Muskegon Economy… Watch Us Grow 2017!

All signs point to growth in 2017 according to Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Grand Valley State University – Seidman School of Business.  At a recent chamber breakfast, Isely reminded the audience that Muskegon’s mighty manufacturing is a large percentage of the local employment base. With 2017 identified as the year for the consumer nationally, that ultimately means more jobs for Muskegon manufacturers who are making the products consumers are buying.

Muskegon’s low unemployment rate will continue to challenge area employers.  The best place to find employees according to Isely, are those who are traveling to jobs outside the county. Currently about 33,000 Muskegon workers are commuting. There are only 3,500 local working age unemployed.  “If employers find a way to sell quality of life by reducing a 45 minute commute to a 5 to 10 minute commute, it is a win/win for the employers and residents,” says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber.

Other aspects of the community are also strong as reflected in the number of new firms and increasing home prices.