PRESS RELEASE (WHTC-AM/FM) — Shandra Martinez, managing editor of The Lakeshore, continues her regular visit with WHTC, talking about about people and organizations making a difference. (Listen to her conversation with WHTC morning news anchor Peg McNichol.)
Some of the highlights of their Nov. 6 conversation:
- Haworth was recently honored for its commitment to sustainability. The Holland office furniture maker has long had a strong commitment to the environment. Recent developments to make its office furniture manufacturing process 100% circular netted Haworth the West Michigan Circular
Economy Leadership Award. - Many Ottawa and Allegan Counties employers are taking part in Discover Manufacturing Week, which celebrates the manufacturing industry. Lakeshore Advantage and West Michigan Works! are among the organizations supporting this event that takes place next week. There will be interactive virtual experiences for high school students to show them the opportunities in the manufacturing sector. Did you know that manufacturing makes up 30 percent of all jobs in Ottawa and Allegan counties? Or that workers in this industry earn 32 percent more in hourly, between wages and benefits, than comparable workers in the rest of the private sector.
- Herman Miller inaugurated a “Day of Purpose,” — another in a longstanding tradition of community engagement — giving all employees worldwide a paid day off on Nov. 3. The Zeeland-based global manufacturer is one of hundreds of U.S. companies taking part in the nonpartisan “Time to Vote” initiative, which aims to increase voter participation.
- Columnist Lucia Rios writes about accessibility and voting. She and Dan Wedge, Allegan County’s Executive Director of Services, explore how COVID-19 changed voting for people with disabilities. For years, people with disabilities have struggled to participate in voting because polling places are sometimes inaccessible for people with mobility issues, she writes. Fortunately, accessibility changed for the better this year with wide use of absentee ballots.
- In Grand Haven, City Council approved this week three proposals to move forward what could be the downtown’s largest residential project. The plan is to build 8 buildings with 132 condos or apartments on a little over 4.6 acres at Jackson, Fulton, First, and Second streets, near the city’s waterfront. If the project receives final approval, groundbreaking could happen as early as April.
- Pandemic-related school closures have only exacerbated the digital divide among students who don’t have access to Wi-Fi and computers at home. Fortunately, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland is one of three West Michigan organizations that has received funding from Comcast that is underwriting more technology. The club is using a portion of its $10,000 grant to purchase new technology, so it can offer youth a way to more efficiently do their schoolwork and improve their digital literacy.
- Looking for something to do during your free time? Check out the latest monthly installment of Sally Laukitis’ popular column about activities to do in Ottawa and Allegan counties. There’s lots of good indoor and outdoor options in November. One is a Hawthorn Pond Natural Area in Holland Township. The 40-acre park features walking trails and a stocked lake open year-round for fishing.
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