The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Santa Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., with the parade route running down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to just before 44th Street.
Expected to be in the parade are more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — of course — Santa.
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities, with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for the night of the parade, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 p.m. WKTV’s coverage of the parade will also be available on-demand later.
Sponsors of the parade include Consumers Energy, Wyoming Moose Lodge, Car City, City of Wyoming, Diversified Protection and Investigations, The Chiropractic Doctor, Godwin Plumbing, Hobart Sales, HOM Flats, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, The Rapid and VanDyk Mortgage.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. Among them were the City of Kentwood City Commission At-large, Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidate forums. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.
The At-large commission seat, one of two at-large seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. Kentwood’s Ward 1, which also has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Ward 2, which also has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.
The non-partisan candidates for the At-large seat are incumbent Commissioner Betsy Artz and candidate Leonica Riley Erwin; candidates for the Ward 1 seat are Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson (this is the seat currently held by Commissioner Emily Bridson, who is running for mayor); and candidates for Ward 2 are Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen (this is the seat currently held by Commissioner Tom McKelvey).
Note: Commissioner Artz and Mr. VanderMolen were not able to attend their respective forums.
To view the on-demand video replays of the forums, visit the following links:
The City of Kentwood City Commissioner candidate forums will air on WKTV cable television, Government 26. See the initial schedule of days and times below. Visit here for a WKTV Weekly Schedule of all programs.
They are also available on-demand at WKTVLive.org.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. Among them were the City of Kentwood Mayor Forum. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.
The city’s mayoral seat is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. For a precinct and ward map, click here.
The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley and current Ward 1 Commissioner Emily Bridson.
The City of Kentwood Mayor Forum is on-demand on WKTVLive.org. It will also be televised on local cable television on WKTV Government 26, beginning Thursday, Oct. 14 at 8:30 p.m., and continuing Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16 at noon, and other dates. (Visit here for the WKTV cable channel schedule.)
Much news was made of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan’s federal-government economic stimulus effort resulting from COVID-19’s negative economic impact, which was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. But a possibly little-known portion is the current roll-out of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund administrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
In brief, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide small, independent restaurants — and similar small businesses including breweries and bars — with funding “equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023,” according to an announcement from the SBA.
As part of the SBA announcement, local business leaders and business groups were urged to disseminate RRF information to their business communities, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce was more than happy to do so.
“The new SBA program for restaurants is long overdue,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the local chamber, said to WKTV this week. “As we all know, the restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. I am glad to be able to get this information to our chamber members.”
Jessica Ann Tyson (center) of The Candied Yam, at the Kentwood restaurant with visitors in late 2020. (The Candied Yam’s Facebook)
The RRF plan also is designed to provide assistance to communities and businesses “underserved” by previous stimulus efforts, including Black-owned businesses.
“In addition to historically having less operating liquidity and revenue than almost any other small business demographic, Black-owned restaurants received significantly less stimulus funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening challenges and leading to disproportionate closures,” Ron Busby, Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., said in supplied material. “The USBC believes this initiative and collaboration with the SBA will bring needed resources and relief to these often underserved businesses to aid in stabilization, recovery and ultimately, strengthen our economy.”
Have a beer while application process is rolled-out
While details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes, program application will be rolled-out in a staggered eligibility process to allow for ease of application and an initial focus on certain businesses.
After the SBA conducts a “pilot period” for the RRF application portal, the application portal will be opened to the public. And, according to the SBA announcement, for the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will “prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”
Railtown Brewing Citra Warrior IIPA. (Supplied)
Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants can submit applications.
And local breweries will be among those able to take advantage of the program.
“Small and independent craft breweries are vibrant community gathering places that can be found in nearly every congressional district in the U.S. and contribute to manufacturing, hospitality, retail, tourism, and agricultural industries,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the national Brewers Association, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to work with the SBA to promote the Restaurant Revitalization Fund … and assist the breweries hit hardest by COVID-19 secure much needed additional relief to help them survive the pandemic and prepare for the restart of the economy.”
Live everybody else in Kent County, the Kent County Board of Commissioners like to eat and like to support local businesses when they can. So the commissioners have issued the “Kent County Takeout Challenge” urging residents to support locally-owned Kent County restaurants hit hard by the pandemic.
The social media campaign encourages people to order takeout and publicly challenge three friends to do the same by tagging them on social media, according to a Dec. 4 statement from the county.
The campaign will run through the end of the year and is using the hashtag #KCTakeoutChallenge.
Board Chair Mandy Bolter kicked off the campaign this week at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining where she “nominated” — publicly challenged — fellow Board of Commission members and residents to take up the challenge.
“This campaign supports local businesses, workers and families,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Local restaurants are part of the fabric of communities all across Kent County, and thousands of our neighbors rely on them for their livelihoods. But they have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. We want our local restaurants and their employees to emerge strong when this crisis is over.”
Restaurants, which were operating at 50 percent capacity since the spring 2020 ban on indoor dining was lifted, were again forced to move to takeout and delivery only when new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders took effect on Nov. 16.
According to the county statement, some local establishments fear the latest restrictions could force them to close permanently.
The campaign aims to help retain these businesses and the jobs they create. According to Local First, nearly 70 percent of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the local economy through wages, local taxes, the local supply chain and more.
The business community of Wyoming and Kentwood has held strong together during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and in celebration of them working together they are preparing for a community event, Team Up Tuesday, on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Hosted by Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Family Network of Wyoming, and The Candied Yam, the outdoor event is open to the public to “hang out and connect with each other.” Light refreshmentswill be served by The Candied Yam.
The event will take place from 4:30-6 p.m., at Family Network of Wyoming on 44th street. Small group tours of the Family Network lending closet and food pantry will be part of the event as well.
Residents will be asked to follow social distancing/safety protocols and wear masks for this fun-filled evening. To find out more about the event, visit southkent.org.
Registration is now available for the 5th-annual Multi Chamber Golf Outing, set for June 16 and co-sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. Adjustments will be made this year to keep participants safe while still creating a fun and competitive day-long golfing experience.
The event will take place at Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville. In-person morning registration begins at 7 a.m., with an 8 a.m. tee-time, while afternoon registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a 1 p.m. tee-time. Individually packaged lunches will be served at 11:30 a.m.
Proceeds from the event provide about one-third of the funding for scholarships for graduating seniors from five high schools in the Wyoming-Kentwood area.
“We know how expensive college and trade schools can be,” said Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “We hope to defer some of that cost for the students. It’s a small way to give back to the community.”
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The state of State and Kent County mental health services funding, and some astounding statistics surrounding Kent County’s recycling efforts, were among the topics discussed as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Oct. 14, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
State Sen. Peter MacGregor, who represents the City of Wyoming as part of his 28th Senate District and chairs the important Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, gave the group a report from Lansing on the topic of mental health funding and the state budget battles.
Darwin Baas, the director of the Kent County Department of Public Works, also reported on the good, the bad and the ugly of recycling and trash disposal in the county — and what actions are being done to lessen the amount of trash going into limited landfill space.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting — a special on-location meeting honoring Veterans Day at the AMVETS Post 23, 98 52nd Ave. — will be Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org .
Local business and community leaders attended the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce annual awards event recently (WKACC)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
A manufacturer of rubber products and more, a provider of water and water systems of all kinds, and an organization committed to the deaf and hard of hearing were among the honorees as The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and persons at its 2018 Award event recently.
And WKTV was privileged to provide video stories for each of the business winners.
“We are so proud of Grand Rapids Rubber Products history,” Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said. “They have been a family owned business operating in our area since 1943. They are your source for industrial supplies and custom fabrication in the Wyoming-Kentwood area.”
“Gordon Water Systems was selected as our Retail Business of the Year because in their seven years as a Chamber Member, they have been very involved with our events and committees, as well as serving our community needs,” O’Callaghan said.
“The Service Business of the Year is the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services,” O’Callaghan said. “They were selected because they break down barriers for the deaf and blind in our area. They do not receive any government funding, but still make a difference for the people of Wyoming & Kentwood.”
Also honor at the event was Shane Myas of Axa Advisors, which was named the Dan Vandyke Outstanding Volunteer of the Year; Michelle Born of Fischer-Bratschie & Born P.C., who was given the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award; and the Daniel T. McLaren Outstanding Committee of the Year was the Ambassador Committee.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
The election aftermath — from the passage of recreational marijuana, to more voting day volunteers needed, to the partisan politics on the Kent County Board Of Commissioners — were some of the discussion items of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Nov. 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
Newly re-elected county commissioner Harold Voorhees, who represents the City of Wyoming as District 8 commissioner, pointed out with the election results the partisan split on the commission went from 13 Republicans and six Democrats to now a 11-8 split.
“It does have its influence, that’s why we go through the election process,” Voorhees said to WKTV. “But on the board it has been very congenial, working together. We are hopeful it will stay that way.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also made a call for citizens to work with the city as election-day volunteers. The mayor pointed out that the high number of absentee battles — expected to be even higher in two years due to a voter approved ballot measure which allows same-day registration and no-reason absentee ballot requests — as well as other reasons, will create the need for more volunteers in the city. For more information contact the City of Kentwood city clerk’s office.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Dec. 10 will be at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
Inter-governmental leaders met Monday, July 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
A representative of U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-2nd District) and local State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R-28th District) each played a key part in discussion of possible federal changes to the internet taxation rules as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, July 9, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions. Other topics discussed were the State Secretary of State’s office gaining $11.2 million to beef up cybersecurity and other election security measures, as well as an update on the problems and possible solutions to the issues of how the Kent County’s mental health services are funded.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Aug.13 will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest June 11 at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-District 2) was the special governmental guest Monday, June 11, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Kentwood City Hall.
