WALKER, Mich.—  A Walker-based retail store is hiring thousands more workers ahead of the holiday season.

Meijer recently announced it plans to hire more than 10,000 additional employees for stores in five states. Nearly half of the new hires, approximately 4,800 people, will happen in Michigan. The additional employees are needed to cover duties newly opened stores, as well as the upcoming busy holiday shopping season.  Meijer opened or is opening nine new stores in 2014; the retailer plans to open additional locations in 2015.

The openings will be for a variety of positions, from cashiers to meat cutting.  The majority of positions will be part time and seasonal.  Interested candidates can apply online on Meijer’s website. 

Meijer currently operates 213 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Varnum is among the companies being honored with a 2014 Michigan Economic Bright Spot Award from Corp! Magazine.

The magazine selected winners based on their growth over the past year, as well as their impact on the state's economy.  Varnum earned the distinction in part because of its MiSpringboard program, through which the firm will give away up to $1 million in legal services to new and developing businesses over a five-year period.  The company's innovative pricing models designed to deliver budget predictability to clients also played a role.

Varnum partner Eric Nemeth accepted the firm's award during a recent ceremony at VisTaTech Center in Livonia.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich.—A Grand Haven mainstay that’s been in business for more than a century is about to change hands.

Fortino's is for sale.  Three generations of the Fortinos have owned and operated the downtown business for more than 107 years.  However, with the latest owners preparing to retire and the fourth generation already involved in other careers and endeavors, there is no one left in the family to take over the shop.

Dave Ten Cate with Capstone Real Estate says the business is constantly growing and a cornerstone in the community, with many children making a Saturday pilgrimage to the store for candy.  Ten Cate says there have been some inquiries since the business went on the market, but no contracts have been signed.  For additional information, contact Capstone at (616) 847-1031.