Low Cost of Living
The low cost of living in West Michigan makes it easier to get – and stay – ahead. Residents here feel like they get great value for their dollar in housing, utilities, transportation and other daily expenses. See Regional Statistics to compare us with other metro areas around the country.
Collaborative Business Environment
Greater Grand Rapids is ranked as the country’s second-most philanthropic metropolitan area. Just look around the downtown Grand Rapids area. Hospitals, hotels, museums, theatres, convention center, arena – the force behind all of them is the exceptional generosity and foresight of our local business leaders. Newcomers always remark about what a caring community we are – caring about the environment (see Green) and our future together. This is reflected in the collaborative spirit among our local business people and community leaders, who believe in working together to set goals and solve problems.
Professional Development
Greater Grand Rapids is fast becoming a magnet for professionals on the move. In response, we now offer a number of professional development programs to help them stay competitive. The area is home to several manufacturing-related and corporate training programs and associations.
The mission of Leadership West Michigan is to equip leaders for regional collaboration and to develop and engage regional trustees who work for the benefit of the entire region. The LWM program offers hands-on, minds-on exercises to help participants digest and apply the rush of information about regional challenges and opportunities. In each session, participants connect the data and opinions from presenters with their own direct observation and experiences of the everyday realities of West Michigan.
United Way’s Project Blueprint is a leadership development program for persons of color that is meant to increase their involvement in our community by recruiting, training, and facilitating the placement of graduates on local boards and committees.
Inforum is a professional women’s alliance offering a unique, action-learning program that provides opportunities for talented women to develop their leadership capability. It enables them to tap into the experience and talent of some of Michigan's most accomplished executive leaders in mentoring roles.
The Multiracial Association of Professionals (MAP) works to create a strong network of professionals of all races in West Michigan and to assist organizations to welcome, retain, and connect professionals of color and their families. MAP corporate services and membership benefits include concierge services, professional networking events, educational programs, and online community resources.