BISSELL: A journey through time

Submitted 06-12-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

From the first female CEO in the United States to current developments in pet products, BISSELL continues to find ways to grow and improve, while maintaining a connection with their community for over a century.

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Alger Heights couple turns sweet hobby into community-focused business

Submitted 06-01-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Steve and Mellisa Verstrate put a unique spin on cupcakes in Alger Heights. They continue to expand their offerings while always keeping the community in mind by providing gluten-free and vegan offerings and sourcing their cafe with local ingredients.

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New Grand Rapidian Molly Clauhs rises as notable culinary asset

Submitted 05-14-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

From food trucks to cooking classes to podcasts, Molly Clauhs discusses a few of her endeavors since moving to Grand Rapids just one year ago- and reveals some future foodie delights.

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Founders Brewing Company champions the bolder beverage

Submitted 04-27-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Founders co-owner Dave Engbers tells the story of Founders growth-and the struggles to keeping going before they discovered the key to their current success

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Changing the world through design

Submitted 03-27-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Seth Starner explains how storytelling, visualization, and a walk through the art museum are central to business innovations.

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Martha’s Vineyard: no ordinary corner shop

Submitted 03-01-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Owner Kameel Chamelly discusses how he turned one residential street corner into a mecca for lovers of fine wine and all things gourmet.

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Victoria Upton: Learn, Lift, Repeat

Submitted 02-20-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Victoria Upton, publisher of Women's Lifestyle, tells how her original idea for a positive newspaper brought her into the magazine industry and beyond.

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After 5x5 night: Steve Frazee ramps up "Cleaning with Kindness"

Submitted 01-31-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Steve Frazee, winner of the October 2011 seed money, says that “the 5x5 night award was critical. It has enabled us to engage professionals to launch an upcoming website which will be key to attracting ongoing support and sponsorship."

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Determination and plenty of imagination lead to Diamond Street

Submitted 01-16-2012 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Heather McGartland, owner of salon and retail store Imagination Creations, shares the story of how her trials, errors and deep passion for her work brought her right where she wants to be.

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Want to talk to Mother Nature? Now, there's an app for that.

Submitted 12-07-2011 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT

Grand Rapids tech wizards AJ Paschka and Andy Weber promise to weave weather into our lives in a whole new way through their Weather Collage smartphone app.

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