An Innovative Approach To Economic Growth

Julie Burrell named Economic Development Director for Newaygo County

The Right Place debuts new county partnership model 
 
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – After several months of listening, planning, and examining best practices, The Right Place, Inc. announces it will debut a new and improved model of regional economic development partnerships in 2022 for participating counties across West Michigan. The new format is expected to amplify economic development efforts across the region by empowering full-time county executive directors to drive long-term growth opportunities with the     support of The Right Place.
 
Newaygo County's 7 year partnership with The Right Place will continue under the new model and Julie Burrell will be the Economic Development Director. Ms. Burrell has served as Business Development Manager in Newaygo County the past 3 years.
 
“We’re pleased to offer a more sustainable and robust new model to our partners that will boost economic outcomes in each county and the region as a whole,” said Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place. “Regionalism is a cornerstone of our people, place, and prosperity strategy, and I’m confident our innovative new approach will increase the entire region’s competitive advantage.”   
 
 “The partnership with The Right Place has been impactful in Newaygo County since day one, but it’s really hit a new level in the last three years,” says Ryan Coffey Hoag, Chair of the Newaygo County Economic Development Committee and MSU Extension Educator for Land Use, Government & Community Vitality. “This new partnership model will ensure a long-term, sustainable future for proactive economic development efforts in Newaygo County. Building a community’s resiliency and prosperity is a marathon and not a sprint, and this enhanced partnership will even better align the passion and insight of our local leadership and the deep strengths of The Right Place regionally.”

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