B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L
GROWYOURBUSINESSWITHUS
Keith Morgan, MBA President & CEO
As we welcome the winter season, we’re proud to celebrate a year filled with key milestones and accomplishments. From hosting our first-ever Economic Growth Summit to tripling networking opportunities and increasing attendance across all events, 2024 has been a season of growth and connection Weekly, I hear from someone in our community or beyond, sharing how our Chamber has positively impacted their business whether through valuable connections, essential information, or hands-on support These stories remind us of why we do this work and how vital these resources are for our members
Looking ahead to February, we’re excited to break new ground at our Annual Dinner Last year, we saw 138 attendees, and this year, we’re aiming even higher! We hope you’ll consider joining us and inviting a business partner to experience this evening of networking, celebration, and community support.
Of course, none of this would be possible without you With 2025 around the corner, we’re excited to continue partnering with members who share our vision Our focus remains on being a local resource center for small businesses and supporting workforce development and training to meet growing needs If these priorities resonate with you or your organization, let’s explore how we can make a greater impact together.
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey Here’s to a warm winter and a prosperous 2025!
10 AM -11 AM
SPONSORED BY
Honor Credit Union
Rivertown Credit Union
Avalon
Kellogg Community Credit Union
Marge’s Donut Den
Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill
Thank you to our outstanding sponsors, the businesses along the parade route, the City of Wyoming, and our wonderful community. Without you, this would not be a fabulously festive event!
GRAND MARSHAL
Janice
Allen
LETTERS FROM SANTA CLAUS
Drop off a letter to Santa at an official Wyoming/Kentwood North Pole Mailbox location between November 22nd and December 6th and you will receive a letter back from Santa Your letter must include a name g or use the form below.
PepeprmintJollyscroll
LETTER DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
LMCU, 2636 44th Street, Wyoming, MI 49519
LMCU, 3870 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI 49548
Arbor Federal Credit Union, 2757 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Pinspiration, 2300 Health Dr SW, Suite B, Wyoming, MI 49519
Marge’s Donut Den Inc., 1751 28th St, SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 Adventure Credit Union, 630 32nd St, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Supermercado Mexico, 3375 Division Ave. S., Wyoming, MI 49548
HONOR CREDIT UNION and
Honor Credit Union is deeply committed to supporting small businesses in the Grand Rapids area, recognizing that they are the cornerstone of strong, thriving communities. Through a personalized, community-first approach, Honor goes beyond traditional banking to become a true partner to local entrepreneurs.
Two notable examples of Honor’s impact include Affogato’s Ice Cream & Coffee in Allendale and Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center in Wyoming. Each business has a unique mission, and Honor has been passionate about supporting their success every step of the way Affogato’s Ice Cream & Coffee, owned by David and Shelley Anderson, is a beloved local spot known for its delicious affogatos and welcoming atmosphere In just three years, it has become a community favorite and even earned recognition as the area’s best coffee and ice cream shop
However, building this success wasn’t always easy, especially when David needed a financial partner who truly understood his vision Before joining Honor, David had been accustomed to impersonal banking experiences, leaving him feeling undervalued All of that changed when he switched to Honor Credit Union, where he found a team invested in his personal and professional goals David developed a close relationship with Honor Commercial Loan Officer, James McLaughlin and Community Development Officer, Abbey Vaughan. At Honor, he found James and Abbey offered a sincere and supportive approach to help him realize his dream of building a bigger and better Affogato’s on vacant land off Lake Michigan Drive in Allendale.
They genuinely care about us. They want our business to succeed,” said David. “They’re always asking questions, like, ‘How are things going?’ and really taking an interest in us, not just the , but us on a personal level, too.”
Thanks to their strong relationship with Honor, Affogato’s will continue to grow and offer the community a beautiful new coffee and ice cream social hub in the future
Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center in Wyoming, founded by Wylea Griggs, is also thriving with Honor’s support Quantum provides transformative mental health services, using innovative technology to deliver personalized care Wylea’s vision to create a center focused on empowerment and well-being found the perfect partnership with Honor “At Honor, they recognized the importance of my work and the impact Quantum can have on the community,” Wylea says “Honor’s support has allowed me to focus on reaching more people and growing Quantum in ways I couldn’t have done on my own ” Through these cherished partnerships, Honor Credit Union takes immense pride in going beyond basic banking to partner with small businesses Together, they celebrate their growth, helping them reach new milestones and make a lasting difference in the Grand Rapids community.
Abbey and Wylea
David and Shelley
RIBBONCUTTINGS
Main Event
VanderLugt, Mulder, DeVries & Elders
Party Balloon Studio
The Flying Locksmith Affinity Mentoring
The Joint
ECONOMIC GROWTH SUMMIT
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
Welcome Juan Carlos Aldana as the new Plant Director of General Motors Grand Rapids Operations to the South Kent Chamber! With a legacy of over 115 years, General Motors is at the forefront of advancing an all-electric future, aiming for zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. Located in Grand Rapids, the plant is integral to producing essential automotive components, including axles, lash adjusters, and valve lifters.
Headquartered in Detroit and employing more than 165,000 individuals worldwide, GM is committed to fostering a better future for communities across six continents.
Celebrating Growth, Partnerships, and Progress!
Thank you to everyone who joined the South Kent 2024 Economic Growth Summit and our Legislative Update Breakfast!
We had outstanding turnouts at both events, creating space for impactful discussions and valuable networking A key highlight at the Summit was General Motors Grand Rapids Operations awarding $75,000 in Community Impact Grants to support STEM education and road safety, benefiting the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, and Junior Achievement. It was fantastic to see local schools Kelloggsville, East Kentwood, and Wyoming Public Schools represented and to receive valuable economic insights from Dr. Paul Isely.
At our Legislative Update Breakfast, Wendy Block, SVP of the Michigan Chamber, led an informative session on critical issues like paid leave, minimum wage, and new policies affecting local businesses We’re grateful to everyone who helped, hosted, and shared expertise working together to stay ahead of changes impacting our community
MAKEAN
I M P A C T
Volunteer
Claudette is a dedicated multi-media representative of Nexstar Media and an active supporter of the South Kent Chamber. As the Chair of the Ribbon Cutting Committee, she thrives on meeting both new and established members, fostering connections that strengthen the community Passionate about helping people connect and grow, Claudette is committed to supporting fellow members and enhancing the local business landscape
CONNECT
We have something for everyone! Business professionals keep all various hours and not all times work for everyone. We intentionally have events that hit all times of the day. There is no reason you can’t find one of these events that will fit your schedule. Join us to hear about upcoming events, meet other professionals, and make networking for your business pleasurable. Our networking events occur at various locations, so we have a chance to showcase new and familiar businesses. We focus on creating inviting environments, so everyone feels welcome!
E V E N T S
12/9/2024 Monday Government Matters
12/11/2024 Wednesday Connect Over Coffee
12/14/2024 Saturday Santa Parade
1/8/2025 Wednesday Connect Over Coffee
1/13/2025 Monday Government Matters
1/17/2025 Friday 3rd Friday Networking & Luncheon
1/23/2025 Thursday Thirsty Thursday
1/28/2025 Tuesday Wyoming Business Leaders
2/10/2025 Monday Government Matters
2/12/2025 Wednesday Connect Over Coffee
2/21/2025 Friday 3rd Friday Networking & Luncheon
2/25/2025 Tuesday Wyoming Business Leaders
2/27/2025 Thursday Annual Dinner
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We attend church, eat too much, and enjoy getting together with family and friends. The bakery is open from 6am to 2pm so people alone can share coffee and a donut wtih others. I hope your family has a Happy Thanksgiving ~Marge~
Thank you to our sponsors for their wonderful support of our "Letters from Santa" campaign! Because of them, we are able to bring holiday magic straight from the North Pole to so many families Your generosity helped spread joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you for making this season brighter!
Adventure Credit Union
Arbor Federal Credit Union
Celebration Cinema
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Marge’s Donut Den Pinspiration
Supermercado Mexico
West Michigan Credit Union
Kentwood Holiday Event Schedule
Kentwood Community Choir Performs Nov. 19
6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the Community Room at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave SE The concert is free and open to the public Freewill offerings will be accepted during intermission. Learn more at kentwood.us/ChoirConcert.
City of Kentwood’s Pop-Up Holiday Market Nov. 23
The market will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a m to 3 p m in the Community Room at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave SE
Learn more at kentwood.us/HolidayPopUp.
Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade – Dec. 5
Join us for our annual tree lighting and holiday light parade 6-8 p m Thursday, Dec 5 at Kent District Library –Kentwood (Richard L Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave SE Find more information at kentwood us/TreeLighting
Each year, the City hosts Wrap Up Wyoming around the holiday season to help community members in need. Attendees are asked to donate new warm clothing items such as hats, gloves, scarves, and coats. This event will kick off a donation drive that runs throughout the month of December, with the collected items being donated to area schools. The event will feature musical acts, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, and reindeer!
Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Wyoming Senior Center
2380 DeHoop Avenue, SW Wyoming, MI 49509
Holiday Light Display Contest Returns
Have an outdoor holiday light display in Kentwood? Enter it in our contest at kentwood.us/HolidayLightContest by Dec. 12 for a chance to win a prize The winners will be announced Dec. 19.
Holiday Giving Programs Through Dec. 11
The City of Kentwood’s annual holiday giving programs will once again celebrate the season of giving. These programs include Adopt-A-Child, Be a Santa to a Senior, the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry Find more information about these programs at kentwood us/GivingPrograms
4415 Byron Center Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49519
Boost your brand's impact! Seamlessly integrate print and digital marketing strategies with our expertise. Engage audiences effectively, driving results that matter.
