#RG20LookBack

In honor of Rapid Growth’s 20th anniversary, Publisher Tommy Allen revisits stories from the archives, offering a fresh perspective through behind-the-scenes insights, analysis, and updates on how those topics have evolved.

#RG20LookBack: Beyond Record Store Day festivities, a real GR success story worth celebrating

In his 14th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2013 story on Herm Baker, whose journey from Vinyl Solution to Vertigo Music reflects resilient innovation shaping Grand Rapids’ music culture.

#RG20LookBack: Music as infrastructure, talent retention, neighborhood identity, and the glue of community

In his 13th #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the 2022 story by Enrique Olmos, which serves as a reminder that the region’s music economy is about more than entertainment.

#RG20LookBack: The Grand River is having the moment we imagined—together

In his 12th #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2008 story, “A River Runs Through Green Grand Rapids,” which now reads like an early spark for everything unfolding along the Grand River today.

#RG20LookBack: Hungry for community? Step out; mingle.

In his eleventh #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2014 story, “The Vegan Kitchen Takeover: Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill,” reflecting on how local restaurants can be spaces for connection and community.

#RG20LookBack: From an “Atomic” moment to the present day

For his tenth #RG20LookBack column, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits its 2007 “Atomic Object is People” story, tracing West Michigan’s thriving tech culture.

#RG20LookBack: Power of art as a community convener

For his ninth #RG20LookBack, Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2013 story, written while he was Lifestyle Editor, about the Division Avenue Arts Collective’s eviction from Avenue for the Arts just days before its 10th anniversary.

#RG20LookBack: A bit of hope at start of Women’s History Month

For his eighth #RG20LookBack, Publisher Tommy Allen honors Women’s History Month by revisiting a 2018 series that not only celebrates women-owned businesses but also highlights how many entrepreneurs begin their education long before they ever step into a classroom.

#RG20LookBack: Jeff Hill and the power of showing up for each other.

For his seventh #RG20LookBack, Tommy Allen reflects on the lasting impact of his predecessor, Jeff Hill, who served as Rapid Growth publisher from 2008 to 2015.

#RG20LookBack: North Monroe’s focus on parks, people, and play is transforming this neighborhood.

For his sixth #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth’s Tommy Allen revisits Monroe North’s transformation into a vibrant riverside neighborhood shaped by redevelopment.

#RG20LookBack: DACA — A personal view from here to Washington

For his fifth #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth’s Tommy Allen reflects on thinking he understood DACA—until sudden federal changes forced him to learn faster, listen closer, and document how policy reshapes neighbors’ daily lives.

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