GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--- Consumers in West Michigan are more optimistic about what 2015 will bring.

In fact, consumers in this market are the most optimistic in the region, according to a new study released by Huntington Bank.  The financial firm found local residents say they are much more likely to buy a new vehicle this year; 17 percent said they plan to purchase a new car, compared to just four percent in 2014.

Home improvement stores may also be busy; 47-percent of West Michiganders surveyed for the Huntington Bank Midwest Economic Index said they were planning some home renovations for 2015, compared to 32 percent in 2014.

The Girls Scout of Michigan Shore to Shore, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan & Goodwill of Northern Michigan are teaming up to make this dress drive possible.

This campaign will make a difference for those giving & those receiving. Those giving, it will help clean out closets, which in-turn provides giving back to the community. So, donate your dresses to ANY Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan or Northern Michigan store through November 14.

Then, get social! Share the “Every Dress Has a Story” initiative with all your social networks. Post your commitment to this campaign with the hashtag #EveryDress & share a picture of the dress that you’re donating plus the story behind it.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— All-day parking in Gaslight Village may be on its way out.

During their Monday night meeting, traffic commission members voted to recommend changing the Croswell public lot from unrestricted parking hours to a two-hour parking lot.  The parking restrictions would be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

The proposed changes came as a suggestion by the Gaslight Village Business Association as a way to potentially boost business by ensuring ample parking for customers. However, the changes may mean a longer walk for some people who work in Gaslight Village, as they will need to find alternative parking on side streets.

The city commission will take up the proposal as soon as Aug. 18.  Interim Public Works Director Chuck Lark says if the proposal is approved by the commission, the restrictions would be in effect for a year; city officials would then decide if the changes should become permanent.