Leadership Grand Rapids was an outstanding experience that accelerated my ability to find causes & organizations that I could serve & support. Having lived outside the area for nearly 20 years, the program helped me gain new perspectives on my hometown through both personal connections and informative day sessions. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to serve as a community trustee with nearly immediate impact.
Engagement
Maximize your Chamber membership by getting engaged with one of our many committees. Members who volunteer their time and efforts make our organization stronger, and participation is a great way to network, share ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
Help Create Great Networks, Business and Growth
Serve as a liaison between the Chamber and its members, encouraging connections and assisting with member retention. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Amanda Hentsch at (616) 771-0340.
CEO & Management Roundtable Program
Business Exchange Luncheon
Assist in coordinating and guiding the communication among attendees. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Shawnee Haseley at (616) 771-0341.
Help Create Great Leaders, Inclusion and Talent
ATHENA Grand Rapids fosters and supports development of strong female leaders in our community. Rooted in the eight tenets of the ATHENA Leadership Model, the ATHENA Leadership Council provides professional and developmental opportunities for women of all levels. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Sommer Jabbar at 616-771-0308.
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OutPro promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan community for LGBTQIA+ professionals by offering opportunities for both social and professional networking through monthly gatherings at various venues throughout the city. OutPro gatherings are attended by professionals at all career levels, representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses and public and non-profit organizations. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Sommer Jabbar at 616-771-0308.
Help Create Great Policy, Advocacy and Opportunity
Issue Committees
This group focuses on topics such as roads and bridges, mobility, energy, water, climate, broadband, etc. and will set the Chamber’s policy priorities in these areas.
Works to ensure the development of a better educated and more productive workforce.
Advocates to reduce the cost of health care and encourages communication between the business and health care communities.
Reviews issues as they relate to tax and regulations that impact the cost of doing business.
The council exists to advise Chamber staff and advance the region’s business and community interests at the local level.
The Public Policy Council exists to advance Chamber legislative priorities and the region’s business and community interests by coordinating the individual efforts of the Chamber’s issues committees to ensure broad-based advocacy and motivates members to engage in action to achieve these goals.
If you are interested in getting involved with our issue committees, contact Government Affairs Manager, Jacqui Docle at jacqui@grandrapids.org.
Political Action Committee
Individuals who personally contribute to the Chamber’s Political Actions Committee: The Friends of West Michigan Business participate in quarterly meetings featuring dynamic speakers who share insider perspectives and participate in the interview process for candidates running for office. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Marcus Keech, (616) 771-0311.