The monthly forum is free and open to the public, and allows public questions — which Rep. Huizenga, in the start of a reelection campaign season, faced during his visit.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The meeting for July will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org .
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters program. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
While there was discussion ranging from Kent County mental health care to a new brewery in Wyoming presented Monday, April 9, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting, a nuanced difference of political opinion on the federal level lead off the morning program.
Local representatives of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Michigan 2nd District)— Sen. Peter’s West Michigan Regional Director Peter Dickow and Rep. Huizenga’s District Director Greg VanWoerkom — offered differences of opinion on the politically changed debate on gun control and student protests in the wake of the Florida school shooting.
In response to a topic introduction by the meeting moderator, Dickow and VanWoerkom expressed not only their bosses’ stand on the issue but, subtly, their own.
“The question about the most recent energy being driven from the students or from adults, personally I don’t know if the senator has an opinion on that directly,” Dickow said. “… (but) it has been pretty impressive to see the energy from the students, nationwide. I know that the senator and his wife were among those that did actually march in Washington (D.C.) recently. … Whether that is going to result in congressional changes? I think that remains to be seen.”
VanWoerkom, however, wanted to talk more about how Rep. Huizenga is more focused on school safety overall rather than a focus on gun control as the only answer.
“We are trying to see it as … How do we ensure our schools remain safe, what are the resources they need,” he said. “We all want our kids safe and that is kind of what I am focusing on from a personal level, as a school board president, and then from a legislative perspective. What are the tools, resources, that schools need to ensure parents feel safe sending their kids there.”
VanWoerkom, incidentally and in addition to his work as district director for Rep. Huizenga, is running as a Republican for the Michigan 91st District State Representative seat currently held by Rep. Holly Hughes, also a Republican.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be May 14 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the monthly Government Matters meeting. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
Discussion ranging from international trade wars to local mental health care were presented Monday, March 12, as part of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting. But those spring pot-hole problems took center stage early.
State Sen. Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, and state representatives Tommy Brann and Steven Johnson — all of whom represent parts of the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood — discussed the state’s present and future spending on the state’s roadways.
A road funding plan passed by the Michigan Legislature in 2015 included an increase in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to raise $1.2 billion for roads. And while those funds will be spent in yearly portions spread over six years as the gas tax is phased in and contractor schedules allow, the Legislature also recently passed an additional $175 million in road funding for the upcoming construction season, with part of that money due to flow to local counties and cities.
“We are trying to address the issue,” Sen. Schuitmaker told the various government officials at the meeting.
But, talking about the flow of state funds to local governments, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley expressed concern about the “long-term viability” of such state funding commitments.
A more detailed discussion on the issue, along with discussion on other issues such as the state’s response to the federal tax cuts, changes to voter registration procedures and funding problems with Kent County’s mental health programs, were part of the latest Government Matters meeting.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be April 9 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktvondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
February’s Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meeting brought together representatives of local city, county, state and even national governments — and the meeting is available through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be March 12 at Wyoming City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (WKTVondemand.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
The two winners of the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award were Kate Pyles of Sterling Massey — State Farm Insurance, and Juliette Cowall of Guided Communications. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The 37th annual meeting of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce was a night for recognition of local business leaders, local government leaders who support the business community, and the wide array of volunteers who support the chamber — volunteers ranging from the chairman of the chamber board to the people who make sure everybody has name tags at such events.
“Volunteers are very important to the chamber, without them we could not do a lot of things we do, including this event,” chamber president Bob O’Callaghan said.
The evening event, held Friday, Jan. 26, at the Doubletree by Hilton on 28th St. SE, included “state of local business” reports by O’Callaghan, Kentwood Mayor Steven Kepley and Wyoming City Councilor Kent VanderWood — all three of which made light of a changing big-screened image of the chamber logo which alternated between reading “Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce” and “Kentwood-Wyoming Area Chamber of Commerce”.
Chamber board chairperson Michelle Born-Fischer also introduced the 2018 chamber Board of Directors.
But it was the nights award winners who were the buzz of the evening. (And O’Callaghan talked about the awards and other chamber activities to WKTV Journal earlier that day.)
The Business of the Year awards went to Dyna-Plate Inc. for Manufacturing, Wyoming’s Buffalo Wild Wings for Retail, and – in probably the most widely applauded award winner of the night — JA PR Group, and Jessica Ann Tyson, for Service.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year Award went to the volunteers behind the 28th Street Metro Cruise, and the Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award went to Mike Zomerlei of Diversified Protection and Investigations LLC.
But seeing as how the chamber — from its board, to many of its committees, to much of its event management staff — is a volunteer “opportunity”, there was special appreciation given to the all the chamber’s volunteers including the two winners of the Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award: Kate Pyles of Sterling Massey — State Farm Insurance, and Juliette Cowall of Guided Communications.
And both Pyles and Cowell, after receiving their awards, spoke on the importance of the volunteer work.
“It is as way to give back, it is a way to support my business and to support the chamber,” Pyles said. While Cowell added: “For me it about getting involved with the chamber, establishing relationships with other people in the chamber.”
For more information on the WKACC visit southkent.org . For more photos of the event, visit the chamber’s Facebook page at @wkaccambassadors .
One of the unique aspects of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meetings is that you sometimes get differing views on the same issue — for instance, local city and state leaders in a debate on the current difficulties for local governments dealing with inequities in state revenue sharing.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
At the Monday, Dec. 11, meeting at Kentwood City Hall, City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and City of Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt offered their assessment of state government actions when it comes to an abundance of regulations and a lack of consistency and clarity when it came to historic and current state revenue-sharing.
“There was a promise made on state revenue-sharing … (now) we can’t count on that,” Holt said at one point. “We used to have a partner in the state” government.
Among the other multi-level government discussions topics at the meeting — and available on the WKTV video — were the status of federal tax reform, the impeding Kent County action to hire a new top administrator, and economic development Wyoming’s 28th Street areas, including the old Klingman’s building.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be Jan. 8, 2018 at Wyoming City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktv.viebit.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce is busy this time of year, including advocating for business development in the area — Do you know what is happening at Wyoming’s 28 West Place? — as well as planning for its annual Santa Parade and its monthly Government Matters co-production with WKTV.
So it is only fit that chamber president Bob O’Callaghan, a regular guest to WKTV Journal: In Focus, sat down with host Ken Norris recently to discuss recent and upcoming chamber activities.
Also on the episode, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County executive director Bri McKee talks about her program’s religious foundations, its worldwide scope, but also its local neighborhood results.
The episode will continue Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
Keith Morgan, owner of All Clean Again and Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
Why shop local and shop small businesses, on Small Business Saturday and all year long? There are both sound statistics and personal stories to answer the question, according to Wyoming businessman Keith Morgan.
“As a small business owner and chamber leader I see the value of buying local from two different perspectives,” Morgan, owner of All Clean Again janitorial services and Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce board member, said to WKTV. “The business owner in me understands that buying locally helps build communities. When local communities support their local businesses, the dollars spent tend to stay in the community a lot longer. … In layman’s terms, a dollar spent local stays local.”
He pointed out multiple studies by the consulting firm Civic Economics which show the effects on dollars spent locally. One study showed each dollar spent at an independent business returns 3 times more money to the local economy than each dollar spent at a chain business — and almost 50 times more than buying from an online mega-retailer.
But he also says quality of service, and supporting one’s community, are reasons to shop locally.
“If quality and service is what you are looking for, it may be in your best interest to test the local business waters,” Morgan said. “When it comes to local business, almost all cases involve an owner who is dependent upon the success of their business to provide for their livelihood. This tends to get you a more attentive business individual, when shopping locally because you are vitally important to their business.”
Morgan points out that small businesses are also able to react to the customer more directly — when a decision is needed, the consumer wants an answer and resolution now, he said.
“When someone deals with a local business, they get the feeling of giving back to their community in a tangible way,” Morgan said. “Buyers who shop locally may likely be helping to support their neighbors put food on the table, helping send another’s children to the local community college, or helping provide yet another family the means to support the local mission that feeds the needy.”
Two members of the Kent County Board of Commissioners were present at the October’s Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters meetings Monday — and if you think the county’s budget planning process is not big news consider that its proposed 2018 budget will total nearly half of a billion dollars.
The monthly meeting brings together government leaders of all levels to discuss issues of importance and presents those discussions through WKTV’s live, delayed and on-demand broadcasts.
At the Monday, Nov. 14, meeting at Kentwood City Hall, commissioners Harold Voorhees (District 8/City of Wyoming) and Harold Mast (District 12/Wyoming and Kentwood) both discussed aspects of the county’s $417.6 million budget, set to be approved at a board meeting Thursday, Nov. 30. at 8:30 a.m. The Kent County Board of Commissioners govern a huge range of programs and expenditures ranging the sheriff’s office, to the county’s elections, to veterans services.
Among the other multi-level government discussions topics at the meeting were the the status of federal tax reform — including two local businessmen voicing support for the lowering of business tax rates, as well as continued upgrades at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and state efforts to combat opioid addiction and abuse.
The Chamber’s Government Matters meetings include representatives of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, Kent County, local Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and, often, representatives of other regional, State of Michigan and Federal elected officials. The next meeting will be Dec. 11 at Kentwood City Hall.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the Monday meetings on the following Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. Replays are also available online at WKTV’s government meetings on-demand page (wktv.viebit.com) and on the chamber’s Facebook page.
