2013 Annual Report - Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

2013
CONTENTS
04Workforce
06 Business Growth
08Advocacy
10 Next Up
12 Board of Directors
13 Chamber Staff
14 Chamber Investors
Jason Miney Photography
“
message from the
PRESIDENT & CEO
Grand Rapids is amazing. These days, our city is touted as a happy place to work, a fantastic place to raise a family, and a top pick
to visit in the U.S. There is growing diversity and burgeoning economic vitality here in West Michigan. And members of the Grand
Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce have been at the heart of it all.
We are exceedingly proud of all our members and their many
accomplishments in 2013. Chamber members have been expanding
their businesses, launching new products, hiring more people and
attracting new, diverse talent. They have reached out to legislators
and elected officials, making sure the voice of West Michigan business
is heard. They have received awards and recognition for their business
outcomes, their company’s culture, and their role in the community.
Some of our members have even been showcased on national TV.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at the Grand Rapids
Area Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased to share with you the
stories, statistics, and successes of 2013 in this annual report. Working
alongside our members, the Chamber has accomplished much in
support of growing businesses and a great Grand Rapids. As we
launch 2014, we look forward to another year of making our
community truly amazing.
We congratulate all of our members’ successes, and sincerely thank
the business community for working with and through the Chamber
this past year. It is because of the committed support and continued
engagement of our members that we are able to act as your ally,
advocate, and change agent.
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annual report 2013
Rick Baker
President & CEO
Attracting talent
With a Top Ten ranking on Forbes 2013 “Happiest Cities To Work In Right Now,” Grand Rapids is proving itself as a magnetic
community with an increasingly diverse workforce—attracting and retaining top talent.
“E
very newcomer to Grand Rapids has a story. I personally
relocated to Grand Rapids 23 years ago and have seen this
city transform,” said member Mary Smith, Corporate
Relocation Manager for Greenridge Realty, Inc. “Grand Rapids is a
great place to live and work.”
As a growing firm with open positions, OST actively partners with
local colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools to nurture
tomorrow’s workforce. The company also places a high value on
employee development—leveraging networking and co-learning
opportunities and offering strong internship and mentoring programs.
Smith said Grand Rapids draws people here with outstanding familyoriented arts and culture, excellent educational opportunities from
preschool to graduate studies, and access to outstanding worldrenowned medical facilities.
“From a business perspective, it’s really important for us to foster the
talent, career skills, and tech expertise we need,” said Iakiri.
“We have such a great downtown that is helping retain students
after graduating from local universities, and the strong tech
community here is also a huge benefit,” added Tamara Iakiri, who
works in talent acquisition at OST (Open Systems Technologies).
“
Johanna Wilberding, YMCA Vice President of Human Resources, agreed
and noted that hiring young and diverse talent is part of fulfilling their
mission as an organization that strengthens community and promotes
social responsibility. “It’s important for our employees to mirror our
membership base and the community we serve,” she said. “We live in
a diverse world and we need a talented workplace that reflects that.”
Realizing the power of diversity—through distinct personalities, capabilities and ethnic backgrounds—is what helps our community become inclusive and creates an environment
where innovation flourishes.
– Jill Wallace, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc.
”
“
We love that the Chamber is about
building strong leaders and businesses
that will in turn build a strong
community.
”
– Kelley Losey, Director of Cascade
Consulting Group at Cascade Engineering,
Inc.
WORKFORCE & TALENT
In 2013, the Chamber worked alongside businesses as they welcomed, connected, and engaged diverse talent in the
community. From leadership development to Facing Racism—from newcomers to long-time residents—the Chamber is
creating a magnetic community with a strong workforce.
488
strengthened their
leadership skills
through Center for
Community Leadership
(CCL) development
programs and events
benefited from our
through our
talent attraction,
Diversity and
engagement, and
Inclusion trainings
retention programs
(cultural tours, welcome
dinners, etc.)
participants
attendees
266
served
110
90
plus
participated in the
three-day ReadyNow!
employability event
with more than 12
companies seeking to
fill positions
attended our first
annual Diversity &
Inclusion Forum in
November
OutPro, a local LGBT
professionals group,
as a program of the
Chamber
job seekers
professionals welcomed
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annual report 2013
580
BUSINESS IS BOOMING
Grand Rapids businesses are growing at a phenomenal rate. Led by a diverse economy and a strong high-tech presence,
the region ranked No. 2 in the U.S. for job growth* and No. 4 on Forbes “10 Best Cities for Employment” in 2013. Plus, 22
West Michigan companies were named to Inc. 500|5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
“G
rand Rapids is a booming city attracting families at an
exponential rate and experiencing rising median incomes.
We saw the expansion opportunity in Grand Rapids, and
we wanted to attack the market here,” said Steve Barnes, co-founder
of Genius Phone Repair. Since 2011, the fast-growing high-tech fix-it
shop for consumer electronics has expanded to six locations across
West Michigan and Lansing—employing 50 people via stores and a
distribution company.
Together, growing companies create a vibrant economy. In 2013, 1,876
people were placed into permanent positions through Axios and their
Office Staffing and Staffing Inc. divisions. In just 17 months (July 2011
to December 2012), Mary Free Bed experienced an incredible growth
wave—adding 267 staff members with more hiring slated for 2014
“
when their 190,000-square-foot expansion opens. In 2013, downtown’s
retail incubator MoDiv (The Shops at Monroe and Division) saw
businesses expand while high-end clothing retailer Ally’s Boutique
moved to Grand Rapids to capture opportunities.
Grand Rapids is even growing in Detroit with companies like Meijer
building a new store and Atomic Object, Mindscape at Hannon
McKendry, and Lambert, Edwards & Associates opening offices
there—fostering a brighter Michigan future for all.
Source: Data from CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International interactive
map titled “Industries That Drive America’s Metros” and lists from Forbes and Inc. magazine.
*
”
Economic development is contagious. A strong local economy feeds off of itself and adds momentum for all stakeholders.
– John Zavelkink, CEO of Columbian Logistics Network
BUSINESS growth
More than 80% of Chamber members are small companies with 50 or fewer employees—plus, the area’s largest employers
invest in the business community through the Chamber. Why? Because businesses need the confidence, connections,
and resources the Chamber provides. In 2013, we served as an ally for growth in Grand Rapids.
events & programs
1200
98
475
delivered
98 events &
programs
8568 attendees
175
networked at 12
Business Exchange
Lunches
63
ribbon cuttings
attended 6 New Member
Connections events
participated at the
Minority Business
Showcase
featured
Michael Haid, Right Management Great Lakes Region
Ann Harten, Haworth, Inc.
Stephen Moore, The Wall Street Journal
JK Symancyk, Meijer, Inc.
Kim Bode & Adrienne Wallace, 834 Design & Marketing
5 ATHENA
Leadership Forums
“As an ally for small
business, the Chamber
offers many services
that allow us to grow in
West Michigan.”
— Khalid Karadsheh, Coowner of Mediterranean
Island
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annual report 2013
business & community leaders
at Business Matters Series
t
t
t
t
t
6 EPIC
Awards recipients
public policy matters
Advancing the economic vitality of West Michigan depends upon the right business environment. Fortunately, Grand Rapids
businesses are developing legislative relationships and offering the input needed to influence the future.
“P
ublic policy is enormously important to business,” said Tom
Bylenga, President of Star Truck Rentals, Inc.—a Grand Rapidsbased family enterprise of 150 years. “Tax and regulatory
changes may impact our day-to-day business and long-term economic
opportunities,” he said, noting that “we have been able to derail or
modify bad policy.”
“If we want good public policy, we have a responsibility to help shape
it. It means getting in the trenches and talking with our legislators
face-to-face,” agreed Hugh Hufnagel, Principal at Next Hill Consulting
and a 40-year veteran of healthcare management.
Businesses like Advantage Benefit Group work hard to build fruitful
relationships with elected officials. “It makes a big difference when we have
dialog and an open pipeline of communication with our governmental
representatives,” said Robert Hughes, President. “We’re not a stranger
“
to them, and they’re willing to listen about how legislation affects our
business and our employees.”
When Valley Truck Parts hosted Lt. Governor Calley and several Michigan
legislators in April 2013, they leveraged the opportunity to share about
the trucking industry as well as the company’s growth and job creation.
Likewise, Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR) found it important
to address hazardous waste legislation and showcase their high-tech
recycling facilities to Rep. Amanda Price.
“There is great value in being heard. Elected officials work for those
with a voice,” said Brodie Ehresman, ATR’s General Manager of the
North East Region of U.S. and Canada. “Every vote is an opinion and
every discussion is an opportunity.”
”
If we have questions concerning our industry or regulations, the Chamber will work to get the answers.
– Gary Troost, General Manager of Valley Truck Parts
In 2013
1760
members connected to
elected officials through
hosted advocacy events
and issue roundtables
Inaugural West Michigan
D.C. Fly-In brought the voice
of West Michigan business to
Congress
Street Summit showed
the business case for road
funding to state legislators,
legislative staff & local officials
235 attended 2013 Health
Care Summit featuring
DCH Director Jim Haveman
Impact of the Affordable
Care Act Forum and 3
health care reform workshops offered ideas & info
ADVOCACY
Annual West Michigan
Business Day at the
Capitol met with Lt. Gov.,
Speaker of the House, and
dozens of legislators
Annual Spring & Winter
Advocacy events featured
Congressmen Justin Amash & Bill
Huizenga and U.S. Chamber &
Amway Chair Steve Van Andel,
230+ attended each
No other business organization in West Michigan brings the voice of business to the legislative table
like the Grand Rapids Area Chamber. Our relentless advocacy supports businesses of all sizes and types.
Our shared agenda shapes the public policies designed to create a business environment that drives
economic success.
2013 KEY ADVOCACY ISSUES
CHAMBER STANCE ENACTED SUCCESS
SUPPORTED
NITC Permit
SUPPORTED
BCBSM Conversion
SUPPORTED
Asset Management for Stormwater
SUPPORTED
Unemployment Conformity and Fraud
SUPPORTED
Common Core
SUPPORTED
Personal Property Tax Clean up Bills
SUPPORTED
Medicaid Expansion w/Reform
SUPPORTED
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annual report 2013
Early Childhood Expansion
NEXT UP
Below are some of our upcoming 2014 plans. Stay tuned for additional information.
developing business & talent
addressing public policy
t L aunching a new CCL leadership program, Leadership: An
Inside Out Perspective
t
Personal Property Tax reform
t
Main Street Fairness passage
t Kicking off Institue for Healing Racism Alumni program
t Proposed changes to minimum wage
t C
ollaborative partnership with West Michigan Minority
Contractors Association
t
Skilled workforce shortage and education reform
mark your calendar
t
Funding for roads, bridges, and harbors
t
Major regional infrastructure projects & freight study
t West Michigan Business Day at the Capitol: March 4
t
Costly health care mandates & reform uncertainty
t EPIC Awards: May 15
t
Completion of Healthy Michigan Plan
t Grand Rapids House Party: June 5
t
Protection of Certificate of Need
t ATHENA Awards: September 18
“
Ten percent of past revenue came
from business acquired because of
my involvement in the Grand Rapids
Area Chamber. Being a member has
been a WIN for my business!
”
— Cindy Locklin, President/CEO of
Busy Bea’s Services
How will you engage the power of your Chamber?
The Chamber is working tirelessly to foster economic prosperity and drive business growth in our magnetic region. We’re
ready with the resources, connections, and leadership you need. Be part of it.
Become a visible sponsor. Show your support of the business community
and get the exposure your company needs with Chamber sponsorship.
Share your marketing message with more than 2,700 member companies
representing 175,000 employees through event and program sponsorship
packages designed for every budget.
Shine through the Chamber. From website and newsletter ads to
enhanced Business Directory listings and ribbon cuttings, we have
many ways to help you promote your story, boost your brand, and
build business credibility as a Chamber member.
Discover more. Contact us.
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annual report 2013
Share your knowledge. By participating in one of our committees,
you can add your voice to the conversations that shape business,
share expertise, and get first-hand knowledge of the issues and initiatives
that impact your business growth. Involvement can range from policy
roundtables to event planning.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Doug Dozeman*
Warner Norcross
& Judd, LLP
Chairperson of the Board
Stacie Behler*
Meijer, Inc.
Chairperson Elect
Bill Benson*
WilliamCharles Search
Group, Immediate
Past Chairperson of the
Board
Jeff Connolly*
Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan, Treasurer, Vice
Chair Budget & Finance
Steve Heacock*
Spectrum Health
Vice Chairperson,
Governance
Jerry Kooiman*
MSU, College of Human
Medicine, Vice Chairperson,
Public Policy
Mike Mraz*
Rockford Construction
Company, Vice Chairperson
at Large
Michael Verhulst*
Summit Landscape
Management Inc.
Vice Chairperson at Large
Lynn Afendoulis
Universal Forest
Products
Deb Bailey
Steelcase Inc.
Joan Budden
Priority Health
Lew Chamberlin
West Michigan
Whitecaps
Joe Gavan
C-Suite Strategic, LLC
Jim Green
Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Bryan Harrison
Amway Corporation
John Irwin
Huntington Bank
Shelly Irwin
WGVU/NPR/PBS
Joe Jones
Grand Rapids Urban
League, Inc.
Birgit Klohs
The Right Place, Inc.
JD Loeks
Celebration! Cinema
Janet Mason
WZZM 13
*
Denotes members of the Executive Committee.
Rick Baker is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Nelson Sanchez
RoMan Manufacturing
Matt Sernau
Lake Michigan
Investment Services
Doug Small
Experience Grand
Rapids
John Weiss
Grand Valley
Metropolitan Council
Rachel Bartels
Program Manager,
HelloWestMichigan
Janet Behrens
Senior Staff Accountant
AliciaMarie Belchak
Communications Specialist
Cindy Brown
Executive Director,
HelloWestMichigan
Allie Bush
Public Policy Coordinator
Christine Cameron
Director, Silent Observer
Diane Cisler
Sponsorship & Advertising
Account Manager
Mercedes Cowper
Programs & Events
Coordinator
Terry Davidson
IT Systems Administrator
Lea Demaagd
Executive Assistant
Ellie Frey
Director, Family Business
Alliance
Noelle Frost
Programs & Events
Coordinator
Janet Hentges
Membership Development
Coordinator
Sonya Hughes
VP, Inclusion Leadership
Joni Johnson
Database Coordinator
Andy Johnston
VP, Government &
Corporate Affairs
Ashlie Jones
Customer Service/
Receptionist
Josh Lunger
Public Policy Coordinator
Kim McLaughlin
Director, Community
Leadership
Kelli Roos
Membership Development
Representative
Karen Thelen
Graphic Designer
Latricia Trice
Senior Director, Marketing
& Communications
Wes Trimpe
Membership Development
Representative
Carol White
Chief Financial Officer
Ciciley Moore
Hannah Nequist
Inclusion Program Coordinator Community Leadership
Program Coordinator
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Janet Wyllie
VP, Business Growth
Initiatives
annual report 2013
Mark Allen
Senior Director, Membership
Development
CHAMBER STAFF
Rick Baker
President & CEO
major chamber
INVESTORs
We value and appreciate all of our members. The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce would not be the premier business organization it
is and has been for the last 126 years without the ongoing support of our members. We wish to extend a special thank you to our Visionary,
Investor, Partner and Trustee level members.
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Amway
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Fifth Third Bank
Meijer, Inc.
Spectrum Health
Steelcase Inc.
investor
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Foremost Insurance Company
Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
Mercy Health Saint Mary’s
Metro Health
SpartanNash
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Wolverine Worldwide, Inc.
trustees
partners
visionary
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American Seating Company
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Cascade Engineering, Inc.
Consumers Energy
DP Fox Holdings, LLC/Fox Motors
GE Aviation
Grand Rapids Community College
Haworth, Inc.
Mercy Health Physician Partners
Merrill Lynch
Miller Johnson
MLive / The Grand Rapids Press
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
PNC Bank
Pridgeon & Clay, Inc.
Varnum LLP
Westwater Group/Huizenga Group
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a.j. Veneklasen, Inc.
AAA Michigan
ADAC Automotive
Adtegrity.com
Aldi
America's Transportation Resources, LLC
Aquinas College
AT&T Michigan
Autocam Corporation
Autodie LLC
Bank of America
BDO
Beene Garter LLP
BISSELL Inc.
Blackmer, A Dover Company
Blue Care Network of Michigan
Bouma Corporation
Bucher Hydraulics, Inc.
trustees cont.
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Herman Miller, Inc.
Hope Network
Huntington Bank
Hylant of Grand Rapids, LLC
Imperial Design Companies
Irwin Seating Company
J & H Oil
K nape & Vogt Manufacturing
Company
KPMG LLC
L - 3 Avionics Systems
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Law Weathers
Little River Casino Resort
M
ary Free Bed Rehabilitation
Hospital
Mercantile Bank of Michigan
M
ichigan State University
College of Human Medicine
MVP Sports Clubs
Paul Goebel Group
Plante Moran, PLLC
Priority Health
ProCare Systems, Inc.
Rhoades McKee PC
R
ockford Construction
Company, Inc.
RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.
• Schupan & Sons Inc.
• S mith Haughey Rice &
Roegge, PC
• Superior Asphalt, Inc.
• Teleperformance
• The Rapid
• Total Plastics Inc.
• U
niversity of Michigan Business
Engagement Center
• UPS
• Van Andel Institute
• Walgreens
• Williams Distributing Co./Williams
• Kitchen & Bath
• Windstream
• WOOD TV8/WXSP/WOTV
• X-Rite, Incorporated
• Zondervan Corporation
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annual report 2013
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Calvin College
CHASE
Cherry Street Health Services
Comcast
Comerica Bank
Comlink
Country Fresh, LLC
Daniel & Pamela DeVos Foundation
Dave Cole Decorators, Inc.
Davenport University
Dematic Corp.
Eaton Aerospace Actuation Systems
Grand Rapids
Ernst & Young LLP
ETNA Supply Company
Farmers Insurance Group
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber,Inc.
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.
Founders Bank & Trust
Four Winds Casino Resort
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
Heartland - Greenview
111 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.771.0300
grandrapids.org
Your Ally
Your Advocate
Your Change Agent