networking events grand rapids

Chamber Open House & After Hours

Come see the Chamber’s workspace and network with other Chamber members!

Last year we added on to our Collaborative Work Space, and we’re excited to continue to see members use it every day. If you haven’t had a chance to see the newly renovated space, this is a great opportunity to get a tour and learn how your team can take advantage of it!

Also come to network with over 100 other Chamber members!

West Michigan Minority Contractors

Connect with peers and gain potential business referrals at West Michigan Minority Contractors After Hours! This casual networking and informational event will bring together buyers and remove barriers for smaller construction companies to enter the market.

Presenting companies include:

• The Christman Company
• Clark Construction
• Freedom Construction

West Michigan Minority Contractors

The Grand Rapids Chamber will be highlighting upcoming construction projects at our West Michigan Minority Contractors on Thursday, September 26.

Connect with peers and gain potential business referrals at this casual networking event that brings together buyers, contractors, program managers, and others to help remove barriers for smaller construction companies to enter the market.

Hear about upcoming projects from the following companies:

• Habitat for Humanity – Pleasant Hills Development Project: Includes demolishing the existing church on the property (Matthew’s Temple) and will create 7 units total: one 5-unit, and one 2-unit in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Expected start in Spring 2025.
• Erhardt Construction – West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce new headquarters project, Tri-Cities YMCA project
• The City of Wyoming – Examples of bidding opportunities with the City of Wyoming, how to register as a bidder, how to get notified of bidding opportunities, how to submit a bid, how to prequalify for bids issued by the Engineering and Community Development offices, and how the City awards bids.
• Clark Construction – Details coming soon!

Plus, visit with three community resources sharing guidance at expo tables: 

• BBB – The Better Business Bureau will have information promoting how their organization help keep businesses in compliance with licensing and certification requirements – a huge need for minority contractors.
• City of Wyoming – The City of Wyoming will have more information on how minority contractors can get involved in their programs and updates on their latest community projects.
• Construction Allies in Action – Construction Allies in Action has programming available for underrepresented contractors (Strong Foundations Program and the Affiliate HUB) and will also highlight ways to get involved with Construction Allies in Action.

West Michigan Minority Contractors: Accounting Essentials

Save time and gain financial confidence by mastering accounting essentials at our next West Michigan Minority Contractors Workshop. Join us Thursday, April 18 to hear from Jennifer Price, Controller at Rockford Construction on accounting best practices for contractors (payroll, taxes, and beyond)!

Get the inside scoop on upcoming construction projects, including:

• The Grand Rapids Soccer Stadium project
• Infrastructure developments by The Rapid, such as concrete pads and shelters for bus stops, outdoor furniture at The Rapid Central Station, and more
• The MLK Park Lodge and Pool Building project with Erhardt Construction, boasting amenities like a gymnasium, pool house, multipurpose room, fitness area, playground, and more

Ahorra tiempo y gana confianza financiera dominando los conceptos básicos de contabilidad en nuestro próximo Taller de Contratistas Minoritarios de West Michigan. Únete a nosotros el jueves 18 de abril para escuchar a Jennifer Price, Controller en Rockford Construction, hablar sobre las mejores prácticas contables para contratistas (nómina, impuestos ¡y más!).

Obtén información privilegiada sobre los próximos proyectos de construcción, que incluyen:

• El proyecto del Estadio de Fútbol de Grand Rapids
• Desarrollos de infraestructura realizados por The Rapid, como plataformas de concreto y refugios para paradas de autobús, mobiliario urbano en la Estación Central de The Rapid, y más
• El proyecto del Edificio de Lodge y Piscina de MLK Park con Erhardt Construction, que cuenta con comodidades como un gimnasio, casa club, sala multiusos, área de fitness, área de juegos, y más.

This event will be presented in English with interpreter services available. / Este evento se presentará en Ingles con servicios de interpretacion.

‘How to Get the Bid’ Workshop

What stands out in a bid? What practices help ensure your bid is successful? Connect with peers and gain potential business referrals at this informative West Michigan Minority Contractors ‘How to Get the Bid’ workshop. During this session, you will:

• Master the bidding process by learning the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind successful bids
• Explore key strategies that exemplify or disqualify a bid
• Examine real-life examples of the good, bad and ugly

Plus, hear an update on major developments being spearheaded by Grand Action 2.0, such as the Acrisure Amphitheatre and the Grand Rapids soccer stadium. Complete the prequalification checklist to get involved with the Acrisure Amphitheatre project.

¿Qué destaca en una cotización? ¿Qué prácticas ayudan a asegurar el éxito de tu cotiza? Conéctate con colegas y consigue posibles referencias de negocios en este taller informativo de West Michigan Minority Contractors “Cómo Ganarte el Contrato”. Durante esta sesión, tú:

• Dominarás el proceso de cotización aprendiendo el ‘cómo’ y el ‘por qué’ detrás de las ofertas exitosas
• Explorarás estrategias clave que ejemplifican o descalifican una cotización
• Examinarás ejemplos reales de lo buenos y malos

Además, escucharás una actualización sobre importantes proyectos de construcción que están siendo liderados por Grand Action 2.0, como el Anfiteatro Acrisure y el estadio de fútbol de Grand Rapids. Completa la lista de precalificación para involucrarte con el proyecto del Anfiteatro Acrisure.

Chamber 101

Chamber 101

Chamber 101