Manufacturing remains an economic bastion in West Michigan, but one New
York publication reports that life sciences and technology businesses
are giving the state a much needed shot in the economic arm. Millions
in investment and development continue to produce new jobs.
According to excerpts from the story:
Fortunately, according to some state
economic development officials, the old saying “As Detroit goes, so
goes Michigan” no longer applies to the state’s overall economic
development health. Why? Slowly but surely, sector diversification
plans developed for many Michigan cities are starting to pay off in
select regions battling this hard economy.
“Anyone who says
Michigan is a dying economy or that we’re only the automotive industry
is wrong; our 2008 results prove how strong and diverse we are,” says
Tim Mroz, senior communications director of The Right Place in Grand
Rapids. He points to western Michigan, which represents about a quarter
of the state, geographically speaking. “Last year alone, we had $70
million in capital investment, 1,600 new or retained jobs, and almost
$76 million in new annual payroll.” Many of these economic development
wins represent the manufacturing sector, he says, while others are in
life sciences and medical device manufacturing, back-office functions,
aerospace work and new alternative energy projects.
Read the complete story here.
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