West Michigan’s economy is a team sport

As talk of a 2023 recession (mild or otherwise) swirls, keep in mind you are not in this alone.

40 Under 40: This class leads the charge for change

Change is never linear. But often there are recognizable guideposts along the way to indicate change is coming.

What makes these women so influential?

Look up the definition for “influential” and you get “having influence.” Hmm, not particularly helpful.

40 Under 40 Business Leaders knock it out of the park

To steal a phrase from the sports world, the lineup for the 2021 Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 Business Leaders is loaded.

Dropping test scores warrant more discussion on early childhood development

The coming week marks the return of all Michigan students to schools, following the Labor Day weekend. The momentous occasion is marked by the...

Neighborhood coalition offers city commissioners important directives on affordable housing, inventory plans

Residents and members of varied Grand Rapids neighborhood associations took the initiative to spend several early spring and August days in meetings and study...

Thinking outside the box is essential in solving worker shortage

The Business Journal has noted for more than a year the ever-worsening talent and recruitment shortages in the region (and state). The issue is...

Kent County board should be encouraged to find agreement on committing to sustainable business...

In September, the Kent County Board of Commissioners will begin work sessions on the sustainable business park master plan and hopes to attract companies...

HireReach sets bar for employment practices

The Business Journal story reporting on changes in hiring practices at Mercy Health is nothing short of riveting for its success in eliminating bias...

City of Grand Rapids’ economic ‘help’ for ‘business’ is confounding

The city of Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Corporation “approved two agreements to help boost minority business development” in the “greater Grand Rapids area.” The...

Income inequality continues to burden Michigan

The nonprofit think tank Economic Policy Institute last week released an updated report on income equality levels across the country, in all states, all...

Muskegon partners muscling economic stability

Earlier this year, the Business Journal recognized Muskegon development as the top 2017 economic development news and as Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker of...

Solving workforce issues takes more than educated guesses

The Business Journal has reported this month on more than four initiatives to resolve the crisis in Michigan education, both local and statewide. Or...

ArtPrize symbolizes and rewards a design-centric business community with economic gains

The Business Journal this week reports on the domino economic impact of the decision to make ArtPrize a biannual event, but additional reporting reflects...

Let the voters decide on early childhood millage

The Kent County Board of Commissioners pro/con discussion of placing an early childhood development services millage on the November ballot is worthy of note,...

General Motors once again offers dynamic economic impact for West Michigan

A comparatively quiet media tour of General Motors’ Wyoming components plant last week belied its unceremonious, abrupt closing nine years ago, immediately depleting Wyoming...

Suburban economic growth creating additional regional business impacts

Business Journal reporting this week reflects several large investments in the suburban Grand Rapids markets, including major housing projects, while new project development declines...

RPC’s minority inclusion goal a welcomed sight

The Business Journal is reporting on the creation of a venture capital group seeking certification as a U.S. Department of Treasury Community Development Financial...

Parking solutions should take precedent

The month of May has brought a series of approvals for the Downtown Development Authority’s $10-million budget attending the GR Forward initiatives, including $2.63...

Significance of early education cannot be overstated

Regional business leaders have long recognized the importance of their support and voice in early education. Doug DeVos, Amway president, and Kate Pew Wolters,...