Expand your network over lunch! You will make meaningful connections with other business professionals. Whether you’re looking to gain new clients, exchange ideas, or build lasting professional relationships, this event will set you up for success. See you tomorrow! | Dr. Rolf's Barbeque Ribbon Cutting | | |
Dr. Rolf's Barbeque officially celebrated the opening of their Spring Lake location and the Brewpub's license and first brews with a ribbon cutting ceremony!
Dr. Rolf has long had a passion for BBQ, and with Judy leading the charge, their dream became a reality in downtown Muskegon, and now right here in Spring Lake!
Located on the water where Spring Lake meets the Grand River, Dr. Rolf's Barbeque is proud to carry on the tradition of community and hospitality in this historic spot.
The Chamber is honored to join this establishment in its continued growth!
Visit Dr. Rolf's BBQ Sunday - Thursday : 11am - 8pm & Friday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm at 971 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456!
| Hallmark Homecare Ribbon Cutting | |
Hallmark Homecare celebrated their growth into the Lakeshore and Grand Rapids region with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday!
Hallmark Homecare-Grand Rapids and Surrounding Lakeshore is a professional recruiter and matchmaker of experienced, independent caregivers for families in need of homecare. This unique direct-to-hire model is new to the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore communities. They are a more personalized, affordable, and empowering homecare option for families.
Reach out to Hallmark Homecare by visiting their website here or by sending an email to Sarah Riley here or Dennis Klein here.
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The Grand Haven Farmers Market wrapped up for the season last month. After 44 market days, with 19 returning vendors, 5 new vendors, and a few substitute vendors, the success of the market can be measured in pounds of food donated, number of volunteers, number of children who participated in the Power of Produce Kid's Program, and the amount of Food Assistance issued at the market.
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42 volunteer slots were filled covering about 53% of the market days
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1,431 children signed up for the POP Kid's Program
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3,442 POP tokens were given away totaling $6,884
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4,537 pounds of produce and 150 loaves of bread were donated to Love In Action for distribution to local food pantries
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$14,976 of food assistance through EBT Bridge Cards and the Double Up Food Bucks program were issued at the market
Due to the reconstruction project of Chinook Pier, the Farmers Market will temporarily relocate for the 2026 season. A group of experienced and dedicated vendors will oversee the Farmers Market with the assistance of the City of Grand Haven. To read the press release, please click here.
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The Chamber's Forum on Education brought together an amazing group of community leaders, educators, and business professionals for engaging, insightful, and inspiring conversation. The participation and energy in the room were nothing short of fantastic - thank you to everyone who joined us and to our outstanding speakers for sharing their expertise and sparking such meaningful discussion.
These opportunities for dialogue are important for identifying where we are, where we want to be, and what we need to do to get there in terms of housing, education, childcare, and transportation.
Register to attend the next forum on Tuesday, November 18 to join the conversation about childcare. We are bringing together a thoughtful panel of leaders from across sectors who are actively working on solutions to our region’s childcare challenges—from local providers to state and federal policymakers.
Walk away with actionable ideas and tools for your toolbox that will enable you to cultivate the thought process surrounding this timely topic.
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Our Chamber team visited the YMCA for a hard hat tour of the monumental reconstruction project. Escorted by Kelly Ruffing, Marketing & Fund Development Manager for the Y, we saw updated areas like the pool and brand-new areas like family changing bathrooms.
The Y's capital improvement project will expand and enhance early childhood services, invest in intergenerational wellness by creating a main floor track and cardio theater, and steward essential infrastructure by replacing outdated mechanical systems.
The reimagined spaces will bring more light, more space, and more opportunities for all of us to live our healthiest lives.
Thank you to Kelly for an inspiring and informational tour!
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Participating in the Jingle Bell Parade is a wonderful way for businesses to connect with the Grand Haven community and share in the joy of one of our most beloved winter traditions. Each year, thousands of families line the streets downtown to enjoy the lights, music, and festive spirit—offering participants and sponsors valuable visibility during the holiday season. Supporting the parade not only highlights your business’s commitment to local traditions, but also strengthens your brand’s connection to residents, visitors, and fellow business owners. From signage and float exposure to inclusion in event promotions, participation and sponsorship are both a feel-good and smart marketing investment that enables Grand Haven to enjoy this fun community event.
Join the Jingle Bell parade as a participating float or volunteer here. Contact Heather Solomon today to reach thousands of customers, clients, and friends!
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Strengthening Talent and Workforce Development
By Mark Allen, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
In October, I was honored to complete the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program, a national initiative focused on advancing talent and workforce development. The program brought together chamber and business leaders from across the country to explore ways to better connect education and employment.
Key takeaways included the importance of work-based learning experiences—such as internships, apprenticeships, and job shadows that give students meaningful exposure to career opportunities while helping employers develop future talent. Another focus was on bringing educators into the workplace to see firsthand the skills and competencies businesses need, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness.
The fellowship also emphasized the value of engaging with school administrators and school boards, strengthening career and technical education (CTE) programs, and building partnerships with community colleges to ensure students have access to relevant training and clear career pathways.
These insights will directly support the Chamber’s ongoing work to connect business and education through initiatives such as our Chamber Forum on Education and other workforce-focused programs. Together, we’re helping ensure our region continues to grow talent and opportunity for the future.
To reach Mark, click here.
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John McCleve is an insurance agent and owner of McCleve Agency with Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan. He has been a Chamber member for 2 years and an ambassador for 1 year.
"As the owner of the McCleve Agency, me and my team help protect our community members from the risks of everyday life. We make certain that when it comes to your home, auto, life, and commercial insurance needs that you and your family will be taken care of on your worst day."
Why do you enjoy serving as an Ambassador?
"I’ve enjoyed my time as ambassador mainly because of the relationships that I’ve been able to form. I consider all the other ambassadors my friends and we get the unique opportunity to love on chamber members during our events. Over time, I’ve been able to learn who different community members are and be able to make introductions to others."
One fun fact, hobby, or community involvement you’d like to share:
"As a young business owner with a growing family (two daughters), I adore my time with my girls at home. Growing up, family time was always a priority and so naturally, I hold my own family near and dear to my heart. However, every now and then (when I can) I LOVE to golf!"
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Learn more about upcoming events by visiting our events calendar.
Curious about event sponsorship opportunities? Contact Heather Solomon by email or by calling 616.842.4910.
| | We would like to recognize our Premier Partners | | |
Our office is open M-F 9AM - 4PM,
call at 616.842.4910, or email a staff member directly.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Would you like to advertise in our eNews?
Contact Director of Marketing & Communications, Megan Tobin.
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