WHAT IS THE STOCKBRIDGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION?
Mission: Connecting local businesses and community stakeholders to support business growth and development that honors the history and culture of Grand Rapids' WestSide, and works toward a creative and inspiring vision for the future where everyone is welcomed.
In a nut shell, we’re here for developing relationships!
Vision: A vibrant and diverse business community that contributes to a thriving neighborhood where all people have the opportunity to prosper.
HOW WE BEGAN
In the mid 1970s, the Community Development Citizens’ Committee (CDCC) recognized the serious problems that the neighborhood business districts were having. Upon recommendations from the CDCC, the City Commission voted to allocate $30,000 in funds specifically for the Stockbridge area. The funds became available in 1979. At the same time, a community organizer from the John Ball Park Neighborhood Association (JBPNA) surveyed the business district. In fall of 1979, a committee was formed and tasked with using the survey to identify the best use of the allocated funds.
Members from JBPNA, the West Central Business Association (WCBA), and the City ramped up efforts in 1981 to develop a plan for the Stockbridge area. Plans were drawn up, estimates for implementation were prepared and the Stockbridge Business Area Plan was published by the City’s Planning Department in 1983. Since this time, the Stockbridge Business Association has been working with the surrounding community to enhance their business district.
OUR BOUNDARIES
Technically our boundaries are as far north as 7th Street, as far east as the Grand River, as far south as Lake Michigan Dr. and as far west as Valley Ave. NW. (and surrounds areas) So that means you can join!
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, President, Swift Printing
Ryan Waalkes, Executive Director, Bridge Street Ministries
Claire Colley, Economic Growth Program Manager, Grand Rapids Chamber
2024 Members:
Adobe Mexican Kitchen (New Member Jan ‘24)
Ambit Development Studio
AliciaMarie Belchak (New Member July ‘24)
Bridge Street Market
Bridge Street Ministries
BroadLeaf WestSide
Broadway Grand Rapids (New Member Oct ‘24)
Cellar Bird Books (New Member Oct ‘24)
Clarity Realty
CompuCraft
Cornerstone Architects - (New Member Jan ‘24)
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
El Granjero
Elks Lodge
Fans of Valley Field (New Member March ‘24)
First Micro Greenery LLC - renewed Jan ‘24
Fratellis
Grow Hub GR
GRSymphony (New Member Oct ‘24)
General Wood Shop
Help Pregnancy - renewed Jan ‘24
Holland Litho
H&S Companies
John Ball Area Neighbors
Küsterer Brauhaus
Leonard Wernette-Leff (New Member May' ‘24)
Lewandowski's Market
Lucas Leverett
Mercadito (New Member Nov ‘23)
My City Home Loans, Inc (New Member May ‘24)
Rockford Construction
Steepletown (New Member July ‘24)
Stockbridge Apartments: a community of ICCF Community Homes (New Member Nov ‘24)
Talbot Development (New Member Feb ‘24)
Urban Soil Realty (New member March ‘24)
West Grand Neighborhood Association
West Side Smoke Shop (New Member Dec ‘23)
Word Out Influence (New Member Sept ‘24)
WYCE and the Community Media Center
Won’t you join us?
Photo credit: LUCAS LEVERETT