Chamber Happy Hour

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber Happy Hour

Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for happy hour and networking with fellow and future members. Chamber Happy Hour takes place on Wednesdays throughout the year in our Work Café.

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Beer Fridge Sponsor

Food Partner

Chamber Champions

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

Chamber Happy Hour

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber Happy Hour

Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for happy hour and networking with fellow and future members. Chamber Happy Hour takes place on Wednesdays throughout the year in our Work Café.

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Beer Fridge Sponsor

Food Partner

Chamber Champions

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

Chamber Happy Hour

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber Happy Hour

Join the Grand Rapids Chamber for happy hour and networking with fellow and future members. Chamber Happy Hour takes place on Wednesdays throughout the year in our Work Café.

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Beer Fridge Sponsor

Food Partner

Chamber Champions

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

Chamber 101

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber 101

Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue or further involvement with the Chamber. Chamber 101 allows members to learn about the different Chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of your membership.

Event Sponsors

Chamber Champion

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

Chamber 101

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber 101

Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue or further involvement with the Chamber. Chamber 101 allows members to learn about the different Chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of your membership.

Event Sponsors

Chamber Champion

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

Chamber 101

Grand Rapids Chamber's event Chamber 101

Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue or further involvement with the Chamber. Chamber 101 allows members to learn about the different Chamber offerings and how to start getting involved to make the most of your membership.

Event Sponsors

Chamber Champion

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

Donate Local this Holiday Season

Giving Tuesday local nonrpofits

Make your Giving Tuesday gifting local! Consider a member nonprofit organization that’s depending on your support this season. We’ve made it easy for you to peruse the list and find a mission that aligns with your values. 

Youth & Education

Health & Human Services

Community & Economic Development

Arts, Culture, and Public Engagement

37th Annual ATHENA Awards Celebration

ATHENA Awards Celebration

The ATHENA Awards Celebration honors those who embody, encourage, and promote the inclusion of women. Join us for an afternoon of celebration, inspiration, networking, and announcing our ATHENA award recipients on Wednesday, October 14!

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional leader whose dedication to professional excellence, community service, and empowerment of women exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and mentorship.

The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is presented to a rising leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative.  They serve as a role model and improve the quality of life for others.

The ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award recognizes a company that intentionally fosters an environment for women to thrive. This organization is outstanding in their pursuit of supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders in every stage of their life and career.

Mark your calendar! Nominations for these prestigious awards will open in the spring of 2026. Learn more at https://grandrapids.org/athena-grand-rapids/.

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

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Finalist Reception

Program Underwriters

Lead Supporters

Chamber Champions

Toast Supporter

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.

Small businesses make up 96% of all Michigan businesses and are essential to the state’s economic strength.

The Kickoff event features Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, which is the home of Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor apparel brand. As part of the third generation of Jacquart family members to oversee the business, she is the first female CEO in the brand’s 120-year history. Her story will bring inspiration and excitement to National Small Business Week.

The Kickoff is just the beginning. In celebration of National Small Business Week, the Grand Rapids Chamber is partnering with the SBA’s Michigan Small Business Development Center to host a weeklong series of events designed to reach, support, and elevate local entrepreneurs. Find a full list of Small Biz Week West Michigan 2026 events at www.smallbizweekwm.com

AGENDA

3:30 P.M. Drinks, Appetizers, Networking

4:30 P.M. Welcome and Opening Remarks

4:40 P.M. Keynote Speaker
Gina Thorsen, CEO, Stormy Kromer

5:00 P.M. Leadership Decisions Through Growth, Change, and Setbacks – Panel
Moderated By: Greg Rios, Macatawa Bank
Evan Mathison, Mathison | Mathison Architects
Gina Thorsen, Stormy Kromer
Anna Baeten, The Human Solution

5:20 P.M. Closing Remarks

6:00 P.M. Adjourn

Meet our speakers

Gina Thorsen is CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, home of Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor apparel brand. As part of the third generation of Jacquart family members to oversee the business, she is the first female CEO in the brand’s 120-year history.

