Engagement

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.

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.

What Members Say

Marcus Jackson

Vice President Community & Economic Development, Fifth Third Bank

LGR introduced me to strangers who became friends. It showed me how this community works both independently in various sectors as well as together. As a transplant, participating in LGR has made my transition to Grand Rapids that much better. I’m a better leader and person since being a part of this program.