The Grand Rapids Chamber honors individuals and organizations that are Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative, and Collaborative.
On Monday evening, the Grand Rapids Chamber celebrated the return of the EPIC Awards Gala, the premier business award celebration that recognizes both the businesses and the individuals that foster community growth, demonstrate innovation, and have championed alongside others as mentors and collaborators in our region.
Each award category recognizes those who are leading in growth and innovation, strengthening the business community, enabling collaboration and connections, and accomplishing incredible endeavors with a focus on the future.
“These are the businesses and organizations that are making Grand Rapids a destination – a great place to live, work and thrive,” said Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business Services for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “New to EPIC this year, we are celebrating three diversity-focused recognitions, honoring those who help make our community more welcoming, inclusive and affirming. It speaks volumes to the evolving business community in Grand Rapids.”
This year, over 120 nominations were submitted for consideration. After the selection committee comprised of Grand Rapids business leaders studied the nominees’ newest initiatives, collaborative efforts, impact in the community, and philanthropic vision, 31 finalists were announced in September, and the recipients were honored at the EPIC Awards Gala on Monday, October 25 at the JW Marriott.
Over 400 community leaders, corporate businesses, and small business professionals came together to celebrate the honorees.
“Local business leaders and organizations deserve some special recognition after the difficulties of this past year,” said, Mark Allen, Director of Business Services at the Chamber. “This event was more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration, a reunion, and a tipping point where our members looked back to say, ‘We made it.’”
Join us in congratulating our 11th Annual EPIC Award Recipients!
Small Business of the Year
Pure Architects
Non-Profit of the Year
Comprehensive Therapy Center
Creative Business of the Year
Grand Rapids Ballet
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
La Fuente Consulting
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Wimage
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Gold Coast Doulas
Emerging Leader of the Year
Sylvia Nyamuhungu
DEI Champion Recognition – Leader of the Year
Jessa Challa
DEI Champion Recognition – Organization of the Year
OST
LGBTQIA+ Champion Recognition – Organization of the Year
Camp Blodgett
Excellence in Business
Autocam Medical
