Tag Archives: Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

An evening of fellowship as the chamber celebrates award winners

January 31, 20233-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Businessawards, B2 Outlets, RoMan Manufacturing, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)

It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.

Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.

At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.

Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.

Manufacturer of the Year

RoMan Manufacturing

861 47th St. SW, Wyoming

Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.

Service Business of the Year

University of Michigan Health-West
Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming

University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.

Retail Business of the Year

B2 Outlet Stores
Various locations
962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming
350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids

B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.

Other Award Recipients

Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)

The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.

The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.

The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.

For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.

Chamber celebrates local businesses as it has its first annual meeting in two years

February 1, 20223-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingAnnual Meeting, Bob O'Callaghan, Keith Morgan, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Weller Team accepts award for Manufacturer of the Year

It was a night of celebration as the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, the first since COVID pandemic in 2020.

Along with celebrating the annual award recipients, the event, which this year was held at Crossroads Conference Center off of Clay Avenue, also gave members and local officials the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of President and CEO Bob Callaghan. In November, O’Callaghan announced his retirement from the chamber after working with Chamber for past 30-plus years, the last nine as its president and CEO.

“I can’t even guess how many feet of ribbon you have cut over the course of time, but I have been there for a lot of those ribbon cuttings and it is always important for new businesses to see that we are committed to them,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll during a recent Government Matters, which is hosted by the Chamber and broadcast by WKTV.

“Thank you for all you have done to help the small business, the big businesses, businesses in general especially in these tough, tough times,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley during the Government Matters meeting. “ We really appreciate all that you did.”

For his years of service, O’Callaghan was awarded with the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award. O’Callaghan thanked everyone at the meeting, stating he has some wonderful memories and hopes to remain in touch with many who were in attendance at the meeting.

The Chamber’s new president and CEO, Keith Morgan, also spoke during the event. He talked about the challenges many have faced due to COVID and how the Chamber is beginning to look at what it offers and will be offering some new and exciting opportunities to members.

Award recipients

Receiving the Retail Business of Year Award was Craig’s Cruisers, located at 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW. With around 120,000 square feet, Craig’s Cruisers is one of the largest indoor, and outdoor, recreation facilities in the area, offering go carts, mini golf, an indoor roller coaster, laser tag, and a wide selection of games. The facility also has a 700-capactiy seating restaurant, which is the largest seating capacity restaurant in Kent County.

Receiving the Manufacturer of the Year Award was Weller Truck Parks, 1500 Gezon Parkway SW, Wyoming. Weller Truck Parks is a re-manufacturer of heavy- and medium-duty drive tran components for the transportation industry. The company has been based in Wyoming since the 1970s and now has 36 locations distributing its products and employs around 1,000 people.

Receiving the Linda Harbor Service Business of the Year Award went to ServPro of South and Northwest Grand Rapids, which is based in Jenison. As sales rep Mike Nix puts it “Typically if you are calling us you are not having a very good day but we are here to make sure things are done right and on the first time.” ServPro of South and Northwest Grand Rapids is a full service restoration business. It offers fire and water cleanup, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup up as well as construction site services.

Volunteer of the Year Award went to Blue Frost IT. Owners Allen and Ashlynne Gilbert, said when they formed their IT company, they made the commitment to give back to their company and they wanted to see firsthand what their support was doing for the community they serve, often working hand-in-hand with the charitable organizations. Blue Frost IT has worked with UCOM and Family Network of Wyoming as well as served as ambassadors and on the foundation board for the Chamber.

This year’s Committee of the Year Award went to the Government Matters group. At the beginning of each month, the Government Mattes Committee brings together local government officials who discuss things taking place in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, on the state level and nationally as well.

Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, 2021 Primary Election: Kentwood City Commissioner Ward 2

July 22, 20213-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Politics, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsCity Commissioner Ward 2, WKTV We the People, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. One of them was the City of Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 candidate forum. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.

Kentwood’s Ward 2 includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.

The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Tom McKelvey and challengers Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election (unless one of the primary candidates get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary, in which case they will win the seat).

Note: Commissioner McKelvey and Ms. Tyson were able to attend the forum via Zoom; Mr. VanderMolen was not able to attend.

Kentwood City Commissioner candidate forum will air on WKTV Government 26, Friday, July 23, at 8:50 p.m. (immediately following the rebroadcast of this week’s Kentwood Commission Meeting), on Wednesday, July 28, at 8 p.m.; Friday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, July 31, at 1 p.m. It is also available on demand at WKTVvideos on YouTube.

For more information on the candidates in the City of Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 primary election, see this WKTV Journal story on our We The People videos of the race.

Local chamber urges small businesses to apply for just announced state relief grants

December 2, 20203-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Local Business, WKTV ProjectsSmall business grants, WKTV, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Members of the local business community visited the Family Network of Wyoming this summer as part of a Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Team Up Tuesday community event. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After an announcement this week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that the Michigan Strategic Fund had approved a $10 million grant program to provide up to $15,000 grants to small businesses “disproportionately” impacted the COVID-19 virus, a local business leader urged applications.

In an email today, Dec. 2, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and its president/CEO Bob O’Callaghan urged small businesses to apply for the grants. And the WKACC detailed the types of businesses who can apply and what the grants can be used for.

“Grant funds will assist eligible small businesses directly impacted by COVID-19 meet urgent working capital needs including payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and utility expenses,” according to the WKACC statement, which went on to detail “eligible” businesses.

The grants are meant for restaurants, bars and other food and beverage service providers; travel and tourism destinations including lodging providers; live event venues and movie theaters; conference and meeting facilities; ice skating rinks, indoor water parks and bowling centers; and gyms and fitness centers.

In the state’s earlier announcement, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize federal CARES Act funding to award the grants.

“As we continue to take necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, many of Michigan’s small businesses are experiencing additional strain, particularly now during the holiday season and heading into winter,” Gov. Whitmer said at the time of the state announcement. “We are fully committed to supporting our small businesses and their employees across the state as they navigate and persevere through this pandemic. By putting this federal funding to work, we can provide immediate assistance to those businesses hardest-hit by the pandemic.”

Businesses can apply for the grants starting Dec. 15, and grants will be awarded in amounts of up to $15,000 per eligible business on a “first-in” bases.

In addition to being one of the qualifying businesses, applicants must meet other eligibility criteria including being a for-profit entity (i.e., a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC), having a physical establishment in the state but not being a home-based business, and providing goods or services to multiple clients or customers.

Businesses must also have had annual gross revenues in 2019 greater than $25,000, have at least two employees, including the owner(s) but less than 50 employees, including full-time and part-time.

In addition, according to the state, “applicants will be required to self-certify that they are following all state and local orders related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, those issued by DHHS and county health departments.”

For more information and, starting Dec. 15, businesses can apply for the grants at michiganbusiness.org/relief.

WKTV video: Local chamber event spotlights Family Network of Wyoming

September 29, 20203-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, WKTV ProjectsFamily Network of Wyoming, WKTV, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Members of the local business community visited the Family Network of Wyoming recently as part of a Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Team Up Tuesday community event. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The business community of Wyoming and Kentwood has held strong together during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and part of the reason is the continued work of the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce with events such as a recent Team Up Tuesday held at the Family Network of Wyoming.

WKTV was there to tour and talk with chamber and Family Network leadership, and members of the business community, to find out more about the local non-profit and how it helps some businesses keep on doing business.

Held Sept. 15, the outdoor event was also open to the public to “hang out and connect with each other.” Family Network of Wyoming, located on 44th street, conducted small group tours of its lending closet and food pantry. Snacks and refreshments were provided by The Candied Yam.

To find out more about the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, visit southkent.org. To find out more about the Family Network of Wyoming, visit fntw.org.

Employees, customers: the reasons why some Wyoming/Kentwood restaurant remain open

April 2, 20203-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingMarge's Donut Den, The Candied Yam, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

The Candied Yam owner Jessica Ann Tyson (left) said you have to be creative in letting people know your restaurant is still open. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

When you walk into Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, gone is the chatter of people with their coffee and donuts. Gone is the rush of church groups stopping in before or after service to pick up a dozen. Gone are the families out for a treat.

It is quiet, except for the phone ringing.

“It’s very much quieter,” said owner Marge Wilson. “We have a big rug out to show people where to stand and right in the middle we have a table to remind people to go on either side. Or people can sit out in their car and we’ll bring them the donuts. For that reason, the phone rings a lot more.”

The signs on the doors of Marge’s Donut Den make it clear that only takeout is available. (WKTV)

To encouraging social distancing, on March 16, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned events and gatherings of more that 50 people causing most of the West Michigan restaurants to eliminate dining in. Those who could or wanted, move to takeout, curbside or delivery options. Marge’s Donuts Den, which offered both takeout and dine-in, closed its doors to its dining area with only access to the donut counter available.

On March 23, Whitmer issued an executive stay-at home order, but encourage residents to support local restaurants by ordering takeout and/or have food delivered from area restaurants. Since then, numerous organizations, such as Eatgr, have worked to promote restaurants that are currently offering those options. Recently, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce distributed a list of chamber restaurants that are open. (See the list below.)

The elimination for dine-in has meant a reduction of customers with Wilson stating she has reduced her hours. Now the popular donut shop closes at 4 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. But she is grateful to be able to provide jobs for her staff who need or want to work.

“It has reduced the staff because there are some who are too afraid to come and others have to stay home to stay with their kids,” she said. “But for those who want to work or need to work, they can.”

For many of the local business owners, helping their employees was a big decision in staying open.

“I could have just closed,” said Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam, 2305 44th St. SE. Both Wilson and restaurant owner and State House Rep. Tommy Brann echoed the same in their comments. “But there are factors you have to consider. There are employees who if you can keep working means that it is at least one less person drawing on the system. The local vendors who we purchase quite a lot from, and the customers who don’t cook or don’t know how to cook.”

There is also the cost of shutting down and then reopening a kitchen which can cost $3,000 or more where as Tyson estimates it is costing her about $700 a week to stay open.

Tommy Brann, owner of Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division, admits he often thinks about his employees. It is why he decided to stay open, offering takeout even though it only makes up about five percent of his business.

“I’m looking at chairs up and and an empty bar,” Brann said. “Much of our business is dine in. This is a place that people come with families to celebrate birthdays, weddings, showers, and sadly, funerals.

“This is a place where you are around people but sadly, right now we can’t do that and we understand why.”

For many of the restaurant owners we talked to, they understand the reasoning for the restrictions on gatherings. As a state representative for the Wyoming and Byron Center areas, Brann said he also has heard from a number of local business owners as well and there are some he fears may simply not reopen.

“You’ve got to be creative,” Tyson said. “We still feel obligated to offer specials so that seniors who are on a fixed income can still come as well as entice people to order.”

Tyson said her cost has gone up but she made an effort to keep her prices the same because she recognizes there are people who do rely on the restaurant for a good meal.

And she figures, if she is open she might as well share with those who are considered essential workers, doing a daily delivery to various individuals and organizations such as the Kent County Health Department’s Emergency Operations Center and a local milk operation.

“I am staying optimistic and getting my energy from other people and places,” Tyson said.

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce member restaurants that are currently offering takeout and/or delivery:

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
4515 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 730-8466

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining
6600 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 493-6686

Dave & Buster’s
3660 28th Street SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 224-8800

The Candied Yam
2305 44th Street S.E.
Kentwood, MI 49508
(616) 551-3509

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
2720 44th St SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 261-9464

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine
2228 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 456-8999

Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar
5675 Byron Center Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
(616) 530-9700

Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille
4157 S Division Ave
Wyoming, MI 49548
(616) 534-5421

Hilton Garden Inn
2321 East Beltline Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 608-8800

Apple Spice
701 68th St. SW #410
Byron Center, MI 49315
(616) 805-3288

Applebee’s – Wyoming
1375 28th Street
Wyoming, MI 49509
(616) 261-2588

Buddy’s Pizza
4061 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
(616) 554-9663

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
2035 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(616) 241-2999

YoChef’s Catering Co.
34 44th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49548
(616) 608-3003

McDonalds
1221 28th St. SW
Wyoming, MI
(616) 531-6190

Marge’s Donut Den
1751 28th St. SW
Wyoming, MI
(616) 532-7413

Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream
4020 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI
(616) 259-8295

Beltline Bar
16 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 245-0494

Bagel Beanery
455 Michigan NE
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 235-7500

Gov. Whitmer’s road bond plan discussed at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

February 12, 20203-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Going Local, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, WKTV ProjectsGovernment Matters, WKTV, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Local state legislators, and leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, weighed in on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plan to borrow $3.5 billion to rebuild the state’s deteriorating highways and bridges over a 5-year span, as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Feb. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

The Democratic governor unveiled the bonding plan during her second annual State of the State speech to lawmakers. It will enable the state Department of Transportation to do about twice as much construction on I-, U.S.- and M-numbered routes as it can now, she said in her speech. The funds would not be used to repair local roads.

But it was near unanimous opposition to, or at least serious questioning of, the Governor’s plan from local officials.

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R), in part, pointed out that “bonding for the roads is not a solution” and compared such a plan to “financing the roads by putting it on credit cards.” While State Rep. Steve Johnson (R) said that when it comes to government financing “it is really easy to get into debt and really hard to get out.”

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt also voiced their concerns.

Mayor Kepley said, in part, that “this is not long-term planning,” and Bolt pointed out that the increased state road work “doesn’t do any good for Wyoming” as it not have any funding for city roads.

Other discussion topics at the meeting included Kent County recycling efforts and the issue of drivers license documentation for undocumented immigrants.

The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

At the February meeting, state leaders also included Rep. Tommy Brann. On the federal level, the panel included Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, and Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2).

The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The next meeting will be March 9, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit WKTVjournal.org.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you ought to know

January 30, 20203-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming2020 International Car Show, Family Network of Wyoming, The Candied Yam, Vernors, WKTV, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Immigrants, we get the job done.
A lyric from “Immigrants” from “Hamilton: An American Musical”

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A “Ruby” Year

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 40th Anniversary with its Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Amway Grand Plaza. At the event, several individuals and two local businesses were honored including The Candied Yam for Retail Business of the Year and WKTV for Service Business of the Year. To read all about it, click here.

Fast and Shiny

Sports cars, along with SUVs and trucks, are expected to be the big draw at the 2020 Michigan International Auto Show , as they were last year in this photo. (Supplied)

If you didn’t score “Hamilton” tickets yet or not planning to go, you’ll be happy to know another favorite American past-time is in town: the 2020 International Car Show. The annual event is taken place this weekend at DeVos Place. Mixed with some of the newest cars coming out are a few classics from the Gilmore Car Museum. For more about the show and where to park, click here.

Filling the Shelves

Our giving spirt sometimes ends when the holidays are over. Pantries such as the Family Network of Wyoming are in need of food and especially personal care items such as toilet paper. Have a few hours to spare? Volunteers also are needed. To learn more about how Family Network of Wyoming has been helping its community for the past 15 years, click here.

Fun Fact:
Some say Soda, we say Vernors

While Dr. Pepper and Coke Cola like to battle it out as the oldest soda the title actually goes to Michigan’s Vernors, which was created in 1866 by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor (hence the name Vernors.) The popular ginger ale was sold outside of the pharmacy starting in 1880, five years before Dr. Pepper even came on the market. And for those Vernors lovers, try a Boston Cooler, which is a twist on a float using Vernors and vanilla ice cream.

Chamber marks 40th anniversary, celebrates local business at annual meeting

January 28, 20203-bottom, City of KentwoodMitten Water Solutions, The Candied Yam, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan and Board Chair Keith Morgan sit-down with WKTV’s Ken Norris to discuss the Chamber’s 40th Anniversary. (Video by WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Sometimes we do not fully appreciate when a business turns 40, said Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Keith Morgan as he gave his report during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Friday, Jan. 25.

About 80 percent of small businesses survive the first year and only about 50 percent will make it to year five, Morgan said.

“Any idea of how many will make it to 10 years?” Morgan asked the crowded Amway Ballroom where the dinner was taking place. “About half of a percent. So that means that if there were a 1,000 business that started today, only about seven would make it to the ten-year mark.”

Which means, according to Morgan, getting to 40 is a pretty big accomplishment.

Much of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner was a celebration of the Chamber marking its 40th anniversary. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizinga along with representatives from Senator Gary Peters office were at the event. Several state legislators were there such a Michigan House Rep. Tommy Brann and State Senator Peter MacGregor, who presented the chamber with a state proclamation for its 40th anniversary. Both the mayors of the City of Wyoming and the City of Kentwood, Jack Poll and Stephen Kepley respectively, were in attendance and congratulated the Chamber for marking its 40th anniversary as well.

The evening also served as an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of area businesses, business leaders and Chamber volunteers.

Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Receiving the Retail Business of the Year award was The Candied Yam, owned by Jessica Ann Tyson.

The Candied Yam opened in 2016 offering a menu of “delightful southern cuisine.” Originally a takeout restaurant, around its one-year anniversary, The Candied Yam had to knock down a wall to accommodate a sit-down space. The expansion allowed the restaurant to offer even more to its community, Tyson said, adding that more importantly, it provided a way for the restaurant to give back. The Candied Yam has participated in a number of community programs such as The Pantry, Young Life of East Kentwood High, Taste of Kentwood, Job Corp, Grand Rapids Public Library Taste of Soul Sunday and the AARP Foundation to name a few.

“This award reminds us that we don’t exist without customers and this is our opportunity to show our customers who spend money with us through great customer service and great food that we are being recognized for what we do,” Tyson said. “We are honored and grateful to receive this award.”

WKTV General Manager Tom Norton and Board President Judy Bergsma. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Receiving the Service Business of the Year award was WKTV, a community television station dedicated to covering the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

On Nov. 11, 1974, WKTV was incorporated and will soon be marking its 50th anniversary, said WKTV General Manager Tom Norton. It is one of the oldest, most continuously operated community television stations in the United States. In 2002, the station moved to near the border of Wyoming and Kentwood into its own permanent home. The 10,000-square-foot facility features two studios, multiple edit bays, public spaces, classrooms for media instruction and a 35-foot television production truck, one of the largest in Michigan.

Accepting the award for WKTV were Norton and Board President Judy Bergsma. Bergsma told the audience that WKTV is proud to be apart of the dynamic communities of Wyoming and Kentwood, offering an array of exciting programs. She thanked the chamber on behalf of the staff and volunteers for recognizing WKTV with this honor.

During the Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, which was emceed by WOOD TV8 Rachel Ruiz, an East Kentwood High School graduate, the chamber also recognized several chamber volunteers.

Tony Marion, left, who received the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award, is with Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Receiving the Daniel T. McLaren Committee of the Year Award was the Chamber’s Marketing Committee. Selected as the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year was Summer Vasquez, from Williamson Employment Services and receiving the lifetime achievement award, the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award, was Tony Marino, of Mitten Water Solutions.

After the event, Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the chamber was thrilled with the attendance, which forced the Chamber to move the event to a larger room. O’Callaghan said the chamber will be marking its 40th anniversary with special events throughout the year.

Summer Vasquez (left), who received the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year award is with Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callghan. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Local government leaders look ahead to 2020 at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

January 16, 20203-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Election, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsWKTV, WKTV Government Matters, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

At the Jan. 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall were chamber member and moderator Kathy Bates, chamber president Bob O’Callaghan, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Local governmental leaders — from the mayors of Wyoming and Kentwood, to a county commissioner and state legislators, to representatives of federal officials — looked ahead to 2020 as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Jan. 13. at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

At the January meeting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll represented their cities. Kent County Commissioner Monica Sparks was also present. State leaders included Sen. Peter MacGregor and Reps. Tommy Brann and Steven Johnson.

On the federal level, the panel included Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.

The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The next meeting will be Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

Wyoming Kentwood Chamber welcomes two new businesses

November 11, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingCulver CPA Group, Earl Culver, Farm Bureau Insurance, Susan Sherwood, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Culver CPA Group open a second location in Wyoming. (Supplied)

This fall, the Wyoming, Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed two new businesses to the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

On Oct. 22, the Culver CPA Group had an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for its second location, 4211 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming. Started in 1977 by Earl Culver CPA, the West Michigan accounting firm serves individuals as well as small businesses. The company’s areas of expertise include real estate, hospitality, service providers, construction, skilled trades, job shops, and healthcare providers.

On Nov. 7, the Susan Sherwood marked the opening of her new Kentwood office, at 6650 Crossing Dr. SE. Sherwood is with Farm Bureau Insurance.

Susan Sherwood opened her new office in Kentwood. (Supplied

Several community events planned to honor veterans

November 11, 20193-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingGovernment Matters, Veteran's Day, Veterans Day Breakfast, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

This coming week, as the nation observes Veterans Day, several community events have been planned to honor area veterans.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on Nov. 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, Nov. 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” Another change happened in 1968, with Veterans Day moved to the fourth Monday of October, however; that did not meet with much success so in 1975, former President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that moved Veterans Day back to Nov. 11.

City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. The breakfast is free for veterans and $10 for non-veterans. Reservations for the breakfast are required. To make a reservation, call the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164. For more on this event, click here.

Government Matters

This month’s Government Matters forum, hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, will be at Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, 98 52nd St. SE. The program, which is from 8 – 9:15 a.m., brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

Mr. Sid’s Afternoon Video Series

The popular program, which is named after former Wyoming resident and World War II veteran Sid Lenger, will host a special program honoring veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The free program is at 2 p.m. at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW. For more information, click here.

Other Veterans Day events

Several area businesses will be doing special promotions and events for veterans. All SpartanNash stores will be giving veterans an 11 percent discount on eligible products on Sunday, Nov. 10, and Monday, Nov. 11. The stores will also start carrying American Dream apples, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag of apples will support service members, veterans and their families.

Defining what is ‘under the influence’ with marijuana leaves gray areas for businesses

August 21, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingChristopher Becker, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Express Employment Professinals, Heather Merrick, Kent County Prosecuting Attorney, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Business owners and employers do no have to permit marijuana use or possession on their property was the main takeaway for a recent Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The program, which was this past spring at the Express Employment Professional offices in Wyoming, was focused on helping local business owners understand the impact of the November-approved marijuana act. The act, which allows for the use of recreational marijuana, went into effect in December.

The reason business owners can restrict marijuana is that federal law still deems it as an illegal drug.

“The federal law does supersede the state law,” said Heather Merrick, a professional/technical recruiter for Express Employment Professionals. “From an employer standpoint, we can stick to the federal guidelines. We can still have a drug enforcement policy within our organization and say we are 100 percent drug free and marijuana can be included in that even though it is legal under state law.”

Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Becker talks to local business owners about the Michigan Marijuana Act. (WKTV)

The bigger challenge is proving that a person is under the influence of marijuana when running equipment or at the job site, according to Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Becker.

“Proponents were like lets treat this like alcohol and we can, but there is no per se limit for marijuana,” Becker said. For alcohol that limit is .08. The other issue is that alcohol has a bell curve where as marijuana does not, he said.

“You have five beers at eight o’clock in the morning…you are going to have a high alcohol content in your blood stream and that is going to go down by four or five o’clock and you are going to be fine, probably,” Becker said.

“Marijuana stays in for days. So one of your employees can go out on a Friday and smoke marijuana, come to work on Monday and still have marijuana in their system. Now is he impaired? Depends on the person and how it is impacting him.”

For an employer, they need to be able to show that marijuana is affecting the employee’s ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, not that it is just in the person’s system.

“Legally, you can not operate, navigate or be in physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, snowmobile, off-road vehicle or motherboard while under the influence of marijuana,” Becker said. “We can do a blood test to say marijuana is in their system but just because marijuana is in their system does not mean they are operating under the influence.”

