West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

In this episode, host, Phil Tower, welcomes Kelly Alcock, a Client Program Coordinator with the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding. Kelly joined us on the program to talk about the power of equine therapy and the hundreds of clients who benefit from it who are served by the Equest Center. April 19th is the date that the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding will be holding their annual Easter with the Equest Bunny event and all are invited! Kelly told us that every dollar raised at this event goes directly towards scholarship funds to ensure that all special needs riders are able to continue participating in our programs. The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is a year-round facility located in Rockford, Michigan. They offer equine-based therapy programs to those with physical, mental, and social/emotional disabilities and they serve over 200 individuals ages 2-100 each week. Online: The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding Topics Addressed: recreation therapy, Post traumatic stress disorder, military veterans, special needs children, disability awareness, equine therapy.

In this episode, host, Phil Tower, welcomes Erin Skene-Pratt, Executive Director at The Michigan Afterschool Partnership. The Michigan Afterschool Partnership advocates for equitable systems that support and expand quality out-of-school time experiences for all youth in the state. Out-of-School Time (OST) refers to youth development programs that occur before and after the school day, as well as programs that occur during school breaks. Comprehensive OST programs ideally include both expanded learning opportunities to support the school day and school-age care to support working families. Online: The Michigan Afterschool Partnership

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Dianna Higgs Stampfler, author of Kalamazoo County Characters. Dianna's book Kalamazoo County Characters, is from the History Press. Since its founding in the early 1800s, Kalamazoo has welcomed a variety of notable characters who have shaped the community’s legacy in their own special way. Some, like Orville Gibson and Derek Jeter, are nationally recognized, while others, such as Sue Hubbell are lesser known. Abraham Lincoln and Flora Temple briefly passed through town, and Mary Jackson and Gwen Frostic were among those who came here to attend college. From founding fathers to early innovators, groundbreakers to entrepreneurs, artists to authors and athletes to entertainers, author Dianna Higgs Stampfler celebrates fifty fascinating figures in Kalamazoo-area history. And the final figure profiled in Dianna's book happens to be a highly successful DJ in the area named Jim Higgs. Higgs is Dianna’s father, and while not famous himself, Jim Higgs has a wonderful connection to fame in the world of rock 'n' roll and you'll learn about that story in her book, Kalamazoo County Characters. Get the Book: Kalamazoo County Characters.

On this week's program, host Phil Tower speaks with Richard Anderson, co-founder and co-owner of Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, MI. On this week's program, we feature a CEO You Should Know, Richard Anderson, with Iron Fish Distillery. Iron Fish Distillery was founded in 2016 as Michigan’s first farm distillery. It grows grain, distills spirits, and barrel-finishes sourced whiskey. Richard shared his story of how he and his brothers-in-law became co-owners of the unique distillery located in rural Northwestern, Michigan. To say that Iron Fish Distillery has had a significant positive economic impact on Benzie County would be an understatement as it has become a true tourism destination for 125,000 guests annually to the agricultural destination, reborn on a long-time abandoned 120-acre farm located in rural Springdale Township in Manistee County. Richard also shared with us that Iron Fish Distillery was named for the Steelhead that journeys up the nearby Betsie River, every step of the Iron Fish soil-to-spirit process occurs onsite. Their multistep process of milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and barrel aging is on display for visitors daily. Online: Iron Fish Distillery

In this week's episode, host Phil Tower chats with Dr. John Eliot, co-author of How to Get Along with Anyone The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and At Home In his new book, Dr. John Eliot and co-author Jim Quinn help you defuse any heated conflict by learning which of the five conflict styles YOU are and how to resolve even the most sensitive dispute. Dr. Elliott told us that the average American worker spends 156 hours a year engaged in the kind of moderate to intense workplace conflict that adversely impacts both performance and health. Through three decades of building and facilitating team chemistry for Fortune 500 companies, professional sports franchises, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and families—Drs. Jim Guinn and John Eliot have reduced the time and cost of conflict resolution. Online: The Conflict Docs Website Get the Book: How to Get Along with Anyone The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and At Home

In this episode, Phil Tower speaks with Dr. Sarena Shivers, Executive Director of the Michigan Nonprofit "Talent Together." Dr Shivers joined us on the program to discuss how MI Talent Together is ensuring all students have qualified teachers. Talent Together is a relatively new nonprofit here in Michigan and one of the nation’s largest ‘grow your own’ teacher programs. Dr. Shivers told us the organization was created to provide solutions to address Michigan’s teacher workforce shortage by targeting the needs of all school districts, including those in underserved communities. Talent Together was designed to remove barriers for its candidates like the cost of a degree, time constraints, and accessibility to teacher prep programs to help them pursue a teaching career. Since its launch in December 2022, Talent Together has received more than 5,000 applications from potential candidates.

