2. The Chamber leads the business
community to drive a dynamic,
top-of-mind region through
information, influence, and access.
3. 2015ANNUALREPORT3
Rick Baker
President & CEO
what makes a
top-of-mind region?
That’s the question we’re answering
here at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber
of Commerce. We know it takes the
confidence to grow, the courage to
take risks and try something new—
to be bold.
Today, top talent is choosing where to
live, then finding employment. A top-of-
mind community needs to offer exciting
opportunities to stay at the forefront of
people’s thoughts.
West Michigan is increasingly known
as a great place to live and work,
consistently out-ranking many places
in the country. In 2015, Grand Rapids
nabbed the number one place to live
on Trulia’s list of“Top Five Real Estate
MarketsTo Keep OnYour Radar.”The New
YorkTimes recently ranked Grand Rapids
Number 20 on their list of“52 Places to
Go in 2016”and the city ranked third
in the nation for economic growth by
Area Development Magazine.
All of these accolades and many more
ultimately point to a thriving, diverse, and
engaged entrepreneurial community as
the foundation propelling our top-of-
mind region. That means you and your
company are the core—the things
you do every day to create value. You
generate opportunities and jobs,
attract people and develop them, and
enhance our community with your
goods, services and philanthropy.
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of
Commerce is proud to play a central
role in actively supporting you. As we
look ahead to 2016, we are invigorated
by signs of yet another solid year forWest
Michigan—from robust employment
projections to competitive core industries
poised to continue outpacing other areas.
You can rest assured that the Grand
Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
will remain a relentless advocate for
the pro-business environment that has
fostered growth and helped develop
a skilled, highly-educated workforce.
We also look forward to continuing to
connect businesses with the people,
information, resources, and decision-
makers they need to succeed in 2016.
Thank you for being a part of this
energetic business community and for
your investment in the Chamber.
4. Decision-makers need data. Business owners need insights, tips and tools. Professionals need new ideas to implement and grow.
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce functions as a central hub of information for our members and the
community at-large—delivering vital business resources, impactful advice articles and empowering programming
that showcases relevant experts and local leaders as they dig deep into the business issues and trends shaping our
organizations and community.
Whether you have specific questions or just want to be in the know, we connect you with the answers and knowledge you
need—on growing business, developing teams, enhancing leadership, cultivating a welcoming community, addressing
key public policy issues, cutting through red tape, and more.
Understanding Business
Issues & Trends
“The Chamber does a great job of keeping a pulse on what’s going on in the
community and helping members stay informed.”
— Tiffany Aldrich, Director of Communications, Cherry Health
5. 2015ANNUALREPORT5
Dynamic speakers covered hard-hitting topics each
monthontalent&teams,workplacetrends,leadership
lessons,businessgrowthandcommunityupdates.
Experts and local panelists shared the future trends
and issues impacting health care, insurance, and
medical practices.
Annual forum and award speakers revealed
TheBusinessCaseforRacialEquity and tactics for a
welcoming workplace.
Online and in print, 116,000 readers stayed informed,
inspired, and immersed in business and community
conversations.
Business
Matters
Health
&
Wellness
Diversity
&
Inclusion
Business
Advice
6. Businesses today operate amid complex regulations. Entrepreneurs of all sizes, industries, and backgrounds are challenged
with growth. Organizations demand influential leaders who can deliver transformative change.
That’s where we come in. The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is positioned to lead the charge in creating
regional economic success and long-term prosperity. We’re developing West Michigan’s next generation of leadership,
cultivating a climate in which diverse businesses thrive, and directly influencing policies at the local, state and federal levels.
No matter what sphere of business or community you need to impact, the Chamber serves as your direct conduit for
advancing bottom-line issues and ideas propelling our region forward.
transforming
BUSINESS AS USUAL
“Through the Chamber, I can make positive changes that affect my business
and my industry.”
— Bridgett Tubbs-Carlon, Founder/CEO, AppleTree Early Care and
Preschool – A Gilden Woods Brand
7. 2015ANNUALREPORT7
• Connected minority entrepreneurs with corporations inWest Michigan—boosting both bid
opportunities and supplier diversity
• Strengthened business development and entrepreneurial assistance with marketing growth
strategies, financial lending practices, and project bidding
Game-Changing Advocacy
strengthening leaders
Increasing Business Capacity
2015 Legislative Wins:
• Leaders deepened their understanding ofWest Michigan and grew skills as
communitytrusteesthroughtheCenterforCommunityLeadership(CCL)’spremierprograms
• ATHENA Leadership Forum attendees discovered bi-monthly leadership lessons and
dynamic roundtables
•ThefirstEastMeetsWestbroughtleadershipgraduatesofboththeGrandRapidsandDetroitchambers
togethertoinfluencestatewidecollaboration
• Strengthened transportation networks with long-term road funding
• Enhanced economic development with Satellite SmartZone Legislation
• Embraced high-tech industries with competitive data center tax policy
• Kept local government out of HR business practices
• Championed stronger schools by endorsing the Grand Rapids Public School
Bond Proposal
• Endorsed successful candidates in Grand Rapids mayoral, city commission and
80th District State House races
8. CONNECTING PEOPLE
CREATING COMMUNITY
Growing companies demand diverse talent. Professionals crave strong personal networks and career connections.