A packed house for last year’s South Kent Community Expo has lead to four community organizations hosting the event again this year.
The South Kent Community Expo is set for this Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Hosted by the City of Kentwood, the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Cutlerville-Gaines Area Chamber of Commerce and Kentwood Public Schools, the Expo features more than 80 different community business vendors.
Along with those vendors, there will be safety demonstrations by Kentwood Police and Fire Departments, said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Marketing and Events Coordinator Laura Barbrick. The two departments are scheduled to demonstrate cutting a car in half to show how police and fire personnel train for emergency rescues. There also will be family activities and a job fair.
“The job fair includes companies and organizations looking to fill part-time and full-time positions,” said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Lorraine Beloncis. “Many businesses are expanding their job force. This event is a great way to connect companies hiring with people looking for jobs.”
According to Bob O’Callagan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the expo is designed to bring in a representation of businesses and organizations in the Wyoming, Kentwood, Gaines and Cutlerville areas. Products and services that will be highlighted include financial planning, retail, medical, home improvement an entertainment.
The concept for the South Kentwood Community Expo came about last year, according to O’Callagahn.
“The Kentwood Parks and Recreation department hosted a health expo and they were running out of space at the location they were at along with the fact that we at the chamber and Cutlervile-Gaines have hosted similar events in the past,” O’Callaghan said. “Coming together, we felt that we had more options and a better opportunity to reach a broader range of residents.”
By combining efforts, the South Kent Community Expo last year drew residents from all over to the East Kentwood High School and this year’s expo also is expected to be well attended.
“The South Kent Community Expo highlights the best our community has to offer,” Beloncis said. “You’ll have the opportunity to support local businesses, taste different cuisines, see who is hiring and experience fun cultural events throughout the day. There really is a little bit of everything.”
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters Committee meeting will be Monday, Feb. 13, from 8-9 a.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St SW, at the corner of 28th and Michael Avenue SW.
The meetings alternate between Wyoming City Hall and Kentwood City Hall.
The meeting, where chamber officials meet with local, county and state government officials, is free and open to the public. It will also be recorded by WKTV community television for viewing.
The Feb. 13 meeting will be delayed broadcast on WKTV community television Channel 26 on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. until the next Government Matters Committee meeting. It is also available on-demand at wktv.viebit.com
For more information on the chamber visit southkent.org.
In this lightning-paced, online world, one of a business’s greatest challenges is to get noticed and set itself apart from a plethora of similar businesses. No mean feat — the Internet is a bottomless sea of noise, images and information.
But Valorous Circle — the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s2016 Service Business of the Year — helps all kinds of businesses do just that. Since 2010, the website design company has focused on marketing instead of just a website’s functionality.
One only need look at co-founders Jonathan and Beth Mast’s foundational values to understand what sets Valorous Circle apart from its competitors.
‘We don’t really look for a lot of accolades other than from our clients’
“Obviously, a website has to work — no one is going to use a website that doesn’t work,” said Beth Mast, Owner and Chief Operating Office of Valorous Circle. “But beyond that, it has to be able to engage with the actual client’s audience. That was the primary focus that we began from.
“From there one thing that makes us very unique is that we give our clients full access to their website where that’s not typical. And we’re here to support them, to empower our clients to know that this is their asset, this is their website.”
The Masts work very closely in the community with nonprofits, ministries and primarily with businesses throughout the area, helping them create an online presence that “creates credibility for their business and then drives traffic to their website and more importantly, the right traffic,” said Jonathan Mast, Founder and Chief Internet Strategist. “We don’t just want to provide the client with a pretty website. We want to provide them with a website that’s going to appeal to their target audience.”
It is against this backdrop that the Masts received word that Valorous Circle was being honored as the Chamber’s 2016 Service Business of the Year.
“We don’t really look for a lot of accolades other than from our clients, obviously,” said Jonathan. “We just feel real honored that the Chamber is recognizing the work we’re doing in the community and showing some appreciation. We’re thrilled, very honored.”
The folks at Valorous Circle are big believers that a company should be involved in the communities where it does business.
“And although we are based in Grand Rapids, we do work throughout West Michigan and as a result of that, we’re members of the Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber, among other chambers, because we want to be part of that community,” Jonathan said. “We want to give back.”
Valorous Circle has come a long way since its humble beginnings, in a chilly basement.
“We currently have 10 employees, 11 if you count our dog, Yoshi, who is our Barketing Director and Happiness Hero,” said Beth. “We have employees that are in sales and marketing, we have developers and support and doing website design, project managers and marketers.”
Jonathan said the Wyoming Chamber does a fantastic job of understanding that a company’s first and primarily goal is to serve and at the same time make a fair profit.
“The Chamber is very focused on helping us become better businesses, become more involved in the community and do a better job of reaching that community, Jonathan said. They help promote each of the businesses that are members and encourage networking and collaboration among the members.
‘Our involvement with the Chamber is mutually beneficial’
“My grandfather taught me many years ago that a rising tide raises all boats. And it’s part of how we do business, it’s part of what we really respect about the chamber, that they understand that concept. That the better the area is doing, whether that’s the individual community, whether that’s the businesses in the community, or whether that’s other aspects related to that, it helps everybody out.
“And so by creating a stronger community, whether that’s a jobs area, whether that’s a business community, whether that’s better networking, whether it’s better collaboration between nonprofits and business, that rising tide benefits every single individual, and organization within the area and I think that that’s one of the things I’m so thankful that I learned early on and we’re really thankful for that the chamber seems to embody.”
The loading dock at one of Lacks Enterprises manufacturing facilities. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
With more than half a century of doing business in the Wyoming-Kentwood area, and more than 2,500 employee as part of the family, Lacks Enterprises, Inc. is the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Manufacturer of the Year.
Lacks Enterprises will be one of three businesses honored at the chamber’s 36th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Crossroads Conference Center in Grand Rapids.
Lacks Enterprises, headquartered in Kentwood, was started by John P. Lacks and son Richard Lacks Sr., and is still a family-focused company now led by CEO Richard Lacks Jr. and executive vice president Kurt Lacks.
“We are a privately held company,” Jim Green, Executive Director of Human Resources, said. “We have been in business in the Wyoming and Kentwood area for over 55 years. The third and fourth generation of the Lacks family are still active in the business. We employe approximately 2,700 employees … Approximately $450 million in sales.
“We mold, plate, paint and assemble parts for the automative and appliance industry,” he said. “If you are looking for our real call to fame, we are the best in the world at providing high quality, Class A decorative finishes for the automotive industry.”
Lacks has 19 manufacturing sites in the Kentwood-Wyoming area and 26 total buildings “if you add in our lab, our warehouses, our medical clinics and our corporate offices,” Green said.
Long, productive relationship with chamber
Lacks history not only goes back more than 50 years, its relationship with the chamber also goes back to its beginning as well.
Jim Green, Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Executive Director of Human Resources
“The Kentwood-Wyoming chamber truly is a partnership with manufacturing, they have been partners with us for the 55 years we have been in business,” Green said. “There has been countless times we have needed their assistance, whether it was a tax abatement or dealing with the city on an issue, or dealing with Lansing (state government), and the have always been there.
“They understand the importance of a strong manufacturing community to make your whole community successful. The positive business environment has been instrumental in our continued growth over the last 55 years. If you did not have that kind of support, you couldn’t keep growing your business. The Kentwood community also provides a very high quality and diverse workforce, which is crucial to your success as a business.”
While Lacks is one of West Michigan’s manufacturing success stories, it still is humbled and thankful for the Chamber award and for its place among the leading businesses in the region.
“It is a privilege and an honor” to gain the award, Green said. “There are a lot of high quality manufacturers in the Kentwood-Wyoming area, so for us to be recognized as the manufacturer of the year, it is very meaningful and very important to the Lacks family and to our Lacks employees.
“I think it reinforces the quality of company we have, the contributions we do make to the community,” he said. “We are the fourth largest private employer in West Michigan, so for us to be recognized and for our peers to see us be recognized for what we do, it matters. We are pretty humble as a company, we are privileged and honored to be recognized.”
Local government matters most. Many people don’t realize how decisions at the local level affect members of the community. Here’s your chance to get engaged!
One of the topics of discussion will be the newOvertime Lawthat goes into effectDec. 1, 2016. If you would like to comment or have figured out how much this will cost your company, please come to the Forum and share with us your input.
This meeting is an opportunity for business owners and the community to face our appointed officials and bring to light any issues or concerns they would like to address. You are welcome to be recognized by the moderator — and present your questions at the allotted time.
Bring your top issues and interact with policymakers from
City of Kentwood
City of Wyoming
County of Kent
Michigan House of Representatives
Michigan Senate
This monthly meeting will be televised by Cable Channel 25 WKTV.
It’s October and believe it or not, the 9th Annual Santa Parade is less than two months away.
This year’s parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and will head down S. Division Avenue from 33rd Street southbound to Murray Street. After the event, residents are invited to stop by Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grille, 4132 S. Division, for pictures with Santa immediately after the parade.
And there is still a lot to do in Wyoming and Kentwood in preparation for the arrival of the Big Guy. The Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce is looking for chamber members interested in helping with this year’s parade. The Chamber is looking for people who want to help in making this year’s event even bigger and better. If you are interested, contact the Chamber office at 616-531-5990.
It is never too early to book your spot in the parade. It is $25 for corporate/business participants for a float or fleet car and marchers in the parade. Company information must be included for the WKTV broadcast of the parade. It is $10 for any non-profit for a float or fleet car and marchers. It is also $10 for public participants.
