Talent & Human Resources Summit

The Grand Rapids Chamber's event Talent & Human Resources Summit 2026

The Grand Rapids Chamber‘s Talent & Human Resources Summit is one of West Michigan’s premier gatherings for HR professionals, executives, and people leaders committed to shaping the future of work.

This signature event brings together thought leaders and industry experts to explore the latest trends and strategies in talent acquisition, retention, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Attendees will gain practical tools and insights to strengthen their people strategies, foster belonging, and build workplaces where both employees and organizations thrive.

Whether you’re leading HR initiatives, developing leaders, or driving organizational change, the Talent & Human Resources Summit offers inspiration, connection, and actionable solutions to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Join us as we advance West Michigan’s talent and leadership excellence together.

2026 Speakers

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.

Headshot of Aaron Einfeld

Aaron Einfeld, PhD

Founder & Executive Coach

Awaken Leadership Solutions

Adam Dee, FSA, MAAA Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Adam Dee

Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Headshot of Aida Dismondy

Aida Dismondy

Senior Counsel

Warner, Norcross + Judd, LLP

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator

Kent County, MI

Headshot of Al Vanderberg

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator/Controller

Kent County

Alberto Garza

Owner

General Wood Shop

Alex Belding

CRO & Co-Founder

WebriQ

Headshot of Ali Anderson

Ali Anderson

CEO

CraftCo.

ATHENA Finalist Alison Mast

Alison Mast

President of West Michigan

Northern Trust

Headshot of Allie Walker of Truscott Rossman

Allie Walker

President

Truscott Rossman

Headshot of Amanda Hentsch

Amanda Hentsch

Director of Membership

Grand Rapids Chamber

Headshot of Amy Lee

Amy Lee

Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs

Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium

Amy Rencher Headshot

Amy Rencher

Senior Vice President

Amy Taylor

President

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South

Ana Espinzoa Headshot

Ana Espinoza

Director of People Services

Feyen Zylstra

2026 Panelists

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.

Headshot of Aaron Einfeld

Aaron Einfeld, PhD

Founder & Executive Coach

Awaken Leadership Solutions

Adam Dee, FSA, MAAA Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Adam Dee

Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Headshot of Aida Dismondy

Aida Dismondy

Senior Counsel

Warner, Norcross + Judd, LLP

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator

Kent County, MI

Headshot of Al Vanderberg

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator/Controller

Kent County

Alberto Garza

Owner

General Wood Shop

Alex Belding

CRO & Co-Founder

WebriQ

Headshot of Ali Anderson

Ali Anderson

CEO

CraftCo.

ATHENA Finalist Alison Mast

Alison Mast

President of West Michigan

Northern Trust

Headshot of Allie Walker of Truscott Rossman

Allie Walker

President

Truscott Rossman

Headshot of Amanda Hentsch

Amanda Hentsch

Director of Membership

Grand Rapids Chamber

Headshot of Amy Lee

Amy Lee

Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs

Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium

Amy Rencher Headshot

Amy Rencher

Senior Vice President

Amy Taylor

President

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South

Ana Espinzoa Headshot

Ana Espinoza

Director of People Services

Feyen Zylstra

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Executive Sponsors

Chamber Champions

Inclusion Advocates

2026 Speakers

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.

Headshot of Aaron Einfeld

Aaron Einfeld, PhD

Founder & Executive Coach

Awaken Leadership Solutions

Adam Dee, FSA, MAAA Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Adam Dee

Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Headshot of Aida Dismondy

Aida Dismondy

Senior Counsel

Warner, Norcross + Judd, LLP

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator

Kent County, MI

Headshot of Al Vanderberg

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator/Controller

Kent County

Alberto Garza

Owner

General Wood Shop

Alex Belding

CRO & Co-Founder

WebriQ

Headshot of Ali Anderson

Ali Anderson

CEO

CraftCo.

ATHENA Finalist Alison Mast

Alison Mast

President of West Michigan

Northern Trust

Headshot of Allie Walker of Truscott Rossman

Allie Walker

President

Truscott Rossman

Headshot of Amanda Hentsch

Amanda Hentsch

Director of Membership

Grand Rapids Chamber

Headshot of Amy Lee

Amy Lee

Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs

Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium

Amy Rencher Headshot

Amy Rencher

Senior Vice President

Amy Taylor

President

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South

Ana Espinzoa Headshot

Ana Espinoza

Director of People Services

Feyen Zylstra

2026 Panelists

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.

