In just a year, America will celebrate its 250th birthday, a reminder that the journey of our nation and the growth of cities like grand Rapids, are deeply intertwined. Together, they tell a story of progress, invention, and opportunity.

Alongside the Journey: Mixed Staffing and Recruiting 

As a women-owned staffing agency, we’ve grown alongside this city and our nation. Established in 2012, Grand Rapids has been more than just our headquarters; it’s been our foundation. 

With the support of the vibrant culture in our city, we’ve been able to pursue a mission rooted in equity and inclusion: helping individuals who are often overlooked—women, minorities, veterans, returning citizens, immigrants, and others facing employment barriers—find meaningful work. 

These are the individuals who represent the future of the American workforce, and we are proud to be their advocates! 

The Evolution of Opportunity: Then & Now 

175 Years in the Making: Heart of Grand Rapids  

Long before Grand Rapids was incorporated 175 years ago, this land was home to the Anishinaabe peoples—including the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Potawatomi nations—who lived, traded, and cared for this region for generations. Their deep respect for community, land, and shared prosperity laid the earliest foundations for what Grand Rapids would one day become. 

In the mid-1800s, Grand Rapids grew into a vibrant center of commerce, earning its title as “Furniture City” through the skill and craftsmanship of its early builders and makers. The spirit of hard work, creativity, and community pride continues to define our city today. 

Over the decades, Grand Rapids has evolved beyond its manufacturing roots to become a leader in healthcare, technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Our modern economy is shaped by innovation and an increasingly diverse workforce, one that reflects the hopes and contributions of generations past, present, and future. 

As we celebrate 175 years of incorporation, we honor the full history of this land, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the generations of people who have helped Grand Rapids grow. Together, we look forward to building an even more inclusive and vibrant future. 

250 Years in the Making: Honoring All Who Built America: 

250 years ago, what we now call the United States was just beginning to take shape, built by the hands and hopes of everyday people seeking freedom, opportunity, and a new future. 

But long before the birth of the nation in 1776, this land was already home to vibrant Indigenous nations, each with rich cultures, deep knowledge, and centuries of stewardship. The founding of America came with both dreams and devastating impacts for Native peoples, a reality we recognize as part of the complex history that shaped our country. 

Today, as we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we honor all those who built and continue to build this nation, the Indigenous communities who were the first stewards of this land, the immigrants who came seeking new beginnings, the enslaved and oppressed who fought for their rightful freedom, and every generation that has worked to expand the promise of America. 

The story of our country is not perfect, but it is powerful. It is a story of resilience, reinvention, and hope. At Mixed Staffing and Recruiting, we are proud to be part of that ongoing journey, helping to create a future where opportunity is accessible to all. 

Looking Ahead: The Next 175 and 250 Years  

Fast forward to today: Grand Rapids is a hub of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. Across the country, cities like ours are redefining what work looks like in the 21st century—fueled by technology, flexibility, and inclusion. 

As for staffing, it’s transformed too! 

Where hiring once relied on bulletin boards and word-of-mouth, now it requires speed, strategy, and a deep understanding of people’s and the company’s needs. At Mixed Staffing, we’ve embraced that change—matching great people to great employers and advocating for a workforce that reflects the diversity of America itself. 

As Grand Rapids looks ahead to its next chapter, and America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, we’re thinking big. 

What kind of future are we building together? 

• A future where every person, regardless of background, has access to meaningful, dignified work  

• A business landscape where flexibility and purpose guide how companies grow  

• A community where small, diverse businesses aren’t just included—they’re leading 

Bring exciting changes:  

• New industries powered by technology and sustainability  

• Evolving workplace norms and flexible employment models  

• A stronger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

We’re ready!! At Mixed Staffing, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, skilled workers, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to a better future. 

At Mixed Staffing, we’re not just preparing for that future—we’re helping shape it.