The prosecutor’s office may not be able to charge criminally because it can not show the person is under the influence but civil liability may attach because a company has got an employee driving a motor vehicle or a hi-low while having marijuana in his/her system, Becker said, adding that some of these issues may have to be litigated in the courts.

Heather Merrick, from Express Employment Professionals, talks to local businesses about updating their drug testing policies. (WKTV)

With these gray areas on what is considered “under the influence,” now is the time for employers to take a look at any existing drug testing policies or create new ones, Merrick said.

There are three options that employers have. The first is to maintain a drug-free workplace. Those who are federally contracted or under specific federal guidelines must maintain a drug-free workplace because the federal government views marijuana as illegal, she said.

Those who are not under federal rules have some factors to consider such as employment in Kent County is low, around 2.9 percent. Also, it is estimated that about 33 percent of workers will use marijuana in 2019. Statistics show that about 20 percent of people who are 26 or older are or will use marijuana, which could greatly reduce the possible pool of candidates for a business with a drug-free policy, Merrick said.

Option two would be to continue doing pre-employment drug screening, continue doing accident injury drug screening but take marijuana out of that mix. Merrick said that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, recommends that employers do not conduct any test if an accident would have happened regardless if the employee had taken drugs or alcohol.

“Say someone gets stung by a bee and they go to the med center and they are under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or whatever it is, they would have been stung by that bee whether they have it in their system or not,” Merrick said. “But you test them, they come up positive and now you are terminating the employee. So OSHA says not to test in that scenario because it discourages people from reporting accidents and injuries if they know they are going to get terminated because they are going to come up positive on the drug screen.”

Now if the accident involves a hi-low and it was caused by an employee who potentially was impaired, then do the testing, she said, adding “OSHA wants people to report accidents, so that is how they are looking at it.”

The last option is to completely stop drug testing. This move could save money on drug testing but could cause some safety issues, Merrick said.

Merrick did agree with Becker that until it is determined “what is under the influence” and how that is tested, businesses will be operating in somewhat of a gray area on the marijuana issue which makes it even more important for businesses to make sure that the company’s drug policy is in place and specifies what you will be testing for.

“Whether you have a policy or not, it is a good time for employers to look at what they have, revamp or put one together,” she said.

Summer has been busy with a distillery, a winery, two other businesses opening

August 8, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingAT&T Prime Wireless, Peoplemark Staffing, Wise Men Distillery, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Wise Men Distillery opened May 31 in Kentwood. (Chamber)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

It has been a busy summer for the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce with members not only preparing for the annual Metro Cruise, which takes place Aug. 23 and 24, but also welcoming four new businesses.

The Chamber along with the City of Kentwood welcomed Wise Men Distillery, which had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 31. Located at 4717 Broadmoor Ave. SE, right next to Cascade Winery and Jaden James Brewery, the new tasting room offers small batch vodka, rum, gin, white whiskey and its famous Apple Pie Moonshine in a “laid-back, down to earth environment,” according to the company’s website.

Wise Men Distillery was started with three friends who through painstaking experiments produced a moonshine that was not only drinkable, but enjoyable too. This became the company’s signature Apple Pie Moonshine. Just recently, the 2019 New York International Spirits Competition named Wise Men Distillery “Michigan Run Distillery of the Year” and awarded the distillery a silver medal for its Red Tape series rum and a bronze for its Wise Men vodka.

For more information, visit wisemenddistillery.com.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant opened in Kentwood on July 27.

About two months later, on July 27 the Chamber and the City of Kentwood welcomed the national chain Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant at 4515 28th St. SE. This location was the former Paulina’s Mexican Restaurant and at one time a Quaker State and Lube restaurant.

The Kentwood restaurant is the Chicago-based company’s second location in Michigan, having opened its first in 2018 on the east side of the state in Clinton Township.

The Kentwood Cooper’s Hawk will feature a Napa-style tasting area, full restaurant and bar and a patio of outdoor dining. According to Cooper’s Hawk’s website, all menu items are made in the scratch kitchen and incorporate peak-of-season ingredients. All items are paired with wine recommendations.

For more information, visit chwinery.com.

AT&T Prime Wireless opened a new location in Wyoming’s 28 West Place plaza in July. (Chamber)

Also opened in July is Peoplemark Staffing, 3949 Sparks Dr., Grand Rapids, and AT&T Prime Wireless, 1266 28th St. SW, Wyoming,

Peoplemark is a full service staffing company that provides recruiting, sourcing, screening, finding and placing exceptional associates in all positions at all levels, manufacturing, administrative/clerical, IT, customer service, accounting/finance, etc.

AT&T Prime Wireless is an AT&T authorized retailer with a showroom featuring AT&T’s newest products including cellular phones and tablets.

Peoplemark opened its new location on Sparks Drive in July. (Chamber)

Miss Metro Cruise: Cars not only beauties unveiled at Metro Cruise’s annual kickoff

May 30, 20193-bottom, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Upcoming Events, WKTV ProjectsMetro Cruise, Miss Metro Cruise, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The 15th Annual Metro Cruise, hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, is still a summer-full of fun away — the event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24 — but the wheels are already rolling toward the big event.

The chamber hosted the 6th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust Off in early May at the Moose Lodge on Burlingame Avenue SW, when the Miss Metro Cruise contest (formerly the Pin Up Girl contest) was also officially introduced. The next steps in the contest will be the preliminaries set to take place, Sunday, July 13, also at the Moose Lodge, with the finals set for Aug. 24 on the Metro Cruise Main Stage.

“The sixth annual Dust Off is our first event of the Metro Cruise car season,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber, said to WKTV at the May event. “We have over 100 cars here. This kinds of kicks off the guys going to all the (local car) events.”

It was also the kick off of the re-engineered Miss Metro Cruise contest.

“The way the girls dress, it is more in eras, not like the old (pin-up) calendar thing you’d see in the past,” O’Callaghan said. “It is really a classy operation, so we thought we’d change the name to reflect the Metro Cruise.”

And while WKTV Journal was at the Dust Off, WKTV Community Media is deep in plans for its production of a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTV Comcast Channel 25, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, as well as being live-streamed and, later, on-demand on WKTV.org .

“Each Metro Cruise is one of our highlights in covering the hyperlocal stories of Wyoming and Kentwood,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV Community Media. “The Chamber of Commerce does an outstanding job of putting on a true community event that has become a staple of summertime. We’re looking forward to our one-hour, live broadcast on Friday night from Metro Cruise.

“Tune in for all the close-ups before you come out and discover Metro Cruise 2019, ” Norton added. “We encourage residents to come to 28th Street and be part of the fun, but they can also be part of fun by viewing our live show, which will also be available in cable replays and on-demand, as well as following our complete online coverage of the event.”

The Metro Cruise is an annual event that “invites car lovers and enthusiasts to reminisce and commemorate the vehicles that have driven down 28th Street for decades,” according to supplied material. The event brings in more than $3 million in business to the 28th Street corridor over the course of two days, with more that 250,000 attendees at an event staffed solely by volunteers.

Some of the Miss Metro Cruise contestants at the Dust Off. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Miss Metro Cruise contest is an contest that features women dressing in eras from the 1920s, 1960s, to modern-day in full hair, makeup, and costume. Currently there is about 30 participants, with a July 13 preliminary contest to select the top 10 finalists. Each finalist will receive personalized trading cards and a chance to be named Miss Metro Cruise 2019 with the top three finalists set to receive a cash prize.

For more information about Metro Cruise 2019, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com .

