Q2 Update with Rick Baker

The start of June means that we’re already halfway through 2022! In Q1 of this year, Grand Rapids Chamber President & CEO Rick Baker sat down with the Back to Business podcast to discuss the current state of West Michigan and how the Chamber is focused on creating a thriving, prosperous West Michigan for all.

Today, we checked back in with Baker to see what's new in our region, and what the Chamber has planned for the summer. Watch our Q2 update now!

Why Commemorate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday. It was added to the list of federal holidays and commemorated for the first time, in 2021. Many people may still not know the history of Juneteenth and why it is important to commemorate this holiday.

Read a synopsis of the history of Juneteenth and how this holiday is celebrated, plus learn more about the Chamber's webinar, Celebrating Juneteenth, featuring three guest speakers on Friday, June 17.

Inaugural Grand Rapids Policy Conference Coming in August

As the Grand Rapids Chamber works to create a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all, a critical portion of this work relies on our ability to impact policy on a state and local level. 

The Chamber is excited to launch the inaugural Grand Rapids Policy Conference on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 to inform and mobilize our members on all things Grand Rapids policy. This conference will provide a platform for experts to share the challenges and opportunities our region will soon face and where the business community can take action to move us forward. Read more about the Grand Rapids Policy Conference below. 

8 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Grand Rapids

Pride month is here! For the entire month of June, we're celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community and continuing to support our LGBTQIA+ professionals through the Chamber's OutPro initiatives. 

This month-long celebration brings parades and festivals to cities of all shapes and sizes, and Grand Rapids is no exception. Find 8 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month below!

ATHENA Awards Recognize Female-Friendly Workplaces 

The ATHENA Awards Celebration is entering its 33rd year of recognizing fierce female forces for change in the Grand Rapids region.

From multi-billion-dollar corporations to brick-and-mortar businesses, inclusive initiatives are critical for attracting top talent and building a powerhouse team. ATHENA Grand Rapids provides a space for executive leaders to take a step back and recognize the ways in which they could be uplifting female voices day in and day out. Learn more about the 33rd Annual ATHENA Awards Celebration and the difference we're making here.

Great Outdoor Work Destinations in Grand Rapids

With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, trade those cubical walls for crisp summer air! Grand Rapids is filled with outdoor work locations, so get some vitamin D while you work on that big project.

Richard App, the Grand Rapids Chamber's Retail, Retention, and Attraction Specialist, compiled this list of his favorite downtown work locations. Read below to find the best destinations across Grand Rapids, including parks with free wifi.

• Engage with a diverse network of ambitious professionals
• Hone your leadership skillset with individual assessment and executive coaching
• Participate in applied learning experiences and a real-world capstone project
• Earn you MBA in only 22 months as a working professional