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"The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is a fantastic member-driven organization, which provides a forum to connect, inform and inspire. I have met so many new people at the events and learned something new with every session. The collaboration, continuous learning and meaningful networking are invaluable."
Tina Freese DeckerPresident & CEO, Corewell Health
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“The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is a unique and essential asset driving inclusive economic prosperity and growth in the greater Grand Rapids region. It provides a space to develop a shared understanding and high-impact collaborations for the benefit of our businesses and community.”
Philomena MantellaPresident, Grand Valley State University
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“I love the vibrancy of our Economic Club of Grand Rapids and its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our regional economy will greatly benefit with the vision of the Econ Club of bringing everyone together.”
Guillermo CisnerosPresident & CEO of West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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“I have been extremely impressed by the content over the past few months the Econ Club has provided and have been so encouraged and inspired as a leader in my organization.”
Tessa KeenaShareholder at Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors
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“It's so important to dig deeper on important issues facing our businesses and community. Econ Club not only gives us access to thought provoking leaders it connects us all for growth and learning!”
Lynne Jarman-JohnsonChief Marketing Officer of Consumers Credit Union
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“The Economic Club of Grand Rapids continues to weave itself deeper into the fabric of our West Michigan community. The speakers are inspirational, the information outstanding, and the connections help make West Michigan and even more thriving and vibrant community that continues to attract businesses and new residents.”
Praveen ThadaniPresident of Priority Health
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"I loved being a part of the GR Econ Club before moving to AZ! Just yesterday I shared insights that I learned from a futurist presentation about five years ago. Best of all, the people I met and relationships formed were invaluable."
Sue GiffordDirector of Individual and Legacy Gifts at Child Crisis Arizona
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"Thanks to the Econ Club I have been able to expand my business network as well as stay informed on economic and talent-related issues affecting our community and the country."
Carlos SanchezExecutive Director, Latino Program, Davenport University
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"The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is an important connection point for business and community leaders to make an impact. Their thoughtful programming helps inspire and enable continued economic vitality in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan."
Garrick RochowPresident & CEO, Consumers Energy
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"With all we have gone through the past two years, now more than ever we need a place where leaders gather, learn and build relationships. The Econ Club helps keep the community on the leading edge of economic trends and opportunities, while providing a venue to network with area leaders. For those reasons, Econ Club membership is the first thing I signed up for upon returning to West Michigan."
Randy ThelenPresident & CEO, The Right Place
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“Moving to Grand Rapids in 2016, I wanted to connect with community leaders, learn more about the region and continue to grow as a leader. The Econ Club was a great place to have all of those goals met in one place. I have had the privilege of serving on the Board for several years now and it is an honor to serve with business leaders that are so passionate about our community, volunteering their time to ensure that everyone in our business community can come together through the Econ Club’s Mission - Connect, Inform and Inspire.”
Scott LewisPresident & CEO, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
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“The Economic Club of Grand Rapids connects business and community leaders together over relevant topics and thought-provoking conversations. I always leave inspired and with a new connection. Whether you are a young professional or seasoned business leader, there is a place for you at The Economic Club of Grand Rapids.”
Alexis ReameClient & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
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“Becoming a member of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids has been a great experience. From discussing a variety of topics relevant to today's workplace to connecting with other professionals in the Grand Rapids area, the opportunities to be connected, informed, and inspired are endless!”
Anja HarmonSenior Vice President, Employee Benefits, Hub International Midwest Limited
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“When I first came to Grand Rapids in 2018 I quickly realized there was plenty of opportunity to get connected within the community, I just had to find out how. The Econ Club solved that by allowing me to form organic connections with a diverse group of business professionals across all corners of the West Michigan community. Whether you're new-in-town or a West Michigan native, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids is the place to get connected, stay informed, and be inspired.”
Nicholas EspinozaAssistant Vice President, Business Banking, Bank of America
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“I started attending Econ Club just after I graduated college because I wanted to stay informed and immerse myself in the Grand Rapids business community. It has helped me immensely on both fronts; I’m very happy I took the chance on joining. The best part of Econ Club, for me, is being able to sit with different people every time. The members are very welcoming and engaging, and the interactions are genuine. I’m always left looking forward to the next one!”
Andrew KapanowskiTerritory Sales Manager, Haworth
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"As someone who's been attending Economic Club meetings for 35 years, I've been amazed and inspired by the new talent who have joined the organization. My lunch table is often filled with start-up executives, investors, and social entrepreneurs looking to grow their organizations in West Michigan's economic ecosystem. What hasn't changed in 35 years? The quality of programs, and the ability to build relationships with a wide array of business leaders. The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is THE PLACE to connect with impact players in West Michigan."
Beth KellyPresident, HR Collaborative
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"Having been a member since 1988, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids has consistently provided leading edge presentations that are of immeasurable benefit to the Grand Rapids community."
Tom Madison
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"I'd heard about the quality of the speakers and level of engagement at Econ Club events since we came back to Grand Rapids three years ago. As a new member, I now see why so many successful organizations choose to call the Econ Club home."
Mark HamiltonPresident, Versa Culture
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"Being a member since the Club's founding, I have always valued the opportunity to network with other for-profit, and not-for-profit business leaders in our community and more broadly across the Region. Truly a regular, healthy business perspective with a mission of continually bringing top talent to Grand Rapids. Thank you."
Greg RhodesBusiness Development Consultant, AEBetancourt
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"As a high school student, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids has provided me with the unique opportunity to listen to and understand complex topics and pressing issues from various perspectives. The Luncheons always foster meaningful dialogue and riveting discussions, ones that have helped me learn so much more about the world around us. I will forever be grateful to the Economics Club of Grand Rapids for the knowledge, leadership, and communication skills I have developed as a member."
Krishna ManoStudent, City High Middle School
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"The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is a cornerstone of our local business community, fostering strong connections, learning, and innovation. Through its efforts, our businesses and economy are well positioned to continue thriving. By inspiring continued strength and growth, the Economic Club ensures that Grand Rapids remains a vibrant and dynamic place for all."
Michael NelsonChief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, Amway Corporation
