BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Grand Rapids Chamber - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Grand Rapids Chamber 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:20260415T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260415T123000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200336 CREATED:20251203T194701Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T160027Z UID:10000375-1776250800-1776256200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:National Civics Bee DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nThe Grand Rapids Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th\, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington\, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2026. \nWHY CIVICS?\nThe Grand Rapids Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country\, a strong economy\, and a strong workforce\, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee\, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Michigan and celebrating our civic pride. \nEvent Sponsors\nEvent Underwriters \n \n \n \n \nBusiness Partner URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/national-civics-bee-4-15/ LOCATION:Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum\, 303 Pearl St NW\, Grand Rapids\, 49504\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRC_Civics-Bee-Graphic-a250-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260416T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260416T133000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200336 CREATED:20251203T194544Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T154615Z UID:10000443-1776339000-1776346200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Business Exchange Luncheon DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nThe Chamber’s most popular networking series brings together West Michigan professionals to foster connections that turn into leads. This event provides members and future members with the opportunity to learn about the services and products offered in their communities through both open and facilitated networking. Expo tables\, conversation\, and a buffet of food are available upon arrival\, followed by three rounds of 20-minute facilitated networking. It’s the go-to event for growing your social capital and building meaningful business relationships. \nEvent Sponsors\nChamber Champions \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nBusiness Expo Series Sponsor \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/business-exchange-luncheon-4-16/ LOCATION:The Rutledge\, 120 Ionia Ave SW Suite 101\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-BEX-4.16.26-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260420T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260420T090000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200336 CREATED:20251203T195144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T155539Z UID:10000383-1776670200-1776675600@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Breakfast With Legislators DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nUPDATE: This event is sold out. Walk-in registration is not available. \nCheck out other upcoming advocacy & government affairs events here! \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. \nWe’re pleased to welcome the following state leaders to our upcoming Breakfast with Legislators. This panel brings a strong mix of perspectives from both the Michigan Senate and House\, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to engage directly on key issues impacting our region. \n\nSenator Thomas Albert\nRepresentative John Fitzgerald\nRepresentative Carol Glanville\nSenator Mark Huizenga\n\nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nEvent Underwriters \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBusiness Partners \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nChamber Champions URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/breakfast-with-legislators-4-20/ 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_BWL-April-2026-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T130000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200336 CREATED:20251203T194804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T154819Z UID:10000401-1776855600-1776862800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:OutPro Forum: The Business of Belonging DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nJoin us for a powerful and timely conversation with Jane Gietzen as she shares her personal journey to authenticity\, set against the backdrop of today’s shifting corporate landscape. \nThrough story\, reflection\, and dialogue\, Jane will explore how belonging shows up in real life and real workplaces\, offering perspective on how far we have come\, and what it will take to continue moving forward. This session is designed to spark thoughtful discussion\, practical ideas\, and renewed commitment to leading with courage and authenticity. \nYou’ll walk away with insight on: \n\nThe real value of showing up authentically at work\nWhy the pace of change is influenced by many factors\, inside and outside our organizations\nWhy progress is rarely a straight line\nOne small shift you can make in your own sphere of influence to strengthen belonging\n\nCome ready to reflect\, connect\, and engage in the business of belonging. \nMeet our speaker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Gietzen \n \n \n \n Principal & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Resolve Coaching and Consulting \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Jane Gietzen\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n\n \nEvent Underwriters \n\n \n\n \nCommunity Trustee \n\n \nChamber Champion URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/outpro-forum-4-22/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Networking,Talent & Human Resources ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-OutPro-04.22.26-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260423T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260423T180000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200337 CREATED:20251203T194240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T132327Z UID:10000427-1776960000-1776967200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:West Michigan Minority Contractors DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nBuilding Beyond Compliance\nWest Michigan Minority Contractors events offer diversely owned and emerging contractors a place to connect\, learn\, and grow through relationship‑building and strategic partnerships. \nThis upcoming session will explore universal design and accessible housing and why going beyond minimum ADA compliance is not only the right thing to do\, but also smart business. \nFeatured speakers include Gabriel Grant\, Founder and CEO of Care Granted and developer of two of West Michigan’s most forward‑thinking accessible housing projects\, and Dave Bulkowski\, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County and a longtime advocate for accessible\, inclusive communities. \nTogether\, they will share real‑world insight into how universal design principles are being applied to upcoming housing developments in West Michigan\, what accessibility looks like when it’s integrated from the start\, and how contractors\, designers\, and developers can position themselves for future opportunities as demand for inclusive housing continues to grow. \nAttendees will gain perspective on: \n\nWhy accessibility and universal design create stronger projects and broader market appeal\nHow inclusive design impacts construction practices\, collaboration\, and project planning\nOpportunities for contractors\, trades\, and developers to engage in accessible housing projects now and in the future\n\nWhether you’re a trade contractor\, minority‑owned business\, construction firm\, architect\, engineer\, developer\, or supplier\, this session offers practical insight\, meaningful conversation\, and the chance to build connections across West Michigan’s construction and development community. \nMeet our speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave Bulkowski \n \n \n \n Executive Director \n \n \n \n Disability Advocates \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Dave Bulkowski\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabriel Grant \n \n \n \n Founder and CEO \n \n \n \n Care Granted \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Gabriel Grant\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Sponsors\nProgram Underwriter \n\n \nChamber Champions \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nUnderwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/west-michigan-minority-contractors-4-23/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Complimentary Events,Economic Growth,Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-WMMC-04.23.26-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260429T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260429T170000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200337 CREATED:20251203T194144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T163328Z UID:10000432-1777478400-1777482000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Chamber Happy Hour DESCRIPTION:Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for happy hour and networking with fellow and future members. Chamber Happy Hour takes place on Wednesdays throughout the year in our Work Café. \nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nBeer Fridge Sponsor \n \n \nFood Partner \n \n \nChamber Champions \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/chamber-happy-hour-4-29/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Complimentary Events,Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GRAPHIC-CHH-04.29.26-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260430T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260430T100000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200337 CREATED:20251203T195114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T133916Z UID:10000439-1777536000-1777543200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Business Exchange Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nWhat to expect:\nThis event will reflect the layout of our staple networking event\, the Business Exchange Luncheon with a few revisions. We will provide a light breakfast and plenty of coffee to start your day with connections to elevate your business. \nDuring this event\, participants will have the opportunity to tell other West Michigan business professionals about their business and pitch their products\, services\, or needs in a “speed-dating” roundtable format. There will be three\, 20-minute rounds. \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\nChamber Champions \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nBusiness Expo Series Sponsor URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/business-exchange-breakfast-4-30/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BEXB-APRIL-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260430T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260430T120000 DTSTAMP:20260521T200337 CREATED:20260423T182328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T182328Z UID:10000474-1777546800-1777550400@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Planning the Exit: Key Transitional Services for a Successful Business Transition DESCRIPTION:Planning your next business transition? \nTransitioning out of a business or leadership role takes more than signing an agreement — it requires strategic planning to protect your company’s value\, people and operations. Join Jeff Allen\, CPA\, ABV\, principal\, and Matt Latham\, CPA\, CEPA\, principal\, as they discuss key transactional services to consider when preparing for an exit\, including leadership continuity\, financial readiness\, risk management and exit planning for owners and executives. \nRegister today to learn how to plan a smooth\, successful transition for your business.\nRegister here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/4717748744927/WN_Bbo0l76eTWW_oV3V7gqEzw URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/planning-the-exit-key-transitional-services-for-a-successful-business-transition/ LOCATION:Zoom Webinar CATEGORIES:Community Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maner-Graphic.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maner Costerisan":MAILTO:inest@publicom.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR