GRAND RAPIDS - While headlines over the past several months have focused on tariffs, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, one of Michigan's most closely watched manufacturing indicators is telling a more optimistic story. The latest Purchasing Managers Index from Grand Valley State University's Seidman College of Business shows West Michigan manufacturers enjoyed their strongest month in
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 - Michigan’s economy entered 2026 much like it exited 2025: cautious, uneven and still searching for momentum. A new survey of West Michigan purchasing managers from Grand Valley State University shows the region’s economy slowed for the third consecutive month, underscoring broader challenges facing the state’s manufacturing-heavy base. But while parts of Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS - As 2026 approaches, new survey data suggests the West Michigan economy continues to lose momentum, even as parts of Michigan and the broader U.S. economy show signs of stabilization rather than decline. The latest monthly economic survey from Grand Valley State University shows most key indicators for West Michigan remaining in negative
ALLENDALE — As 2025 draws to a close, West Michigan’s economy is losing momentum, mirroring broader economic headwinds facing Michigan and much of the United States, according to new data from Grand Valley State University. Brian Long, director of supply chain management research at Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business, said his latest monthly survey
GRAND RAPIDS — A report by a Grand Valley State University researcher shows West Michigan’s economy has remained flat but stable through October as the federal tariffs continue to challenge businesses. Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said businesses and purchasing managers are still adjusting to the ongoing
GRAND RAPIDS - While global economic markets face turbulence following the Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs, the West Michigan economy continues to show modest strength, according to a Grand Valley State University researcher. Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his monthly survey of local businesses and purchasing
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 - The West Michigan economy concluded 2024 on a marginally positive note, a trend expected to continue into 2025, according to data collected by a Grand Valley State University researcher. Brian Long, director of supply management research at GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, said his data for most of 2024 reflected a slight
