Guide to Local Living

120 Pages·2016·17.36 MB·English

Includes Directory of Locally Owned Businesses
guide to
LOCAL LIVING
2016–2017
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Grand Rapids • Kalamazoo • Holland • Traverse City • Petoskey
Local First Inside Cover 2016.indd 1 12/15/2015 12:30:18 PM
Directory Listing on Page 21
A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Readers,
Local isn’t just a place on a map—local is people. It is a rich relationship with those around us. It is our neighbors
and their families. It is the businesses who provide the products and services we enjoy, the farmers who grow our
food, the nonprofts that work for something greater, and the artists and musicians who enrich our culture. Local is
community. It is the opportunities we create together, the challenges we work to overcome, and the love we spread.
Local First has a passion for people living and working together in sustainable community. We believe that
practicing diversity, inclusion and equity enhances our membership, advocacy and mission to lead the development
of an economy grounded in local ownership that meets the basic needs of people, builds local wealth and social
capital, functions in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages joyful community. We do this work in partnership
with nearly 800 locally-owned businesses, community organizations, and individuals.
We know that our small daily choices make a difference. Where we buy our coffee, do our banking, or go out to
dinner ultimately has an impact on the health and vibrancy of our community. It affects our ability to attract and
retain a talented workforce. It affects our natural resources. And it affects whether or not our friends and neighbors
have jobs.
A recent study shows that shifting one $1 in $10 we are currently spending to locally owned businesses would
create 1,600 jobs in Kent County—and $140 million in new economic impact.
Small changes make a signifcant difference.
This “Guide to Local Living” is designed to help you make those small changes. Make sure to use the tear-out
sections–put something on your fridge or at your offce to let everyone know you choose #LocalFirst. Hand a card to
one of your favorite businesses and let them know you appreciate them. Share one of the tear-aways with a friend
to help them get the tips they need to start living a local lifestyle. And don’t forget to check out our online directory
for an easily searchable database of locally owned businesses.
For more information about Local First and ways you can get involved, I invite you to check out:
• O ur website at www.localfrst.com
• Like us on Facebook at Local First of West Michigan
• Tweet about us on Twitter @localfrst
• Follow along with us on Instagram @localfrstwestmi
• Read the stories behind local businesses on our blog
You matter,
Elissa Hillary
Executive Director, Local First
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Table of Contents Local First Board of Directors
Local First Board 4
LOCAL FIRST BOARD
Local First Staff 4
Kris Spaulding, Chair | Brewery Vivant
Connect with Local First 4
Mary O’Neill, Vice Chair | Atomic Object
About Local First 5
CJ Schneider, Treasurer & Secretary | Miller Johnson
Why Buy Local? 6
Monica Steimle | 616 Development
Local First Area Map 7
Mario Cascante | Tacos El Cuñado
Local First Events 8
Feature: Standale Interiors 9 David Hood | EPS Security
Greater Grand Rapids Businesses 11 Seth Getz | Business Mastery
Arts & Entertainment 12 Anissa Eddie | Malamiah Juice Bar
Automotive 16
Banking & Finance 18
LOCAL FIRST EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD
Building Services & Suppliers 22
Doris Drain, Chair | United Bank of Michigan
Business Services 24
Emily Loeks, Vice Chair | Celebration! Cinema
Cleaning 30
Community Organizations 30 CJ Schneider, Treasurer | Miller Johnson
Computers, Web & Telecom 34 Craig Clark, Secretary | Clark Communications
Event Planning & Catering 38 Mike Chase | Eikenhout, Inc.
Farms & Producers 38
Kerry Olvera | Supermercado Mexico
Floral & Garden 39
Johnathan Pope | David D. Hunting YMCA
Grocery 40
Michelle Hoexum | Propeller
Health & Wellness 43
Home Products & Services 48
Insurance 52 FOUNDER EMERITUS
Jewelers 54 Guy Bazzani | Bazzani Associates
Legal 54
Lodging & Travel 54
Manufacturing 56
Meet the Local First Staff
Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations 57
Executive Director: Elissa Hillary
Media 60
Pets & Veterinary 61 Operations Manager: Amy Deel
Photography 61 Program & Fund Development Manger: Hanna Schulze
Real Estate 62 Business Development Manager: Michele Lonergan
Restaurants, Food & Beverages 66
Marketing Manager: Mieke Stoub
Salons & Spas 78
Membership Coordinator: Anthony Puzzuoli
Specialty Retail 79
Membership Marketing Coordinator: Josh Depenbrok
Specialty Services 86
Sports/Outdoor 87 Administrative Coordinator: Mallory Huizenga
Feature: Fris Offce Outftters 88 Food & Farming Coordinator: Dana Eardley
Lakeshore Businesses 90
Arts & Entertainment 90
Automotive 90 Connect With Local First!
Banking & Finance 92
345 Fuller Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Business Services 92
Phone: [phone]
Community Organizations 94
Computers, Web & Telecom 94
Email |
What is this book? What we do.
This is your Guide to Local Living! It includes a We lead the development of an economy grounded in
directory of 100% certifed local businesses. No local ownership that meets the basic needs of people,
chains, no nationals, no franchises—pure local. Each builds local wealth and social capital, functions in
business in this directory is locally owned, locally harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages joyful
headquartered, and privately held. In addition, there’s community. Our efforts contribute to West Michigan’s
information about why local is important, ways people entrepreneurial culture and its unique sense of place.
are going local, and much more. We achieve this through these main activities:
Who is Local First? Completing Economic Research: Our 2008 Local
We are a nonproft organization comprised of a team Works! Study showed that shifting $1 in $10 currently
of people—staff, board, and over 800 businesses and being spent to locally owned businesses would create
community organizations—who believe we have the 1,600 jobs and nearly $140 million in new economic
power to change our economy and make Michigan impact in West Michigan.
better through simple lifestyle choices we make each day.
Developing Tools: You’re holding one of our tools,
Why Local First? right now—our Guide to Local Living! In addition, we
Did you know that 73% more money stays in our maintain a searchable online guide (www.localfrst.
community when it is spent at a locally owned com), a Facebook page with up-to-date announcements
business? And that we could create 1,600 jobs by (localfrstwestmichigan), and an incentive program
shifting $1 in $10 currently spent at national or chain (www.mygrcitypoints.com). Look for our yellow window
businesses to local businesses?* Local businesses clings all over town! If a business has a Local First
provide unique shopping and dining experiences. They window cling, it means that business is locally owned!
create good jobs. And, as they grow, they become the
philanthropists that reinvest in our community. Hosting Community Conversations: Join us at
one of our many events: Each one is aimed at making
What is the triple bottom line? it easier for you to make local, sustainable choices.
A business that uses the triple bottom line (TBL) Whether it is an opportunity to learn about local food,
measures success by using three goals: economic to enjoy shopping at local retailers, or to connect with
prosperity, social equity, and environmental area entrepreneurs, we have the program for you. And
responsibility. A TBL business wants to make don’t forget to celebrate “local” with 16,000 of your
money while ensuring it is treating people and the closest friends at our annual Local First Street Party!
environment with the utmost respect and compassion.
*SOURCE: Local Works! 2008, Civic Economics
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Why buy local?
Local Not Local
SOURCE: Civic Economics - “Local Works!” Study, 2008. Commissioned by Local First | www.civiceconomics.com/library/
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MAP
OC E A N A
M E C O S TA I S A B E L L A
C O U N T Y
C O U N T Y C O U N T Y
N E WAY G O
C O U N T Y
M U S K E G O N
C O U N T Y
M O N T C A L M
C O U N T Y
GRAND K E N T
HAVEN C O U N T Y
O T TAWA
C O U N T Y GRAND I O N I A
C O U N T Y
RAPIDS
LAKE HOLLAND
MICHIGAN
A L L E G A N B A R R Y E AT O N
C O U N T Y C O U N T Y C O U N T Y
LAKESHORE BUSINESS AREA GREATER GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS AREA
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Local First Calendar of Events
Grand Rapids Street Party | Saturday, June 4, 2016
In front of Bistro Bella Vita
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Grand Rapids Street Party! Celebrate local food,
local beer, and local music on the frst Saturday in June. Michigan bands will play all afternoon
into the evening; Founders Brewery will pour their best brews; and local eateries will provide
their tastiest edibles. Last year’s zero waste event was the biggest yet at 16,000. Let’s beat the
record in 2016!
Lakeshore Street Party | Saturday, August 20, 2016
Washington Square
Join us at our third Lakeshore Street Party—a free, family-friendly celebration of local music, food,
and drinks. We’ll take over the street all evening with kids’ activities, food trucks and tents, and
other entertainment. Don’t miss out on the Lakeshore’s biggest party celebrating all things local!
INsight Conference | Monthly events from June to October
Starting in June, Local First will host poignant discussions, workshops, and educational oppor-
tunities to create a community of practice in West Michigan focused on responsible business.
