Chamber Blog

DID YOU KNOW every 65 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? It is the sixth-leading cause of death in the nation, affecting an estimated 5.7 million Americans. While the majority of those afflicted are 65 or older, many are diagnosed at earlier ages. As of this year, 180,000 Michiganders have […]

If you’re not networking, then you’re not working to grow your business. Jay Samit, Vice Chairman of Deloitte Digital once said, “Networking is all about connecting with people. But then again, isn’t that what life is about? The more time you can find to get out of the office and build true friendships, the farther […]

Once upon a time, women didn’t have the right to vote or drive… Today, after years of fiercely fighting for their rights, they are challenging, re-inventing, and innovating their communities and are a strong force for economic change. Join us in celebrating some of these women at the ATHENA Awards Celebration! Congratulations to Jennifer Maxson, […]

Animals play an important role in our lives. They provide us with companionship, emotional support, and even reduce our stress levels and sense of loneliness. Beyond this, animals can also be trained to be seeing-eye dogs, emotional support animals, and even detect seizures. There’s no doubt that animals truly affect the quality of our lives! […]

The Grand Rapids Chamber was on hand to kick-off the initial construction phase for the new crossing to Canada, the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB). This project has been discussed for decades and will strengthen the relationship between the United States and Canada, the world’s largest trading partners. More than 40% of the estimated $1.2 […]

One of our favorite features of the new Chamber office is most definitely the work cafe, which comes with free Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee from Ferris Coffee & Nut, and relaxing background music to help our members be as productive as possible. Whether the space is being used for meetings with clients or coworkers, as a […]

Last week the Grand Rapids City Commission wrapped up several community meetings and a public hearing on an ordinance to allow the growing, manufacturing, transporting, testing and sale of medical marijuana in Grand Rapids. Michigan’s Medical Marijuana law requires cities to opt-in or make an affirmative decision to allow any of the five uses listed […]

The West Side is the best side, some say. Well, it will get even better at the end of the summer when Bridge Street Market, the new urban grocery store by Meijer, opens its doors to the public. Bridge Street Market aims to bring a fresh selection, local produce, and everyday essentials to downtown Grand […]