Kalamazoo, Battle Creek lead growth in state in past decade

Kalamazoo-Portage and Battle Creek in Southwest Michigan outpaced Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and all other metro areas in the state in economic growth over the past decade, reports Bridge Magazine.

The magazine’s analysis of gross domestic product data found that not only did Kalamazoo and Battle Creek lead 12 other metro areas, they were the only places in the state to boost output by at least 1 percent between 2001 and 2009, the latest year for which data was available.

Excerpt:

The statistics are crucial in understanding the changes occurring in state and regional economies. They provide valuable information for policymakers in guiding investment decisions and for citizens in making career and location choices. One thing is clear: Michigan is not a single economy, but a collection of regional economies with strikingly different strengths and weaknesses. The health of regional economies is crucial to the state’s future.

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Source: Bridge Magazine