MiBiz with Mark Sanchez

A Veteran-owned cybersecurity company is expanding into West Michigan creating new jobs.

Arlington, Virginia-based Grimm provides cybersecurity consulting, research, testing and training for a number of government and commercial clients. As it looks at industry growth over the next three years, Grimm has decided now is the time to expand nationwide.

In Washington D.C., trade ministers are meeting this week continuing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. In Grand Rapids, Canada’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States visited with the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan providing an update on talks and explaining the economic impacts on the state and local economy.

The 7th round of North American Free Trade Agreement talks have come to an end. One renegotiation sticking point involves automotive production and what is called the “country of origin” provision. Can U.S. demands be met? WGVU recently spoke with an automotive analyst and the Consul General of Canada to find out.

Under the rules of origin, Douglas George, Consul General of Canada explains NAFTA trade bloc partner products must contain 62.5 percent of regional content in order to qualify for no tariff.

“Which is the highest in any trade agreement in the world.”

West Michigan’s economy continued its strong performance in April. The Supply Management Research survey indicates the local economy will remain robust into the summer months reinforcing the area’s low unemployment.