Why Greater Grand Rapids
Why Greater Grand Rapids
Centrally located between Chicago and Detroit, Grand Rapids is Michigan's second-largest city and the urban center of a growing region home to more than 1.5 million people and counting.
Companies from around the world have chosen Greater Grand Rapids not only for its proximity to major markets and affordable commercial space, but also for its highly qualified workforce.
A combination of outstanding jobs, educational opportunities, health care, and affordable housing are just a few of the reasons why Greater Grand Rapids attracts young professionals from around the globe.
West Michigan Overview
Download our West Michigan Overview brochure to learn more about why the Greater Grand Rapids Region is the best place to live, work and play.
Connect with our Business Development Team
Brent Case
Vice President, Business AttractionBrent works to recruit new business investment and jobs to the region. He also assists West Michigan companies during the decision-making portion of the expansion process to outline the benefits of growing locally as opposed to out-of-state.
Full Bio
Travis Alden
Senior Director, Community DevelopmentAs Senior Director of Community Development, is focused on transformational place-based development projects and initiatives throughout the West Michigan region.
Full Bio
Eric Icard
Senior Director of Business DevelopmentEric provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place clients. He provides site location assistance to national and international life sciences firms. He also serves as the facilitator for the MiDevice group.
Full Bio
Jennifer Wangler
Senior Business Development ManagerJennifer provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place clients in Kent County and site location assistance to national and international IT and tech companies. She also serves as the director for the Technology Council of West Michigan.
Full Bio
Julie Burrell
Business Development Manager - Newaygo CountyJulie serves as Newaygo County’s Business Development Manager. In this role, she provides business support services to companies in Newaygo County.
Full Bio
Olivia Lanctot
Business Development CoordinatorOlivia Lanctot is a Business Development Coordinator at The Right Place. She provides retention and expansion services to companies in Kent County.
Full Bio
Jodi Nichols
Business Development Coordinator - Lake & OceanaJodi serves as Business Development Coordinator for Lake and Oceana Counties. In this role, she provides business support services to prospective and existing companies. She works to improve the overall economic state of Lake and Oceana Counties through business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Full Bio
Brent Case
Vice President, Business AttractionBrent works to recruit new business investment and jobs to the region. He also assists West Michigan companies during the decision-making portion of the expansion process to outline the benefits of growing locally as opposed to out-of-state.
Travis Alden
Senior Director, Community DevelopmentAs Senior Director of Community Development, is focused on transformational place-based development projects and initiatives throughout the West Michigan region.
Eric Icard
Senior Director of Business DevelopmentEric provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place clients. He provides site location assistance to national and international life sciences firms. He also serves as the facilitator for the MiDevice group.
Jennifer Wangler
Senior Business Development ManagerJennifer provides retention and expansion assistance to Right Place clients in Kent County and site location assistance to national and international IT and tech companies. She also serves as the director for the Technology Council of West Michigan.
Julie Burrell
Business Development Manager - Newaygo CountyJulie serves as Newaygo County’s Business Development Manager. In this role, she provides business support services to companies in Newaygo County.
Olivia Lanctot
Business Development CoordinatorOlivia Lanctot is a Business Development Coordinator at The Right Place. She provides retention and expansion services to companies in Kent County.
Jodi Nichols
Business Development Coordinator - Lake & OceanaJodi serves as Business Development Coordinator for Lake and Oceana Counties. In this role, she provides business support services to prospective and existing companies. She works to improve the overall economic state of Lake and Oceana Counties through business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Quality of Life in Greater Grand Rapids
Our community boasts a strong economy paired with low cost of living, making it an ideal place to start a career and raise a family,
Regional Talent
Greater Grand Rapids is a thriving regional economy with access to a robust talent pipeline. The region is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, and its workforce is comprised of motivated, innovative and highly-skilled professionals.
Business Advantage
Our business and community leaders have set in motion an unprecedented level of growth and investment, cementing our place as a world-class center for technology, advanced manufacturing, health sciences and medical devices, and food processing & agribusiness.