Business Transition: From Value Building to Exit Strategies
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Plan Your Exit
- Stay in control by understanding your options before you’re forced to act.
- Protect your business, which is likely your largest asset, while learning to grow it and exit on your terms.
- Learn how to avoid costly mistakes by gaining insight from experienced advisors on valuation, timing, and deal structure.
- Discover the steps successful owners take years in advance to intentionally build value and better exit outcomes.
Event Sponsors
Chamber Champion
2026 Speakers
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Lauren Snyder
Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Growth Officer
Consumers Energy
Michael Fleck
Director of Reliability & Regional Planning
ITC Holdings Corporation
Natalie Stewart Mitchell
SVP of Government Affairs and Campus Development
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West Michigan Housing Summit
Join housing leaders, stakeholders, and community members from across the region at the West Michigan Housing Summit for a dynamic, solutions-focused conference centered on innovative strategies for addressing housing challenges.
This summit brings together cross-sector voices committed to moving beyond conversation and toward coordinated action on the region’s most pressing housing challenges.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A dynamic opening session from Sam Cummings and Ryan Kilpatrick, reflecting on where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we’re headed together as a region.
Six targeted breakout sessions addressing critical housing issues, including:
- A legislative panel featuring leaders in housing reforms.
- Strategies for effective public engagement around housing and growth
- Corridor development and place-based investment to drive vibrancy
- Pathways and tools for emerging developers
- The limitations of subsidy-only approaches to housing affordability
- Effective, coordinated responses to homelessness
Closing with Energy
Coby Lefkowitz will tie together insights from the day and challenge attendees to think boldly optimistic about the future of housing through coordinated, cross-sector solutions.
Coby is the author of Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like where he explores how we can create more beautiful and livable communities.
Donor and sponsor support makes this convening possible and positions partners at the center of regional housing leadership. Sponsors gain visibility with key decision-makers, align their brand with measurable community impact, and help catalyze the ideas and collaborations that move housing solutions forward.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This summit is for leaders and changemakers committed to improving housing outcomes, including:
- Housing practitioners and advocates
- Government and public sector leaders
- Developers and real estate professionals
- Emerging developers and entrepreneurs
- Nonprofit and community-based leaders
- Philanthropic and funding partners
- Policy and civic engagement professionals
- Anyone invested in housing affordability, availability, and stability
If you’re working to shape the future of housing in West Michigan, this summit is for you.
12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
1:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and Introduction
Jennifer Radaz, Housing Next
Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
Sam Cummings, CWD Real Estate Investment
1:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
State Legislative Panel
State Representatives Wooden, Grant and Aragona
Moderated by Joshua Lunger, Grand Rapids Chamber
Public Engagement
Jason Wheeler, Wheeler Development
Ryan Schmidt, Indigo
Rowan Brady, City of Grand Rapids
Moderated by Rebekah Kik, City of Kalamazoo
Corridor Redevelopment
Cameron VanWyngarden, Plainfield Township
Nicole Hofert, City of Wyoming
Moderated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
2:40 p.m. Transition + Networking Break
2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Affordability Won’t Be Solved by Subsidy Alone
Dave Levitt, Third Coast
Bev Thiel, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Moderated by Ryan Kilpatrick, Flywheel Community Development Services
Effective Response to Homelessness
Thelma Ensink, Degagé Ministries
Adrienne Goodstal, North Kent Connect
Tenisa Frye, Family Promise of West Michigan
4:00 p.m. Keynote
Coby Lefkowitz, author of “Building Optimism: What a World that Looks Better, Works Better, and Feels Better Could Look Like”
5:00 p.m. Happy Hour
6:00 p.m. Adjourn
Meet our speakers
Event Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
Housing Champions
Center for Economic Inclusion: Q4 2025 Quarterly Report
Economic Growth Quarterly Report
Center for Economic Inclusion: Q4 2025
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.
Welcome New Certified Diverse Business Enterprises
Our Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Program recognizes minority, veteran, women, tribal, disability, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Certifications are provided to increase transparency and to create opportunities for procurement with supplier diversity programs with the area’s largest companies.
This certification gives West Michigan organizations a competitive advantage when working with the greater business community. Join us in welcoming our new Certified Diverse Business Enterprises from this past quarter!
Sadek Law
www.sadeklawplc.com
Woman-owned
The Derm Institute of West Michigan
https://derminstituteofwmi.com
Woman-owned
Aves Films
http://www.avesfilms.com/
Minority-owned
Safecare Transports
http://safecaretransports.com/
Minority-owned
Find the full list of certified businesses here.
