Currently, Grand Rapids is on a health sciences kick and is trying to draw medical-related business and schools to the area. This has resulted in many substantial private grants to open up independent research centers or open new schools at the local universities to promote the growth of the industry. This activity has resulted in a large core of medical specialties in the downtown area, affectionately known as the medical mile.
The creation of the DeVos Place Convention Center in the downtown area has resulted in the draw of many large regional and national conventions and conferences that have been excellent for the local economy.
