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The Chamber News | Summer 2026

The Chamber News Summer 2026

The latest edition of The Chamber News is here! This issue highlights the regional investments, local business milestones, and policy transformations that are actively shaping a prosperous West Michigan for all.

Browse the Summer edition

Flip through the full issue here:

In the Issue

  • Housing Policy Making an Impact: A look at how Chamber-led brownfield TIF reform has unlocked over $860 million in statewide investment, transforming underutilized properties like downtown’s 111 Lyon into vital workforce housing.

  • A Year of Rapid Growth: An insider update on downtown’s historic 31-acre active riverfront development plan, celebrating the grand opening of the $184 million Acrisure Amphitheater and looking ahead to the upcoming Amway Stadium.

  • 100 Years Strong: Honoring Grand Rapids-headquartered HVAC distributor Behler-Young Company as they celebrate a rare century of multi-generational family leadership and community partnership.

  • Local Business Resilience: How the founders of Avalanche Creative overcame early career setbacks to build one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch”, and how LEAD Marketing Agency is expanding its full-service capabilities through the local acquisition of Cull Group.

  • Family Business Alliance Turns 20: Celebrating two decades of the FBA building a confidential, collaborative network to support 200 multigenerational family leaders across West Michigan.

  • 2026 Distinguished Community Trustee: Celebrating Carlos Sanchez, Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University, for his enduring impact and visionary leadership in cultivating Latino entrepreneurs.

  • Chamber Foundation in Action: Reviewing the cross-sector data and community impacts of collaborative initiatives like Silent Observer, Housing Next, and the Downtown Pathways Project.

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