BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Grand Rapids Chamber - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://grandrapids.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Grand Rapids Chamber REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T180000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061250 CREATED:20260211T163013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T194955Z UID:10000379-1786019400-1786039200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:West Michigan Housing Summit DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nJoin housing leaders\, stakeholders\, and community members from across the region at the West Michigan Housing Summit for a dynamic\, solutions-focused conference centered on innovative strategies for addressing housing challenges. \nThis summit brings together cross-sector voices committed to moving beyond conversation and toward coordinated action on the region’s most pressing housing challenges. \nWHAT TO EXPECT\nA dynamic opening session from Sam Cummings and Ryan Kilpatrick\, reflecting on where we’ve been\, where we are now\, and where we’re headed together as a region. \nSix targeted breakout sessions addressing critical housing issues\, including: \n\nA legislative panel featuring leaders in housing reforms.\nStrategies for effective public engagement around housing and growth\nCorridor development and place-based investment to drive vibrancy\nPathways and tools for emerging developers\nThe limitations of subsidy-only approaches to housing affordability\nEffective\, coordinated responses to homelessness\n\nClosing with Energy\nCoby Lefkowitz will tie together insights from the day and challenge attendees to think boldly optimistic about the future of housing through coordinated\, cross-sector solutions. \nCoby is the author of Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better\, Works Better\, and Feels Better Could Look Like where he explores how we can create more beautiful and livable communities. \nDonor and sponsor support makes this convening possible and positions partners at the center of regional housing leadership. Sponsors gain visibility with key decision-makers\, align their brand with measurable community impact\, and help catalyze the ideas and collaborations that move housing solutions forward. \n \nWHO SHOULD ATTEND\nThis summit is for leaders and changemakers committed to improving housing outcomes\, including: \n\nHousing practitioners and advocates\nGovernment and public sector leaders\nDevelopers and real estate professionals\nEmerging developers and entrepreneurs\nNonprofit and community-based leaders\nPhilanthropic and funding partners\nPolicy and civic engagement professionals\nAnyone invested in housing affordability\, availability\, and stability\n\nIf you’re working to shape the future of housing in West Michigan\, this summit is for you. \n AGENDA \n12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking \n1:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and IntroductionJennifer Radaz\, Housing NextRyan Kilpatrick\, Flywheel Community Development ServicesSam Cummings\, CWD Real Estate Investment \n1:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break \n1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions \nState Legislative PanelState Representatives Wooden\, Grant and AragonaModerated by Joshua Lunger\, Grand Rapids Chamber \nPublic EngagementJason Wheeler\, Wheeler DevelopmentRyan Schmidt\, Indigo Design + DevelopmentRowan Brady\, City of Grand RapidsModerated by Rebekah Kik\, City of Kalamazoo \nCorridor RedevelopmentCameron VanWyngarden\, Plainfield TownshipNicole Hofert\, City of WyomingModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick\, Flywheel Community Development Services \n2:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break \n2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions \nAffordability Won’t Be Solved by Subsidy AloneDave Levitt\, Third CoastBev Thiel\, Habitat for Humanity of Kent CountyModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick\, Flywheel Community Development Services \nEffective Response to HomelessnessThelma Ensink\, Degagé MinistriesAdrienne Goodstal\, North Kent ConnectTenisa Frye\, Family Promise of West Michigan \n4:00 p.m. KeynoteCoby Lefkowitz\, author of “Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better\, Works Better\, and Feels Better Could Look Like”  \n5:00 p.m. Happy Hour \n6:00 p.m. Adjourn \nMeet our speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Coby Lefkowitz \n \n \n \n Co-Founder & Principal \n \n \n \n Backyard \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Coby Lefkowitz\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jen Radaz \n \n \n \n Sr. Manager \n \n \n \n Housing Next \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Jen Radaz\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ryan Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Founder + CEO \n \n \n \n Flywheel Community Development Services \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ryan Kilpatrick\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sam Cummings \n \n \n \n Managing Partner \n \n \n \n CWD Real Estate Investment \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Sam Cummings\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nHousing Champions URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/west-michigan-housing-summit-2026/ LOCATION:Richard M. DeVos Center\, GVSU’s Pew Campus\, 401 Fulton St W\, Grand Rapids\, 49504\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Annual Events & Summits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GRC_WMHS-2026-Graphic-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T103000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T171945Z UID:10000456-1786096800-1786098600@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration\n \nThe updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.  \nEvent Sponsors\nAdvocay Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPolicy Supporter \n \n \n \n \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/first-friday-update-8-7/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Complimentary Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_FFU-August-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T100000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T164829Z UID:10000420-1787817600-1787824800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Chamber Issues Forum DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nChamber Issues Forum events provide an opportunity for members to be part of the conversation around the most pressing topics impacting business in Michigan at the local\, state\, and federal levels. These events provide members with unbiased\, data-backed information and discussion to help make better decisions for organizations. \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat \n\nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n\n \nEvent Underwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/chamber-issues-forum-8-27/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_CIF-August-Graphic-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260904T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260904T103000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T171951Z UID:10000457-1788516000-1788517800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration\n \nThe updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.  \nEvent Sponsors\nAdvocay Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPolicy Supporter \n \n \n \n \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/first-friday-update-9-4/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Complimentary Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_FFU-September-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260921T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260921T090000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T195142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T172634Z UID:10000384-1789975800-1789981200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Breakfast With Legislators DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nBreakfast with Legislators events provide Chamber members and their employees the opportunity to establish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing. Networking and facilitated question-and-answer sessions offer firsthand information on upcoming legislation and House and Senate committee activities\, prompting great dialogue between legislators and Chamber members. \nDon’t just listen\, participate. Submit your questions for the legislative panel during your registration. \nEvent Sponsors\nEvent Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBusiness Partner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nChamber Champion URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/breakfast-with-legislators-9-21/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GRC_BWL-September-2026-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261002T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261002T103000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T171958Z UID:10000458-1790935200-1790937000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration\n \nThe updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.  \nEvent Sponsors\nAdvocay Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPolicy Supporter \n \n \n \n \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/first-friday-update-10-2/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Complimentary Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_FFU-October-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T103000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T172005Z UID:10000459-1793959200-1793961000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration\n \nThe updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.  \nEvent Sponsors\nAdvocay Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPolicy Supporter \n \n \n \n \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/first-friday-update-11-6/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Complimentary Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_FFU-November-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261120T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261120T100000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T210200Z UID:10000421-1795161600-1795168800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Chamber Issues Forum DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nChamber Issues Forum events provide an opportunity for members to be part of the conversation around the most pressing topics impacting business in Michigan at the local\, state\, and federal levels. These events provide members with unbiased\, data-backed information and discussion to help make better decisions for organizations. \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat \n\nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nEvent Underwriter \n \n \nChamber Champion URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/chamber-issues-forum-11-20/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GRC_CIF-November-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261204T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261204T103000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T194945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T172012Z UID:10000460-1796378400-1796380200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration\n \nThe updates occur on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. We will provide a quick overview on current advocacy efforts and top priorities being accomplished to create a thriving and diverse business climate for all.  \nEvent Sponsors\nAdvocay Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \nPolicy Supporter \n \n \n \n \n2026 Speakers\nLorem ipsum dolor sit amet\, consectetur adipiscing elit\, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam\, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/first-friday-update-12-4/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs,Complimentary Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_FFU-December-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261207T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261207T090000 DTSTAMP:20260515T061251 CREATED:20251203T195140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T172621Z UID:10000385-1796628600-1796634000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Breakfast With Legislators DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nBreakfast with Legislators events provide Chamber members and their employees the opportunity to establish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing. Networking and facilitated question-and-answer sessions offer firsthand information on upcoming legislation and House and Senate committee activities\, prompting great dialogue between legislators and Chamber members. \nDon’t just listen\, participate. Submit your questions for the legislative panel during your registration. \nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nEvent Underwriter \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBusiness Partner \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nChamber Champion URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/breakfast-with-legislators-12-7/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GRC_BWL-December-2026-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR