Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Location: The Elks Lodge, 917 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The Line Up

LeQwane Lynch | Calder News is the founder of Calder News, a local email newsletter read by thousands of Grand Rapids residents. A lifelong Grand Rapidian, LeQwane has seven years of experience building media and operating digital media properties. He's now using that experience to share his passion about the city to building Calder News to give locals a fresh and engaging way to stay connected with what's happening around them. While also providing local businesses with a unique and authentic way to reach their ideal customers.

Paul Soltysiak / Fans of Valley Field - Holland Litho Printing Service is the co-founder of Fans of Valley Field, an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit group that is working with the City of Grand Rapids on the activation and renovation of a vintage wooden grandstand ballpark that opened in 1937 - that is nestled in a neighborhood on the WestSide. The park is a cozy, friendly confine where fans have watched ballplayers from the Negro Leagues to the National Amateur Baseball Championship Sullivan’s teams - owned and managed by WestSide legend, Bob Sullivan. More than 70 major league players have played there. The group now also hosts many family-friendly events - including live music and the city’s largest Chili CookOff. For his “real job”, Paul sells printing services for Holland Litho, and has been in that business for 45 years. He’s a native WestSider, and loves seeing all the positive changes here!

FAQ: What’s a typical event like? We meet from 12-1 p.m. Sometimes lunch is provided, and sometimes just something light. We have 3-5 speakers present and share a quick update or overview about relevant topics to the WestSide. It's very casual, very authentic, and our meetings are used as a launching pad to create meaningful relationships with our neighbors and fellow business people.

If you are in our database, you’ll receive a calendar invite for our meeting. For all others, please RSVP below. Guests are always welcome—there’s always room for one more on the WestSide.

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Küsterer Brauhaus, 642 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Meet our Host: David Ringler | Cedar Springs Brewing & Küsterer Brauhaus

Dave was born in Grand Rapids and went to school both in Kalamazoo, “craft” was starting, and in Germany, where a love of Bavarian Bier und Kultur was solidified. With nearly two decades in the beer and hospitality industry, at all three tiers, Dave is thrilled to no longer be wearing a tie to work. A fan of shade trees in the Biergarten, Tiger baseball, Steeler football, Chopin concertos, N.W.A. on cassette, and questionable clothing choices, he’s the man behind Gemütlichkeit at Küsterer Brauhaus in Grand Rapids (and Cedar Springs Brewing just 18 minutes north).

Speaker: Joe Dyer | Disher

Joe Dyer is passionate about developing people, leading growth, and Making a Positive Difference in our world as President of DISHER, a nationally recognized engineering, manufacturing technology, leadership, and talent recruitment firm headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. The combination of Joe’s technical skills, character qualities, and strategic abilities uniquely equip him to guide the DISHER team successfully forward. Joe brings specific expertise in executive leadership, culture design and stewardship, automation, manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. His relational, trustworthy leadership style has created significant ripples of influence not only within the DISHER team but with customers and communities as well. Under his leadership, DISHER has achieved record growth, profitability, and community impact.

Joe graduated first in his class with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Western Michigan University in 2008. Upon graduation, he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer with Parker Hannifin. In 2013, Joe joined DISHER as a Manufacturing and Quality Engineer serving in project management, process development, automation, design, manufacturing, and quality. He led business initiatives, various teams, and became a Team Lead for Manufacturing Tech Solutions. In 2019, Joe transitioned to the role of Executive Pastor at his church before returning to DISHER as President-Select in 2021 and President in January 2022. He also has a Master of Ministry degree from Kuyper College with a focus on Leadership Development and Faith at Work.

Joe and his wife, Stefanie, have been married since 2008 and live in Byron Center, Michigan, with their two school-aged boys. Joe loves spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors; working around the house; and traveling.

DISHER delivers top talent. Clients rely on our nationally recognized team of engineers, manufacturing-tech specialists, recruiters, and business advisors to solve their unique challenges. Since 2000, DISHER has served over 1,000 companies from manufacturers and nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies and global suppliers with the expertise they need to keep their organizations moving forward. 

Speaker: Paula Veneklase | Executive Director | Help Pregnancy Aid

Over the past 12 years Paula Veneklase has devoted herself to creating a space where women are welcomed with compassion, understanding, and love. Paula has been Executive Director of HELP Pregnancy Aid, located at 705 Bridge Street, since 2013. Throughout that time, Paula has led the center in expanding and developing programs and services to support expecting mothers and families with children up to three years of age.

To better accommodate the expanded programs and services and increasing number of women turning to HELP for support, Paula led the effort, with support from the community, for the renovation and expansion of the center. In February of 2024, having more than doubled the footprint, HELP was able to open their doors wider, welcoming women and families to a new, thoughtfully designed space. With an average of nearly 600 client visits per month in the past year, HELP has provided support for 38% more women than the previous year.

A visionary with her eyes focused on tomorrow and her heart centered on providing compassionate care today, Paula continues to identify needs and explore possibilities for enhanced programs and services that support and empower women before, during and after pregnancy to abundant motherhood.

Speaker: Monica Hall & Jon WestMaas, Juan Torres, and Cindy Irving. The staff from the City of Grand Rapids engineering will be presenting the Westside Gateway Signage project for the required community engagement.

Speaker: Dale from Rapid River & iheart radio

FAQ: What’s a typical event like? We meet from 12-1 p.m. Sometimes lunch is provided, and sometimes just something light. We have 3-5 speakers present and share a quick update or overview about relevant topics to the WestSide. It's very casual, very authentic, and our meetings are used as a launching pad to create meaningful relationships with our neighbors and fellow business people.

If you are in our database, you’ll receive a calendar invite for our meeting. For all others, please RSVP below. Guests are always welcome—there’s always room for one more on the WestSide.

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Bridge Street Market Coffee Shop

Address: 405 Seward Ave NW
Agenda and Presenter’s:

Welcome, Thank you Bridge Street Market for hosting us.

Introductions: What is your favorite animal? (5 minutes)

Ryan Wallkes, Bridge Street Ministries, leading the SBA meeting, house keeping (5 minutes)

AliciaMarie Belchak First-Ward, Commissioner-Elect (8 minutes, no open questions, meet with her one-on-one afterwards please.)

Kailey Smith-Barth, ArtPrize (8 minutes)

Kailey Smith-Barth (she/her) is the Exhibitions Manager and Internship Manager at ArtPrize, specializing in arts administration and fine art curation. With a background in art history and visual studies, she oversees exhibitions, manages artist and venue relations, and coordinates large-scale art installations. Kailey is passionate about creating impactful art experiences and building connections within the creative community.

Emilio Zamarripa, Executive Director from Steepletown (8 minutes)

Emilio started at Steepletown 11 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. His personal mission is to empower youth and young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Emilio puts his passion into practice through advocacy, community engagement, and education.

 Monica Hall  (5 minutes) Our New, Westside Commercial Corridor Manager

Thank you for coming!

1 p.m. end meeting

FAQ: What’s a typical event like? We meet from 12-1 p.m. Sometimes lunch is provided, and sometimes just something light. We have 3-5 speakers present and share a quick update or overview about relevant topics to the WestSide. It's very casual, very authentic, and our meetings are used as a launching pad to create meaningful relationships with our neighbors and fellow business people.

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Bridge Street Ministries

Address: 1034 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

With another excellent lineup planned. Our board member, Ryan Waalkes, will be joined by Kara Wood from Grand Action 2.0, and Anne DiVitto from Word Out Influence.

FAQ: What’s a typical event like? We meet from 12-1 p.m. Sometimes lunch is provided, and sometimes just something light. We have 3-5 speakers present and share a quick update or overview about relevant topics to the WestSide. It's very casual, very authentic, and our meetings are used as a launching pad to create meaningful relationships with our neighbors and fellow business people.

Kara Wood is the executive director of Grand Action 2.0, a not-for-profit economic development organization of community leaders responsible for the private sector efforts that support pubic private transformational projects in downtown Grand Rapids in their mission to identify downtown and adjacent neighborhood building and transformational capital intensive projects, galvanize public opinion and support, leverage public/private investments and formulate and implement funding strategies including securing private sector funding in support of requests for primary public sector funding. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business, a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, where she also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and is a Certified Economic Developer. She serves on a variety of boards including Michigan Community Capital, Grand River Network Board, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., among others.

Anne DiVitto is a Grand Rapids native, social media strategist, and digital marketing expert, dedicated to helping small local businesses thrive. As the owner of Word Out Influence, she specializes in connecting brands with nano- and micro-influencers to craft meaningful and impactful campaigns. With firsthand experience as both a creator and strategist, Anne is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through the evolving world of social media and influencer marketing. Passionate about supporting local businesses, Anne’s mission is to help them increase brand visibility, engage their communities, and grow through personalized influencer partnerships and targeted digital strategies.

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Rapid River

Address: 401 Stocking Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Guest Speakers:

Lisa Posthumus Lyons is a life-long resident of Kent County where she is serving in her second term as County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Prior to her election as Clerk/Register, Lisa served as state Representative for the 86th District, representing portions of Kent and Ionia Counties in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 through 2016.  A strong voice for our West Michigan values, Lisa’s worked to successfully reform and modernize government, making it more accessible for those she serves. A graduate of Michigan State University, Lisa and her husband Brad were Lowell High School sweethearts and are raising their four children on the family’s fourth generation farm in Alto.

Jessica Smith, AICP Mobile GR Director

BIO
Jessica Smith comes to Grand Rapids as the Mobile GR Director after nearly two decades in transportation planning, design, construction and research for various state Departments of Transportation, local municipalities, and metropolitan planning organizations.  She is excited to join the team at the City of Grand Rapids to focus on equitable transportation and mobility for all community members. As a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and proven experience in whole-community design solutions, Jessica is excited to learn more about Grand Rapids’ business community and its people to make a difference.

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location: Mercadito Mexican Eats and Treats 1202 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Guest Speakers:

Mercedes Lopez Duran is the founder and owner of El Granjero Mexican Grill. Originally from Mexico City, Mercedes arrived in Grand Rapids in 2005. With some years of experience in the restaurant industry, she took over Tacos El Ganadero on Bridge Street in 2007. With a fresh look and new menu, El Granjero specializes in making dishes Mexico City style such as Tlacoyos, Nopales, and El Molcajete. El Granjero has received many recognitions including 2017 Hispanic Business of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber and 2022 Neighborhood Business Award by Steepletown. 

Martha Arias Salazar is the founder of Tamales El Kora, specializing in food from Nayarit, Mexico. After closing the location due to the pandemic, Martha and Mercedes partnered to open the newest addition to the Westside. Mercadito is a street-food inspired concept serving snacks and desserts from different parts of Mexico including elotes, mangonada and for the first time in Grand Rapids, Marquesitas! 

Max Merget, Max Your Brain

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location: The BlueJay Hotel 644 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Guest Speakers:

Brad’s real estate journey started in 1998, where he honed his expertise for over a decade in downtown condominium sales, establishing himself as the go-to authority on downtown Grand Rapids. Specializing in both sales and leases of commercial spaces, Brad’s reputation for efficiency, transparent communication, and client respect has cultivated a loyal base of repeat clients.

Dave believes strongly in delivering quality service each and every time and has proven this in his seven years as CEO of Interphase, and eight years of service as a Grand Rapids City Commissioner. Dave led our City through periods of extreme growth and worked tirelessly to change the culture to focus on customer’s needs with consistent service delivery and feedback loops to ensure task and projects were completed. As a founding member of the Westside Corridor Improvement Authority, Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals and member of Grand Rapid’s Economic Development Corporation, Dave brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in developing and leading teams that focus on and produce long term results. Dave is currently the CEO of Interphase Interiors, a Best in Class Haworth furniture dealership.

Rebecca Krenz, Operations Manager, Downtown Grand Rapids Ambassador Team

RSVP by filling out this form below. :) Guests are always welcome!

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location: Drip Drop Cocktail Room

Guest Speakers Include:

Nick Adams, Owner of Drip Drop

Ryan Talbot, to discuss his development project he is planning on Bridge St (former Duthlers property). He is completing a similar development in the Creston neighborhood.

Jamon Alexander, all about WMCAT

Walt Gutowski Jr., Swift Printing, Bridge Street’s Vision

RSVP Here

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location Fratelli’s Kitchen & Bar

Guest speakers include: Kent County Commissioner Carol Hennessy & Kent County Treasurer Pete MacGregor, Soccer Stadium Overview & Artprize Update.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/AWTrUE2BpTs4qf6R7

Come join your fellow WestSiders and learn about what is going on in the StockBridge Business District. This meet up will be from noon to 1 p.m. Location Küsterer Brauhaus

RSVP Here

📣 You're Invited to the Stockbridge Business Association September Meeting!

Hosted by: Community Media Center GRTV (on Bridge Street)

Date: Thursday, September 28 Time: 12:00 PM -1 PM Location: GRTV Studio Space, Community Media Center

Event Details: Seating is limited, please RSVP as soon as possible.

The community media center will provide lunch for all SBA attendees.

The Community Media Center will be sharing their latest developments with us.

RSVP HERE

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Elks Lodge
917 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Free parking is available in the lot behind the GREIU building.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting and joining virtually will not be an option. Thanks for your understanding!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Grow Hub GR
560 5th Street NW, Suite 205, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Free parking is available.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitchell.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitchell.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE! We will meet at Bridge Street Ministries for our November meeting.

Bridge Street Ministries
1034 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Street parking is available.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitchell.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Guest Speaker – Craig Searer, Executive Director at ArtPrize

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitchell.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

The West Side community cleanup started as a grassroots effort in 2009 when a pair of West Side residents got together with their neighbors. Every year since, the community has banded together to help cleanup our streets, parks, and alleyways. Organized by the West Grand Neighborhood Organization will host the 2022 West Side Cleanup on Saturday, April 23, 2022. See you there!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

12-1 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

The monthly meeting of our West Side Corridor Improvement Authority, led by President Dave Schafer.

9-10 a.m.

Interphase Interiors | Second Floor
415 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, 49504

Parking is available in the parking lot behind Interphase Interiors. Enter off Leonard St NW or Turner Ave NW.

What is the West Side CIA Board? The Board prepares an analysis of economic changes in the development area and studies the impact of metropolitan growth. Plans and proposes the construction, renovation, repair, etc. of any unit that aids the economic growth of the Corridor. The Board consists of the chief executive officer of the municipality or his or her assignee and nine (9) members as determined by the governing body of the municipality. Not less than a majority of the members shall be persons having an ownership or business interest in property located in the development area. At least 1 of the members shall be a resident of the development area or of an area within 1/2 mile of any part of the development area and have the ability to analyze economic development projects.

Our bi-monthly board meeting, board members only.

12-1 p.m.

Location TBD

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!

Our bi-monthly general meeting, open to all members.

1-2 p.m.

Rockford Construction | The ROC
601 1st Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage behind Bridge Street Market at 405 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

This meeting will be an in-person meeting. If you would like to join virtually, please send an email to Mitch Cook at mitch.cook@meijer.com. Thank you!