The Lakeshore Home Show is a dynamic expo celebrating how residents live, work, and play along West Michigan’s Lakeshore. The event will feature leading professionals in building, remodeling, design, kitchen and bath, flooring, landscaping, and more. Attendees can explore the latest trends, connect with trusted experts, and gather inspiration for indoor and outdoor living projects.
“The Lakeshore Home Show brings together trusted local professionals, innovative ideas, and valuable resources all under one roof,” said Brittany Ryzenga, chief executive officer of the Lakeshore Home Builders Association. “Whether you're planning a renovation, building your dream home, or simply exploring what’s possible, this event is designed to connect our community with the very best in residential construction and design.”
This year’s event includes several new and returning highlights. The first 100 guests through the doors at 1 p.m. on Friday will receive swag in their show bags. New in 2026, an expanded outdoor expo area will showcase additional exhibitors representing the best of Lakeshore living.
Saturday of the Lakeshore Home Show will feature “Family Day: Build Your Future” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., presented by Baumann & DeGroot Heating & Cooling. Designed for fun and education, Family Day introduces children to the skilled trades through engaging, hands-on activities led by LHBA members from a variety of construction fields.
Children and families can enjoy:
• Trades-related hands-on activities showcasing different construction skills
• Free building kits for kids
• A construction-themed photo area
• Storytime sessions (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.) with each child receiving a free book
• New this year: A touch-a-truck area in the outdoor space from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where families can explore construction vehicles and enjoy additional outdoor activities
In addition, the first 100 children will have the opportunity to open a free savings account with Parda Credit Union. Each child will receive a $25 deposit, with a matching contribution up to $25 to help encourage smart money habits early.
“Family Day is about more than just fun — it’s about inspiring the next generation,” Ryzenga said. “By giving kids hands-on exposure to the skilled trades, while also incorporating literacy and financial education, we’re helping families explore future career pathways in an engaging and meaningful way.”
Tickets for the Lakeshore Home Show are $8 online or at the door, with children 12 and under admitted for free. For tickets and information, visit Lake shoreHomeShow.com or call 616-392-6233.
Established in 1967, the Lakeshore Home Builders Association is a nonprofit trade association representing the residential construction industry along West Michigan’s Lakeshore, from South Haven to Ludington. The association’s mission is to foster an economic and social climate that stimulates the planning, construction, remodeling, and marketing of quality, attainable homes.
The association is affiliated with the Home Builders Association of Michigan and the National Association of Home Builders.
Royal Atrium Inn Clerk Receives State Honor
Photo provided
Hope Dance Marathon for Helen DeVos Hospital This Weekend
The 24-hour fundraiser event starts Friday night at 6 p.m., with several hundred Hope students, families and volunteers opening the marathon with a walk from the Bultman Student Center to the Dow Center.
It’s a grueling but fun test of endurance where the only thing more infectious than the playlist is the spirit of giving.
“It’s all for the kids and their families, all for the cause, and maybe for the thrill of seeing 500 students and faculty attempt a silent disco dance!” said Andrew Haggerty, assistant director of student life at Hope.
This year’s Dance Marathon marks the 26th year Hope College students have organized and hosted the event, raising more than $4.7 million total since then.
By the end of last year’s Dance Marathon, the student organization raised $331,000. But the fundraising effort starts long before the 24-hour beats begin. More than 150 students start at the start of the academic year organizing the spring event — coordinating with the children’s hospital, forming committees and teams, recruiting groups to perform and dance, and raising funds throughout the year.
“Every time I see the Hope community come together, I’m reminded of the incredible power of students who choose to pour their energy, creativity and compassion into something bigger than themselves,” said Angel Smith, the foundation specialist for strategic partnerships and campaign initiatives at Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“It’s amazing watching an entire campus unite with such purpose and joy, all in support of kids and families who need it most.”
Dance Marathon is a public event for anyone to attend and no tickets are required. For anyone interested in making a donation, please contact dancemarathon@ hope.edu.
Every dollar raised from the Dance Marathon goes directly to the programs that are the backbone of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital — child and family life, NICU family support, research, nursing education. These and many other programs, said Smith, “bring comfort, stability and hope during some of life’s hardest moments. Hope College’s commitment makes a real and lasting difference, and I’m honored to celebrate the impact they continue to make year after year.”
Lakeshore Advantage Creates Community Development Director Role
Recent housing needs assessments for the two counties, conducted by Bowen National Research, have identified a combined shortage of approximately 22,700 housing units. Employer and employee feedback affirm the assessments:
• A 2023 emerging worker study commissioned by Lakeshore Advantage cited housing availability and affordability as a limiting factor for locating in the region.
• Lakeshore Advantage’s business intelligence research shows that local employers point to housing challenges as a major obstacle to recruiting and retaining talent.
“As we’ve listened to our primary employers and studied the data, the message is clear: housing is economic development,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “If we want to remain a business and talent magnet, we must ensure the people who power our companies can also find a place to call home here. This is a complex challenge, and it requires coordination, creativity, and trusted partnerships. That’s the role we’re stepping into.”
Lakeshore Advantage will act as the regional connector for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, bringing together housing stakeholders and moving projects from planning to completion. Key activities include fostering collaboration, offering technical assistance to communities and developers, and sharing workforce housing best practices. Workforce housing is affordable for households earning 60-120 percent of the area's median income.
"Workforce housing solutions need to be tailored to meet the needs of every community," Marco said. "My role will support local leaders and developers in identifying and understanding the tools available—from state and federal financing programs to innovative local strategies - and bring the right partners to the table. When we align resources and move projects forward thoughtfully, we strengthen both our communities and our economy."
Marco brings experience in housing and community development policy at both the state and local levels. As community development director, he will serve as a connector and facilitator, helping communities navigate funding opportunities and structure viable projects that meet local needs.
Marco started with Lakeshore Advantage on Feb. 2. Prior to joining the organization, he managed community development projects across the state at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He began his career with the city of Grand Rapids, where he managed grant programs, supported housing projects and conducted public policy research. He holds a master of public administration degree in state, local and regional governance from Grand Valley State University.
Over the past several years, Lakeshore Advantage has been working with county leadership, community foundations, chambers of commerce, and developers to identify the obstacles to developing workforce housing in the Lakeshore region. This new focus for Lakeshore Advantage was made possible due to grants from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and Haworth Helps, a corporate giving fund of Haworth, Inc.
In addition to local stakeholders, Lakeshore Advantage will also be working in partnership with Housing Next, a regional partnership focused on guiding best practices in housing development and housing policy across a 13-county West Michigan region. Housing Next has supported the Lakeshore region since 2017 and will continue to offer policy leadership and technical expertise.
For more information about Lakeshore Advantage’s work, visit lakeshoreadvantage.com.
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