Lakeshore Advantage

08/21/2026

National recognition for what we’re building right here on the Lakeshore.

Lakeshore Advantage has received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Medal Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for The Next Center in the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category.

“By bringing startups, small businesses, mentors, investors and economic development partners together under one roof, we are building a stronger support system for founders and helping grow the next generation of primary employers along the Lakeshore. This recognition from IEDC affirms the power of that collaborative approach and the community commitment behind it,” said Nora VandenBrink.

We’re incredibly proud to see that collaborative approach recognized on an international stage — and even more grateful to the investors, founders, partners and community leaders who helped bring this vision to life.

This one belongs to the Lakeshore. 💙

Read the full announcement:
https://vist.ly/5fn9f

HOLLAND, Mich. – August 20, 2026 – Lakeshore Advantage received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Medal Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its Next Center project in downtown Holland. The award recognizes Lakeshore Advantage in the Entrepreneurial...

08/20/2026

We’re growing our team!

At Lakeshore Advantage, we’re a small team doing big work for the businesses, entrepreneurs and communities that make the Lakeshore region thrive.

We live our core values every day, care deeply about the work we do, and the people we do it with.

We’re currently hiring for two roles:

Entrepreneurship Program Manager: Help entrepreneurs access the programs, resources and connections they need to build and grow through our SURGE startup ecosystem.

https://vist.ly/5fjv9

Event & Meeting Coordinator: Help create the experiences that bring our work and our community together through engaging, well-executed events and meetings.

https://vist.ly/5fjvd

Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post and help us find our next teammates.

08/17/2026

Community leadership, service and housing all have something important in common: progress depends on people willing to step forward.

In a recent episode of the Inspire West Michigan Podcast, Josh Brugger — owner of BruggerHouse Builders and Ottawa County Commissioner — shares how service through AmeriCorps and Habitat for Humanity helped shape his approach to leadership and his commitment to community.

He also discusses some of the opportunities and challenges facing Ottawa County, including workforce housing, responsible growth and water resources.

For us, the conversation around workforce housing is especially important. Ensuring people who work here can also find attainable places to live here is an important part of supporting employers, strengthening our talent pipeline and keeping the Lakeshore region competitive.

We appreciate Josh's continued service to the community and his willingness to add his perspective to these important conversations.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation: Inspire West Michigan – Episode 13: https://vist.ly/5f5v9

08/14/2026

The numbers tell a strong story about the Lakeshore — businesses are investing, innovating and planning for what’s next.

We have seen a steady pace of growth throughout the first half of 2026, but our Q2 Impact & Insights report looks beyond the wins to what businesses are telling us about the road ahead.

Among the employers we interviewed, 38% plan to expand in the next three years, 70% have introduced new products in the last three years, and 48% are experiencing recruitment challenges.

Those insights help us understand where the Lakeshore is gaining momentum — and where continued work around talent, housing, innovation and business growth matters most.

Take a quick look at the numbers, then explore the full Q2 Impact & Insights report: https://vist.ly/5es2g

08/13/2026

Attracting and retaining talent isn’t just about creating great jobs. It’s about creating a place where people can build a great life — and afford to live it.

The Lakeshore already has so much of what people are looking for: strong career opportunities, vibrant communities, great schools, arts and culture, and incredible access to Lake Michigan and outdoor recreation. It’s a place people want to call home.

And our continued growth reflects that. More than 431,000 people now live in Allegan and Ottawa counties, and both counties have grown since 2020.* But as more people choose the Lakeshore — and our employers continue to create opportunities here — the pressure on our housing supply grows with it.

Today, typical home values exceed $350,000 in both Allegan and Ottawa counties. ** For the people we want to attract and retain, that can make putting down roots here increasingly difficult.

That makes attainable housing more than a housing issue. It’s a talent issue. It’s a business competitiveness issue. And it’s an economic development issue.

The recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act creates new tools aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing barriers to development and giving communities more flexibility to address local housing needs.***

Because ultimately, attracting people to the Lakeshore is only part of the equation. We also need to make sure the people who want to build their careers, raise their families and create a life here can afford to stay here.

Want to learn more about what these new housing tools could mean for your community?

