Grand Rapids Chamber

10th Annual Celebrate the Harvest
2026-09-23 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Join us for an extraordinary evening where culinary artistry meets community spirit at Revive & Thrive’s 10th Annual Celebrate the Harvest Chef Dinner & Fundraiser! Indulge in a spectacular feast crafted by Revive & Thrive’s Executive Chef Mandy Thompson. Our evening continues with the much-anticipated live auction, where exclusive experiences await the highest bidder!
This isn’t just a dinner—it’s your chance to nourish our community while treating yourself to an unforgettable celebration. Tickets will vanish faster than dessert! Secure your seat at the table: https://onecau.se/cth2026!
All proceeds from Celebrate the Harvest will benefit Revive & Thrive and allow us to continue to provide fresh, medically supportive meals to those in Greater Grand Rapids facing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Stitch by Stitch - Weaving Innovation into Your Family Business
2026-09-23 15:30 - 18:00 | Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Longevity in family business doesn’t happen by standing still, it’s earned through continual reinvention and a culture that welcomes new ideas.
At the heart of enduring enterprises is a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to evolve while honoring the past.
Seaman Corporation exemplifies this mindset. From its origins sewing lace on baby diapers to becoming a global provider of high-performance industrial fabrics, the company’s history is defined by reinvention and innovation.
Join us for an inside look at how this multigenerational business has built a culture that embraces change, navigates transitions, and positions the organization for long-term growth.
Our featured speaker, Richard Seaman, will share reflections from his decades of leadership and reveal how the company embeds innovation into its operating rhythm through:
Strategic planning that anticipates shifts in markets and technology
Digital and operational tools that unlock new opportunities
Leadership practices that encourage creativity and collaboration
Purposeful next-gen pathways that bring fresh thinking into the business
You’ll gain practical guidance for cultivating a culture where innovation thrives, helping your family business stay relevant, agile, and future-ready.

Emerging Leaders Fall Cohort Kickoff
2026-09-22 11:45 - 17:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

If you are a professional with a passion for growing your career and becoming actively engaged in the community, Emerging Leaders offers the ideal setting to expand your horizons.
Make Grand Rapids your classroom with five half-day sessions that combine tours, speakers, activities, and interdisciplinary discussions that build community connections, leadership skills, and insight into issues facing Grand Rapids.
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2026 Speakers
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Breakfast With Legislators
2026-09-21 07:30 - 09:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Breakfast 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.
Don’t just listen, participate. Submit your questions for the legislative panel during your registration.
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Event Underwriter

Business Partner

Chamber Champion

Business Exchange Luncheon
2026-09-17 11:30 - 13:30, 2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:30 | Calvin University – Prince Conference Center, 1800 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Registration & Pricing

The 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.
Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

Business Expo Series Sponsor

2026 Speakers
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Business Growth Workshop
2026-09-15 08:30 - 10:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Business Growth Workshops focus on developing business knowledge and sharing best practices through providing hands-on time with subject matter experts.
Event Sponsors
Program Underwriter

Chamber Champion

Underwriter

2026 Speakers
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Women In Leadership Fall Cohort Kickoff
2026-09-14 13:00 - 16:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Women in Leadership is a customized program for women leaders who are ready to take charge of their careers, develop as a leader and form lasting relationships with the fellow women in their cohort. Based on research and trends, this workshop will empower participants to shatter the glass ceiling and achieve their goals.
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2026 Speakers
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LeadUp Fall Cohort Kickoff
2026-09-10 13:00 - 16:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Having the opportunity to lead and influence a team is no easy feat. Lead Up: Leadership Development for New Managers is designed to guide new managers through the concepts, principles, and best practices necessary for a successful transition. Learn how to define, assign, and enable others to do the work, all while building a culture around trust and transparency.
Gain insights on things you haven’t considered before and breakdown important subjects to engage, retain and inspire your team. An interactive curriculum and individual coaching included in the program have been tailored specifically to build a strong foundation of leadership skills.
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2026 Speakers
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Latina Connect
2026-09-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Latina Connect meets our Latina business professionals and community members where they are. This program works to support Latinas in making new connections and growing as leaders.
Latina Connect está diseñado para respaldar a las profesionales latinas y miembros de la comunidad, fomentando nuevas conexiones y fortaleciendo su liderazgo.
2026 Speakers
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Chamber Champion

Interpreter Sponsor

Media Sponsor

First Friday Update
2026-09-04 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Webinar
Registration

The 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.
Event Sponsors
Advocay Underwriter

Policy Supporter

2026 Speakers
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West Michigan Minority Contractors
2026-09-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

West Michigan Minority Contractors (WMMC) is made up of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the construction trades, as well as general contractors. The program aims to strengthen contractors through cultivating relationships and new business partnerships among participants. Through WMMC, you can promote your products and services, develop business relationships, and help strengthen the contractor community in West Michigan.
2026 Speakers
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Event Sponsors
Program Underwriter

Chamber Champion

Underwriter

Business Exchange Breakfast
2026-09-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

What to expect:
This 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.
During 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.
2026 Speakers
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Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

Business Expo Series Sponsor

Chamber Issues Forum
2026-08-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Chamber 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.
2026 Speakers
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Chamber Happy Hour
2026-08-26 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-29 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
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.
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Premier Sponsor

Beer Fridge Sponsor

Food Partner

Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
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Business Acquisition: From Search to Purchase
2026-08-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Looking to purchase and operate a business here in the region?
This workshop is designed for experienced professionals who are entrepreneurially minded and ready to take a step toward business ownership, or for those looking to buy another business or step up to take ownership of their current company. Participants will learn the fundamentals of searching for and acquiring a business, including how to know if you’re ready, identify opportunities, evaluate potential acquisitions, and navigate the diligence process. Through this session, you’ll explore how you can preserve local businesses, strengthen the West Michigan economy, and prepare for the next step in your potential acquisition journey.
Who should attend?

Business owners looking to grow through acquisition
Executives looking to lead, not follow
Entrepreneurs looking to expand their portfolios

Meet the Speaker

Derrick McIver

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Sleeping Giant Capital

ABOUT Derrick McIver

Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

OutPro Forum
2026-08-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

As a champion for a diverse and inclusive community, the Chamber is proud to provide OutPro, an LGBTQ+ professionals group that can serve as both a resource to employers and employees, as well as an affinity group for the LGBTQ+ community.
OutPro promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan community and offers social and professional networking opportunities throughout the city. OutPro events are attended by professionals at all career levels, representing a diversity of corporations, small businesses, and public and non-profit organizations.
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Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Community Trustee

Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
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Business Transition: From Value Building to Exit Strategies
2026-08-19 08:30 - 11:00 | Anonymous Zoom Webinar
Registration & Pricing

If you plan to sell your business at any point, whether it’s soon or decades from now, this four-part private webinar series provides the essential knowledge every business owner needs before putting their company on the market. Participants will discover the full range of exit strategies available, from traditional sales to employee buyouts to family transitions, and learn the critical steps to maximize business value and ensure a smooth transition. This series is specifically designed to prepare and equip business owners with the options to make informed, confident decisions regarding one of the most significant financial and emotional transitions they may encounter in their lifetime. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask our series’ experts candid questions and get real answers—while remaining completely anonymous.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Plan Your Exit

Stay in control by understanding your options before you’re forced to act.
Protect your business, which is likely your largest asset, while learning to grow it and exit on your terms.
Learn how to avoid costly mistakes by gaining insight from experienced advisors on valuation, timing, and deal structure.
Discover the steps successful owners take years in advance to intentionally build value and better exit outcomes.

Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
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Christine Simon

Vice President of Government Affairs

Grand Rapids Chamber

ABOUT Christine Simon

Lauren Snyder

Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Growth Officer

Consumers Energy

ABOUT Lauren Snyder

Michael Fleck

Director of Reliability & Regional Planning

ITC Holdings Corporation

ABOUT Michael Fleck

Natalie Stewart Mitchell

SVP of Government Affairs and Campus Development

Switch

ABOUT Natalie Stewart Mitchell

Chamber 101
2026-08-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue or further involvement with the Chamber. Chamber 101 allows members to learn about the different Chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of your membership.
Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion

2026 Speakers
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West Michigan Housing Summit
2026-08-06 12:30 - 18:00 | Richard M. DeVos Center, GVSU’s Pew Campus, 401 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, 49504, United States
Registration & Pricing

Join 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.
This summit brings together cross-sector voices committed to moving beyond conversation and toward coordinated action on the region’s most pressing housing challenges.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A 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.
Six targeted breakout sessions addressing critical housing issues, including:

