Lakeland Health

 
Lakeland Health, located in St. Joseph, Berrien County may soon be under the Spectrum Health umbrella.  Lakeland is the largest employer in Berrien County and for Spectrum Health, it would be an addition to its 8 urgent care centers, 47 labs and 12 hospitals, ranging from Ludington to Hastings.  Lakeland has been a partner with Spectrum for specialty services and their goal is to optimize value for its patients.
 

Melanie House

 
Leave it to Mel Trotter Ministries to come up with a healthy positive and productive way to help our local women in distress.  This innovative approach of transitioning street women from homelessness and hopelessness to a home, in a private location, with on-site residential assistance, to give them guidance, support and education, is novel!
This newly offered private home consists of three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a community dining area and kitchen.  Two homeless women will occupy 2 of the 3 bedrooms, while the inhouse supervisor will have the 3^rd.  Each resident is required to have working income, pay rent, utilities and to participate in a savings program as well as receiving ongoing aftercare support.  This model is believed to be the foundation for future independent living and a future of belonging, productivity and self-worth.
Could our contributions be spent more wisely?  I, for one, say “no”.
 

13 Million:  West Michigan Packaging Firm, Advance Packaging, Investing in Grand Rapids!

 
Founded in 1966 and located in Kentwood, Advance Packaging has 253 employees working in its current 500,000-square foot headquarters.  This privately held company is approaching $100-Million in sales for 2018 and they are proactively attempting to keep all aspects of their business in-house.
Aiming for a Mid-August installation date, this packaging business has purchased a printing press that is 50 yards long.  With this new equipment, Advance plans to hire 6 new employees and to print all their necessary labels in lieu of sending the work to another company.  Too, their hope is also to keep costs down while increasing efficiency.  The job opportunities for the new positions will range from a starting salary of $24 per hour.  Thank you, Advance Packaging!