Arts Council Announces Poet Laureate
Suban Nur Cooley was named by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing as the organization’s poet laureate for the 2026-2028 term.
Nur Cooley has more than a decade of experience creating and supporting poetry spaces in Greater Lansing. She is a strong believer in poetry’s ability to connect people and communities, and her love for the region and the spoken and written word made her stand out as a candidate.
Locally, she is assistant professor in the department of African American and African studies at Michigan State University, and she is deeply embedded in the poetry scene around the region.
Suban Nur Cooley
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve Greater Lansing as its next poet laureate — not only because I love the written word but also because I deeply love this community,” said Nur Cooley. “Lansing has long shaped my personal voice and journey, and serving as poet laureate allows me to offer up that voice back to the city, connecting and conversing with others about what makes it so special: its people.”
Bringing people together through poetry was at the heart of the Lansing Poet Laureate Program, which was launched in 2017 by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and the RCAH Center for Poetry at Michigan State University. The program transitioned to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing in 2023, and it continues to expand its outreach by providing access to poetry and fostering community around the art of poetry.
Hospice of Lansing Begins Expansion
Hospice of Lansing broke ground April 8 on a major expansion of Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing, addressing a shortage of residential hospice care in mid-Michigan. The project will increase access for families seeking high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care in a home-like setting.
As the region’s longest-serving nonprofit hospice provider and the only Lansing-based hospice with a Medicare five-star rating, Hospice of Lansing is expanding to meet rising demand while continuing its commitment to dignity, comfort and patient-centered care.
The groundbreaking marked the start of a $4 million expansion of Stoneleigh Residence, mid-Michigan’s only independent, nonprofit, licensed hospice residence. The project will increase residential capacity by 50%, allowing Hospice of Lansing to serve more families in need of compassionate, around-the-clock, end-of-life care.
Tanuki’s Trading Post Opens
The Old Town Commercial Association celebrated the grand opening of Tanuki’s Trading Post, 1236 Turner Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 10.
Tanuki’s Trading Post brings a new retail concept to Old Town Lansing, centered around anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. The shop offers a curated selection of manga, collectibles and Gunpla model kits, while also creating a welcoming space for fans of all ages to connect.
In addition to its retail offerings, Tanuki’s Trading Post will host events, tournaments and workshops, helping to foster a community-driven environment and further activate the Old Town district as a destination for creativity and shared experiences.
MSUFCU Elevates Internal Talent
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union recently announced four internal promotions.
Tiffany Bock
Tiffany Bock was named vice president of the call center. Bock joined MSUFCU in 2007 and now oversees a team of more than 100 employees committed to delivering exceptional member experiences.
Amber Hill
Amber Hill was promoted to vice president of e-services and video services. Hill has been a leader at MSUFCU since 2013. In her new role, she will support the e-services, video services and personal services teams leading initiatives that strengthen digital engagement and elevate service.
Kara Maxey
Kara Maxey is vice president of member lending. Maxey joined the credit union in 2010 and now leads the organization’s loan origination strategy, focusing on driving sustainable loan growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving key sales and performance objectives.
Elizabeth Nagy
Elizabeth Nagy was named credit risk operations manager. She joined the credit union in 2019, and now she leads the organization’s efforts in processing credit disputes, garnishments, levies and a broad portfolio of credit reporting responsibilities.
WILX Named Station of the Year Finalist
WILX-TV 10 received 17 honors in the 2025 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Excellence Awards, more than any other television station in the Lansing market, and was named a finalist for Station of the Year in Commercial Television Market 3.
The awards recognition positions WILX-TV as the most-honored Lansing TV station in the 2025 MAB awards and reinforces its standing as a leading source for local news, weather, sports and digital coverage in mid-Michigan.
Market 3 includes television stations in the Lansing-Jackson and Traverse City-Cadillac markets. WILX-TV won the Station of the Year award last year.
The Broadcast Excellence Awards Gala is scheduled for May 16 at MotorCity Casino in Detroit.
Sparks Joins Triterra
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced the addition of Evan Sparks as a field technician in the industrial hygiene group.
Evan Sparks
In his role at Triterra, Sparks will assist with on-site air monitoring during asbestos abatement projects, helping ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. His attention to detail and commitment to safety will play an important role in supporting project success and protecting both workers and the community.
M3 Opens Auburn Hills Office
M3 Group, a leading full-service marketing agency headquartered in East Lansing, celebrated the grand opening of its Auburn Hills office Tuesday, April 14, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce.
“Today is not just about the ribbon-cutting for our new office,” said Tiffany Dowling, president and CEO of M3 Group. “It’s about strengthening relationships, investing in this community and continuing to build something meaningful together. We are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
M3 Group team with the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce
M3 Group was founded by Dowling in 2002 with the goal of building a full-service agency that creates real impact and helps organizations grow through creative storytelling, thoughtful strategy and authentic connections. In 2022, M3 Group became a part of Reseda Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.
The grand opening comes after M3 Group’s acquisition and integration of Troy-based strategic communications agency roundtable6 in October 2024, expanding the footprint of M3 Group to Metro Detroit.
TRUE Partners with Grow Jackson
TRUE Community Credit Union is partnering with Grow Jackson to launch the River and Rail Farm Stop in Jackson County.
The neighborhood-scale grocery will feature a diverse selection of local, seasonal produce, milk, cheeses, meats, fresh bread, pantry essentials, and a curated assortment of beer and wine. Guests will also enjoy a welcoming café and patio, designed to foster community connection and celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage.
The River and Rail Farm Stop is a cornerstone of Grow Jackson’s broader Food Hub ecosystem, anchoring food purchasing, aggregation and distribution efforts right within the local community.
Juneteenth Weekend Set
Ourspace Foundation announced the return of the 517 Juneteenth Weekend, now in its sixth year as one of mid-Michigan’s largest cultural celebrations. The four-day festival takes place June 18-21 in Lansing’s REO Town Corridor, drawing thousands of attendees across events that honor Black history, advance community wellness and uplift Black-owned businesses.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Freedom: Building Thriving Communities,” reflects Ourspace Foundation’s commitment to whole-person health and collective well-being. The weekend programming integrates the eight dimensions of wellness — including physical, mental, financial, social, environmental, occupational and spiritual health — into a cultural celebration that is free and accessible to all.
