Seidman Business Review

Article Title

Grand Rapids Economic Forecast 2005

Authors

Hari Singh, Grand Valley State UniversityFollow
Nancy Boese, Grand Valley State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Our latest survey forecast for the Grand Rapids MSA (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan Counties) was conducted in November 2004.

• Business confidence, employment, and sales are expected to increase modestly in 2005

• The Confidence Index, currently at 70% for the Grand Rapids economy, is projected to be 74% for 2005

• Employment growth is projected at 1.7% for 2005

• Overall sales are expected to grow at 3.2% for 2005

• Only a third of the respondents expect a consistent robust growth rate of 5% by December 2005