october 2013 grand rapids chamber newsletter

THE CHAMBER NEWSOctober 2013 | Vol. 13 | No. 10

A publication of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Score big with our monthly Business Mat-ters Series. Find out who’s on the fourth quarter speaker lineup!

What’s new with fellow Chamber members? Read all about it in this month’s Newsflashes.

Mark your cal-endar for the 2014 Annual Meeting featur-ing ABC’s Shark Tank investor Daymond John.

U.S Chamber of Commerce Chair-man Steve Van Andel slated to speak at Winter Advocacy event, December 4.

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Check out this month’s Members in the Spotlight, featur-ing two growing minority-owned businesses.

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Minority Business: Building Our Future Together

A welcoming and inclusive communi-ty for your business is more than just a good idea. More evidence than ever suggests it is an essential piece of the economic growth puzzle. Supporting minority business development in West Michigan is increasingly becom-ing a significant factor in determining the future success of our region. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to work with a growing minority popu-lation and the changing regional demographics,” said Jorge Gonzalez, Economic Development Director at

LINC. “The black and Latino communities are booming. We need to reach out to inner-city or marginalized communities to help them tap into and integrate into the larger system of economic opportunity.” According to Gonzalez, historically economically depressed neighborhoods need the infusion of new enterprises to create a successful and sustainable community. “We feel it’s the small business owners who are going to create the jobs and hire local residents. Minority entrepreneurs employing residents from the neighborhood help families develop financial stability and break the cycle of dependence.”

Diversity on Display: Minority Business Showcase Oct. 24Tap into the wealth of diversity among West Michigan entrepreneurs at the Minority Business Showcase on October 24 and get an inside look at the new Rockford Con-struction headquarters while you’re at it. “This is another way for relationships to strengthen between businesses and clients in a relaxed setting,” noted Michael Verhulst of Summit Landscape Management, Inc. and president of the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association. “It gives us all an opportunity to connect at a different level.” Co-hosted by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association and LINC, the Minority Business Showcase supports the regional growth of diverse, local businesses and helps you expand your network of personal contacts, clients, and companies. Whether you’re a small business owner, a corporate buyer, or an individual consumer, you’ll get connected at this event.

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Get informed and stay current while expanding your network of business contacts at the Chamber’s monthly Business Matters series. You’ll hear from the relevant experts and commu-nity leaders on the topics you need to be successful in business and your organization. Plus, you’ll hear about the projects and newsmakers making Grand Rapids great. Kick off your fall with our October Business Matter’s speaker and follow up with the entire fourth quarter line up every third Tuesday!

Succession ManagementOctober 15, 2013 | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Michael Haid, Executive Vice President of Talent Management and Global Strategic Workforce Consultant at Right Management Great Lakes Region, presents an engaging, interactive session covering the trends, benefits, and best practice recommendations for managing succession in an unpredictable business climate.

Winning the War for TalentNovember 19, 2013 | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Join Ann M. Harten, Vice President of Global Human Resources at Haworth, Inc., for a conversation about the war for talent and how companies can best position themselves in the battle for candidates. As the leader of Haworth’s Global Human Resources initiatives, Ann oversees all HR activities—including the design and implementation of a global leadership development program.

America’s Energy Boom: How It Will Change U.S. Manufacturing & Recharge the U.S. EconomySponsored by Inno-Versity GroupDecember 10, 2013 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Economist, five-time book author, and national commentator Stephen Moore from the Wall Street Journal examines the economic issues affecting our nation—including budget, tax and monetary policy. Stephen is a twice-weekly economic commentator for CNBC in addition to appearances on the Colbert Report, Bill Maher, CNN, Fox News.

All Locations | St. George Banquet & Conference Center, 334 LaGrave Ave. SECost | $18/member early registration, $25/future member or late registrationRegistration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/businessmatters or call the RSVP hotline, 616.771.0303.

Score Big with Business Matters Fall Speakers

www.grandrapids.org2 The Chamber News October 2013

The Chamber News Editorial Policy

CHAMBER News & Notes

Event Underwriter:

Michael Haid, Right Management Great Lakes Region

Attention Institute for Healing Racism Alumni: Are you interested in becoming a program facilitator? Now’s your chance.

The Institute for Healing Racism is the area’s leading program for uncovering racism and understanding its impact on individuals and the workplace. More than 2,000 people have attended the intensive, two-day experience since 1997. As a facilitator, you will help provide the safe space and neutral guidance needed to allow constructive dialogue. Racism is still a powerful force in our lives and community, and you could be part of the team helping to create the critical conversa-tions needed to address it. Apply today! Additional details and application are available at www.grandrapids.org/institute-for-healing-racism or contactCiciley Moore at [email protected] or 616.771.0320. Application deadline is October 31.

Facilitators Needed for Facing Racism

Ann M. Harten, Haworth, Inc. Stephen Moore, Wall Street Journal

www.grandrapids.org 3The Chamber NewsOctober 2013 www.grandrapids.org

The Chamber News Editorial Policy

Recycle Me

Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the view or position of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The position of the Chamber will be clearly stated.

The Chamber reserves the right to reject advertising based on content and does not accept advertising that conflicts with a position of the Chamber.

The advertising of products and services in The Chamber News does not necessarily represent endorsement by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber News (USPS 357-010) is published monthly by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. 111 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.p: 616.771.0300 | f: 616.771.0318 | www.grandrapids.orgSenior Editor & Advertising: Latricia Trice | [email protected] Editor: AliciaMarie Belchak | [email protected]

Second Class Periodical Postage Paid at Grand Rapids, MI.POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Chamber News at the Address above.

RIBBON CuttingsCongratulations to the following members who celebrated grand openings, anniversaries and new additions! If you have an upcom-ing ground-breaking, grand opening, product launch event, or other reason to celebrate, visit www.grandrapids.org/ribboncuttings to see how we can help. We even bring the giant scissors!

Congratulations Goodwill Industries of Grand Rapids on the addition of another Goodwill Store in Grand Rapids at 956 Michigan St. NE.

Financial Advisory Corporation, located at 4251 Cascade Rd. SE, celebrated their 25th year anniversary.

Congratulations to Blackford Capital on their new offices located at 190 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 600.

Kids’ Food Basket kicked off their first week of service for the 2013/2014 school year at 2085 Oak Industrial Dr. NE - Suite C.

Keller Williams North is settled in to their new offices at 4949 Plainfield Ave. NE.

The world is changing, but what does this mean for business? Multicultural markets are the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population. If your business is not engaging diverse talents and consumers, your brand will lose market share to a competitor that does. Don’t let that happen to you. Join the Chamber for a unique oppor-tunity to learn key strategies for diversifying your talent pipeline and growing your consumer base. Mark your calendar to attend the Diversity and Inclusion Forum on November 22 at the Kroc Center. Call 616.771.0300 for more details and registration.

Grow Your Business with Multicultural Marketing

Diversity & Inclusion Underwriter:

BioLife Plasma Services broke ground for their third West Michigan location at 6331 Kenowa Ave. SW.

A grand re-opening of the store and restaurant of Supermercado Mexico was celebrated at 1160 Chicago Drive SW.


Minority Business Feature, from front coverLINC, the Chamber, the West Michigan Minority Business Con-tractors Association and others have been consciously putting efforts into helping minority businesses better connect with the right resources to create successful businesses. West Michi-gan is exploding with market growth and entrepreneurial ideas from dynamic minority entrepreneurs, but transforming their ideas into fruitful enterprises needs the support of a larg-er community. Access to the capital, emerging business knowl-edge, and the business-to-business relationships necessary for expansion often remains problematic for minorities to achieve. “It is difficult for minority- and women-owned businesses to secure work and grow their businesses like other non-minor-ity owned businesses,” said Michael Verhulst, President of the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association, a non-profit that supports member MBE/WBE businesses. “It’s been shown that when organizations connect diversity and inclusion to their bottom line, they tend to increase their performance, productivity, and better reflect the community in which they do business and live.” But as Andrew Sims, Director at DWH, notes: “Frankly, there’s still quite a gap to close. The business community doesn’t ac-curately reflect the community we actually live in. We’re a re-gion of opportunity and a land of abundance, yet our minority communities struggle. It has become very apparent to us that there is a huge need and a significant challenge that we’re fac-ing. ” The answer at DWH, a firm specializing in business and fi-nancial advisory services, was to create a new company-wide initiative designed to intentionally increase efforts that build connections and relationships in the marketplace and help minority companies grow. In particular, DWH is working on developing strategic partnerships with minority and non-mi-nority businesses through acquisitions and equity ownership. “We work with a lot of companies asking for relationships with minority enterprises. It’s a means to leverage a competitive ad-vantage or differentiate themselves in the market. Now, we try to incorporate this idea into everything we do—always being conscious of whom we should be connecting.” All three—Gonzalez, Verhulst, and Sims—point to a myriad of research that increasingly shows minority businesses play-ing a key role in supplying consumer needs, creating jobs, and building wealth for reinvestment. Strong minority enterprises not only support the local economy, but they also foster eco-nomic success across the wider community. “We cannot expect overall prosperity in our community when there are pockets of the community not surviving,” said Sims. “The primary motive is to improve our overall community through support of mi-nority business enterprises.” Gonzalez added, “We need an overall holistic approach that benefits everyone and encourages them to work with the mi-nority business community. Often, if you give the opportunity to a minority business owner, you’ll find they are just as quali-fied, competent, and professional as other companies. They just don’t always have easy access to the resources and net-works that build success.”

Growing Economic Prosperity for AllWith an increasingly diverse population and ever more cus-tomers clamoring for cultural and ethnic goods and servic-es, minorty business enterprises (MBEs) and their markets form a vibrant and growing part of our national economy.

Minority Business Spur Growth• $1 trillion total annual gross sales and receipts

• 6 million employees hired

• $168 billion total annual payroll

• 11,244 total number of Small Business Administration (SBA)

loans to MBEs

• $4 billion total amount loaned by SBA to MBEs

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 Survey of Business Owners; Small Business Administration Loans to Minority-Owned Small Businesses, 2010

www.grandrapids.org 5The Chamber Newswww.grandrapids.org October 2013

Are you a minority-owned business with a great product or service to share with a larger audience? Become an exhibitor to: • Showcase your business and demonstrate your products,

goods and services.• Connect with new clients, meet potential buyers, and reach

new markets.• Discover other vendors you may need and network with

fellow entrepreneurs.• Build relationships within the larger West Michigan commu-

nity.• Share your role in creating a vibrant, local economy—filling

consumer needs, creating jobs, etc.

Do you need to develop new vendors or wish to support a thriving and diverse local economy? Attend for free to:• Discover products and services offered by a wide range of

industries.• Buy local; support small business and minority entrepre-

neurs.• Develop new contacts with a free networking opportunity.• Expand your supplier list and uncover new business oppor-

tunities.• Contribute to the local economy and overall success of West

Michigan.

New opportunities await you at the Minority Business Show-case. See you there!

noticedWoodland Mall offers a wide variety of affordable on-mall advertising options for local businesses to reach millions of shoppers.

Let's work together to create a custom solution that meets your marketing objectives.

Contact Terry Leshuk at 616.949.0010 or [email protected]

get your business

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E X C E P T I O N A L S H O P P I N G

Date | Thursday, October 24, 2013Time | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Location | Rockford Construction, 601 First Street NWAttendee Cost | Free for public to attend. Registration required.Exhibitor Fee | $50 GR Chamber members, Minority Contractors Association members, and LINC clients; $75 non-members/unaf-filiated businesses. Space is limited!

Visit www.grandrapids.org/minoritybusiness-showcase or call 616.771.0303 to register as an exhibitor or attendee.

Minority Business Showcase, from front cover

“Building Futures Together”

www.grandrapids.org

Know someone who goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service?

Hospitality: Desk clerk, ticket taker, parking attendant, bell hop

Retail: Clerk, cashier, stockroom worker, customer service

Healthcare/Elder Care: Nurses aide, lab support, patient transport, in-home aide

Transportation: Bus, shuttle and taxi driver, baggage handler

Foodservice: Server, busser, dishwasher, counter staff, cook

General Labor: Manufacturing, construction, agricultural

Government: Clerk, customer service, support staff

Childcare: Teacher aide, in-home daycare

Nonprofit: Case aide, support staff

Cleaning/Housekeeping/Groundskeeping: Custodian, maintenance, housekeeper, dry cleaner/launderer

CATEGORIES

Nominate an Essential Service Provider who displays

> pride in their job

> a positive attitude

> a strong work ethic and

> punctuality

Essential Service

AWARDSThe Essential Service Awards recognize the important role that service workers play in our economy.

Download an application form or submit online at www.michiganworkska.org/ESA

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: OCT 18, 2013

The Essential Service Awards will be presented to the winners at their places of employment. Award winners will also be recognized at a meeting of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

One winner will be chosen from each of the categories below.


The Chamber News helps you get to know fellow members by profiling organizations in each issue.

MEMBERS In The Spotlight

For 13 years, Tiger Studio has been on a mission to help grow companies and organizations through design and works to en-sure the best possible product design and marketing communi-cations. Today, Tiger Studio is a regional leader in industrial de-sign, user interface, brand development and social impact—all delivered with a people-centric approach to design and a pas-sionate team. As principal designer, founder and owner, Luciano Hernandez says the company’s namesake animal—the tiger—is inspiration for his business and design model. The creative studio aims to design products and marketing that is both natural, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. And like the tiger, he also wants to maintain a competitive edge. “We all have to get up and hunt for our food. I like the chal-lenge of running our own company and being part of the eco-nomic engine,” Luciano said. “I love helping our clients be suc-cessful by using our design talents.” The talented staff at Tiger Studio use creative problem solv-ing to develop highly successful products and services for cli-ents. Their extensive industrial design portfolio includes things like human-driven technology solutions for Herman Miller’s Technology Collection, an interactive experience for a wireless voting keypad, mobile healthcare workstations for hospital envi-ronments, and the sleek headlights used on the Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, and Chevy Caprice. Tiger Studio also delivers high-quality branding and graphic design. They have developed a variety of marketing materials, info graphics, logos, and rebranding projects—including brand-ing and media kit design for Partners for a Racism-Free Commu-nity (PRFC). Joining the GR Chamber was important to Luciano, who looks for opportunities for exposure and networking. “We wanted to be part of the energy that the Chamber offers,” he said. “We have been part of panel discussions and the Chamber’s Minority Busi-ness Showcase. It’s helped us meet new people and clients and get eventual projects.”

Visit www.tigerstudiodesign.com for more information.

Since 1983, Mico Industries, Inc. has been engineering, machin-ing, welding, stamping, assembling and generally making metal work for all sorts of products—including parts for Harley-David-son, Mitsubishi Motors, Herman Miller, GRAMAG, MAGNA and others. Mico Industries’ specialties today include automotive and office furniture industries. A certified minority supplier and a Tier 1, 2, and 3 manufactur-ing vendor, Mico Industries is proud of its value-added commit-ment and can help clients with everything from launch to pro-duction to assembly support. The company offers an advanced development team, multi-tier supply chain management, infra-structure for on-site customer support, and computerized track-ing, scheduling, shipping, and invoicing. Mico Industries cur-rently operates two plants in Grand Rapids and is also exploring new facility opportunities in Texas. “Mico’s continued growth and customer satisfaction is our best indicator of competitiveness,” said CEO Terence Sammon, who took over in 2001 from his mother and original founder of the company, Christina DeLa Garza. Terrence said the company takes great pride in its work and its people. “As a minority-owned business we cultivate a diverse workforce and bring a unique perspective on business, the world, and life,” he said, noting it’s important to understand your own strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur and work to diversify your customer base for success. He also acknowledged challenges faced as a minority-owned business. “Ultimately, we still have to have the best price and excellent quality to satisfy our customers just like anyone else.” A Chamber member since 2008, Mico Industries benefits directly from the Accident Fund’s insurance program offered through the Chamber—which generates annual dividend re-funds for participants based on reducing worker compensation claims with safe environments. Terrance also said he values the Chamber’s many networking opportunities and informational materials, like this newsletter. “I like knowing what’s going on in the local community,” he said.

Assemble more details at www.micoindustries.com.


Last month, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber partnered with Kent ISD for the annual Educator in the Workplace program, where West Michi-gan teachers join local businesses for a hands-on business immersion experience. The three-day program is an example of how educators and businesses can partner to develop relationships that lead to a stronger workforce. Several local companies such as DeWys Manufacturing, Precision Aerospace, All-Tech Engineering, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Spectrum Health, Hope Network, and Van Andel Institute participated in this year’s program. Through job shadowing and business tours, teachers witnessed hard and soft skills in action while exploring real-world examples students might encounter in future careers. Participating teachers gained a deeper understanding of the realities facing businesses and the skills necessary to make their students successful when they enter the workforce. At the end of the program, the educators came together to create new lesson plans utilizing examples from their job shadow. As students learn about new career avenues, teachers from the Educators in the Workplace program will now be able to teach essential skills that will prepare kids for their future and the future of our workforce. For more information about the Chamber’s workforce development efforts or to get involved in next year’s program, contact Allie Bush at [email protected] or 616.771.0311.

High School Teachers Take On Business

Date | Tuesday, January 21, 2014Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | JW Marriott, 235 Louis Campau Promenade NWCost | $50 Chamber Members, $75 Future Members, $750 per Corporate Table (10 seats)Registration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/annual-meeting or call 616.771.0303

Sponsorships for this “must attend” event are available, contact Diane Cisler at [email protected] or 616.771.0357 for details.

Shark Tank Investor Daymond John Comes to GRJoin us at the 126th Annual Meeting as we celebrate members’ success, introduce new board chair, Doug Dozeman of Warner, Norcross & Judd, LLP, and showcase our 2013 achievements and plans for 2014. Plus, ABC’s Shark Tank investor, entrepreneur, and fashion tycoon Daymond John will be taking center stage as keynote speaker. Over the last 20 years, Daymond John (a.k.a. The Shark) has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons and en-trepreneurs of his generation to a highly sought-after branding expert, author, consultant, and speaker. Founder and owner of the urban apparel FUBU (For Us By Us) lifestyle fashion brand, Daymond has a truly American entrepreneurial story that spans from a street-smart sewing startup in his native Queens, NY to a global distribution chain and mainstream national retail sales of $350 million annually. Daymond has also authored two books on marketing, branding, and his rise in business: Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding, and Lifestyle, and The Brand Within: How We Brand Ourselves, From Birth To The Board-room. In 2009, he joined the cast of the ABC’s entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, where he listens to and person-ally invests in business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs. Most recently, Daymond created Shark Branding as a success-ful consulting firm to work with companies on innovative strate-gies to connect with their consumers more effectively. Don’t miss your chance to hear Daymond at the Annual Meeting!


Upcoming Chamber Events To Register Unless otherwise noted, register for events at www.grandrapids.org/events. Or, call the RSVP hot line at 616.771.0303 (please have your credit card information handy when you call). Questions about events? Call 616.771.0300. Special needs: Vegetarian meals are available. Please let us know your dietary requirements when registering. Reasonable arrangements for people with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

November

6 | New Member ConnectionsFor those in first year of membership to learn more about the Chamber and connect with other new members.Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location | The Bluff Conference Center, 2035 28th St. SE Cost | Free for new members (includes light breakfast)Sponsored by:

7-8 | Facing RacismIntensive two-day Institute for Healing Racism Program that works to eliminate individual and institutional racism.Time | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location | Steelcase Learning Center, 901 44th St. SE

October

10 | 7th Annual Family Business ForumLearn about “Putting Values to Work in Your Business & Your Family” with this keynote from Craig Aronoff, PhD from the Family Business Consulting Group.Time | 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline NECost | Free for members of the Family Business Alliance Table Sponsor | $750 (includes table of 6 in VIP Section)Registration | Contact Ellie Frey at [email protected] or 616.331.6827.Sponsored by: BDO

10 | Business Exchange LuncheonTime | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Thousand Oaks, 4500 West River Dr. NECost | $20/member early registration, $25/member after 5:00 p.m. October 4, $25/future member (may only attend once)Sponsored by:

15 | Business Matters—The Breakfast SeriesTime | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Location | St. George Conference Center, 334 LaGrave Ave. SECost | $18/member-early registration, $25/future mem-ber or late registration after 5 p.m. October 11 (includes hot breakfast)Sponsored by:

17 | Cultural Experience TourDiscover the many tastes, sights, and sounds of our culturally diverse and ethnically rich community!Time | Noon - 5:00 p.m.Location | Tour meets at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber Office, 111 Pearl St. NW; ends at Cygnus 27, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe NWCost | $75/Person2013 Diversity & Inclusion Underwriter:Sponsored by:

22-23 | Facing RacismIntensive two-day Institute for Healing Racism Programthat works to eliminate individual and institutional racism.Time | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location | Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oakes St. SWCost | Members: $200/person from non-profit organizations,$300/person from for-profit. $50 extra for future members.Register | Email [email protected] to registerSponsored by:

22 | CEO & Management Roundtable RallyOpen to all. Don’t miss the “Five Game Changing Moves” that every business leader needs in their playbook.Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Prince Conference Center, 3201 Burton SECost | $25 (lunch provided)Sponsored by:

24 | Minority Business ShowcaseTime | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Location | Rockford Construction, 601 First Street NWAttendee Cost | Free for public to attend; registration required.Exhibitor Cost | Exhibit booth fees are $50 for Chamber mem-bers, Minority Contractors Association members and LINC clients; $75 for non-members/unaffiliated businesses.Sponsor: West Michigan Minority Contractors Association, LINC2013 Diversity & Inclusion Underwriter:

28 | Breakfast with LegislatorsTime | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Location | Western Michigan University - Downtown, 200 Ionia Ave. SWCost | $15/member-early registration, $20/future members or late registration after 5 p.m. October 24

9The Chamber Newswww.grandrapids.org

POLITICS& PINTS

October 2013

Cost | Members: $200/person from non-profit organizations, $300/person from for-profit. $50 extra for future members.Register | Email [email protected] to register.Sponsored by:

14 | Business Exchange LuncheonTime | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | StoneWater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave.Cost |$20/member early registration, $25/member after 5 p.m. November 8, $25/future member (may only attend once)Sponsored by:

19 | Business Matters—The Breakfast SeriesTime | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Location | St. George Conference Center, 334 LaGrave Ave. SE Cost | $18/member-early registration, $25/future member or late registration after 5 p.m. September 13 (includes hot breakfast)Sponsored by:

21 | Politics & PintsCocktails and conversation. Find out what’s hot in business, community, and politics.Time | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Location | TBDCost | $20Sponsored by:

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NEWS FlashesNewsflashes is a feature of the Chamber News that recognizes Chamber members’ new products or services, new or promoted employees and recogni-tion that they have received. E-mail press releases to [email protected]. Deadline: first Friday of each month.

