Announcing the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2023

The Leadership Grand Rapids program, or LGR, is truly one-of-a-kind, gathering around 40 community trustees each year to participate in intense professional leadership training to tackle real issues facing their local community. Each year, the team is hand-picked to span a diverse network of backgrounds, specializations, and industries to bring together a class that is uniquely special and capable of confronting complex problems from all directions. Meet the members of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2023!

Grand Action 2.0 Transforms Downtown, Amphitheater Approved for Riverfront Build

Grand Action 2.0 is revitalizing Grand Rapids with a long-term vision for culture and community. They recently received approval for an agreement to move forward with their latest downtown development project: a large-scale amphitheater near the riverside in downtown Grand Rapids. The venue would seat up to 12,000 and bring more jobs, increase tourism, and expand the number of events that can be hosted downtown. Construction of the amphitheater would be a huge milestone for downtown business community, as it would increase foot traffic in the city and bring new faces to Grand Rapids. Learn more about the project here. 

Grand Rapids Chamber's 2022 Diversity and Talent Summit Unveils New Format, Summit Chair & Theme

The Grand Rapids Chamber's 2022 Diversity and Talent Summit expands in 2022 to feature a full day of impactful speakers and independent work groups. Now with a dedicated time to discuss practical solutions and action steps, the full day event is chaired by the President of Cascade Engineering, Christina Keller, and will revolve around the theme of Rise Together: Ignite, Implement, and Innovate. Registration is now open! Learn more here. 

Here's How Grand Rapids Businesses are Booming

2022 has been a great year for the Grand Rapids business community. So far, the Grand Rapids Chamber has celebrated 49 ribbon cuttings this year. That's 49 businesses celebrating their grand opening, and expansion, or a remodel!

The wide variety of businesses moving into downtown have highlighted some trends in the Grand Rapids area. We're seeing a strong uptick in active lifestyle and diverse-owned businesses. Learn more about these recent additions and what it means for our city here.

50 Years of The Chamber Open

Last month, we celebrated half a century of Chamber golf outings with our 50th Annual Chamber Open. A lot has changed in our community in 50 years – Grand Rapids' population has grown by almost a quarter million people, and we've become a city filled with diverse groups of people and businesses from every sector. Throughout all of that growth, we've remained committed to creating great connections in the Grand Rapids business community with events like The Chamber Open. Take a look at the impact our annual golf outing has had on some of our members over the years.

Court of Claims Rules 2018’s “Adopt & Amend” Strategy Unconstitutional; Stayed until February

The Michigan Court of Claims has ruled that the 2018 “adopt and amend” strategy increasing the minimum wage and enacting a paid sick leave law was unconstitutional. This ruling would mean Michigan’s paid medical leave law will require nearly every business, regardless of the size or type, to provide all employees 72 hours per year of paid sick leave. The state’s minimum wage would also increase to $12 an hour (and trigger a large increase for tipped employees).

This ruling is extremely concerning to the Grand Rapids Chamber and our members. placing a heavy burden on small employers and restaurants. Get the details here.