Chamber delegation visits Grand Rapids
What can Durham learn from a city 600 miles away? Plenty.
From September 29–October 2, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of elected officials, business, civic and community leaders around Grand Rapids, MI, for the 2026 Inter-City Visit. Under the theme “Connect. Learn. Grow.”, the group spent several days exploring how Grand Rapids is tackling the opportunities and challenges that come with growth.
ICV participants toured businesses and community spaces, heard directly from local leaders and explored approaches to economic development, talent attraction, innovation, downtown revitalization, public-private partnerships, and regional collaboration. The trip sparked conversations among Durham leaders about what ideas could translate back home and what new possibilities might emerge when we think beyond our own backyard.
The connections made along the way were just as valuable as the lessons learned. From shared meals and candid conversations to new relationships with Grand Rapids leaders, the visit created space to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and see Durham’s future through a different lens.
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