Shopping & Services

My Town: Chase Bank closing a dozen branches

Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Monday, January 12th, 2015, 9:47am

My Town: Chase Bank closing a dozen branches

KENT COUNTY, Mich.—Many Chase Bank customers will have to travel farther to attend to their accounts in person.

At least a dozen Chase Bank branches at Meijer stores are closing, after both companies agreed to cut ties. In a response sent to WZZM 13, a spokesperson for Meijer says “circumstances have changed and we mutually agreed to end the relationship.” The decision comes just a couple years after Meijer announced Huntington Bank branches would be opening at some of its stores.

The following Chase Bank branches are expected to close:

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, 7:00am

My Town: What 2015 will hold for West Michigan's economy

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--- Consumers in West Michigan are more optimistic about what 2015 will bring.

In fact, consumers in this market are the most optimistic in the region, according to a new study released by Huntington Bank. The financial firm found local residents say they are much more likely to buy a new vehicle this year; 17 percent said they plan to purchase a new car, compared to just four percent in 2014.

Home improvement stores may also be busy; 47-percent of West Michiganders surveyed for the Huntington Bank Midwest Economic Index said they were planning some home renovations for 2015, compared to 32 percent in 2014.

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, 7:00am

WALKER, Mich.—Christmas came early to 213 Meijer shoppers, who received a checkout surprise.

On Dec. 13, the Walker-based retailer paid for all of the gifts and groceries filling each shopper’s cart, ranging from $350 to $1,200 each. The company posted video of the event on YouTube, which you can find here.

“The holidays are a time for kindness and joy, and the Very Merry Meijer event was a perfect opportunity for us to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said. “Our family has always believed that our customers don’t need us, but that we need them. That philosophy still guides us today. We are very thankful for our customers, and wanted to find a special way to wish them a very Merry Christmas.”

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Submitted by Christa Ferguson, My Town Administrator

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014, 11:04am

My Town Grand Haven: New owner of Fortino's shares plans for mainstay

GRAND HAVEN, Mich.—A community cornerstone that’s been in business for more than a century has a new owner.

Dave Ten Cate with Capstone Real Estate says the deal for Fortino’s closed Tuesday. Kelly Larson is buying the store, which is a popular destination for children looking for candy. Larson already owns a couple of candy and ice cream stores in the area, including Sweet Temptations in Grand Haven. She tells Ten Cate she intends to keep Fortino’s as it is; even the store’s name will remain untouched.

Three generations of Fortinos owned and operated the downtown store for more than 107 years, making it one of the oldest family businesses in Grand Haven. Former owner Ken Michlitsch said the shop came into his family by way of his wife’s grandfather.

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Submitted by Pam Mettler, Writer, Book Reviewer and Marketing Consultant

Friday, December 5th, 2014, 7:00am

St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish to Hold Fair Trade Gift Sale Dec. 6-7

GRAND HAVEN, Mich.-- One-of-a-kind crafts and food items from artisans and farmers from 30 developing countries will be available Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, during the St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish Fair Trade Gift Sale.

The general public is invited to attend and support artisans and farmers move toward sustainability.

“We are offering this event to promote moral spending, which is a conscious act to support both the artisan and product. Through the Fair Trade co-operatives in developing countries, chocolate and coffee farmers as well as other artisans receive a fair price for the items they produce and sell here in the United States,” said Sally Moser, co-chairwoman of the St. Patrick―St. Anthony Social Justice Commission.

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Submitted by Rob Byrne, New Business & Digital Sales Manager

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014, 11:20am

My Town: Local First & Boxed GR showcase businesses in Local Treasure Holiday Box

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Local First and Boxed GR are collaborating this fall to offer the Local Treasure Holiday Box - a holiday gift box full of full-size and sample products and gift cards, all from West Michigan retailers and specialty service providers.

The box’s contents are valued at more than $350, but only cost $32, making this limited edition gift a smart and easy way to give local goodies to those who love all things Michigan.

Unwrap the following items in the box:

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Submitted by Kal Kamyszek, Blogger, receptionist and cook

Friday, November 7th, 2014, 9:56am

The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be host to the 2015 the 1st Bridal Show of the year, come January 5th from 5 – 9pm. Additional information can be found at www.kohlerexpo.com

The area’s best bridal vendors will be on hand to help newly engaged brides put the finishing touches on their spectacular wedding day. Meeting vendors face to face is a real plus when planning such a special event.

There will be bridal exhibitors there to help with Ice Sculptures, Flowers and Decorations, Limousines, Honeymoons, Catering, Wedding Cakes, Reception Facilities, Wedding Dresses, Tuxedos, Photography & Videography, Favors, Photo Booths, DJ’s and Bridal Registry.

This event is open to the public with admission at the door. A $1 coupon is available at the site listed above. Information also available at www.GRBrides.com

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