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you ought to know

April 30, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming Parks and RecreationJoanne

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
 
                        ― Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut, engineer,
              and the first woman of Indian descent to go into space

Front row, scholarship recipients (from the left) : Astrid Melissa Lopez Oroxom from Kelloggsvile High School; Luz Parada-Martinez from Godwin Heights High School; Kathryn Abbott from East Kentwood High School; and Crystal Gonzalez-Pineda from Lee High School. Back row, from left: Chamber Education Committee Chair Kathey Batey; Chamber CEO and President Bob O’Callaghan, and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen. (WKTV)

Following Their Dreams

Four students from Lee High School, East Kentwood High School, Godwin Heights High School, and Kelloggsville High School were the scholarship recipients for the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The students received lots advice from those attending a special luncheon such as connect, network, and have an open mind. The students also offered advice to the class of 2020, such as make sure to fill out those scholarship forms. For more, click here.

The City of Wyoming will be bring a new master plan process on Thursday with a public workshop on Thursday at the KDL Wyoming Branch. (WKTV)

Getting [re]Imagined

The City of Wyoming announced last week its plans to develop a new master plan for the city. The process, called Wyoming [re]Imagined will start with a public workshop set for Thursday, May 2 at the KDL Wyoming branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The workshop will be from 6-8 p.m. For more information, click here.

City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of improvements this year. (WKTV)

Pardon Our Dust

The City of Kentwood has started several park improvements at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE; and Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Park Dr. SE. The improvements will bring a new splash pad and playground to Veterans Memorial Park, a covered entry to the Kentwood Activities Center and a new multi-use facility at Old Farm Park. “We are looking forward to opening the new and improved facilities in the fall and appreciate your patience as we make our facilities more accessible, functional and fun,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation director. For more information, click here.

Fun fact:

Hot and Cold

If you think Hell, Michigan is the warmest city in our state, think again. It is actually Benton Harbor, which has an average high of 60 degrees. The coldest will probably come as no surprise as it is Ironwood, located in the Upper Peninsula, on the border of Wisconsin. It has an average low of 30 below. (Source.)

Chamber honors four area students from class of 2019

April 24, 20193-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingKelloggsville Public Schools, Lee High School, WKACC, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Two plan to study medicine. One hopes to be a high school teacher and another plans to go into business.

These are the goals of the four students who received scholarships from the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce during a special luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill.

Funded by the Mercantile Bank of Michigan, the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, and the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce, the scholarship recognized students from schools in the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. This year, four students were selected representing East Kentwood High School, Godwin High School, Lee High School, and Kelloggsville High School.

Community members, school officials, friends and family members attended the luncheon that recognized the students.

“As I look around this room and see these students, I would say we are in pretty good shape (for the future),” said Godwin Heights Superintendent William Fetterhoff, who attended the event with several school officials that included Kentwood Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff.

We were able to talk to each of the scholarship recipients about their plans for the future and what words of wisdom they would offer to next year’s seniors.

Scholarship recipient Kathryn Abbott (center) with Mercantile Bank CEO Bob Kaminski and Mercantile Bank Vice President and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen. (WKTV)

Kathryn Abbott
East Kentwood High School
College: Ferris State University
Major: Nursing, looking at becoming a nurse practitioner

“I have always found it interesting,” Abbott said of her career choice. “I have watched a lot of medical shows and just felt like I would really like it.”

Advice for next year’s seniors: “Don’t procrastinate on those applications and the FSDA (Financial Student Development Authority). We discovered that a lot of the seniors in my class had not even done FSDA yet. Oh, and apply for all the scholarships you can.”

Scholarship recepient Luz Parada-Martinez with Mercantile Bank Vice President and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen. (WKTV)

Luz Parada-Martinez
Godwin Heights High School
College: Davenport University
Major: Business

“I just feel that through business you are able to connect with your community and the people and through that I will be able to make a contribution back to the community,” Parada said.

Advice for next year’s seniors: “Do not procrastinate and work hard. Get scholarships and good grades because it will be all worth it in the end when you graduate.”

Scholarships recipient Astrid Melissa Lopez Oroxom (center) with Mercantile Bank Vice President and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen (left) and Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance Jenn Franson (right). (WKTV)

Astrid Melissa Lopez Oroxom
Kelloggsville High School
College: Grand Rapids Community College
Major: Medicine

“I want to help people,” Lopez said.

Advice for next year’s seniors: “Study hard so you can achieve whatever you want.”

Scholarships recipient Crystal Gonzalez-Pineda (center) with Mercantile Bank Vice President and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen (left) and Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance Jenn Franson (right). (WKTV)

Crystal Gonzalez-Pineda
Lee High School
College: Michigan State University
Major: Education and Arts and Humanity

“I wanted to give back to my community and one way I could is with education,” Gonzalez said. “The teachers gave so much to me that I wanted to do the same thing.”

Advice for next year’s seniors: “Apply for scholarships early because college is a lot more expensive then you thought.”

Several new businesses join the Kentwood, Wyoming communities

April 24, 20193-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingAzpira Place of Breton, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Fresenius Kidney Care, U.S. Army, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Bob O’Callaghan, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, joins the Fresenius Kidney Care staff in opening the Fresenius Kidney Care Clyde Park South. (WKACC)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

As the weather warms up, there has been a lot of activity with in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as businesses open new locations, joining the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

In March, the Fresenius Kidney Care, the dialysis division of Fresenius Medical Care North America, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new clinic at 5311 Clyde Park Ave. SW in Wyoming.

The clinic, which can treat a maximum of 96 patients a week, enables Fresenius Kidney Care’s local team of expert medical professionals to better serve the Kent County area’s growing dialysis community. In Michigan, more than 14,600 people living with end stage renal disease are on dialysis.

The Fresenius Kidney Care Clyde Park South strives to empower people to thrive on and live the healthiest, fullest way possible with kidney disease treatments that fit in with life. The facility offers patient services and the latest dialysis treatment options including in-center dialysis and has Fresenius Rx renal-trained pharmacists who can help dialysis patients manage their medications.

To learn more about Fresenius Kidney Care visit its website, freseniuskidneycare.com or call 1-888-373-1470.

On April 11, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the rebranding of Azpira Place of Breton at 4352 Breton Rd. SE. (WKACC)

On April 11, the chamber marked the rebranding of the Azpira Place of Breton (formerly Elmcroft of Kentwood), located at 4352 Breton Rd. SE., Kentwood. The 54,387-square-foot facility offers both an assisted living portion as well as the “A Knew Day” memory support neighborhood. The facility is part of the Pathway to Living community which owns or managers 29 communities comprising about 2,800 units in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

For more about Azpira Place of Breton, visit the website or call 616-499-2357.

On April 18, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new U.S. Army Recruiting Office now on 28th Street. (WKACC)

On April 18, the chamber helped celebrate the new location of the Wyoming Army Recruiting Center, which moved from Clyde Park Avenue to 1274 28th St. in the 28 West Place (formerly Wyoming Village Mall). Focusing on land operations, the U.S. Army organizes, trains, and equips active duty and Reserve forces to preserve the peace, security, and defense of the United States.

For more on the U.S. Army, visit its website, goarmy.com,or call 616-531-3700.

Chamber hosts annual Santa Parade along Division Avenue Dec. 8

November 30, 2018Citizen JournalismCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Santa Parade, WKTV, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Five area high school bands will be performing at this year’s Santa Parade.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Santa is coming to town. How do we know? Because the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, is hosting the 12th annual Santa Parade Saturday, Dec. 8, along Division Avenue.

The parade, which starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about 45 minutes, will feature more than 50 participants including five school bands. Participants will travel down South Division from 33rd Street to Murray Avenue.

Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the Santa Parade provides an opportunity for many residents to attend a parade who may not get the opportunity to attend the big parade in downtown Grand Rapids. Another key element to the event is free photos with Santa, which takes place after the parade at Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave. Parade-goers and residents are encouraged to bring their children over to the restaurant along with cameras for free pictures with Santa.

Santa is scheduled to make his arrival at the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It is part of the Community Service we offer at the Chamber,” O’Callaghan said.

In the parade will be police vehicles and fire trucks from both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. There also will be floats and vehicles from several of the parade sponsors such as The Rapids, Steelcase, Conumsers Energy, Diversified Protection, JX Peterbilt, Marge’s Donut Den, Supermercado Mexico, Two Men and A Truck, Liberty Tax Service, Godwin Plumbing, Celebration Cinema, and Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille. Also five local high school bands are set to perform as well.

