Chamber Blog

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 […]

The Grand Rapids Chamber is a proud partner of Launch Michigan, an unlikely collaborative centered around education and improving Michigan’s outcomes for all students. Launch Michigan consists of nearly 30 other organizations ranging from labor unions to philanthropy, business organizations, and state and community leaders. This collaborative is a new approach to address our current education […]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Nope, not the holidays. It’s summer! If you live in Michigan and experience those harsh winters that never seem to end, summer makes you eternally grateful when it finally comes around – so better make the most of it! Whether you plan to hit the beach, travel, […]

Thanks to Michigan voters who signed the petition and advocacy by Chamber members, individuals and organizations across the state, the more than 50-year-old state law that artificially mandated wages for public-sector construction jobs was repealed by last week by the Michigan Legislature. Michigan was one of only six states to require these types of agreements. […]

This week, a series of Chamber-supported bills seeking to expand career exploration and boost Michigan’s workforce was passed by the Legislature. Among those bills were SB 175, SB 684, SB 685, HB 5139, HB 5141, HB 5142, HB 5145, and SB 946. The bills await signatures from the Governor. The Skilled Trades Training Fund has […]

With guidance from you, our members, the Grand Rapids Chamber is growing our engagement at the local level. This includes the formation of a new Municipal Council to lead our efforts and a significant focus on how local policies impact the business climate. We look forward to working collaboratively and proactively with our local partners […]

The Friends of West Michigan Business select candidates for Michigan Senate, GRPS Board of Education, & GRCC Trustee Grand Rapids – Today, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (PAC), the Friends of West Michigan Business, announced its candidate endorsements for Michigan State Senate, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, and Grand […]