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137th Annual Meeting: The State of Grand Rapids Business

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

Your Grand Rapids Chamber has been the voice of West Michigan business for 137 years.

At our 137th Annual Meeting, you’ll hear about how the Grand Rapids Chamber is working to inform, connect and advocate for West Michigan businesses and support business growth, build strong relationships, and create a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.

This event is nearly sold out! Save your seat now to join over 1,000 community members and:

  • Gather insights, data points, and forecasts on the local economy.
  • Learn what we can do to enhance community vibrancy and make West Michigan even better for business.
  • Network with 1,000+ Chamber members and business leaders.
  • Hear regional economic data and forecasts to help guide your planning.
  • Listen to expert discussions on critical issues like housing, talent, and removing barriers to growth.

 

Event Agenda

7:30 a.m. – Registration and Networking 

 

8:10 a.m.Welcome and Breakfast 

Joe Hune, Vice President & President of West Michigan and Upper Peninsula, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 

Tanell Hills, Senior Community Liaison, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 

 

8:35 a.m. – Opening Remarks from your 2024 Board Chair 

James Byl, Founder/Owner, Multi-Automatic Tool & Supply Co. 

 

8:40 a.m. – Remarks from your Chamber President & CEO  

Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber  

 

8:50 a.m.Your 2025 Board Chair: Community Vibrancy and Your Business 

Jen Crowley, Owner & Chief Marketing Officer, Highland Group  

 

9:00 a.m. – Data on the State of the Region  

Diana Lawson, Dean, Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University 

 

9:10 a.m. – Key Efforts to Support Community Vibrancy 

 

Housing 

Brooke Oosterman, Executive Director, Housing Next 

Lauren Davis, President, West Michigan Region, Huntington Bank 

 

The 100 in 100 Initiative 

Joshua Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber 

Courtney Myers-Keaton, Director, Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness 

 

Transformational Projects 

Kyle Van Andel, Foundation Associate/Outreach Director, Van Andel Family Foundation 

Todd Custer, President & CEO, Custer 

 

A Strong Business Environment 

Greg McNeilly, CEO, The Windquest Group 

Rick Baker, President & CEO Grand Rapids Chamber 

 

9:55 a.m.- Final Words 

 

10:00 a.m. – Adjourn 

State of the Region Report

Read about the key findings from the Grand Rapids Chambers 2025 report.

Cost

Registration for this event is now closed. Walk-in registration will be available at the door!

DETAILS

Date & Time:

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

VENUE

DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 United States

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Meet the Speakers

Brooke Oosterman

Executive Director

Housing Next

Headshot of Courtney Myers-Keaton, Director, Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Courtney Myers-Keaton

Director

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Headshot of Dr Diana Lawson, Dean of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University

Dr. Diana Lawson

Dean of the Seidman College of Business

Grand Valley State University

Greg McNeilly

Chief Operating Officer

The Windquest Group

James Byl

Founder/Owner

Multi-Automatic Tool & Supply Co.

Jen Crowley

Chief Marketing Officer

Highland Group

Headshot of Josh Lunger

Joshua Lunger

Vice President of Government Affairs

Grand Rapids Chamber

Headshot of Kyle Van Andel, Associate Director and Outreach Director at the David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation

Kyle Van Andel

Associate Director and Outreach Director

David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation

Lauren Davis

President, West Michigan Region

Huntington Bank

Rick Baker

President & CEO

Grand Rapids Chamber

Todd Custer, President & CEO of Custer

Todd Custer

President & CEO

Custer

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan

Trustee Sponsors

Corewell Health       Grand Valley State University

Business Partner Sponsors

Amway    Huntington

Executive Sponsors

       AT&T          The Rapid Logo           Trinity Health    Be Independent Bank   

Crains Crain's Grand Rapids Stacked Logo         Experience Grand Rapids Logo

Media Sponsor

WOOD TV8

Lead Supporters

GRCC Grand Rapids Community College      Haworth     Pure Architects

Disher    Rockford Construction Logo

Chamber Champions

AccidentFund Insurance Company of America Part of the A F Group    LMCU

Wolverine Building Group Logo    Workforce Logo

Technology Sponsor

Chase Creative Audio Visual & Event Staging Services

Become a Sponsor

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact Yadira Garza-Malone to learn more.

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