VentureSource

Recently, we had the opportunity to attend the 26th annual Automotive Symposium organized by the Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University. This year’s theme, “Shifting Gears – Thriving in a New Automotive Era,” resonated with the transformations shaping our industry—shifting trade policies, supply chain disruptions, and electrification, to name a few. Many thanks to Sonja Johnson, her team, and speakers Bob Young, Mike Wall, Jake Hall, and others for their valuable insights. Thanks to Andy Levesque, Caleb Digison, Scott Wright, Kyle Carey, And David Foster for attending on behalf of VentureSource.

Ed Prince and the Prince Corporation—the small company he founded in 1965 that would grow to become a global automotive supplier—have left an indelible mark on the business communities of?West Michigan, instilling in them a deep sense of entrepreneurism, respect for people, and philanthropy. At VentureSource, many of our senior leadership have roots in the Prince Corporation and its later incarnation, Johnson Controls, Inc. Even today, Ed Prince and Prince Corporation continue to be examples that we hold up as role models to emulate. ? For a short biography of Ed Prince, please see this wonderful post by Steve VanderVeen: https://lnkd.in/gacUJQCA

This morning, West Michigan woke up to a postcard-worthy winter scene—at least until the sun comes out and the snow starts to melt. It’s days like these that we’re happy to be able to provide our team flexible work schedules and the ability to WFH (Work From Home). While we realize that this is a luxury that cannot be afforded every company and job function, we count ourselves lucky to be able to do so.

Thank you to AOET, Fu Hwa, and G-Shank for graciously hosting Caleb Digison and Jeffrey Wang during a recent visit to Taiwan. Our manufacturing partners, and the strong relationships we have together, are testaments to the power of “collaborating to create value”—a key VentureSource tenet.

Congratulations on a job well done! Our team in Asia recently celebrated a successful customer audit with a meal together. A big thank you to Leo, Ping, Nadia, Ben, Jeff, and the rest of the Fu Hwa Thailand team for their hard work! We couldn’t do it without you!

Recently, members of the VentureSource team in Zeeland, Michigan volunteered to hang drywall at a Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity house. Working together, they were able to finish 2 bedrooms and a large closest in just a few hours. A big thank you to Andy Levesque, Judy Van Dussen, Caleb Digison, Gregory Finses, Scott Wright, and Kyle Carey for taking time out of their busy schedules to help make our community a better place!

Top 10 percent—not too bad! Earlier this year, we participated in Gallup’s Employee Engagement survey, and we were proud to score in the 90th percentile. A sincere thank you to everyone at VentureSource—positive company culture begins and thrives with you. Employee engagement refers to how committed employees are to their organization, their role, their manager, and their co-workers. Engagement drives performance. Gallup's research shows that more highly engaged employees drive productivity, profitability, service, as well as reduce turnover and safety incidents.

What a great evening for a boat cruise! Last week, the extended VentureSource family met in Saugatuck for a cruise down the Kalamazoo River to Lake Michigan and then north to Holland. The water was calm; the weather was beautiful; and the food was delicious! A special thanks to Myles Wilgenhof, an aspiring young photographer and son of Matt Wilgenhof, for documenting then evening. We couldn’t help but smile when you were taking pictures! Thanks to Phil Sotok, Andy Levesque, Alex Beni, Matt Wilgenhof, Kyle Carey, Chuck Berghuis, Juan Zavala, Gregory Finses, Judy Van Dussen, Caleb Digison, Matthew Field, William Van Niejenhuis, Kay Gebben (Berends), and your partners for coming out!

Warm weather, sunshine, and the beach—summer in Michigan is a special time of year! That’s why the West Michigan team and our families took an afternoon off to relax and enjoy some cottage life. We swam, played in the sand, and chatted about life outside of work. We wish all of you and your familes a fantastic summer! A big thanks to Phil Sotok, Andy Levesque, Scott Wright, Matthew Field, Jack Lindsay, Matt Wilgenhof, David Foster, William Van Niejenhuis, Leeann Owens, Judy Van Dussen, and all of your families for coming out!