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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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.
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
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
Donate Local this Holiday Season
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
Nonprofits focused on education, youth development, mentorship, and student support.
Health & Human Services
Organizations providing direct support for mental and physical health, housing, hunger, and emergency services.
Community & Economic Development
Nonprofits focused on housing, workforce, economic mobility, equity, and neighborhood revitalization.
Arts, Culture, and Public Engagement
37th Annual 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.
Adam Dee
Vice President of Actuarial for Health Plan Business (HPB)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Amy Lee
Executive Dean of Collaborative Programs
Michigan Community College Association; Director, EPiC Consortium
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
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.
2026 Panelists
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.
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
The Impact of Local Ownership in West Michigan Panel
Moderated by Meredith Bronk, President & CEO, Progressive Companies
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.