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138th Annual Meeting: The State of Grand Rapids Business

Name: 138th Annual Meeting: The State of Grand Rapids Business
Start: 2026-01-29T07:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-29T10:00:00-05:00
Location: DeVos Place – Steelcase Ballroom

January 29 @ 7:30 am - 10:00 am

For 138 years, your Grand Rapids Chamber has been the voice of West Michigan business.

What to expect

Networking opportunities with over 1,000 Chamber members and business leaders.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – Dr. Paul Isely will deliver regional economic data and forecasts to guide your planning and
strategy.
Expert discussion and insights into the issues shaping the business climate.
After the meeting, connect with peers during networking at the Chamber offices.

What else? Get an inside look at how the Chamber is:

Advocating and acting to drive policies and initiatives that strengthen West Michigan’s business climate and shape its future.
Convening, connecting, and catalyzing by uniting people, ideas, and opportunities to ignite collaboration and innovation.
Serving as your trusted source and partner with tools, expertise, and training to help businesses navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.

Keep the Momentum Going: The Meeting After the Meeting

After the Annual Meeting, keep the energy going by working from our collaborative workspace for the day. The Steelcase Conference Center and additional workstations will be open and ready for you.

Enjoy hand-served coffee, meet our members, and learn how to engage with the Chamber. Whether you’re a member or not, join us to connect, collaborate, and network in the heart of downtown.

The Meeting After the Meeting
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids Chamber (250 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 150)

Event Agenda

7:30 a.m. – Registration & Networking

8:00 a.m. – Welcome & Breakfast

8:35 a.m. – Opening Remarks from 2025 Board Chair
Jen Crowley, Owner & CMO, Highland Group

8:40 a.m. – Remarks from Chamber President & CEO
Rick Baker, Grand Rapids Chamber

8:50 a.m. – Remarks from 2026 Board Chair
Jeff Lumpp, President, Hylant

9:00 a.m. – Data on the State of the Region
Dr. Paul Isely, Seidman College of Business, GVSU

9:35 a.m. – Key Takeaways for the Business Community
Lauren Davis, President, Greater Michigan, Huntington Bank
Paul Isely, Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University
Andy Johnston, Sr. Vice President with your Grand Rapids Chamber

10:00 a.m. – Adjourn

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – The Meeting After the Meeting (250 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 150)

Our 2026 Speakers

Hear from thought leaders and industry experts shaping the future of business in West Michigan and beyond. Our 2026 speakers will share fresh insights, bold ideas, and real-world strategies to help you lead with confidence.