Headshot of Aaron Einfeld

Aaron Einfeld, PhD

Founder & Executive Coach

Awaken Leadership Solutions

Adam Dee, FSA, MAAA Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB) at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Adam Dee

Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Headshot of Aida Dismondy

Aida Dismondy

Senior Counsel

Warner, Norcross + Judd, LLP

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator

Kent County, MI

Headshot of Al Vanderberg

Al Vanderberg

County Administrator/Controller

Kent County

Alberto Garza

Owner

General Wood Shop

Alex Belding

CRO & Co-Founder

WebriQ

Headshot of Ali Anderson

Ali Anderson

CEO

CraftCo.

ATHENA Finalist Alison Mast

Alison Mast

President of West Michigan

Northern Trust

Headshot of Allie Walker of Truscott Rossman

Allie Walker

President

Truscott Rossman

Headshot of Amanda Hentsch

Amanda Hentsch

Director of Membership

Grand Rapids Chamber

Headshot of Amy Lee

Amy Lee

Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs

Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium

Amy Rencher Headshot

Amy Rencher

Senior Vice President

Amy Taylor

President

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South

Ana Espinzoa Headshot

Ana Espinoza

Director of People Services

Feyen Zylstra

How Your Grand Rapids Chamber Works for You and Your Business

As a business leader, you play an essential role in West Michigan’s success. 

Every day, working with your clients, teams, and partners, you bring ideas, ingenuity, and imagination to life, creating solutions and collaborating to achieve more together than you ever could alone. 

At the Chamber, our focus remains on serving you to create a thriving business community.  The following are the unique ways we serve and strengthen the business community.

Advocate and Act

We don’t just talk about change—we work to drive it. Through thoughtful advocacy and pragmatic action, we champion policies that remove barriers, spark investment, and keep Michigan competitive.  

Whether it’s supporting talent initiatives, addressing chronic homelessness, or simplifying regulations, we act to ensure West Michigan remains a place where businesses and people can grow.

Convene, Connect, and Catalyze

 Our role is to bring people togetherto unite ideas, leaders, and opportunities. Across every industry and at every event, we’re helping businesses connect, collaborate, and innovate.  

Through more than 160 days of events and programs, you can experience our business community’s energy—and when we gather, we make things happen.

Trusted Source and Partner

In a time of constant change, reliability matters. Members can turn to the Chamber for insight, training, and information.  

Whether navigating legislation, workforce shifts, leadership training, or market trends, our team is here to help you make confident decisions and seize opportunities.

GET CONNECTED

With nearly 3,000 members, your Grand Rapids Chamber is one of the largest in the country, giving us the capacity to expand your network, increase your visibility, provide you individualized services and tackle the key issues shaping our region’s growth 

You also have access to a package of exclusive perks and member benefits. 

Need help getting started with accessing the benefits of your Chamber membership and don’t know where to start? Contact Betsy DuBreuil, Office Manager, today at 616.771.0300 or  betsy@grandrapids.org.  

Thank you for your membership. It is an honor to serve you and work with you.  

Turn Small Business Saturday Hype into Long-Term Growth

WMCC Blog Graphic

Last year, American shoppers pumped more than $17 billion into independent businesses (sbdcnet.org), but feel-good hype doesn’t keep doors open; repeat revenue does. The independent retailers who win Small Business Saturday don’t only ring big numbers at the register; they convert that traffic into measurable return visits. 

Here’s how to turn one day of momentum into long-term growth for a strong start in Q1.

Step 1: Own the Relationship! Not Just the Sale.

The biggest mistake retailers make on Small Business Saturday is letting walk-in traffic vanish. Winning stores capture customer info on the spot and follow up before the shopping bags make it home. It’s simple: install an iPad or QR code at checkout and train staff on a 60-second ask:

“Enjoying Small Business Saturday? Get 10% off today when you join our VIP list—takes 10 seconds.”

With a good incentive, 8–12% of customers will opt-in to SMS or email. But the power isn’t in the signup, it’s in the same-day follow-through. By 6:00 p.m., send a short thank-you message with a bounce-back incentive: “Come back in December for 15% off one item.” Expect 10–15% of those shoppers to return within 2–4 weeks. 

Step 2: Increase Ticket Size Through Collaboration

Margins are tight; slashing prices isn’t a strategy. Across Uptown GR, Downtown Holland, and neighborhood districts across the region, “collaborative conversions” are becoming the new go-to strategy: partner with three neighboring stores and launch a 4-Stop Shop Small Passport.

Four stamps equal a reward, such as a gift or $10 off to use in January.

It’s simple, fast to launch, and increases both dwell time and average order value. If coordinating business owners feels like herding cats, make it even simpler with receipt sharing. If a shopper shows a receipt from another local store that day, give 15% off one item. You’re not discounting your entire assortment; instead, you’re fueling cross-shopping, so the discount is less about cheapening the perceived value.  

Step 3: Bundle for Margin, Not Just Volume

Shoppers want giftable convenience, and retailers want high-margin baskets. Pre-built gift bundles deliver both, plus cash flow. Create three bundles priced at $25, $50, and $75 using items with 50%+ gross margin. Name them. Display them. Make them impossible to ignore when customers walk in: 

  • West Michigan Cozy Kit 
  • Hostess Survival Bundle 
  • Self-Care Saturday Pack 

Top-performing stores report that bundles alone account for 20–35% of total SBS revenue

Step 4: Pull Cash Forward with Community Cash (Locks in Future Traffic)

Instead of a generic gift card promo, run a Community Cash bounce-back that guarantees a return visit in the slow season. Use this at checkout and online:

“Buy $100 in West Michigan Community Cash today and get a $20 bonus to spend in January. We accept it here.”

Community Cash (powered by the Grand Rapids Chamber + Conpoto) keeps dollars local and quietly drives new customer acquisition, especially from corporate and employee gift budgets. Those bulk purchases are already happening, and they’re going to businesses listed on the merchant map. If you’re not on it, you’re invisible to that holiday spend.

Once listed, train staff to ask: 

“We accept Community Cash. Do you want to get $20 for your visit in the new year?” 

TLDR: What to Do This Week 

  • Train the ask: Write a 60-second opt-in script. Post QR codes at checkout. 
  • Build bundles: 3 tabletop bundles at $25/$50/$75 using high-margin items. 
  • Promote gift cards: “Buy $100, get $20” offer digital and physical cards ready. 
  • Launch a passport: Recruit 3 nearby stores. Print 4-stamp cards. Promote in local Facebook groups. 
  • Create a 2-hour peak: A maker demo, free hot cocoa, or mini craft pulls crowds. Add mobile checkout to kill lines. 

 

The Bottom Line 

Small Business Saturday will bring crowds whether you’re ready or not. Revenue isn’t the goal; repeatable revenue is. Capture 8–12% of visitors into your list. Convert 10–15% with bounce-back offers. Drive 20–35% of sales with bundles. Push a second visit in January with gift cards and loyalty perks.

There are multiple ways to make this SBS the start of a wonderful holiday season for your customers and your business!  

Picture of Alex benda

Alex benda

Economic Growth Business Consultant
Grand Rapids Chamber

Report: Workplace Benefits Are Evolving

Talent acquisition and retention is a key issue for business. According to the new 2025 Workplace Benefits Report from Bank of America, now in its 15th year, certain benefits can drive employee satisfaction and productivity – while inadequate benefits can result in workers quitting.  

Here are some of the trends and findings:  

  • Caregiving challenges: Nearly 6 in 10 employees are caregivers and seek benefits like flexible schedules, leave options, and financial wellness programs to balance responsibilities. 
  • Generational differences: Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z and Millennial employees carry debt (58% have credit card debt). Gen X reports the highest burnout, while Boomers remain the most financially optimistic, though 1 in 4 say they aren’t on track for retirement. 
  • Retirement regrets: 70% of employees prioritize retirement savings, but nearly half nearing retirement wish they had started earlier or taken full advantage of 401(k) matches. 
  • Evolving benefits: Employees increasingly seek support for student loan repayment, wellness reimbursements, emergency loans, and nontraditional offerings like addiction support, grandparent leave, and pet insurance. 

For employers, the takeaway is: investing in the right mix of benefits isn’t just about perks. It’s about strengthening retention, improving productivity, and positioning your company as an employer of choice. 

Learn more: Join Paul Kiefer, market president for Bank of America Grand Rapids, to learn more about the report from 8-9am on November 4 at the Chamber’s Health Care & Human Resources Committee in the Varnum Law offices on the 17th Floor of the Bridgewater Place (parking validated). All members welcome.  

 

Open Enrollment Season: What You Need to Know for 2025–2026

Open Enrollment Season is here. This is the time of year when employees can review, adjust, or enroll in benefit plans for the upcoming year. It is important to know the key dates and actions required to ensure you have the right coverage.   
 

For Employees: Tips to Prepare for a Successful Enrollment 

1. Set Reminders for Dates 

Mark the key dates on your calendar to avoid missing deadlines. Most open enrollment windows are 2-4 weeks but verify your company’s open enrollment timeline with your HR department or representative. 

2. Review Current Plans 

Look at your current coverage and consider any changes in your health or future needs. 

3. Understand Costs 

Make sure you know your out-of-pocket costs for services, payroll deductions, and changes in cost structure with upcoming benefit changes.  

4. Anticipate Life Changes 

Look ahead at what might change in your life or with your health in the upcoming year. Are there any upcoming surgeries? Are you planning any family changes in the next year? 

5. Update Personal Information 

Make sure your contact and household details are current. Incorrect information can cause a delay or lapse in coverage.  

6. Employer Paid vs Employee Paid Benefits 

Benefits provided at no cost to you usually cannot be changed during this period. Benefits you pay for, such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, or Flexible Spending Accounts, can be changed.  

7. Ask Questions 

Do not wait until the end of open enrollment to ask your questions! Reach out your HR department, HR representative or insurance broker with any questions you have about premiums, deductibles or details. 

Even if you do not plan to make changes to any of your benefits for the upcoming year, it is a good idea to log in and review your elections to ensure your information is up to date. 


For Employers: Tips for Communicating Benefit Changes 

Employees can feel overwhelmed by benefit details and changes. A successful open enrollment season depends on timely and effective communication. It is important to make information easy to understand and accessible.  

1. Announce Early 

Start talking about benefits and updates as early as possible before open enrollment officially begins. This will help phase the communication to employees and keep them informed. 

2. Use Multiple Communication Channels 

Do not rely solely on emails for getting the information out about open enrollment! Use multiple channels for communicating and reminding employees about benefits and updates.  

3. Address Changes 

Clearly communicate any new changes to plan options, premiums, additional benefits, and any other items that would be changing during open enrollment. Transparent and open communication to employees about changes helps them better understand and gives opportunities for questions.  

4. Keep It Simple 

Try not to use professional jargon when talking about benefits. Keep it simple and use visuals to help explain complex topics like deductibles, premiums and copays.  

5. Encourage Questions 

If possible, have an in-person meeting to encourage employees to ask questions about upcoming enrollment and benefit updates.  

6. Send Reminders 

Send regular updates before and during the open enrollment window so that employees do not miss their chance to elect coverage for the upcoming year.  


Check out our Members that are Subject Matter Experts:   

Mastering Difficult Conversations: The Key to Unlocking Talent, Inclusion, and Retention

Mastering Difficult Conversations: The Key to Unlocking Talent, Inclusion, and Retention

In today’s competitive talent landscape, unlocking your organization’s full potential hinges on more than just outstanding recruitment strategies. If your people can’t engage in open, honest, and courageous dialogue, your best talent strategies won’t achieve their intended impact. That’s why at this year’s Summit on “Unlocking Talent, Inclusion, and Retention for a Stronger West Michigan,” one of the themes we will explore is Mastering Difficult Conversations in the Workplace, a topic that lies at the very heart of creating healthy and resilient workplaces.

When organizations create environments where team members feel safe to speak up, share concerns, challenge assumptions, and acknowledge mistakes, they move beyond surface-level cohesion to cultivate genuine belonging. Without this foundation of trust and openness, top talent will naturally gravitate toward workplaces where they can be authentic, heard, and valued. Research consistently shows that avoiding difficult conversations erodes trust, diminishes engagement, and weakens organizational culture. Developing the skills to navigate these conversations effectively is essential to building strong, resilient, and high-performing teams.

Why mastering this topic matters:

  • Unlocking Talent: When people believe they will be heard and supported, not shut down or ignored, they are far more likely to bring their full selves and their best ideas to the table.

