Good Company

As the Manager of Special Collections at the Library of Michigan, Tim Gleisner knows a thing or two about local history. On this episode, Tim chats with the Chamber's resident history buff, Andy Johnston, on Grand Rapids' rich history of floods, furniture, and pigs being used to dispose of trash. We also enjoyed the most fitting beer possible for a history podcast, having sipped on John Ball Brown from Grand Rapids Brewing Company.

As Director of Sales – Strategic Enterprise for Comcast Business, Brad Gramlin knows that technology is changing every day, and it's essential for businesses to be on the cutting edge in order to be competitive. Hear Brad discuss the cloud, artificial intelligence, and what companies like Meijer are doing to maintain top-notch customer service all while enjoying Scotch-Barrel Aged S’more Stout from Perrin Brewing.

At the Grand Rapids Chamber, we believe Michigan needs criminal justice reform to reduce unnecessary barriers to employment. Over-incarceration costs too much and does not make our communities safer. On this episode of good company, we continued the discussion with Representative Graham Filler, who has been a key leader in criminal justice reform, including the six-bill expungement package which is working its way through the legislature. This policy change would set aside criminal records under certain conditions with the goal of addressing barriers to employment.

At the Grand Rapids Chamber, we believe Michigan needs criminal justice reform to reduce unnecessary barriers to employment. Over-incarceration costs too much and does not make our communities safer. On this episode of Good Company, brought to you in conjunction with the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, we chatted with Lenore Anderson, President of Alliance for Safety & Justice and Doug DeVos of Amway on why the business community should care about criminal justice reform, and how they can get engaged to support this work.

Around 50% of students in Kent County report that they don't have somebody in their life with whom they can talk about something important. Affinity Mentoring works to change that by matching students with a caring adult mentor. We sat down with Executive Director Laura Ward to discuss how this positive relationship can help improve students’ academic achievements, social skills and self-esteem. Take a listen to learn more about why the work Affinity Mentoring is doing has led them to being a finalist for this year's Non-Profit of the Year at the EPIC Awards!

The Mitten Brewing Company is a two-time recipient of the Chamber’s EPIC Awards, recognized as the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2015, and the Excellence in Business Award last year. We sat down with Chris Andrus, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of the Mitten, to chat through the journey of the Mitten: from their start brewing beer in the basement, to painstakingly restoring the historic Engine House No. 9 on the West Side, to donating more than $250,000 to local organizations since opening in 2012. Take a listen to hear more about what makes this company so deserving of the Excellence in Business recognition!

BDO is celebrating 100 years in Grand Rapids this year. As a company, BDO is committed not only to helping their clients, but also to helping their communities. Tune in while we talk with guests Eric Fischer, Tax Senior Manager, and Kevin Patterson, Assurance Partner for BDO Grand Rapids. Both Eric and Kevin are alumni of Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) and are involved in a variety of community efforts. We chatted about the importance of giving back, the power of connections, and what exactly it is that makes LGR so special, all while sipping on Founders’ Blushing Monk.

AC Hotel opened downtown Grand Rapids in late May. Located just steps from Van Andel Arena in a historic 127-year-old warehouse, this 130-room lifestyle hotel is the first of its kind in Michigan. We sat down with General Manager Ryan Schmied to talk through the building’s transformation while sipping on gin & tonics, the most popular cocktail of Spain. Take a listen to hear more about the hotel’s features (including it’s signature masculine scent) and learn more about Ryan, a level two sommelier with longstanding roots in the hospitality industry.

As we look forward to the 30th Annual ATHENA Awards Celebration, we were thrilled to welcome our latest guest – Lizzie Williams, Senior Communication Specialist at OST. Lizzie was named the 2014 Young ATHENA Award recipient, and currently serves as Chair of the ATHENA Council. We sat down to chat with Lizzie about why ATHENA Grand Rapids is so important, what she’s looking forward to at the awards celebration, and which ATHENA principle means the most to her.

In June, Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker was named the first Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Metro Health-University of Michigan Health. A Grand Rapids native, Dr. Booker is a passionate advocate for comprehensive, data-driven and ongoing strategies for diversity, equity and inclusion. We sat down to chat with her about what she’s most looking forward to in her new role, her favorite book recommendations, and tips she’d give other businesses on their journeys to diversity, equity and inclusion.