I had the opportunity to represent the Grand Rapids Chamber on a national stage, joining peers from across the country at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Membership & Revenue Development Conference to talk about something I care deeply about – how we build and sustain meaningful relationships with our members, especially at the highest levels.
It was a meaningful moment, not just personally, but because it reinforced something we see every day here in West Michigan. The way we approach our work is making an impact, and it is resonating far beyond our region.
What Makes the Grand Rapids Chamber Different?
At the core of how we work is a simple belief: strong business communities are built through intentional relationships.
In practice, that means taking the time to understand each organization’s long-term goals, connecting the right people across industries, and showing up consistently. Not just when there is something to sell, but in ways that create real opportunities for leadership and engagement.
This approach is not just a philosophy. It is supported by the systems, processes, and accountability we have built as a team to ensure every member experience is thoughtful, consistent, and valuable. It is how we scale relationships without losing the personal connection that matters most.
Sharing Our Approach on a National Stage
During my session, we focused on a topic that comes up often in our work, how to effectively engage large, complex organizations.
Large organizations operate differently. Their priorities often center around workforce development, regional growth, and long-term competitiveness. Understanding those priorities is what allows us to show up as a relevant and strategic partner.
One of the biggest takeaways we shared is the importance of starting with alignment. Before pursuing any relationship, we take time to understand where our work connects to an organization’s goals. Whether that is talent pipeline, policy, or economic development, that alignment builds credibility and creates a stronger foundation for partnership.
We also talked about the importance of building relationships across an organization. Strong engagement does not come from a single connection. It comes from developing multiple relationships that provide deeper insight and create continuity over time. This approach strengthens partnerships and helps ensure that momentum is not lost as roles and priorities shift.
Another key focus was intentional outreach. From onboarding through ongoing engagement, we have built consistent touchpoints and systems to make sure no relationship falls through the cracks. These processes allow us to stay connected in meaningful ways while continuing to deliver value over time.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of focusing on progress instead of just the close. With large organizations, decisions rarely happen all at once. Instead of pushing for immediate outcomes, we focus on the next step. That might be a conversation, an introduction, or a way to engage more deeply. Over time, those steps build stronger, more sustainable partnerships.
What This Means for Our Members
What I have seen, time and time again, is that this approach shows up in real ways for our members.
It can look like stronger connections to regional leaders, opportunities to engage in initiatives shaping our community, or having a team that understands their business and is invested in their success. It also means being part of a network that values consistency, trust, and long-term growth.
These relationships are what create momentum, not just for individual organizations, but for the broader business community.
Looking Ahead
Being able to share our work on a national stage was something I am incredibly proud of, but it also reinforced the importance of continuing to learn and evolve.
We are always asking how we can better support our members, deepen relationships, and create more value. That commitment is what drives our work every day.
Because at the end of the day, the strength of our business community is built on the relationships within it.
If you’re a member- thank you for being part of this work.
And if you’re looking to get engaged in this work for the first time or revisit opportunities, we’d love to connect.
Let’s continue to Create Great together.