Adtegrity has extended offers to four new Account Executives all of whom have accepted and will begin the beginning of October.

Aquinas College welcomes Dr. Amy Dunham Strand, Director of the Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center; Dr. Kathy Kremer, Dean of Curriculum; Dr. Leonard Kogut, CFO. The Aquinas College Alumni Relations Department won a 2013 CASE Circle of Excellence Silver Award in the “Programming for Special Constituencies” category for AQ Date Night 2013. Victory Media has named Aquinas College to the coveted Military Friendly Schools list.

ASTI Environmental Western Great Lakes office welcomes Gains Spohn and Lucas Wright.

Baker College announced that is has been named a 2014 Military Friendly School by G.I Jobs magazine for the the fourth consecutive year.

Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commomwealth kicked off their celebration of 75 years for service to West Michigan youth with their “Be Great Gala” at the Thousand Oaks Golf Club in September.

Catholic Charities West Michigan has been reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Clark Hill Attorney Joe Voss has been selected as one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 2013 40 Under Forty Business Leaders.

Columbian Logistics Network has been selected to the Food Logistics Top 100 3 Party Logistics (3PL) & Cold Storage Providers list for the fifth consecutive year. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awarded the prestigious Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition

Program (SHARP) award to Columbian for an exemplary safety and health management system.

CSM Group congratulates Ryan Long, Brandon Duprey, Jim Feltch and Josh Rohs on their individual promotions and welcomes Project Directors Mike Dempsey and Ted Lowis to the team. CSM Group is proud to announce that Paw Paw District Library has earned Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S Green Building Council.

Davenport University’s Brian Miller has been appointed by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Director of the U.S Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2013 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

David & Wierenga P.C celebrates Jeshua Lauka on being selected to the 2013 Michigan Rising Stars list.

Dickinson Wright PLLC announces that eight of the firm’s attorneys in Grand Rapids have been named 2013 Michigan Super Lawyers and two have been named 2013 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars; Leslee M. Lewis has been selected as a 2013 Women in the Law honoree by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association prepare for their 6th Annual WAVE Awards, which recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry.

Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank’s Million Meal March 10K Trail Hike convened during September. Many notable sponsors and underwriters joined in the effort to help defeat hunger in Western Michigan.

Ferris State University’s 15th annual

Foundation for Excellence Benefit slated for November will be held at DeVos Place. They are pleased to welcome Emmy Award-winning news correspondent John Quiñones, who will deliver the keynote address. Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design hosted ArtPrize 2013 as one of 169 venues and showcased “Designed to Win” as their exhibit theme, featuring nine artists who focus on “how we interact and engage with our environments and each other.”

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated 1,000 lithium-battery smoke detectors and more than $18,500 worth of fire safety education materials to the Grand Rapids Fire Department. In addition to the Foundation’s grant, Firehouse Subs of Grand Rapids donated 12 cordless screwdrivers to be outfitted on the department’s engines.

Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC congratulates 31 attorneys that were included in Michigan Super Lawyers for 2013. The Grand Rapids office has three attorneys ranked as 2013 Michigan Super Lawyers, John W. Inhulsen, Scott H. Hogan, Frederick D. Dilley and one attorney named a 2013 Michigan Rising Star, Laura J. Genovich. The Grand Rapids office also welcomed Attorney Barbra Homier to its team.

Congratulations to Founders Bank & Trust’s own Laurie Finney Beard on being honored by The Cascade Community Foundation with the 2013 Claude and Marion Robinson Community Leadership Award. Toni Sherman has joined the team as the Client Services Officer; Mark Crane has been appointed to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology welcomes Dr. Abigail Veldkamp to the practice.

Grand Valley Health Plan (GVHP) is the #1 private health plan in Michigan and the #24 private health plan in the US according the annual rankings of the National Committee for Quality Assurance. GVHP received the highest possible rating of 5 out of 5 for prevention and treatment and a 4 out of

11The Chamber Newswww.grandrapids.orgwww.grandrapids.org October 2013

5 for customer experience. GVHP is also proud to announce winning 2 Pinnacle honors at the 13th Annual Pinnacle Awards presented by the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) on September 18.

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Young Professionals raised awareness for the organization and the positive influence of stable housing with their display of “Open House” in Cathedral Square during ArtPrize.

Hairacy Downtown is excited to announce the addition of two new stylist/nail techs to their team. Welcome Alyssa Schaberg and Susan Vaughn. Congratulations to Cathy Swanson, stylist/nail tech and Social Media Manager on celebrating her three year anniversary with the salon.

Hospice of Michigan hosted its semi-annual Celebration of Life and Love dinner during September. This year’s honorees included Sue Thomas, Dave Jaconette, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Joseph P. Crawford, as well as a tribute to the founding members of the Hospice of Michigan Foundation.

Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC welcomes new CPAs Neha Mittal, Jenn Rogell and Robert Roper to the team.

John Missad, Retirement Plant Consultant with IBS Financial Group, has earned the Certified Financial Education Instructor Certification from the National Financial Educators Council.

Congratulations to Bridget Clark Whitney, Executive Director for Kids’ Food Basket, on being named the 2013 ATHENA Yound Professional recipient.

Lambert, Edwards & Associates (LE&A) received the top honor of 2013 Financial Agency of the Year in the Bulldog Stars of PR Awards for their series of highly successful investor relations and financial communications campaigns.

Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) launched its third annual One Pencil Project to benefit West Michigan teachers and students. Senior Graphic Designer Christina Dawson was awarded an

American Inhouse Design award from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA).

LINC Community Revitalization Inc. announced the completion of construction on the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative at the Roosevelt daycare and preschool center, adding 6,000 square feet of space to provide high-quality early care.

Macatawa Bank’s own Tom Bissett was awarded the West Michigan Mender of the Year Award by the Economic Development Foundation (EDF).

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital welcomes Ben Risinger as New Media and Community Relations Specialist.

Metro Health Hospital’s own Dr. Eric Walchak has been designated as a specialist in Clinical Hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension (ASH). Metro Health Hospital received top grade for surgery safety from Consumers Reports and is the only hospital in West Michigan and one of only seven in the state to receive the highest mark. Dr. Larry Diaz-Sandoval has been named a fellow of the Society of Vascular Medicine (SVM).

Michigan Radio was recognized by the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) with two Salute to Excellence Awards in the Documentary and Feature categories.

Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC welcomes Philip M. Idema and David N. Keyser, and the firm announces Scott E. Dwyer was elected to the Board of Directors for Autism Support of Kent County (“ASK”). Mark E. Nettleton was named this year’s recipient of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorney’s Distinguished Attorney Award.

Miller Johnson celebrates the certification of Michael B. Quinn and Connie R. Thacker as family law arbitrators by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Lauretta K. Murphy was named by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2013 Michigan Women in the Law. Fifty lawyers from the practice were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in 46 practice areas in The Best Lawyers in America 2014. In addition, Best

Lawyers named the following nine Miller Johnson attorneys as Lawyer of the Year: Jeffrey S. Ammon, David M. Buday, Gary A. Chamberlin, Carol J. Karr, Peter J. Kok, Craig H. Lubben, Jon R. Muth, Nathan D. Plantinga and D. Andrew Portinga.

Congratulations to G. Joseph (Joe) Pasman, Jr. of The New York Life’s Michigan General Office in Grand Rapids on being elected a member of the 2013 Chairman’s Council of New York Life Insurance Company.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) announces the completion of several improvement projects within the 99 Monore office building located downtown Grand Rapids.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will be opening its second thrift store, The Pine Rest Thrift Store, in the month of October. It will be located in the former Michaels location in the area of 28th Street SE and Breton Avenue.

Plante Moran proudly hosted a larger-than-life portrait as a third-year returning ArtPrize venue. Two new associates and two new managers have been named to the Grand Rapids office: Ryan W. Bryker has been promoted to associate, Anthony J. Israels was promoted to state and local tax manager, Tim VanWingerden promoted to associate, Paul Weis, promoted to manager, and Amy Butterfield has been named an associate.

Revel continues to expand with the addition of Drew Curi to its team. Congratulations to Don Kalisz on making the Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under Forty list.

Rhoades McKee announces Harold E. Nelson will serve as Chair of the Financial Dispute Resolution Practice Group, and Mark R. Smith will serve as Chair of the Construction Practice Group; Pamela S. Kisner, RN has joined the firm as a Paralegal and will assist in the area of Insurance Defense Team. Mark E. Fatum, Bruce W. Neckers and Arthur C. Spalding have all been named Best Lawyers’ 2014 Lawyers of the Year.

continued on page 12


NEW MembersPlease join us in welcoming the following companies to the Chamber. We encourage you to do business with Chamber members!

Architectural Elements Inc Building Supplies (616) 241-6001 Kurt Bouma-President

BioLife Plasma Services Medical (Service, Supplies, Equip-ment) www.biolifeplasma.com Sara Zonyk-Center Manager

Cable Jacketz Medical (Service, Supplies, Equip-ment) (616) 901-3434 www.cablejacketz.com Capital Bankcard West Michigan Credit & Debit Cards/Credit Counsel-ing (616) 901-0431 www.capitalbankcardwestmi.com Jill Smith-Managing Director

Conductive Learning Center Organizations & Non-Profits (616) 575-0575 conductivelearningcenter.org/ Terry Stelter-Executive Director

Deborah A Phillips & Associates, LLC Consultants (616) 485-1950 www.DeborahAPhilips.com Deborah Phillips-President

Eastbrook Auto Wash Automotive (616) 647-1200 www.eastbrookautowash.com Paul Coffman-Owner

Ethylene, LLC Manufacturing (616) 554-0900 www.ethylene.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

Grand Rapids Interiors Floor Coverings & Services (616) 890-7121 www.grandrapidsinteriors.net Thomas Grzeszak-Owner

Hidalgo & DeVries, Inc. Research & Development (616) 493-5000 www.hidalgodevries.com Carlos Hidalgo-President

Hills-McCanna, LLC Manufacturing (616) 554-3900 www.hills-mccanna.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

Midwest Pallet Pallets & Skids (616) 395-9763 http://www.midwestpallet.com/ Mike Dale-Owner

Nil-Cor, LLC Manufacturing (616) 554-3100 www.nilcor.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

PolyValve, LLC Manufacturing (616) 656-2260 www.polyvalveusa.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

PureFlex, Inc. Manufacturing (616) 554-1100 www.pureflex.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

RamParts, LLC Manufacturing (616) 656-2250 www.ramppartspumps.com Scott Palmitier-CFO

RE/Max of Grand Rapids Realtors (616) 957-0700 www.remax-grandrapidsmi.com Pat Pols-Broker

Schilling Consulting Services, Inc. Consultants (616) 363-6240 www.schilling-consulting.com Jeffrey Schilling-Principal Consultant

ServPro of Northesast Grand Rapids Fire/Water (Safety, Protection) (616) 647-4300 www.servpro.com Dan Maly-Sales & Marketing

St. George Banquet and Conference Center Banquet/Meeting Facilities (616) 235-2550 stgeorgebanquetcenter.com Bob Johnson-Owner

Supermercado Mexico, Inc. Grocers (616) 272-4384 www.supermercadomexico.com Kerry Olvera-Vice President

The Engaged Human Resources Group Human Resources (616) 337-6552 www.theengagedhrgroup.com Thomas Stambaugh-Co-founder

Thought Design Health/Wellness (616) 951-1336 http://www.thought-design.com/ Denise VanEck-Owner

Triangle Associates, Inc. Contractors (616) 453-3950 www.triangle-inc.com Nancy Stellini-Human Resources Man-ager

Valley City Electronic Recycling Waste Management/Recycling (616) 558-6573 www.valleycityer.com Jason Kehr-Sales

Saint Mary’s Foundation has elected Craig Datema and Jurgen Luders, MD as Trustees for a three-year term. The Foundation also elected the following officers: Judson Lynch, Deb Bailey, Rachel Marz, Latricia Trice, Karen Custer and Carl Jandernoa.

Veteran TV newsman Tim Dye has been hired as a vice president of Truscott Rossman and will be based in the Grand Rapids office.

Varnum Attorney Richard L. Halpert has been selected to receive the 2013 Alan and Delwyn Breslau Award from Phoenix Society of Burn Survivors. Attorney April Sawhill has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of the 2013 Women in the Law.

Charles N. Ash, Jr., a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, has been selected for Leadership Grand Rapids. Attorney Julie Lam has been selected for the Inforum Executive Leadership Program.

Newsflashes, from page 11


Member Seminars, Events & Celebrations

13The Chamber Newswww.grandrapids.org

NovemberSeminars

12 & 13 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ - Advanced – Learn how to communicate with impact through oral presentation skills and body language to cre-ate focused, concise, and activating messages that influence others and project style and pres-ence of today’s leaders. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

19 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ - Communicate with confidence! In this program, you will learn how to think on your feet, project more confi-dence, manage your nerves, and craft messages that are clear, concise and focused. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

Seminars

8 | Meet the Franchisors – West Michigan Fran-chise Forum – More than fast food and retail! Join FranNet and SCORE to hear from successful franchisors in a variety of industries. Learn about franchise mod-els, investments and ideal owner profiles as these fran-chisors seek expansion in West Michigan. Northwood University – GR Campus from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Regis-tration required – 616.891.1374 or www.michiganfran-chiseforum.com.

9 & 10 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ Advanced - Learn how to communicate with impact through oral presentation skills and body language to create focused, concise, and activating messages that influ-ence others and project style and presence of today’s leaders. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

October 2013

OctoberMember Ribbon Cutting Celebrations4 | Flirt Fitness - 5366 Plainfield Ave NE, Suite J, 616.723.7350

17 | Kaat’s Culligan - 3470 Three Mile Rd NW, 616.791.7150

All Aboard! Your Grand Tour of Grand Rapids Awaits, Oct. 17Become a Grand Rapids insider with the fast facts, historical context and behind-the-scenes insights into our ethnically rich community! The Cultur-al Experience Tour on October 17 takes you on a grand tour adventure like no other. Explore firsthand the sights, sounds, and flavors of Grand Rapids’ cultural hot spots. Discover the hidden gems that are cornerstones of our diverse commu-nity and cater to the ethnic needs of residents from around the world. We’ll visit places like Supermercado Mexico, an international supermarket that of-fers authentic flavors based in Mexican culture. The grocery store and restau-rant sell products that give transplant-ed residents that “home away from home” feel and provides residents of West Michigan access for exploring Mexican culture. Plus, we’ll share an engaging review and personalized tour of the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s exhibit celebrating the people of Grand Rapids—and how each new group has formed or impacted our city and community devel-opment. Whether you want to develop a sense of place and form connections in the community or wish to gain insights into the area’s cultural variety, the Cultural Experience tour is for you. We designed it for newcomers and long-time com-munity members alike. Hop aboard; the Cultural Experience Tour is your ticket to appreciating Grand Rapids in a whole new way.

Date | Thursday, October 17, 2013Time | Noon – 5:00 p.m.Location | Tour meets at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber Office, 111 Pearl St. NW; ends at Cygnus 27, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe NWCost | $75/personRegistration | Contact Ciciley Moore at [email protected] or 616.771.0321 to register.

Sponsored by: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

2013 Diversity & Inclusion Underwriter:


RENEWING Members

5+ Years of Membership

Lacks Enterprises, Inc.40+ Years of Membership

Grand Rapids Community CollegeFirst Telecommunications, LLCGrand Rapids Art Museum



Basic Communications - CorporateDarling’s Counseling ServiceGilmore, Inc.Unto, Inc.Arthur Murray Dance StudioHUB International - MidwestMcFadden’s Restaurant & SaloonState Spring ServiceWest Michigan Obstetricians & Gynecologists PCBatteries PlusDouglas J Aveda InstituteGazelle SportsKramer Entertainment, Inc.Philips Machining Company, Inc.THI IncorporatedWest Michigan CatererWorksightedAlger Pediatrics, PCCAREONE Home Health Services, Inc.Centric LaboratoriesCoit Avenue Gravel CompanyFettigPrince Conference CenterRivershores Building Products, Inc.Wealthy Street BakeryBesco Water Treatment Inc.BioLife Plasma ServicesCommercial Gaskets of West MichiganDelaware ManorHopCatHospice of Michigan - Greater Grand Rapids

Jarvis Handling Equipment Co.Knape Industries, Inc.New York Life Insurance Co.The Stone ZoneDavid Morton C.R.N.A.Cole’s Quality Foods, Inc.Compass College of Cinematic ArtsHampton Inn NorthGYMCO, Inc.Creative Technologies AcademyMajor Pipeline, LLCRibbens Resource Group L.L.C.SpringHill Suites Grand Rapids NorthDykema ExcavatorsHS Die & Engineering Inc.


