The rating on Kentwood Public Schools, Mich.'s bonds reflects the unlimited ad valorem full faith and credit tax pledge of the district. Additional credit factors include: Participation in the manufacturing-based Grand Rapids area economy, Adequate financial performance, and Moderate debt levels. The district abuts the city of Grand Rapids and shares in its sizable manufacturing-based economy, with significant presence in the furniture, automobile parts, and consumer products industries. The largest area employers include Meijer Inc., Amway Corp., and Butterworth Hospital, with 9,500, 5,600 and 5,250 employees, respectively. The diverse employment opportunities historically have kept unemployment quite low, currently standing at only 2.34%. Woodland Mall (a large regional mall), in addition to several smaller strip malls, contribute to Kentwood's robust retail
