LEVERAGING Leadership

TCNTHE CHAMBER NEWS

ISSUE 01 | January 2015

2 TCN January 2015

CUSTOMIZED TRAININGWe can help you upgrade the skills of your existing employees

Funds for training related to • new technologies

• new production or service procedures

• skill attainment for career advancement

• other training as determined

Call a Kent/Allegan Michigan Works! Business Services Representative today for more information.

616.336.2393 • business@michiganworkska.orgmichiganworkska.org/employers

3TCN January 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTSFEATURE ARTICLE

6 | Elevating Leadership Whether it’s top leadership or learning to lead from the ranks, organizations are recognizing it’s time to raise the status and availability of leaders at all levels.

HIGHLIGHTS

4 | News & Notes From ATHENA Leadership Forum to Business Matters and Diversity Visionary Award, find out who’s speaking at your upcoming Chamber events.

8 | Annual Meeting: Lead & Succeed When it Matters Most Hear hard-won lessons in business, leadership and team-work at the Chamber’s 127th Annual Meeting featuring Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon.

10 | Smart Business Practice these nine principals of servant leadership. Plus, six rules for managing business and employee records.

IN EVERY ISSUE

9 | Member Spotlight 9 | Ribbon Cuttings12 | Chamber Calendar13 | New & Renewing Members14 | Newsflashes

ISSUE 01 | January 2015

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The Chamber News Editorial Policy

Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the view or position of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The position of the Chamber will be clearly stated.

The Chamber reserves the right to reject advertising based on content and does not accept advertising that conflicts with a position of the Chamber.

The advertising of products and services in The Chamber News does not necessarily represent endorsement by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber News (USPS 357-010) is published monthly by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. 111 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.p: 616.771.0300 | f: 616.771.0318 | www.grandrapids.org

Senior Editor: Latricia Trice | tricel@grandrapids.orgCopy Editor: AliciaMarie Belchak | belchaka@grandrapids.orgDesigner: Karen Thelen | thelenk@grandrapids.org Advertising: Diane Cisler | cislerd@grandrapids.org

Second Class Periodical Postage Paid at Grand Rapids, MI.POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to The Chamber News at the Address above.

4 TCN January 2015

NEWS + NOTES

BUSINESS MATTERS

AUTHENTIC SELF AWAITS

We’re kicking off our 2015 Business Matters Series with Amy Proos, CEO of Proos Manufacturing, Inc., as she shares her leadership insights about growing her business, diversifying its capabilities and services, and being the first women to own and operate the family company in a predominantly male industry.

Date | Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Time | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Location | Seidman Center, GVSU (downtown campus), 50 Front Ave SW Registration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-matters for details and registration.

Save the Date!Get in on all the Business Matters action. Next up…

February 17 | Craft Beer, Craft Company: the HopCat/BarFly Ventures Story with Mark Sellers, Owner

Exclusive Premier Sponsor:

Leading Business to New Places Amy Proos, CEO, Proos Manufacturing

Join Birgit Klohs, president & CEO of The Right Place, Inc., at the January 29 ATHENA Leadership Forum as she shares her experiences and thoughts on the ATHENA Leadership Tenet of Authentic Self… and invites discussion on what it means to you and your leadership pathway.

Save the date to connect and learn at the first ATHENA Leadership Forum of 2015! Both men and women are welcome.

Date | Thursday, January 29, 2015 Location | Seidman Center, GVSU, 50 Front Ave. NW Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost | $20 member, $25 future member/late registration after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23 (includes lunch)

Visit www.grandrapids.org/athena-leadership-forum for more details and registration.

Become an ATHENA Program Sponsor!

Contact Diane Cisler for 2015 sponsorship information at cislerd@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0357.

Your

Exclusive Premier Sponsor

5TCN January 2015

Plus, hear an inspiring message around lessons in diversity from Melvin Gravely, board chair for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and president/CEO of Cincinnati-based commercial construction firm TriVersity Construction Company.

Mel believes in empowering individuals to perform at their best and has a personal passion for supporting the growth and development of women and minorities in business. He has spent 15 years as an advisor to major corporations and entrepreneurs on strategy and minority business development.

Today, Mel is seen as one of the leading national thinkers on the topic of minority business development—authoring eight books on business success, leadership and minority entre-preneurship as well as founding the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Ltd., a think-tank focused on getting the best results from minority business development initiatives.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

DIVERSITY VISIONARY AWARD CELEBRATION

Date | Thursday, March 5, 2015Time | 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. BeltlineRegistration | Visit www.grandrapids.org/visionary-award for additional details and registration.

Show your support for the diversity initiatives, programs, organizations and individuals impacting our community by sponsoring the Diversity Visionary Award event. Contact Diane Cisler at cislerd@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0357.

The nominations are in and the selection process has begun for the 2015 Diversity Visionary Award and new Change Agent Award! These prestigious honors will go to a person or organization deserving of recognition for their outstanding efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive community. Set your sights on our March 5 lunch celebration of our 2015 recipients and their exemplary efforts, advancements, and contributions to ensure diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Exclusive Premier Sponsor: Celebration Underwriter:

6 TCN January 2015

ELEVATING

[ [This means creating sustainability in leadership transitions and improving growth pathways for all employees. Skilled and engaged employees have never been more critical to the success of your organization than they are today. When leadership and teams are focused on the same strategies, the creativity and productivity of the organization increase exponentially.

“The mind-shift has to happen that your Number One team is the team you serve on, not the team you lead,” said Rob Elliott, principal and consultant at Pondera Advisors, describing how many upper and mid-level leaders forget their team is actually comprised of their peers from other departments as well as those in their direct report.

As such, Elliott recommends that companies invest at least quarterly, if not more often, in their people and actively look for ways to improve their team interactions—especially important now in a world of growing diversity. “Building team effectiveness is a process, not a one day event. It takes a considerable amount of time and support,” he said.

No one knows this more keenly than Kathy Crosby, president of Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc. Yet, the rewards are clear and worth the effort, cost and time necessary to cultivate leaders, empower talent and develop whole people—all while planning for future investment in them. At Goodwill, such investment directly translates into lower turnover, increased productivity, improved employee engagement, and a succession-prepared team.

“Our talent needs are, like all businesses, ever changing as our business grows increasingly complex and we seek to grow as a community asset,” she shared. “We must have a strong talent base, and we must commit to delivering our mission of talent development inside the organization.”

Few things in coaching talent are as powerful as building a foundation of trust and spreading positivity or encouragement when it’s needed most, added Bill Manns, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s. To him, leading is like being the coach of a sports team—it’s not the leader’s job to make the shot, but it is their job to prepare the team and draw out excellence.

Ultimately, leadership is more than making decisions or having a title, he noted. It’s about bringing people together through relationships and “call and response” listening in order to solve problems and meet high expectations, Manns said.

“There is nothing easy about leading. Leadership stretches you in incredible ways and allows you to reach new heights,” surmised Rhoda Kreuzer, president of Partners In Action, Inc. “Strong leaders are people of integrity and courage who are constantly learning and becoming more effective. It is a privilege to lead and a remarkable journey.”

Organizations today need strong leaders who can envision tomorrow, empower and inspire their teams, and develop themselves as well as up-and-coming leaders. As the world grows ever more diverse, it is imperative that businesses and non-profits diversify top leadership as well as stretch and nurture those in the middle.

FEATURE ARTICLE

7TCN January 2015

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is an invaluable resource at your disposal for providing more ways to develop current and new leaders as well as introduce talent to the community. Plus, you can easily use the Chamber to amplify diversity and inclusion within your organization and discover a host of ways to connect, attract and retain talent through affinity networking groups like MAP and OutPro. Below a few of the Chamber’s opportunities to help yourself—and your talent—discover your best selves, engage in the community, and connect personally and professionally.

ATHENA Leadership Forum

The popular, bi-monthly ATHENA Leadership Forum fosters and supports the development of strong female leaders in our community. Interact with leaders in the community and network through dynamic roundtable discussions on the topic of one of the eight ATHENA Leadership Model tenets.

“It was an inspiring day for me. The guest speakers, general subject matter, and table discussion truly hit home for me,” said Sara Archer, downtown bank manager for Independent Bank.

Business Matters Series

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas on leadership, management, human resources, marketing, business growth, or just need more connections, you can count on the Chamber’s monthly Business Matters Series to deliver a keynote presentation on a new topic as well as regular community updates to bring you the expert insights, know-how, and the latest trends you need to know.

Emerging Leaders Series (ELS)Discover new opportunities to engage in the community through five half-day sessions that combine tours, speakers, activities, and inter-disciplinary discussions that build community connections, leadership skills, and insight into issues facing Grand Rapids.

