Muskegon Economy... Watch Us Grow 2017!
All signs point to growth in 2017 according to Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Grand Valley State University – Seidman School of Business.  At a recent chamber breakfast, Isely reminded the audience that Muskegon’s mighty manufacturing is a large percentage of the local employment base. With 2017 identified as the year for the consumer nationally, that ultimately means more jobs for Muskegon manufacturers who are making the products consumers are buying. 

Muskegon’s low unemployment rate will continue to challenge area employers.  The best place to find employees according to Isely, are those who are traveling to jobs outside the county. Currently about 33,000 Muskegon workers are commuting. There are only 3,500 local working age unemployed.  “If employers find a way to sell quality of life by reducing a 45 minute commute to a 5 to 10 minute commute, it is a win/win for the employers and residents,” says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber.  

Other aspects of the community are also strong as reflected in the number of new firms and increasing home prices.

Click Here for a copy of the Economic Forecast Presentation.
Muskegon Works To Improve Technology Infrastructure

Leaders in Muskegon County have been working with Connect Michigan to address local internet needs. After months of collecting information from county businesses and residents about current broadband speeds and accessibility, an extensive analysis has been completed to provide a Technology Action Plan for the county.

Muskegon’s top goals from the plan include:

  • Leverage existing community assets in partnership with private sector carriers to expand broadband network development
  • Increase the availability and number of internet enabled public computers across the community
  • Improve functionality and accessibility of websites of local units of government in the community

“Broadband internet accessibility plays a vital role in how businesses operate and how local units of government provide services. Muskegon County is proud to have been a partner in this project and we are looking forward to implementing the recommendations identified in the plan.” Ben Cross, Chairman of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners said.

Muskegon Home to Headquarters and Corporate Offices

Muskegon will be home to SAF Holland's headquarters and corporate functions for the Americas, testing centers and administrative offices. There are also plans to build a new state-of-the-art engineering and technology center in Muskegon.

SAF Holland is a manufacturer and supplier of chassis-related systems and compenents primarily for trailers, trucks, buses and recreational vehicles. It has about 3,100 employees around the world. They recently announced they will be closing the production facilities in Muskegon and Holland. The move is part of a consolidation effort due to the demands of the North American truck and trailer markets.

Employment Numbers

Labor Force
October 2015 = 76,700
October 2016 = 78,100
November 2015 = 77,800
November 2016 = 78,600
December 2015 = 77,600
December 2016 = 77,700

Employment
October 2015 = 73,000
October 2016 = 74,500
November 2015 = 74,200
November 2016 = 75,000
December 2015 = 74,300
December 2016 = 74,200
Employment by Sector  

Goods Producing 
October 2015 = 15,500
October 2016 = 16,700
November 2015 = 15,400
November 2016 = 16,500
December 2015 = 15,400
December 2016 = 16,600

Service Providing 
October 2015 = 48,900
October 2016 = 48,900
November 2015 = 49,600
November 2016 = 48,900
December 2015 = 49,400
December 2016 = 48,600
Home Sales (Muskegon County)

Homes Sold
October 2015 = 268
October 2016 = 236
November 2015 = 190
November 2016 = 194
December 2015 = 171
December 2016 = 176 

Average Sale Price
October 2015 = $141,414
October 2016 = $136,130
November 2015 = $103,494
November 2016 = $145,116
December 2015 = $118,182
December 2016 = $136,260
Michigan Works! Statistics

Known Jobs Filled 
October 2015 = 68
October 2016 = 254
November 2015 = 38
November 2016 = 158
December 2015 = 80
December 2016 = 106

Job Seekers (Unique Visitors)
October 2015 = 1,787
October 2016 = 1,585
November 2015 = 1,603
November 2016 = 1,534
December 2015 = 1,469
December 2016 = 1,374
Business Counseling

Appointments
SCORE & MI-SBDC 
October 2015 = 51
October 2016 = 46
November 2015 = 35
November 2016 = 66
December 2015 = 25
December 2016 = 19
Airport Traffic

Takeoffs & Landings
October 2015 = 2,258
October 2016 = 2,100
November 2015 = 2,071
November 2016 = 1,915
December 2015 = 1,389
December 2016 = 1,141

Airport Cargo in lbs. 
October 2015 = 21,067
October 2016 = 7,887
November 2015 = 52,758
November 2016 = 1,762
December 2015 = 11,500
December 2016 = 0

Commercial Passengers
October 2015 = 3,307
October 2016 = 3,158
November 2015 = 3,009
November 2016 = 3,054
December 2015 = 3,209
December 2016 = 3,124
Top Industries Advertised Online Demand

Industry
Health Care & Social Assistance
December 2015 = 276
December 2016 = 182

Retail Trade
December 2015 = 119
December 2016 = 126

Manufacturing
December 2015 = 157
December 2016 = 103
Top Muskegon Job Occupations Advertised Online (December 2016)

Ocupation
Engineers
43 New Job Postings

Retail Salesperson
41 New Job Postings

Registered Nurse
40 New Job Postings

Production Worker
30 New Job Postings

Truck Driver
27 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!
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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