Barry County Competitors

Located in West Michigan, Kent County is the fourth largest population center in Michigan. Covering 864 square miles, the County is home to more than 650,000 people. The County provides a wide and varied range of services to residents. The services include mandated services (i.e. law enforcement, correctional facility, justice system, public health, drain maintenance, general government, elections administration, equalization, and solid waste management) and discretionary functions (i.e. parks, zoo, airport, economic development, property description and mapping, and extension services). As public servants, our employees are committed to making a difference; they value the importance of their work. The excellence of their work is visible throughout our community. Kent County recognizes the individual needs of its citizens. To best service their needs, Kent County is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse, well-qualified workforce that is understanding and responsive to the changing needs of the community.

Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong. While providing key administrative, law enforcement, court, health and other services to its residents, Ottawa County is shattering the stereotypical perceptions of government workplaces. If you are looking to serve the public in an organization that is innovative, customer-centered, ethical, financially responsible, transparent and welcoming, Ottawa County is where you belong. Geographically, beautiful Ottawa County is located in the southwestern section of Michigan's lower peninsula. Its western boundary is formed by stunning Lake Michigan (Pictured in our LinkedIn banner) and eastern border sits just minutes from the bustling heart of Grand Rapids. Plus, Ottawa County is just a couple hours from a weekend getaway to Detroit or Chicago. Ottawa County experiences four true seasons, with bright spring blossoms, summer fun in the hot sun, breathtaking fall foliage and snow-white winters. Along with Lake Michigan beaches, there are 307 miles of rivers and streams, two state parks, and over 35 county parks and open space lands for residents and visitors to enjoy. Ottawa County is truly a spectacular place.

Allegan County is located in the southwest region of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It is the 18th largest county in Michigan and has 24 townships. It has approximately 827 square miles of land with 25 miles of coast line along beautiful Lake Michigan. We have much to offer our residents. Summer activities include swimming, fishing water skiing, and camping and winter activities include skiing and snowmobiling. There is wine tasting at the vineyards and apple, peach and cherry picking in the orchards. You can view places to stay, play, taste, and experience as well as view a calendar of events from our Tourist Council website or learn more about Allegan County from our Visitors Guide. The County is still mostly rural in nature, and still maintains an agriculture and tourist based economy, however trends are toward more light industry and technology which has translated into Allegan County being in one of the fastest growing regions of the state. Allegan County government is one of the largest employers in Allegan County. The county employs approximately 700 people, which include positions in several departments/areas. Learn more about working in Allegan County.