West Michigan economy continues modest growth, shows promise

Key metrics show upward tick for the third consecutive month (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By Brian Vernellis

GVSU Communications

A survey of West Michigan businesses and managers conducted by a Grand Valley State University (GVSU) researcher shows a promising trend of modest economic growth for the region’s economy.

Key metrics in the monthly survey conducted by Brian Long, Director of Supply Management Research at the Seidman College of Business, ticked upward for the third straight month. Despite this positive trajectory, some of April’s respondents approached the year’s second quarter with caution.

Maintaining momentum

Long’s survey of the region’s purchasing managers pointed toward two pivotal indices rising in April. New orders, or business improvement, rose six points while production, or business output, climbed 14 points.

Long said industries like auto parts suppliers and office furniture manufacturers are maintaining their momentum, despite challenges in the global supply chain.

“I do believe that at least some of our statistics will moderate as the summer moves along, but there’s still no sign of an impending doom even if the economy does slow down some, which is what the Federal Reserve wanted to happen,” said Long. “They just don’t want it to slow down too much.”

Continued caution among survey respondents

Even with the encouraging numbers in the GVSU survey, Long noted that among surveyed respondents the mood was decidedly reserved, pointing toward slower growth over the next few months.

“Locally, our current statistics depict stable growth, but our April anecdotal comments from our survey participants continue to grow more cautious,” Long said. “In general, the survey respondents now expect slower growth for the next few months, but still little probability of a recession for the rest of 2024.”