RPI Insider | Q1 2019

Quarter 1 - 2019

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE : THE RIGHT PLACE & LAKE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE ENTER PA R T N E R S H I P THE RIGHT PLACE, INC. ANNOUNCES KEY STAFF TRANSITIONS & PROMOTIONS FORD MOBILITY CHALLENGE SPOTLIGHTS GRAND RAPIDS

YOUR DIRECT PATH TO BUSINESS GROWTH.

Running a growing business is dicult enough. And as you grow, knowing what resources are available, where to find them, and when to reach out can be another challenge entirely.

Fortunately, we’re here to make those challenges easier. The Right Place is your single source for business success in West Michigan, providing you with the tools and support you need to continue doing what you do best—running your business.

Find guidance, resources, and a team ready to assist at rightplace.org .

info@rightplace.org \ 616-771-0325

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLE: 2019 Economic Outlook for West Michigan

CEO Update

Talent Rachel Bartels selected to lead Hello West Michigan

16 23

Economic Development Progress Update

Investor Spotlight BDO USA

2018 Projects & 3-Year Progress

The Right Place & Lake County Enter Partnership

Projects Amphenol Borisch Technologies Arcanum Alloys DealerOn, Inc. Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Magna Mirrors West Michigan Compounding, LLC

Calendar of Events

Investor Breakfast Recap

20 25

Etc. New Team Members

Ford Mobility Challenge Spotlights Grand Rapids

The Right Place, Inc. announces key staff transitions and promotions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CEO Update Welcome to 2019. It is hard to believe 2018 has come to an end, and The Right Place is two-thirds of the way finished with our 2017-2019 Strategic Plan. When we launched this plan two years ago, we set aggressive goals: $500 million in capital investment, $150 million in new and retained payroll, and 4,200 new and retained jobs. At this point, we have exceeded our goals for both payroll and capital investment. And we are fast-approaching our goal for new and retained jobs.

These results come after a banner year for The Right Place. Our team completed a record-setting 29 business development projects in 2018. Over the course of the organization’s three-decade history, few years have yielded this level of success for the West Michigan region. While we are proud of these achievements, we know this success is not achieved in a vacuum. Without the support of our investors and community partners, along with a dedicated team of professionals, we could not reach these goals. At the end of 2018, one of those dedicated professionals retired from our team. Rick Chapla, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, announced his retirement from The Right Place after 22 years of service. Those who know Rick, know his impact on our region cannot be understated. He devoted his career to improving the community and region, and he has left an indelible mark on West Michigan. With Rick Chapla’s departure, several other team members will be stepping into new roles. More information on these changes can be found on page 10. I am looking forward to the future as these key team members begin their new leadership roles. Wishing you a successful 2019,

Birgit M. Klohs President & CEO The Right Place, Inc.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

2018 Economic Development Projects ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE

Retained Jobs

New Jobs

Company

Payroll

Investment

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED: 29 ANNUAL GOAL: 17 MANUFACTURING SUPPORT CONTRACTS COMPLETED: 140 ANNUAL GOAL: 120 COMPANIES SERVED: 581 ANNUAL GOAL: 400 CUMULATIVE COMPANY ASSISTS: 1,993 ANNUAL GOAL: 1,333 WORK-READY TALENT ASSISTS: 475 ANNUAL GOAL: 525 EVENT ATTENDEES: 2,564 ANNUAL GOAL: 1,600

Axis Company LLC

50 33

$4,248,400

$4,000,000 $57,952,000

Foremost Farms Greenville MPH Trucking and Logistics

$1,621,620

$515,840 $323,980 $2,014,480 $1,952,340 $2,554,396 $2,473,900 $4,071,600 $6,201,000 $3,516,240 $4,504,448 $962,000 $277,056 $225,157 $437,756 $1,652,924 $996,840 $5,005,156 $5,110,924 $2,096,640 $6,000,000 $2,221,900 $2,142,400 $2,366,000 $312,624 $133,120

$2,701,360

VNA Corporation

$25,000

Jedco Inc

39 46 62 50

$9,290,000 $5,100,000 $21,300,000 $8,750,000 $150,000,000

Parker Hannifin Corp Agropur Natrel USA

HexArmor

Amazon

1000 $30,000,000

Grimm (SMFS, Inc.)