For questions or more information including sign up forms for parade or Chamber membership, contact the Chamber office at 616-531-5990. The Santa Parade is sponsored by the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Several community organizations — covering four municipalities — have come together to host the first South Kent Community Expo, which is set for this Saturday, Oct. 1.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, Kentwood Public Schools, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cutlerville-Gaines Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting the expo which runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The event is free.
“The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department hosted a health expo and they were running out of space at the location they were at along with the fact that we at the chamber and Cutlerville-Gaines have hosted expos in the past,”said Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, as he talked about how the idea for the South Kent Community Expo came about. “Coming together, we felt that we had more options and a better opportunity to reach a broader range of residents.”
The expo is designed to bring in a representation of businesses and organizations in the Wyoming, Kentwood, Gaines and Cutlerville areas. About 80 different vendors are expected to be at the event representing a variety of groups from health care to financial.
“We do not have a lot of duplicate businesses,” O’Callaghan said. “We have a variety of services along with organizations that provide products. It’s a nice representation and should meet about anyone’s tastes or needs.”
Mixed in will be several local restaurants and food stores that will be providing tastings of some of the items they offer. There also will be outside activities that include demonstrations from fire and rescue.
Kentwood Public Schools will be providing a variety of cultural activities, which O’Callaghan said organizers hope will help draw people to the expo.
Being the first year, O’Callaghan said it is hard to predict how many people will attend. A lot depends on the weather, however; being that the event is free, organizers are expecting somewhere between 2,000 – 3,000 participants.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood host the second candidate forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton SE.
The forum is designed to allow residents to get to know the candidates who want to represent them. The forum is free to the public.
The event starts at 7:10 p.m. with the 12th District Kent County Commission candidates. The 12 District area covers part of the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Harold Mast who is being challenged by Democrat Christian Allen. Both candidates are planning to be at Thursday’s forum.
At 7:50 p.m. will be the 13th Kent County Commission candidates. The 13th District area covers most of the eastern and northern portion of the City of Kentwood. Newcomers Democrat Betsy Melton and Republican Jessica Ann Tyson are seeking the seat being vacated by Richard Vander Molen. Both Melton and Tyson are planning to be at Thursday’s forum.
For more coverage on the candidates, make sure to check out WKTV’s We the People coverage.
Outside of the presidential candidates of Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump on the Nov. 8 ballot, there a number of others seeking your vote to represent you in state, county and local government.
To help area residents get familiar with the candidates who are running for these various offices, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce along with the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be hosting candidate forums this week. These forums are for candidates who will represent residents of the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.
The first one is tonight, Sept. 20, and focuses on Wyoming candidates. The event is free to the public and starts at 6 p.m. at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
At 6:05 p.m. will be candidates for the 77th District State Representative. The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits. The candidates vying for the spot are Republican Tommy Brann and Democrat Dana Knight. Brann plans on being at the event.
At 6:30 p.m. will be the 8th District Kent County Commission candidates. This district takes in a part of the City of Wyoming. Currently holding the seat is Republican Harold Voorhees, who is seeking re-election. His opponent is Democrat Franklin Cornielle. Voorhees plans to be in attendance at tonight’s forum.
At 6:50 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 2nd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits. Running for the seat is incumbent Richard Pastoor and newcomer Marissa Postler. Both are planning to be at tonight’s forum.
At 7:30 p.m. is the Wyoming City Council 3rd Ward candidates. The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its’ western border is Burlingame Avenue. Newcomers Rusty Richter and Robert Postema are seeking the seat being vacated by Joanne Voorhees. Both Richter and Postema are planning to be at tonight’s forum.
As the sun sits high in the sky, radiating down on the blacktop of 28th Street, hundreds of thousands of people bustle up and down the road taking in the sights. More than 15,000 cars waxed, shined, and ready for primetime cover the street and parking lots as spectators take in the grandeur of these classic beauties.
For the past 11 years, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has brought together generations of people by allowing them to a trip through memory lane by cruising down 28th Street in a classic car. While the event is now ingrained into the fabric of 28th Street and the communities that participate, not everyone was initially onboard.
“When the idea [for the Metro Cruise] came up, I was thinking, ‘this is not going to work,’” Bob O’Callaghan said with a laugh. Callahan, who now serves as the president of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, was a Chamber board member during the creation of Metro Cruise. “But I turned out to be wrong.”
With the completion of the M-6 highway in 2004, there was concern that traffic would dissipate from 28th Street and turn a street that was once the second busiest in Michigan into an afterthought. The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce set out to find a way to continue to drive traffic down 28th Street and to the local businesses in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. The Chamber saw a problem, and the solution would hinge on the local car culture.
