BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Grand Rapids Chamber - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Grand Rapids Chamber X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://grandrapids.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Grand Rapids Chamber REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260423T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260423T180000 DTSTAMP:20260428T164421 CREATED:20251203T194240Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T132327Z UID:10000427-1776960000-1776967200@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:West Michigan Minority Contractors DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nBuilding Beyond Compliance\nWest Michigan Minority Contractors events offer diversely owned and emerging contractors a place to connect\, learn\, and grow through relationship‑building and strategic partnerships. \nThis upcoming session will explore universal design and accessible housing and why going beyond minimum ADA compliance is not only the right thing to do\, but also smart business. \nFeatured speakers include Gabriel Grant\, Founder and CEO of Care Granted and developer of two of West Michigan’s most forward‑thinking accessible housing projects\, and Dave Bulkowski\, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County and a longtime advocate for accessible\, inclusive communities. \nTogether\, they will share real‑world insight into how universal design principles are being applied to upcoming housing developments in West Michigan\, what accessibility looks like when it’s integrated from the start\, and how contractors\, designers\, and developers can position themselves for future opportunities as demand for inclusive housing continues to grow. \nAttendees will gain perspective on: \n\nWhy accessibility and universal design create stronger projects and broader market appeal\nHow inclusive design impacts construction practices\, collaboration\, and project planning\nOpportunities for contractors\, trades\, and developers to engage in accessible housing projects now and in the future\n\nWhether you’re a trade contractor\, minority‑owned business\, construction firm\, architect\, engineer\, developer\, or supplier\, this session offers practical insight\, meaningful conversation\, and the chance to build connections across West Michigan’s construction and development community. \nMeet our speakers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dave Bulkowski \n \n \n \n Executive Director \n \n \n \n Disability Advocates \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Dave Bulkowski\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gabriel Grant \n \n \n \n Founder and CEO \n \n \n \n Care Granted \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Gabriel Grant\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Sponsors\nProgram Underwriter \n\n \nChamber Champions \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \nUnderwriter URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/west-michigan-minority-contractors-4-23/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Complimentary Events,Economic Growth,Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-WMMC-04.23.26-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T130000 DTSTAMP:20260428T164421 CREATED:20251203T194804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T154819Z UID:10000401-1776855600-1776862800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:OutPro Forum: The Business of Belonging DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nJoin us for a powerful and timely conversation with Jane Gietzen as she shares her personal journey to authenticity\, set against the backdrop of today’s shifting corporate landscape. \nThrough story\, reflection\, and dialogue\, Jane will explore how belonging shows up in real life and real workplaces\, offering perspective on how far we have come\, and what it will take to continue moving forward. This session is designed to spark thoughtful discussion\, practical ideas\, and renewed commitment to leading with courage and authenticity. \nYou’ll walk away with insight on: \n\nThe real value of showing up authentically at work\nWhy the pace of change is influenced by many factors\, inside and outside our organizations\nWhy progress is rarely a straight line\nOne small shift you can make in your own sphere of influence to strengthen belonging\n\nCome ready to reflect\, connect\, and engage in the business of belonging. \nMeet our speaker\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Gietzen \n \n \n \n Principal & Executive Coach \n \n \n \n Resolve Coaching and Consulting \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT Jane Gietzen\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n\n \nEvent Underwriters \n\n \n\n \nCommunity Trustee \n\n \nChamber Champion URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/outpro-forum-4-22/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Networking,Talent & Human Resources ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Graphic-OutPro-04.22.26-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260420T073000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260420T090000 DTSTAMP:20260428T164421 CREATED:20251203T195144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T155539Z UID:10000383-1776670200-1776675600@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:Breakfast With Legislators DESCRIPTION:Registration & Pricing\n \nUPDATE: This event is sold out. Walk-in registration is not available. \nCheck out other upcoming advocacy & government affairs events here! \n  \nBreakfast with Legislators events provide Chamber members and their employees the opportunity to establish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing. Networking and facilitated question-and-answer sessions offer firsthand information on upcoming legislation and House and Senate committee activities\, prompting great dialogue between legislators and Chamber members. \nDon’t just listen\, participate. Submit your questions for the legislative panel during your registration. \nWe’re pleased to welcome the following state leaders to our upcoming Breakfast with Legislators. This panel brings a strong mix of perspectives from both the Michigan Senate and House\, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to engage directly on key issues impacting our region. \n\nSenator Thomas Albert\nRepresentative John Fitzgerald\nRepresentative Carol Glanville\nSenator Mark Huizenga\n\nEvent Sponsors\nPremier Sponsor \n \n \nEvent Underwriters \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nBusiness Partners \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nChamber Champions URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/breakfast-with-legislators-4-20/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy & Government Affairs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GRC_BWL-April-2026-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250805T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250805T180000 DTSTAMP:20260428T164421 CREATED:20250115T184233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T141545Z UID:10000352-1754409600-1754416800@grandrapids.org SUMMARY:OutPro Celebration: The Business of Belonging DESCRIPTION:OutPro Celebration: The Business of Belonging\nJoin OutPro and the Grand Rapids Chamber for The Business of Belonging\, an engaging and purposeful evening celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs\, professionals\, and business leaders who are shaping the economic landscape of West Michigan. \nThrough inspiring storytelling\, meaningful networking\, and community celebration\, this event will spotlight queer-owned businesses\, honoring their innovation\, resilience\, and impact. Together\, we will reaffirm our shared commitment to cultivating a thriving\, inclusive regional economy. \nA live DJ and photo booth will be provided! \nWhether you are a business owner\, ally\, or advocate\, The Business of Belonging offers an opportunity to connect\, be inspired\, and champion a culture where belonging fuels prosperity. \nEvent Agenda\n4:00 p.m.  Registration & Networking \n4:30 p.m.  Welcome\nRodney Savage\, Grand Rapids Chamber \n4:35 p.m.   The Impact of OutPro\nJeffrey Sorensen\, Lake Michigan Credit Union \n4:40 p.m.  Song by Charlee Vargas\, Fifth Third Bank \n4:45 p.m.  Economic Impact of LGBTQ+ Community \nJordoun Eatman\, Experience Grand Rapids \n5:00 p.m.  Fireside Conversation – Highlighting the LGBTQ+ Business Journey \nWayne Bersano\, Huntington Bank\nAlberto Garza\, General Wood Shop \n5:15 p.m.  Fireside Conversation – Building a Stronger Michigan Together\nJeff Donofrio\, Business Leaders For Michigan\nRick Baker\, Grand Rapids Chamber \n5:35 p.m.  Closing Remarks & Networking Resumes \nRodney Savage\, Grand Rapids Chamber \n6:00 p.m.  Adjourn  URL:https://grandrapids.org/event/outpro-forum-2025-08-05/ LOCATION:Grand Rapids Chamber\, 250 Monroe Ave\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States CATEGORIES:Talent & Human Resources,Talent Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grandrapids.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OutPro-Celebration-Graphic-.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR