West Michigan Business Leaders To Talk Business This Week GRAND RAPIDS (Michigan Radio) -


More than 500 business and civic leaders are expected to attend a two day economic conference opening in Grand Rapids Thursday.

The West Michigan Regional Policy Conference is intended to highlight the region's economic needs, which often differ from other parts of the state.

Jeff Connelly is a co-coordinator of the conference. He says the recent failures of some of the nation's largest financial institutions will probably be discussed.

"I think it will have an impact. That's a reality. But, part of the goal of this conference is to not go into with preconceived ideas of what we need to do," says Connelly.

Connelly says the region's major manufacturers, small businesses, educators and others will try to develop a comprehensive strategy for improving west Michigan's economy. © Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio