports education to HR professionals including the importance of developing relationships with the companies that offer solutions in these functional areas. Companies aligned withMISHRM are recognized as important resources that every HR professional should be familiar with, in order to accomplish their jobs and support their organizations.

Currently, there are over 15,000 HR professionals in the state of Michigan with approximately 3,000 of those being members of SHRM Chapters throughout Michigan.

Webster will be responsible for maintaining and expanding  Resource Partner membership for MISHRM.

“The goal is to provide valuable resources to the members of the SHRM councils throughout the state of Michigan,” said Webster. “We want this relationship to be beneficial to SHRM members and strengthen our networks by developing dynamic relationships with companies that provide HR solutions.”

Beginning his employee administration career in 1995, Webster has tremendous experience in the HR, payroll and benefits outsourcing arena, performing in sales, marketing and sales management roles. He currently leads the HR solutions department at Rehmann.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Webster is a member and former board member of the Detroit Society of Human Resources Management.

About Rehmann

Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services firm of CPAs & consultants, wealth advisors and corporate investigators dedicated to providing clients proactive ideas and solutions to help them prosper professionally and personally. Additionally, through a unique combination with Trivalent Group®, a top 100 managed IT service provider, we have expanded our technology capabilities and launched a managed IT solutions practice. 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.

Contact: Holly Shier

248.458.7923

holly.shier@rehmann.com

Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube has been locally owned and managed, serving the community for 50 years. In 1969, the first car wash opened on Sherman Blvd. This location is one of the few that prep and spot clean your car before the automated wash. Also, with an oil change or auto service purchased, customers receive a free car wash.

Core services remain car washes and quick lube/oil change services. Standard oil changes include up to six quarts of Quaker State Synthetic Blend. The oil change service includes checking tire pressure, lights and resetting the oil reminder function. Repairs and other maintenance is offered at the Sherman location. Services include brakes, A/C, engine work, starters, alternators, and radiators/cooling systems.

To honor the family tradition of service, Van’s will offer special anniversary throwback pricing for one day only, on Saturday, January 26^th, at all locations. Get a car wash for only $1 or an oil change service for only $10. Stop in for free Van’s logoed items and car wash coupon books, available for purchase at a special price. Visitors may register to win Michigan International Speedway Grandstand and Pit tickets, as well as, Quaker State apparel. For a complete list of all seven Van’s locations and hours, please visit: https://vanscarwash.com/

Van’s story began on October 15, 1930, when Gerritt Vanderstelt and his son Henry opened Van’s full-service gas station at 1087 W. Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. Their franchise would eventually expand to five locations. Henry Vanderstelt took over the company after his father’s passing. In 1979, Henry retired and his sons, Gary and John, took over the reins of the family business, which included a car wash and gas station on Sherman Boulevard. In 1987, Gary decided to retire from the business and sold the original location on Laketon Avenue, while his brother John continued to own and operate the full-service Sherman location. Two of their sons, Mike and Jerry, remained as the co-owners and operators of the company. Today, the family legacy continues under current owner, Jerry Vanderstelt.

Currently, Jerry owns and manages seven locations in the Muskegon, Fruitport, and Fremont area. As the 50^th anniversary approaches on January 24, 2019, Jerry had this to say, “I am extremely proud to carry on four generations of service to our community and our entire team is looking forward to continuing the tradition of customer service.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Cunningham
616-458-1332 | scunningham@shrr.com

Grand Rapids, Mich., January 7, 2019 — Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to announce the election of a new Chief Executive Officer, two new members of its board of directors, and the addition of a new shareholder. With these changes the firm continues to pass the mantle of leadership to the next generation.

“Like many law firms, Smith Haughey is facing the approaching retirement of a large number of its senior shareholders in the next five to ten years” said Lori Gibson, Smith Haughey COO. “Fortunately, these shareholders have been very wise and intentional in mentoring and developing younger leaders.”

Attorney Matthew L. Wikander has been elected for a three-year term as the firm’s CEO, effective January 1, 2019. Wikander began his career with Smith Haughey as a summer associate in 2003 and joined the firm as a full-time associate in 2004. He was elected a shareholder in 2010 and appointed to the firm’s board in 2011, where he has continued to serve. Over the past 14 years, he has developed a successful litigation practice, representing plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury and wrongful death, employment, and commercial litigation matters.

Gibson shares that Wikander’s board and firm leadership experience will heavily aide in his success as CEO, noting that he understands the firm’s history and strengths, while recognizing where it needs to strategically grow.

“Our firm has historically been known as a litigation firm. Today we have some of the finest trial lawyers and litigators in the state, and our success rate throughout Michigan’s courtrooms speaks for itself,” said Wikander. “I am committed to doubling down on our litigation roots and strategically growing in our most important litigation sub-specialties. Doing so will buttress the foundation of this firm for generations to come,” he continued.

“At the same time, our firm is becoming increasingly more well-rounded with a business and transactional practice, focused primarily in our Holland and Muskegon offices. The continued growth of those practices remains a priority for this firm.”

In addition to Wikander’s election, Smith Haughey also welcomes two new shareholders to its board of directors – Kristen E. Guinn and D. Adam Tountas. They join returning board members Cheryl L. Chandler, Kevin B. Even, E. Thomas McCarthy and Jason R. Sebolt.

Kristen E. Guinn is a trial attorney in Smith Haughey’s Grand Rapids office who represents individuals and organizations in numerous types of lawsuits, including the defense of professional malpractice claims, contract disputes, employment matters, general liability and no-fault claims, and criminal matters. She has successfully tried cases and settled disputes for clients in state and federal courts throughout Michigan. Her clients include municipalities, small business owners, corporations, health care providers, landlords, attorneys and professionals.

D. Adam Tountas is the chairman of Smith Haughey’s litigation department and specializes in the defense of complex, high-exposure civil lawsuits. He represents, among others, small and mid-market businesses, real estate developers, elected officials, and large municipal risk pools.

Smith Haughey has also named Jeffrey S. Dornbos as a shareholder. Dornbos is a trial attorney who practices in the areas of commercial, employment, and appellate litigation and professional liability defense and practices in Smith Haughey’s Grand Rapids and Holland offices. He has extensive courtroom experience, ranging from arguing motions and representing clients at hearings to conducting state and federal jury trials. He also has experience representing clients in state and federal appeals, including arguing before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Jeff is a seasoned litigator who excels at maintaining excellent client relationships.

“Smith Haughey owes a debt of gratitude to William W. Jack, our outgoing Chief Executive Officer, for leading us through some challenging but important business decisions, and to our senior shareholders, who set the example of excellence,” said Gibson. “With their continued guidance, we are pleased to see our younger generation of attorneys move into leadership roles. They will guide the firm for the next twenty to thirty years, while in turn preparing yet another generation of attorneys to lead the firm after them.”

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge has been helping our clients overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities since 1941. With offices in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon and more than 60 attorneys and counselors, we offer the most comprehensive legal experience available. For more information about the firm, call 616-774-8000 or visit www.shrr.com.

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