$601,312

Ventra Ionia Main, LLC

109

$4,850,000 $2,709,000 $21,294,678

Tech Defenders

115 50

ADAC Automotive

Auvesy GmbH & Co KG

$154,980

Larry's Tire, Inc

$1,000,000

Greenville Cabinet

$850,000

Extremis North America

Farm Country Cheese House

Granco Clark

$1,200,000

Kawasaki Precision Machinery

$500,000

MedBio

43 33 25 82 48 44 50 50 107

$3,526,000 $6,000,000

West Michigan Compounding

Arcanum Alloys

$693,000

Amphenol Borisch Technologies Magna Mirrors Newaygo Division Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing

$6,705,225 $45,066,251 $63,500,000

DealerOn Inc.

$1,662,583

Dr Johns

$2,309,000 $18,000,000

Viking Corp

Totals

2,108 $93,223,929 $439,740,389

2018 TOTAL: 2,138 3-YEAR TOTAL: 3,584

ANNUAL GOAL: 1,400 3-YEAR GOAL: 4,200

NEW/RETAINED JOBS NEW/RETAINED PAYROLL

2018 TOTAL: $93,223,929 3-YEAR TOTAL: $164,107,823 2018 TOTAL: $439,740,389 3-YEAR TOTAL: $560,385,746

ANNUAL GOAL: $50,000,000 3-YEAR GOAL: $150,000,000 ANNUAL GOAL: $167,000,000 3-YEAR GOAL: $500,000,000

NEW CAPITAL INVESTMENT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS UPDATE

AMPHENOL BORISCH TECHNOLOGIES

Amphenol Borisch Technologies announces expansion of West Michigan headquarters

The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company, Kentwood and the MEDC to ensure ABT continues to expand its headquarters operations in the city. The MEDC is supporting the project with the approval of a $410,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. “The Right Place is very pleased to have partnered with Kentwood and the MEDC to ensure ABT’s growth in the region,” said Eric Icard, senior business development manager, and project lead. “This investment is another win for West Michigan’s robust aerospace and defense industries.” “The City of Kentwood is delighted for ABT’s expansion and further investment in the community,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We look forward to ABT’s continued success in the market.” For more information, visit borisch.com .

Local manufacturer, Amphenol Borisch Technologies (ABT), recently announced it will invest $3.7 million to expand its operations in Kentwood. As a result, the company, located on East Paris Avenue in Kentwood, will add 82 jobs to its headquarters campus. ABT builds complex electromechanical assemblies, cable harnesses, circuit cards and discrete mechanicals for the aerospace and defense industries. The company employs more than 400 people at five North American locations. The Kentwood headquarters campus, which includes two buildings, employs nearly 200 people. The expansion will allow ABT to renovate portions of this existing facility, and purchase new machinery and equipment. “Amphenol is proud to be reinvesting in West Michigan with this expansion,” said Bob Brunetz, General Manager, Amphenol Borisch Technologies. “With the support of The Right Place and the MEDC, we were able to make this project happen right here in Kentwood.”

ARCANUM ALLOYS

The Right Place attracts alloy development company to West Michigan

The MEDC is supporting the relocation with the approval of a $162,500 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. “Arcanum Alloys’ decision to move their headquarters from Silicon Valley to West Michigan ref lects the strength of our region’s high-tech talent pool and manufacturing supply chain,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc. “Our region’s talented workforce combined with its strong advanced manufacturing base have made it a destination for innovative companies like ArcanumAlloys.” The City of Kentwood is supportive of Arcanum Alloys’ plans to locate in the city. “We are delighted Arcanum Alloys has chosen the City of Kentwood for their new headquarters,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley, City of Kentwood. “We look forward to working with them as they grow and create high-tech jobs in our community.” For more information on Arcanum Alloys, visit arcanumalloys.com .

manufacturing customers. This location, which will be located in the City of Kentwood on 44th St. SE., will function as both a new headquarters and R&D center. “Arcanum Alloys is looking forward to starting the next chapter of its growth story in the City of Kentwood,” said Dan Bullard, CEO of Arcanum Alloys. “We’re grateful for the support provided by The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC and City of Kentwood as we moved through this decision process.” The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company and MEDC to ensure Arcanum Alloys chose West Michigan. The Right Place also connected the company to workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with workforce recruitment and training.

A Silicon Valley alloy development company has chosen to relocate its headquarters to the West Michigan region. The project, made possible by collaboration between The Right Place and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), will result in the creation of 25 new high-tech jobs and a capital investment of $693,000. Arcanum Alloys’ patented technology generates revolutionary function and value by utilizing the most common metallurgical elements to create alloys whose properties at the surface and bulk are spatially segregated. The company produces 20-ton coils for some of the world’s mostwell-knownmanufacturing companies. Arcanum Alloys chose West Michigan over other competing locations to be closer to its production partner, suppliers, and

2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES

DEALERON, INC.

The Right Place assists local tech company with expansion

said Kara Wood, Managing Director of Economic Development Services, City of Grand Rapids. “We look forward to their continued success as they create jobs and tap into our community’s growing technology workforce.” For more information, visit dealeron.com .

growth ref lects this shift. DealerOn’s decision to grow in Grand Rapids is indictive of the region’s tech and automotive strength. The City of Grand Rapids is supportive of DealerOn’s plans to expand in the city, “We are pleased DealerOn has chosen the City of Grand Rapids for its next expansion,”

DealerOn, Inc., a digital marketing provider for auto dealers, has announced an upcoming expansion in the City of Grand Rapids. This will result in the creation of at least 44 new jobs and a capital investment of $1.6 million over the next three years. DealerOn, headquartered in Maryland, serves over 1900 dealerships and has three office locations. The company has more than 200 employees nationwide, and currently employs 25 people at its Grand Rapids office. Recent increase in demand for DealerOn’s services, including a new contract with Ford Motor Company, led them to choose Grand Rapids for the company’s next phase of development. "When we started exploring options for expanding our offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we were immediately impressed with the community's commitment and partnership with DealerOn,” said Amir Amirrezvani, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, DealerOn. “Copper Rock Construction, The Right Place, and the MEDC were instrumental in bringing our ideas to fruition, and we are thrilled to be working with such excellent partners!" The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company and MEDC to ensure DealerOn chose to expand inWest Michigan. The Right Place connected DealerOn with workforce development resources at West MichiganWorks! to assist with recruitment and training, and the MEDC is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Automotive sales are increasingly moving into the ecommerce realm, and DealerOn’s

2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES

GRAND RIVER ASEPTIC MANUFACTURING

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing expands to third local facility

will also be supported locally bya P.A. 198 tax abatement from the City of Grand Rapids. “Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing serves as a high-quality option for clients with a growing need for these services,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager and project lead, “We continue to see the important role pharmaceutical manufacturing plays in the West Michigan economy, and this is a perfect example of the kind of growth opportunities this industry brings to our region.” City of Grand Rapids Managing Director of Economic Development Services, Kara Wood, is also thrilled with the company’s choice to continue expanding in the City, “Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing’s decision to develop a third facility in the City of Grand Rapids is a nod to the capabilities of our workforce, and the strong business environment that allows pharmaceutical manufacturing to thrive in our community,” said Wood. For more information on GRAM, visit grandriverasepticmfg.com .

“Since 2010, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing has been closely linked to the Grand Rapids community,” said Thomas Ross, President and CEO, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, “We have been able to put together a team of highly-skilled, dedicated individuals, which has been critical tomaintaining our reputation of providing excellent quality and service to our clients. We are thankful The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC and City of Grand Rapids made it possible for us to continue growing in West Michigan.” The Right Place and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) worked in collaboration with GRAM to ensure continued growth in the West Michigan region. The Right Place also connected the company to workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with worker training. The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with the approval of a $1,000,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The expansion

Rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturer, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, recently announced the expansion of its Grand Rapids operations. The company will be opening a third location in The City of Grand Rapids, resulting in the creation of 107 new jobs and a capital investment of $63.5 million. GRAM was founded in 2010 and purchased the assets of its predecessor company, a joint venture between the Van Andel Institute and Grand Valley State University. As a privately held company, GRAM provides high-quality, outsourced sterile parenteral manufacturing for the life sciences industry. Its services include pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, analytical testing, and regulatory filing support. After beginning with 16 employees in 2011, GRAM has grown to employ more than 100 full-time individuals in West Michigan. Commitment to quality and a growing aseptic manufacturing market have both contributed to the company’s rapid evolvement. In 2017 and 2018, GRAM was named as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S., and the seventh fastest growing company in Michigan by Inc. 5000.

2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES

MAGNA MIRRORS

The Right Place finalizes manufacturing expansion in Newaygo

expansion of this facility will further strengthen the company’s Michigan presence and provide additional good jobs to area residents for years to come,” said MEDC CEO Jeff Mason. “MagnaMirrors is a keyemployer inNewaygo County, and we are delighted they have decided to expand in the City of Newaygo,” said Julie Burrell, Business Development Coordinator – Newaygo County, The Right Place, Inc. “A global company like Magna Mirrors has many options for expansions, and their decision to invest in the Newaygo facility speaks volumes of our area’s business competitiveness.” The City of Newaygo is supportive of the expansion and has approved a P.A. 198 tax abatement in support of the project. “The City of Newaygo is proud to be home to Magna Mirrors,” said Mayor Ed Fedell, City of Newaygo. “We are pleased they have chosen Newaygo for their next phase of growth, and we look forward to our continued partnership with them.”

