Featured Stories

RapidChat: Jennifer Wammack on a more sustainable Furniture City, USA

By Jenna Morton Thursday, June 07, 2018

What makes Jennifer Wammack great? It's not only her ample resume highlighting 30-plus years experience within the realm of furniture product design. As Director of Outreach at BIFMA, she is ever-so passionate about the Triple Bottom Line of Furniture City, USA.

RapidChat, Sustainability

10 food trucks to watch this summer

By Megan Sarnacki Thursday, June 07, 2018

Spring has rolled into summer and all of the food trucks around West Michigan are following suit. While you spend the day with your friends and family, be sure to check out one of these 10 unique food trucks.

Food, Restaurants

High Growth Happy Hour features local, diverse business owners

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, June 07, 2018

On June 11, Rapid Growth will partner with Comcast to bring Grand Rapids their annual High Growth Happy Hour. Read up on our talented small business owner panelists!

Entrepreneurship, Food, Restaurants, Small Business

My heart's in Midtown: A Neighborhoods of GR essay

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, June 07, 2018

In this special edition of Neighborhoods of GR, writer and former Midtown resident Marjorie Steele dives into her love for the neighborhood's diversity, chill vibes, and affordability.

Building Communities, Parks, Real Estate, Sense of Place

Midtown

Michigan authors you should be reading on vacation

By Rapid Growth Media Thursday, June 07, 2018

These Michigan authors have published their new books just in time for summer. From history to poetry to motivation, it's time to stock up on local writing.

Cultural, Historic Sites, Publishing, Sense of Place, Small Business

Teenpreneurs pursue passions without limitations

By Allison Spooner Thursday, May 24, 2018

Being a teen might mean you can't do a lot of things. You can't vote. You can't join the military. You can't rent a car. But you can start a business. And sometimes, being a teen entrepreneur can have its advantages.

Business Development, Education, Entrepreneurship, Michigan Nightlight, Small Business

Growth and Scaling in Grand Rapids: A Q&A with Atomic Object

By Ricky Olmos Thursday, May 24, 2018

Started in 2001, Atomic Object has grown from a DIY tech startup powered by a few laptops and a long-term vision, to a thriving company with a national roster of clients, 62 employees, two offices in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, and $10 million in annual revenue. Two AO atoms discuss the company's scale, growth, and innovation.

Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Software Development, Technology, Transformational change, Volunteerism

East Hills - Cherry Hill

RapidChat: Jash'd Belcher on love, inspiration, a girl, a boy, and a dream.

Jenna Morton Thursday, May 17, 2018

Faith-based film 'A Girl. A Boy. A Dream.' recently made its grand debut at the Sundance Film Festival, with a little help from local film producer, Jash'd Belcher. As we aspire towards unity as a nation, "we need more love and things to inspire us to be our greatest," explains Belcher. This film sets out to enact just that.

Film, RapidChat

Grand Rapids, Music City? New venues mean almost more music than beer

By Estelle Slootmaker Thursday, May 17, 2018

For nearly a decade, Grand Rapids has earned the "Beer City" designation from USA Today. With all of the new music venues and increased number and range of musical acts visiting GR, could “Music City” be in our near future?

Entertainment, Music, Performing Arts

Center City

UIX: GRPS Transformation Plan is using design thinking to incorporate stakeholder voices

By Matthew Russell, UIX Editor Thursday, May 17, 2018

GRPS stakeholders gathered at schools in the four different quadrants of the district to sound off on their concerns, talk about what they're proud of, and even what they're angry about. And the district is listening to every word with the help of design thinking.

Design, Education, Public Education, Urban Innovation Exchange

Belknap-Monroe North, Southeast Community - Español, Southeast Community, Madison Square

Lessons from emerging culture: A quick look at three music movements and future cities

Tommy Allen, Publisher and Lifestyle Editor Thursday, May 17, 2018

All cultures should have a value for a city, but not all have our attention…just yet. Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen looks back over time at three Michigan groups whose contributions, like so many other artists and creators, have impacted the culture of our state for the better.

Arts & Culture, Entrepreneurship, Festivals, Music, Talent Dividend, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor, Transformational change

Smart transportation: The Rapid kicks off The Wave smart card for function, ease, and equity

By Paul R. Kopenkoskey Thursday, May 10, 2018

With smart features like online accounts, capped spending, and smartphone scanning, The Wave aims to widen access and increase ease of use to public transportation.

Technology, Transit, Transportation

Do you know your voting rights?: ACLU Voting Rights Project Director talks equity and participation

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, May 10, 2018

Visiting West Michigan on May 16 as the keynote speaker of the ACLU Standing Together for Justice Luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens, Ho aims to spread a message of increased voting rights through systems reform, encouraging states like Michigan to implement modern, equitable practices that make voting simple and accessible for all.

Civil liberties, Government, Law, Public Policy

6 local (and fun!) ways to stay in shape this spring

By Grant Kammer Thursday, May 10, 2018

As the weather warms, many sport and social clubs are recruiting for the summer season. If you’re looking to work up a sweat and make some new friends, these group sports and athletic clubs might be for you.

Sense of Place, Sports & Recreation

RapidChat: Carlos Sanchez

Jenna Morton Thursday, May 03, 2018

Feeling energized after the recent announcement of their $150,000 grant from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Executive Director of the Latino Business and Economic Development Center Carlos Sanchez and his team are ready to put the foundation's 'Fund for Community Good' to good work.

Arts & Culture, Entrepreneurship, Higher Education, RapidChat