The Right Place

We are delighted to recognize and thank our new and renewing investors for their ongoing commitment to our mission.

Your investment supports strategic initiatives that advance economic growth and long-term prosperity throughout the Greater Grand Rapids region. We value your partnership and appreciate the trust you place in our organization.

Journey Group
Windemuller
Foresight Management
Franklin Partners LLC
Paragon D&E
Deloitte
City of Grandville, MI
Packaging Compliance Labs
Rehmann

As Greater Grand Rapids continues to evolve, so does the conversation around talent, workforce development, and the future of work.

We are grateful to Rapid Growth Media for highlighting insights from The Right Place’s 2026 Talent Report and helping elevate the important conversations shaping our region’s future.

One of the report’s strongest takeaways is that Greater Grand Rapids is entering this next chapter from a position of strength, with a workforce that is becoming “younger, more diverse, and increasingly well educated.”

The coverage also highlights the growing importance of upskilling as employers navigate emerging gaps in artificial intelligence, data science, and technical skills. As the nature of work continues to shift, investing in people, adaptability, and lifelong learning will remain critical to sustaining long-term regional growth.

Read the full article here:

New talent report highlights AI gap, workforce shifts in region – Rapid Growth The Right Place’s 2026 Talent Report outlines AI challenges, labor shifts, and strategies to attract, develop, and retain the regional workforce. The Right Place’s 2026 Talent Report outlines AI challenges, labor shifts, and strategies to attract, develop, and retain the regional workforce.

What happens when an internship becomes the start of a long-term career in West Michigan?

Introducing the Intern Connect Podcast, a new companion series leading up to Intern Connect 2026 on June 10 at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids.

Designed to support interns and emerging professionals, the podcast features conversations with young talent building their careers in West Michigan and offers valuable insight into what helps interns grow, stay, and succeed in the region.

Employers are encouraged to register their interns for Intern Connect 2026 and share this episode with their teams as they prepare for the event. Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/0d82f112-dc83-41a6-b6d5-c8575bf77d01/register

In this episode, two former interns who are now full-time team members at The Right Place discuss how internships helped shape their career paths, the importance of professional connection and mentorship, and why West Michigan became the place they chose to build their futures.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G59XLMykmf8&list=PL0-HFJFPt4Rwu89r0xeS0qbVp9gDSh1u5

Mark Kraus, Economic Development Director for Newaygo County, recently joined 760 WJR Focus with Paul W. Smith to highlight the momentum shaping the region.

He discussed the role of the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, key priorities in business and workforce development, and the collaborative efforts driving growth. Mark also underscored what makes Newaygo County a strong place to live, work, and invest, along with ongoing progress in housing and talent development.

We are proud to see Newaygo County’s leadership and impact recognized on a statewide platform.

Watch the segment here:

Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 5, 2026 Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 5, 2026 ~ Broadcasting live from the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out...

At our recent Investor Exchange, The Right Place was proud to release the 2026 Talent Report, offering a timely look at the evolving talent landscape across Greater Grand Rapids.

This year’s findings highlight a region entering a new phase of workforce dynamics. Greater Grand Rapids continues to stand out with a younger, increasingly diverse, and more educated talent base, positioning the region competitively as employers adapt to changing labor market conditions.

At the same time, the report underscores a notable shift: the labor market has rebalanced, with more workers competing for fewer open roles, signaling a more complex hiring environment for both employers and job seekers.

We were honored to convene a distinguished panel to reflect on these insights and what they mean for our region’s future. Thank you to Bill Pink, PhD; Seth Bushouse; Jan Harrington-Davis; and Mike Marsiglia for sharing their perspectives. We also extend our appreciation to Bluewater Hayes for their sponsorship of this event.

The conversation was thoughtfully led by Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President for Talent & Diversity at The Right Place, whose leadership continues to advance critical dialogue around talent and opportunity in our region.

To explore the full findings and insights from the 2026 Talent Report, visit: https://www.rightplacereport.org/talent-report