Happy Monday, West Michigan!

This week was Small Business Week! Our community is known for its wonderful, diverse small businesses. It was so special to be able to spend time with small business owners and patrons last week. 

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK HIGHLIGHT: SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLES

It is no surprise that West Michigan is home to some of the most creative and successful businesses in our state. Thanks to the small business owners who took time out of their week to sit down and share their struggles and successes. As a leader on the House Small Business Committee, I am working on creative solutions to ensure owners and entrepreneurs are connected with the resources that they need to grow their businesses and support their employees. This week, I held roundtables in Grand Rapids and on the Lakeshore to hear from business owners about the best way that I can support them in Congress. 

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK HIGHLIGHT: R & R MECHANICAL VISIT 

R & R Mechanical is a family-owned and operated business that embodies the best of West Michigan grit. Growing from their first location in a 10x10 shed, R & R is now housed in an 8,000 square foot facility! It was inspiring to hear about how they have grown as well as their commitment to hiring local workers on their 42 person staff. 

In our conversation, I shared my commitment to expanding access to capital, increased support for vocational education, and expanding childcare options for working families. It’s so important to me to make sure West Michiganders are working in good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. I look forward to partnering with local businesses like R &R to boost skills training and grow our local economy. 

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK HIGHLIGHT: ADELAIDE POINT GROUNDBREAKING

While Monday was chilly, it was a bright day in Muskegon! I joined local and state leaders as we broke ground at Adelaide Point, a new West Michigan marina community development that will be located on Muskegon Lake. The Adelaide Pointe project will include a marina, condominiums, mixed-use retail and event space and public access with bike trails, greenspace, and a public fishing pier. I was so happy to play a small part in helping move this project forward by making sure government delays didn’t hamstring this important project. All of our neighbors can look forward to the day when we can work, play, and gather at the lakeshore. 

GRAND RAPIDS TOWN HALL

Thank you to everyone who came out to my town hall at Union High School in Grand Rapids on Tuesday! I was joined by nearly 300 of our neighbors for an important discussion on my work in Congress and how I am delivering on the issues that matter most to you. I was also joined by scholars from Grand Rapids Public Schools, Sheriff LaJoye-Young, Mayor Rosalyn Bliss, and Dr. Roby from Grand Rapids Public Schools. Thanks to everyone who came out—I’m looking forward to our next one already! 

I am grateful to everyone who opened their stores and businesses to me and my team this week. Tune back in next week for an update as I head back to Washington! 

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress