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Back to Business

By Grand Rapids Chamber

For over 100 years the Grand Rapids Chamber has been working to create a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all. Each episode we take a look at how the Chamber works to achieve those goals.
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E5: Wimage

Back to BusinessNov 12, 2021

00:00
21:12
Robert Niemiec of Twisthink, CEO Summit Series

Robert Niemiec of Twisthink, CEO Summit Series

Leading a company isn't easy, especially in the new digital age. We speak with Robert from Twisthink about how he's setting his company up for success and building resilience in his team.


This podcast is sponsored by Comcast Business. Learn more at https://business.comcast.com/

Jul 05, 202307:37
Peter Marantette of Reserve Wine & Food, CEO Summit Series
Jun 30, 202308:14
Comcast Business, CEO Summit Series
Jun 29, 202311:47
Laura Hopson of EM Services, CEO Summit Series
Jun 28, 202308:52
Tim Shields of Kentwood Office Furniture, CEO Summit Series
Jun 27, 202306:35
Jen Crowley of Highland Group, CEO Summit Series
Jun 21, 202307:01
Brad Kessel of Independent Bank, CEO Summit Series
Jun 20, 202308:32
Dr. Charles Lepper of GRCC, CEO Summit Series
Jun 19, 202307:17
Voices for the Voiceless with Charlie Elwood

Voices for the Voiceless with Charlie Elwood

This week on the podcast, we sat down with Elwood and Caylie Peet to learn more about some of the excitement and struggles of being a small business owner and Asian American business owner during Asian American Heritage Month and National Small Business Week.


May 01, 202320:11
What's going on with Banking and Inflation?

What's going on with Banking and Inflation?

This podcast is a recording from our recent Town Hall hosted by our Vice President of Investor & Corporate Relations Omar Cuevas.


Recently, Silicon Valley Bank was closed by state banking regulators, and New York officials did the same to Signature Bank. What does this say about the stability of the banking system? Additionally, inflation continues to be higher than economists’ expectations. 


Links mentioned in Town Hall:

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/18/business/why-people-are-worried-about-banks.html

Federal Reserve Inflation graph: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M2SL


Mar 24, 202348:37
How Did We Get Here - Housing Next
Mar 06, 202319:55
Honor Construction Talks Housing

Honor Construction Talks Housing

Honor Construction knows what it takes to build multifamily housing at all price points. We sat down with Honor's President, Brad Laackman to learn more about the housing shortage in West Michigan, and how he's working to overcome those difficulties.

Feb 27, 202317:28
Legislator of the Year - Tommy Brann

Legislator of the Year - Tommy Brann

Tommy Brann finished his time in Lansing in 2022, but not before making a big impact and being named Legislator of the Year by MIRS. Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President at the Chamber and Brann joined the podcast to learn how Brann is reflecting on his time in the Legislator. 

Brann is also looking forward to joining the Wyoming City Council and making an impact closer to home.

Jan 30, 202319:10
World of Winter Brings Economic Activity

World of Winter Brings Economic Activity

Winter months often lead to slower economic activity. World of Winter is bringing visitors to our downtown.

Over 7000 people visited downtown during the festival's opening weekend. With two months and dozens of events to go, we're excited to see thousands more visitors and new art installations as the festival progresses. Many of these art installations are coming from artists with a worldwide audience.

In the Episode we speak with Richard App & Kim Van Driel of Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. to learn more about what visitors can expect at World of Winter and learn more about the logistics of putting on the festival, and why this is an important event for businesses.

Jan 17, 202318:56
West Michigan Year-In-Review with Rick Baker

West Michigan Year-In-Review with Rick Baker

2022 was a dynamic year for the community. We checked in with President & CEO Rick Baker to wrap up the year and hear what he's excited for in the next year.


We checked in with Rick Baker in April as well. Find that episode in your feed to hear our discussion on the growth of Grand Rapids and West Michigan in the last decade.

Dec 12, 202215:32
Affordable Healthcare with Catherine's Health Center

Affordable Healthcare with Catherine's Health Center

Catherine’s Health Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center. They provide a variety of high quality services in our community to those who might not otherwise have access to care.

On this episode, we sat down with Megan Erskine, CEO of Catherine's to learn more about the work that they are doing in our community. 

Learn more about Catherine's Health Center: https://catherineshc.org/

Nov 28, 202215:55
What's Next for ArtPrize with Tara McCrackin

What's Next for ArtPrize with Tara McCrackin

ArtPrize recently announced they were ending their original experiment started in 2009. This led to headlines like "ArtPrize is calling it quits". ArtPrize is in fact, not calling it quits. The original nonprofit is closing it's doors, but ArtPrize is finding new life with Kendall College of Art and Design, the City of Grand Rapids, and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.

We sat down with Tara McCrackin, the President of Kendall College of Art and Design to learn more about what's on the horizon for ArtPrize.

Nov 07, 202214:50
Addressing Crime with Silent Observer

Addressing Crime with Silent Observer

Crime is one of the most important issues for our members. Many don't realize the Chamber has been working with Silent Observer for decades to create resources to safely provide law enforcements with more tips to track crime. 

We sat down with new Director Maddison Moser and outgoing Director Chris Cameron to learn more about what Silent Observer does to help fight crime.


Learn more about Silent Observer: https://www.silentobserver.org/

Oct 31, 202224:25
TowerPinkster Works for a Sustainable Future

TowerPinkster Works for a Sustainable Future

Today on the Back to Business Podcast, we learned more about how TowerPinkster is working with their clients to create a more sustainable future. 

Learn more about TowerPinkster's sustainability efforts: https://www.towerpinkster.com/

Oct 24, 202215:09
Breaking into New Markets with Hightalian

Breaking into New Markets with Hightalian

Hightalian is one of the many companies that jumped into the new cannabis market that was created when recreational cannabis  was legalized in 2019. 

We sat down with Davide Uccello, the company's founder to learn more about what makes their company unique, and how they're breaking into the new market space.

Oct 17, 202215:24
Grand Rapids Junior Chamber Looks to Improve the Community
Oct 10, 202214:38
Workforce Development Series: Tri-Share

Workforce Development Series: Tri-Share

Childcare is one of the number one issues preventing people from returning to the workforce. The State of Michigan's solution is a new program called Tri-Share. This program helps parents get back to work by making childcare more affordable. The program splits the cost between 3 partners: the state, the employer, and the employee.

On the final episode of our workforce development series, we learn more about the ins and outs of Tri-Share. 


Learn more about Tri-Share: https://www.michigan.gov/mwc/initiatives/mi-tri-share-child-care 

Oct 03, 202216:21
Michigan Reconnect with Grand Rapids Community College
Sep 26, 202212:48
Going PRO Talent Fund with West Michigan Works!

Going PRO Talent Fund with West Michigan Works!

Talent attraction and development is a top concern for employers in West Michigan and across the country.

The Going PRO Talent Fund is one way that employers can attract and retain top talent, and give them skills to succeed on the job. On this episode of the Back to Business Podcast we had a chance to learn more about how employers can utilize this money to their advantage. 

West Michigan Works! is hosting an informational webinar where you can learn more about how you can take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund Register here: https://westmiworks-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z17jkUhATsyAYG80KSqZ8w 

Sep 19, 202213:29
Creating Great Families with Bethany Christian Services & Ama International

Creating Great Families with Bethany Christian Services & Ama International

Families come in all shapes and sizes and from all across the world. Ama International and Bethany Christian Services are working together to create welcoming environment for all in West Michigan. Whether that be working to place foster children in loving homes or helping a New American with their residency paperwork, these two organizations work in a variety of ways to help the people who need it most. 

Sep 12, 202218:45
National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country. Their focus is on helping those who with mental illnesses or caretakers of someone with a mental illness to have access to resources and feel a sense of belonging.

On this episode of the Back to Business podcast, we had a chance to sit down with Kevin Fischer, Executive Director of NAMI of MI. Kevin explains NAMI's goals for the future, as well as the ROI for businesses who invest in their employee's mental health.

In an era where talent attraction & retention is the number one issue for employers, this is an episode you can't afford to miss!

Aug 29, 202217:26
DJ Tony Banks

DJ Tony Banks

DJ Tony Banks has been DJ-ing since he was in high school. The Grand Rapids DJ does weddings, corporate events, and more. He's been the official DJ for a few Chamber events.

On this episode of the podcast, we had a chance to sit down with DJ Tony and learn more about the ins and outs of being a DJ.

This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Aug 22, 202210:12
CEO Summit Series - Dr. Richard Pappas, Davenport University
Jul 14, 202217:56
CEO Summit Series - Floriza Genautis, Management Business Solutions
Jul 13, 202210:01
CEO Summit Series - Jamie Stuck, Tribal Council Chairperson, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Jul 12, 202210:57
CEO Summit Series - Yurida Rodriguiz, Holo Footwear
Jul 11, 202209:47
Episodio en Español - Elizabeth Rosario, Grand Rapids Law Group

Episodio en Español - Elizabeth Rosario, Grand Rapids Law Group

El 14 de junio del 2022, la Cámara de Comercio de Grand Rapids, fue anfitrión de la Cumbre de Ejecutivos del Oeste de Michigan, invitando a lideres de organizaciones y empresas a reunirse para un día de aprendizaje y conexiones.

En nuestro primer episodio en español, entrevistamos a Elizabeth Rosario, dueña y fundadora del bufete de abogados Grand Rapids Law Group.

Elizabeth comparte su perspectiva sobre manejar un negocio durante tiempos desafiantes de inflación, crisis de talento y más.

¡Este es un episodio que no querrás perder! Este episodio es patrocinado por la Universidad Davenport.

Jul 08, 202205:31
CEO Summit Series, Elizabeth Rosario, Grand Rapids Law Group

CEO Summit Series, Elizabeth Rosario, Grand Rapids Law Group

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Elizabeth Rosario of Grand Rapids Law Group.

Elizabeth founded Grand Rapids Law Group several years ago, and has seen her company grow and expand ever since. We talked about some of the challenges she's helped her clients overcome, and some of the challenges her company's had to overcome in the era of inflation, talent shortages, and other key issues. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jul 07, 202206:37
CEO Summit Series, Phoenix Theatres

CEO Summit Series, Phoenix Theatres

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we the Phoenix Theatres team. Phoenix Theatres recently opened in Woodland Mall. Working in the movie industry isn't just show business. There's a lot of logistics that go into making sure your favorite film gets on a big screen near you. Host Connor Smithee had a chance to interview their team to learn more about the ins and outs of opening and running a movie theater.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jul 06, 202214:05
CEO Summit Series, Peter D'Arienzo, John Ball Zoo

CEO Summit Series, Peter D'Arienzo, John Ball Zoo

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Peter D'Arienzo of John Ball Zoo. Overseeing a zoo has it's unique set of challenges. Peter and host Connor Smithee dive into some of these challenges and what he's excited about.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jul 05, 202210:24
CEO Summit Series - Mike Vangessel, Rockford Construction

CEO Summit Series - Mike Vangessel, Rockford Construction

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Mike Vangessel of Rockford Construction. 

Mike hasn't just seen Grand Rapids grow over the past few decades, he's helped BUILD that growth. He cofounded and built Rockford Construction into one of the largest construction companies in the area. We had a chance to ask him how he's helping his company overcome top issues, and why he's proud to be a Grand Rapidian. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jul 01, 202211:08
CEO Summit Series, Johnny Brann, Kitchen 67

CEO Summit Series, Johnny Brann, Kitchen 67

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Jonny Brann of Kitchen 67.

It's no secret that running a restaurant has its own unique sets of challenges, especially in the post COVID era. Jonny and host Connor Smithee have a unique discussion on how restaurant owners are overcoming top issues like talent and inflation. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 30, 202208:02
CEO Summit Series, Joel Rahn, Independent Bank

CEO Summit Series, Joel Rahn, Independent Bank

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joel Rahn of Independent Bank.

Joel has been working with Independent Bank for over 30 years. Being the Vice President of Commercial Banking allows him a unique angle to learn what businesses are struggling with in our current economy in the areas of inflation, talent, and more.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 29, 202208:41
CEO Summit Series, Joe Chamberlin, West Michigan Whitecaps

CEO Summit Series, Joe Chamberlin, West Michigan Whitecaps

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joe Chamberlin of the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Joe oversees all of the operations for the Whitecaps. While the player side is managed by the Detroit Tigers, Joe has the job of making sure everything else is running correctly for the Whitecaps to play ball.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 28, 202212:26
CEO Summit Series, Greg McNeilly, Windquest Group

CEO Summit Series, Greg McNeilly, Windquest Group

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Greg McNeilly of Windquest Group.

Greg has the responsibility of overseeing the Windquest Group's diverse portfolio of companies in industries like manufacturing, food and beverage, and more. Greg has a unique opportunity to answer the question: Why Grand Rapids, because he works with companies and individuals both in Grand Rapids and around the world.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 27, 202210:07
CEO Summit Series - Arick Davis (Last Mile Cafe)
Jun 24, 202209:01
CEO Summit Series - Carlos Sanchez (FSU Latino Business & Economic Development Center)
Jun 23, 202211:52
CEO Summit Series - Deb Prato (The Rapid)

CEO Summit Series - Deb Prato (The Rapid)

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Deb Prato of The Rapid.

Deb has been working in the transportation industry for most of her career, including for the nation's largest public transportation authority in New York City. We had a chance to ask Deb how she's leading the Rapid through top issues like the talent crisis, inflation and looking towards a green future for public transportation.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 22, 202207:47
CEO Summit Series - Beth Kelly (HR Collaborative)

CEO Summit Series - Beth Kelly (HR Collaborative)

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Beth Kelly, HR Collaborative.

Kelly is an expert in the talent space, and our conversation focuses on the current talent environment and the search for workers.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 21, 202210:47
CEO Summit Series - Dr. Bill Pink (GRCC/Ferris State)

CEO Summit Series - Dr. Bill Pink (GRCC/Ferris State)

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College, and soon to be President of Ferris State University.

Host Connor Smithee and Dr. Pink discussed Pink's tenure and what he's looking forward to at Ferris. 


This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

Jun 20, 202213:43
DEI & The Talent Equation

DEI & The Talent Equation

Talent is the number one issue for employers in 2022. This week on the Back to Business podcast we spoke with AHC Hospitality and Andre Daley, the Chamber's Director of Inclusion to discuss the benefits of implementing DEI practices into your organization.

The AHC team shared their DEI journey, including their work with Andre, as well as some of the challenges they overcame in their DEI journey.

With Talent being the number one issue for employers, implementing DEI practicies has proven to be an important method for attracting and keeping top talent.

This is an episode of the Back to Business podcast you won't want to miss! 

May 23, 202223:53
Returning Citizens & Overcoming the Talent Crisis

Returning Citizens & Overcoming the Talent Crisis

As companies struggle to find workers, many are adapting their workplace practices and who they hire. Whether that be adapting their schedule for parents of school-aged children, or allowing more work, companies are having to get creative to overcome the talent shortage.

Valley City Electronic Recycling has been hiring people returning from incarceration for more than a decade. When Jason Kehr bought the business, he didn't know too much about the program, but now 10 years later, he's proud of the impact he's been able to make in his employees' lives.


Learn more about Valley City Electronic Recycling: http://www.valleycityer.com/

May 09, 202221:16
Madcap Coffee and DTE Challenging the Status Quo

Madcap Coffee and DTE Challenging the Status Quo

Madcap Coffee & DTE have one thing in common. Both companies challenging the status quo and trying to do bigger and better things. They've come together to help promote being green during Earth Month. They've got a lot of cool projects up their sleeves (literally and figuratively!) This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss!


Don't forget that on Friday May 6, Madcap will give each person a free cup of coffee courtesy of DTE! This (This applies to their Fulton Street location only.)

Check out Madcap's website: madcapcoffee.com

Learn more about DTE Energy: dteenergy.com

May 02, 202215:56
Meet the Grand Rapids Gold (formerly Grand Rapids Drive)

Meet the Grand Rapids Gold (formerly Grand Rapids Drive)

The Grand Rapids Drive was formed about 10 years ago as an affiliate team of the Detroit Pistons. When the Pistons told the Drive they needed to move closer to Detroit, owner Steve Jbara said no. He wanted to keep the team in Grand Rapids because he know the power of Grand Rapids. Now the team under the new name Grand Rapids Gold, and a new partnership with the Denver Nuggets. After finishing their first season, Jbara sat down with podcast host Connor Smithee to discuss the successes of the team and what it takes to manage an NBA team here in Grand Rapids. 

Apr 25, 202220:43
Quarterly Check in with President & CEO Rick Baker

Quarterly Check in with President & CEO Rick Baker

It's hard to believe it's already April! The year is already a quarter of the way done. At our Annual Meeting in February, we presented an economic forecast from the Seidman College of Business. The big takeaways were that Grand Rapids was on a growth trajectory, with the biggest issue in the region being talent.

We had a chance to sit down with Rick Baker, the Chamber's President & CEO, to hear what he is seeing in his interactions with the Grand Rapids community, what he's excited for in 2022, and how he thinks our community is rebounding from the pandemic.

This is an episode of the Back to Business podcast you won't want to miss.

Apr 11, 202219:27