Grand Rapids: A Rising Star in the Tech World
A ten-year plan to transform Grand Rapids into a technological hub has released its annual report, showcasing impressive growth metrics. In the Greater Grand Rapids area, 1,312 jobs were added in the past year, contributing to a total of 5,610 jobs added since The Right Place, Inc., an economic development agency, launched its tech strategy four years ago.
National Recognition and Growth
Grand Rapids has gained significant national acclaim, being named the top City on the Rise by LinkedIn and recognized by Deal.co as the Most Entrepreneurial Tech Ecosystem in the Midwest for Growth. According to the report, a total of 40,979 people in the area are employed in tech roles, including full-time, part-time employees, and students.
Spotlight on Array of Engineers
One standout company, Array of Engineers, which services the aerospace and defense industries, exemplifies this growth. CEO Stacy Paul emphasized, "Grand Rapids has a lot to offer the younger generation," noting that it's seen as a place where they can build a career and enjoy a high quality of life.
Talent Retention and Recruitment Success
A recent hire, Musa Sillah, an electrical engineer with a master's degree from Grand Valley State University, chose to stay in Grand Rapids after an internship with Array of Engineers. He described the city as "perfect" for its serene environment that fosters focus and growth. Sillah believes Grand Rapids is on the verge of a tech boom, with many companies expanding rapidly.
Strategies for Attracting Talent
Array of Engineers adopts a hands-on approach to recruitment, focusing on internships and sponsoring senior design projects at local colleges. Paul highlighted the importance of exposure, stating, "You have to expose students to the work you're doing so they become familiar with it." This method helps build a pipeline of skilled workers who are likely to remain in the area.
Sillah added that Grand Rapids offers excellent opportunities for building meaningful relationships and professional networks, with many companies evolving collaboratively.
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