Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge has been providing outstanding legal services with exceptional efficiency to clients across Michigan and beyond since 1941. With offices in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Ann Arbor, a merger along Michigan’s Lakeshore is both long awaited and highly anticipated.
So, Why Muskegon?
According to Smith Haughey attorney, Pat Geary, the answer is hidden in the lakeshore’s untapped potential: “We have been looking for access into the lakeshore communities because of growing populations and expanding potentials. There is an opportunity on the lakeshore for us to develop different areas of our business by working with new, different clients. In return, Smith Haughey offers valuable propositions for emerging businesses and individuals in that area.”
Muskegon is certainly not lacking in potential, currently in the midst of an economic upturn led by an entrepreneurial spirit hungry for revitalization. In addition to advanced manufacturing that has served as the city’s bread and butter for decades, Muskegon offers assistance for small business start-ups and encourages locals to “invest in their friends and neighbors by buying locally and thinking globally.”
Smith Haughey is no stranger to revitalization projects, serving as the driving force behind the 2010 renovation of downtown Grand Rapids’ historic Flat Iron Building located at the intersection of Ottawa Avenue and Monroe Center. In fact, the firm prefers to operate from the heart of each location’s city to better serve the communities responsible for their success. As stated on their website, Smith Haughey believes service to others is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“We are open to a lot of different ways in which we might take part [in Muskegon’s revitalization]. It seems to be a pretty concerted effort in Muskegon to reclaim different areas of downtown just as they are rebuilding their business base. With the Even & Franks connection, we will be very well-suited to assist.”
Smith Haughey joined forces with Even & Franks on October 1. An open house to celebrate the partnership is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor of the West Michigan Symphony building (360 W. Western Avenue) in Muskegon.