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. 

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...

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!

Dr. Richard Pappas has the big responsibility of leading Davenport University students, faculty, and staff and enabling them to succeed in the ever-changing world that we live in.  On this episode of the Back to Business podcast, host Connor Smithee and Dr. Pappas sat down to discuss how Davenport is setting itself apart from the competition by staying innovative. The university can create a new major in 60 days to enable them to respond to changing trends in the talent market. The Back to...

Talent is the top of mind issue for employers across both West Michigan and the country. Floriza Genautis is the CEO of Management Business Solutions. MBS works with employers to fill temporary and full-time positions in the West Michigan area.  With Floriza being on the front lines of the talent shortage, we had a chance to ask her what she's seeing in the talent space, and what trends she's expecting to continue into the future. If your organization is struggling with talent, you can't...

On this episode of the CEO Summit Series, we spoke with Jamie Stuck. Stuck has been an elected official of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) since 2006. He was recently appointed Tribal Council Chairman and serves as the Ex-Officio Board Member of the Waséyabek Development Company, LLC. Stuck and host Connor Smithee look closer at the work of Waséyabek and what Stuck's day to day looks like, as well as how he's working to prepare for the next 7 generations that will come...

West Michigan is home to several big players in the footwear industry. HOLO Footwear is a newer company entering the West Michigan footwear scene in Grand Rapids. They have a focus on outdoor shoes made from sustainable & recycled materials. On this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we sat down with Yurida Rodriguez, HOLO's President. Rodriguez & host Connor Smithee discuss what goes into leading a new startup. This is an episode you won't want to miss! The Back to Business...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Arick Davis of Last Mile Cafe. Last Mile Cafe is a new coffee venture that Arick helped start in Grand Rapids in 2018. They do coffee differently. From compostable bags to making sure it’s ethically sourced, Arick has his hands full most days. He’s also looking to expand the company and add a retail location in Grand Rapids. Arick also shares his insights on Grand Rapids’ growth as he works with people from around...

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 Carlos Sanchez of Ferris State's Latino Business & Economic Development Center.  The center's mission is to develop high-performing Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs in West Michigan. Carlos explains the program's mission,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...