Themes include: Workplace Wellness; Building an Inclusive Workplace; Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle in a Rented Space; Creating a Culturally Competent Neighborhood Business; Incenting
Alternative Transportation in the Workplace and two B Corporation speakers. Keep your eyes
out for specifc dates and locations!
Fork Fest | Thursday, October 20, 2016
Romence Gardens & Greenhouses
Connect with your community over bountiful tables of locally produced foods. Enjoy a beautiful
greenhouse setting during harvest season; gather with friends, restaurants, farms, and food
producers as they show off their locally cultivated culinary wonders. Your ticket not only gets you
free samples of delicious local food, but also helps Local First spread awareness of a healthy local
food system right here in West Michigan.
Holiday Campaign | November-December 2016
West Michigan
Holiday shopping can be a whirlwind for all of us—but family and friends always appreciate gifts
that come from the heart. This holiday season, Local First can help you keep your holiday dollars in
the community you love, while checking off each item on your list. You might even discover a few
Local Treasures you didn’t know about!
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Standale
Interiors
RICH HISTORY, STRONG FOUNDATION
On March 1, 1952, Ken Holtvluwer joined John Koppenol Standale Carpet and Furniture on Lake Michigan Drive was
as co-owner of Standale Lumber and Supply Company. Ken completely remodeled in 1998. Jan Lehman, vice president of
had approached his father for a loan to get started and was marketing, says, “The new Standale Interiors, a unique interior
asked, “What do you know about the lumber business?” design boutique, was offcially unveiled in June 1999.”
His reply was, “Not a thing, but I can sure learn!” By 1954,
Holtvluwer had learned enough to triple the business and buy Building loyalty, delivering service
out his partner. Since its opening as a one-stop interior design store, Standale
Interiors has fourished. Why? Customer focus. Convenience.
In the 1950s, the neighbors in the Standale business district Collaboration. Everything from designing your home to
were Thompson Hardware, now part of Standale Interiors, accessorizing your walls and tables can be accomplished
and Bergman Lumber the Standale Home Center today. In with ease—collaborating with experienced, specialized
April 1956, a tornado roared through the business district professionals—all in one location!
and totally destroyed it. Despite insuffcient insurance, Ken’s
conviction prevailed and within a few days, a small plywood
shed rose from the rubble touting signage stating, “Standale
Lumber: Open for Business.” Soon after, the building (now
Standale Interiors) was constructed.
The Standale lumber yard expanded in the early 60s but in
spring of 1965, another tornado touched down, destroying
a large lumber storage shed. This time, Ken was insured and
able to quickly rebuild.
Standale Lumber grew at a dramatic pace in the 70s, giving
birth to new divisions of carpet, furniture and pre-hung
doors. Sales and employee count tripled, additional property
was acquired, more buildings and locations added, and a
large feet of trucks began to ship materials to fve states.
The next two decades brought challenges, yet the Standale
Group persevered—and prospered. In 1995, it became an
employee-owned company with three divisions: Standale
Lumber, Standale Home Center, and Standale Interiors.
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In 2002, the Standale Group celebrated its 50th anniversary
Caring for community, designing
with an impressive contribution to the Inner City Christian
a better future
Federation’s Hammer for Housing project. To ensure
continuing success, the Standale Group formally documented With 64 years in the business, the customer-centric way of
and presented their mission statement: doing business embraced by Standale Group’s founder, Ken
Holtvluwer, has proven itself. From day one, Holtvluwer would
Our purpose is to be the leading provider of excellent, do it all and do it right—take a customer’s order, load the
innovative building solutions. order, and then deliver it. This customer-focused philosophy
continues today.
With hearts for serving, we are developing partnerships with
employees, suppliers, and customers to contribute positively to
Beyond the respect and trust of customers, Standale Interiors
the quality of life in our community.
has earned the esteem of the local community, their suppliers,
We are committed to raising our expectations of ourselves by and many local organizations. Stewardship is one of Standale
exceeding the expectations of our partners. Group’s core values and why they generously give of their
resources and talents for the beneft of their community.
Lehman explained, “We’re honored to be the longest-term
member of the Home Builders Association and proud to be
accredited by the Better Business Bureau.” As one of the
original members of Local First, Standale Interiors considers
it vital to our economy and the community to support locally
owned manufacturers, suppliers, retail stores and service
providers. The company also gives where they live and work
by contributing to local charities and non-proft organizations
helping those in need.
For more information about Standale Interiors, visit
www.standaleinteriors.com
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