• As we prepare for the November 2026 election, several statewide ballot proposals have emerged that could significantly impact Michigan’s economy, business climate, and governance. 
  • Constitutional Convention (Con Con)  
  • Graduated Income Tax 
  • Tipped Wage Referendum 
• To learn more about these and other proposals that may appear on the ballot, read ‘2026 Ballot Questions’.

A big part of my work involves listening to the real-world challenges faced by business owners and their teams. The food and beverage industry has seen significant changes over the past five years. Many of these changes are visible but easy to overlook.

When people ask me how they can best support our local dining scene (which is truly world-class), I usually offer a few quick suggestions. However, I would like to take this opportunity to share a more comprehensive list that reflects what I’ve been told directly from those in the industry.

Networking is often seen as collecting business cards, adding LinkedIn connections, or attending as many events as possible. But at its core, networking isn’t transactional; it’s relational.

The reality is that genuine networking extends far beyond initial interactions. Reflect on the past nine months, how many times have you met someone, exchanged business cards, thought about how great it was to meet them, and then never spoken to them again? Or worse, bumped into them again at another event and realized you had to start the process all over again? 

That’s where relationship-driven networking makes all the difference. It’s about shifting your mindset from collecting contacts to cultivating connections and focusing on building trust, authenticity, and deeper engagement that lasts well beyond the first meeting. 

Planning a vacation is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From airfare and hotels to sightseeing and cultural experiences, the details create experiences that are seamless and memorable. Witte Travel & Tours, a longtime Grand Rapids Chamber member is here to “sweat the small stuff”.  With 50 years of experience, Witte helps individuals, families, schools, and organizations make the most of their travel opportunities.  

So when is the best time to start planning? 

Our Economic Growth team delivers strategies and technical assistance to the business community at large (Chamber members and non-members), with intentionality towards historically marginalized entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Chamber is at the center of West Michigan business, providing the resources, connections, and introductions businesses need to thrive.
 
Our goal is to empower wealth creation through business ownership by providing:

• One-on-one business consultations
• Connections to existing services and opportunities
• Programs and services needed to scale

 
This work is fueled by the Center for Economic Inclusion, a strategic initiative of the Grand Rapids Chamber. 

Last week, the Grand Rapids City Commission passed a resolution to accept the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) on a 6-1 vote with Commissioner Robbins being the lone no vote.

• The Grand Rapids Chamber made comments on the potential unintended consequences of the remaining concerns (detailed below).
• Special thanks to Ken Misiewicz of Pleune Service Company for his comments based on his decades of experience in construction code, and to the many businesses who took the time to review the plan and communicate their perspective with us or city officials.

This action does not give blanket approval of the 197 actions. Implementation of specific elements will need commission approval. Staff have been directed to begin focusing on 20 prioritized items.

• In his comments, Mayor LaGrand emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize affordable housing and not letting city actions on climate change scare off existing employers and future investors in Grand Rapids.
• We will continue to inform and engage businesses to ensure the next steps recognize market realities and are aligned with the goals of affordability, feasibility, and creating measurable outcomes.

Grand Rapids has a strong, thriving business community. As a result, numerous recognitions have placed Grand Rapids amongst the Top 10 for Best Places to Live in the U.S. or Best U.S. Cities to Buy a Home. Because of these designations, Grand Rapids also enjoys the benefits of both business and leisure travelers. Grand Rapids frequently lands on best towns to visit lists and continues to be on the USA Today list for America’s Best Beer City. These visitors play a vital role in supporting the local economy. Sheraton Grand Rapids is proud to be a partner in both leisure and business travel.

Grandparents, parents, and children traveling together is a big trend, post pandemic.  Sharing a vacation property, cruise or even exploring “the old country” together is increasingly popular as families prioritize time together to create lasting memories. Ever busier, families see shared getaways as rare opportunities of uninterrupted time where loved ones of all ages bond, learn from one another, and enjoy quality time in inspiring settings.  

When Henk Witte’s family initially traveled together, immigrating from the Netherlands in 1956, he could not have foreseen the huge number of family trips his company would launch. After founding Witte Travel & Tours in 1975, he began connecting families back to their roots via charter flights to the Netherlands. As our business has grown, countless other families have experienced the world together.  

Why? Families know that one of the biggest benefits of traveling together is strengthened connection. When plucked from the pattern of everyday life, soaking in new sights, sounds, smells and experiences together, the shared experience expands and connects all ages in new ways. Families discover new things in common. A grandmother and granddaughter discover a mutual appreciation for the salty black licorice of the Netherlands, while the rest of the family grimaces “no, thank you”. Two engineering-minded travel companions dive into the details of Da Vinci flying machine exhibit, noodling potential improvements to the model, despite their 68 year age difference. Three generations may separate a great-grandparent and the latest addition to the family, but their shared love of a certain mouse…timeless! 

Finding these connections begins with understanding each family, tailoring destinations and activities to varied interests and energy levels. Cruises are popular, offering something for everyone—kids’ clubs, spa treatments, excursions, and family-friendly dining options. All-inclusive resorts, especially those with villas or suites, provide a relaxed setting for shared downtime. National Parks blend nature, education, and adventure. For families who want something more immersive, a villa stay in Tuscany or a cultural tour of Japan can be enriching and unforgettable. A trip to explore ancestral roots makes history come alive.  

The rewards are great. The planning can be complex. Coordinating schedules, managing expectations, and accommodating key needs requires thoughtful planning. A professional travel advisor can be priceless. A travel advisor takes the stress out of organizing by handling logistics, sourcing destinations with suitable accommodations, and offering recommendations specifically for your family’s interests and preferences. Your travel advisor also accesses exclusive experiences and perks that can elevate your trip—think private tours, cooking classes, room upgrades, and group discounts. 

Most importantly, a travel advisor ensures that your vacation is seamless from start to finish, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: enjoying time with the people you love. Multigenerational travel is more than just a vacation—it’s a shared story.   

Ready to have your moment?