Market Profile / Economic Profile



West Michigan is a thriving, vibrant, and progressive area. Strong growth in population and employment
in the Grand Rapids region has brought national attention.

The Grand Rapids region is so great!

Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland MSA ranks No. 3 in the World Knowledge Competitiveness Index.
Published by Robert Huggins Associates, the 2004 Index of 129 world regions is a
benchmark of the knowledge capacity, capability, and sustainability of a region. The Index
recognizes how West Michigan turns its knowledge into commercial and economic value.
Top Rankings
#3 World Knowledge Competitive Index
#3 Regional Ratio of Knowledge Intensity
#1 Research and Development Expenditure by Business Per Capita
#1 Private Equity Investment Per Capita


• The Grand Rapids region is home to some of Forbes largest private companies including
  Meijer, Alticor, Gordon Food Service and Haworth.
  
• Forbes publisher, Rich Karlggard dubbed Grand Rapids a “Bohemian Bargain!” Grand Rapids is among 25 cities highlighted for having a lively downtown, a very reasonable cost-of-living and commitment to revitalizing its downtown.