Statistical and "Best Of" Rankings

#6 in 2005 World Knowledge Competitive Index
Grand Rapids/Wyoming Metro Area ranks #6 in the 2005 World Knowledge Competitive Index (published by Robert Huggins Associates).  The Index consists of 125 global regions, and is a benchmark of a region’s knowledge capacity, sustainability, and capability.

#7 in America’s Safest Cities
West Michigan ranks #7 in “America’s Safest Cities” by insurance industry magazine, Risk & Insurance. The ranking assesses a region’s vulnerability to hurricanes, earthquakes, severe thunderstorms/winter storms, and terrorism.  The area scored as low-risk for all but storms, but scored well for storm preparedness.  This ranking is significant because, as the publication notes, “businesses choose locations based on costs, which include the costs of insurance and the impact of closures forced by catastrophes”.

#79 in 100 Most Unwired Cities
Grand Rapids/Muskegon/Holland rated one of “100 Most Unwired Cities” in Intel’s 2005 Survey.  Survey findings are based on the number of commercial and public wireless “hotspots” (Internet access points), airports with wireless Internet access, and broadband availability. Also included were community “hotspots”, local wireless networks and wireless e-mail devices.

Best Places to Live and Work
The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is comprised of Kent, Barry, Ionia, and Newaygo Counties, was selected as one of America’s “Best Places to Live and Work” by Places Rated Almanac and Expansion Management magazine in 2005.

Best Venue
Van Andel Arena was named “Best Venue” by Amusement Business magazine in the 10,000 to 15,000-seat category, based on total revenues.

Biotech and Science Fields
The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area, ranked in the top 25% for companies employing in the fields of Biotechnology and Science.

Patents Per Capita
The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked in the top 12% for number of new patents registered per capita.

Clusters of Innovation
In the Clusters of Innovation Project, conducted by The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School, regional clusters were identified by mapping geographically interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions around the country.  This resulted in 172 Economic Areas.  West Michigan’s Economic Area encompasses Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties.  From this project, the following rankings are worth noting:
#6     Automotive Supplier
#6     Metals Supplier
#9     Biopharmaceuticals
#9     Production Technology
#9     Prefabricated Enclosures
#11   Footwear
#12   Plastics

#7 in Nation in Registered Green Building Projects
Grand Rapids became Michigan's first city to receive LEED® Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) a nationally acknowledged environmental standard.  The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized the new Grand Rapids Water and Environmental Services Building for incorporating numerous environmental features into its design and construction.

Fortune 1000 Companies
#651     Universal Forest Products
#672     Steelcase
#673     Spartan Stores
#992     Herman Miller

Forbes Largest Private Companies
#9        Meijer
#19       Alticor
#48       Gordon Food Service

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
West Michigan is home to approximately 2,535 manufacturing establishments.  This sector has been recognized locally and nationally for implementing Sustainable Business practices that eliminate waste and toxic materials and create recyclable products.  Company leaders include Steelcase, Herman Miller, Haworth, and Cascade Engineering.  Aquinas College, located adjacent to downtown Grand Rapids, offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Business, the first of its kind in the nation.

Grand Valley State University’s 40,000-sq-ft Michigan Alternative & Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) is a research and business incubator dedicated to the research and development of renewable energy.  Located in Muskegon, the facility will be completely self-sufficient, producing its own electricity, hot water, heating, and air conditioning.  Current research project include advanced chemical abatement technology that destroys hazardous chemicals emitted during the production of LED (light-emitting diodes) and fuel cell technologies.

Demographics