Boer’s Transfer & Storage, Inc.Melton - McFadden Insurance AgencyTabletting Inc.The Building Performance Team

One Year of MembershipAMRA EnergyBaker College, Center for Transportation TechnologyConstructive Sheet Metal Inc.Creative Studio PromotionsETNA Supply CompanyGreat ClipsGreat Lakes Cleaning, Inc.Harbor House MinistriesKal-BlueSteadfast Engineered ProductsThe Salvation Army Kroc CenterThe Apartment LoungeWood Wealth Management IncZeeland Lumber Holdings, LLC

Thank you to the following companies that renewed their memberships last month. We are glad to have you and your employees with us.

20+ Years of MembershipFirst Companies, Inc.Cynthia Kay & CO. media productionDiscovery Rent to OwnFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkNorthern Jet Management, Inc., The Company Jet

Low Rates • 10% Down • 20 Year Fixed Interest

www.lakeshore504.org

Julie Parker • Program Director 272 E 8th Street • Holland MI 49423 616.392.9633 (p) • 616.392.7379 (f)

[email protected]

The SBA 504 loan program provides financing and re-financing

of captial projects for small and medium-size businesses.

Vranian Business Development, LLCa.j. Veneklasen, Inc.A.K. Rikk’sAldiAmerican AutocoatBuono Mangiare Gourmet CateringGrand Rapids Marathon, LLCJunior League of Grand Rapids, IncNow DeliveryPage Woodworking, Inc.Ric’s Food CenterSchnelker, Rassi & McConnell, PLCTAB West MichiganTheresa J. Anderson-Varney, PhDUtility TelecomAll-Star Equipment, LLcChristian Brothers AutomotiveGenius Phone RepairJ & H OilOptimal Solutions, Inc.Shaklee DistributorTalent 2025University Moving/C&C Relocation, Inc.


Join us for our annual Winter Advocacy event entitled Standing Up for American Enterprise: Elevating Job Creators, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators in the 21st Cen-tury. This year’s discussion will cover globalization, national competitiveness, and Washington’s effect on our region. We’re pleased to feature Steve Van Andel as our keynote speaker. Mr. Van An-del serves as the Chairman of the Board for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Amway. Since 1995, Van Andel has been responsible for managing the daily operations of Amway—a job he shares with President Doug DeVos. Before becoming Chairman, Van Andel was Amway’s Vice President–Americas, overseeing the company’s business operations in North and South America. He also was Vice President of Marketing. In addition to his role with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Van Andel continues to work on behalf of free trade as Vice Chairman of the U.S.-Korea Business Council. He is also dedicated to the renewal of downtown Grand Rapids, lending his time and support to the Grand Action Committee, the Van Andel Museum Center, and the Van Andel Institute. He also serves on the dean’s advisory board for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University and sits on the boards of Busi-ness Leaders for Michigan, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, the Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo Society, the Metropolitan Health Corp., and the Metropolitan Hospital Foundation in Grand Rapids.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights on the international and national business scene with one of Grand Rapids’ high-profile business leaders shaping today’s business environment. Launch December with the connections and context you need to stay one step ahead and grow your business.

U.S. Chamber Chairman Steve Van Andel Slated for December Event

CONNECT 4000 READERS TO YOUR MESSAGEADVERTISE WITH THE CHAMBER

Options for every budget. Discounts available based on membership level.

Visit www.grandrapids.org/advertising-op-portunities or call 616.771.0332 for info.

When Woodbridge N. Ferris founded Ferris State

University in 1884, his idea was to mesh theory with

practice to develop a workforce who knew what to

do and how to do it. 129 years later, Ferris is still

doing exactly the same thing: preparing in-demand

professionals to make an immediate impact on

Michigan’s economy — and their own.

Date | Wednesday, December 4, 2013Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NWCost | $50 Chamber Member, $75 Future MemberRegistration | Visit www.grandrapids.org or call 616.771.0303.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this and other Chamber events. Contact Diane Cisler at [email protected] or 616.771.0357.

111 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PERIODICAL POSTAGE

PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Are you looking for a competitive edge moving into 2014? We’ve got the “Five Game Changing Moves” every business leader needs to have in their leadership playbook. Join us on Tuesday, October 22 for an exciting CEO & Management Round-table Rally focused on getting you primed and ready to score successful goals in growing your business. Our speaker lineup features WOOD TV8’s Diane Kniowski, Mary Command from Williams Group, and Lance Werner with the Kent District Library. Hear them share their West Michigan success stories and reveal how to create big plays, manage your team, keep pace with the speed of the game, and much more. This event is open to all—not just participants of our highly popular CEO & Management Roundtable program. If you’re not already on a table, you’ll have the chance to find out why business leaders have been raving about the program for over 26 years. As Jayson Case, Partner with Craft-Revival Jewelers, noted: “Joining the roundtable has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring decisions I have ever made. Since joining in 2010, the roundtable has been a great advisory board on the tough issues we have faced in our continued growth.” Get pumped and find your “Five Game Changing Moves” at the rally! Date | Tuesday, October 22, 2013Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Prince Conference Center, 3201 Burton SECost | $25 (lunch provided)Registration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/ceo-roundtable-program or call the RSVP hotline, 616.771.0303.

Questions? Contact Wes Trimpe at [email protected] or616.771.0342.

Build Your Playbook with “Five Game Changing Moves”Don’t miss the CEO & Management Roundtable Rally, Oct. 22!

october 2013 grand rapids chamber newsletter

Documents

minority business showcase

minority business development

minority entrepreneurs

business matters speaker

network of business

small business owners

growing minority population

west michigan entrepreneurs