Good Company

While visiting Grand Rapids, Jori Bennett’s husband called to tell her about a city with little traffic and lots of art. It just so happened to be during ArtPrize, and it led the Bennett family to relocate to Grand Rapids. Years later, Jori serves as the Executive Director of ArtPrize.Now after ten years, ArtPrize has shifted to a biennial competition to make way for the Project series of citywide art commissions. Project 1 is launching this September. We sat down with Jori and ArtPrize Artistic Director Kevin Buist to chat through what the community can expect from this new format, as well as some of their favorite pieces from the past, while we sipped on Rainbow Universe from Grand Rapids Brewing Company!

The 2019 Inaugural West Michigan CEO Summit brought over 600 regional business executives together to engage on key topics, such as leadership, culture, talent, strategic planning and industry trends. We know that everyone has something valuable to share. In addition to the leadership lessons shared at the event, we are pleased to present this special podcast series, featuring business leaders discussing shared challenges, successes, innovations, and what they are doing to best prepare their companies for the future. These interviews were recorded live in the lobby of the West Michigan CEO Summit, and are brought to you by Comcast Business.Interviews feature: Dr. Hyung Tai Kim, Brad Kessel, Bridget Clark Whitney, David Lewis, and Dennis Aguirre

Meg Goebel, President & CEO of Paul Goebel Group, has been noted for her energetic enthusiasm in the insurance industry and community at large. Meg has been very involved in giving her time and treasure back to the West Michigan community, serving on multiple boards, including spending time as the chair of the Grand Rapids Chamber Board.Meg is a multiple winner of the Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women and Top Women-Owned Businesses awards, and was most recently honored with the Women of Achievement and Courage Award at the Michigan Women Forward luncheon in April. In addition to giving back to the community, Meg is also passionate about skiing, art, and good wine. We were thrilled to cover it all while drinking Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages, a French red blend we picked up from chamber member Reserve Wine & Food.

Mark Washington was appointed Grand Rapids City Manager last July, and hit the ground running when he officially started the role in October. With nearly 24 years of experience working in local government, including his most recent role as Assistant City Manager of Austin, Texas, Mr. Washington told us what drew him to Grand Rapids and this role. Hear our chat with the City Manager as he delves into the challenges the city is facing (yes, including parking!) and how he plans to tackle them.

J.D. Loeks didn't think he would be living in GR and working for his family's business, but after a few years in Denver he moved home and fell in love with the company. Now serving as President of Studio C, J.D. has led the charge on the company's latest development: Studio Park. Hear our chat with J.D. where he delves into his passion for the community, experience in LGR, and tells us exactly what movie theaters do with all of their extra movie posters - all while enjoying Scotch and Corona from Creston Market (inspired by the movie American Psycho).

From getting picked on as kids to becoming first-generation business owners, twin brothers Ruben and Rolando Ramos know the value of hard work. Ruben sat down with Anna Young, Digital Content Specialist, and Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business and Talent Development. They chatted about why it’s important to engage with and give back to your community, how to attract and foster talent, and getting the most out of Chamber programs, all while drinking Founders All Day IPA!Are you a minority business looking for additional resources? Learn more about the Chamber’s Elevate program or the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association.

State Representative Tommy Brann has been working in the restaurant business since the age of 17. At the age of 19, Tommy opened his restaurant “Tommy Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille.” He is also an author and song writer, detailing the hard work needed by small-business owners in the book “Mind Your Own Business," which includes 13 small-business lessons that he will be using while serving in Lansing. Tommy is currently the owner and operator of Brann’s Restaurants, which has several locations across Michigan, including the same first restaurant that has been open for 45 years.Take a listen as we chat with State Representative Tommy Brann while sipping on Nitro Cold Brew from Ferris.

On this week's episode of Good Company, we hit the road and went to Lansing where Andy Johnston interviewed his counterpart at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations. They cover the great bacon vs. sausage debate, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference - all while drinking delicious Brix Soda from Martha's Vineyard!

In December 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Chamber staff sat down with Amy Biolchini, Cannabis Beat Reporter for MLive, to learn more about what this law means for Michigan residents and employers... all while enjoying The Hemperor HPA, purchased from the Craft Beer Cellar!

Check out the "after hours" edition of American Spirit #2! We're on drink two with Jeff Cranson, Director of Communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation.