Features
2010 Health Care Summit features Critical Business Issues surrounding Federal Health Care Reform
How will the Federal health care reform passed earlier this year affect your business?
What should you be doing to prepare, both now and down the road? What impact will the November election have on the law?
Learn the facts and hear the options for your small business at this half-day event, which will feature panel discussion moderated by WOOD-TV’s Rick Albin and a lunch keynote from Janet Trautwein, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters and a nationally recognized expert in issues related to the uninsured, health insurance markets in the United States, and both national and global health reform.
Learn more and register to attend at www.grandrapids.org/hcsummit.
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Chamber Leads Networking Groups Build Your Business!
What is leads networking all about?
The secret to great business networking is establishing a strong network of mutually beneficial relationships. The Chamber’s leads Networking Groups are designed to develop a circle of trusted individuals from various industries, building a network within which members can share referrals and sales leads.
What’s in it for me?
Simply put, you will increase your professional contacts, referrals from new contacts, gain access to potential customers and ultimately generate additional sales. Each person exclusively represents their industry or line of business within their group.
Where do the Chamber Leads Networking Groups Meet?
The Chamber currently has four leads networking groups that meet twice a month for one hour. All meeting locations have convenient access and provide FREE parking for leads networking group members.
NE/Downtown – Northwood University
NW/Downtown – Brann’s Leonard Street
SE – Woodland Creek Apartments
SW – Buffalo Wild Wings – 44th Street
Want to join?
Our groups are growing quickly! Each applicant will have the opportunity to attend one meeting before committing to the program. Enrollment is ongoing and placements will be made as they are received. Waiting lists are maintained for each industry seat, so we will plug you is as space becomes available. For additional information and registration, please visit our website at www.grandrapids.org/leads-networking or contact Ashley Abbott at 616.771.0341, abbotta@grandrapids.org.
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Upcoming Events & Programs
Register today for November and December Business Exchange Luncheons
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 serve their business needs. Bring plenty of business cards and get ready to make lots of new connections.
Date | Thursday, November 11
Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location | Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr.
Cost | $18/members early registration, $23/members after 5 p.m. Nov. 5, $23/future members, can only attend once
AND
Date | Thursday, December 9
Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location | Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr.
Cost | $18/members early registration, $23/members after 5 p.m. Dec. 3, $23/future members, can only attend once
For more information or to register, visit www.grandrapids.org/business-exchange-luncheon_1.
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Two Chamber University classes this fall teach managing your message
Chamber University, underwritten by Huntington Bank, is the series of educational seminars and workshops on topics such as marketing, management/leadership skills, networking and diversity offered throughout the year. Classes are available to members at only $30 per person, per class for members and $45 per person for future members.
November 17, 2010: Managing Your Message
Join presenter Marvin Winkfield, who has held marketing positions with KFC,Taco Bell, Southland Corporation and run campaigns for Buick and Pontiac, as he talks about managing your message, building a savvy marketing strategy, and recognizing the nuances that distinguish one market from another...because one size does not fit all!
November 30, 2010: Managing Your Message Panel
Learn about what your peers are doing and benchmark against their best practices in this panel discussion.
See a full list of offerings or register to attend at http://www.grandrapids.org/chamber-university.
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Business After Hours is November 18
Join the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking at the newly renovated Baker Spindler Holtz, November 18, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. For three decades, Baker Spindler Holtz has provided specialized accounting, taxation and consulting services using the combined knowledge and experience of exceptional staff professionals.
Enjoy complimentary wine tasting and induldge in perfectly paired appetizers while building your network socializing with your Chamber peers.
Date | Thursday, November 18
Time | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location | Baker, Spindler, Holtz, CPAs & Advisors, 161 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 409A
Cost | FREE to members
Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-after-hours to register for more information.
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CCL's November Leadership Forum
Roofs to Roots: Reframing the Response to Homelessness
In 2009, 5,118 people in Grand Rapids entered the homelessness system. Of those, 38% were families and 62% were individuals. How can you play a part in implementing a vision that focuses on putting housing first and ending homelessness as we know it by 2014?
Join the Center for Community Leadership for a panel discussion with partners of the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness to learn how Grand Rapids is taking a systems thinking approach to reframe the response to homelessness in our community. Panelists will include Janay Brower (LGR 2009), Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, along with Betty Zylstra, Director of The Salvation Army Booth Family Services, and Laurie Craft, Program Director at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
Date: Monday, November 22
Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oakes Street SW
Cost: $10 Trustee Member / $20 Alumni Member / $30 General Public (Lunch is included in cost)
Register Online at http://cclgr.org/events/ or contact Lizzie Williams at 616.771.0334.
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Post-Election Politics & Pints - Monday, November 29
The Friends of West Michigan Business, Fifth Third Bank and Michigan Legislative Consultants invite you to join us for happy hour with our newly elected West Michigan officials.
The political ads have disappeared from the airwaves and elected officials from across the political spectrum will have to come together to move Michigan forward! Join nearly 100 Chamber members and 20 elected officials for this great networking event!
Date | Monday, November 29th
Time | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location | Ottawa Tavern, 151 Ottawa Ave. NW
Cost | $20 (drinks and appetizers)
Click here to register.
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Chamber Member Orientation
Chamber Member Orientation (CMO) is an informative hour that provides a comprehensive overview of Chamber events, programs and committees. Also featured is an interactive networking activity geared to polish networking and promotional skills. You’ll meet key staff and have the opportunity to network with many other business owners and executives. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to utilize your membership to its fullest!
Date | Wednesday, December 1
Time | Noon – 1 p.m.
Location | Chamber Offices, 111 Pearl Street NW
Cost | Free, members only. Lunch is included!
More information and registration at www.grandrapids.org/chamber-member-orientation.
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Community Programs
Leadership Advantage: Applications Available
Are you ready for the next level of leadership?
The Center for Community Leadership is currently accepting applications for Leadership Advantage (LA), an eight session leadership development program, beginning February 2011.
Leadership Advantage maximizes the leadership potential of professionals from the private, public and non-profit sectors with a unique format emphasizing introspective analysis of individual styles and ways to improve one’s overall leadership effectiveness. The program’s assortment of national caliber presenters offers valuable content that can be applied at home, work and in the community in a half-day format in Grand Rapids.
Leadership Advantage is ideal for high level leaders and professionals who have a strong interest in community leadership. Participants gain perspective from a peer group who seek high-level critical thinking. Space is limited to 20 individuals.
Click here for an application or by contacting Lizzie Williams at 616.771.0334 or WilliamsL@grandrapids.org.
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