Mirrors will construct a 175,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly facility at its Newaygo location. “For Magna Mirrors, today represents an exciting step forward in the growth and development of our business in North America,” said Kevin Burke, Vice President of Operations for Magna Mirrors. “We have a team that is second to none, a highly skilled workforce that is dedicated to world-class manufacturing and has a clear mission: to be the premier mirror supplier to automakers here in Michigan and around the world.” The MEDC is supporting the project with a $448,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place worked in collaboration with the company and MEDC to ensure Magna Mirrors continued to grow locally. “Magna Mirrors is a global manufacturer of automotive mirrors and one of the top employers in Newaygo County. The

One of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, Magna Mirrors, recently announced the expansion of its Newaygo facility. With the support of The Right Place, Inc. and in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Newaygo, the expansion will create 48 new jobs and an investment of $45 million over the next three years. Magna is a mobility technology company, and its facility in the City of Newaygo manufactures interior and exterior rearview mirrors with value-added features such as electronic displays and auto-dimming glass. It is also one of the county’s largest employers with over 1,300 employees. Increased demand drove the need for this expansion. As part of the expansion, Magna

2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES

WEST MICHIGAN COMPOUNDING, LLC

The Right Place and Montcalm Economic Alliance assist manufacturer with expansion in Greenville

“We are excitedWMC has chosen to expand in the City of Greenville,” said George Bosanic, City Manager, City of Greenville. “WMC has been an excellent business partner within our community, and we look forward to their continued success.”

Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place and the Montcalm Economic Alliance worked in collaboration with the MEDC to ensureWMC continued to grow locally. “WMC has found its niche in the City of Greenville,” said Kathy Jo VanderLaan, Business Development Coordinator – Montcalm County, The Right Place, Inc. “In 2015 they extended their recycling efforts by purchasing the 400,000 square foot former Electrolux warehouse, and turning it into a growing plastic reclamation operation. We were delighted to partner with the MEDC to retain this innovative company as they continue to grow in Montcalm County.” Since 2005, WMC has been operating out of Greenville, and now has two operational facilities in the city. Its capabilities range from compounding to plastic reclamation.

Greenville-based West Michigan Compounding, LLC (WMC), announced the expansion of its plastics manufacturing operations in Montcalm County. The company, which uses a reclamation process and state-of-the-art extrusion equipment to compound and recycle over 100 million pounds of plastic every year, plans to invest $6 million and create at least 33 full-time jobs. WMC was founded in 2005 and primarily serves the automotive industry. The company has grown significantly over the past three years and now employs over 70 people in the area. To meet the recent increase in demand, WMC is adding more than 41,000 square feet to its production floor, along with 3,600 square feet to the front office to increase capacity. “Our company continues to see impressive growth, and we are excited for what this expansion will mean for WMC’s future,” said Ashley Everin, Vice President, West Michigan Compounding. “Throughout this process, the Montcalm Economic Alliance and MEDC have been valuable partners as we move into this new phase of growth.” The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting this growth with the approval of a $150,000

2018 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES

The Right Place, Inc. announces key staff transitions and promotions

TRANSITIONS & PROMOTIONS

community at The Right Place. In this role, Romkema will provide overall leadership and direction for the organization’s communications strategy, including public relations, marketing, and advertising. The Right Place is also pleased to announce that Cindy Brown, previously the Executive Director of HelloWest Michigan and Vice President, Talent Initiatives at The Right Place, will step into the role of Vice President, Talent Initiatives full-time. Brown has over 20 years of leadership experience in recruiting, employee development, training, and facilitation. In this new role, Brown will provide strategic direction and overall leadership to the organization’s talent initiatives and collaborations. To learn more about the team at The Right Place, please visit rightplace.org/about-us/our-team .

“While Rick Chapla’s absence will be felt deeply at The Right Place, we are looking forward to the future as several key members of the team take on new leadership roles,” said Klohs. Tim Mroz, longtime Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Right Place, will step into the role of Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at The Right Place. Mroz has been with The Right Place for over a decade, leading the organization’s marketing and communications strategy. Mroz’s deep understanding of economic development and the West Michigan region made him the clear choice to step into the position. To fill the role of Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Right Place will be promoting Andria Romkema. Romkema has several years of marketing and communications experience in the economic development industry, including the past four years serving theWest Michigan

As we begin the New Year, The Right Place is pleased to announce several key staff transitions and promotions. Rick Chapla, the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, retired from The Right Place on December 31st, 2018. Chapla joined the organization 22 years ago, and has been involved in community and economic development planning for over 35 years. In his role at The Right Place, he was responsible for assisting local units of government and private development interests with economic development policies and programs throughout West Michigan. “Over the course of his three-decade career, Rick Chapla has left an indelible impact on the West Michigan community,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. “His spirit of collaboration and devotion to our community are exemplary, and we are thankful for his years of service to The Right Place.”

Rick Chapla

Tim Mroz

Andria Romkema

Cindy Brown

TRANSITIONS & PROMOTIONS

2019 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

regards to 2018, and what to look forward to in the coming year. Early on, Robey discussed stock market reactivity to various events throughout the year, “The ride is only getting bumpier, but economic forecasts are based on fundamentals, not market reactions.” Supporting his statement, Robey reported that GDP is projected to remain solid, while the rate of employment growth will begin slowing as we move into 2019. Currently, Robey says there is no immediate recession on the horizon, though overall growth will begin to taper off. “Expansions don’t get tired, rather, they end due to policy mistakes, which can lead us into a recession as a result of poor decisions made on a macro-level,” said Robey, “These decisions can involve tax cuts and increases, federal deficits and debt, interest rate hikes, tariffs, and elections.” Robey also expressed concern regarding the federal deficit, “The deficit is poised to eclipse the national defense budget, and we’ll soon spend more on interest than we do on defense.”

businesses that are already here. Our team completes nearly 400 retention calls a year, and they’re looking to ensure those businesses, your businesses, are receiving the assistance needed to continue growing. Manufacturing industry growth remained strong in 2018, accounting for 16 of the 29 completed projects. However, signs of economic diversification were strongly evident when analyzing the jobs and capital investments recorded. Food processing, technology, medical devices, and other industries accounted for more than 1,500 newand retained jobs throughout the year. This year also marks the completion of the second year in The Right Place’s 2017-2019 strategic plan. Already, The Right Place has exceeded two of its three goals, and has made strong progress on the third. The third goal of newand retained jobs is set at 4,000, and the organization has reached 3,584witha full year left in the strategic plan. THE NATIONAL ECONOMY Director of Regional Economic Planning Services for the W.E. Upjohn Institute, Jim Robey, tackled the broader picture in

ach December, The Right Place hosts its annual Economic Outlook for West Michigan to provide insights on regional, state, and national industry

trends in the economy. This widely attended event attracts more than 400 business leaders and community members, who look to industry experts for an in-depth review of the past year and forecasts on what’s to come. The 2019 Economic Outlook for West Michigan highlighted some fluctuations the economy saw in 2018, and forecasted slower growth than we’ve seen in recent years. However, the economy is predicted to remain relatively strong overall, and at this time, no recessions appear to be on the horizon. THE RIGHT PLACE REPORT President and CEO of The Right Place, Birgit Klohs, shared updates on the West Michigan region’s current economic development conditions and activities. In 2018, The Right Place completed 29 economic development projects, exceeding its annual goal of 17 projects. Of those 29 completed projects, 80 percent of them were expansion and retention focused. The majority of our work at The Right Place is focused on providing support to

2018 BY THE NUMBERS

BY INDUSTRY TYPE BY INDUSTRY TYPE

BY JOBS BY JOBS

BY INVESTMENT BY INvestment

588

$132.3M

$151M

1,010

171

$84.3M

150

$67M

$5.1M

189

Manufacturing Food Processing

Technology Medical Devices

Other

2019 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

picture should emerge in terms of economic development for the State of Michigan. Infrastructure continues to remain a concern for the state. Without strong infrastructure, our companies cannot grow and compete as effectively. In particular, as Industry 4.0 takes hold, companies will become more reliant on broadband infrastructure. This critical piece of infrastructure is lacking in the nation, particularly in rural communities. THE BIG PICTURE 2018 was another strong year for West Michigan’s economy. We saw progress with regards to economic diversification, job growth, and increases in capital investment. Our team at The Right Place will continue supporting our communities and businesses to maintain a thriving region into 2019 and beyond. Like always, we will face unique challenges in the year to come, and it is up to business and community leaders to address them in ways that are best for our region. We look forward to continuing our work in West Michigan, and wish our area businesses continued success in the New Year.

this time, it’s a “wait-and-see” situation, and rising interest rates have the potential to hurt the economy if the trend continues. Klohs also presented on several challenges and opportunities facing West Michigan in 2019. These include infrastructure, leadership changes in Lansing, trade and tariffs, automotive plant closures, and talent. The nation has been facing a talent shortage for several years, and this shows no signs of abating. While the labor shortage is expected to persist, we’ll also see Industry 4.0 and increases in automation coming into play, especially for manufacturers. Companies are expected to do more with fewer people, and increase capital investments as a result. Hello West Michigan, a strategic partner of The Right Place, continues to work with our regional employers to address their talent needs. Leadership changes in Lansing will affect the regional economy, but it’s too early to know exactly what those changes will look like. As the new administration and legislature settle into their roles, a clearer