A legislative panel featuring leaders in housing reforms.
Strategies for effective public engagement around housing and growth
Corridor development and place-based investment to drive vibrancy
Pathways and tools for emerging developers
The limitations of subsidy-only approaches to housing affordability
Effective, coordinated responses to homelessness

Closing with Energy
Coby 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.
Coby 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.
Donor 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.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This summit is for leaders and changemakers committed to improving housing outcomes, including:

Housing practitioners and advocates
Government and public sector leaders
Developers and real estate professionals
Emerging developers and entrepreneurs
Nonprofit and community-based leaders
Philanthropic and funding partners
Policy and civic engagement professionals
Anyone invested in housing affordability, availability, and stability

If you’re working to shape the future of housing in West Michigan, this summit is for you.
AGENDA
12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
1:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and IntroductionJennifer Radaz, Housing NextRyan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development ServicesSam Cummings, CWD Real Estate Investment
1:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
State Legislative PanelState Representatives Wooden, Grant and AragonaModerated by Joshua Lunger, Grand Rapids Chamber
Public EngagementJason Wheeler, Wheeler DevelopmentRyan Schmidt, Indigo Design + DevelopmentRowan Brady, City of Grand RapidsModerated by Rebekah Kik, City of Kalamazoo
Corridor RedevelopmentCameron VanWyngarden, Plainfield TownshipNicole Hofert, City of WyomingModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
2:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Affordability Won’t Be Solved by Subsidy AloneDave Levitt, Third CoastBev Thiel, Habitat for Humanity of Kent CountyModerated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
Effective Response to HomelessnessThelma Ensink, Degagé MinistriesAdrienne Goodstal, North Kent ConnectTenisa Frye, Family Promise of West Michigan
4:00 p.m. KeynoteCoby Lefkowitz, author of “Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like”
5:00 p.m. Happy Hour
6:00 p.m. Adjourn
Meet our speakers

Coby Lefkowitz

Co-Founder & Principal

Backyard

ABOUT Coby Lefkowitz

Jen Radaz

Sr. Manager

Housing Next

ABOUT Jen Radaz

Ryan Kilpatrick

Founder + CEO

Flywheel Community Development Services

ABOUT Ryan Kilpatrick

Sam Cummings

Managing Partner

CWD Real Estate Investment

ABOUT Sam Cummings

Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Housing Champion

Regional Housing Partner Leadership

Talent & Human Resources Workshop
2026-07-28 08:30 - 10:30 | Grand Rapids Chamber, 250 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Registration & Pricing

The Talent & Human Resources Workshop Series equips West Michigan’s business community with the tools, insights, and strategies to navigate today’s rapidly evolving workforce. Held quarterly, these workshops provide HR professionals, executives, and people leaders with a focused space to deepen their expertise year-round.
Each session delivers practical, real-world approaches to talent acquisition, retention, employee engagement, and building organizational cultures where people feel valued and supported. Whether you’re rolling out new HR initiatives, developing leaders, or driving organizational change, these workshops offer actionable guidance, peer connections, and strategies to strengthen your people practices and drive results.
This session is eligible for 1 SHRM PDC. Information on claiming your credits will be sent directly to your registered email address upon completion of the program.

2026 Speakers
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Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Executive Sponsor

Chamber Champion

Inclusion Advocate

The Chamber Open
2026-07-20 07:00 - 18:30 | The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe, 7211 48th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Registration & Pricing

The Chamber Open brings together community leaders for an unmatched day on the green, featuring 18 holes of golf and high-impact networking. With both morning and afternoon flights available, golfers can choose whichever time works best for them and make twice as many connections at our combined lunch reception.
Schedule:7:00 a.m. – Golfer Arrival & Buffet Breakfast (morning flight)7:30 a.m. – Morning Flight Shotgun Start11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Buffet Lunch (all flights)1:00 p.m. – Afternoon Flight Shotgun Start
Please note: This event is now SOLD OUT. If you’d like to join the waitlist, please fill out this form!
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Eagle Sponsor

Keg Sponsor

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Refreshment Sponsor

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Golf Cart Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

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Security Awareness Basics – Webinar
2026-07-16 13:00 - 14:30 | MI
Empower your people to recognize, resist, and respond to cyber threats, because security starts with awareness.​
Cyberattacks don’t just target systems – they target people. And in today’s threat landscape, even one misstep can lead to costly downtime, data loss, or reputational damage.
This Security Basics webinar is designed to help your employees become a strong first line of defense. We focus on real‑world scenarios, practical examples, and everyday behaviors that significantly reduce risk without overwhelming users with technical jargon.
Attendees will learn how modern cyber threats actually work, why attackers target employees, and what simple, repeatable actions can prevent incidents before they happen. The goal is not fear—it’s confidence. Confident employees make smarter decisions, spot red flags sooner, and know how to respond when something doesn’t look right.
🔍 Learning Outcomes
~ Recognize common cyber threats such as phishing, social engineering, and credential theft
~ Identify warning signs of suspicious emails, messages, and login prompts
~ Understand why attackers target employees—not just IT systems
~ Apply simple daily habits that dramatically reduce security risk
~ Know what to do (and who to contact) when something feels “off”
~ Help protect company data, reputation, and customer trust
Link to webinar will be sent upon approved registration.

Business Exchange Luncheon
2026-07-16 11:30 - 13:30 | Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, MI, 49418, United States

Blaze AI Summit
2026-07-14 08:00 - 16:30 | The Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids, 49504, United States
This summit delivers trusted guidance focused on transparency, responsible use, and real-world application. Stop the guesswork and start taking action. Built for business leaders and professionals who want practical answers, not hype. You will leave with a clear understanding of how AI applies to your business, along with real-world tools, use cases, and strategies to improve marketing, operations, and decision-making. You will also gain the confidence to use AI without risking customer trust.

Break Into Your Pride- 3rd Year
2026-06-28 12:00 - 17:00 | Break Room Therapy, 7988 Clyde Park AVE SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315, United States
🌈 Break Into Your Pride – 3rd Annual Celebration 🌈
Join us for our 3rd Annual Break Into Your Pride event—a vibrant, welcoming celebration of identity, strength, and community. This event continues to grow each year, and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest yet!
📍 Location: Break Room Therapy
7988 Clyde Park Ave SW, Byron Center, MI
📅 Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This free, family-friendly event (all ages welcome) is a day dedicated to showing up as your authentic self, supporting one another, and celebrating the beauty of our community.
✨ What to Expect:
• Live drag performances from Beauty Beyond Drag (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Spoken word performance by Gleason at 1:00 PM
• A wide variety of local vendors
• Food trucks
• Music, energy, and connection all afternoon
💛 Important Note:
While Break Room Therapy typically offers sessions for ages 13+, this event is open to all ages. No breaking will take place during the event—this is purely a celebration space.
Come be part of something meaningful, joyful, and real. We can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🌈

Chamber Issues Forum: Childcare & Public Spaces for Public Good
2026-06-25 08:00 - 10:00 | The Information Center at The Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49503-4005, United States
Registration & Pricing

Making childcare more accessible and affordable remains a top priority for the business community and is an important factor in workforce participation and growth. As employers across West Michigan face talent issues, the rising cost and limited availability of childcare remains a barrier to keeping parents from entering, reentering, or staying in the workforce.
Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for a Chamber Issues Forum exploring how public spaces and public-private partnerships can be leveraged for public good, with a focus on innovative childcare solutions. Michigan’s nationally recognized Tri-Share model has shown what is possible when business, government, and community partners work together to share responsibility and cost—demonstrating the power of collaboration to support working families while strengthening the economy.
This forum will take place at Rapid Central Station, home to a new on-site childcare facility that exemplifies how infrastructure and public space can be reimagined to meet community needs. Attendees will hear from Tracie Coffman of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on the role of public spaces in advancing early childhood and family well-being, followed by a panel discussion featuring perspectives from architecture, policy, philanthropy, and service providers on designing and sustaining childcare solutions that work for families and employers alike.
Agenda Highlights Include:

Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public good
Panel discussion with moderated Q&A
Networking with business and community leaders
Optional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central Station

This event will provide data-backed insights and real-world examples to help business leaders better understand the role they can play—alongside public partners—in advancing childcare solutions that support workforce participation and long-term regional growth.
Be part of the conversation shaping childcare solutions and public spaces that benefit our community.
Meet our speakers

Jeffrey Capizzano

President

Policy Equity Group

ABOUT Jeffrey Capizzano

Scott Lewis

President/CEO

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

ABOUT Scott Lewis

Tracie Coffman

Program Officer

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

ABOUT Tracie Coffman

Zach Verhulst

Founder + CEO

Pure Architects

ABOUT Zach Verhulst

Event Sponsors
Co-Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter
