Grand Valley State's regional impact tops $680 million

The annual economic impact that Grand Valley State University has on the region rose by nearly $40 million to $680.4 million. The university issued its yearly economic impact report during its April 29 Board of Trustees meeting.
 
The report covers Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties, and uses 2009-2010 data. The university employs more than 3,000 people and brings nearly 25,000 students to West Michigan.
 
Some additional highlights are:
 
- More than 10,200 permanent off-campus jobs in the region exist due to the presence of Grand Valley’s campuses in those communities.
 
- Businesses saved more than $25 million because of the 6,811 Grand Valley students who are doing internships, practica, and student teaching -- see more details here.
 
- Grand Valley created 700 trade and construction jobs and pumped $32 million into the economy because of construction projects in 2010.
 
- Grand Valley alumni now number more than 78,000 with the majority living in Michigan and nearly half living or working in West Michigan’s tri-county area.
 
For a complete look at Grand Valley’s Economic Impact on West Michigan annual report, click here.
 
Grand Valley State University attracts more than 24,500 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers 78 undergraduate and 29 graduate degree programs from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and from regional centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.