“The idea for the Metro Cruise came from the Woodward Dream Cruise” said Charlie Steen, one of the main think tanks behind Metro Cruise. “We were looking for promotion for 28th Street and the businesses on the strip, and we felt it was an opportunity for merchants to benefit from the event.”
Steen, the former Economic Development Director for the City of Wyoming, approached then Chamber President John Crawford with the idea for the Metro Cruise. With the help of Dan Van Dyke from Fruit Basket Flowerland and Todd Duncan from Consumers Energy, the Chamber went all in to make the event a reality.
“We were very fortunate with the help of the city mayors, councils and governments, and the Chamber of Commerce,” said Steen. “We had to work with Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Grand Rapids, and Cascade Township to make the Metro Cruise a reality.”
With everyone on board, it came down to one thing: Would anyone show up?
“During the early planning stages for year one, we actually hoped that we might get a couple of thousand people to show up and hoped to have a couple hundred cars,” stated Todd Duncan in an interview in 2014 reflecting back on the 10th Anniversary of Metro Cruise.
Turns out, the initial estimates didn’t quite comprehend West Michigan’s love for cars. The Metro Cruise went live in 2005 and 85,000 people came to see what it was all about.
“Without the car crazies from West Michigan, the Metro Cruise wouldn’t happen,” said Steen.
While the participation was better than expected, and getting the inaugural event to make it from concept to reality was a success in itself, the first year of Metro Cruise didn’t accomplish its primary task.
“It was not a success with the Chamber, we lost money that first year,” explained O’Callaghan. “We thought we’d go in all the way with 16 different locations around 28th Street. It was too much and we scaled it back the second year with the Chamber staying in and focusing on Roger’s Plaza.”
The Chamber saw the potential of Metro Cruise, and instead of dumping the idea after losing money in year one, they adapted and continued to build the event. Since 2005, Metro Cruise has grown from 85,000 participants to more than 250,000, and well over 15,000 vehicles as well. The increase in event traffic has led directly to an influx in commerce for the local businesses.
“The Chamber did a survey three years ago and found out that $3.3 million was spent on the 28th Street corridor on the weekend of Metro Cruise,” said O’Callaghan. “It’s doing what it’s supposed to do as far as the financial side and the awareness.”
As the cruise prepares for its 12th year, car lovers from all over the state, and the country, will pour onto 28th Street to enjoy automobiles from generation to generation.
Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association will present the 28th Street Metro Cruise® on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2015, along 15 miles of 28th Street. This marks the 11th year the annual celebration of classic cars has descended on 28th Street, in what has become West Michigan’s premiere auto show and cruise, attracting car lovers with unique vehicles from throughout the United States.
Additions to this year’s official Metro Cruise festivities at Roger’s Plaza include: a blood drive hosted by Michigan Blood Center from 2 to 6 pm; a seminar for lady cruisers presented by Kandi Blaze, lady gearhead and professional pin up model Friday from 4 to 5 pm; and an appearance by Pete Chapouris of So-Cal Speed Shop.
Chapouris is best known for his creation of “The California Kid” car and will be available for autographs both Friday and Saturday courtesy of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair and sponsored by J&H Family Stores, Marge’s Donut Den, Top Stitch Trim & Upholstery, Pinkies Ice Cream & Desserts, Travis Truck & Auto Collision, Inc., Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, Inc. and Wade & Jane Jennings.
The food court and vendors officially open at 4 pm Friday. At 6 pm, Cruise goers can cheer on their favorite Pinup Girl as 20 lovely ladies vie for the title of Miss Metro Cruise 2015. Across the street, WKTV will host its one-of-kind, red carpet event “DreamWheels” from 8 to 10 pm, featuring rarely seen automobiles on a live TV show. This is the only show of this kind in the nation.
On Saturday morning, the Metro Cruise re-opens at 9 am. Throughout the day there will be prize giveaways, performances by Sneaky Pete Blues Band of Kalamazoo and, of course, thousands of cars of every variety to enjoy.
The event has grown through the years to average more than 250K visitors and more than 15,000 vehicles each year. There has been momentum within the 28th Street merchants’ community to increase event participation. Being the premiere classic car attraction in Western Michigan, the 28th Street Metro Cthruise® generates a welcomed injection of tourist dollars into our community and represents a huge marketing / promotional opportunity for local and regional businesses.
our Barketing Director and Happiness Hero,” said Beth. “We have employees that are in sales and marketing, we have developers and support and doing website design, project managers and marketers.”
“The idea for the Metro Cruise came from the Woodward Dream Cruise” said Charlie Steen, one of the main think tanks behind Metro Cruise. “We were looking for promotion for 28th Street and the businesses on the strip, and we felt it was an opportunity for merchants to benefit from the event.”
While the participation was better than expected, and getting the inaugural event to make it from concept to reality was a success in itself, the first year of Metro Cruise didn’t accomplish its primary task.