In this segment host, Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Sonia Hassan, founding director of Wayne State University’s Office of Women’s Health SOS MATERNITY Network, a network seeking to end preventable causes of death in mothers and children. SOS Maternity is a healthcare collaborative led by the Wayne State University’s Office of Women’s Health. It’s comprised of 14 maternal-fetal medicine universities and healthcare systems across Michigan. Every two minutes, a woman dies of pregnancy or childbirth in the United States, and the latest statistics indicate the infant mortality rate in Michigan is higher than the national rate of 5.6%. Dr. Hassan noted, "The SOS MATERNITY Network has created a statewide network of Michigan’s finest universities and healthcare systems to declare war on our terrible rates of maternal and infant mortality." Learn more about the SOS Maternity Network

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Scott Turow, NY Times Bestselling author, writer, and former practicing lawyer, who is the author of thirteen bestselling works of fiction, including Presumed Innocent. Scott’s a wildly successful best-selling author and writer, and a former practicing lawyer, who is the author of thirteen bestselling works of fiction, including Presumed Innocent. His virtual event with The National Writers Series happened February 27 featured discussion on his new book, Presumed Guilty. Online: The National Writers Series Online: Scott Turow

On this week's episode host Phil Tower welcomes Craig Piersma, the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications with Gentex. Craig joined us live from the Michigan International Auto Show in Grand Rapids in early February to discuss the importance of the Gentex partnership with the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association and supporting the Grand Rapids Auto show. Zeeland-based Gentex is most notably known for its auto-dimming rearview mirror and has sold hundreds of millions of those units over the years. their technology was also widely used in the car on display at the Michigan International Auto Show, "Infected" built by Wisconsin-based automotive customizers, The Ring Brothers. Ryan Fielding from The Ring Brothers also joins us on this segment. Online: Gentex Ring Brothers

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes James Morin, an EV expert and founder of the blog on owning electric vehicles, ElectricMitten.com. James embraces the electric vehicle as the future of transportation while acknowledging that EVs are not for everyone. James blog shares what its like to live with an EV in Michigan, and to highlight some of the great things our wonderful state has to offer. James joined us live from the Michigan International Auto Show to discuss the benefits and challenges of owning electric vehicles in the state of Michigan, and where he believes the ev sector is headed. As a self-professed lover of EVs, James has owned an electric vehicle for 13 years. He keeps a close tab on the world of EVs and shared much wisdom on the process of researching and buying an electric vehicle. He also talked about hybrid versus plug-in, electric hybrid's, and the pros and cons of each. In 2023, more than 1 million new EVs were sold in the U.S., an important milestone. Plug-in hybrids also reached record sales. Online: James's Blog Electric vehicles, tax breaks for EV, EV sales, EVs and tariffs, Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, EV charging stations, gas vs. electric.

In this episode host, Phil Tower welcomes Jay Follis, Collection Specialist, at Gilmore Car Museum. Jay joined us, live from the floor of the Michigan International Auto Show. For over 25 years, the Gilmore car Museum in Hickory corners. Michigan has brought cars from its massive collection of North America’s Largest Auto Museum to the show. Jay spoke about some of the upcoming events at the Gilmore Car museum including, “Without Limits – A Showcase of American Racing throughout the Last Century” a new exhibit opening this spring including the 1916 Packard Twin-Six race car and 1974 AJ Foyt Indy Car. Online: Gilmore Car Museum https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike McNett, Freshwater Fishing Director at USAngling. The 2025 World Ice Fishing Championship will happen on Tamarack Lake in Lakeview, 16 miles north of Greenville in West Michigan – the first time for Michigan to host this event. The event happens February 11-16. In this segment, we had the opportunity to catch up with Mike to give us a preview of what will be a spectacular event for West Michigan and to talk about his gratitude for the West Michigan Sports Commission and landing such a prestigious, world-class event. Online: The World Ice Fishing Championship Topics Discussed: tourism, economic development, sports tourism, winter sports, and ice fishing.

Host Phil Tower speaks with Ben Nielsen, Show Manager, in this episode. Now in its 80th year, the Grand Rapids Boat Show, February 12-16, at Devos Place is launching into an era where it will show our broadest array of power boats ever...over 400 boats, especially for the Great Lakes and inland fishing. Ben noted that boat show attendees will see yachts, cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats of all sizes, and ski and surf Inboard boats. Ben said Pontoon Boats also continue to excel in new designs, features, and cruising abilities. Online: Online: Grand Rapids Boat Show,

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Andrea Keller, anti-human trafficking coordinator at Wedgwood. Andrea joined us for a discussion about human trafficking, and specifically to talk about Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center. This is a residential treatment program for girls ages 12-17 who have been victims of sex trafficking or have a history of extensive sexual trauma. Andrea told us that specific treatment interventions are required to address their complex emotional, physical, and sexual trauma. Wedgwood’s Specialized Residential Treatment Program provides a safe environment where they can begin to heal. Through individual, group, and family therapy, girls understand how they were victimized, work on self-esteem issues, address issues of safety, develop future goals, and gain hope for their Andrea told us that the best wisdom is if you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking you should say something and report that to Law enforcement. What can you do if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking: • Continue to educate yourself on the realities of this issue including terminology, indicators of trafficking, and laws that are in place to help protect survivors. • Educate yourself on the resources in your area working to combat Human Trafficking • Report any suspected child abuse or neglect, if you see something, say something. For more information about the reporting process in Michigan, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/report-process • Report any suspected trafficking at the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733 ONLINE: Wedgwood Services

