Crain eager to enter Grand Rapids market

Publication plans to grow along with the business community.
Jim Kirk, Group Publisher, Crain City Brands. Courtesy Crain Communications

The story of Michigan business doesn’t end with a single market. It begins with a recognition there are regions around the state that are driving growth and prosperity for those who live and work in this great region.

Crain Communications’ recent investment in the Grand Rapids Business Journal is a major bet on the future of this historically important city. The Grand Rapids business community is well-known for its innovation and leadership in several key industries. With coverage of growing sectors such as real estate, health care, technology and others, we will continue to deliver insights, news and information, and to help serve the growing need for connectivity in this expanding region. And we plan to grow right along with you.

As we get to know the region better and as you get to know us, we hope you’ll come to appreciate the core journalistic values that have made Crain the premier business voice in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Cleveland. Our rigorous, independent and unbiased reporting, data-driven analysis and thoughtful opinion are hallmarks of our mission. We aim to bring that same excellence to Grand Rapids and surrounding regions.

We also pride ourselves on bringing together leaders and experts to network, share ideas and learn in a series of live events, both big and small. In that realm, we will build on the momentum that the Grand Rapids Business Journal has long established. We look forward to seeing you at more of these gatherings soon.

Bringing together the resources already at the Grand Rapids Business Journal with the firepower of Crain Communications’ entire suite of business-oriented journalism, we can deliver an even more comprehensive picture of what is happening in the world of business.

We work hard at maintaining and growing the strong relationships we have built with both our readers and business partners. We take seriously our role as being the conduit between the business community, civic leadership and workforce as a media entity that tells the economic stories of the regions where we work and play.

We tell stories about what shapes communities. And we’re dedicated to providing information to people who are just as enthusiastic about Grand Rapids as we are.

Over the next several weeks and months, members of the Grand Rapids Business Journal team will be out meeting, greeting and — most important — listening as we learn what makes Grand Rapids the city it is.

But this isn’t a one-way street. We are as eager to hear from you as we are to get out in the community. I invite you to let me know your thoughts on how we can better serve you and help you succeed in Grand Rapids and beyond. You can reach me at jkirk@crain.com.

We can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you for reading and being part of the Grand Rapids Business Journal community.