Nicole Parker, ELS 2013 graduate, reported on one session saying: “Barbara Rapaport of Real-time Perspectives, challenged us to look inwardly to find our true selves in order to become authentic leaders. We were encouraged to change our thinking and to understand different perspectives.”

Inside Grand RapidsInside Grand Rapids offers insight into the city’s latest and greatest developments while putting participants in touch with the most dynamic leaders and individuals shaping the city’s future.

“Inside Grand Rapids provided a great opportunity to meet with other individuals with an interest in the future of Grand Rapids,” noted Grand Rapids Police Chief David Rahinskey of his day-long,

behind-the-scenes look at the city’s history, people, and places.

Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR)The Center for Community Leadership’s nine-month Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) offers a more in-depth study on what it means to be a rising leader and community trustee in Grand Rapids.

“Leadership Grand Rapids was a way to plug back in to the community and see it through fresh eyes and with a different group of people who all loved the city as much as I did,” J.D. Loeks, president of Loeks Theatres and 2006 LGR graduate. “I took away from the experience a complex understanding of systems thinking and unbelievable relationships.”

Leadership Advantage (LA)Continue digging deeper by exploring yourself, your internal hindrances, and your unique niche in the world through the eight-session Leadership Advantage (LA) from the Chamber’s Center for Community Leadership (CCL).

“I felt like I was getting stuck in my development as a leader. I gained far more from this program then I ever expected. I learned how to steer through any dips in momentum and how to recognize triggers in my own behavior,” admitted Melissa Werkman, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan and a 2008 LGR and 2014 LA graduate.

Leadership: An Inside-Out PerspectiveGeared toward seasoned professionals who currently serve as functional leaders, managers or project leads, this CCL program is grounded in the Immunity to ChangeTM model facilitated by Barbara Rapaport. Identify your hidden mental models and assumptions that impede progress in achieving goals—all in just four, three-hour sessions, conducted over a two-month time frame.

Visit the Chamber’s website for our full list of events and programs, www.grandrapids.org/events-programs.

WAYS TO DEVELOP LEADERS

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We’re excited to hear these and other lessons in business, leadership, and teamwork at the Chamber’s 127th Annual Meeting on January 20, 2015.

Keynote presenter Jake Wood—former Marine sniper and co-founder and CEO of the highly successful all-veteran, all-volunteer disaster response organization, Team Rubicon—will inspire with ideas from his military life, entrepreneurial startup challenges, and experience from the battle field and disaster zone.

Jake Wood served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, receiving numerous awards in combat from deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Scout Sniper. With disasters as his business and veterans his passion, Wood has continued to lead to succeed by learning the lessons of startup and growth as co-founder of Team Rubicon and founder of POS REP, the first mobile, proximity-based social network designed exclusively for the veteran community. A regular speaker around the country, Wood has now captured his hard-won business and leadership acumen in his newly published book, Take Command—Lessons in Leadership: How to Be a First Responder in Business.

Join us to learn how to apply his leadership insights to your professional, business, and community life. Plus, connect with over 600 people from the business community and meet our new board chair, Stacie Behler of Meijer, Inc., as we share Chamber members’ stories and prepare for the year ahead.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St. NW$50 Chamber Members, $75 Future Members, $700 per Corporate Table (10 seats)

LEAD & SUCCEEDWHEN IT MATTERS MOST

127TH

Exclusive Presenting Sponsor Event Underwriters Speaker Underwriter

Take command amid chaos. Operate at peak performance. Discern and rise above risks & pressures of leadership.

ANNUAL MEETING

RSVP at www.grandrapids.org/annual-meeting.

9TCN January 2015

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTPartners In Action, Inc.Rhoda Kreuzer started Partners In Action, Inc. in 1999 for two reasons: 1. her passion about growing and challenging people to reach their full potential and 2. her observation that there is often a huge gap between leaders and their teams that leads to disengagement

and lack of ownership to accomplish goals.

“Most consultants use a ‘cookie cutter’ approach that falls apart quickly once the consultant leaves. We developed a highly customized, sustainable approach that allows us to build on the strengths of the business while bringing new tools and insights to the workplace,” Kreuzer said.

“We consistently hear how appreciated and valued our trainings and coaching have been to teams,” she added, noting that she’s been asked to replicate a highly successful four-level program developed as an on-going leadership training program.

She may have launched Partners In Action from her home office, but today the business runs out of commercial office space in Grandville, MI with staff that provides consulting, coaching, and training services. They focus on three major areas—Leadership Development, Human Resources/Talent Management, Sales—and work with all sizes of organizations and across just about every industry.

