The Right Place recognized among Top Economic Development Groups in 2024 by Site Selection Magazine

Each year, Site Selection Magazine awards organizations that work tirelessly to bring projects to life within their communities. The award is named after Site Selection founder H. McKinley “Mac” Conway, a leader in the economic development field. Winning agencies are determined based on the following criteria: total projects, total investment and total jobs associated with those projects, and per-capita calculations by those same metrics. This year, The Right Place is honored to be recognized among the top 20 in the United States.

"We are thrilled to receive this recognition, alongside many other deserving organizations," said Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place. "This award reaffirms our work and what we already know - great things are happening in Greater Grand Rapids."

Site Selection Magazine also referenced The Right Place’s 10-year Tech Strategy and Advanced Manufacturing Report in its list of programs and initiatives that helped the organization secure the award.

The Greater Grand Rapids Tech Strategy, cultivated by The Right Place, outlines several strategies that aim to transform the region into a major tech hub, which would result in 20,000 new jobs within the tech industry over the next 10 years. In addition, The Right Place’s Advanced Manufacturing Report informs the manufacturing industry of key trends impacting the region and how these insights can be used to boost the number of jobs within the industry.

Other organizations that received recognition include:

• Battle Creek Unlimited
• Columbia Economic Development (South Carolina)
• Dallas Regional Chamber/Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
• Dayton Development Coalition
• Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (Reno-Tahoe)
• Greater Houston Partnership

• Greater New Orleans, Inc.
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council
• Indy Chamber/Indy Partnership
• Invest Atlanta/Metro Atlanta Chamber
• Louisville Metro Dept. of Economic Development/Greater Louisville Inc.
• One Columbus (OH)
• Piedmont Triad Partnership (NC)
• REDI Cincinnati/BE NKY Growth Partnership
• Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO)/Greater Rochester Enterprise (NY)
• Savannah Economic Development Authority
• South Bend Regional Chamber
• Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
• World Business Chicago