2017 - A Banner Year!
All signs pointed to growth when Grand Valley State University’s Dr. Paul Isely kicked off 2017 with an energizing forecast for Muskegon County.  The economist was spot on when he predicted a strong year for economic development. Here is a recap of a number of successes:

  • KL Outdoor relocated a new corporate office to Muskegon with expansion plans ahead
  • Mercy Health broke ground on 9 story building
  • Muskegon gained another Cruise Ship Line, Victory
  • Norton Shores created a redevelopment plan for sites along Seminole Road and Henry Street
  • Several new housing developments in progress: Odeno Housing Development, Chandy Acres, Terrace Point Landing, and High Point Flats
  • MCC's Strurrus Technology Center opened in downtown Muskegon
  • Remaining stacks at Sappi Paper Mill Property demolished
  • First Port City Criterium took place downtown Muskegon
  • Rob Riegler from Lakeside Surfaces named 2017 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Research shows Watch Muskegon campaign is improving Muskegon's Image
  • Road Construction along Colby Street in Whitehall complete
  • Record breaking year for many festivals and events
  • Muskegon County Convention Center plans announced
  • Earlier flights and more connections at Muskegon County Airport
  • Imagine Muskegon Lake planning begins
  • Harvey Street Corridor continues to grow and expand
  • Area Manufactures continue to expand and train workers

It is evident that 2017 was a great year for Muskegon County! Statistics from 2017 and the economic forecast for 2018 will be presented Friday, January 26 by Paul Isely at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business for Breakfast. Click here to register for that event.
Time for a Change in 2018
Starting in January, the Muskegon Market Report will be re-branded as the Watch Muskegon Report. You will get the same great content regarding the latest happenings in Muskegon County - just with a new look. Please send us your story ideas and if you are interested in advertising in the Watch Muskegon Report, contact Jodi Kittle. See you in January!
Employment Numbers

Labor Force
November 2016 = 78,600
November 2017 = N/A

Employment
November 2016 = 75,000
November 2017 = N/A
Employment by Sector  

Goods Producing 
November 2016 = 16,500
November 2017 = N/A

Service Providing 
November 2016 = 48,900
November 2017 = N/A
Home Sales (Muskegon County)

Homes Sold
November 2016 = 194
November 2017 = 206

Average Sale Price
November 2016 = $145,116
November 2017 = $135,391
Michigan Works! Statistics

Known Jobs Filled 
November 2016 = 158
November 2017 = 94

Job Seekers (Unique Visitors)
November 2016 = 1,534
November 2017 = 1,430
Business Counseling

Appointments
SCORE & MI-SBDC 
November 2016 = 66
November 2017 = 26
Airport Traffic

Takeoffs & Landings
November 2016 = 1,915
November 2017 = 1,574

Airport Cargo in lbs. 
November 2016 = N/A
November 2017 = 4,231

Commercial Passengers
November 2016 = N/A
November 2017 = 2,520
Top Industries Advertised Online Demand

Industry
Manufacturing
November 2016 = 99
November 2017 = 124

Health Care & Social Assistance
November 2016 = 197
November 2017 = 265

Retail Trade
November 2016 = 159
November 2017 = 210
Top Muskegon Job Occupations Advertised Online ( November 2017)

Occupation
Truck Drivers
102 New Job Postings

Registered Nurses
74 New Job Postings

Retail Salespersons
60 New Job Postings

Nursing Assistants
35 New Job Postings
Statistics provided by:
The Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth; Local Municipalities, Michigan Association of Realtors, Muskegon County Airport, Muskegon Area First, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Small Business Development Center, and West Michigan Works!
CLICK HERE to read the latest Economic Development Update Newsletter from Muskegon Area First and Muskegon County .
A publication of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Employers Association of West Michigan and Muskegon Area First.