Speak with Authority Networking that Clicks

Networking does not have to feel awkward, forced, or transactional. Yet, many business professionals struggle because their introductions feel unclear or they overthink conversations instead of building real connections. If you’ve ever found yourself relying on a your j......More

Networking does not have to feel awkward, forced, or transactional. Yet, many business professionals struggle because their introductions feel unclear or they overthink conversations instead of building real connections. If you’ve ever found yourself relying on a your job title or a using industry buzz words that leave your listener confused this workshop is for you.  What You Will Learn In this interactive session, you'll create powerful introduction to use at your next networking event.  You will move beyond simply saying what you do and start sharing the problems you solve. The Hook to Action Framework: Master this structure that turns a 60-second intro into a memorable conversation. The Short Version: Learn the high-impact "You know how... What I do is..." script for quick interactions. Positioning Your Authority: Stop saying "I help" and start using powerful language that will reach your ideal clients. A Mindset of Curiosity: Discover how asking the right questions and being present can make networking feel natural rather than like self-promotion. Why Attend? Most people use their job title and company, making them instantly forgettable. This workshop changes that. You will leave with a clear introduction and the opportunity to practice in a supportive environment, ensuring you stand out, be remembered, and make genuine connections. About the Presenter Leslie Fiorenzo is a business presentation coach and voice confidence strategist dedicated to helping professionals stand out and lead with conviction. As the owner of Business Speaking Solutions, she empowers individuals to show up, speak up and own any room they walk into. Leslie is the creator of the 5 STEPS to Speaking Success™ framework and the author of Find Your Voice: Conquer Your Fear & Share Your Story with Confidence. With a mission to help you be remembered and make real connections, she provides the tools you need to stop overthinking and start speaking with authority Create your message. Captivate your audience. Cultivate relationships.

220 54th Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

3rd Friday Networking Luncheon South Kent Chamber

Looking for a place to meet and network with business owners and professionals? Where else can you exchange dozens of business cards in one place?     Join the South Kent Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of networking! Bring plenty of business cards and prepa......More

Looking for a place to meet and network with business owners and professionals? Where else can you exchange dozens of business cards in one place?     Join the South Kent Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of networking! Bring plenty of business cards and prepare to meet others looking to network and talk business in a warm and welcoming setting. Note: Online registration ends 24 Hours before event.  If you can’t register online, call our office for assistance.  We can’t guarantee placement for last minute registrants, but we will do all we can to get access for all who want to attend     Lunch Admission $30/Members  $40/Non-Members Literature on Tables $45 per time Includes lunch Showcase Table $80 per time Includes lunch   Please contact us if you would like any food or physical accommodation

Big E's Sports Grill 2325 E Beltline Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Fathers Day Dogs and Brews

Hot dogs from Yesterdog, cold drinks, and real talk about dementia? That’s one Father’s Day worth showing up for, and the Courtyard at Wyoming is hosting it. The senior living community is holding a Father’s Day Dogs and Brews event on Monday, June 22, at noon, and fam......More

Hot dogs from Yesterdog, cold drinks, and real talk about dementia? That’s one Father’s Day worth showing up for, and the Courtyard at Wyoming is hosting it. The senior living community is holding a Father’s Day Dogs and Brews event on Monday, June 22, at noon, and families are invited to pull up a seat.   The free event takes place at the community’s Pre-Opening Welcome Center at 4763 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite C, in Grandville, and features Yesterdog hot dogs and light refreshments alongside a candid conversation about dementia and what families should know as they plan ahead. Guests also take home a Father’s Day gift.

4763 Wilson Ave Suite C Grandville MI 49418

Why Are Michiganâs Energy Prices So High?

An Introduction to Cost Drivers, Emerging Issues and How Utilities Are Regulated in Michigan Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is hosting a webinar to educate its members and stakeholders on the state’s increasingly complex energy market.  The expert panel will in......More

