The Right Place - 2011 Annual Report

The Right Place, at a special meeting today at the Amway Grand Hotel, presented an in-depth review of its progress on the five-year strategic plan it created in 2008.  The Right Place promotes economic growth in the region by developing jobs through business retention, expansion and attraction of new businesses to West Michigan.  The Right Place committed to bring $500,000,000 in Capital Investment to the region from 2008 - 2013.  At the end of 2011, investment totalled $447,173,183.  They should easily exceed the goal for this item.  Two goals have already been surpassed:  Created jobs - the total is 7,417 (goal was 5,000)  and $259,203,106 in new payroll (goal was $175,000,000).  So far, 4,115 companies have been assisted toward a goal of 7,500.  Considering the rough economy the past few years, these numbers are remarkable!!!  I was honored to represent Cascade Charter Township on the 2011 Right Place Board of Directors.  The Right Place is chaired by Doug DeVos, a resident of Cascade!  A number of businesses have received assistance from the Right Place to help them grow or locate in the Township.  The Right Place is a very important part of economic development in West Michigan.  Look for more positive results in 2012!!!