  • Inclusion: Real inclusion is not just being invited to the table, it’s being invited to speak at the table, even when the topic is hard. Mastering difficult conversations fosters a culture where difference is valued, disagreement is safe, and collaboration thrives.

  • Retention: Top talent leaves when they feel invisible, misunderstood or unsafe. By equipping leaders and teams to engage in candid, constructive dialogue, we strengthen engagement and reduce turnover risk.

At the summit, Ken Bogard of Know Honesty will explore practical tools for starting tough conversations, listening with empathy, managing emotions, and working toward shared understanding and action. These skills are no longer optional; they’re essential for building healthy, high-performing workplaces in West Michigan and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself and your team with these communication muscles. Register now for the summit and join us in unlocking talent, driving inclusion, and retaining the people who will shape our future.

Register Here:

Picture of Rodney Savage

Rodney Savage

Vice President of Talent & Inclusion
Grand Rapids Chamber

Transforming Kent County Through Strategic Corridor Development

Housing Next has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive Corridor Strategy that promises to reshape Kent County’s approach to sustainable community growth. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the region’s housing needs while promoting responsible development practices. 

The strategy centers on a thorough analysis of Kent County’s major transportation corridors, identifying over 3,000 acres of vacant and underutilized land strategically positioned along these vital arteries. What makes these sites particularly valuable is their existing access to essential infrastructure including sewer systems, water services, and established community amenities. This existing infrastructure foundation eliminates many of the barriers that typically slow development projects and reduces costs for both developers and municipalities.

By focusing development efforts on these well-positioned parcels, the Corridor Strategy enables sustainable community growth through residential infill rather than urban sprawl. This approach preserves valuable greenspace and agricultural land on the county’s periphery while revitalizing areas that have been overlooked or underutilized. The strategy emphasizes creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that can accommodate households across all income levels, ensuring that Kent County’s growth benefits all residents. 

The practical impact of this strategy is already becoming visible throughout the county. A prime example is currently underway at the intersection of Lake Drive and Fulton Street in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood. Here, a developer is transforming a long-vacant parcel that had been overlooked for years into six new townhomes. This project exemplifies the corridor infill approach by bringing new housing to an established neighborhood with existing infrastructure and community connections.

This development model offers multiple benefits: it maximizes the value of existing public investments in infrastructure, creates housing opportunities in established neighborhoods, and contributes to the economic vitality of existing commercial corridors. The townhomes will add to the neighborhood’s residential density while maintaining its character and providing new households with convenient access to transportation, shopping, and community services. 

Housing Next’s Corridor Strategy represents a thoughtful, data-driven approach to community development that balances growth needs with sustainability principles, positioning Kent County for responsible expansion that serves residents across all economic levels. 

Bring Your Kitchen Ceiling Back to Life with Professional Ceiling Restoration

When most people think about keeping a kitchen clean, they picture spotless floors, sanitized prep stations, and gleaming appliances. But theres one area that often gets overlooked—the ceiling.

If you manage a restaurant, commercial kitchen, or food prep facility, chances are your ceiling has collected years of grease, dust, smoke, and grime. Over time, those stains dont just make your space look tired—they can also create health hazards, lower air quality, and impact customer perception.

Thats where Corporate Cleaning & Facility Services comes in. Our Kitchen Ceiling Restoration Service offers a cost-effective way to deep clean and restore ceilings, making them look like new—without the expense and disruption of replacement.

Why Ceiling Cleaning Matters More Than You Think

Your ceiling is more than just part of your building—it’s part of your brand image. A clean ceiling reinforces your commitment to hygiene and professionalism, whether for staff, customers, or inspectors. Here’s why regular commercial ceiling cleaning is a smart investment:

  • Cost Savings – Our ceiling restoration service typically costs less than 20% of replacement, saving you thousands of dollars.
  • Health & Safety – Ceilings trap dust, bacteria, and mold. Removing buildup helps prevent contamination and supports food safety compliance.
  • Improved Air Quality – Grease and dust circulating through HVAC systems can cause respiratory issues. Clean ceilings improve airflow and reduce allergens.
  • Better Lighting – A restored ceiling reflects light more effectively, brightening your kitchen and reducing energy use.
  • Longer Ceiling Life – Cleaning removes damaging buildup that can stain, rust, or degrade ceiling materials.

