GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)- A place for innovation and collaboration is officially opening its doors to the public.
Eastern Floral's new headquarters is also a homebase for entrepreneurs and small business owners. After two years of work, what long-time Grand Rapidians knew as the former Kindel Furniture factory now has a new look and purpose.
"If you can look around these are original wood floors, these are the original brick," points out CEO Bing Goei. "These are original columns. If they could speak they could tell us a great story about the existence of this building for the last 100 some years."
But the story today isn't not about the past. Instead, it's about the building's future. "To redevelop and to reuse a building like this in this part of the city is an outstanding commitment to our community," says Jeanne Englehart, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
Bing Goei wanted his new headquarters to be an urban chic showroom. But beyond the visual beauty, he wanted this facility to focus on a part of the population --he believes-- tends to be ignored. "We spend so much time spending resources and trying to attract these large companies with 400 jobs or 1000 jobs and we're not being successful in this type of economy," says Goei. "So, its important for us to look at small business community as being again that backbone."
He says 75%-80% of new jobs are created by small businesses. That's why he wanted to create an opportunity to provide space at affordable rates, specifically for women and minority entrepreneurs. Goei says, "We'll provide them with resources and knowledge with those additional challenges that those population groups face and that's my passion... to open doors on their behalf. To provide them with the opportunity to hone and develop their business.
So far six of the seven spaces reserved for this idea have been well received. From entrepreneurs ranging from event planners, massage therapists, human resources, and artists, city leaders predict this center will make a lasting impact. Englehart says, "To help create a community that's welcoming to all that will help entrepreneurs with the seed that's been planted to help grow. The fact that he has intentionally built this place within the building to reflect that is the best of all worlds.
The one thing Goei didn't expect is that the center would be a place where people would want to gather for various events. Organizers for several social functions have rented the facility, already bringing more than 1500 people to this part of the city.
Eastern Floral is hosting a happy hour event on Friday, November 13th from 4:30-6 p.m., with a design show from 5- 5:30 p.m.
Then on Saturday, Nov. 14th, there will be a Ladies Morning Out event with complimentary continental breakfast from 8 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. , with a design show from 8:30- 9 a.m.
To RSVP for either event, call 616-949-2200.
To learn more about this multi-use center, click here.
by Jennifer Pascua
In your voice