WEST MICHIGAN’S ECONOMY “Michigan, once again, continues to outperform expectations,” said Robey. On average, the West Michigan region touted an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent in August 2018, considerably below the national rate of unemployment, which sat at 3.5 percent. It also reported a labor force participation rate 5.6 percent above the national rate. According to data from the Upjohn Institute, Grand Rapids is leading the state and the nation in post-recession recovery. In comparison to economically comparable metropolitans around the country, Grand Rapids MSA reported the lowest unemployment rate among its peers, and, despite the tight labor market, employment growth remained strong for the area. WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN 2019 Tariffs, trade agreements, and interest rate hikes are all factors to keep an eye on as we move into 2019, advises Robey. Tariffs are affecting businesses differently, and at

17-19 Strategic Plan

$560.4M

$164.1M

4,200 3,584

$500M

$150M

GOAL

ACTUAL

3,584 New & Retained Jobs

$ 164.1 MILLION In New Payroll

$ 560.4 MILLION In Capital Investment

WHEN & WHERE: March 19, 2019 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM GVSU Eberhard Center 301 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 EVENT DESCRIPTION:

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE: • Charles Dougherty, Vice President and Economist, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.: US Economic Outlook: How Long Can This Aging Cycle Last? • Skot Welch, Principal/Founder, Global Bridgebuilders: Innovation Through Inclusion: Leveraging the Real Currency in the Global New Normal WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Executives, managers and other individuals interested in learning more about integrated supply chain management strategies and how they can help transform the overall competitiveness of a business. Individuals with responsibility for product design/engineering, procurement/sourcing, manufacturing/operations, distribution/logistics, customer demand management, human resources and information technology will benefit from attending this conference. EVENT FEES: $250 early bird (ends Friday, February 22, 2019) $300 regular registration $225 group registration (3 or more people from same company) $35 student fee (Students must be enrolled full-time at a university. Call 616.771.0327 to register)

The Midwest Supply Chain Management Conference is a comprehensive supply chain management education and networking event. This year’s conference will include leaders from industry, consulting and academia who will share practical experiences in:

• Operations & Logistics • Growth & Innovation • Future Perspectives • Leadership & Development

Continued change in the global economy has created new opportunities for supply chain professionals. Future success will be heavily influenced by the strategies, practices and processes that organizations put in place to facilitate innovation and operational excellence. As an individual or as an organization, you will walk away from this conference with positive energy and new ideas for the future.

LAKE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

The Right Place & Lake County Economic Development Alliance enter partnership

The Right Place has hired Jodi Nichols to serve as the business development coordinator for Lake and Oceana Counties. Jodi will provide business support services to prospective and existing companies. She will work to improve the overall economic state of Lake and Oceana Counties through business retention, expansion, and attraction. Prior to her position with The Right Place serving Lake and Oceana Counties, Jodi spent 20 years in community development for various non-profits in West Michigan. “We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with The Right Place and Oceana County,” said Barb Stenger, President, LCEDA. “The Right Place has over three decades of economic development experience and expertise, and we look forward to leveraging their programs and services to benefit the businesses and communities of Lake County.” To learn more about the new partnership withLakeCounty, pleasevisit rightplace.org .

The Right Place and the Lake County Economic Development Alliance (LCEDA) have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to drive current and long-term economic growth in Lake County. Under the terms of the three-year agreement, The Right Place will support the county’s economic development efforts by providing comprehensive business retention and expansion services. The Right Place will also assist the county with its marketing and communications as a means of connecting companies to economic development resources. “To keep West Michigan competitive in the global marketplace, our communities must collaborate and work together as one economic region,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “This collaborative approach has yielded positive results for other counties in our region, and we look forward to continued success through this new partnership with Lake County.”

LAKE COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige Addresses Diversity & Inclusion at The Right Place, Inc. Investor Breakfast

INVESTOR BREAKFAST RECAP

Some organizations have tried, and failed, in their inclusive recruitment efforts. Dr. Loyd-Paige attributes this to several different reasons, including: • An inability to translate a vision for inclusion throughout the organization – if the only time you talk about an inclusive workforce is within your legal paperwork, it’s not a vision. • Only addressing diversity, but not inclusion – are your diverse employees being groomed, or even considered, for advancement within the company? • Low levels of institutional support • Placing the responsibility of implementing inclusion measures on employees with a diverse background, instead of company leaders with the influence and power to make significant changes happen. Ultimately, Dr. Loyd-Paige says good intentions are not enough when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and the work does not end within your company, but extends into the community as well. By actively creating a more inclusive community for employees to live and work in, businesses can be proactive about retaining talent that might otherwise choose to leave. Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige is the executive associate to the president for diversity and inclusion and also holds an appointment of professor of sociology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. from senior leadership. • Having a recruitment, but not a retention, plan.

MENTORSHIP Once an employee has finished onboarding, the process is not over. Mentorship is a valuable and vital tool to assist new talent with integrating themselves into the community. Sometimes it’s specific to their job, but it can also be related to life outside of work, like recommendations for salons, grocery stores, and other day- to-day resources they might need in a community they’re unfamiliar with. Implicit bias is a prevalent issue in the American workforce. Implicit bias can be described as the unconscious attribution of certain qualities to an individual based on stereotypes believed of their race, gender, or cultural background. Operating under the assumption that someone can be “lumped” into a category of liking or disliking certain things simply because of association can be damaging to a business attempting to develop a more diverse workforce. DEFINING YOUR ‘WHY’ The question of why your business would like to become a more diverse entity is an important one. Beginning with senior leadership, your business as a whole should place value on diversity and inclusion. “If it’s simply for the ‘numbers game,’ or a desire to appear more diverse to the community, then it is not for the right reasons,” Dr. Loyd-Paige says. RECOGNIZING AND ACKNOWLEDGING BIAS

Three times a year, The Right Place hosts investor-only events known as Investor Breakfasts. These events feature an organizational update from The Right Place President and CEO, Birgit Klohs, and a feature presentation on a current West Michigan economic development topic. The final Investor Breakfast of 2018 featured Chief Diversity Officer at Calvin College, Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige. Her presentation, Creating Effective and Inclusive Talent and Retention Strategies, addressed common pitfalls made by businesses attempting to embrace a more inclusive culture. She began with some statistics pointing to the benefits of prioritizing a diversified workplace, stating that companies top- ranked for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above the national medians for their industries. Companies leading in gender diversity were 15 percent more likely. When addressing inclusive recruitment strategies, Dr. Loyd-Paige highlighted some of the following points: MORE THAN MONEY It’s no longer just about the money. Quality of life, company culture, work-life balance, and creative freedom are just some of the things candidates evaluate when considering a job offer.

INVESTOR BREAKFAST RECAP

CITY OF TOMORROW CHALLENGE

The City of Tomorrow Challenge inspires ideas and solutions for improving transportation.

For The Right Place, the Mobility Challenge was an opportunity to showcase the region as a place where companies and entrepreneurs can test out and pilot new technology. The economic development organization served as the voice of the business community for the project. Other partners included the city of Grand Rapids through Mobile GR and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Planet M, which served as co-funders. For Ford, this project provided access to boots-on-the-ground data research and insight on how individuals engage in the mobility ecosystem. Some early analysis of that data, gathered along with insights from a series of public meetings and focus groups, revealed opportunities to improve our regional transit system and better serve the Grand Rapids community. The Right Place plans to continue the mobility discussion in 2019 and beyond, understanding it will have a major impact on the movement of talent and goods in our region. If you or your company are interested in engaging in the mobility discussion with The Right Place, contact our internal lead, Tim Mroz, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at mrozt@rightplace.org .

The best ideas were eligible for a $100,000 grant to run a pilot program of a new mobility system or technology. Twelve semifinalists — selected from more than 90 proposals —were chosen to work with a mentor and local accelerator to further refine their projects before a winner was announced in November. Chicago-based Kaizen Health, a medical ride-sharing startup, won the prize. The learning and discoveries made throughout the program alone proved just as valuable as the winning pilot project, says Tim Mroz, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for The Right Place, Inc. The pilot opened our region to new technology and awareness about the rapidly evolving mobility industry. TRIGGERING CONVERSATION The program raised awareness about the need for an overall strategic approach to mobility and sparked a larger conversation about addressing the movement of people and freight throughout the region in the future.

When one of the largest automakers in the world shines a spotlight on your city as a place to explore the future of transportation, that’s a major compliment. Grand Rapids was one of three U.S. cities — along with Miami-Dade and Pittsburgh — selected this year by Ford Mobility for its Ford City of Tomorrow Challenge program. The 8-month pilot program took a crowdsourcing approach to mobility by asking the community to identify transportation challenges and then discovering how new technology can address them. Ford’s launch of the program comes as the Dearborn-based automaker is preparing for the future of transportation with a major investment in electric and autonomous vehicle design.

