Much has changed since the 1820's when Rix Robinson first established his fur trading post at the confluence of the Grand and Thornapple rivers and laid the foundation for modern day Ada. Or has it? Sure Ada has a booming residential market, big plans to dress up the village center, and the global headquarters of the multi-billion dollar Amway Corporation. But the community's wild and wooded character, and its prime location outside the busy county seat of Grand Rapids, continues to attract entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors. The challenge in the coming decades is to maintain the high quality of life that's stood for nearly 200 years. For more information on Ada visit the Rapid Growth: City Guide
Since its establishment in 1989, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women has helped establish 117 new businesses and generated some 270 jobs. Jennifer Beaumont, who just opened Yoga on the Hill, is one of the group's many successful graduates.
The sustainability movement is commercializing new ideas, generating jobs, and fueling economic expansion from Arizona to Japan. How long before Michigan takes it seriously?
Well, there's no snow on the ground yet. But, like rappers Run DMC caroled, "it's Christmas time and we got the spirit." So we're taking a break for a couple weeks. But we'll be back January 11, 2007 to bring you a new year of stories about growth, investment, and unique stories of urban life on Michigan's west coast.
The state’s largest energy supplier announced a plan that enables urban customers to subscribe to receive energy from renewable resources.
Venture capital in the United States tends to target the coasts, raising a disadvatage for entreprenuers and good ideas in the Midwest. The Grand Angels aim to fill the void in west Michigan with money and advice to help promising local startups get up and running.
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