grand rapids chamber

• Raising the Standard – West Michigan is redefining accessibility through a first-of-its-kind, fully accessible community-focused development.
• Impact that Matters – The intersection of values, results, and leadership, featuring CEO Summit chair Meredith Bronk.
• GR A250 – An invitation to shape our future as the community marks America’s 250th anniversary.
• From Entrepreneurship to Innovation – A new generation of family business leadership and what it takes to carry a legacy forward.
• 120 Seasons of Meijer Gardens – Celebrating 30 years and the impact of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
• Pay Less, Ship More – How Foreign-Trade Zone tools help West Michigan businesses compete globally.

Word Out Influence is a Grand Rapids–based influencer marketing agency built on one core belief: the most impactful marketing starts with real people sharing real experiences.

We specialize in hyper-local influencer campaigns that connect West Michigan businesses and organizations with creators who already live, work, and spend time in the communities they promote. Unlike national creator platforms that focus solely on scale, our approach is rooted in place—we work primarily with Grand Rapids–area creators and businesses, ensuring every story reflects genuine local connection.

As GR natives, we have a personal stake in seeing our city thrive. That perspective shapes how we work, from the creators we collaborate with to the businesses we support. We prioritize authenticity, creativity, and trust over scripted messaging, creating modern word-of-mouth recommendations delivered digitally.

Equally important, our relationships with creators extend beyond a database or profile name. We engage with our influencer network through real-life interactions—events, one-on-one meetings, and ongoing conversations—building relationships that feel personal. By fostering meaningful connections both online and offline, we help organizations tell their story through voices audiences already recognize and trust.

Beyond his service as an ambassador, Cosby brings a deep passion for leadership development and organizational culture to his work. As President and Co-Founder of Culture Impact, he has spent more than a decade helping organizations transform managers into coaches, foster engaged workplace cultures, and develop future leaders.

“Tim embodies what it means to be a Chamber Ambassador,” said Amanda Hentsch, Senior Director of Membership at the Grand Rapids Chamber. “His consistency, professionalism, and genuine care for our members have made a lasting impact on both our Council and our broader business community.”

The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the Chamber through volunteer service, member engagement, and advocacy. Cosby’s commitment and leadership continue to elevate the Ambassador Council and advance the Chamber’s mission to foster a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all. 

This is where catering becomes a lifeline. Catering is more than scaled-up takeout. It is a fundamentally different business model operating inside the same kitchen.

In any business, there are fundamentally three ways to grow revenue: attract more customers, increase how much they spend per visit, or increase how often they buy. In restaurants, that translates very directly: more people in seats, higher check averages, or more table turns.  

When you look at a catering menu, every choice on that page is a negotiation between culinary creativity and logistical reality. Dishes are chosen not just because they taste good, but because they hold heat evenly in transport, can be portioned consistently, and won’t wilt into apology by the time they reach a conference room. What looks simple on paper is actually the product of timing charts, storage capacity, staffing plans, and vehicles that can move lunch across town without ruining it. 

Promise Zone students will gain real-world insights into priority industries such as health sciences, skilled trades, business, technology, and hospitality.

The Chamber will engage industry professionals to participate in sessions, offer site visits, and provide students with guidance on workforce expectations. Students will also have access to resume guidance, interview preparation, and Chamber-supported talent development resources, while the Promise Zone will lead outreach, preparation, and follow-up to ensure sustained engagement.

This partnership follows the recently announced partnership with Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University that provides up to $7,000 per academic year for Promise Zone students who graduate with an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College to complete a bachelor’s degree from either university.

• Democracy Café: A Mobile Hub for Civic Curiosity and Community Connection
  Launching in 2026, the Democracy Café is a pop-up traveling exhibit that brings civic learning and local history directly into neighborhoods, schools, libraries, festivals and community events.  

• July 4 Celebration: A Citywide Day of Civic Connection
  On July 4, GR A250 will invite residents to celebrate the nation’s birthday through experiences that highlight unity, civic pride and shared purpose. GR A250 will distribute Block Party-in-a-Box kits to empower residents to host hyper-local celebrations filled with activities, décor and simple ways to connect with neighbors.  

• Time Capsule: Preserving Today’s Hopes for Tomorrow’s Grand Rapids
  GR A250 will host a communitywide time capsule ceremony to capture the voices, aspirations, challenges and creativity of today’s residents. The capsule will become a civic landmark and a reminder that every generation contributes to the ongoing work of creating a more perfect union.  

• Youth Civic Challenge: Empowering the Next Generation
  GR A250’s youth initiative will partner with schools, community organizations and the Mayor’s Youth Council to elevate young voices in shaping the commemoration. Through student-led service projects, youth storytelling and leadership opportunities, the initiative helps young people explore what civic responsibility means to them and how they can help shape the next 250 years.  

Child care costs have more than tripled since 1990. Today, parents pay a median of $800 per month, rising to $1,100 per month for families needing 20 or more hours of care weekly.  

“American families are suffocating under the crushing costs of childcare,” said Rep. Scholten. “Tri-Share offers a great opportunity to put money back in working families’ pockets, help families pursue their careers, and grow our economy.” 

Rep. James emphasized the workforce and economic implications of the issue. “We cannot address Michigan’s population losses or labor shortages without tackling childcare,” he said. “Failing to fix this crisis only exacerbates the wealth gap and makes it harder for young families to build a future here.” 

“Making childcare more accessible and affordable is a priority for the business community. Michigan’s Tri-Share program has become a nationally recognized innovation for supporting working families, and we’re proud that the Grand Rapids Chamber played a leading role in bringing it to life,” said Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Grand Rapids Chamber.  
 
“Congresswoman Scholten’s effort to federalize Tri-Share is an exciring step forward. This model shows what’s possible when business, government, and community come together, and we’re thrilled to see it advancing on the national stage,” continued Johnston.