Category Archives: social entrepreneurs

Businesses Leading in Crisis: Michigan #COVID19 Legislative Update

I am sure your life, like mine, got upended a week ago. As crazy as life is now, somethings remain constant. Yesterday, I snapped a beautiful sunset. Michigan Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21 The State of Michigan is continuing to update and offer guidance on businesses complying with Governor Gretchen Whitmer‘s Executive Order 2020-21. Check out this helpful FAQ.Continue reading “Businesses Leading in Crisis: Michigan #COVID19 Legislative Update”

Michigan Real Estate Law Update for Landlords and Property Owners Amidst #CoronaVirusOutbreak

What an interesting time to be alive. Yesterday the Michigan Supreme Court issued an Order of emergency measures to deal with the CoronaVirus. The Order is effective through April 3rd. I have already seen the effects. On Friday I was in court for a landlord and the Courts were delaying entering the judgments against aContinue reading “Michigan Real Estate Law Update for Landlords and Property Owners Amidst #CoronaVirusOutbreak”

Community Spotlight: Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids – Steil Club

Today I visited with Patrick Placzkowski, Angie Stumpo and Taylor Crison with Boys & Girls Club Grand Rapids – Steil Club (B&G Club). What really impacted me about my visit was touring the space on Straight Street in Grand Rapids where roughly 80 kids aged 6-18 meet every weekday after school. These kids will receive snacks, dinner,Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids – Steil Club”

New Rent Control Law is Trending in Places like California & Oregon, but is it a Proper Response to an Affordable Housing Crisis?

Last month California announced that in order to combat a staggering growth in homelessness it will implement rent control laws effective January 1, 2020. According to Market Watch: The law limits rent increases to 5% each year plus inflation until Jan. 1, 2030. It bans landlords from evicting people for no reason, meaning they couldContinue reading “New Rent Control Law is Trending in Places like California & Oregon, but is it a Proper Response to an Affordable Housing Crisis?”

Fintech Charters No More?

Good morning, all. It is Tuesday in Grand Rapids. Just last week I was in Belgium and snapped some photos of the beautiful city of Ghent, here is one of my favorite. Last year I posted that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced it will begin accepting applications for national bankContinue reading “Fintech Charters No More?”

For the benefit of all stakeholders – Pushing the Needle Forward on Business as a Force for Good.

Good afternoon, all. I hope you all have been enjoying the summer. I took this photo this morning as the sun was rising over downtown Grand Rapids. Just a few days ago Business Roundtable announced the release of a new Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation signed by 181 CEOs who commit to leadContinue reading “For the benefit of all stakeholders – Pushing the Needle Forward on Business as a Force for Good.”

Real Estate Investors Bidding at Foreclosure Sale: What Happens to a “Surplus?”

It is a snowy day today in Grand Rapids. If you are on the roads, drive safe!   Last week I read a  Court of Appeals decision that prompted me to write on the topic concerning real estate investors.   The market to purchase distressed real estate has become extremely competitive since 2008-09. Having multipleContinue reading “Real Estate Investors Bidding at Foreclosure Sale: What Happens to a “Surplus?””

Grand Rapids Social Enterprise, L3Cs and a Call to Community Partnership.

Yesterday I visited with Dr. Justin Beene – Founder of Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation  (GRCCT) – a collective of non-profit/for-profits working to see flourishing in Grand Rapids for all.  GCCT is essentially a hub for social enterprise, for the common good of the Greater Grand Rapids Area. GRCCT states on its website thatContinue reading “Grand Rapids Social Enterprise, L3Cs and a Call to Community Partnership.”

A Cautionary Tale for Leaders on National Philanthropy Day. A Call to Humble, Authentic Leadership.

Good afternoon, all. It has been a month since my last post – a lot has happened in a month. I wanted to sent a quick post.   Today is the first day of some serious snow – check it out. I am looking forward to ice skating beginning at Rosa Parks Circle.   Yesterday,Continue reading “A Cautionary Tale for Leaders on National Philanthropy Day. A Call to Humble, Authentic Leadership.”

Legal Update on Michigan Bcorps and Purpose Driven Business.

Happy Tuesday, all. I recently took this photo of the Grand River that flows through downtown Grand Rapids. Today I read an article in the Grand Rapids Business Journal by Local First President Elissa Sangalli Hillary on how to build a “Purpose Driven Business“. Elissa starts off the article by advising entrepreneurs to “start with yourContinue reading “Legal Update on Michigan Bcorps and Purpose Driven Business.”