Member Story: KJCo Creations
When KJCo Creations founder Kendal Jonas first launched her marketing and design business, she had the creative talent and the drive, but not yet the roadmap. Confident in her ability to build brands and manage social media, she quickly discovered that running a business required a different skill set: pricing, contracts, finances, and finding consistent clients. That’s when she turned to the Grand Rapids Chamber for help.
With guidance from the Chamber’s Economic Growth team and SCORE, Jonas formalized her LLC, implemented a structured pricing and contract system, and strengthened her professional voice.
Through a Chamber connection, Jonas secured her first major retainer contract, a milestone that doubled her contracted weekly hours and allowed her to increase her hourly rate by 20%. Within months, she stabilized her revenue to match and exceed her former full-time salary. KJCo Creations expanded its client base across Michigan, serving businesses in healthcare, trades, agriculture, and professional services, and Jonas is now planning to hire her first part-time employee.
“Bet on yourself. If you’re willing to put in the work and you surround yourself with the right people, friends, mentors, and people like Alex at the Grand Rapids Chamber, you can do this. Drive and passion go a long way, and when you need support, having resources like the Chamber makes the path feel possible.”
– Kendal Jonas, Founder
Q4 Events & Programs Recap
West Michigan Minority Contractors
November 6 • Registered attendees: 141
Business Growth Workshop | How to Have Effective Meetings
December 16 • Registered attendees: 34
Upcoming Events & Programs
Business Growth Workshop: New Tax Breaks for Businesses
New Tax Breaks for Business provides a practical overview of the major tax provisions in the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what they mean for small and mid-sized businesses. This presentation cuts through the noise to highlight key changes affecting business income, deductions, investment, and planning opportunities—helping entrepreneurs and local business owners understand what matters now, what to watch next, and how to position their businesses going forward. Join us Tuesday, March 3.
West Michigan Minority Contractors
West Michigan Minority Contractors (WMMC) is made up of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the construction trades, as well as general contractors. The program aims to strengthen contractors through cultivating relationships and new business partnerships among participants. Join us Thursday, April 23.
Small Business Week Kickoff
Your Grand Rapids Chamber is excited to host the inaugural National Small Business Week Kickoff to celebrate businesses in the community with inspiration, opportunity, and connection. The kickoff event features Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, which is the home of Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor apparel brand. Her story will bring inspiration and excitement to National Small Business Week. Register now to join us Monday, May 4.
Business Growth Workshop: Increase Your Sales by 17%
Cash is king! Every business needs more cash, and more sales = more cash. How do you get more sales? How do you get more cash? Our guest speakers have done it for more than 20 years in over 400 companies, adding over $1B in revenue. Come gain the confidence, optimism, positivity, and enthusiasm needed to add 15-30% revenue to your business. Join us for this Business Growth Workshop on Wednesday, May 6.
Connect with our Team
For more information, please reach out to our team members:
- Jenny Waugh, Vice President of Economic Growth, jenny@grandrapids.org
- Claire Colley, Senior Manager of Economic Growth, claire@grandrapids.org
- Alex Benda, Business Consultant, alex@grandrapids.org
Building NexGen Infrastructure: Data Centers in West Michigan
Data center growth has accelerated nationally, driven by AI development and advanced technology adoption.
That momentum produces two kinds of voices: advocates who promise transformational benefits and skeptics who only see costs and constraints. National headlines don’t always portray nuanced regional answers, and it’s easy for the discussion to drift toward generalization and rhetoric.
At the Grand Rapids Chamber, our goal is straightforward: replace assumptions with facts and offer a practical view of the potential impact of data center development on West Michigan.
For West Michigan, the question is not simply whether data centers are “good” or “bad.” The more meaningful question is how projects fit within our broader economic strategy: one that balances infrastructure capacity and opportunity, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and long-term growth.
Energy usage and infrastructure capacity are central to this discussion.
- Data centers require reliable, scalable power – an expectation shared across advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and individual households.
- To support this, data center facilities help to balance energy grid demand between all customers (particularly during peak energy use periods) by adjusting their energy usage loads or leveraging backup systems like generators.
- Many jurisdictions (including Michigan) require data centers to pay energy rates that result in general improvement of our energy grid that all customers will benefit from – not putting that cost onto other ratepayers.
Water stewardship is equally important.
- Modern data center facilities utilize high‑efficiency cooling mechanisms that dramatically reduce water usage compared to earlier generations of data centers.
- These systems can recirculate water or return treated water to municipal systems, helping preserve our natural resources.
Community impact extends beyond utilities and is often most visible in growing the tax base.
- Data centers typically involve large, long‑term capital investments that can enhance local government tax revenue.
- For communities seeking stable and predictable revenue sources, this type of investment can help support essential services and infrastructure over time without disproportionately relying on residential or small‑business taxpayers.
Approaching decisions around potential development intentionally, rather than reactively, helps ensure that today’s choices support our community’s future vibrancy. This is not always a simple of straightforward determination, but one that we must take seriously as our world and economy continue to evolve.
Our team is excited to go deeper on these questions at the Grand Rapids Policy Conference on March 6th. Don’t miss this event to hear from industry experts and learn more about the real-world impacts data centers can have in West Michigan.
The Company Behind the Products: From Vision to Reality
Dave Cole Decorators has proudly served commercial clients since 1963, building a strong reputation for high-quality interior and exterior painting across the Midwest.
Following new ownership and a full company restructuring, we have expanded our capabilities to better support our partners. We recently acquired a new facility that brings painting, sandblasting, and finishing under one roof, allowing us to take on large structural steel projects while improving turnaround time and quality control. Our original facility continues to support smaller-scale work. Our growth and reputation have been recognized by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and FOX 17.
We are proud to have contributed to many recognizable projects throughout the region, including Amway Soccer Stadium, Acrisure Amphitheater, Gerald R. Ford Airport, Meijer, Corewell Health, and numerous municipal and industrial facilities. We offer free on-site estimates and comprehensive facility inspections to identify early signs of coating failure before they impact the substrate. What sets us apart is our commitment to integrity, honesty, and exceptional service, values that have earned us long-term relationships with Michigan’s top general contractors and owners. If you’re looking for a trusted painting partner who has decades of experience and a reputation for doing things the right way, you have found it in DCD!
Dave Cole Decorators provided painting services at St. Joseph Wastewater Treatment Plant, including the pipe gallery process piping, and full wall and ceiling coatings. Our proven coating systems help protect critical infrastructure from corrosion, while improving visibility, safety, and long-term performance in demanding environments. We offer free estimates and comprehensive facility inspections to identify early signs of coating failure before they impact the substrate.
2026 Economic Forecast
At the Grand Rapids Chamber’s 138th Annual Meeting, members heard a clear and candid economic forecast from Dr. Paul Isely. His word for the year was simple: Slow. Not stalled. Still moving forward. But moving carefully.
He framed the year around four forces shaping the economy:
- Consumers are slowing
- Business is slowing
- Government policy is slowing investment
- AI is slowing employment
View the presentation slides and read the full report here.
Consumers Are Slowing
The pressure on households is growing.
- Many consumers are worn out and carrying more debt
- Nearly 70 percent struggle to maintain a basic savings cushion
- This group is highly price sensitive, especially for everyday purchases
Dr. Isely pointed to the rising use of “buy now, pay later” for groceries as a clear sign of financial stress. He also noted that businesses leaning into affordability and value are outperforming competitors, showing that price matters now more than ever.
Business Is Slowing
The outlook for business, particularly manufacturing, is cautious.
- Manufacturing orders rose after the 2024 election, then dropped sharply after “Liberation Day,” when higher-than-expected tariffs were announced
- Manufacturing jobs are down across West Michigan, while growth has shifted toward education, health care, hospitality, and government roles that often pay less
- Overall business investment is declining. Massive spending in AI and data centers is the major category for spending right now.
Interest Rates and Investment
Interest rates remain a key constraint for both businesses and households.
- The Federal Reserve has cut rates over the past year, but those changes have not fully translated to lower mortgage and borrowing costs
- Global investors are becoming more cautious about placing capital in the U.S., which is keeping long-term rates elevated
- For businesses, this means higher financing costs and delayed investment decisions, especially for large capital projects
- Dr. Isely expects more meaningful rate relief in the second half of the year, as policy shifts place greater emphasis on employment and economic growth
The result is a first half marked by tight financial conditions, followed by a potential opening for refinancing, new projects, and renewed investment momentum later in the year.
Tariffs and Cost Pressure
- Tariffs are thinning corporate margins
- Price-sensitive consumers limit companies’ ability to pass on costs
- Many firms are responding by cutting costs and flattening management structures
AI and Employment
AI is already reshaping how work gets done in West Michigan.
- Manufacturers are using AI to improve supply chains and boost productivity
- Fewer workers are needed to produce the same output
- About 14 percent of jobs are expected to be heavily influenced by AI, though only a small share has been affected so far
- Broader impacts are expected to grow later in the year, especially in finance, insurance, and health care
What Business Leaders Are Seeing
During the panel discussion, Lauren Davis, President of Greater Michigan, shared what she is hearing in the market:
- Manufacturers remain cautious and selective with investments
- Service industries are picking up momentum
- Many companies are staging capital investments for the second half of the year
- Larger firms are moving faster on AI adoption, while smaller businesses are seeking shared learning and collaboration
Looking Ahead
Dr. Isely’s closing message balanced realism with opportunity.
- Employment growth is expected to remain modest, led by small and mid-sized firms
- Younger workers and recent graduates are becoming more entrepreneurial, as traditional entry-level roles become harder to find
- Tariffs may shift from a headwind to a tailwind by mid-year
- Federal policy is moving toward expansionary
- Price increases are likely to continue, even as rates ease
“Winter will feel cold,” said Dr. Isely. But signs of green should appear in the spring. And by summer, the economy may begin to warm.
For West Michigan’s business community: stay informed, stay connected, and look for ways to invest, collaborate, and lead through a slower, but still forward-moving year.
120 Seasons. 30 Years.
Meijer Gardens by the numbers
In 1990, Betsy Borre, a West Michigan Horticultural Society leader, approached businessman and philanthropist Fred Meijer and his wife, Lena, with a proposal to help establish a botanical garden. They agreed to donate finances and a large plot of land, with the condition that this garden also displayed Fred’s growing sculpture collection.
Fred’s love of collecting sculptures and Lena’s love of flowers and gardens led to the opening of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on April 20, 1995 – a passion also embraced by over 16 million people who have entered our doors since then.
Three decades later, the generosity of Fred and Lena, their family, and countless others furthers Meijer Gardens as a community point of pride and distinctive destination to experience this joyful, welcoming, world-class place where we all grow.
How have we grown?
Below is a snapshot of our 120 seasons and 30 years in numbers.
Impact that matters
The Intersection of Values, Results, & Leadership
In a world where milestones and titles often measure leadership, Meredith Bronk’s story offers something more profound: an unwavering commitment to people, purpose, and place.
Now serving as the President & CEO of Progressive Companies and chairing this year’s Grand Rapids Chamber CEO Summit, Meredith brings a seasoned perspective to the table. One that perfectly embodies this year’s theme, Impact that Matters: The Intersection of Values, Results, and Leadership.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Service
Meredith describes her path to CEO as organic, one that evolved through service.
“I grew up in a start-up business. As the business grew, the opportunities for leadership naturally followed. I just kept showing up for what needed to be done.”
This philosophy guided her through nearly 25 years of leading in the tech and services industries. She eventually found herself stepping into an executive leadership role, driven not by personal gain but by a desire to build organizations where people could thrive.
Today, that principle continues to shape her work at Progressive Companies, a 100% employee-owned firm that specializes in architecture, engineering, urban planning, and design. Though she isn’t a designer or architect herself, Meredith has a deep understanding of how to grow people-centric, services-based businesses, and that’s where her strength lies.
“It’s not about knowing every technical detail. It’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work, and where their work truly matters.”
Defining “Impact That Matters”
As chair of this year’s CEO Summit, Meredith is passionate about exploring this concept and what it means for modern business leaders.
She sees it through a dual lens: the external impact a company has on its community and clients, and the internal impact it has on its people.
“[At Progressive] we want to be a company that’s designing, creating, and building environments that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable long-term. That’s what our clients expect, and internally, it’s our job to create an environment where our employees feel like they’re doing the best work.”
Holding the Tension: Values and Results
Perhaps Meredith’s most compelling insight is her perspective on what it means to lead at the intersection of values and results.
“There’s a tension we have to hold as CEOs: people and profits, creativity and discipline, values and value. The best leaders don’t shy away from that tension – they learn how to navigate it again and again.”
She believes that learning to manage this tension isn’t just a trait of good leadership, it’s a skill that must be developed and taught.
“What I’ve learned is that people who come up through the business often lead with values but struggle with the financial side. Others lead with business but miss the human element. Our job is to teach both. That’s how you build sustainable leadership.”
Leaning into Her Leadership
Meredith is quick to acknowledge that she inherited a strong legacy when she joined Progressive Companies. The firm’s long-standing values – diversity, leadership, learning, and trust—were already deeply ingrained. But making them her own has been an intentional process.
“I didn’t write these values, but I believe in them. I’ve had to learn how to speak about them in my own voice without losing the history they carry.”
That blend of reverence and relevance is at the heart of her leadership. She sees herself as both a steward and a catalyst, someone entrusted with upholding what’s always been true, while ushering in what’s next.
Looking Ahead to the Summit
As the 2026 CEO Summit approaches, set against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, Meredith hopes the event will create space for reflection, connection, and genuine learning.
“I want people to walk away having learned something about themselves as leaders. I want them to hear stories that challenge, inspire, and maybe even surprise them. And I want to help spark conversations that make this business community even stronger.”
With Meredith at the helm, those conversations are sure to be grounded in authenticity, propelled by purpose, and focused on outcomes that truly matter.
The Power of Mindset in Leadership
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Though simple, this statement captures one of the most critical truths about leadership: mindset determines outcomes.
In business, leaders face constant challenges, shifting markets, talent shortages, new technologies, and increasing demands from employees and customers. What separates those who rise to the occasion from those who fall behind often isn’t resources or expertise, it’s the belief in their ability to adapt, learn, and lead.
A positive mindset builds resilience. When leaders approach challenges with the perspective that solutions exist, they inspire teams to push forward. Self-awareness adds another layer, allowing leaders to understand their strengths, recognize blind spots, and lead with authenticity. Together, confidence and self-awareness form the foundation of effective leadership.
At the Grand Rapids Chamber, we recognize that cultivating this mindset doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intentional development, reflection, and practice. That’s why our leadership programs are designed not only to teach skills, but to shape the mindset of tomorrow’s leaders:
Emerging Leaders
- Helps rising professionals unlock their potential and lead with purpose.
Women In Leadership
Empowers women to lead with confidence, clarity, and influence.
Lead Up: Leadership Development for New Managers
Equips new managers with the mindset and tools needed to transition from doing the work to leading others.
Leadership Grand Rapids
Creates community trustees and was founded through the principles of community connections, leadership skills, diversity, and systems thinking.
Investing in professional development is more than a career move, it’s a mindset shift. When leaders believe they can, they position themselves, their teams, and their organizations for success.
With this focus, the future of leadership in West Michigan is not only strong, it’s thriving.
Grow as a Leader
From new professionals to seasoned executives, our leadership cohorts help you grow with purpose. Build your network. Strengthen your skills. Lead with confidence.
See what we have to offer at the Chamber:
Raising the Standard
West Michigan is Redefining Accessibility in America
Gabriel Grant and his team at Care Granted are on the cusp of establishing a first-of-its-kind, 100% accessible, community-focused building. It’s not just transformative for West Michigan, it’s historic for the country.
“We looked, we did our research, and we couldn’t find anything like this anywhere else,” said Gabriel Grant, Founder and CEO of Care Granted. “An all-inclusive area, that is a collective of our communities, and truly a reflection of our country—I haven’t seen it. We’re building the first.”
His motivation for a space like this is two-fold. He sees the need firsthand, and he’s on a mission to change the industry. Currently, ADA law mandates only a small percentage of an entire build be accessible, and because of scarcity, the need is outweighing the availability. After being told 100% accessibility was impossible, he took it as a challenge and an opportunity. Today, The Heights on Burton is underway.
“I’m doing it because they said it couldn’t be done,” said Grant. “In this commercial space, 100% accessibility means accessible for all with as few barriers as possible.”
Grant and his team hosted a focus group bringing together individuals with a range of abilities and varying ages to take their specific needs into account.
“We learned so much, and spent hours looking at floor plans, going over everything,” said Grant. “We used Walk Your Plans, a local company that provided life-sized blueprints of our renderings, so we could roll, walk, and use a cane through the plans. We were able to see multiple points of view and perspectives. The individuals were also able to see me and think, “Oh, you’re the project manager. You’re the developer. You really care.”
As a home healthcare company owner, Grant understands that individual needs are dynamic.
“We’re looking at clients and thinking, ‘How do we avoid putting them in a position where they may fall, have an accident, or not live the highest quality of life?’ I can affirm that accessibility makes life so much better and safer, [so] we start with accessibility. Then we add in care and other elements that affect it,” said Grant. “I think it’s necessary for leadership to have lived experience. Everyone wants to see themselves reflected in decisions. When individuals look at this project, they can look at me and say, ‘He’s got our back.’”
Grant has three main sources of pride for this project. First, the smiles, because having the opportunity to live in a place that helps you live your best life is the best gift he can give back to his community. Second, the base of the building will be the Care Granted headquarters, in the same neighborhood that raised him. And lastly, the Innovation Center that will be in the headquarters invites others to learn about the space, take information back to their hometown, and hit copy/paste.
“When someone says it can’t be done, they can say Gabriel Grant did it in Grand Rapids, and you can see how. [I’m looking forward to] seeing developers, architects, and engineers come in, sit down with my team, tour the building, and say, ‘Wow, this is what’s possible.’”