GRAND RAPIDS – Michigan's economy continues to expand, but new data from West Michigan suggests employers may be becoming more cautious about hiring as concerns grow over consumer spending, global uncertainty and the future direction of the manufacturing sector. A monthly survey conducted by Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business found West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS - West Michigan’s economy continued to expand in April, but rising oil prices, tariff uncertainty and growing fears about a broader national slowdown are beginning to cloud the outlook across the entire state of Michigan. That was the takeaway from the latest monthly industrial survey by Grand Valley State University economist Brian Long,
GRAND RAPIDS - Data collected by a Grand Valley State University researcher indicates the West Michigan economy is improving, even as local firms navigate the ongoing uncertainty of tariffs and global trade tensions. Brian Long, director of supply chain management at the Seidman College of Business, said his May survey of businesses and purchasing managers
GRAND RAPIDS - A Grand Valley State University survey of West Michigan businesses and purchasing managers reveals increased uncertainty and a decline in confidence following the implementation of tariffs by President Donald Trump’s administration. Brian Long, the director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said responses from March’s survey participants reflected
GRAND RAPIDS - The aftereffects of the tariffs implemented by the federal government are rippling throughout the West Michigan economy. Brian Long, director of supply management research at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, said his monthly survey of local businesses and their purchasing managers reflects growing unease with the ramifications of the
GRAND RAPIDS - West Michigan economy trending "back to positive" indicating 2025 will begin with strong economy, contends a monthly survey by Grand Valley State University of West Michigan businesses and purchasing managers, ending a four-month slump. Research conducted by Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, reveals a
GRAND RAPIDS - After months of slumping economic performance, the West Michigan economy appears to be showing signs of growth again, according to a Grand Valley State University researcher. Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at the Seidman College of Business, said his annual survey of regional purchasing managers and businesses showed some
GRAND RAPIDS - The West Michigan economy is continuing to slow in part due to the recent United Auto Workers strike and the Federal Reserve’s rising interest rates, a survey contends. Brian Long, director of supply management at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his survey shows growing pessimism among local manufacturers and businesses. Several
GRAND RAPIDS - The industrial market in West Michigan remained marginally negative during November, but some key indicators recovered lost ground, according to a survey of West Michigan manufacturers by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business. Employment and gross output (production) indices showed improvement from the October survey, which Brian Long, director of
GRAND RAPIDS — Pent-up supply demand has been satisfied causing the West Michigan economic recovery to continue to flatten, a Grand Valley State University researcher contends. “Our index of business improvement came in at +8,” said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at GVSU. “The pent-up demand