Gina Thorsen Headshot

Gina Thorsen

CEO

Jacquart Fabric Products, Stormy Kromer

Jenny Waugh

Vice President of Economic Growth

Grand Rapids Chamber

2026 Panelists

Anna Baeten

Anna Baeten

Founder & Principal Consultant

The Human Solution

Evan Mathison Headshot

Evan Mathison

Founding Principal

Mathison | Mathison Architects

Greg Rios Headshot

Greg Rios

Senior Vice President, Community Banking Team Lead

Macatawa Bank

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Keynote Speaker Sponsor

Executive Sponsors

Lead Supporters

Chamber Champion

West Michigan CEO Summit

Grand Rapids Chamber's event the West Michigan CEO Summit

The West Michigan CEO Summit brings together some of the most influential entrepreneurs and executives leading West Michigan. Meredith Bronk, President and CEO of Progressive Companies, will serve as the 2026 CEO Summit Chair. With a career marked by transformative leadership, Meredith’s guidance will be invaluable as we gather for this premier executive event.

What to expect:

  • Keynote presentations with tools for business growth
  • Inspiring leadership lessons
  • The opportunity to participate in facilitated discussions on key issues
  • Networking with fellow West Michigan executives

Attending the West Michigan CEO Summit

The West Michigan CEO Summit is one of the best investments you can make in your professional and personal development. Together, we can ensure Grand Rapids is the best place to live and work. Together, we can foster a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for ALL.

Be a part of leading a growing West Michigan at the CEO Summit.

AGENDA

7:30 A.M. Registration, Buffet Breakfast, & Networking

8:05 A.M. Welcome from the 2026 West Michigan CEO Summit Chair
Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies

8:20 A.M. Leadership Lesson
Julie Leonard, CEO, LMCU

8:50 A.M. Leadership Lesson
Ashlea Souffrou, Founder & CEO, SxanPro

9:05 A.M. Break & Networking

9:20 A.M. New CEO Chat
Darrius Barnes, President, AC Grand Rapids
Kara Wood, Executive Director, Grand Action

9:32 A.M. Discussion – The Impact of Local Ownership in West Michigan
Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies
Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber Greg McNeilly, President & CEO, The Windquest Group
Robert Roth, Executive Chairman, RoMan Manufacturing

9:55 A.M. Leadership Lesson
Gabriel Grant, Founder & CEO, Care Granted

10:10 A.M. Break & Networking

10:25 A.M. Leadership Lesson
Daniel Watts, CEO, US Signal

10:45 A.M. Leadership Lesson
Tricia Keith, President & CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

11:05 A.M. Leadership Lesson: GRA250
Brian Hooks, President & CEO, Stand Together

11:20 A.M. Closing Remarks
Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies
Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber
Jeff Lumpp, President, Hylant and Grand Rapids Chamber Board Chair

11:30 A.M. Adjourn

CEO Summit Chair

WMCEO Meredith Bronk Headshot

Meredith Bronk

President & CEO

Progressive Companies

The Impact of Local Ownership in West Michigan Panel

Moderated by Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies

WMCEO Greg McNeilly Headshot

Greg McNeilly

CEO & President

The Windquest Group

WMCEO Rick Baker Headshot

Rick Baker

President & CEO

Grand Rapids Chamber

WMCEO Robert Roth Headshot

Robert Roth

Executive Chairman

RoMan Manufacturing

Meet our speakers

Turn their experience into your competitive advantage. Hear Leadership Lessons from these local leaders as they break down career-defining moments into strategies you can apply to your own organization.

WMCEO Ashlea Souffrou Headshot

Ashlea Souffrou

Founder & CEO

SxanPro

WMCEO Brian Hooks Headshot

Brian Hooks

Chairman & CEO

Stand Together

WMCEO Daniel Watts Headshot

Daniel Watts

CEO

US Signal

WMCEO Darrius Barnes Headshot

Darrius Barnes

President

AC Grand Rapids

WMCEO Gabriel Grant Headshot

Gabriel Grant

Founder and CEO

Care Granted

WMCEO Julie Leonard Headshot

Julie Leonard

CEO

Lake Michigan Credit Union

WMCEO Kara Wood Headshot

Kara Wood

Executive Director

Grand Action 2.0

WMCEO Tricia Keith Headshot

Tricia Keith

President & CEO

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Event Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Trustee Sponsor

Live Chamber Voices Sponsor

Exclusive Technology Sponsor

Event Underwriter

Lead Supporters

Chamber Champions

Media Sponsor

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.