Tommy Allen

Behind each illustrated recipe showcased by East Kentwood students lies a story of family, culture, and connection, demonstrating how food can serve as a universal language of empathy.

Over the past three years, Voices of Youth has shown us that by actively listening to what young people want, we often develop better ideas. Here, Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the achievements and lessons learned over three years with Voices of Youth. 

In his 20th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2018 story, “The Rapid 25 years on: Looking back on the transit’s evolution as instrumental CEO retires,” by Paul R. Kopenkoskey, examining key periods in our local transit history and highlighting Peter Varga’s 25-year leadership.

In his 19th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2013 piece “RapidBlog: Reflections on the DAAC” by Emma Heemskerk, reflecting on one of Grand Rapids’ small but vital cultural spaces where culture was created through participation, not just consumption. In his 19th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits the 2013 piece “RapidBlog: Reflections on the DAAC” by Emma Heemskerk, reflecting on one of Grand Rapids’ small but vital cultural spaces where culture was created through participation, not just consumption.

For most students, a visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum is just a simple field trip. But for those in the museum’s Immerse program, the experience is more engaging and meaningful. For most students, a visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum is just a simple field trip. But for those in the museum’s Immerse program, the experience is more engaging and meaningful.

In his 18th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Ashley King’s 2023 story, reminding readers that starting a business here has never been only about individual drive. It also requires education, access, mentorship and the relationships that help turn ideas into sustainable ventures. In his 18th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Ashley King’s 2023 story, reminding readers that starting a business here has never been only about individual drive. It also requires education, access, mentorship and the relationships that help turn ideas into sustainable ventures.

In his 17th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Juliet Bennett Rylah’s 2010 story on the rise of community investment funding in the urban core. In his 17th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Juliet Bennett Rylah’s 2010 story on the rise of community investment funding in the urban core.

A longtime favorite at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is evolving, with Streets of Old Grand Rapids adding new areas that encourage visitors to slow down and observe more closely.

In his 16th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Nick Manes’ 2011 story on Tip Top, depicting the West Side bar as gritty, inviting and central to community life. In his 16th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits Nick Manes’ 2011 story on Tip Top, depicting the West Side bar as gritty, inviting and central to community life.

In his 14th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2013 story on Herm Baker, whose journey from Vinyl Solution to Vertigo Music reflects resilient innovation shaping Grand Rapids’ music culture. In his 14th #RG20LookBack, Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen revisits his 2013 story on Herm Baker, whose journey from Vinyl Solution to Vertigo Music reflects resilient innovation shaping Grand Rapids’ music culture.