Rapid Growth

Rapid Growth is a publication of Issue Media Group. We receive support from local businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and foundations through underwriting partnerships. This funding helps us enhance our coverage of topics such as job growth, economic development, real estate, nonprofit innovation, urban development, and community building.

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Literacy Matters: 5 stories that celebrate the evolution of our libraries

6 days ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Tommy Allen

For years, the Literacy Matters series has demonstrated how West Michigan's libraries are transforming into vibrant civic institutions, adapting, inspiring, broadening everyone's access to knowledge, and expanding our intellectual curiosity.While libraries nationwide face challenges, our local establishments shine as symbols of creativity, inclusion, and community solutions. Below, we highlight five of the many stories that Rapid Growth has produced through our local journalists.
From Detroit to Grand Rapids: How a community-focused grocer flourishes despite challenges

2 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Tommy Allen

Situated in the heart of Creston's Cheshire neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Kingma's Market exemplifies the effectiveness of community-oriented solutions for Michigan food and beverage entrepreneurs within the challenging grocery sector. With the leadership of owner Alan Hartline, a former Spartan Nash executive with extensive experience in the food sector, Kingma’s has adeptly faced the challenges of running a small urban market.
GVSU reduces student debt with state scholarship program

2 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

As student debt continues to weigh heavily on Michigan families, Grand Valley State University is showing how a strategic, student-centered approach to state scholarship funding can make higher education more accessible and affordable. Through targeted outreach, timely communication, and a campuswide commitment to financial wellness, GVSU is helping thousands of students tap into the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving families millions in tuition costs.
Workplace ESL program empowers Hope Network Industries employees

2 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

On any given day inside Hope Network Industries’ 144,000-square-foot warehouse, you’ll hear a symphony of languages, nearly 15 spoken by more than 140 employees from almost 20 countries. Despite the linguistic diversity, everyone works together toward a common goal: building a better future through meaningful employment. Now, a new English as a Second Language (ESL) course is helping turn that goal into reality.
Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025 advocates for the mentorship she wishes she had

2 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

After growing up in foster care and being homeless in her early adult life, Rynita McGuire, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, plans to use her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes. Through her advocacy, the artist and educator hopes to encourage people to become the mentors she wished she had growing up. McGuire was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that affects her joints and mobility.
Healing the Pipeline: GVSU’s bold response to a regional nursing crisis delivers four years later

3 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Tommy Allen

Like many areas across the country, West Michigan faces a shortage of well-trained health care workers, particularly nurses. The pressure on hospitals and care systems has only intensified since the pandemic, and with a rapidly aging population, the demand for care continues to exceed supply. In response, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) expanded its nursing program and redefined its approach to health care education.
ArborFest unites neighbors to grow Grand Rapids' tree canopy

3 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

Fritz Hartley remembers growing up in a small town in southern Wisconsin in the 1950s, playing under a canopy of trees that lined both sides of the street. "The entire neighborhood was filled with giant elm trees. As a kid, you'd ride your bike under this cathedral of trees arching over the street," Hartley says. But that all changed one summer when Dutch elm disease struck. "They came through and cut down every single tree. In one summer, the entire neighborhood was transformed.
Wheel the World designation spotlights GR’s accessibility

3 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

Influencers and friends Stefanie Schaffer and Erika Nala Franco had a whirlwind week when they met up in Grand Rapids, not only to catch up but to see how easily they could explore the city in their wheelchairs. Their October visit is featured in a newly released video designed to boost tourism by highlighting the region’s accessibility, from downtown Grand Rapids to county parks.
Volunteers find purpose, fulfillment at Disability Network West Michigan

3 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Shandra Martinez

Gail Eichorst has volunteered with Disability Network West Michigan (DNWM) for about a decade. The Muskegon woman was helping a neighbor without a car by driving her to appointments when she came across a brochure at a ministry where she was volunteering. It outlined DNWM's driver program and the need for volunteers. “I thought, ‘This could be helpful.’ I called the number and got involved,” Eichorst says. At nearly 73, Eichorst says volunteering keeps her motivated and active.
GR Stories: How community storytelling builds bridges, fosters belonging, & preserves hidden history

4 weeks ago | rapidgrowthmedia.com | Tommy Allen

Initially launched via a series of Zoom calls held during the very early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, GR Stories has since transformed into a vibrant public program where residents of Greater Grand Rapids come together to share their origin stories — often for the first time in a community setting. From Polish Halls to the 49507 Project and the rich histories of our diverse residents, GR Stories exemplifies community-driven history in a format that is a thrill to attend.