Get ready for the Chamber’s 134th Annual Meeting: State of Grand Rapids Business on February 2, 2022
A New Take on a Chamber Classic
The Grand Rapids Chamber has held its Annual Meeting for over 130 years. This is a chance for Chamber members to come together to celebrate our successes and assess the opportunities and challenges for the year ahead.
New this year, your Grand Rapids Chamber is partnering with the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University to present actionable data on the State of Grand Rapids Business. Together, we will explore how the marketplace is changing and what we can do to shape a better future for companies and communities.
Much has been changed by the pandemic. Both our global and local economies are facing supply chain issues, inflation, and a seemingly permanent talent shortage. This event will give you the data to gauge how West Michigan stands economically, what to expect in the year ahead, and how your company can plan accordingly.
Join business leaders from across the region for important dialogue that will equip, inform, and inspire you to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we will lead West Michigan into the future.
Data for the Grand Rapids Community, by the Grand Rapids Community
With over 2,400 members of all shapes and sizes, the Chamber has a diverse group of businesses to collect data from. We want to hear from you: how is your organization doing? What are you seeing in the marketplace?
On December 6, all Chamber members received an email with a link to a short survey. The data collected from this survey will help Dr. Paul Isely and his team at the Seidman College of Business understand where the West Michigan economy currently stands and what the biggest issues our region is facing.
Dr. Isely will present an accurate and detailed economic forecast for the upcoming year at the State of Grand Rapids Business. Make sure you check your inbox for the survey and take the survey if you haven’t yet. This will ensure we have an accurate view of the West Michigan economy.
Following Dr. Isely’s presentation, a panel of experts from different industries will give their reaction and insights on the forecast. This is an event you can’t afford to miss so make sure you sign up today!
Meet West Michigan’s Economic Expert
Check out this video introduction from Dr. Isely!
Dr. Paul Isely is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. He joined the GVSU faculty in 1995 after earning his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. He also holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Isely’s research interests have led to many local articles and reports. These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy including forecasts of growth, the state of entrepreneurship, healthcare costs, environmental clean-up values, economic impacts of various activities, and the costs and benefits of wind power. These studies have resulted in him being interviewed extensively by TV, radio, and newspapers on the West Michigan economy and its relationship to the national and state economies.
With Dr. Isely’s experience and understanding of our local economy, he will be able to give an economic forecast our members can trust and put to use in 2022.
Don’t wait! Save your spot at the State of Grand Rapids Business for a chance to meet with Dr. Isely and other community leaders.