Muskegon Rising

Discover how reliable air service is helping fuel Muskegon's economic future. In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with James Perry, Regional Manager for Denver Air Connection, to discuss the remarkable transformation of Muskegon County Airport. From record passenger growth and dependable service to the addition of a regional aircraft maintenance hub creating skilled local jobs, James explains how the airport is becoming a vital asset for business, workforce development, and community growth. Learn why more travelers are choosing to fly from Muskegon, how local aviation partnerships are creating career pathways for students, and why a thriving airport is essential to attracting new investment throughout West Michigan.

Discover why the Lakeshore Museum Center is one of Muskegon County's greatest educational resources. In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson talks with Executive Director Melissa Horton about the museums that preserve and celebrate our community's remarkable history. Learn about free educational programs for local students, interactive exhibits for families, the famous Hackley and Hume Historic Site, the Heritage Museum of Business & Industry, the Muskegon Museum of History & Science, and the stories behind the industries, innovators, and philanthropists who helped shape Muskegon. Whether you're a lifelong resident, a newcomer, educator, parent, or history enthusiast, this conversation highlights why preserving local history inspires future generations and strengthens our community. 

Muskegon Rising host DJ Hilson talks with Jerry Farley of Oakmont Education about a new chapter for Muskegon Covenant Academy—one built around meeting students where they are and connecting education directly to meaningful careers. Farley explains how career-tech training, work-based learning, strong business partnerships, and continued support after graduation can give youth the skills, confidence, and pathway to lasting economic mobility while strengthening Muskegon’s future workforce.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson sits down with Emily Morgenstern to explore how Silent Observer is strengthening public safety and supporting economic development across Muskegon County. Learn how this anonymous crime tip program empowers residents to share critical information without fear, helps law enforcement solve serious crimes, and builds a safer, more attractive environment for businesses and investors. From real-world success stories to how you can submit tips or support the program, this conversation highlights why community-driven safety initiatives are essential to Muskegon’s continued growth.

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Scott Wilbur of MOTIV Bowling to explore the company’s major expansion in Roosevelt Park, its advanced manufacturing edge, and why a global competitor chooses to stay rooted in Muskegon County. From precision engineering and patented processes to workforce development partnerships with local colleges, Scott shares how innovation, integrity, and community collaboration are fueling rapid growth. This is a story about manufacturing excellence, local leadership, and building world-class products right here in West Michigan.

What does it take to turn a downtown “desert” into a statewide craft beer success story? From CPA to craft beer entrepreneur, Joel Kamp of Pigeon Hill Brewing Company shares how bold timing, local banking relationships, and disciplined financial strategy helped spark momentum in downtown Muskegon. In this episode of Muskegon Rising, we break down the real economics of craft beer—capital investment, bank financing, supply chain volatility, workforce structure, regulatory pressures, and scaling distribution across Michigan and into northern Indiana. It’s a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and refining operations for long-term sustainability in a maturing market.

Muskegon Rising (a service of the Muskegon Rotary Club) takes on “economics you can actually use” as host DJ Hilson welcomes Matt Farrar, Muskegon County’s Deputy County Administrator, for a plain-spoken conversation about how the economy works—globally and right here at home. From tariffs and “economic indicators” to housing demand, interest rates, and why uncertainty can slow investment, this episode connects the headlines to real life in Muskegon County and explains why smart, steady economic development can be good for everybody.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson sits down with Muskegon High School sophomore Neve McGinn to explore her journey into the Rotary Youth Exchange program and her upcoming year studying abroad in Denmark. Neve shares how the rigorous selection process, cultural flexibility, and personal growth opportunities are shaping her future, including her passion for culinary arts and global learning. This inspiring conversation highlights how Rotary empowers young people to become confident global citizens while representing Muskegon County on the world stage.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, hosts DJ Hilson and John Gale explore how Muskegon County is strengthening school safety through preparation, partnership, and proactive leadership. Gale, a retired Norton Shores Police Chief and current Safety & Security Liaison for the Muskegon Area ISD, explains how law enforcement, educators, and administrators work together to prevent threats, respond effectively to emergencies, and keep students safe. The conversation covers active-shooter training, threat assessment teams, common safety language, reunification planning, and the role parents and students play in reporting concerns responsibly. This insightful discussion highlights why Muskegon County is leading the way in coordinated, community-driven school safety.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike talks with Bill Cooper, Vice President of Operations at La Colombe in Norton Shores, about the company’s major expansion, growing workforce, and deep commitment to Muskegon County. Cooper shares how La Colombe and parent company Chobani are investing in up to 340 new jobs, a 200,000-square-foot facility expansion, local talent development, school partnerships, food access programs, and community impact initiatives that strengthen families, students, and the regional economy. This conversation highlights how purpose-driven business, manufacturing growth, and community investment are helping shape Muskegon’s future.