Connect with Chris Marco, Community Development Director to start the conversation.
[email protected]

Read more about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: https://vist.ly/5epty

Sources:
* U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts, Allegan County & Ottawa County, Michigan
** Zillow Home Value Index, Allegan County & Ottawa County, June 2026
*** 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Public Law 119-101

08/06/2026

Our interim president, Mandy Cooper, recently joined fairlife, the City of Coopersville Government, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to celebrate the company's expansion in the Lakeshore region.

The Lakeshore Advantage team was honored to support fairlife and the City of Coopersville in bringing 200 new jobs to the community while strengthening Michigan's dairy industry and regional food-production economy.

Congratulations to fairlife, The Coca-Cola Company, the City of Coopersville, and the many partners whose collaboration helped make this milestone possible.

We look forward to the generational impact this investment will have on local workers, families, suppliers, and communities across West Michigan.

Read the full story here: https://vist.ly/5dutw

08/06/2026

We're growing our team!

Lakeshore Advantage is hiring a Strategic Growth Coordinator to help advance projects that strengthen our region and support the businesses and communities that call the Lakeshore home.

If you're organized, curious, love research and writing, and enjoy turning ideas into action, we want to hear from you.

📍 Holland, MI | Full-Time
💼 $48,000–$56,000 + excellent benefits

Apply today and help shape the future of West Michigan: https://vist.ly/5dun8

08/04/2026

This week, we're featuring Ethan Tanis, a member of Lakeshore Advantage's Next Gen Talent Council and Co-Op Coordinator at Grand Valley State University - PADNOS.

Ethan brings an important education-to-workforce perspective, helping strengthen the connection between students, employers, and opportunities that prepare emerging talent for long-term success here on the Lakeshore.

Through conversations with our council, one message continues to stand out: emerging talent is looking for opportunity, strong leadership, flexibility, a sense of belonging—and a community where they can build a future. While nearly four out of five young professionals would recommend the Lakeshore as a place to live or work, access to attainable housing remains one of the biggest factors in whether they choose to stay.

Discussion: What's the single biggest factor influencing whether emerging talent chooses to stay in our region long term? Share your perspective in the comments.

Learn more about the Next Gen Talent Council and how we're strengthening the Lakeshore's talent pipeline: https://vist.ly/5diii

07/30/2026

What Emerging Talent Told Us: Technology Requires Transparency

The conversation around AI is often framed as opportunity versus disruption. What we heard from emerging talent was something different.

Young professionals largely view AI, automation, and workplace technology as inevitable—and often beneficial. Their biggest concern isn't the technology itself. It's understanding what these changes mean for their careers.

Council members shared that they want greater transparency around how jobs may evolve, what new skills will be needed, and how employers plan to support employee growth along the way.

In the Lakeshore region, where manufacturing contributes 40% of our Gross Regional Product, this conversation is especially relevant as innovation continues to reshape industries. According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index, 82% of employees believe they will need new skills to prepare for AI-driven work.

The opportunity for employers isn't simply adopting new technology—it's helping employees understand how technology can support their growth, strengthen their skills, and create new opportunities.

This week, we're featuring Eduardo Perez, Eduardo brings a technology-focused perspective to the Next Gen Talent Council, helping shape conversations around preparing emerging talent for a future where innovation, continuous learning, and transparency go hand in hand.

Discussion:
How is your organization preparing employees for technology-driven change?

What are you seeing within your organization? Share your perspective in the comments.

Interested in joining the conversation? Learn more about Lakeshore Advantage's Next Gen Talent Council and our work to strengthen the region's talent pipeline: https://vist.ly/5c2rb

07/30/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating Jennifer Owens and the incredible legacy she leaves after 12 years of leadership at Lakeshore Advantage.

It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many partners, investors, community leaders, colleagues, and friends who have been part of Jennifer's journey and the work we've accomplished together.

We were especially honored that Senator Roger Victory's office presented Jennifer with a State of Michigan tribute recognizing her years of service, leadership, and dedication to the Holland and West Michigan communities. It was a fitting tribute to someone whose impact will be felt for years to come.

As we close this chapter, we're also excited for what's ahead. This marks our first week with Mandy Cooper at the helm, and while Jennifer's presence is certainly missed, the vision she helped build continues with a remarkable team committed to moving our region forward.

Mandy is leading with confidence, grace, and a deep commitment to the businesses and communities we serve.

Here's to Jennifer—thank you for your leadership, your heart, and the foundation you've built. And here's to the future of the Lakeshore as we continue the work together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special milestone with us.