Chamber Blog

Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington issued a moratorium on staff-initiated parking and rate changes yesterday. Nearly 4000 individuals submitted their feedback to the recent public comment period on four recommendations. In a request for feedback from our members, the Chamber received overwhelming concern, particularly from restaurants and retailers who felt their customers and employees […]

Lame Duck is in full swing in Lansing and your Government Affairs team is working to ensure outcomes that promote a thriving business climate for all. Here are some key highlights: A Strong Business Environment Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Improvements The Michigan Legislature adopted the minimum wage and paid sick leave proposals and […]

Today’s society is diverse in many ways and is growing ever more diverse by the day. But despite our growing diversity, racism is still pervasive in our culture. Racism is an issue on the minds of many at the moment, but many struggle to discuss it in an open and productive way. The Chamber’s Institute […]

For 25 years, Jireh Metal Products has been producing progressive metal stampings, fabrications and assemblies. But they aren’t about the product, they’re about the people. One of their core values is to foster an inclusive and diverse environment for both their employees and their clients. They are proud to be a minority-owned business, headed up […]

If you haven’t heard – our 131st Annual Meeting is coming up on January 29th, 2019. We have a lot of things to be excited about next year, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Whether you’re a member at the Small Business or President’s Circle level, this event is for YOU, and […]

No business is perfect, but it’s important that organizations are consistently taking steps to improve. If your New Year’s resolution is to look at what your business can do better, you might want to consider implementing EOS, a.k.a. the Entrepreneurial Operating System. You may have heard EOS mentioned at the Chamber before, and that’s because […]

Advocating for policy that drives positive outcomes for our students is a top priority for the Grand Rapids Chamber. The Chamber recognizes that growing, attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool depends on an effective K-12 educational system. Given our work, the Chamber is proud to play an active role in the newly formed Launch […]

On Thursday, December 6, the voter-approved law allowing recreational adult use of marijuana in Michigan will take effect. It cannot be bought or sold yet, but Michiganders can legally possess and smoke marijuana. What do employers need to know? First, Proposal 1 does not legally mean anything for employers in terms of policies and procedures. […]