Grand Rapids Business Journal: Kent County considers purchase of land

If Kent County commissioners agree this week to purchase options for the development rights of six farms, they'll get a bargain - at least compared to what they've paid in the past.

Business Journal Report: Super Bowl ads set online trends, executive says

Be prepared to witness a watershed Super Bowl on television Sunday - not for the Indianapolis Colts or the New Orleans Saints, but for the advertisers, a Grand Rapids advertising executive said last week.

VAI wins Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker Awards

Monday, the Grand Rapids Business Journal is presenting its Newsmaker of the Year Awards.

GRBJ: Kentwood manufacturer adds employees and products this year

The INRAD employee roster, which was cut back in 2007, is expected to increase again this year - although neither situation was or is a result of economic shifts. Rather, it's a mark of the company's abilities in product development.

GRBJ: Area tool-and-die shops receive tax break

Three more Grand Rapids area tool-and-die shops have joined a state-designated Tool and Die Recovery Zone, which permits member companies to operate free of virtually all state and local taxes for up to 15 years.

GRBJ: Sports Commission looks to build new complex

In addition to trying to lure more sporting events to the region, the West Michigan Sports Commission also will attempt to make its dream for a new sports complex a reality in 2010.

Grand Rapids Business Journal: Property values set to decline in new year

The ball in Rosa Parks Circle won't be the only thing that will drop when the new year arrives this week. The state equalized taxable value for all property classes in the county is also projected to drop - by slightly more than 4 percent for 2010.

Grand Rapids Business Journal: Eberhard Center certified as a 'green venue'

The L.V. Eberhard Center at Grand Valley State University in downtown Grand Rapids is one of four "green venues" just certified by the Bureau of Energy Systems at the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth.

Business Journal Report: New system helps Metro Health minimize paper

Metro Health this month celebrated the activation of the final piece of its Epic software system, the result of a multi-million dollar, multi-year effort that reaches virtually every corner of the hospital, outpatient centers and thousands of patients.

Van Andel group seeking to buy Macatawa Bank

Steven A. Van Andel is leading a group that is applying to the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 25 percent or more of the shares of Macatawa Bank Corp., it was revealed in a published legal notice.

Grand Rapids Business Journal: Collaborate workspace opens in downtown Grand Rapids

The idea for The Factory started in The Garage, which, in turn, started with an Elevator.

Grand Rapids Business Journal: Grand Rapids airport eyes low-cost airline

If James Koslosky and his staff get their wish, AirTran Airways will be the next airline to lift off from a Gerald R. Ford International Airport runway.

GRBJ: Helping businesses save green by going green

Spurt Industries is helping companies save thousands of dollars on their waste removal and be more earth-friendly at the same time.

Grand Rapids Business Journal: New Davenport classroom technology takes learning to a new level

If a student makes a mistake and the patient dies a horrible death in the new simulation lab at Davenport University's registered nurse degree program, it can be a very graphic and traumatic situation for the student.

But it's no big deal for the patient.