Grand Valley State University, the largest university in West Michigan, has taken a hands-on approach to community economic development. Faculty, staff, and students from both the Seidman School of Business and the Padnos School of Engineering have informally been involved with business development in West Michigan for years. The Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone formalized that partnership in Muskegon and has created a central facility that serves as the focal point and clearinghouse for collaboration between private industry and the university.