Tag Archives: ribbon cutting

Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community in ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 12

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Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.


While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.

Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.

“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”


Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale expresses her appreciation for community support and her love of community. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

A platform of community service

“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.

“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”

She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”

A legacy of quality pizza

Several community business owners helped celebrate Palermo’s success (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.

Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.

“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”

From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.

“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.

Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.

A family-oriented endeavor

Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.

“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”


Janice Vitale and her four children work together to ensure customers always receive quality products. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Giving back and making a difference

Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”

“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.

Mayor Kent Vanderwood signs the cut ribbon at the Palermo Pizza ceremony. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)



That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.


But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.

“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.

“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cutting ceremony for two accounting firms

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There were a number of new business openings this month with the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosting several ribbon cutting events.

 

 

Triune Financial

 

On July 19, Grand Rapids-based bookkeeping company triune Financial hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The business is located at 401 Hall St. SW in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood and also has received accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. For more information on Triune Financial, visit the company’s website.

 

Hungerford Nicholas CPAs + Advisors

On July 12, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the accounting firm of Hungerford Nicholas CPAs + Advisors for its newly renovated building. The accounting firm has been a part of the Greater Grand Rapids area for more than 75 years and is located at 2910 Lucerne Dr. SW. For more about Hungerford Nicholas CPAs + Advisors, visit the company’s website.

 

March of Dimes Western Michigan hosts open house Feb. 28

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By Ginger Feldman

 

Local Grand Rapids community members will have the opportunity to learn about the work, mission and events of the March of Dimes Western Michigan Market. A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 3:30-7 pm at their new office location, 3001 Orchard Vista Suite 250 in Grand Rapids. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the March of Dimes and their fight to end premature birth.

 

The March of Dimes Western Michigan’s former office space flooded in 2014 causing extensive damage structurally as well as to office furnishings and supplies. The building was eventually sold and the March of Dimes had to leave the space. Thanks to an enormous amount of support from partners in the community the March of Dimes Western Michigan is now settled into their new office space. Northstar Commercial and Steve Millman donated the 1,000 square foot office space, while over $7,000 of office furnishings were donated by UBU. The Fox and the Owl designed and donated building plans, layout, and colors while FASTSIGNS donated all the signage for the new office.

 

The March of Dimes is incredibly grateful for all the support they have received and want a chance to share with the community not only their new space but all the amazing work that’s being done there. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about locally funded programs as well as receive information on the March of Dimes premier fundraising event, March for Babies.

 

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP via email to Executive Director Ginger Feldman or by calling the office at 616.247.6861.

 

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and information, go here.