Discovering Grand Rapids WestSide, One Meeting at a Time: Why We've Moved to New Locations

In the bustling heart of Grand Rapids, a city with a vibrant business community and a myriad of unique neighborhoods, the StockBridge Business Association has embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. Our approach to meetings has taken a dynamic turn the past couple years as we've made a conscious choice to move our gatherings to new and exciting locations throughout the WestSide for every general meeting.

But why the change? What prompted this shift in our approach to meetings, and what benefits have we experienced from this movement?

Supporting Local Businesses: Moving our meetings to new venues introduces us to a wide array of local businesses that are eager to welcome us. As we meet in different locations, we discover charming cafes, unique event spaces, and welcoming restaurants. This not only broadens our horizons but also helps us to actively support these local businesses.

Pictured is photo from our general meeting on September 28, 2023 at the Community Media Center (Above the Bridge Street Library)

Building Connections: Each new location becomes a starting point for building connections within our community. It's an opportunity for members to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. These fresh, inspiring settings encourage the sharing of ideas, forging new partnerships, and, ultimately, contributing to the collective growth of the community.

Pictured is a photo of our general meeting at Turnstiles on July 28, 2023

Sharing the Experience: The beauty of our new approach is that we're not only benefiting from these explorations ourselves but also sharing the experience with our members and the broader community. We encourage others to visit these exciting places, experience the diversity of our city, and discover new facets of Grand Rapids.

Pictured is a photo of our general meeting at the Roc.

Reinvigorating our Mission: By continually changing our meeting locations, we're reinvigorating our mission. We're embracing the dynamic spirit of Grand Rapids and aligning ourselves with its ever-evolving landscape. We are no longer just meeting in a single location; we're actively engaging with the dynamic tapestry of our beloved city.

You Can Be a Part of It: We extend an invitation to our members and the community at large. If you'd like to host the StockBridge Business Association for one of our bi-monthly meetings, please email jes@swiftprinting.com. Your unique venue can be the next exciting location where we gather to share, learn, and grow as a community.

Our journey of discovery is a testament to the vitality and ever-changing character of Grand Rapids. We hope you'll join us as we continue exploring this remarkable city one meeting at a time. Your presence at our meetings not only enhances the experience but also contributes to the broader tapestry of connections, relationships, and growth that make our community thrive.

So come along, be a part of our journey, and let's discover the hidden gems and exciting new horizons of Grand Rapids together!