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What was your first job? What summer jobs did you have? How did this impact your life?
My Community Matters | January 10, 2012
Shelley Irwin, host of WGVU Radio Morning Show as well as WGVU-TV programs, has had me on every month on her radio show in a segment known as “Perspectives in Philanthropy” for a number of years. It is a great way to delve into topics of interest in our community as well as highlight key aspects of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
This past Monday on Shelley’s show, I talked about the key accomplishments of the Community Foundation in 2011 and provided a glimpse (more)
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Should Amazon.com pay Michigan tax? Retail groups say yes, as Amazon offers discount to walk out of local stores
Knape's Corner | December 7, 2011
Saturday deal promises smart phone app users up to $15 off for scanning items in store then buying them online. (more)
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You Poor Souls! ;-)
My Community Matters | December 2, 2011
It's time for Diana's Soapbox!
For years, I have been on a mission to help people understand that the nonprofit sector is not second class! While the sector has been hit hard by the recession, what sector hasn't? Well, MiBiz is featuring a section of their publication now focusing on the nonprofit sector and frankly I couldn't be more pleased. I am not trying to promote this publication over any other but I am just making a point that with all the focus on how the (more)
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Lessons learned from a Generous Man
My Community Matters | November 26, 2011
Fred Meijer passed away on November 25th a few days shy of his 92nd birthday. He was a staunch and generous supporter of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. My memories of Fred are so wonderful and here is merely a glimpse:
Twenty some years ago, David LaClaire our board chair at the time, invited Fred Meijer to lunch along with me to discuss a gift to the Community Foundation. I remember a warm and real person who asked me a lot of questions about who I was and my family. He and (more)
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Joint Statement on the Charitable Tax Deduction
My Community Matters | November 17, 2011
Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Heart of West Michigan United Way have issued a joint statement regarding the possible threat and erosion of the charitable tax deduction. This is an important issue and could have negative implications for our community.We have forwarded this to Rep. David Camp and Rep. Fred Upton who are on the SuperCommittee and represent districts in Michigan with the following message: "Attached you will find a combined statement from Grand Rapids (more)
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Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery offers free pizza for veterans, active duty military on Veterans Day
Knape's Corner | November 7, 2011
Owner wants to honor those who serve and provide place to connect with others over a meal. (more)
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"Prohibition" ends at Grove: Eatery in Grand Rapids East Hills opens its bar
Knape's Corner | October 26, 2011
Hot new East Hills restaurant gets nod serve beer, wine and spirits from Liquor Control Commission. (more)
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Corazon: New cafe opens downtown Grand Rapids offering fresh 'modern' Mexican dishes
Knape's Corner | October 26, 2011
Cafe is paired with Afternoon Delight Catering in former Pikositos location on Division Avenue. (more)
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Threat to the Charitable Tax Deduction
My Community Matters | October 17, 2011
Over the years, I have either participated in or witnessed the "great debate" around why people give to causes and various nonprofit organizations. Recently, I had a lively conversation on Facebook with a woman who was adamant that people would give to causes regardless of having a tax incentive or not. I acknowledged that while many do give because they believe so strongly in the cause, if we lost the ability to offer a charitable tax deduction frankly I do believe that would have a tremendou... (more)
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MadCap Coffee Co. heading to Washington D.C., Williams-Sonoma
Knape's Corner | October 7, 2011
Upscale downtown Grand Rapids shop chooses nation's capital for its second location. (more)
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Get Your Hands Dirty: Empty Olds Manor hotel cries for help (for ArtPrize)
Knape's Corner | September 29, 2011
Banner will wrap ground floor of long-vacant old hotel controlled by DeVos family's RDV Corp. (more)
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Amway Grand will mark 30 years as downtown landmark, begin overhaul of its largest ballroom
Knape's Corner | September 28, 2011
Renovations will begin after tonight's celebration of hotel's first three decades under Amway flag. (more)
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Grand Rapids lip dub, Downtown Development Authority honored by International Downtown Association
Knape's Corner | September 27, 2011
Video seen by millions wins President's Award while DDA framework plan get Merit Award. (more)
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Wolverine World Wide prepping concept shoe store downtown Grand Rapids
Knape's Corner | September 20, 2011
New store will be part of MoDiv retail incubator, further jumpstarts retail revival on Monroe Center. (more)
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Downtown Grand Rapids bar news: My Bar & Grill changes hands, Buffalo Wild Wings delayed, but still happening
Knape's Corner | September 16, 2011
Changes are in store for high-profile watering holes near Van Andel Arena. (more)
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Ford Motor Co. brings don't touch or ask too many questions tour to Grand Rapids (commentary)
Knape's Corner | September 15, 2011
Sure, take a look, but keep your hands off that Focus Electric! (more)