The Grand Rapids economy grew faster than predicted this year and economic forecasters say growth will continue into 2012.
George Erickcek is an economist at the Upjohn Institute for employment research. He says the Grand Rapids economy did grow in 2011, but only by two-percent. (His full presentation is linked here.)
“There’s been no talk of a double dip for many, many months. But the growth…is disappointing. It’s not the growth we want,” Erickcek told a group of business leaders assembled Wednesday.
He says a recovering auto industry and gains in advanced manufacturing are the main reasons Grand Rapids’ economy has grown.
In fact, Erickcek says Grand Rapids is technically over the recession in terms of employment numbers.