This year the Chamber will be hosting a Float Judging Contest selecting the three best decorated floats with first place being a $1,500 office chair from Steelcase.

If you miss or can not make the parade, WKTV will be broadcasting the entire event on Comcast channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 at 12:30 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. that day. It will re-air the program throughout the month. Check wktv.org for listings.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming weekend news you need to know

October 26, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismBreton Woods, Henderson Castle, Monsterfest 3, South Kent Expo, The Haunt, Tibbits Opera House, West Michigan Tourist Association, WMTA, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin."
          - Linus from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

Here’s the Trick

It’s the last weekend before Halloween, which makes it a perfect time to visit Wyoming’s newest business, The Haunt. Now located at 1256 28th St. SW in the former Showplace/JoAnn Fabrics location of 28 West Place (formerly the Wyoming Village Mall), The Haunt has a number of special events coming up as the attraction wraps up its season.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, there will be a Trunk or Treat from 3 – 5 p.m. and a Kids Haunt from 4 – 6 p.m. Also organizers noted that the last two days of The Haunt’s season, Nov. 2 and 3, all be very special and definitely not for scaredy cats. The Haunt is open through Nov. 3. Sundays and weekday hours are 7 – 10 p.m. (note it is not open on Mondays and Nov. 1.) and Friday and Saturday hours are 7 – 11 p.m. Because of long lines, The Haunt has been opening a half hour earlier. Check the website, https://www.the-haunt.com/ for specific details and ticket information.

And Here Are the Treats

Also this weekend is the South Kent Expo hosted by Cutlerville-Gaines Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is this Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.

The event is an opportunity to learn about the businesses in the community and what services they have to offer including home improvement, home financing, home services, senior services, library services, colleges, fitness, health and wellness, pet care, banks, retail, hospitality, transportation, volunteer opportunities and employment services.

Or get an early start on your Christmas shopping as Holland Home’s Breton Woods will be hosting its annual holiday market this Saturday, Oct. 27, at its Breton Ridge facility, 2772 Pfieffer Woods Dr. SE. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature more than 20 vendors. Homemade cookies made by residents also will be on sale.

Some ‘Great Pumpkin’ Picks

Henderson Castle hosts a murder mystery on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Looking to have a Halloween adventure this weekend? Then the West Michigan Tourist Association has a few ideas for you. There is a murder mystery event at Kalamazoo’s Henderson Castle to the Michigan Heritage Park (in Whitehall) becoming The Haunted Trail.

There are number of family activities as well, such as the Monsterfest 3 film festival at the Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest opera house in the state. By the way, the Monster 3 event is free.

For more ideas, visit WMTA.org.

Fun Fact:

6.2 million

That is the number of Americans who misuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the Drug Administration Enforcement (DEA). The study also stated that the majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. It is why the DEA created the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is this Saturday, Oct. 27. Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are participating in the program, accepting all drugs with no questions asked at local law enforcement offices and at Metro Health-University of Michigan Health facility.

What you will, and will not, be voting on discussed at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

September 17, 20183-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Politics, WKTV ProjectsGovernment Matters, WKTV on demand, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

WKTV cameras were at the latest Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Two proposed Michigan ballot measures which were passed by the legislature — and will now not be on the November ballot — was among the discussion items of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Sept. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions.

State Sen. Peter MacGregor told the group that measures dealing with paid sick leave and minimum wage were both passed by the legislature, thus allowing the legislature to alter them later with only a simple majority and not a two-thirds majority which would be required if they were voted on and passed by the voters.

But MacGregor said there was one measure which he wished had been passed by the legislative action and was not.

The paid sick leave and the minimum wage “are great ideas but they need a lot of massaging,” he said. But “we missed a chance to do something about recreational marijuana.”

The meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvondemand.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The next meeting will be Oct. 8 will be at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .

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

August 6, 20183-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingHungerford Nicholas, ribbon cutting, Triune Financial, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

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.

Chamber’s July Government Matters meeting moves to Wyoming City Hall

July 6, 20183-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, PoliticsGovernment Matters, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Government representatives from all levels attended this month’s Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum will next take place Monday, July 9, at Wyoming City Hall.

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and the local U.S. representative who represents the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

This forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. It is also rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website.

The meeting for July will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

For more information visit southkent.org .

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Chamber scholarship recipients offer a little advice to the upcoming Class of 2019

June 21, 20183-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingEast Kentwood High School, godfrey Lee Public Schools, Lee High School, Wyoming High School, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

In April, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce awarded its Brent VanderKolk Scholarship to four area high school graduates.

VanderKolk was a chamber member and the chamber’s legal council along with being a freind to many, said Bob O’Callgahan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. VanderKolk passed away in 2011 at the age of 37. The chamber decided to honor VanderKolk by naming the annual scholarship award after him.

This year’s award recipients are: Maria Aguirre from Godwin Heights High School; Adriana Sanchez-Parada from Lee High School; Shontiana Jackson from Wyoming High School; and Allison Biss from East Kentwood High School.

We were able to catch up with two of the students before they walked down the graduation aisle. These students offered a few words of wisdom to those coming into high school and to the Class of 2019.

Adrianna Sanchez-Parada

Lee High School

Godfrey Lee Public Schools

Parents: Gallina Parada and Alejo Sanchez

When Adrianna Sanchez learned that one out of three freshmen at her school were failing one to two classes, she decided to do something about it.

“That was a big number of students failing,” Adrianna said. “When I was a freshman, there was a freshman transition class that was helpful to me so I decided to bring that program back.”

Adrianna pulled together members of the upper classes to serve as mentors, offering words of advice and to be there to help guide the freshmen.

“I’ve learned a lot about leadership especially through band,” Adrianna said. “I’ve been a drum major and have gone to a leadership conference where we learned about leadership through service. Through this program, our upper classes were able to show a different type of leadership through service.”

Adrianna has loved being involved at Lee High School and admits her involvement has prevented her from having a job. She has participated in soccer, National Honors Society, Spanish club, drama club, and student council, where she served as president. She plans to attend Western Michigan University in the fall.

Her advice for those entering high school: Try different clubs that you have never thought of and do not be afraid to be different.

Her advice for next year’s seniors: Don’t stress about the little things but also don’t let the assignments slide because it will come back at you. And lastly, watch out for every opportunity that you might have.

Allison Biss with Chamber President/CEO Bob O’Callaghan

Allisson Biss

East Kentwood High School

Kentwood Public Schools

Parents: Cheryl and Brian Biss

“Some people have sports, but I am not the sporty type,” said Allison Biss when thinking about her search for a high school activity that encourage her creativity. She was not a performer and some hobbies she didn’t felt she had started early enough to participate in. But once she discovered film and video, she knew she had found the passion that allowed her creativity to shine.

“You could be given a video and create five clips with the end product being different depending on lighting or how you edit it,” she said.

A WKTV intern, Biss was awarded Central Michigan University’s Lem Tucker Scholarship for broadcasting and journalism, which covers a 100 percent of her tuition, room, and board.

At school, Biss participated in the broadcast program serving as an anchor and primary editor. Outside of broadcasting, Biss has been very active serving as a class officer for three years, on the National Honor Society, Student Council, and JV sideline and competitive cheerleading.

Her advice for those entering high school: It is not as bad as it seems. Always introduce yourself. Be that someone who cracks the joke and eats lunch with new people. Also don’t be afraid to try new things because high school is short.

Her advice for next year’s seniors: Don’t think of the moments as being the last ones, but new beginnings. Enjoy the moments while you have them because it goes by super quickly.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

June 19, 20183-bottomCity of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, May Erlewine, WKTV Journal, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming Parks and Recreation CommissionJoanne

WKTK Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming: Candidate forum set for Thursday, June 20, at WKTV

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its Wyoming candidate forum Wednesday, June 20, at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW. For more on the story, click here.

