Every 100 years or so, West Michigan seems to undergo major changes in structure and appearance. And right now we’re in the thick of the biggest and most important transformation yet. Let’s review.
West Michigan 1.0 was about exploring the Grand River valley, chopping lumber, raising forts, trapping fur, planting crops, and settling a new frontier.
West Michigan 2.0 was about growing an incredible era of industrialization, building vital central cities like Grand Rapids, Holland, and Muskegon, establishing civic organizations, and defending the nation abroad.
Now we’re evolving to West Michigan 3.0. The region is steadily upgrading its operating system with a new set of economic, environmental, and social priorities to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities in a society going global.
That transition is inflicting adversity and hardship on our people and communities. But it’s never been West Michigan’s place to pine about the problems. We are dedicated to solutions.
So is Rapid Growth. The media project went live on April 11, 2006 to show and tell the story of the region’s move from the Industrial Era to the Digital Age. This week we celebrate our 100th issue.
Our goal from the beginning has been to document the imagination, innovation, investment, and improvement happening in our region. We shine a bright light on the cultural traditions, world-class institutions, natural resources, and hard-working people positioning this place for success for the next 100 years.
Or until the time for change comes back around again.
Thanks for reading along.
Andy Guy, the managing editor at Rapid Growth Media, is a journalist who lives in Grand Rapids. He's also a project director at the
Michigan Land Use Institute and blogs at
Great Lakes Guy.
Photo:
Environmentally conscious 3rd grader Hanna Kelly celebrates 100 issues of Rapid Growth with a drawing
Photograph by Brian Kelly - All Rights Reserved
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