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:20261120T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261120T100000 DTSTAMP:20260416T163009 CREATED:20251203T194848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T210200Z UID:10000421-1795161600-1795168800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Chamber Issues Forum DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter 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:20261203T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261203T100000 DTSTAMP:20260416T163009 CREATED:20251203T195116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T205558Z UID:10000441-1796284800-1796292000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Business Exchange Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/business-exchange-breakfast-12-3/ 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-December-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261204T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261204T103000 DTSTAMP:20260416T163010 CREATED:20251203T194945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T175841Z UID:10000460-1796378400-1796380200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:First Friday Update DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter 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:20260416T163010 CREATED:20251203T195140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T143013Z UID:10000385-1796628600-1796634000@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Breakfast With Legislators DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261208T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261208T103000 DTSTAMP:20260416T163011 CREATED:20251203T194410Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T163551Z UID:10000424-1796718600-1796725800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Business Growth Workshop DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/business-growth-workshop-12-8/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Economic Growth ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BGW-December.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261217T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261217T133000 DTSTAMP:20260416T163011 CREATED:20251203T194507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T205605Z UID:10000451-1797507000-1797514200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Business Exchange Luncheon DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n Agenda Highlights Include: \n \n \n \n Presentation on childcare and public spaces for public goodPanel discussion with moderated Q&ANetworking with business and community leadersOptional tours of the new child care facility at Rapid Central StationThis 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2026 Speakers \n \n \n \n Lorem 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Einfeld\, PhD \n \n \n \n Founder & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Awaken Leadership Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aaron Einfeld\, PhD\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Adam Dee \n \n \n \n Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) \n \n \n \n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Adam Dee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aida Dismondy \n \n \n \n Senior Counsel \n \n \n \n Warner\, Norcross + Judd\, LLP \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Aida Dismondy\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator \n \n \n \n Kent County\, MI \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Al Vanderberg \n \n \n \n County Administrator/Controller \n \n \n \n Kent County \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Al Vanderberg\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alberto Garza \n \n \n \n Owner \n \n \n \n General Wood Shop \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alberto Garza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex Belding \n \n \n \n CRO & Co-Founder \n \n \n \n WebriQ \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alex Belding\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ali Anderson \n \n \n \n CEO \n \n \n \n CraftCo. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ali Anderson\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alison Mast \n \n \n \n President of West Michigan \n \n \n \n Northern Trust \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Alison Mast\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Allie Walker \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Truscott Rossman \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Allie Walker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amanda Hentsch \n \n \n \n Director of Membership \n \n \n \n Grand Rapids Chamber \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amanda Hentsch\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Lee \n \n \n \n Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs \n \n \n \n Michigan Community College Association; Director\, EPiC Consortium \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Lee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Rencher \n \n \n \n Senior Vice President \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Rencher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amy Taylor \n \n \n \n President \n \n \n \n Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Amy Taylor\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ana Espinoza \n \n \n \n Director of People Services \n \n \n \n Feyen Zylstra \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Ana Espinoza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n Co-Premier Sponsors \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Underwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/business-exchange-luncheon-12-17/ LOCATION:Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport\, 5700 28th St SE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49546-6976\, United States CATEGORIES:Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-BEX-12.17.26-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR