Features
Business After Hours and IT Expo is April 21
Why Should You Attend? For the Networking and Business opportunities! Attendees will not only have the opportunity to network , but the IT expo allows everyone to learn about the latest and greatest information technology offerings, too. Click here to attend!
IT companies: It’s your last chance to exhibit. Cost to exhibit is only $35 and space is limited. Click here become an exhibitor -- deadline to reserve your exhibit space is Friday, April 8.
Time | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location | Crossroads Banquet & Conference Center, 6569 Clay Ave. SW
Cost | Free to attend, $35 to exhibit. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided
Date | Thursday, April 21
Special thanks to Crossroads Banquet & Conference Center for being an in-kind sponsor of this event!
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Post Your Open Positions On Our Website!
Is your business hiring? Use your Chamber membership to post your open positions and recruit qualified employees. Posting a job on the Chamber website is a FREE benefit of your membership. Simply log in into your member profile on www.grandrapids.org and click on “My Jobs.”
To view a listing of the current member job postings, visit www.grandrapids.org/member-job-postings.
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Government Resource Guide for Business now available
Believe it or not, numerous government-related resources are available to help you grow your business. Navigating through them, however, can be frustrating and time consuming – and we know your time is better spent managing your business.
For this reason, the Chamber has compiled and published a Government Resource Guide for Business, a quick reference for local, state and federal resources. Whether you’re looking for information on local permitting, or trying to find the best place for business counseling, this guide can point you in the right direction.
You can access this guide, and several additional pages with useful links, at www.grandrapids.org/government-resources. Hardcopy booklets are also available at the Chamber office.
If you can't find exactly what you are looking for or have questions, we'd like to help. Please call us at 616.771.0300.
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Upcoming Events
Business Exchange Luncheon
Networking is the name of the game at the Chamber’s monthly Business Exchange Luncheons. Where else can you network with over 100 people in one room? Business Exchange provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to showcase their business, promote products, and let others know how you can meet their business needs.
Date | Thursday, April 14
Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location | Prince Conference Center, 1800 East Beltline Ave. SE
Cost | $18/member early registration, $23/member after 5:00 p.m. April 8, 2011 & $23/future member (can only attend once)
Click here to register, or call the RSVP hotline at 616.771.0303 with your credit card information handy.
Thank you to our April Series Event Sponsor: [Blue Cross Blue Shield Logo]
Thank you to our April Event Sponsor: Sprint
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Register to be an ArtPrize venue by April 14!
Downtown businesses – you only have a few days left to become an ArtPrize venue! Becoming a venue is a great way to get involved in this community event and get people to experience your business in a new way. Details are found at www.artprize.org/venues.
This year, the Chamber is proud to be the Venue Hospitality Partner for the Fall 2011 event. We look forward to being a resource for the many organizations involved, helping venues make their ArtPrize experience the best it can be!
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You’re invited to a West Michigan Chamber After Hours Social
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MAP “Let's Dine” at Reserve -- don't miss out!
Allie Merrick, Wine Relations Director at Reserve and Executive Chef, has collaborated to present something special for MAP members -- a pre-fixe menu with delightful wine pairings for $29.97. Space is limited to 16 seats and will go fast! If you have not made it to Reserve, this is the perfect way to introduce yourself to a great new dining spot in the heart of downtown.
Date | Tuesday, April 12
Time | 6 – 8 pm
Location | Reserve: A Wine Experience, 201 Monroe Ave. NW
Cost | Attendees are responsible for the cost of their own meals and cocktails. This is a MAP member-only event; members may bring one non-member guest.
Register | Call 616.771.0320 or email withersf@grandrapids.org by April 8.
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Travel with the Chamber to Thailand & Hong Kong!
Join us for an informational session about our upcoming trip to exotic Thailand and Hong Kong that includes transportation, meals, and a personal tour guide!
Date | Tuesday, April 19
Time | 5:30 p.m.
Location | Chamber Office, 111 Pearl St. NW
Visit www.grandrapids.org/travel or call 616.771.0300 for more information.
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Space still available to attend the Spring 2011 Institute for Healing Racism
This spring we are piloting an eight-week version of our Institute for Healing Racism Program. This program will include dialogue, video, literature, and group exercises. Participants examine the history and pathology of racism, unaware and institutionalized racism, privilege, ally building, and ways to combat racism.
Dates | Thursday, April 21, 28; May 15, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9
Time | 7:30 - 10 a.m.
Location | Hope Network Training Center, 775 36th Street
Register | Click here to download the registration form
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“Connection” lunch for new employees of color scheduled for May 10
The “New Employee Connection” lunch is ideal for employees of color that have recently relocated to the Grand Rapids area. While enjoying a casual lunch, a minimum of five professionals of color will share what they think is great about Grand Rapids and where to locate personal services, food and entertainment that caters to specific racial and ethnic communities. Luncheons are offered quarterly and can be arranged upon request.
Date I Tuesday, May 10
Time I Noon – 1 p.m..
Location I Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave. SW
Fee I $100 (includes a $50 MAP membership), complimentary for MAP Corporate members
Registration is required. To register, contact Farris Withers, 616.771.0320 or withersf@grandrapids.org.
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2012 Leadership Grand Rapids Applications Available
Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) is a nine-month community leadership program designed to empower participants with a comprehensive understanding of our community's challenges and opportunities, providing a broader knowledge of the community and their role as community trustees.
For more information or to access an application, visit CCL's website at www.cclgr.org. Applications for the 2012 Leadership Grand Rapids program are due on May 6th.
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