With all the growth and development taking place in Grand Rapids, the city has a lot to be proud of, and with a new hotel in its midst it's geared up to compete globally for convention and tourism business. Add to that the Van Andel Arena and the new Grand Rapids Art Museum, the city has something to offer everyone.
According to excerpts from the article:
GRAND RAPIDS -- In 1976, Peter Secchia and his beloved hometown of Grand Rapids faced national embarrassment.
Secret Service agents had swept through downtown, scoping through the sea of abandoned buildings that marred the potential presidential parade route city fathers chose to honor its favorite son, Gerald Ford.
It was election eve and Ford -- who ended up losing to Jimmy Carter -- was to make a stop in his hometown.
"They took one look at the boarded up buildings and empty storefronts and wanted to end our plans," says Secchia.
Read the complete story here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.