economy
With designs in the works, river restoration to move toward launch
by (NGarbaty)
Submitted 06-30-2015 under NEWS
As of June 2015, the construction plans for the Grand River rapids restoration in downtown Grand Rapids have reached 50 percent completion. While the project currently remains in the design phase, the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater...
New food co-op forming in Grand Rapids
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 06-16-2015 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
A new food cooperative, the Grand Rapids Food Coop Initiative (GRFCI), is forming and “working to start a community owned, cooperative grocery store in the heart of Grand Rapids.” The development board includes Linda Jones, ...
Local First Street Party to celebrate local businesses for 12th year Saturday
by (PeopleFirstEconomy)
Submitted 06-02-2015 under NEWS
Local First will hold their 12th annual Street Party, presented by Founders Brewing Company, on Saturday, June 6 outside Bistro Bella Vita from 3 p.m. to midnight. In addition to a long and varied music set, there will also be Founders beer, local...
Deksia offices revive building vacant for decades
Submitted 05-19-2015 under NONPROFITS
Deksia, a Grand Rapids marketing and branding agency that has developed local and national brands for the past decade, opened a new, expanded office at 120 Stevens St. SW last week. Deksia’s newly renovated office, near the corner of Buchanan...
Outdoor Farmers Market works to increase neighborhood accessibility to fresh produce
by (Downtown Market GR)
Submitted 05-19-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market opens the Outdoor Farmers Market for the third season this Saturday, May 23, at 9 a.m. when approximately 35 farmers and fresh food artisans will open their stands in the Outdoor Market Shed. The opening will be...
Vintage Street Market returns to Downtown Market for second year
by (Downtown Market GR)
Submitted 05-05-2015 under NONPROFITS
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is bringing back the popular Vintage Street Market for a second season starting on Mother’s Day, May 10, and continuing the second Sunday of each month. The Vintage Street Market takes place in the Outdoor...
Hunger rate rises in West Michigan, Upper Peninsula according to new report
by (Feeding America...)
Submitted 04-21-2015 under NONPROFITS
For the first time in five years, the percentage of people struggling with hunger in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula has increased, according to a new study by Feeding America. Hunger threatens one in seven people in the region, including one...
Entrepreneurs encouraged to collaborate, experiment in Incubator Kitchen
by (Downtown Market GR)
Submitted 04-14-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
Entrepreneurs and small businesses are redefining West Michigan’s economy. With the rise of venture capital funds, business accelerators and shared workspaces, an entrepreneur can find financing, get advice and have a location to start any...
State economy loses $435 million to landfill
by (Yeldellc)
Submitted 02-23-2015 under NEWS
The state of Michigan is lagging behind national averages in recycling, with only 15% of residents recycling as compared to the national average of 35%. Governor Rick Snyder has created a proposed plan of action with the objective to double Michigan...
The Right Place's economic outlook for West Michigan
by (sassaria)
Submitted 02-12-2015 under OPINION
On December 16, The Right Place held its Economic Outlook for West Michigan conference at the JW Marriott downtown. The first one was held 18 years ago, and had an attendance of 25. This year, there were 450 people in attendance, from all over the...