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

Expansion: Global Forex Trading (GFT)

On March 17th, Global Forex Trading (GFT) announced plans to invest $13.8 million in capital investment and create 105 new jobs over the next five years in an expansion of their world headquarters located in West Michigan. Currently located at 4760 East Fulton Avenue in Ada Township, GFT plans to move to a larger facility at 618 Kenmoor Avenue SE in Grand Rapids Township.

GFT worked with The Right Place, The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Grand Rapids Township. The collaborative team assisted GFT with their expansion project and application for a High-Technology Tax Incentive Plan through the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) to support the expansion.

GFT is an innovative foreign exchange provider offering individuals and institutions access to global financial markets with its online trading services. It provides its customers with proprietary software, trading technologies and other leading financial tools. Since its 1997 founding, the company has expanding in more than 120 countries, employing 312 worldwide. The 105 additional jobs will add to its current Grand Rapids complement of 146.

High-tech companies like GFT are a tremendous asset to West Michigan’s growing knowledge-based economy. As an international, technology-based organization, GFT had the option to expand anywhere in the world. Our ability to respond quickly and comprehensively to their needs gave West Michigan a significant advantage in GFT’s decision to keep their world headquarters in the region.