Venture Connect moves to West Side

Venture Connect moves to West Side
The new 20,000-square-foot facility has the capacity for 140 employees. <strong>Courtesy Rockford Property Management</strong>

Formerly Grandville-based freight and logistics company Venture Connect recently moved to Grand Rapids’ West Side.

Venture Connect signed a long-term lease with an affiliate of Rockford Construction for 20,000 square feet at 665 Seward Ave. NW. The new location will provide for organizational growth and capacity for 140 total employees.

“We are passionate about recruiting and retaining talent right here in our backyard,” said Brian Jones, president of Venture Connect. “By moving our operations to the heart of West Michigan in Grand Rapids, we will be more accessible to young professionals while participating in the booming economy of downtown.”

Rockford Construction completed the build-out for Venture Connect. Rockford Property Management, which currently manages more than 3 million square feet of space in a wide variety of industries, will provide property management services.

“We are thrilled to welcome Venture Connect to the West Side,” said Mike Mraz, president of real estate development for Rockford Construction. “Venture Connect’s passion for the community and expanding employment opportunities is apparent through the long-term lease commitment. We always welcome neighbors with open arms and are glad to be partners in their continued growth.”

Venture Connect was founded in 2000 and has since expanded to include 94 employees with the goal of hiring West Michigan talent.

The company and its employees are actively involved with nonprofits like the United Way Adopt-a-Family program, Michigan Blood, Hand 2 Hand Ministries and the Student Advancement Foundation.