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New talent report highlights AI gap, workforce shifts in region
The Right Place’s 2026 Talent Report outlines AI challenges, labor shifts, and strategies to attract, develop, and retain the regional workforce.
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Beyond the field trip: Public Museum’s Immerse program transforms how students learn – and see themselves
For most students, a visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum is just a simple field trip. But for those in the museum’s Immerse program, the experience is more engaging and meaningful.
Health careers expo helps students explore opportunities beyond medical roles
As part of our Voices of Youth series, student journalist Mazonnah Holiday reported on the Future Rounds Health Careers Expo, where students explored healthcare career paths and connected with professionals.
#RG20LookBack: Placemaking’s missing piece is you
In his 19th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2013 piece “RapidBlog: Reflections on the DAAC” by Emma Heemskerk, reflecting on one of Grand Rapids’ small but vital cultural spaces where culture was created through participation, not just consumption.
Immigrant parents’ sacrifices inspire East Kentwood senior’s pursuit of civic leadership
As part of our Voices of Youth series, Edwin Lopez-Garcia shares how his immigrant parents’ sacrifices in West Michigan shaped his education, identity, and commitment to civic life.
Startup tackles food system inefficiency with direct farm-to-home delivery
Zeeland-based Locavana expands delivery, helping residents buy local food easily while increasing farmer earnings and improving access across West Michigan communities.
#RG20LookBack: Building a bridge to a culture of opportunity in Grand Rapids
In his 18th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Ashley King’s 2023 story, reminding readers that starting a business here has never been only about individual drive. It also requires education, access, mentorship and the relationships that help turn ideas into sustainable ventures.
The Land Conservancy’s 50-year fight to save West Michigan’s natural areas
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan celebrates a half-century of working to keep nature nearby.
New talent report highlights AI gap, workforce shifts in region
The Right Place’s 2026 Talent Report outlines AI challenges, labor shifts, and strategies to attract, develop, and retain the regional workforce.
Parents are first teachers, and, with resources, they can be the best teachers
Kent County’s millage-funded programs step up when state funding steps out.
How startup Vanly is mapping the future of life on the road
Vanly, a West Michigan-based startup, addresses the critical “where-to-sleep” anxiety by connecting travelers with a nationwide network of private parking hosts.
#RG20LookBack: Sunday Soup and the power of community support
In his 17th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Juliet Bennett Rylah’s 2010 story on the rise of community investment funding in the urban core.
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Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.
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Top 5 Articles
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Startup tackles food system inefficiency with direct farm-to-home delivery
2
Immigrant parents’ sacrifices inspire East Kentwood senior’s pursuit of civic leadership
3
Health careers expo helps students explore opportunities beyond medical roles
4
#RG20LookBack: Placemaking’s missing piece is you
5
Beyond the field trip: Public Museum’s Immerse program transforms how students learn – and see themselves
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Rapid Growth is a local digital media outlet covering neighborhoods, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, health, sustainability, talent, and social innovation.
