A Grand Investment

Known as “Beer City USA,” Grand Rapids has lots of reasons to celebrate its booming craft beer industry – 38.5 million reasons, to be exact. A recent study shows that the annual regional economic... Read More ›

Entrepreneurs with three things in common – a love of sports, a deep commitment to community and a vision– were the catalysts that helped make greater Grand Rapids the Sports Business Journal 2019 No.... Read More ›

A Grand Rapids-based organization has taken a local program statewide to inspire, equip and celebrate companies that create high-quality jobs, stronger communities and a healthier Great Lakes region.... Read More ›

With four distinct and gorgeous seasons, there’s no end to the fun that outdoor enthusiasts have year-round in Kent County and throughout Michigan. But there’s a whole lot more to the outdoor... Read More ›

West Michigan is becoming a magnet for collaboration in medical research, innovation and care. This is the second of two articles that take a look at what’s happening now and what’s on the horizon.... Read More ›

West Michigan is becoming a magnet for collaboration in medical research, innovation and care. This is the first in a series of articles that take a look at what’s happening now and what’s on the... Read More ›

The people of West Michigan have a deep love for the Great Lakes, the surrounding watershed and the other natural resources that make Michigan a distinctly beautiful place to live. We feel a... Read More ›

When it comes to caring for our planet, we all have a role. Many manufacturers in the plastics industry take that role very seriously. In late May, Grand Rapids was host to the Re|focus Sustainability... Read More ›

Sustainability in the event industry is more than a trend. It is becoming an industry standard. Earlier this year, the global Event Industry Council released four Guiding Principles for Sustainable... Read More ›

Parks, trails, forests, and green spaces cover thousands of acres and touch every corner of Kent County. As the weather warms, residents and visitors, alike, venture out to enjoy all the great West... Read More ›

The Grand River Restoration project inspired an entire city to rally behind restoration of its namesake river. More that 10 years after the project launched, thousands have contributed to the vision... Read More ›

Grand Rapids is consistently ranked as one of the best and fastest growing economies in the country. Downtown development is keeping pace with that growth. In this Grand Investment installment, we... Read More ›

In this giving season, we take a look at the generous gifts and givers that have helped make Grand Rapids the vibrant community it is today. We are grateful for their vision and their generosity, and... Read More ›

Grand Rapids has long been a model of sustainability nationwide. Government, business and nonprofit partners have come together to set – and exceed – aggressive sustainability goals, earning the... Read More ›

Grand Rapids has long been a model of sustainability nationwide. Government, business and nonprofit partners have come together to set – and exceed – aggressive sustainability goals, earning the... Read More ›

In a region where global corporations were among the first to advance design thinking, the iterative, human-centered design process is enhancing learning and driving innovation in after-school... Read More ›

In a region where global corporations were among the first to advance design thinking, the iterative, human-centered design process is enhancing learning and driving innovation in after-school... Read More ›

In a region where global corporations were among the first to advance design thinking, the iterative, human-centered design process is enhancing learning and driving innovation in after-school... Read More ›

West Michigan farmers and food processors have created a $1.5 billion agri-food industry, propelling the region to the top 25 percent of similar regions nationwide. Learn how abundant fresh water, a... Read More ›

One of the best things about living – and recreating – in West Michigan is spring. And summer. And fall. Winter, too! Michigan’s four distinct seasons mean outdoor enthusiasts are never bored. From... Read More ›

One of the best things about living – and recreating – in West Michigan is spring. And summer. And fall. Winter, too! Michigan’s four distinct seasons mean outdoor enthusiasts are never bored. From... Read More ›

Today’s young professionals know that where you live is where your life happens. Work life, personal life, and community life are all wrapped up in place. And place is determined not only by... Read More ›

Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels, is now redefining the mobility paradigm in the U.S. In fact, few cities of comparable size are as focused as Michigan’s second largest city – Grand... Read More ›

Our most recent story on manufacturing in West Michigan highlighted the variety and growth of this region’s manufacturing base. Manufacturing jobs grew 23 percent in West Michigan between 2009 and... Read More ›

Known as Furniture City since the early 20 th century, Grand Rapids is no stranger to manufacturing. But with 2,452 manufacturers, the region has diversified its manufacturing base well beyond the... Read More ›

Whether you’re looking for the best beer and burgers, a top U.S. cycling town or one of the best places to live in the country, you’ll find it in Grand Rapids. The accolades are all over the map, but... Read More ›

West Michigan is enjoying one of the fastest rates of tech industry growth in the U.S. But what sets the industry apart in Grand Rapids may surprise you. This is the second in a two-part series... Read More ›

West Michigan is enjoying one of the fastest rates of tech industry growth in the U.S. But what sets the industry apart in Grand Rapids may surprise you. This is the first in a two-part series... Read More ›

Spectrum Health, for instance, recently announced a new venture capital fund that will invest $100 million in health-related companies over the next seven to 10 years. Specifically, Spectrum Health... Read More ›

The young Michigan hop industry has grown tremendously over the past 10 years. The first big hop farms in the state included Empire Hops Farm near Empire, Hop Head Farms in Barry County and Michigan... Read More ›