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October 6, 2026

Community Conversations That Matter

The Chamber Forum Series

What happens when employees can’t get to work reliably?


Transportation is a make-or-break factor in workforce retention. This forum will bring together transit leaders, employers, and community voices to explore local mobility challenges, evolving systems, and strategies that could better connect our workforce to employment opportunities.


You will hear from representatives from Muskegon Area Transit Authority, Harbor Transit, Wheels to Work, and Ottawa County.


Our panel will share current initiatives, highlight gaps in the regional transit network, and open the floor for audience Q&A. Join the conversation and help shape a more connected future for our workforce.

Join us for a conversation on HR & Talent Development on Wednesday, November 18 from 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM. Register early here: Forum on HR & Talent Development

LAST CALL FOR BOOTH REGISTRATION!


For any questions, please contact Natalie here.

Paid Member Advertising

For advertising with WGHN, please email Mike Toth here.

For member advertising, please contact Megan here.

GHAPS Innovation Task Force Seeks Community Input

Grand Haven Area Public Schools has created an Innovation Task Force to explore innovative programs, instructional practices, and school cultures that prepare students for success in college, careers, and the community.


We invite business leaders, community members, parents, and students to share their perspectives on today’s learning models and how schools can strengthen skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving.



Stakeholder Interview Session

Tuesday, October 13 | 9:30 –10:30 a.m.

Central Park Place


The session will follow an open-house format, with Task Force members circulating in small teams to engage participants in brief conversations.

Your voice will help shape the future of learning in Grand Haven Area Public Schools.

Please RSVP to Andrew Ratke by email or 616-212-1553.

When we celebrate the success of a Chamber member, we celebrate the success of our entire business community.


This is the last call for registration + sponsorships for the Business Recognition Awards Luncheon!


2026 Business Recognition Award Recipients


Village of Spring Lake – Grand Finale Bistro & Cafe

City of Ferrysburg – Channel Side Storage

City of Grand Haven – Capstone Companies

Grand Haven Charter Township – Rycenga Electric, Inc.

Spring Lake Township – Vanderwall Brothers


We will also honor businesses and organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries of 50, 75, or 100 years - an incredible testament to their longevity, resilience, and lasting impact on our community.

Member Spotlight: Beyond26

Paid Member Advertising

In every community, meaningful employment is more than just a paycheck, it is a foundation for independence and personal growth. For jobseekers with unique abilities, however, navigating the traditional job market can often present challenges.


That is where Beyond26 steps in, bridging the gap between jobseekers and local businesses.


Beyond26 empowers individuals with disABILITIES and unique talents to discover and secure employment opportunities by focusing on individual strengths, interests, and goals. 


How Beyond26 Drives Impact:

Beyond26 approaches workforce development fully, by walking alongside both jobseekers and employer partners every step of the way.


Personalized Job Matching: Beyond26 identifies each jobseeker’s distinct talents and connects them with roles where they can truly shine.


Employer Partnership & Support: Beyond26 collaborates closely with local business owners, offering job coaching, ongoing support, and guidance to ensure seamless transitions and sustainable, long-term success.


Community Advocacy: Beyond26 actively promotes awareness around the value of neurodiversity and inclusive hiring across West Michigan.


When local businesses open their doors to inclusive hiring, they experience boosted team morale and a richer connection to the community they serve. Jobseekers gain financial independence, build lasting friendships, and take proud ownership of their journey.


Through dedicated advocacy, community partnerships, and fundraising events, Beyond26 continues to champion a future where ability is recognized and celebrated in every workplace.


Beyond26 also drives impact through their programs: Document Shredding and Pew Busters. These services provide local businesses, churches, and community members with reliable solutions, from secure document shredding to light cleaning and church maintenance, while offering jobseekers direct, hands-on training.


Jobseekers gain valuable experience and confidence on their pathway to independent, long-term employment. 


Want to support? Contact Beyond26 here.

For member advertising, please contact Megan here.

Art, Entertainment & Recreation

10+ Years

5+ Years

Auto & Recreational Vehicles

5+ Years

Beauty, Health & Fitness

5+ Years

Employment

5+ Years

Food & Drink

10+ Years

5+ Years

Home Services

5+ Years

Life Services

10+ Years

5+ Years

Pets

5+ Years

Real Estate & Home

10+ Years

5+ Years

Shopping

10+ Years

5+ Years

Did you know flu germs can spread through tiny droplets from coughs, sneezes and even talking? It’s important for those with higher risk of serious complications to get the flu vaccine and to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine and boosters.


To read about how contagious the flu is, take a look at this related article on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s MI Blue Daily blog.

Click here to view our most recent New Members!


40 Visuals

Affordable Fence Company

Coastal Flats - Redstone Property Management

Endless Carpet & Flooring

Health Zone Chiropractic

Lawrence Heating & Cooling, LLC

Leading Edge Controls

RezConect Store

Staples

Ventura - Redstone Property Management

West Williams Advisory Group

October

8 | BASH at Ivy Rehab

13 | BOOMERANG

14 | Business Recognition Luncheon

16 | Early Bird Breakfast at Spring Lake Country Club

20 | Chamber Takeover Happy Hour: Village Baker

28 | Chamber Forum on Transportation


November

5 | Chamber Takeover Happy Hour: Mo's Cocktail Lounge

6 | Advocacy in Action: Post-Election Insight with Your State officials

10 | Business Insights Report

11 | Business Growth Series: Elevate Your Leadership

12 | BASH at Bella Maria's Event Center & Teddy Spaghetti's

17 | Networking at Noon: Meet. Connect. Grow

18 | Chamber Forum on HR & Talent Development

20 | Early Bird Breakfast at Spring Lake Country Club

24 | Morning Brew at Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl

Learn more about upcoming events by visiting our events calendar.

Have an event that you want to add to our calendar?

It's easy to submit an event!

From the Chamber homepage, go to 'Calendar,' and then you will find 'Submit Your Event' in the upper, righthand corner. After you submit it, Hanna will approve it and then it will appear on our calendar as a Community Event.

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!

Would you like to advertise in our eNews?

Contact Marketing Coordinator, Megan Tobin.

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