Invest Now

When the going gets tough, the tough get Growing

Action plan for growth

An Action Plan for Growing West Michigan's Economy

Every five years, The Right Place re-examines the West Michigan economy and establishes a revised strategic direction for the following five years. This process has resulted in 25 years of consistent economic development success.

In the last five years, nearly half a billion was invested in the region, creating jobs in nearly every sector and developing new assets in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, alternative energy and defense. We recognize it is incumbent on us to take advantage of that investment and use it to support even greater growth.

This action plan for growth plan will accomplish this. It is based on global market research into the projected five-year economic outlook, and extensive interviews and focus groups with external and internal regional stakeholders. The resulting 2009-2013 Strategic Plan established these priorities for the continued growth and development of West Michigan’s economy.

Leading West Michigan business development efforts

  • Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to retain and expand existing regional businesses.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to attract new businesses from national and international markets.
  • Create and manage innovative programs that promote sustainable land and building use critical to regional economic growth.

Identifying and developing emerging growth opportunities

  • Develop and implement strategies to support growth in Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Practices, Renewable Energy and Aerospace and Defense.
  • Develop strategies for new sources of investment capital for startups and expanding firms.
  • Support the development and attraction of engineering, scientific and technical talent needed to support these industries.

Strengthening the global competitiveness and innovation of our existing regional manufacturers

  • Develop and implement innovative products and services to support best-in-class manufacturing efforts, increasing operational productivity and profitability.
  • Support the commercialization of regional, national and international intellectual property to drive growth opportunities for area manufacturers.


In these tough times, investment in The Right Place is more essential than ever—and West Michigan’s surest means to sustained economic opportunity. Invested in the past? We hope you’ll continue your support. Never invested? There’s never been a better time.