Quiet philanthropist and local businessman Midge Verplank is the Co-chair of Verplank Dock, Verplank Trucking, Asphalt Paving, Inc., and serves on the Boards of Shape Corporation and Light Corp. These are just a few of the hats he has worn for his family’s many successful ventures, including Co-founder of Shape Corporation and its affiliated businesses. And while his thriving companies contribute much to our local economy and quality of life, he has always personally devoted significant time and energy to enhance our community.
His long list of community service includes serving as a Trustee on the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Board of Directors and Chairing its Investment Committee, serving on the original Spring Lake Library fundraising committee, and Co-chairing the $2.5 million campaign for the new Spring Lake Library we enjoy today. He is also a supporter of the Grand Haven High School Athletic Complex, the Spring Lake Yacht Club, the West Michigan Yachting Association and the University of Michigan Athletic Department. He and his brother Gary’s significant Challenge Grant helped raise a million dollars toward the preservation of North Ottawa Dunes. In 2010 he received the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
