EMS Services Grand Rapids EBO Profile
Coming Home: How a Grand Rapids Native Is Bringing Her Business Success Back to Her Hometown
From lighting the new downtown amphitheater to powering the new Boston Square and the GVSU Blue Dot Project to protecting families with free smoke alarms, EM Services is making its mark on Grand Rapids through multiple contracts won by leveraging some of the City programs, including the Equal Business Opportunity Program.
When Laura Hopson relocated EM Services from Lansing to Grand Rapids in 2020, she wasn't just making a business decision. She was coming home. A Grand Rapids native who earned her bachelor's in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan and her MBA in Marketing and Finance from Western Michigan University, Laura acquired EM Services in 2018 while it was headquartered in Lansing. By 2020, she seized the opportunity to bring her business back to where she grew up.
By establishing headquarters in her hometown, hiring local employees, and creating a year-long internship program for city residents, EM Services became more than just another supplier. The company became a true community partner, led by someone with deep roots in Grand Rapids.
How the EBO Program Works
The City's EBO Program, managed by the Office of Equity and Engagement, promotes equitable access to City contracts through a competitive bid discount system. Companies earn points for:
Hiring Local: Employing Grand Rapids residents from targeted neighborhoods
Operating Local: General Target Area: Bid discounts will be applied to businesses located in the City's General Target Area
Training Local: Creating internship programs for city residents
Building Local: Partnering with other local businesses
EM Services: Built for Community Impact
EM Services has been a leader in integrated procurement since 1993, serving as a single point of contact for managing indirect materials and point-of-use commodities. The company works with manufacturing and construction clients, providing expertise in strategic sourcing and supply chain management.
When Laura Hopson took ownership in 2018, she knew where to take the company: home. "I wanted to be part of and support West Michigan and Grand Rapids," Laura explains. "You can't do that if your company is in a different city. I thought I could be of Grand Rapids while my business was in Lansing, but the answer is no. If you want to contribute, you have to be here."
EM Services demonstrated that commitment through action:
Local Headquarters: Moved operations from Lansing to Grand Rapids
Local Hiring: Built a team of West Michigan residents with a goal of 50% being from historically under-represented groups.
Pipeline Development: Created a year-long internship program for Michigan college students, targeting women and diverse candidates from Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Students gain meaningful supply chain experience with potential employment offers at completion.
Community Leadership: Laura serves as a Board Member of the University of Michigan Health Regional System, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and Construction Allies in Action. She also is a member of the GVSU Seidman College of Business Supply Chain Advisory Council, leads the Grand Rapids Chamber's Mosaic Business Collective, and regularly speaks at GVSU and other supply chain and economic development events.
Enhancing Grand Rapids, One Exciting Project at a Time
When EM Services was awarded a Fire Department contract, it represented exactly what the EBO Program aims to achieve, and it's just one example of how the company is contributing to Grand Rapids' exciting transformation. Grand Rapids residents can visit their local fire station for free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, protecting families from fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Major New Developments: EM Services is playing a key role in the city's most exciting projects, including:
Acrisure Amphitheater: Supplying lighting for the 12,000-seat venue transforming the downtown waterfront
GVSU Blue Dot Lab: Aims to build competencies in computing, data science, cybersecurity, machine learning, and adjacent fields
Citywide Projects: Supporting construction and infrastructure improvements across Grand Rapids
The results speak for themselves:
Residents benefit from safety devices and world-class venues
The City gains a responsive local partner for major projects
EM Services grows through contracts recognizing local investment
The local economy strengthens as contract dollars support local jobs
"It's full circle," Laura notes. "I grew up here, built my career, and brought my business home. The City rewarded our commitment to hiring local. Now we're supporting everything from safety devices protecting residents to lighting and materials for exciting projects across the city. We're helping make Grand Rapids even better for my grandchildren's generation."
Creating Ripple Effects
Laura Hopson brings over 30 years of expertise in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and management to EM Services. But her impact extends beyond business. She has served as Board Chair for the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Board Member of the American Diabetes Association, and mentor for MBE and WBE certifying agencies.
In 2023, Laura received the Grand Rapids Chamber's Epic Award for Woman Business Owner of the Year, recognition reflecting both business success and community contribution.
"My goal is to create generational wealth for everybody in my wake," she says. "That means building a business that creates opportunities for everyone in our community who wants to grow and succeed."
Learn More About the EBO Program
The Equal Business Opportunity Program helps level the playing field for small, local, and historically underrepresented businesses seeking City contracts. If your business operates in Kent County and invests in Grand Rapids, the EBO Program can help you compete for City opportunities.
For more information:
Amaad Hardy, Office of Equity and Engagement
Phone: 616-456-3096
Email: ahardy@grcity.us
Web: grandrapidsmi.gov/Services/Apply-for-Micro-Local-Business-Enterprise-Certification
The City of Grand Rapids is committed to building an inclusive local economy where businesses of all sizes can thrive. The Equal Business Opportunity Program ensures City contracts support local jobs, local training, and local economic development.