Kentwood: Summer concert series continues with May Erlewine on June 21

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert series continues this week with “Michigan’s Songbird”, May Erlewine, on Thursday, June 21. The concert will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE. For more on the story, click here.

WKTV Journal

In the latest WKTV Journal newscast, we sit down with Dr. Lillian Cummings-Pulliams to talk about the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission and Jeremy Witt from the West Michigan Tourist Association to discuss fun, educational trips residents can take this summer. Also there is Fourth of July information along with upcoming road construction projects.

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates the opening of three businesses

June 11, 20183-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingGrand River Signs, KCCU, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Liberty Mailbox and Shipping, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

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

On June 6, Kellogg Community Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of one of its newest branches in the Metro Village at 2355 Health Dr., Wyoming.

Started in 1941, Kellogg Community Credit Union is headquartered in Battle Creek. It is a full-service financial institution serving people who live, work, worship, or attend school in West Michigan. KCCU serves more than 37,000 members in Battle Creek, Marshall, Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, and Three Rivers. For more information, visit www.kelloggccu.org.

On June 7, Liberty Mailbox & Shipping marked its grand opening at 4445 Breton Ave. SE., Suite C, Kentwood. Liberty Mailbox & Shipping provides packing, shipping, printing and business services. For more information, visit libertymailboxandshiping.com.

On June 8, Grand River Signs had a grand opening at its new location at 5630 S. Division Ave., Wyoming.

Grand River Signs is a full-service custom-business sign company providing solutions for commercial signs, business signs, vehicle graphics, vehicle wraps, custom signs, indoor signs, window graphics, trade show signs, trade show exhibits, LED digital displays and banners. One of the company’s most recent projects was the signage for the KDL Kelloggsville branch located at the Kelloggsville High School.

For more information on the company, visit grandriversigns.com.

Johnny Mac’s opens in Kentwood, Chamber celebrates with ribbon cutting ceremony

May 7, 20183-bottom, City of KentwoodJohnny Mac's Sporting Goods, Mayor Stephen Kepley, sporting goods, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

On the far left, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bob O’Callaghan and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley welcome Johnny Mac’s to the Kentwood area.

On May 4, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods at 3094 28th St. SE., Kentwood.

Founded in 1967, Johnny Mac’s is headquartered in St. Louis with retail locations in Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. The retail stores — which has a slogan of “Your ‘Home Team’ Store — sell baseball, softball, basketball, boxing, disc golf, exercise and fitness, field hockey, football, rugby, ice hockey, inline hockey, lacrosse, racquetball, tennis, soccer, swimming, aquatic, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling goods, as well as backpacks and tote, cheerleading items, footwear and cleats, games, gym supplies, medical products and supports, performance apparel and trophies and awards. For more information about what the Johnny Mac’s offers, call 459-2002.

Two ribbon cutting ceremonies for a remodeled office, new Wyoming apartment complex

May 4, 20183-bottom, City of WyomingThe Chiropractic Doctor, The Haven, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of one new community development and the newly remodeled offices of The Chiropractic Doctor.

On April 23, celebrated the remodeled offices of The Chiropractic Doctor, located at 4415 Byron Center Ave. SW. The Chiropractic Doctor has been in business for 35 years, having received a number of awards including the Patient’s Choice Award and a Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll in 2012. For about The Chiropractic Doctor, visit wyomingpanrelief.com.

The Haven. Photo by Fuller Creative Services

On April 26, the Chamber helped mark the opening of The Havens, at 4025 Pier Light Drive near the corner of Wilson Avenue and 52nd Street. The 192-unit apartment complex features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. For more information about The Haven, visit villagegreen.com/wyoming/the-haven or call 616-266-1026.

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

May 4, 20183-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming EventsBob O'Callaghan, Dust Off Metro Cruise, Pin Up Girl Contest, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

By Joanne Bailey Boorsma, WKTV

They are going to have fun, fun, fun at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 as the 28th Street Metro Cruise annual kicks off Saturday, May 5, with the traditional ‘Dust-off’.

The annual event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has become a tradition and a kick-off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

Hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the event usually has about 100 to 150 cars. A large part of that depends on the weather, according to Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber. O’Callaghan added that the first 50 collector car owners to the Dust-Off will receive a free Dust-Off shirt, which has become a collector’s item.

The 14th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise is set for Aug. 24 and 25. There is a Blessing of the Cars on Aug. 23 as well. And while the actual event is still about four months away, there are several other pre-activities taking place.

Delilah DeWylde will be at Metro Cruise Aug. 24

Entries for the annual Pin Up Girl contest are also being accepted. The Pin Up Girl contest will take place July 7 at the American Legion Post 154, 2327 Byron Center Ave. SW. The final competition will take place during Metro Cruise on Aug. 25, rain or shine. Application deadline is June 10. All contestants must be 18 years old or older and must provide a head shot and full body shot with costume and makeup. To register, visit www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/pinupgirls.

The popular Art Cruise hosted by the Wyoming Business Leaders will be returning as well. Details will be forthcoming.

For up-to-date information, make sure to visit 28thstreetmetrocruist.com or visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page at Facebook.com/metrocruise.

Chef VanHorn follows his talent and opens YoChef’s Catering

March 16, 20183-bottomBob O'Callaghan, Bruce Willis, Kentwood, Mayor Stephen Kepley, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, YoChef, YoChef's CateringJoanne

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Lindsay Papciak

Community Writer

For executive chef Joseff VanHorn, he believes “when God gives you a talent, you should embrace it.” Recently, VanHorn opened a permanent home for YoChef’s Catering based out of Kentwood.

“[Becoming a chef] is not what I wanted to do. I wanted to be an attorney or a doctor, but it wasn’t my calling,” VanHorn said. “When I accepted it, doors opened and I’m like ‘okay God, I get it.'”

VanHorn involvement with fine dining began when he was 16. He learned the ropes for the front of the house, but his passion was behind the scenes, even if it meant shucking oysters and cleaning mussels.

Chef Joseff VanHorn with Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (left) and State Rep. Steven Johnson at the YoChef’s Catering ribbon cutting event. Photos by Tom De Vette.

With 20 years of experience as a general manager and 15 years as an executive chef, VanHorn thought “I could do this myself.” YoChef’s Catering was established in October 2009. “I didn’t have a pot to cook in but I had a lot of good friends in the ACF (American Culinary Federation),” VanHorn said. ” In February of last year, we had to find our own place, and that was a challenge.”

After more than eight years of borrowing time in four different kitchens, VanHorn and his team officially cut the ribbon for YoChef’s permanent home in February 2018. “I tried to escape [food] a couple of times and sold life insurance. I was young and almost starved to death,” VanHorn said. “I went back to food because you always know where your lunch is at.”

VanHorn considers his influence to come from old school chefs as well as his time in the Marine Corps from 1986-1990. “I was just a sponge when I was young and I learned from all the chefs just by watching and doing and mentoring,” VanHorn said. “I give them both props for what we do now and our standards of service and how we do our events.”

VanHorn also has had the opportunity to grow with the film industry in Grand Rapids by providing craft services for more than 14 productions. “[Catering for] the movies was a launching point for us,” VanHorn said.

Out of all the celebrity encounters he has experienced, the most notable was Bruce Willis.

Chef Joseff VanHorn with staff and Bob O’Callaghan from the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Photos by Tom De Vette)

“I thought he was going to complain,” VanHorn said.

“He said ‘did you cook my salmon?’

And I said ‘yes Mr. Willis’

‘That was the best Salmon I ever had’

I’m like ‘oh cool.’ and I said ‘thanks Mr. Willis’ and he said ‘call me Bruce’ and I said ‘okay Mr. Willis’ That was the only time I was really star struck.”

VanHorn makes each client feel like a star by running his business as a ‘boutique caterer’. “We only want at the most to do two weddings at a time. I want to put the personal touch in everything we do,” VanHorn said. “Our secret ingredient is love. We love what we do and it shows in our customer service and in the quality of our food. I have a freezer that’s unplugged. I don’t do frozen.”

