2024 Annual Dinner & Awards Night Program

SOUTHKENT

CHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

Annual Dinner and Awards Night

PresentedBy

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their invaluable support of the 2024 Annual Dinner and Awards Night Your generosity and commitment have made this event possible, allowing us to honor remarkable individuals and celebrate their achievements

Your sponsorship has played a vital role in bringing our community together to celebrate achievements and foster connections. With your support, we continue to thrive as a dynamic hub of business excellence and collaboration

.Thank you for your dedication to our Chamber's mission and for being an essential part of our collective success.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

VISIONARY SPONSOR

AWARD SPONSORS CENTERPIECE SPONSORS DESSERT SPONSORS BEVERAGE SPONSORS

Dear Esteemed Guests,

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to every one of you to our signature event, the 43rd Annual Awards Dinner. It brings me immense joy to see our vibrant community come together in celebration of another successful year. Our membership, key partnerships, influence, and effect on local businesses and community continue to grow in a positive way. I’m honored to support an area that contains over 210,000 residents and 6000 businesses. We are proud partners with over 400 member businesses that employ 23,312 employees.

How did we get here? In the 80’s this chamber was conceived out of the mind of just a few local business owners in the city of Wyoming and shortly expanded to support businesses and business leaders in the neighboring community of Kentwood. Over the 40+ years of growth, our membership has expanded beyond the formal footprint of the Wyoming and Kentwood to the point that two-thirds of the businesses comprising our membership base reside outside of the city limits of Wyoming and Kentwood. One-third of our member businesses lay within the city limits of Grand Rapids and the other third of our member businesses lay in the surrounding areas like Byron Center, Caledonia, Cascade Township, Gains Township, Grandville, and more.

This 43rd Annual Awards Dinner serves not only as a moment of reflection on our collective achievements but also as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us. Tonight, amidst the elegant ambiance and shared camaraderie, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration within our business community.

Where are we going? As a result of a deep dive, intentional introspection, understanding the landscape of our business community needs, and an effort to provide the needed service to ensure positive economic impact we needed to do some much-needed soul searching. After much discussion, feedback, and input from community stakeholders, our board of directors, and our executive team we settled on four key initiatives that we would set as our true north and guiding principles for the next few years

2026 Strategic Plan:

1. Model stewardship of the chamber’s financial and human resources “FINANCIAL & HR STEWARDSHIP”

2. Rebrand the chamber and its programs to be more inclusive of its membership “REBRAND”

3. Support the small business community with resources to help them thrive “SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE”

4. Launch workforce development programs that support full employment in the region “WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS”

Today is a pivotal moment! One key change that has come about because of an inner and external look at our Chamber is the rebranding of our name. After a review of current member business locations and a review of our member locations from ten years ago, it was clear to all that we have long outgrown the city limits of Wyoming and Kentwood. We found the need for a name and identity that is a more accurate representation of who we are. After nearly a year of data pulling and conversations, it was unanimously approved, at our October board meeting, upon the recommendation of the executive team that tonight would signify the official changing of our chamber name to the South Kent Count Area Chamber of Chamber. Thus, going forward we will be Doing Business As: “South Kent Chamber”.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all our members, partners, and sponsors whose unwavering support continues to drive the success of our Chamber. Your dedication is truly the cornerstone of our prosperity.

As we embark on this evening's festivities, let us revel in the spirit of unity and friendship that defines us. My hope tonight is to have a room filled with laughter, inspiration, and meaningful connections that will propel us toward an even brighter future for all those in our local communities in South Kent County, which will translate into working better together on all playing fields from the City, to the County, and contributing to a better West Michigan for All.

Once again, welcome, and thank you for being an integral part of our Chamber family.

Keith Morgan President & CEO South Kent Chamber

ORDER OF EVENTS

6.00 PM

HAPPY HOUR

Networking

OPENING REMARKS

6:30 PM

7 PM

7 45 PM

8.00 PM

8.10 PM

8.50 PM

Chris Parker, Valerie Cook, Summer Vasquez

INVOCATION & DINNER

Invocation: Clarkston Morgan

KEYNOTE

Nelson Sanchez, CEO Roman Manufacturing

CHAMBER REMARKS

Keith Morgan, CEO South Kent Chamber of Commerce

AWARDS CEREMONY

Presented by South Kent Chamber Supporting Partners

CLOSING REMARKS

Chris Parker

EMCEE - CHRIS PARKER, EDWARD JONES

PAST BOARD CHAIR - VALERIE COOK, NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY

CURRENT BOARD CHAIR - SUMMER VASQUEZ, UFCW INTERNATIONAL

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

NELSON SANCHEZ, CEO RoMan Manufacturing

Nelson Sanchez’s Journey from CFO to CEO at RoMan Manufacturing

A Journey of Dedication and Leadership

Nelson Sanchez first joined RoMan Manufacturing in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). His remarkable contributions were soon recognized, and he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2016. Earlier this year, he assumed the role of President, and as of July 1, 2023 had taken over as CEO.

A Diverse Background in Leadership

Before his illustrious tenure at RoMan, Sanchez held key executive positions in various esteemed companies, including Deloitte, Windquest Companies, Ridgeview Industries, and Kaydon Corporation His diverse experience in finance, marketing, and management has equipped him with a unique skill set, making him an invaluable asset to RoMan Manufacturing

A Pillar in the Community

Sanchez is not just a corporate leader; he is also a community leader He currently serves as the Board Chair of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Vice-Chair of the Holland Home Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Community Foundation -Investment committee, and a Right Place board member He also serves as a board member of Mercantile Bank, the third-largest Michigan-based banking institution as well as an advisory board member of SignComp and Grand Rapids Chair His previous roles include chairing the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and the West Michigan Alzheimer’s Association

Sanchez is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants

2021 Bob O'Callaghan

2019 Tony Marino

2018 Michelle Born-Fischer

2017 Mike Zomerlei

2016 Terry Merriman

2015 Todd Duncan

2014 Rick Chrisman

2013 Marge Wilson

2012 Kathey Batey

2011 Brent VanderKolk

2010 Tommy Brann

2009 Bill Doren

2008 Danna Mathiesen

2007 Lillian Vander Veen

2006 Betsy Artz

2005 Christopher Anbari

2004 Judi Holland

2003 Kevin Green

2002 Gary Chamberlain

2001 Steve Schab

2000 Dan MacLaren

1999 Phil Tietz

1998 Steve Schab

1997 Linda Harber

1996 Yolanda Lewis

021

2019

2018

2017 Kate Pyles

2017 Juliette Cowall

2016 Keith Morgan

2015 Jerry DeGood

2014 Gregg Howard

2013 Chris Fuller

2012 Tony Marino

2011 Karen Brittner

2010 Todd Duncan

2009 Amanda Lewis

2008 Jeff Larabel

2007 Lisa Calhoun

2006 Norine Mulvhill

2005 Bob O'Callaghan

2004 Don Feikema

2003 Lillian Vander Veen

2002 Jan Hall

2001 Robert M. Worth

2000 Jennifer VanPopering

1999 Wendee Butler

1998 Hank DeVries

1997 Sandy Barratt

1996 Phil Tietz

1995 Mark. W. Smith

1995 Leonard Mol

1994 Michael DeJonge

1993 Richard Dyer

1992 Daniel VanDyke

1991 Jacob C. Mol

1990 Mark C. VanKeulen

R E C T O R S

Board Chairperson

Summer Vasquez

UFCW International

Past Board Chairperson

Valerie Cook

Northwood University

Vice Chair Member Development

Betsy Artz

Celebration Cinema

Vice Chair Financial Development

Jonathan Wilson

DTE

Vice Chair Member Relations

Nicholas Kuncaitis

Director South Kent Business Jourtnal 2 0 2 4 B O A R D O F D I

K Group Companies

Director Legal Advisor & Diversity

Business Council

Mercedes Watts

Watts Consulting

Director Government Relations

Heather Merrick

Managing Director, Specialized Recruiting Group

Brian Carter

WAM Print Mail

Director Young Professionals

Emmy Warner-Talcott

Dynamic Energy Studio

Director Ambassadors Committee

Shane Myas

Midwest Capital Advisors

Director Annual Dinner

Casey O’Neill

Roman Manufacturing

Director Santa Parade

Bill Hann

Advantage Group

Honorary Director

John Shay

City of Wyoming

Honorary Director

Craig Hoekstra

Wyoming Public Schools

At the heart of our vibrant community, the South Kent County Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to Building Our Businesses to Build Our Communities. We take pride in fostering growth, collaboration, and prosperity for businesses in Wyoming, Kentwood, and the surrounding areas.

As a dynamic chamber, we understand that a thriving business community is the cornerstone of a flourishing society. That’s why we are committed to providing a comprehensive suite of services and opportunities designed to empower and elevate local businesses.

“Building our businesses to build our communities.”

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Networking

Members expand business connections and opportunities

Advocacy:

Members amplify collective voices for policy and economic interests

Resources:

Members gain access to valuable tools, information, and expertise

Collaboration: :

Members foster partnerships for mutual growth and success

Representation:

Members ensure diverse perspectives are heard and considered.

Support:

Members receive assistance navigating challenges and obstacles

Visibility:

Members enhance their visibility within the business community.

Innovation:

Members contribute ideas and drive innovation within the chamber

Growth:

Members facilitate economic growth and development.

Community:

Members strengthen the fabric of the local business community

Our Chamber of Commerce members matter because they drive economic prosperity collectively.

Government Matters

8:00 am – 9:00 am

The Second Monday of Each Month.

Kentwood City Hall 4900 Breton Rd SE (1/2 mi. South of 44th St; 1/2 mi North of 54th St.)

in April, May, June, October, November, & December

Wyoming City Hall 1155 28th St SW (Corner of 28th and Michael)

in January, February, March, July, August, & September

Contact Us to Learn More!

Thiseventprovidesanopportunitytohear updatesfromelectedofficialsandaskthem questionsdirectly.Itfocusesonbusiness mattersthataffectlocalbusinessesinthe area.Bringyourquestionsandconcernsto learnandengagewithyourelectedofficials.

Diversity Business Council

May 9th

August 8th

November 14th

The Diversity Business Council for the South Kent County Area focuses on the needs of local businesses in this area. The council works to provide awareness, education, and advocacy for local traditionally underserved business communities.

WyomingandKentwoodarethelargesttwo neighboringcommunitiestoGrandRapids.Witha combinedcommunityof130Kresidents (Population:Wyoming=75KandKentwood=55K) thesetwocommunitiesalonerepresentoneofthe mostdiverselyrepresentedcommunitieswith40%, or52,000,peopleofcolorlivingandultimately workinginandaroundourlocalcommunities.This largesegmentofourlocalcommunityhaslarge implicationsonourentirecommunityandistruly anasset.Wehaveanopportunitytoassisttalent shortages,developnewbusinessinitiatives,and delivergrowthopportunities.

There are so many resources available for businesses in all stages of the business life cycle Unfortunately, so many leaders and entrepreneurs miss out because of a lack of awareness We work to bridge the gap between those business leaders and organizations in need and those providing services to fill those needs.

Our Diversity Business Council provides a platform for community businesses and organizations looking to service these businesses to connect, spread the message, and support local businesses looking to grow and maintain sustainability.

Impact

Boost your brand's impact! Seamlessly integrate print and digital marketing strategies with our expertise. Engage audiences effectively, driving results that matter.

AboutUs

GrowYour Business WithUs

Inpartnershipwithbusinessesin Wyoming,Kentwood,andthe southernregionofKentCounty,our chamberfacilitatesregularevents encompassingnetworking, advocacy,trainings,leadership programming,andadiverserange ofactivities,allcontributingtothe growthandprosperityofthelocal businesscommunity.

Advocacy