CITY OF TOMORROW CHALLENGE

Rachel Bartels selected to lead Hello West Michigan

For almost six years, Rachel Bartels has served as Program Manager for Hello West Michigan. In this role, she was responsible for the organization’s marketing, event planning, and communications. Her accomplishments include: • Founding Intern Connect, now in its 6th year. The event has attracted over 800 interns. • Leading marketing for ReThink West Michigan and expanding the event to multiple locations throughout West Michigan. • Leading the organization’s outbound marketing program, which has delivered over 52 million impressions for West Michigan. Rachel Bartels, a graduate of Aquinas College, is highly engaged in the West Michigan community. She is the founding co-chair of AQ Women’s Connection and on the Associate of Corporate Growth ACG Cup Competition planning committee. She has received awards in recognition of her community involvement and professional achievements, including: • Named one of Corp! Magazine’s Most Valuable Millennials in 2015 • Named a recipient of the Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award in 2018 “I am honored to become the next Executive Director of Hello West Michigan,” Bartels said. “I believe the work of our organization is vital to West Michigan’s future prosperity, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our region. Hello West Michigan has become a model for what a successful talent attraction organization can be, and we have an amazing team that I’m now privileged to lead forward as we educate, attract, and connect people to West Michigan.”

HelloWest Michigan is pleased to announce that Rachel Bartels, the organization’s former ProgramManager, has been selected as the next Executive Director. “We are thrilled Rachel Bartelswill become the next Executive Director of Hello West Michigan,” said Ann Harten, Chairperson of Hello West Michigan and Vice President of Global Human Resources at Haworth. “Rachel’s expertise and talent made her the obvious choice to lead the organization, and we look forward to Hello West Michigan’s future achievements under her leadership.”

BDO USA supports a thriving business community through economic development investment

We invest in The Right Place because we believe the organization is integral to the continued expansion of the West Michigan business community and economy. When West Michigan grows, all who live and do business in the area benefit. We feel The Right Place helps accelerate growth in our region, and therefore benefits us as a stakeholder in the local business community and economy. Economic development is the output of The Right Place, and this output benefits us. West Michigan is an ideal place to do business given its unique mix of entrepreneurial, skilled and dedicated workforce, and natural resources. BDO USA is proud to have nearly 100 years of history inWest Michigan. We look forward to participating in the region's future growth, as we have participated in its past success. Matthew K. Becker, CPA Managing Partner - Central Region & National Tax Office Managing Partner BDO USA

INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS S M T W T F S JANUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 S M T W T F S FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 S M T W T F S MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

INVESTOR BREAKFAST Wednesday, February 20 8:00 – 9:30 AM GVSU Eberhard Center

HELLO WEST MICHIGAN 2019 ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, February 26 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Davenport University (Lettinga Campus)

16TH ANNUAL MIDWEST SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Tuesday, March 19 The Midwest Supply Chain Management Conference is a comprehensive supply chain management education and networking event. Continued change in the global economy has created new opportunities for supply chain professionals. Future success will be heavily influenced by the strategies, practices, and processes that organizations put in place to facilitate innovation and operational excellence. As an individual or as an organization, you will walk away from this conference with positive energy and new ideas for the future. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. GVSU Eberhard Center

For more information on upcoming events, visit: rightplace.org/events

The Right Place welcomes new Business Development team members

Jodi Nichols has joined The Right Place team as a Business Development Coordinator for Lake and Oceana counties, where she provides business support services to prospective and existing companies. Jodi works to improve the overall economic state of the two counties. Prior to joining The Right Place, Jodi spent more than 20 years in community development with organizations like United Way of the Lakeshore and Muskegon County Habitat for Humanity. Jodi Nichols Rafael Martinez Rafael Martinez works as a Business Research Analyst for the Business Development team at The Right Place. In this role, he provides business intelligence and economic research for the organization, investors, and stakeholders. Prior to joining The Right Place team, Rafael worked as a Research Assistant for the Julian Samora Research institute, and as Operations Officer for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Ayesha Maxwell AyeshaMaxwell recently joined the Business Development teamas a Senior Business Development Manager for Kent County. Ayesha provides retention and expansion assistance to businesses in food, agribusiness, and furniture manufacturing. Prior to joining The Right Place, Ayesha worked for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, where she supported business development efforts. She has also worked as a small business consultant, Brownfield manager, and spent 10 years as a senior communications specialist for the State of Michigan.

Ayesha Maxwell

Jodi Nichols

Rafael Martinez

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

The Right Place, Inc. 125 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 450 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

IN BUSINESS, FOR BUSINESS.

THE RIGHT PLACE IS YOUR SINGLE SOURCE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS IN WEST MICHIGAN.

To request a meeting with our team, visit www.rightplace.org or call 616.771.0325

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