An Introduction to Cost Drivers, Emerging Issues and How Utilities Are Regulated in Michigan Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is hosting a webinar to educate its members and stakeholders on the state’s increasingly complex energy market.  The expert panel will introduce how utilities are regulated in the state, the factors that have historically driven local markets, and what sustainability professionals and business leaders should know about current events.   Featured Speakers: Erik Nordman, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University Mike Troupos, Vice President, Foresight Management Learning Objectives: MPSC 101:  Understand how the Michigan Public Service Commission regulates utilities in the state, including the process by which utility rates and standards are determined and its unique community of attorneys and advocates. Identify perceived and real influencers of energy costs in Michigan, from renewable energy portfolio standards to foreign wars. Discuss potential impact of hyperscale and conventional data center development to electric demand in the state.  How to source renewable energy and evaluate clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the current landscape.  Who Should Attend:  Sustainability practitioners at businesses and institutions, other business leaders and decision-makers in the public and private sector.  Anyone with an interest in Michigan’s energy and utility ecosystem or current events, including how data centers, electrification, and emissions reductions targets are progressing in the state.  About Our Training Partners:  The Michigan State University Institute of Public Utilities designs and delivers university-based continuing education programs to professionals in the utility policy community, including regulators, customer advocates, and industry staff.   Foresight Management provides comprehensive sustainability and energy management services to manufacturers, focusing on increasing operational efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and lowering energy costs through data-driven strategies.  

Zoom https://misbf.org/blog/misbf_events/why-are-michigans-energy-prices-so-high/

Thirsty Thursday

Make meaningful connections, spark new ideas, and unwind with fellow professionals at Thirsty Thursday, one of our most popular networking events! Join us on Thursday, June 25th, from 4:30–6:00 PM at location tbd. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great conversations, and......More

Make meaningful connections, spark new ideas, and unwind with fellow professionals at Thirsty Thursday, one of our most popular networking events! Join us on Thursday, June 25th, from 4:30–6:00 PM at location tbd. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great conversations, and delicious drinks as you build relationships that strengthen our local business community. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, collaborate with other professionals, or just enjoy some after-work camaraderie, this is the place to be.

Location tbd

Wyoming Business Leaders

Wyoming Business Leaders Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month

Marge's Donut Den 1751 28th St. SW Wyoming

B.O.B. Business Owners Breakfast

Are you a business owner or a "C" level exec? Here's your chance to meet with fellow entrepreneurs in an environment that allows you to ask hard questions, seek advice, or hash out the challenges you're facing. Bring a can! Lend a hand! During the month of May, b......More

Are you a business owner or a "C" level exec? Here's your chance to meet with fellow entrepreneurs in an environment that allows you to ask hard questions, seek advice, or hash out the challenges you're facing. Bring a can! Lend a hand! During the month of May, bring self-stable groceries to any Chamber event, to support Family Network of Wyoming. Family Network of Wyoming serves hundreds of families in need each month with their food pantry. Plus, the South Kent Chamber Foundation will match each donation YOU bring.  

South Kent Chamber Office

Connect Over Coffee

Connect Over Coffee at South Kent Chamber Office Join us for our monthly "Connect Over Coffee" networking event, where professionals from diverse fields come together to share ideas, forge new connections, and explore collaborative opportunities. This casual yet impa......More

Connect Over Coffee at South Kent Chamber Office Join us for our monthly "Connect Over Coffee" networking event, where professionals from diverse fields come together to share ideas, forge new connections, and explore collaborative opportunities. This casual yet impactful gathering provides the perfect setting to engage in meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee, expand your network, and gain fresh perspectives from industry peers. Whether you’re looking to brainstorm new strategies, seek advice, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, our event promises to be both inspiring and productive. Don’t miss out on this chance to energize your professional journey and make valuable connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.  

South Kent Chamber Office

Division Avenue Business Association

Join us at The Stray on the second Thursday of every month to meet as a community of businesses and discuss topics of importance to the businesses along the Division Avenue business district.

The Stray 4253 Division Ave S Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Government Matters

Join us monthly for our Government Matters  July Meeting Topic:   Michigan State Budget: Where Do We Stand? New Proposals and Adoption Action The committee monitors government activity and other public policy issues affecting the South Kent business communi......More

Join us monthly for our Government Matters  July Meeting Topic:   Michigan State Budget: Where Do We Stand? New Proposals and Adoption Action The committee monitors government activity and other public policy issues affecting the South Kent business community on behalf of Chamber membership and communicates relevant developments to the membership. The committee serves as a liaison between the business members of the Chamber and government officials on the local, state and federal levels. The committee represents all local business and serves as the voice of local business on behalf of local businesses. Here are key functions and activities typically undertaken: 1.  Advocacy and Representation 2.  Communication and Information Sharing 3.  Collaboration with Local Officials 4.  Issue Resolution 5.  Community Engagement  

Monthly meeting rotate from Wyoming City Hall and Kentwood City Hall See monthly agenda for meeting locations. Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd SE Kentwood, MI (1/2 mi. South of 44th St; 1/2 mi North of 54th St.) in April, May, June, October, Novem