MBN On The Road: Randy Thelen, The Right Place 2026-2028 3-Year Strategic Plan Abridged Presentation

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI.) – Thursday February 12th, The Right Place, Inc. announced the launch of its new three-year strategic plan. The Right Place’s mission is to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. This plan carries the organization’s mission forward with clarity, purpose, and momentum. Developed in partnership with over 550 community stakeholders, the plan outlines a strategic framework and a three-year roadmap to advance a bold vision: positioning Greater Grand Rapids as the most resilient, productive, and equitable regional economy in the nation. Progress toward the plan’s goals will be achieved through continued commitment to the organization’s core pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity. Initiatives include: Expanding employer engagement with K-12, higher ed institutions, and workforce development organizations; positioning the region as a premier destination for talent; and serving as a central resource to build robust talent pipelines. Supporting the creation and activation of build-ready sites; driving investment into vibrant public spaces; collaborating and supporting municipal partners; and working with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to expand and increase nonstop service. Supporting existing businesses with outreach and programming to ensure growth in our region; conducting extensive and proactive business attraction campaigns focusing on key industries; and supporting manufacturers in diversification, adopting new tech, and expanding expertise. MBN: TRP 2628 Key MetricsThe Right Place will measure the plan’s impact via the following metrics: 4,500 jobs retained and created by the end of 2028 $30 per hour average wage by the end of 2028* $700M in capital investment by the end of 2028 $200M in community development investment by the end of 2028 100 industry education partnerships by the end of 2028 MBN: 2023 Plan-ResultsThe Right Place completed its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan at the end of last year and surpassed its key metrics: 4,153 new and retained jobs on a goal of 4,000 $844.2M in new capital investment on a goal of $550M $487.2M in community development investment on a goal of $100M $30.90 average wage on a goal of $26.50* MBN: The Right Place Randy Thelen“Greater Grand Rapids has moved up a weight class,” said Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place (left). “We are now competing with larger, more established regions across the country. That speaks to how far we’ve come—but it also challenges us to think and act bigger than ever before. This strategic plan was shaped by hundreds of community leaders, partners, and stakeholders. It reflects a shared understanding that our future will be built together. We’ve made tremendous progress, but there is more work ahead if we want to lead at the next level.” View The Right Place’s 2026-2026 Strategic Plan here.