http://greatlakesitreport.com/Article.asp?id=399464&spid=16275

Here is a great synopsis of the huge changes Grand Rapids is making.  We are in the middle of literally building a technology empire.  Now nothing like the 20k parking ramp at MSFT HQ. Or the huge server and operation center going in Houston.  However, we are building hospitals, a research laboratory, the MSU Medical School, a Drug Testing Center, and a Life Sciences Corridor.  (http://www.ctaalliance.org/)

The CTA is a collaborative network of advanced technology service facilities located at major research institutions across Michigan. These commercially oriented, community-spirited, and technologically sophisticated centers of excellence are fee-for-service laboratories to support biomedical research in the areas of genomics, proteomics, structural biology, animal models, bioinformatics, bio-imaging, high-throughput screening, and antibody technology. The CTA cutting-edge infrastructure is augmenting the growth of the Michigan life science sector. The CTA offers its unique and extraordinary services to diverse customers in academic or industrial settings either in-state or out-of-state.

The $1 billion health care and medical research project known as the Medical Mile is growing; city officials have been proactive in how the project will transform the city.

A consortium of 21 laboratories across the Michigan life sciences corridor are available to entrepreneurs to research, test, develop, and even package clinical products. The Core Technology Alliance (CTA), which is housed at the Van Andel Institute in downtown Grand Rapids, is making it easier for life sciences startups to make their product without building an expensive laboratory many can't afford.

http://www.ctaalliance.org/ev_folder/cta%20reprint%204-16-07%20issue.pdf

 If anyone is considering starting up a biomed firm, GR is now one of the top spots in the world for this. 

Plus this year:

National Geographic - Best Places to Live '07-  Best Waterfront Town -

Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Population: 193,568
- Median home price: $153,000
- The radius: Just west of bustling Grand Rapids are Lake Michigan's quiet white-sand shores. Camp on Hoffmaster State Park's beaches and access hundreds of shipwreck dives.