Kym Reinstadler | The Grand Rapids Press
HOLLAND—Thanks to the hard work and dedication of West Michigan’s unique work force, the local economy continues rolling along despite stiff global competition.
That is why West Michigan Works decided to celebrate Labor Day with a truck parade that began in Zeeland, then continued in a convoy along Chicago Drive to Eighth Street in Holland, ending in the parking lot of the Holland Civic Center.
Seventeen companies had registered vehicles for the first-ever event, but 30 showed up. This presented a staging challenge for organizers, but generated a more powerful symbol of how the local economy connects through products to places far and wide.
“Remember the ‘90s, when four of the Top 10 companies to work for had operations right here?” asked Randy Boileau, executive director of West Michigan Works. “We want to keep jobs here and create others because we know this is a good place to work, a good place to live and a good place to raise a family.”
State Sen. Wayne Kuipers acknowledged Michigan has had its share of economic difficulties over the past two years, but said he believes a dedicated, well-trained work force is helping West Michigan companies lead the way to recovery.
There were large trucks representing American Bottling Co., Boar’s Head Provisions, Haworth Inc., Herman Miller Inc., Gentex Corp., Harbor Steel, Royal Plastics, Tiera Yachts, ODL, Transmatic Group, Trendway Corp., ITW Drawform, West Michigan Office Interiors and many others.
Even so, it was the oldest truck that captured the curiosity of most spectators. It was a 1941 pickup with a wooden box that had been used by Hudsonville Ice Cream to pick up milk cans from dairy farmers.
Many company representatives stood in front of their rigs and passed out souvenirs ranging from water bottles and Frisbees to key chains and candy.
But the highlight of the parade for Hollanders Michael and Tina Kanis’ three sons was, of course, the trucks themselves.
Grayson, 6, 4-year-old Christian and 1-year-old Noah got to ride in the parade in the cab of an ACTL semitrailer with all the bells and whistles. Ross Lurtsema, who owns the Zeeland trucking company, is a friend of the boys’ parents.
“Until you see trucks from all these local companies lined up, you don’t realize how much business and industry is happening here,” Michael Kanis said. “There’s a lot. It makes me feel proud.”
Copyright Grand Rapids Press Sep 6, 2005
Check out the images from our events in our photo gallery.