Kreuzer and her team have also published a successful, internationally-recognized book—The Art of Natural Leadership—which draws insights into leadership from nature and the environment. And Kreuzer also co-hosts the “Good News & Success” radio show airing on WGVU—something she’s done for over five years now.

“I absolutely love the fact that we are revolutionizing the work place, engaging teams, and creating success stories for professionals and their businesses,” Kreuzer said. “There is no amount of money or other reward that surpasses the feeling I get when professionals and companies reach new levels of success.”

A Chamber member since founding Partners In Action, Kreuzer places a premium on the networking, valuable information, and additional resources and programs offered. In particular, she finds the opportunity to meet with 12 business owners each month through the CEO & Management Roundtable Program an incredible benefit.

“Tapping into the remarkable network of talent has been a huge asset for myself and others,” she said. “The Chamber has connected us with the business community and provided current information about our community—all of which allows us to be more effective as a team.”

Grow and lead with more details at www.piabusinessconsulting.com.

The following members have celebrated grand openings, anniversaries and/or new additions!

If you have a reason to rejoice—whether it’s an upcoming ground breaking, a grand opening, a new product launch, an anniversary, or some other event—the Chamber can help make the occasion special. (We’ll even bring the big scissors with us!)

Visit www.grandrapids.org/ribbon-cuttings to see how we can applaud your business milestone.

Columbian Logistics Network received their second MiO-SHA safety certification, the only logistics company in the State of Michigan to be SHARP certified.

BIG SCISSORS on the Move

Digital billboard #30 for GR Outdoor! Check it out along US 131 North near the Comstock Park exit.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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Many books have been written on the subject of servant leadership, and there are many models throughout history showcasing the need for servanthood and leveraging the institution as a servant. According to Johnathan Pope, branch executive director at the David D. Hunting YMCA, this ancient

concept is needed now more than ever.

Pope believes business leaders really can make a big impact not just on the bottom line but on the people they lead by practicing the art of servant leadership.

“The old authoritarian, top-down approach just doesn’t work so well anymore,” he told Chamber members last November. “The pyramid of power needs to work from the bottom up. The leader is supposed to serve the people they lead.”

What does this mean for you and your organization?

“When you’re a leader, you have to let other people shine,” Pope noted, emphasizing the importance of validating others while challenging them to stretch. “It means working alongside people and trusting them to be mature enough to do their work with independence and innovation.”

When people feel valued, empowered, safe and wholistic at work, he said the results will speak for themselves. The return on investment is people wanting to be there, being committed to their work and their fellow employees, and being more willing to share ideas and implement improvements knowing they will be heard and see change. All this leads to less churn in employee retention and better performance.

Pope cited seven practical outcomes that improve with properly applied servant leadership: trust, loyalty, influence, vision, credibility, engagement, and recruitment.

SMART BUSINESS

Servant Leadership: Nine Principals to Practice

What does it take to practice servant leadership?

Pope pointed to nine simple behavioral changes to add to your leadership style that can yield results.

• Listen intently and receptively. The goal is to really hear the other person and learn from people, not just formulate a reply. You must truly esteem the people you work with.

• Use persuasion, not coercion. Servant leadership is not about positional authority. Leadership is more effectual when it is relationship based and built on mutual trust, credibility, and integrity.

• Discover your healing power. People spend too much time at work not to be recognized and valued as whole human beings. “It’s about how you make people feel even when making tough decisions or having difficult conversations,” Pope said. “Help them walk out whole wherever they are in the organization or to wherever they go next.”

To be a servant leader, you have to be able to lead from behind. Are you willing to have others take the spotlight and help them grow and shine?

– Johnathan Pope

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Employee earnings: Maintain for at least four years to meet various state and federal requirements. However, don't throw away records that might involve unclaimed property such as a final paycheck not claimed by a former employee.

Employee time cards: Keep for at least three years if your business is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (i.e. engaged in interstate commerce). It is a best practice for all businesses to keep the files for several years in case questions arise.

Personnel records: Retain three years after an employee has been terminated.

Employment tax records: Keep four years from the date the tax was due or the date it was paid, which-ever is longer.

Employee business expenses: For travel and transportation expenses supported by mileage logs and other receipts, keep supporting documents for the three-year statute of limitations.

Business property: Records used to substantiate the cost and deductions (such as depreciation, amortization and depletion) associated with business property must be maintained to determine the basis and gain (or loss) on the sale. Keep these for as long as you own the asset plus seven years, according to IRS guidelines.

Abbreviated article courtesy of Plachta, Murphy & Associates, P.C. Please visit www.grandrapids.org/business-growth/resources/business-advice for the entire article, which includes guidelines for audits and amended returns as well as personal records.

*This information is taken from Johnathan Pope’s presentation, “Servant Leadership,” at the November 2014 Business Matters Series. Visit www.grandrapids.org/business-advice to find more thought leadership like this.

• Practice conceptualization. Envision the future and then help people to buy into that vision, even build or modify it together. As leader, it is your job to gently guide people along the path, take them by the hand with you, according to Pope.

• Commit to the growth of people. Help people become better. Plant seeds for the future and plan to train your replacement. It takes a selfless leader to give away secrets of success, and it’s important to be willing to hand over the keys.

• Build community within. Find ways to connect people on your team or among staff. Create opportunities for communication and relationship building. When people are at work eight or more hours a day, they need to be valued not just as co-workers but more like family.

• Think “others first.” Effective leadership is about selflessness and letting others have the win. It’s OK to give away ideas and allow someone else to take the credit. When they do, be sure to openly give your kudos.

• Create a follower environment. Expect the best out of people and they will follow you because they want to be part of your vision and optimism. You want an atmosphere in which people want to operate. People are hungry for a “circle of safety” where they feel validated, valuable, and welcomed.

• Showcase stewardship. Make an impact as an organization as well as individuals. What are you doing—as a leader, a team, a business—to better your community?

To Toss or Not to Toss?

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Is cleaning up your files a 2015 resolution?

6 guidelines to consider for your record storage.

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Unless otherwise noted, register for events at www.grandrapids.org/events. Or, call the RSVP hot line at 616.771.0303 (Please have your credit card information handy when you call.) Questions about events? Call 616.771.0300.

Special needs: Vegetarian meals are available. Please let us know your dietary requirements when registering. Reasonable arrangements for people with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Registration and Cancellation Policy: Prepayment of events is required and guarantees a reservation. Cancellations must be received at least two business days prior to an event to be eligible for a full refund. No-shows will be billed.

Business Exchange LuncheonGrow your business with our #1 networking event and build your business over lunch!Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Donnelly Center, Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Rd. SECost | $20/member early registration, $25/member after 5:00 p.m. on Monday,January 5, $25/future member (may only attend once)

Sponsored by:

127th Annual MeetingConnect with over 600 business and community leaders, and hear How to Lead & Succeed When It Matters Most with keynote Jake Wood.Time| 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | JW Marriott, International Ballroom, 235 Louis St. NWCost | $50 member, $75 future-member

Sponsored by:

OutPro Networking NightMeet up at various Grand Rapids venues and help create a welcoming culture for LGBT professionals in West Michigan.Time | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Location | TBDCost | Free to attend, registration required

Business Matters SeriesAmy Proos of Proos Manufacturing shares her experience Leading Business to New Places.Time | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Location | Seidman Center, GVSU, 50 Front Ave. SW$20/member early registration, $25/future member or late registration after 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 (includes hot breakfast)

Sponsored by

ATHENA Leadership ForumDiscover the ATHENA Leadership Tenet of Authentic Self with Birgit Klohs of The Right Place, Inc.Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location | Seidman Center, GVSU, 50 Front Ave. NWCost | $20 member, $25 non-member/late registration

Sponsor:

TO REGISTER

CHAMBER CALENDAR

New Member ConnectionsLearn how to become fully engaged with the Chamber and maximize your membership!Time | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SECost | Free for members within first year of membership, registration required

Sponsored by:

Business Exchange LuncheonTime | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location | Donnelly Center, Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Rd. SECost | $20/member early registration, $25/member after 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, $25/future member (may only attend once)

Sponsored by:

Business Matters Series Hear Mark Sellers from BarFly Ventures share his story of Craft Beer, Craft Company.Time | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Location | Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave. SWCost | $20 member, $25 future member or late registration after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12 (includes hot breakfast)

Sponsored by:

OutPro Networking NightTime | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Location | TBDCost | Free to attend, registration required

Breakfast with LegislatorsEstablish relationships with key decision makers and voice opinions on issues moving forward in Lansing.Time | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Location | The Rapid, 250 Grandville Ave. SECost | $15 member, $20 future member or late registration after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19

Sponsored by:

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JANUARY FEBRUARY

13TCN January 2015

Please join us in welcoming the following companies to the Chamber. We encourage you to do business with Chamber members!

Aaron Geller Photography, LLCPhotography(419) 508-2247http://gellerphotography.com/Mr. Aaron GellerOwner Advantage Sign & Graphic SolutionsSigns/Displays(616) 554-3300www.advantagesgs.com/

Billing Solutions, Inc.Medical(616) 364-3120www.bestbillings.comMs. Jackie CrumpPresident

Bright Life Family Chiropractic, PLLCChiropractors(616) 710-4106www.brightlifefamilychiropractic.comDr. Erica Anderson

Century Floor SpaceFloor Coverings & Services(616) 988-4524www.century-gr.com

Fleet Compliance Group, Ltd.Trucking(616) 532-1444www.fleetcompliance.comMr. Larry BaaremanCo-President

Furniture For YouFurniture(616) 247-7632www.furnitureforyougr.comMr. Steve WhitbyOwner/Operator

Garrett EngineeringEngineering(616) 929-6926www.garrettengineering.comMr. Patrick CodeAccount Manager

Keller Williams, Anastasiu RealtyRealtors(616) 304-9387www.topgrandrapidhomes.comMs. Ingrid AnastasiuRealtor

Mathison / Mathison Architects LLCArchitects(616) 920-0545www.mathisonarchitects.comMr. Thomas Mathison FAIA, REFPPrincipal

Midwest Properties of MichiganRealtors(616) 498-3679www.midwestagents.comMs. Jeanine HerlacherAssoc. Broker/Realtor

R&A Water Features & LandscapingLandscaping/Gardening(269) 204-2715www.ralawn.comMr. Andy NortheyOwner

Stiles Machinery Inc.Machine Shops/Machining/Machinery(616) 698-7500www.stilesmachinery.comMs. Deborah WatkinsDirector of Administration

Thank you to the following companies that renewed their memberships last month. We are glad to have you and your employees with us.

20+ Years of Membership

Van Andel Arena/SMGApex Spring & Stamping CorporationFlex Administrators, Inc.Tannewitz, Inc.AIS Container HandlingMortgage 1, Inc.Fox Buick/GMCGrand Rapids Public MuseumThe McCahill GroupCPR - Computer Products and Resources

30+ Years of Membership

Law Enforcement Supply, Inc.CHASEForest View Psychiatric HospitalEtherton Enterprises Inc.Leigh’s

10+ Years of Membership

Delta Imports (Porsche, Audi, Subaru)FCI AutomationFox AcuraFox Kia/HyundaiPerformance Fabrics, Inc. - HexarmorLife EMS AmbulanceAFLACDeVos Place/SMGHomewatch CaregiversOxford Place ApartmentsGrand Valley Auto PartsUniversal Sign, Inc.Michigan Radio 104.1 FM (WVGR)Northwood UniversityPridgeon & Clay, Inc.Masselink DairyWal-Mart Store 2493Hull Lift Truck, Inc.Kforce Professional StaffingCalder Investment AdvisorsGrand Rapids GriffinsPatient Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatments, Inc. (PAACT)

2+ Years of Membership

Bucher Hydraulics, Inc.Lake Michigan Credit UnionCarter Products Company, Inc.Dixon Interior DesignKilkenny Sales, LLCRietberg Realty Co., Inc.Grand Rapids AwningsSerendipity MediaCrain’s Michigan BusinessEagle Claims Management LLCFirst Reformed Church of GrandvilleGallery InteriorsWest Michigan WomanCompass Insurance AgencyIP Consulting, Inc.RHD TireVizCom MediaWorld Mission

5+ Years of Membership

DP Fox Holdings, LLC/Fox MotorsMast Thoroughbreds LLCMetal Art Studio Fine JewelryUniversity of Michigan Business Engagement CenterVeolia Energy Grand Rapids, LLCArie Nol Auto Center, Inc.Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)International Student Exchange (ISE)Lafleur & Godfrey LLCOnSite Wellness LLCPipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc.Cascade Hills Country ClubDyna-Plate, Inc.Fox Nissan Midwest Case Management, Inc.Burnham & Dells AdvisorsBurr & CompanyDWHHessel-Cheslek Funeral HomeMasonic Temple AssociationMiller Consultants & Elections, Inc./Election SourceNext Phase, Inc.West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology WMCATFox Ford MazdaFox HondaLegalShieldNawara Bros. Appliance, TV, Bedding & HardwareSurefil

One Year of Membership

Falding Capital Group, LLCEl Vocero HispanoGoei CenterGR OutdoorThe Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe

40+ Years of Membership

Rhoades McKee PCEastern Floral & Gift ShopSuperior Business Solutions

RECENTLY JOINED

RENEWING MEMBERS

14 TCN January 2015

Newsflashes is a feature of the Chamber News that recognizes Chamber members’ new products or services, new or promoted employees, and any honors or recognition they have received.

E-mail press releases to editor@grandrapids.org. Deadline: first Friday of each month.

NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS

Armbrecht Orthodontics announced the addition of Dr. Mark Wierenga to their treatment team.

ASTIs Environmental Redevelopment Services Group welcomed Jelaine “Jill” Tinsley, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the environmental industry.

City of Grand Rapids welcomed new Communications Director Steve Guitar.

CSM Group added Project Engineer Mike Dietz to the team.

Custer welcomed the addition of Kelley Grotenhuis as a Sales Associate. Kelley will be supporting the Design, Architectural Products, and 217 Management teams as a Hedberg expert.

Hungerford Nichols welcomed Vanessa Birman, CPA and Claudia Leason to their Specialized Accounting Department.

Interlogic Outsourcing, Inc. announced Shelley Chakan as Marketing Manager.

Lake Michigan Credit Union hired Amanda Hesselsweet as Personal Lines Insurance Sales Representative for Lake Michigan Insurance Agency

Law Weathers happily announced the addition of two new associates, Brett Liefbroer and Brad Fowler.

Miller Johnson is pleased to welcome Matthew M. O’Rourke as an Associate in the Grand Rapids office.

Northpointe Bank is excited to announce that the bank has moved Stacy Miller-Kuiper, Loan Officer from the Inside Sales Team to the Retail Team.

Rhoades McKee announced Jackie M. Appleman has joined the firm as Litigation Associate.

Rockford Construction announced Dan Buskirk as the new Project Executive of the Education team as well as the addition of several Superintendents to the team: Brent Hillard, Glenn Hutchinson, Dave Matelski, Daniel Ruppert, Matthew Wenzel, Dan Kowalski, and Doug Schroeder. Neil Gillett is a new Preconstruction Manager, and Jim Klunder joined the team as a Project Manager and Estimator for the Trades group.

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to announce that attorneys Scott M. Brookens and Rachael M. Roseman have joined the firm’s Grand Rapids office.

Varnum welcomed Nicholas C. Heinz, Sherry X. Lin and John W. Sturgis VII, and Eric R. Post to the Grand Rapids office. Varnum is also pleased to announce the addition of Charles F. Gray and Adam M. Linkner; both who have joined the firm’s Metro Detroit office.

NEW LOCATIONS, EXPANSIONS & GRAND OPENINGS

CWD Real Estate Investment (CWD) announced that it has purchased one of the largest buildings in the city – the Calder Plaza Building at 250 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Michigan Office Solutions has become the newest corporate partner at University Corporate Research Park on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU).

The law firm of Miller Canfield announced that Amber Sturrus has been named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Up & Coming Lawyers” for 2014.

Franklin Partners announced plans to purchase and redevelop 1340 Monroe Avenue NW, making this the 16th redevelopment project for Franklin Partners in West Michigan.

NEWS FLASHES

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

The City of Grand Rapids announced that it was awarded LEED® Certification for its Technical Services Building. This project earned 45 LEED rating points, exceeding the 40 minimum number of points required to achieve a LEED® rating of CERTIFIED.

Congratulations to The Columbian Logistics Network! Their Grand Rapids Distribution Center was named a Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) site for its exemplary safety and health management system.

Military Times announced Davenport University as one of the Best for Vets: Colleges 2015.

Congratulations to longtime Dégagé Ministries volunteer, Nancy Ruch, who was recognized at the ministry’s annual benefit, Celebrate Dégagé, with the 2014 Marge Palmerlee Outstanding Community Service Award.

For the second consecutive year, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Rebecca Renner Anderson of Grand Rapids has been invited to attend Barron’s Winner’s Circle Top Women Advisors Summit to be held in Palm Beach, FL.

Express Employment Professionals was awarded the Expanded Learning Opportunity Network Business Leader Award for their visible presence and support of quality afterschool programs as well as their assistance in mentoring and career and college readiness.

Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC attorney John W. Inhulsen has been included in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2014 Class of Up & Coming Lawyers.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department held its 2014 Annual GRFD Award Ceremony. There were an array of awards including 26 promotions, 49 Distinguished Service Recognitions, and Lieutenant David Pyle (retired) was

15TCN January 2015

Panelists included Dr. Adel Abadeer, professor of economics at Calvin College; Dr. John Lunn, professor of economics at Hope College; Dr. Brad Stamm, professor of economics and chair of the business division at Cornerstone University; and Dr. Todd Yarbrough, professor of economics at Aquinas College. Dr. Stephen Barrows, associate professor of economics at Aquinas College moderated.

AT&T, State Representative Margaret O’Brien, and State Representative-elect Brandt Iden together presented a check for $15,000 to the Portage Community Center in support of the center’s after-school program aiding area high school students with mentoring, skill building and learning activities.

Express Employment Professionals partnered with Mel Trotter Ministries to host a Pay it Forward Hiring Drive that put unemployed individuals to work during the holiday season.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) along with the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan participated in Operation Handshake, an event to welcome home returning military members and veterans, and to thank them for their service.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) will feature works of art from 11 different ArtPrize 2014 artists that were originally featured at seven different venues in the presentation of GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2014: Encore. The chosen works will rotate on and off view with the museum’s permanent collection through ArtPrize 2015.

Wendy’s of Michigan, owned and operated by Grand Rapids-based Meritage Hospitality Group, collected 160 coats to benefit students at Sibley Elementary School through their annual “Give a Coat, Get a Combo” initiative.

Kent County Girls on the Run is honored to present the Grand Rapids area with the first film festival, by, for, and about women: LUNAFEST®

Koko FitClub of Grand Rapid teamed up with Feeding America of West Michigan to run a food drive this holiday season.

honored as the Firefighter of the Year, awarded by The American Legion-Furniture City Post #258.

Jon Tellier of JetCo Solutions was elected to the Board of the West Point Society of Michigan, serving as the Board Secretary. Sue Schweim Tellier of JetCo Solutions was selected to serve on the Board of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM).

Brad McAvoy, P.E., LEED AP and Josh Szymanski, P.E., LEED AP of Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K), were elected to serve as board members for the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers.

Price Heneveld LLP congratulates Michael D. Templeton and Mark A. Twilley, previously law clerks with the firm, on becoming members of the State Bar of Michigan.

Rhoades Mckee attorney Stephen J. Hulst was named one of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2014 “Up and Coming Lawyers” recipients.

Waddell & Reed Financial Wellness Program was recently cited in a Consumers Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) report, Financial wellness at work: A review of promising practices and policies.

The Park Club announced that Attorney Shaun P. Willis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Willis Law, has been elected to the Park Club Board of Directors. Attorneys Michael J. Willis and Shaun P. Willis, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Willis Law, have been selected to Crain’s Detroit Business list of Michigan’s Top Attorneys 2014.

The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) received a $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support its Teen Arts + Tech program, empowering urban teens through high engagement in the visual arts and technology.

ANNIVERSARIES & MILESTONES

Congratulations to Hungerford Chiropractic & Wellness Center on celebrating its two-year anniversary!

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Aquinas College hosted the “Economic Symposium: State of the Economy & Outlook for 2015.”

MEMBER SEMINARS, EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

JanuaryRibbon Cuttings8 | KoKo FitClub | 5:00pm | 2845 Thornhills Ave SE Ste X,Y |616.301.5366

20 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ – Communicate with confidence! In this program, you will learn how to think on your feet, project more confidence, manage your nerves, and craft messages that are clear, concise and focused. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

21 & 22 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ - Advanced – Learn how to communicate with impact through oral presentation skills and body language to create focused, concise, and activating messages that influence others and project style and presence of today’s leaders. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

Febuary17 | Speak Up & Be Effective™ – Communicate with confidence! In this program, you will learn how to think on your feet, project more confidence, manage your nerves, and craft messages that are clear, concise and focused. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

18 & 19| Speak Up & Be Effective™ - Advanced – Learn how to communicate with impact through oral presentation skills and body language to create focused, concise, and activating messages that influence others and project style and presence of today’s leaders. Call Varnum Consulting at 616.336.7070 for details.

PERIODICAL POSTAGE

PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI111 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Get your nominations in early! Nominations close 5 p.m. Friday, February 20.

Save the Date for 2015 EPIC Awards!Monday, June 1, 2015Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Visit www.grandrapids.org/epic-awards for the nomination form and additional details.

Sponsorships available. Contact Diane Cisler, 616.771.0357 or cislerd@grandrapids.org.

EPICAwards Nominations Open January 20!