Chamber Blog

Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer introduced two statewide talent initiatives. These initiatives support a goal of raising Michigan’s post-secondary attainment from 44% to 60% by 2030. Michigan Reconnect: aimed towards workers over 25 years old, with little to no college, seeking to up-skill themselves through obtaining a degree or certificate MI Opportunity Scholarships: focused on the “traditional” […]

Friends of West Michigan Business, the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC), announced its candidate endorsements for the Mayor of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids City Commission. The Chamber PAC works to elect highly qualified candidates and is funded only by the voluntary personal contributions of its individual members. The endorsements were decided by […]

The Grand Rapids Chamber is proud to serve the creative business community throughout the Creative Chambers program, which includes professionals in the following industries: advertising, architecture, art schools, artists & agents, creative technology, culture & heritage, design, fashion, garment & textile, film, AV & broadcasting, literary, publishing & print, music, performing arts & visual arts […]

The Chamber’s Government Affairs team is working with members to continue our momentum in West Michigan with effective advocacy on the issues that matter to you most: talent, fiscal policy, regulations, health care, economic development and more. Here are some of the key highlights from the first half of 2019: 71 Government Affairs Member Assists […]

Talent– whether it’s lack of skilled labor, retention or attraction- is the number one issue facing the West Michigan business community. The Grand Rapids Chamber continues to work diligently in Lansing to address our talent crisis in two important areas: degree attainment and childcare. Governor’s Talent Initiatives: Michigan Reconnect & MI Opportunity Scholarships The Grand […]

“When you’re able to combine your job with your passion, you’d almost do it for free,” said Joe Matthews, Vice President of Purchasing and Diversity Officer for Gentex Corporation. “Don’t tell my boss that,” he added with a laugh. One look around Joe’s office and you can see he is passionate about his work. With […]

School’s out, warm weather is upon us, and the first official day of summer is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing in Beer City… patio season! With Grand Rapids’ ever-growing food and beverage scene, there’s no shortage of outdoor seating to enjoy Michigan’s summer weather. While there are many great options […]

The Chamber is proud to bring our members a variety of networking opportunities, including our beloved Business Exchange Luncheons, and the always-popular Chamber After Hours series. For many, networking events are an awesome place to make new connections, but for others, networking can be stressful. Does that sound like you? Never fear! We’ve brought in […]