Michigan Business Network Michigan Business Network

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes JT Weis, Managing Director, Rapid Line Incorporated, Grand Rapids, MI.

1. Could you give readers and listeners a brief overview of Studio Wise/Rapid Line and what both companies are bringing to the B2B sphere?

2. Who are Studio Wise and Rapid Line hoping to serve through this new partnership?

3. When it comes to modernizing B2B quoting and getting your products into the hands of your customers with more efficiency, what goals and upcoming initiatives will this partnership focus on?

4. How does Studio Wise hope to leverage its standing within the design industry to accelerate its growth in the upscale hospitality market?

5. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to diversify Rapid Line’s business to now include high-quality products, which will strengthen its model, can you explain the vision behind this?

6. What can Studio Wise and Rapid Line partners expect in the coming months?

Rapid Line Incorporated Acquires Studio Wise Design 

Major metal fabrication player enters upscale hospitality table market.

[Grand Rapids, MI, March 25, 2024]: Rapid Line Incorporated, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and recognized as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), has announced its acquisition of Studio Wise Design, also based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Rapid Line is a prominent Midwest metal component manufacturer operating across various sectors, including office furniture, outdoor furniture, all-terrain vehicles, and medical equipment.

“The Studio Wise product lines are of high design and quality. We intend to leverage this and accelerate Studio Wise’s growth in the upscale hospitality market,” states Rick Van Dis, Rapid Line President & CEO. 

The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to diversify Rapid Line’s business to now include high-quality products, which will strengthen its model. Van Dis continues, “Rapid Line has a strong foundation and reputation of on-time service and high quality. Our recent plant automation and equipment investments will support the Studio Wise growth plan.”  

Studio Wise is the designer table of choice in many well-known culinary destinations and resorts, including Gordon Ramsay restaurants, Sunda Asian, Marriott Hotels, Hard Rock Resorts, and several other luxury destinations.    

“Studio Wise has produced beautifully designed, high-quality products. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been focused on modernizing B2B quoting and get our products into the hands of our customers more efficiently. Our new platform disrupts the way manufacturers and the architecture & design community quote and specify furniture. This acquisition by Rapid Line will allow us to go much further and truly grow our business to the level we know we can achieve,” Troy Bosworth, Studio Wise founder.

Troy Bosworth intends to remain on board to provide consultation and support for the company's vision, with a primary focus on product design and bolstering the implementation of aggressive growth strategies.

###

Rapid Line Incorporated is a full-service metal fabrication and contract manufacturer headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI.  More than just metal fabricators, Rapid-Line integrates plastics, wood, fabric, cork, and glass into custom-finished products. Rapid-Line was founded in 1926 and expanded manufacturing space three times with a current capacity of 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space and approximately 100 employees.

Chris Holman welcomes Director Phil Roos at EGLE, Lansing, MI.
Phil, Remind the Michigan business community about EGLE?

How is EGLE engaged with the business community?

News from Mackinac Island included that EGLE is partnering with MSHDA and Gov. Whitmer, you made an announcement on the Island about the home energy rebate program?

What are you hoping to see passed in the budget this year?

Michigan increases housing goal and announces programs to lower home energy costs for 28,000 families, helping more Michiganders reach their dreams of owning a home

LANSING, Mich.– At the Mackinac Policy Conference Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant strides in housing and energy initiatives, continuing Michigan’s national leadership in leveraging climate and clean energy-related federal funding.
This includes raising the state’s five-year housing production goal by over 50% and investing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households through the Solar for All and Home Energy Rebate Programs. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Together, we’re going to lower housing and energy costs for Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “By raising our statewide housing goal to 115,000 units, we will build more housing to drive down costs and ensure every Michigander has a safe, affordable place to call home. Thanks to our partners in the Biden-Harris administration, we have federal resources headed our way to lower energy costs for Michigan families by helping them upgrade to more energy efficient home appliances and install solar panels on their homes or in their community to save them money on their utilities. These upgrades will keep families cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and improve their quality of life. Let’s keep taking action to lower costs on housing and energy, two fundamental issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Governor Raises State's Five-Year Housing Production Goal by Over 50% 

Since Governor Whitmer office, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has invested twice as much compared to the last administration to build, rehab, or finance 34,000 homes, supporting 20,000 jobs. At the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor set a goal of permitting, building, or rehabbing 75,000 additional units in five years—by September 2026. Currently, Michigan is ahead of schedule with nearly 50,000 units built, rehabbed, or permitted. Today, the governor raised Michigan’s five-year statewide housing target to 115,000—a 53% increase. This pushes Michigan closer to the goal of ensuring everyone has access to the middle class, starting with homes and utilities they can afford.

"We are celebrating our hard work in funding $1.23 billion to finance, build, and rehab thousands of homes in the last year while recognizing that we need to raise the bar higher to end the housing crisis for Michigan families," said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. "We're committed to listening to our local and regional partners, moving quickly with creative solutions, and working hard to make communities and neighborhoods better." 

In addition to investing unprecedented new resources, MSHDA has been implementing the Statewide Housing Plan in partnership with the members of the Statewide Housing Partnership and the local and regional leaders of each of the Regional Housing Partnerships. That work has led to new investments from the state legislature, solutions that eliminate unnecessary burdens and red tape on developers and local governments, and collaboration in support of making neighborhoods and communities stronger. 

www.michiganbusinessnet

Originally posted June 14th, reposted June 17th.
Chris Holman welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, , CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties.

Carrie discusses the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair.

Question: What is the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair? When is it?
This year, we are celebrating the 31st annual Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Lansing NAACP Branch.
As a part of the event, CAMW! is partnering to host the Job and Community Resource Fair, a job fair that will feature employers from a variety of industries in our region and a showcase of resources available through local organizations.
Employers from the following industries will be available:
Education
Engineering
Finance
Government
Healthcare
Hospitality
Human Services
Manufacturing
Transportation
It is a casual event intended to be a “come as you are”.
The resource fair will include nonprofits and various community organizations.
Black Diamonds Coed Softball Team
Capital Area Community Services (CACS) Head Start
Capital Area District Libraries
Capital Area Michigan Works!
CATA
Community Mental Health Clinton, Eaton and Ingham County
Michigan Public Service Commission
NAACP Health Committee
Nation Outside
Peckham
Phi Beta Sigma
South Side Community Coalition
Strike Out Baseball
Voters not Politicians
It is an opportunity for candidates to network with local organizations, learn more about available positions in the community that fit their interests and needs and learn more about resources available.
Activities are happening throughout the week with the job fair running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at St. Joseph Park, 2125 W Hillsdale St., Lansing.

Question: How can attendees prepare for the job fair?
There is no need for attendees to formally prepare.
This is a casual event – there is no dress code or need to prepare resume materials.
We do recommend participants be ready to ask questions they may have about companies and industries and be ready to have conversations with employers.
It is a rain-or-shine event, so prepare accordingly.
After the job fair, if job seekers are looking for additional materials to prepare for upcoming interviews they can visit Capital Area Michigan Works!. We offer a variety of workshops including:
Interview Tips and one-on-one preparation
Introduction to computers and basic programs like Microsoft Word
Resume Basics
Job Finders Group
To learn more about workshops at Capital Area Michigan Works!, you can visit our website at camw.org/about-us/events.

Question: Where can people find more details for the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair and the services provided at CAMW!?
You can find more details about the job fair by visiting lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org.
Jobseekers who are looking for additional support in their job search can contact CAMW! At 1-800-285-WORK (9675) or email us at LansingGreeter@camw.net.

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Mark Burzych, President, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, Okemos, MI, a 2024 Michigan 50 Companies To Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year held its Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center.

In the interview, they cover Mark's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes focuses on Legal Services for Business/Franchise/Corporate/Municipal/Labor & Emp.

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Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Liz Hilton, Founder, KNITit, Holland, MI, a 2024 SmartZone Best Small Business Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year held its Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center.

In the interview, they cover Liz's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

KNITit focuses on the global need for customized 3D knit innovation without the production commitment.

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For Media Business Episode 74:

Tony Conley welcomes back Jeff Gilbert, Auto Reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950/CBS News Radio--President, North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year Award, Recent Inductee—Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame

In their conversation Jeff and Tony cover:



1- What were the auto sales numbers for the Big 3?

2- Why aren't more people buying EVs?

3- What is the low-end price for an EV and what does the price need to be for mainstream america to buy in?

4- Tell us about the grand opening of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit?
More about Jeff Gilbert:
Auto Reporter--WWJ Newsradio 950/CBS News RadioAuto Reporter--WWJ Newsradio 950/CBS News Radio
Audacy, Inc. · Full-timeAudacy, Inc. · Full-time Jul 1990 - Present · 33 yrs 2 mos Jul 1990 - Present · 33 yrs 2 mos
I focus on the auto industry from all angles: New products, business, labor relations, technology, etc.

But, I'm also a broadcasting veteran, having covered all types of stories, run news departments, and even spun a record or two. I focus on the auto industry from all angles: New products, business, labor relations, technology, etc. But, I'm also a broadcasting veteran, having covered all types of stories, run news departments, and even spun a record or two.…see more
News DirectorNews Director
WWWW/WCXI Radio · Full-time WWWW/WCXI Radio · Full-time Mar 1986 - Jul 1990 · 4 yrs 5 mosMar 1986 - Jul 1990 · 4 yrs 5 mos Detroit, Michigan, United StatesDetroit, Michigan, United States
News Director at Detroit's AM-FM Country combo.News Director at Detroit's AM-FM Country combo.
News DirectorNews Director
KMJ Radio · Full-time KMJ Radio · Full-time Aug 1985 - Mar 1986 · 8 mos Aug 1985 - Mar 1986 · 8 mos Fresno, California, United StatesFresno, California, United States
Learned a lot about doing news/talk and handling a larger staff. I didn't work here long. Couldn't pass up a good opportunity in Detroit.
News DirectorNews Director
WEEP/WDSY Radio · Full-timeWEEP/WDSY Radio · Full-time Feb 1978 - Aug 1985 · 7 yrs 7 mos Feb 1978 - Aug 1985 · 7 yrs 7 mos Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United StatesPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
This was the job that "made me" professionally. Started as a part-time disc jockey, did production and music recording work, and finally into full-time news and for the last four years News Director. Great experience covering big-market stories at a smaller station. This was the job that "made me" professionally. Started as a part-time disc jockey, did production and music recording work, and finally into full-time news and for the last four years News Director. Great experience covering big-market stories at a smaller station.…see more
Radio News AnchorRadio News Anchor
KQV Radio · Part-timeKQV Radio · Part-timeSep 1983 - Oct 1984 · 1 yr 2 mosSep 1983 - Oct 1984 · 1 yr 2 mos Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United StatesPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Worked here part-time, using a different name, for about a year when I was News Director at WEEP.

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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music