In This Issue

• From the Board Chair: Future Perfect in West Michigan
• Attraction: Wind Energy in Michigan
• Expansion: Global Forex Trading
• Manufacturing: Diversification is Key
• Innovation: A Year of Success

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Growing

A message from our President & CEO
Birgit M. Klohs

If there is one thing West Michigan is known for, it’s resiliency. When faced with war, furniture manufacturers turned from pedestals to wooden fighter planes. Nearly a century later, we have become a recognized leader in cancer research. Continually evolving and innovating to meet new market demands, our flexibility and strong work ethic give our region growth even in the midst of a global recession. We are proud to note 2008 was the most productive year in the 25-year history of The Right Place. Last year, we assisted nearly 600 companies to invest more than $70 million, and generate more than $75 million in new payroll and more than 1,600 jobs. Incredibly, that pace is continuing in 2009.

To that end, here is a brief overview of our 2009 first quarter results. (January-March).

• Capital Investment: $36,450,000 (goal: $17,000,000)
• New Payroll: $16,527,520 (goal: $3,750,000)
• Jobs Created and Retained: 475
• Companies Assisted: 548 (goal: 375)
• Retention Calls: 66 (goal: 60)

These results show that West Michigan is moving forward and growing. We applaud these and other companies who are continuing to invest in our region. You are not content to wait for an economic recovery, and neither are we.

No company is successful in a vacuum and neither are we. We rely on you, our investors and strategic partners to advance West Michigan’s economy. Now more than ever, we need strong, strategic, and collaborative leadership to guide our regional growth. We have set aggressive goals for ourselves to reach farther in providing that leadership, which is why we are launching our most ambitious investment campaign.

The Right Place is committed to advancing West Michigan’s economy, and with your investment, we will continue to develop our region as a place where sustainable, innovative businesses thrive. I encourage you to contact us at 616.771.0325, or visit us online at: www.rightplace.org/invest to ensure that when the going gets tough … West Michigan gets growing.