Author

Tommy Allen

Tommy Allen's Latest Articles

#RG20LookBack: A lesson in inclusion, revisited at an uncertain moment

In his 22nd #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2025 story, "Beyond Compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces," showing how companies like Steelcase value the insights of people who navigate barriers every day.

Three years in the making, the Grand Rapids Public Museum turns curiosity toward the river

Grand Rapids has been rediscovering its river for years, and starting June 13, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is ready to meet you there.

Created with love: East Kentwood students deliver empathy through our stomachs

Behind each illustrated recipe showcased by East Kentwood students lies a story of family, culture, and connection, demonstrating how food can serve as a universal language of empathy.

Voices of Youth: Lessons learned from listening to young people

Over the past three years, Voices of Youth has shown us that by actively listening to what young people want, we often develop better ideas. Here, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the achievements and lessons learned over three years with Voices of Youth. 

#RG20LookBack: West Michigan models making progress over time

In his 21st #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Deborah Johnson Wood's 2009 story about efforts to restore rapids to the Grand River — a timely reflection following last week's groundbreaking of the Grand River Restoration's Lower Reach project.

#RG20LookBack: The Rapid’s evolution and our journey to the future

In his 20th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2018 story, “The Rapid 25 years on: Looking back on the transit’s evolution as instrumental CEO retires,” by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, examining key periods in our local transit history and highlighting Peter Varga’s 25-year leadership.

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.

#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.

#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.

#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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