Everyone needs access to others and to the community in which we live.
The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is second to none when it comes to creating avenues for building
community—expanding the circles of collaboration within it and the actionable relationships that power it. We welcome
newcomers and long-time residents alike and engage them in the conversations that spark meaning, breed optimism, and
enliven cultural competency.
Our vision entails West Michigan as a place where anyone can belong and celebrate success.
“The Chamber has given us many different avenues to meet new people and
make valuable business connections.”
— Ruben Juarez, President, WORKFORCE Employment Specialists
9. 2015ANNUALREPORT9
Connected with others and our community to
discover diversity deeper relationships
Expanded business personal networks for
growth, collaboration, and enhanced success
Accessed elected officials to influence public
policy improve economic conditions
4,933
10,697
Gained Connections
Diverse
Professionals
4,295
Entrepreneurs
1,469
Business
Leaders
10. No one acts alone. These days we are all interconnected.
Whether it’s the creative startup or the solid legacy firm—whether it’s the new hire or the long-standing community
leader—our everyday decisions ripple over the economic and cultural course of our region.
It’s our job at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to ensure we operate on the front lines of tomorrow’s business
and leadership needs.
together,
we are stronger
• Launching ELEVATE Minority Business to cultivate capacity and grow sizeable minority companies
• Issuing election-year endorsements to support pro-business candidates proposals
• Enhancing knowledge with Quarterly Issue Summits on transportation, talent, and other topics
• Strengthening skills to combat racism through expanded programming community conversations
• Advancing public policy priorities on energy legislation, third grade reading proficiency, talent/workforce
development, and health care
• Empowering business and community leaders with relevant information and diverse networks
• Delivering specialized business concierge services to help answer queries and locate beneficial resources
In 2016, we will be:
markyour calendars
April 28
CenterforCommunityLeadership
AnnualFundraiser
June 8
TheChamberOpen
September 15
ATHENAAwardsCelebration
September 30
HealthCareSummit
November 2
EPICAwards
November 18
DiversityInclusionForum
February 5
2016TransportationMobilitySummit
11. 2015ANNUALREPORT11
involVement
opportunities
Whether you want to be heavily engaged, are tight on time or somewhere in between—the Chamber has multiple
ways for you to get involved and maximize your membership.
Ramping
Up
• Read business advice articles from Chamber publications
• Receive business referrals from our membership directory
• Participate in online webinars on topics you need for business growth
• Take advantage of exclusive discounts
• Post a member-to-member coupon
• Sendyourbusinessnewstoeditor@grandrapids.org
• Post job openings in ‘Member Resources’area at grandrapids.org
• Post an event or happening with your business on the Chamber’s community calendar
• Follow and share Chamber info on social media
• Advertise with the Chamber for brand and business exposure
• Sponsor a Chamber event or program
• Arrange a Ribbon Cutting
• Set up an expo table at Business Exchange Luncheon
• Use online membership directory to build connections with fellow members
• Attend Chamber events and programs to build your network and access key information
• Participate in leadership development programs
• Participate on a Chamber committee
• Be a Chamber Ambassador
• Submit business advice articles to help peers
• Include your entire staff in your membership
(all employees can utilize your business membership)
Starting
Out
Highly
Engaged
1.
2.
12. Amway
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Fifth Third Bank
Joost Vapor
Meijer, Inc.
Spectrum Health
Steelcase Inc.
Consumers Energy
Foremost Insurance Company/Farmers Insurance
Huntington Bank
INglass USA, Inc.
Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Mercy Health
Metro Health
SpartanNash
StoryPoint
Warner Norcross Judd LLP
Wolverine Worldwide, Inc.
ADAC Automotive
American Seating Company
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
ATT Michigan
Bucher Hydraulics, Inc.
Cascade Engineering, Inc.
Clark Hill PLC
Crystal Flash
DP Fox Holdings, LLC/Fox Motors
GE Aviation
Grand Rapids Community College
Haworth, Inc.
Huizenga Group
JBS
Law Weathers
Mercy Health Physician Partners
Merrill Lynch
Michigan State University College of
Human Medicine
Miller Johnson
MLive Media Group / The Grand
Rapids Press
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health
Services
PNC Bank
Pridgeon Clay, Inc.
Ranir
SIBSCO
Smith Haughey Rice Roegge, PC
Tanger Outlets
TEC (The Executive Committee)
Varnum LLP
Wolverine Building Group, Inc.
VisionarIES
InvestorS
You ARE the Chamber. We value and appreciate all of our members. Your contributions to your people, your
business, your community—and yes, your Chamber—really do matter. Thank you for your continued support as
we work together to build a vibrant business community in Grand Rapids.
thank you for your support
PartnerS
13. 2015ANNUALREPORT13
a.j. Veneklasen, Inc.
AAA Michigan
Adtegrity.com
Aquinas College
Autocam Medical
Autodie LLC
Bank of America
BDO
Beene Garter LLP
BISSELL Inc.
Blackmer, A Dover Company
Blue Care Network of Michigan
Calvin College
CHASE
Cherry Health
Christian Reformed Church in North
America
Comcast Business
Comerica Bank
COMLINK
Country Fresh, LLC
Daniel Pamella DeVos Foundation
Dave Buster's
Dave Cole Decorators, Inc.
Davenport University
Dematic Corp.
Ernst Young LLP
ETNA Supply Company
Farmers Insurance Group
Fishbeck,Thompson, Carr Huber, Inc.
Foster Swift Collins Smith, P.C.
Four Winds Casino Resort
Franklin Partners LLC
TrusteeS
GMB Architecture Engineering
Goodwill Industries of Greater
Grand Rapids, Inc.
Grand Valley State University
Grandville Printing Company
Great Lakes Heavy Haul, Inc.
Grotenhuis
Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC
Herman Miller, Inc.
Hope Network
Hylant of Grand Rapids, LLC
Imperial Design Companies
Irwin Seating Company
J H Oil
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Kent Companies, Inc.
KPMG LLP
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Little River Casino Resort
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Mercantile Bank of Michigan
MVP Sports Clubs
Old National Bank
Paul Goebel Group
Plante Moran, PLLC
Priority Health
ProCare Systems, Inc.
Rhoades McKee PC
Rockford Construction Company, Inc.
RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.
Schupan Sons Inc.
Superior Asphalt, Inc.
Teleperformance
The Rapid
Tubelite Inc.
University of Michigan Business
Engagement Center
UPS
Van Andel Institute
Visser Brothers, Inc.
Walgreens Store #9131
Waters Building, LLC
Williams Distributing Co./Williams
Kitchen Bath
Windstream
WOOD TV8/WXSP/WOTV
X-Rite, Incorporated
14. Chairperson: Mike Mraz, Rockford Construction Company
Chairperson Elect: Steve Heacock, Spectrum Health
Immediate Past Chairperson: Stacie Behler, Meijer, Inc.
Vice Chairperson, Budget/Finance: Nelson Sanchez, RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.
Vice Chairperson, Governance Beth O’Shaughnessy, Steelcase Inc.
Vice Chairperson, Public Policy: Bryan Harrison, Amway Corporation
Vice Chairperson, Member-at-Large: Joan Budden, Priority Health
Vice Chairperson, Member-at-Large: Mike Verhulst, Wolverine Building Group, Inc.
President CEO: Rick Baker, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Lynn Afendoulis, Universal Forest Products, Inc.
Stacie Behler, Meijer, Inc.
Johnny Brann, Jr., Kitchen 67
Meredith Bronk, Open Systems Technologies (OST)
Joan Budden, Priority Health
Lew Chamberlin, West Michigan Whitecaps
Jim Green, Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Bryan Harrison, Amway Corporation
Steve Heacock, Spectrum Health
John Irwin, Huntington Bank
Joe Jones, Grand Rapids Urban League, Inc.
Rebekah Kennedy, Grand Rapids Jaycees
Birgit M. Klohs, The Right Place, Inc.
Janet Mason, WZZM 13
Michael Mraz, Rockford Construction Company
Javier Olvera, Supermercado Mexico
Beth O’Shaughnessy, Steelcase Inc.
Patrick J. Prichard, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Nelson Sanchez, RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.
Ted Vaughn, Tolman’s Wholesale Meats
Michael B. Verhulst, Wolverine Building Group
Doug Young, Behler-Young Company
Rick Baker, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
executive board committee
board members
15. 2015ANNUALREPORT15
staff
Kim McLaughlin
Vice President of Member
Community Enrichment
Ciciley Moore
Programs Manager
Michelle Glover
Event Administrative Associate
Mercedes Cowper
Event Planner
Cindy Johnson
Event Planner
Ellie Frey
Director
Marci Schafer
Assistant to the Director /
Program Coordinator
Executive
Finance and Operations
Rick Baker
President CEO
Lea DeMaagd
Executive Assistant
Shari Dick
Chief Financial Officer
Ellen Hillary
Accountant
Joni Johnson
Database Manager
Terry Davidson
IT Systems Administrator
Ashlie Johnson
Customer Service / Receptionist
Marketing Communications
Latricia Trice
Vice President of Marketing
Communications
Karen Thelen
Senior Designer
AliciaMarie Belchak
Senior Communications
Specialist
Olivia Adams
Communications Social Media
Specialist
Business Growth Initiatives
Janet Wyllie
Vice President of Business
Growth Initiatives
Member Community Enrichment
Diversity Inclusion
Sonya Hughes
Vice President of Inclusion
Government Affairs
Andy Johnston
Vice President of Government
Corporate Affairs
Allie Bush
Director of Government Affairs
Josh Lunger
Director of Government Affairs
Membership
Mark Allen
Director of Member Relations
Josh Verhulst
Director of Member Visibility
Matthew Alley
Director of Membership
Engagement
Kelli Roos
Membership Sales Manager
Elizabeth Raguse
Membership Sales Manager
Family Business Alliance
Silent Observer
Chris Cameron
Program Director
16. 111 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
grandrapids.org
#iamthegrchamber