After establishing YoChef’s catering, VanHorn knows that he does not want to stop there. “I’m not the kind of person that will plateau,” VanHorn said. “We know catering works for us, and next we want to try a cafe. We have a great concept and a great menu. I’m just waiting. And when it happens it’ll happen. We never say no to opportunity.”

If you would like to learn more about YoChef’s Catering, visit their website at yochefscatering.com, or contact Joseff VanHorn directly at 616-558-1077.

All photos are by Tom De Vette, community contributor.

Chamber News: Two Men and a Truck Grand Rapids South give back through new program

March 5, 20183-bottomAlpha Grand Rapids, Movers Who Give, Two Men and a Truck, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Two Men and A Truck Grand Rapids South is the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s March featured business.

In an effort to continue demonstrating its Core Value of “Give back to the community,” Two Men and A Truck® Grand Rapids South has created a new program that focuses on “Moving People Forward,” and giving back to the community. The company has found that its frontline staff have a passion for giving back. Through a program Movers Who Give, the staff is now able to raise money for local charities in the community.

Here’s how it works: Each person on staff earns money individually. There are many categories that are eligible, and monitored, for earning donations toward the collection. For example, every month, Two Men and a Truck® Grand Rapids South donates $2 on behalf of every employee with perfect attendance to the company’s efforts in giving back to the community. While Two Men and a Truck® continuously strive to demonstrate all of its Core Values, the company is exceptionally excited about this program and having the entire office involved.

On Feb. 2, Bill, the driver who raised the most money through this program, and Blake, the general manager, donated last quarter’s efforts of $1,500 to Alpha Grand Rapids. Alpha Grand Rapids is an organization that walks alongside individuals who are experiencing challenging circumstances, such as an unplanned pregnancy, by providing a safe place to make choices. Alpha Grand Rapids empowers parents to thrive by offering holistic care through free and confidential services, such as mentoring programs, support groups, educational services, and emergency resources.

Two Men and a Truck® Grand Rapids South is proud to partner with Alpha Grand Rapids and other local charities with Movers Who Give. The staff looks forward to continuously growing this program and giving back to the community. To find out more about Alpha Grand Rapids, visit the website, www.alphawc.org.

WKTV Journal: Smart 911, a visit from Bob O’Callaghan, and a call for Festival volunteers

February 1, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismBob O'Callaghan, Festival of the Arts, Godfrey Lee School District, Kent County Emergency Dispatch, Lee High School, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

In this newscast , we join the City of Kentwood as officials and residents observe Martin Luther King Day with a special ceremony at the KDL Kentwood Branch and a food drive for its Little Free Pantry. Mayor Stephen Kepley talks about the city possibly expanding the pantry program.

The celebrations continued at Lee High School as the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools inducts three new members to its Hall of Fame.

Also, we head over to the Kent County Emergency Dispatch Center, where Emergency Communications Center Manager Matt Groesser talks to us about the Smart 911 program that was launched last year.

In studio, Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Bob O’Callaghan stops by to talk about the Chamber’s 2017 accomplishments, what’s up for 2018, and this year’s Chamber Award Winners.

Also Festival of the Arts Volunteer Chair Becky Richard comes to our studio to talk about the various volunteer opportunities available at the event which this year takes place June 1, 2, and 3 in Downtown Grand Rapids.

The WKTV Journal airs on WKTV Channel 25 Mondays at 9 p.m., Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Annual Santa parade set to take place along Division this Saturday

December 1, 2017City of Kentwood, City of WyomingBrann's, Chief James Carmody, santa, Santa Parade, South Division, Steelcase, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, will host the 11^th Annual Santa Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 along S. Division Ave.

The parade is set to start at 10 a.m. with more than 60 participants, including five school bands. Participants will travel down South Division from 33^rd Street to Murray Avenue. The grand marshall this year is Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief James Carmody, who was recently named top chief by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

In the parade will be police vehicles and fire trucks from both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. There also will be floats and vehicles from several of the parade sponsors such as The Rapids, Comcast, Costco, Hobart Sales & Service, Steelcase, Conumsers Energy, Diversified Protection, JX Peterbilt, Marge’s Donut Den, Supermercado Mexico, Two Men and A Truck, Liberty Tax Service, Godwin Plumbing, Celebration Cinema, and Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille.

“I’m fortunate enough to ride in the vehicle that pulls Santa” said Bob O’Callaghan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “They don’t see me of course, they see Santa, but the smiles and the pictures from mom and dad and all of the things that go on with it. It’s just a great community event.”

There will be free pictures with Santa at Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 S. Division after the parade. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras.

Wyoming, Kentwood host a variety of community holiday celebrations

November 20, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingBob O'Callaghan, candy cane hunt, Kentwood 50, Santa Parade, tree lighting, Wyoming Gives Back, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Sleigh bells are ringing, can you hear them? Well, you certainly will in the next couple off weeks as both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood host several popular holiday events.

Santa Parade

Kicking things off will be the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, with step off at 10 a.m. The parade runs down S. Division Avenue starting at the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network) to Murray Street (Chase bank).

After the parade, Santa will be available for photos at the Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grill, 4132 S. Divison Ave. to meet with families and for photos, so make sure to bring a camera, said Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan.

For more information about the parade, visit www.southket.org.

Wyoming Gives Back

For the seventh year, the City of Wyoming will come together to host the annual community event Wyoming Gives Back. The event is Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall, 972 28th St. SW.

Participants are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Tree. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected. Each attendee who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prizes donated by Wyoming businesses. Last year, the city raffled off nearly $5,000 in prizes.

There will be hot chocolate, music by local choirs and bands, and of course, a visit from Santa.

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7272.

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the City of Kentwood will host its annual community tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 8. The evening starts with a holiday light parade at 6 p.m. along Breton Avenue followed by caroling and lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m. lead by Mayor Stephen Kepley. From 6 – 8 p.m., the Elves Express Gift Shop will be inside the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SW. There will also be hay rides, hot chocolate, cookies, live music, caroling, and of course a visit from Santa.

The entire event has free admission. For more information, visit kentwood50.com.

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Candy Cane Hunt, Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event begins outdoors in the front of the Wyoming Police Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW, where Santa Claus will lead kids on a scavenger hunt for the many hidden candy canes outside. Activities will then move indoors to the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, for lunch, games and crafts.

The event is for children 3- 14 years-old. The cost to participate is $4 resident, $6 non-resident. Additional family members who are 15 or older may attend and have lunch for $2. Pre-registation is required. To register, call 616-530-3164 or www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration.

Welcome to the neighborhood: Delta Hotels, Health Bridge

November 15, 20173-bottom, Citizen JournalismBob O'Callaghan, Delta Hotels, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, HealthBridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation, Marriott, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce marked two ribbon cutting ceremonies in November, celebrating the addition of a hotel and a rehabilitation facility.

On Friday, Nov. 8, was the ribbon cutting for Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport. The new hotel, located at 3333 28th St. SE, is a full-service hotel designed with the essential needs of frequent travels in mind. The new hotel is located erwin Woodland and CenterPointe malls and is four miles from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. It is also only walking distance from many Kentwood dining and entertainment options and is connected to Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom.

Earlier was the ribbon cutting for HealthBridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation, located in the Metro Health Village at 2060 Health Dr. SW. The new center provides short-term care for patients requiring physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with skilled nursing care, after a hospital stay.

Manufacturer of the Year

Service Business of the Year

Retail Business of the Year

Other Award Recipients

A “Ruby” Year

Fast and Shiny

Filling the Shelves

Fun Fact: Some say Soda, we say Vernors

Quote of the Day

Following Their Dreams

Getting [re]Imagined

Pardon Our Dust

Fun fact:

Hot and Cold

Quote of the Day

Here’s the Trick

And Here Are the Treats

Some ‘Great Pumpkin’ Picks

Fun Fact:

6.2 million

Triune Financial

Hungerford Nicholas CPAs + Advisors

Santa Parade

Wyoming Gives Back

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

Fun Fact:
Some say Soda, we say Vernors