GRAND RAPIDS – The city has launched a new online guide designed to make it a little bit easier for entrepreneurs to find help and navigate the bureaucracy they could face as they prepare to set-up shop.

The guide, created at the request of the Grand Rapids City Commission and city manager, outlines some of the steps needed to prepare to open a business and directs potential business owners to resources geared to help them choose a location, comply with codes and find incentives.

“This is one way we hope to make the process of doing business in Grand Rapids as user friendly as possible,” said Kara Wood, economic development director for the city.

The website includes a downloadable checklist with more than 20 items designed to remind business owners of the potential requirements to meet city or state codes along with incentives that can help pay for or finance new ventures.

“This online resource provides meaningful information that will allow business owners to understand the opportunities and constraints in their project planning from the start,” Planning Director Suzanne Schulz said in a press release.

E-mail Chris Knape: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/Kcorner

Grand Rapids, Michigan. C. D. Barnes Associates, Inc. announces they are nearing completion of
Eastown Veterinary Clinic located at 1350 Lake Dr. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. C.D. Barnes
Associates, in conjunction with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and its representatives,
will hold a ribbon-cutting event on Monday, June 6th at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the
3,270 sf veterinary clinic.
Renovation of this former bank branch includes the addition of 3 exam rooms, a pharmacy, dog &
cat wards, isolation area, x-ray, surgical suite and laboratory. Many green features were incorporated
into construction including the use of low-flow plumbing, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency
HVAC equipment and low VOC paint.
Dr. Happel is currently pursuing her board certification in Veterinary Dentistry which will make her
the only veterinarian in West Michigan who is certified in veterinary dentistry.
A public open house will follow on Saturday, June 11th from 1:00-4:00pm held in conjunction with
Eastown’s Bizarre Bazaar.
Please join us on Monday, June 6th to celebrate this great project and meet the Eastown Veterinary
team!
C.D. Barnes Associates is a Regional Construction Company specializing in Commercial Design/Build
Construction Management and General Contracting, now celebrating our 57th year.

Businesses and residents can benefit from the City’s new Points Program. Check it out at
http://mygrcitypoints.com/

Movie at Wilcox Park….see fb link http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186091591443556
A FREE MOVIE IN THE PARK
for local families and residents - with a service component!
Come watch MEGAMIND, visit the Volunteer Fair, listen to live music, bring a new or gently used book for the Book Drive, and enjoy on-site refreshments (or bring your own)!

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011
7:00 P.M. VOLUNTEER FAIR & FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
8:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
9:30 P.M. “MEGAMIND” SHOWING