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.
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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.
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Jennifer Wangler
Vice President, TechnologyJennifer 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.
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Julie Burrell
Economic Development Director - Newaygo County | Regional Partner LeadJulie serves as the Economic Development Director for the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership. In this role, she provides business support services to companies in Newaygo County.
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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.
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Jodi Nichols
Executive Director, Lake County Economic Development Alliance | Program ManagerJodi serves as the Executive Director of the Lake County Economic Development Alliance. In this role, she provides business support services to prospective and existing companies. She works to improve the overall economic state of Lake County through business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Full Bio
Ryan Wilson
Executive Director, Ionia County Economic AllianceRyan provides leadership in the development and implementation of economic development initiatives focused on People, Place, and Prosperity and in alignment with both local needs and regional strategies.
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.
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
Vice President, TechnologyJennifer 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
Economic Development Director - Newaygo County | Regional Partner LeadJulie serves as the Economic Development Director for the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership. 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
Executive Director, Lake County Economic Development Alliance | Program ManagerJodi serves as the Executive Director of the Lake County Economic Development Alliance. In this role, she provides business support services to prospective and existing companies. She works to improve the overall economic state of Lake County through business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Ryan Wilson
Executive Director, Ionia County Economic AllianceRyan provides leadership in the development and implementation of economic development initiatives focused on People, Place, and Prosperity and in alignment with both local needs and regional strategies.
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.