Regions

Newaygo County

A rural West Michigan community rife with natural resources and strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors

Located just 35 miles outside of Grand Rapids, Newaygo County is a rural West Michigan community known first and foremost for its abundance of natural resources, including pure rivers, lakes, and thousands of acres of national forest. Whatever your outdoor activity of choice is, Newaygo County has it covered with hundreds of miles of trails, ORV/ATV friendly roads, 234 lakes, and two rivers, offering more than 350 miles of adventure for every season.

Home to nearly 50,000 residents, Newaygo County provides plenty of opportunity for innovation. The community supports a diverse array of companies, from global manufacturers like HarbisonWalker International and Magna Mirrors, to small entrepreneurs looking to bring their ideas to life. As the birthplace of Gerber Baby Food, Newaygo County's roots began in food processing, and have since expanded to encompass a competitive and diversified business community. The County now touts a well-balanced economic profile that includes advanced manufacturing, food processing and professional services.

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Newaygo County Economic Profile

Find a detailed economic profile of Newaygo County including population growth rates, top industries, top occupations, educational attainment and more.

View the Economic Profile

View the Latest Annual Report

A Partnership for Growth and Prosperity

Over the years, The Right Place has collaborated with community leaders in Newaygo County to ensure long-term job creation, investment, and overall economic prosperity for the county. This partnership was amplified in 2022 with the establishment of the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership. Our team at The Right Place continues to work with Newaygo County businesses, connecting them with the tools, resources, and support they need to continue growing locally.

Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership

Advisory Board

John Buckley – Chair
President, Gerber Federal Credit Union

Jon Schneider – Vice Chair
City Manager, City of Newaygo

Shelly Kasprzycki
President, Fremont Area Community Foundation

Kevin Karrip
Vice President, G-M Wood Products

Mike Kruithoff
Newaygo County Commissioner
Owner, Kruithoff Electric

Newaygo County Economic Development Success 2015-2022

A cumulative total of economic development success metrics since the formation of The Right Place's partnership with Newaygo County.

Initiative
Metric Total
Initiative
Company Assists
Metric Total
1,706
Initiative
Capital Investment
Metric Total
$122,649,353
Initiative
New & Retained Jobs
Metric Total
676
Initiative
Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction Projects
Metric Total
13

Contact us today

Julie Burrell 2024

Julie Burrell

Senior Economic Development Director - Newaygo County

Julie serves as the Senior Economic Development Director for the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership. In this role, she provides business support services to companies in Newaygo County.

Full Bio