Featured Stories

Meet the Beetles

Tom Leonard Thursday, May 17, 2007

The voracious Emerald Ash Borer bug threatens to destroy every ash tree in the city. But it also presents a powerful opportunity to ramp up efforts to green the city and grow the tree canopy, according to Sustainability Correspondent Tom Leonard.

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Madison Square, Stockbridge

The Green Imperative

Tom Leonard Thursday, May 10, 2007

How can Michigan reanimate the attributes that once made it great? By taking the lead in the green economy, according to Rapid Growth correspondent Tom Leonard, who reports from the state's 12th Annual Sustainable Business Forum Conference.

Business Development

Vroom With A View

Angela Harris Wednesday, April 18, 2007

With gas prices, traffic congestion, and other auto costs soaring, GR's counterculture discovers the convenience of a different motorized ride.

Transportation

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Madison Square, Stockbridge

The Local Lowdown

Andy Guy Thursday, April 12, 2007

Local First is one of two organizations in Michigan - and 50 in the U.S. - promoting the power of neighborhood business. Elissa Sangali, the group's new leader, explains why keeping it local is so important.

Business Development

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, East Grand Rapids, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Madison Square, Stockbridge

Postcards from the Future

Tracy Certo Thursday, March 29, 2007

How can cities better prepare for the future? Tara Lemmey, CEO of LENSVentures, explains different strategies for innovation and why it�s essential for cities, businesses and organization to take the risk.

Campaigning for Conservation

Tom Leonard Thursday, March 29, 2007

Some say energy conservation is America's ticket to economic competitiveness, a healthier environment, and global peace. Tom Leonard, Rapid Growth's sustainability correspondent, explores what it really means for our quality of life.

The Winds of Politics

Tom Leonard Thursday, March 22, 2007

Al Gore's sizable electric bill - and the way in which he pays it - illuminates the sustainability issues surrounding residential energy use, and the 21st century opportunity for Michigan businesses and leadership.

Alternative Energy, Sustainability, Wind Energy

Learning Curve

Tom Leonard Thursday, March 15, 2007

Only one West Michigan high school ranks among the nation's Top 100, according to a recent Newsweek survey. So how do we improve the region's education system and prepare students for a knowledge economy?

The Aspiration of Education

Tom Leonard Thursday, March 08, 2007

Giving students a good education is the key to achieving a sustainable society. But do enough people care?

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, Holland, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, East Grand Rapids, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Grand Haven, Madison Square, Muskegon, Stockbridge

Moonshine Math

Tom Leonard Thursday, March 01, 2007

Ethanol is touted as a renewable energy that will generate jobs, diversify the economy, and help kick America's dependence on foreign oil. But what will it really do for Michigan?

Leaders of the Lead Rebellion

Deborah Johnson Wood Thursday, March 01, 2007

Landlords James Loftus, Dan Brink, and John Sanger have removed toxic lead from more than 40 of their older properties. All three were recently recognized for their commitment to providing Grand Rapids renters with healthy homes.

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Madison Square, Stockbridge

Finding the Pollution Solution

Tom Leonard Thursday, February 22, 2007

The City of Grand Rapids by 2019 will spend another $50 million to modernize its sewer system and cleanup the Grand River. But is there a faster, more cost effective way to swim and fish without sewage?

Windows on the World

Scott Dunham Thursday, February 22, 2007

For Gretchen Minnhaar, an organizer of the Chiaroscuro film series, the cinema is about much more than entertainment. Film is a powerful art form that illuminates the world around us.

Belknap-Monroe North, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, South Division, Heartside, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, East Grand Rapids, Franklin-Eastern, Midtown, Baxter, Madison Square, Stockbridge

Living for the City

Tracy Certo Thursday, February 08, 2007

Urban policy guru Bruce Katz says reinvesting in cities is among the most important thing Great Lakes leaders can do to make their communities more competitive in the global knowledge economy. His think tank's latest report lays out a widely accepted path to 21^st century prosperity.

Get the Power

Tom Leonard Thursday, February 08, 2007

Energy innovation promises to generate jobs, strengthen national security, sustain the environment, and stretch the value of taxpayer dollars, particularly in Michigan. All that's needed is leadership.

Midtown : Featured Stories