Features
West Michigan Business Day at the Capitol
Join us for West Michigan Business Day at the Capitol as we showcase the strength and vibrancy of our business community to legislators in Lansing.
The trip includes:
• A chartered bus to the Capitol, with Lt. Governor Calley riding on board
• Senate Session & House Committee meetings
• Meeting with West Michigan elected officials
• West Michigan Business Expo luncheon (Expo tables available for $100)
Date | Tuesday, March 8
Time | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location | State Capitol, Lansing
Cost | Free for Chamber Members!
Register | www.grandrapids.org/capitolday
Click here to view the agenda!
Sponsors
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2011 EPIC Awards – Nominations are OPEN!
In 2010, the Chamber combined the Small Business Celebration, Minority Business Celebration and the Salute to West Michigan Business into one new, epic event: The EPIC Awards!
Nominations are now open in all award categories:
Excellence in Business
Small Business of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Women-Owned Business of the Year
Non-Profit of the Year
Click for criteria and to make a nomination! Nominations will be accepted through February 18.
The EPIC Awards (which stands for Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative), will be held Tuesday, May 18, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Questions about the event or the nomination process can be directed to Bridget Meyers at meyersb@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0342.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Leslee Fritz at fritzl@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0357 to see how your company can get involved.
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Travel with the Chamber!
After two 2009 trips to China and the 2010 trip to Tuscany, we are once again offering two amazing travel opportunities: a Spring tour to Greece and the Greek Isles, and a Fall trip to Thailand and Hong Kong.
Greece and the Greek Isles - May 10 - 17
On this eight-day air, land, and cruise vacation, you’ll journey to Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete and Santorini. Visit the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, the Parthenon and walk the Temple of Zeus.
This trip includes air travel from New York’s JFK airport, transfers, taxes, all ground transportation, window cabins for the cruise portion and 13 meals for $2,730 per person (based on double occupancy) for Chamber members, and $2,830 for future members. There is a maximum group size of 36 for this tour.
Thailand and Hong Kong - November 3 - 11
If a cruise around the Greek Isles doesn’t float your boat, consider joining us for a trip to exotic Thailand and Hong Kong. You and fellow travelers will visit Bangkok’s Golden Palace, travel by longtailed boat to the canals of Thonburi, take an elephant ride on the beach at Coral Island, visit the capital of Siam Ayuthaya, a ruined city built in 1350 A.D.
The Hong Kong segment of the trip is filled with visits to Victoria Harbor, Ngong Ping and Stanley, a former fishing village. This nine-day trip includes air travel from LAX, all ground transportation, numerous meals, and a personal tour host to guide us through this exotic destination. The cost for members is $2,495 per person for Chamber members and $2,595 for future members (based on double occupancy).
Visit www.grandrapids.org/travel for more information or contact Laurie Forte at fortel@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0339.
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Upcoming Events & Programs
Wake up Wednesday: What's Next for Grand Rapids?
The Center for Community Leadership (CCL) presents a panel discussion focused on the next steps for Grand Rapids as we position ourselves as a destination for arts, culture, entertainment and business. Panelists will include Suzanne Schulz (LGR 2004), Planning Director for the City of Grand Rapids, and Mike VanGessel, President of Rockford Construction.
Date | Wednesday, February 9
Time | 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Location | Grid 70, 70 Ionia Ave. SE
Cost | FREE for CCL Trustee Members; $10 CCL Connector Members; $15 Non-Members
Click here to register.
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Business After Hours at new MSU College of Human Medicine Feb. 17
Join the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine's headquarters at the new, $90 million Secchia Center. Tour this state-of-the-art medical education building while enjoying spectacular views of the city and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Date | Thursday, February 17
Time | 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Location | MSU College of Human Medicine, 15 Michigan NE
Cost | FREE, Members Only
Click here to register.
Co-sponsors
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CEO Roundtable Spring Enrollment Deadline is March 4
The CEO Roundtable Program has grown into one of the most successful programs of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. See if it is a program for you!
Two different tracks are available: The first is the CEO Roundtable program for those who are the President, Partner, Owner or CEO of the company – Original Roundtable, Family Owned Business, Non-profit, Manufacturing. The second is the Management Roundtable Program: Sales, Marketing, Finance/Accounting and Leadership Development tables for those who are the Vice President of that division of a company.
Visit www.grandrapids.org/ceo-roundtable-program to download a brochure with registration information and return to the Chamber by Friday, March 4. The spring session will begin with a mandatory orientation in late March and your first meeting with your roundtable will be in April. The CEO Roundtable Program requires a one-year commitment and costs just $60.
Contact Bridget Meyers at 616.771.0342 for more information.
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Public Policy Breakfasts - Buy 5, get one free!
2011 is sure to be a year of difficult decisions as the new legislature works to reinvent Michigan, the Chamber is engaging you in the conversation by bringing you face-to-face with your elected leaders for six Public Policy Breakfasts
The Chamber is offering a “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” special – you can register for all six Breakfasts now for $75! (The usual cost per event is $15.) Breakfasts are from 7:30 – 9 a.m. on the dates below. Please contact Chris Glass at 616.771.0311 to register or for more information.
Register now to make sure you have a say in how major decision makers can improve the economic climate in Michigan!
February 28 - The Rapid
March 28 - Davenport University
April 18 - Amway
May 23 - MSU College of Human Medicine
September 26 - Hope Network
October 24 - Dykema
Visit www.grandrapids.org/public-policy-breakfasts-with-legislators for more information.
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Want to teach a class for Chamber Summer School? Submit a proposal!
Are you an expert in your field? Would you like the opportunity to share your expertise with fellow Chamber members? If so, the Chamber would like to hear from you Visit www.grandrapids.org/summer-school to download the Request for Proposals form or contact Bridget Meyers at 616.771.0342 for more information. Deadline for proposals is March 18.
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ATHENA Scholarship applications available
2011 Marks the 11th Year of the ATHENA Scholarship program in Grand Rapids! More than $35,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving women in that time.
The ATHENA Scholarship program supports women over 30 who are working toward their college degree. These scholarships are unique in that they can be used for whatever helps a women achieve her academic goals, whether that’s tuition and books or childcare and transportation expenses. If you know an area woman who may benefit from this scholarship, encourage her to visit her college or university’s financial aid office or visit www.grandrapids.org/athena-award-program for an application. Deadline to apply is May 6, 2011.
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Wake up Wednesday: Leadership Skills Development
The Center for Community Leadership’s (CCL) March event features Max Gibbard from Davenport University’s Leadership & Management Development Institute leading a skills-based leadership development session.
Date | Wednesday, March 9
Time | 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Location | The Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW
Cost | FREE for CCL Trustee Members; $10 CCL Connector Members; $15 Non-Members
Click here to register.
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Save the Date! April 20, 2011
On April 20, 2011, the Center for Community Leadership (CCL) will hold its Annual Fundraiser at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. CCL program alumni and other community leaders are invited to gather for a fun evening including a silent auction, raffle ticket drawing and award presentation! More details available at: http://cclgr.org/events/annualfundraiser/.
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