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Shawn Campbell, Vice President of Fund Development & Engagement at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Shawn shared some of the highlights of this year’s upcoming 2025 LaughFest. The event, now in its 15th season, runs March 5-9 and includes a wide and diverse dose of comedy across several venues in West Michigan. Major comedy headliners for LaughFest 2025 include Adam Ray, Gabby Bryan, Dan Soder, and Corey B. Comedian and actor Preacher Lawson will headline the Gilda’s Club annual Red Door Gala, which will be held on March 19 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This annual event hosted by the Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Sister-to-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group for Women of Color, consists of laughter, praise, and shared song. Proceeds from LaughFest, presented by Gun Lake Casino and Resort, and LaughFest’s High Five Campaign, thanks to Meijer benefit the free cancer and grief emotional health support program offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Online: Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Online: LaughFest

In this episode post, Phil Tower speaks with John Schmidt, Program Manager with Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Council. They operate the "Cruise the Great Lakes" initiative. John joined us on the program to discuss the 2025 forecast for cruising on the Great Lakes, as interest continues to grow year after year. John told us that Great Lakes cruises will welcome over 22,000 individual passengers, representing a nearly 10% increase from 2024. With more than 700 port visits planned—up nearly 30% from last year—the total number of cruise passenger visits across the region is estimated to exceed 150,000. The economic impact of cruising on the Great Lakes is expected to exceed $230 million in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024. More passengers, more port visits, higher shoreside spending, and a rising price premium for Great Lakes cruises are drivers of this growth. The ongoing expansion of Great Lakes cruising continues to bring significant economic benefits to large and small port communities throughout the region. Some new ships will be sailing the Great Lakes in 2025, with the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes. Cruise lines scheduled to operate on the Great Lakes in 2025 include Pearl Seas, Viking, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, and Victory. About Cruise the Great Lakes

In this episode, Phil Tower welcomes Brittney Primeau, the Director of Communications at Crystal Mountain. Brittany joined us from Crystal Mountain to discuss the resort's growth and improvements made over the years and its significant impact on the positive economic growth in the region.Brittney also discussed the plethora of winter sports available at Crystal Mountain with a primary focus on skiing and snowboarding but continued growth in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and several other available sport options at Crystal Mountain, including of course, golf in the summer and fall months. Online: Crystal Mountain John: Please email me back to confirm this program has been uploaded successfully and it's ready for broadcast.

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Dawn Baker, Show Manager for The Michigan International Auto Show. Dawn joined us for a preview of this year's show and the upcoming Cars for Kids Gala on Wednesday, January 29th at DeVos Place. Mary Free Bed is this year’s charity partner for the annual " Cars for Kids Gala" as chosen by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association. Proceeds will support the Mary Free Bed Kids pediatric rehabilitation program which provides Michigan’s most comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation services for kids and their families. Dawn reminded us that the Michigan International Auto Show is hosted by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association with presenting sponsor Gentex Corporation. The show runs from Thursday, January 30 to Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 5 pm. Full details on what will be a terrific show once again are at www.GRAutoShow.com

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back guest Michael Wildschut, Director of the January Series at Calvin University. The January Series is a free, 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers, fascinating topics, and enlightened conversation. The long-running series presented by Calvin University, features prominent academics, educators, artists, activists, and others to present thought-provoking lectures in their areas of expertise. Michael gave us an overview of this year's speakers; as usual, it will be a stellar year. You can attend the January Series from virtually anywhere…in person, on-campus at Calvin University, online, or at a remote viewing location. There are 15 of them in Michigan alone! You can stream the January Series live on your device from any location or stream year-round on YouTube. Online: The January Series at Calvin University

On this week's episode, Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place. Community business leaders and economic experts gathered in downtown Grand Rapids in early December for the 2025 Economic Outlook for the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The event, hosted by The Right Place, Inc., looked at the current state of the region’s economy. It also offered forecasts on the state and national economy and offered insights into the area’s manufacturing industries. Randy joined us for the full program to discuss highlights from The Right Place 2024 Year in Review report and presentation. Highlights from our conversation include: **Randy described 2024 as a transformative year, marked by significant milestones and impactful successes for our region. **We touched on the expansion of 20 businesses across the Greater Grand Rapids region **Looking at the major projects underway in Grand Rapids, including the Acrisure Amphitheater, the Amway Stadium, and the potential triple-tower project in downtown Grand Rapids. **Randy also spoke about the economic outlook for West Michigan and the importance of talent retention for filling future. ** We also discussed the potential impact of trade tariffs, as promised by the incoming Trump administration. **Finally, we looked at the importance of available labor in the region and a possible future shortage of available labor for a growing number of jobs, including high-tech jobs. Online: The Right Place. The Right Place 2024 Year In Review The Right Place 2025 Economic Outlook Topics discussed: economic outlook for West Michigan, jobs, labor, market, talent retention, tech sector jobs, tech week, talent pipeline, trade tariffs, undocumented workers.