My Hometown

In January, Newsweek magazine published an article listing the top ten dying cities of the United States. For some ridiculous reason, Grand Rapids was listed as number ten in this article. As a life-long Grand Rapidian that is very aware of the bountiful opportunity that the city provides, this was a shocking claim.

Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that the recession was especially hard on Michigan, but of all the cities in Michigan, Grand Rapids weathered the storm the best. There are many reasons for this including the constantly expanding "medical mile" (which now includes a top children's hospital, cancer center, and MSU medical school), the city's commitment to sustainability with more LEED certified buildings per capita than any other city in the US, and the wealth (pun intended) of philanthropists and successful business leaders that have given so much of their money and time to make our city beautiful. The city and surrounding areas contain more than a handful of well-respected colleges and universities. There is a nationally recognized medical research institute (The Van Andel Institute) right downtown along with JW Mariott Hotel, one the most luxurious hotel chains in the world. There is a world class art competition each fall that attracted over 250,000 visitors in its second year of existence in 2010.

I could go on and on about what makes my hometown one the most unique and thriving communities anywhere, but this video proves my point better than words can. The video below was created in response to the Newsweek article and shows that Grand Rapids is far from dying. This is one continuous take. Let me say that again, this is one continuous take that set the world record for the world's largest and longest lip dub. The guy who created this video is amazing, his name is Rob Bliss and he has organized multiple events in Grand Rapids that have broken world records including the world's biggest pillow fight and world's biggest zombie walk. He is a story for another day though, so watch the video and tell me that a "dying" city would come together to make something like this. Hopefully you can get a taste of what makes Grand Rapids overflowing with life! I LOVE GR!!