Your Chamber

Our Mission

A thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all 

Our Niche

Fierce advocates for business

Business Advocates for 135+ Years

For more than a century, the Grand Rapids Chamber has been a major player in the business community. Since 1887, we have been working fiercely to advance the interests of our area businesses.

From supporting the furniture industry in the late 1880s, donating land to keep Calvin College here in 1908, and leading the creation of the East Beltline in 1927, to developing programs like The Right Place, Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Experience Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Chamber has played a key role in shaping our community’s success.

We’ve come a long way, and we’re just getting started.

Today, the Chamber still works to champion business and economic growth. Together with over 2,700 member businesses, we work to expand the influence, access, and information required to encourage entrepreneurial growth and community leadership. We offer the connections, resources, and insights needed to develop strong leaders, engage a diverse workforce, foster a welcoming community, and advance a vibrant business environment. 

When we say we’re dedicated to fostering a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all, we really mean for all. We know the best way to build wealth in underrepresented communities is to build ownership. We are working to ensure everyone has a seat at the table through the Center for Economic Inclusion.

We are a member-driven organization. Our work is driven by your engagement.

Our Core Values

Our diverse team of subject matter experts is committed to a dynamic culture driven by our shared core values: 

Pursue Excellence

We believe team members who passionately embrace the mission of the Grand Rapids Chamber and put more of themselves into their work. We attract and retain people who are committed to high standards and pursue excellence in every aspect of their role. 

Foster Belongingness

We foster belongingness by providing a space where our employees and our members feel they can bring their whole selves to authentically engage with our organization and each other. 

Find an Optimal Solution

We are committed to the highest level of service for both our internal and external customers. We proactively seek to identify potential problems before they occur, assume positive intent, and begin with a “Yes “mentality to find an optimal solution

Member Value and Experience

We focus on member value and experience to anticipate their needs, provide a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong, and we listen with intent to understand. 

Complete Accountability

We have complete accountability for our successes and failures. We share a responsibility to be transparent, honest and act with humility.