Want to see all the benefits? Visit our Ceiling Cleaning Services page.

A Smarter Alternative to Replacement

Instead of tearing out old ceiling tiles and spending thousands on renovations, our restaurant ceiling cleaning service restores ceilings in place using a safe, non-toxic process:

  1. Deep Cleaning – We remove layers of grease, dust, and grime with professional equipment and eco-friendly solutions.
  2. Light Cover Restoration – Fixtures and lenses are cleaned to restore brightness and reduce fire risks.
  3. Vent Renewal – Rusted or stained ceiling vents are refinished with a fresh coat of durable paint.
  4. Final Inspection – Every ceiling panel, fixture, and vent is reviewed for a like-new appearance.

Best of all, our process is fast, effective, and minimally disruptive—we are typically able to complete the job overnight when the kitchen is closed.

Trusted Ceiling Restoration Experts

Corporate Cleaning & Facility Services is the authorized Ceiling Pro International service provider in West Michigan. That means our team has access to proprietary cleaning solutions, specialized training, and decades of hands-on experience.

Weve provided kitchen ceiling restoration for restaurants, food production plants and commercial kitchens.  Each project is handled with care, ensuring compliance with safety standards and delivering results that impress customers and inspectors alike.

The Results You’ll See Immediately

When we’re done, your ceiling will be:

  • Brighter – Stains, discoloration, and grease marks are gone.
  • Cleaner – Dust, mold, and bacteria are eliminated.
  • Restored – Without the cost and hassle of ceiling replacement.

Our commercial ceiling cleaning services are designed to give your kitchen an instant facelift—one that helps you save money while projecting a higher standard of cleanliness.

Ready to Restore Your Ceiling?

Don’t let a dirty ceiling drag down your kitchen’s look—or put your health inspections at risk. With our Kitchen Ceiling Restoration Service, you’ll get:

  • A cleaner, safer work environment
  • A brighter, fresher appearance that boosts staff morale and customer confidence
  • Significant cost savings compared to ceiling replacement

👉 Contact Corporate Cleaning & Facility Services today for a free quote and test clean. Let us show you just how dramatic the transformation can be.

You’re Invited: Step Inside the Future of PAWS

Paws With a Cause staff photo

At Paws With A Cause® (PAWS), we believe the partnership of a dog can change everything. For more than 45 years, that belief has guided us from a small grassroots effort in West Michigan into a nationwide mission that’s changed thousands of lives. Today, our work reaches far beyond training assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Facility dogs now support professionals in schools, hospitals, and community spaces, while our Visiting PAWS therapy dog teams bring comfort and connection to people wherever they go.

This year, we’re stepping into an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed brand and an updated mission focused on transforming lives and strengthening communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs, PAWS is preparing for the future. That means investing in our people, our programs, and the spaces that make this life-changing work possible, starting with the transformation of our national headquarters into a welcoming, innovative hub designed to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

Come Explore, Play, & Celebrate With Us

Before we get back to the important work of changing lives, we’re opening our doors for our community to celebrate with us. We hope you’ll join us for one of our Community Open Houses at our newly renovated national headquarters (4646 Division Ave, Wayland, Michigan 49348):

  • Wednesday, November 6 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

These free, family-friendly events are open to everyone. Whether you’ve supported PAWS for years, partnered with us as a business, volunteered your time, or simply love dogs and believe in the power of community, we’d love to welcome you and show you what’s next. RSVP by visiting our event calendar here!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the new facility with opportunities to see training demonstrations and meet PAWS dogs in action.
  • Interactive experiences for all ages, including games, activities, giveaways, and learning opportunities about how working dogs transform lives.
  • Food and refreshments to enjoy as you explore.
  • Opportunities to connect with the PAWS team and learn how you, your family, or your business can get involved.

An Investment in the Future

This transformation marks the next chapter for PAWS. It is a bold, $10 million investment in our mission, made possible by the generosity of supporters through the Embrace the Journey Campaign. Over the past year, we’ve reimagined our home from the ground up, all to meet the growing demand for working dogs and amplify the impact of every partnership we create.

Every part of the new facility was designed with purpose. New veterinary care spaces ensure each dog receives the highest quality care on-site. Updated puppy and breeding areas give future working dogs the best

possible start. A modern training center now mirrors the real-world environments our dogs will navigate, and a new canine village offers expanded, enriching housing for more dogs in training than ever before.

We can’t wait for you to explore these new spaces and celebrate this milestone with us. Together, we’re building a future where partnerships with working dogs transform lives and strengthen communities—one wagging tail at a time.

Visit our website to learn more and RSVP at: https://pawswithacause.org/

4 Ways to Get Engaged in Advocacy – and Make Your Voice Count

4 ways to get engaged in advocacy

Civic engagement doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can start with showing up, sharing your perspective, or joining a conversation that matters. At the Grand Rapids Chamber, we make advocacy accessible for every member. Here are four ways you can get involved: 

1. Participate in Chamber Programs

From First Friday Calls to Breakfast with Legislators and deep-dive into Chamber Issues Forums, our events are designed to keep you informed and connected. These programs are a great way to learn what’s happening on the issues impacting your business and community. 

2. Join an Issue Committee

Be part of the conversations that shape policy. Our four member-driven issue committees — Health Care & Human Resources, Infrastructure & Natural Resources, Education & Workforce Development, and Tax & Regulatory Affairs — provide direct opportunities to influence priorities and stay updated on key legislation.

3. Support the Chamber PAC

The Grand Rapids Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) helps elect pro-business leaders who understand our community’s needs. Even small contributions make a big impact. In 2024, 92% of the candidates supported by the Chamber PAC won their races. 

4. Share Your Story

Nothing is more powerful than your lived experience. When lawmakers hear directly from you — about challenges like workforce needs, childcare, or costs — it helps shape policies that truly reflect our region. The Chamber can help you prepare your message and connect with leaders. 

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. By showing up, joining the conversation, and speaking up, you can help ensure policies reflect the values and needs of our community — and build a stronger, more inclusive West Michigan.

Picture of Jacqui Dolce

Jacqui Dolce

Senior Manager of Government Affairs
Grand Rapids Chamber

Budget Breakthrough: Michigan Legislature Reaches FY2026 Deal

State Budget Nears Deal Newsletter

The Michigan Legislature is expected to finalize the FY2026 budget today after reaching deals on major items, including road funding, last week. The agreement touches on several major issues including road funding, changes in state tax rules (known as “decoupling”), and a fix for the Insurance Providers Assessment (IPA).  
 
Our team is diving into the details and will be sending an update on major items as soon as possible.  
 
Join us Friday at our monthly First Friday Update to discuss how things settled.

Road Funding Plan

The budget directs $1.85 billion toward Michigan roads through a mix of redirected revenues and new funding streams: 

  • Redirecting economic development dollars previously used to attract corporate investment. 
  • Redirecting all state taxes collected at the gas pump to road improvements (The resulting hole in school and local government funding would be backfilled from other sources). 
  • Implementing a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana products. 

Decoupling from Federal Tax Law

The Legislature will take action to “decouple” Michigan’s tax code from certain changes made under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This essentially resets the calculation to how things were last year. Additional changes include: 

  • Allowing deductions for qualified tips and overtime from adjusted gross income (estimated state revenue loss: $157.6 million). 
  • Allowing Social Security income to be deducted. 

Insurance Providers Assessment (IPA) Fix

The budget addresses federal requirements that impact Michigan’s $650 million IPA, which funds a portion of the state’s Medicaid share: 

  • The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must seek a federal waiver to continue the current IPA structure. 
  • If denied, DHHS must propose a new, compliant assessment. The approved plan would allow DHHS to impose an annual assessment on insurers. 

Other Highlights

  • The $50 million Housing & Community Development Fund (HCDF) is retained. 
  • The $50 million Revitalization and Placemaking Fund (RAP) would receive one more year of funding before being discontinued. 
  • A one-time $250 million deposit into the Healthy Michigan Fund from Corporate Income Tax (CIT) revenues. 
  • Starting in FY25-26 and ongoing, CIT revenues would be dedicated as follows: 
  • $1.2 billion to the General Fund. 
  • $50 million to the HCDF. 
  • Starting at $688 million an increasing every year to $1.04 billion annually to the Neighborhood Road Fund. 

We prioritize your privacy.

Our site uses cookies strictly for essential features such as member logins and event registration. We do not track your behavior or serve targeted ads.