Networking Opportunities & Community Events

Monthly Networking Events

 

One of the most valuable services the Chamber offers its members is the opportunity to network with customers, potential customers and other local business contacts through Chamber events. Event schedules include a wide variety of gatherings; some in small group settings and others that draw larger crowds for broader exposure. Please contact the Chamber at 616-842-4910 or e-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about any of the events listed here, or go to the for a schedule of upcoming events.

Early Bird Breakfasts are held the third Friday of the month from 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at various locations, the Early Bird Breakfast is a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the local business community. Cost: $10 members/$20 non-members.

 

The monthly B*A*S*H (Business After Standard Hours) is an opportunity to socialize with business contacts in a relaxed setting with beverages and hors d’oeuvres. B*A*S*H events are held the second Thursday of the month from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and locations feature new and/or expanding businesses. Free.

 

 

 

Chamber Leads Networking Groups are roundtables of individuals, each representing a different industry, who meet weekly to share referrals and sales leads. Members also make a 1-minute presentation, and one member has an opportunity to make a 10-minute presentation at each meeting. Cost: $95 annual fee. Click here for an application form & information.

Annual Business Events

The Chamber Annual Dinner celebrates the previous year’s accomplishments and serves as the official graduation for Leadership Connect, the community’s leadership academy. The annual Lifetime Achievement Award and the Spirit of Community Award are also presented.

 

The Business Recognition Luncheon salutes five area businesses, each selected by their respective municipality, for their growth, creation or retention of jobs, increased productivity, and investment in the community. The luncheon is a cooperative effort of the Chamber, the City of Ferrysburg, the City of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Charter Township, Spring Lake Township and the Village of Spring Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chamber Challenge Golf Outing is a full day of networking, camaraderie, and fun! Nearly 150 golfers tee it up for prizes and a relaxing day with peers. The outing concludes with the monthly B*A*S*H, where golfers are joined by other Chamber members and guests.

 

 

 

 

 

The Lakeshore Business Expo is a regional event of the Chamber and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. The expo allows members to showcase their business in a tradeshow environment to hundreds of business contacts along the lakeshore. This event also concludes with a B*A*S*H sponsored by the two Chambers.

 

 

 

The Lakeshore ATHENA® Award Luncheon is a regional event, sponsored by the Chamber, the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes individuals who have achieved business excellence, have served the community in a meaningful way, and have assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential. Scholarships are also presented to several area women for education and training purposes.

 

 

 

Chamber-Sponsored Community Events

The Coast Guard Craft Fair is held in conjunction with the Coast Guard Festival, and takes place the first weekend in August in Central Park, downtown Grand Haven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmer’s Markets – The Grand Haven Farmer’s Market is held each Wednesday and Saturday morning from June – October at Chinook Pier in downtown Grand Haven. The Spring Lake Farm and Garden Market is held each Thursday from June – Mid-October on Church Street in the Village of Spring Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand Haven Art Festival is held the last weekend in June on Washington Avenue in downtown Grand Haven. For more information & application, please visit Howard Alan Events, Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

The Jingle Bell Parade is held the first Saturday in December in downtown Grand Haven, and is gaining in popularity each year. Area non-profits and businesses ring in the holidays with lighted floats, music, costumes and good cheer. The parade is followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree and caroling in Central Park.

 

 

The Sand Sculpture Contest draws local families and visitors as they come together to celebrate summer on one of the most popular beaches in the state. Please visit our Facebook Page for more information.