PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Business for Breakfast...January - May, September, October

Hot community topics are discussed over breakfast with presentations from local and regional leaders. Business for Breakfast is designed to offer information on a variety of issues that are applicable to everyone in the general business community.  Opportunities abound for networking; find out what is going on in the community, and getting acquainted with other professionals.  Attendees of the Business for Breakfasts are made up mostly of business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate decision makers, and community leaders.  Speakers and panelists are dynamic, use a variety of delivery modes, and encourage audience participation at the end of presentations.

Business Showcase Luncheon...Two to three per year

Business Showcase Luncheons are designed to feature up to twenty local small businesses in a mini- trade show format.  Historically, 4-6 luncheons are scheduled each year.  Participating businesses have the opportunity to feature their products and services as attendees circulate the ‘show’ prior to and post lunch.  During the lunch, attendees are encouraged to network by playing special games provided by the Chamber.  As the end of lunch approaches, representatives from the participating businesses have the opportunity to provide a one-minute commercial to attendees.

Business Briefing...Every other month

Business Briefings are a monthly training event designed to provide Chamber members with business practices that will improve their bottom line.  Selected Briefing topics and resources include the latest information in planning, management, finance & accounting, marketing/advertising and branding, etc.—presented by a variety of professionals with experience in the subject area.   Practical application of key ideas is encouraged to achieve and sustain successful businesses in the Muskegon area.  Time for networking with other professionals and business owners is provided at each Briefing, also.

Business Neighbors Connect...no set schedule

Business Neighbors Connect is a spin-off of the Chamber’s popular Business After Hours program, designed as both a retention tool and a recruitment vehicle.  BNCs are designed to provide a unique networking opportunity for neighboring businesses on a smaller, more personal scale.  The ‘connection’ can focus on a specific venue like an office building or be determined by a geographic area.   A member is chosen as the host location with invitations distributed to both members and non-members in the ‘connection’ area. 

Business After Hours...no set schedule

The Business After Hours program is an exclusive benefit for Chamber members.  Its purpose is to showcase a Chamber businesses milestone, learn about the host company’s economic impact on the community, showcase a new business or building, and to support the Chamber.   A Business After Hours event may be hosted by one member organization, co-hosted by two, or sponsored by a group of member businesses within a building.  The host site must meet one or more of the following criteria: new business, new or renovated facility, of public interest, or able to provide unique experience not available to general public.

Chamber Classic...Annually in August

The annual Chamber Classic golf outing is designed to provide members with an opportunity to connect with other chamber members, potential clients or co-workers during a casual activity traditionally recognized as an important business networking ‘tool’.  This event offers a variety of marketing opportunities for member businesses in the form of sponsorships with benefits ranging from signage to Chamber website advertising.

Lakeshore Business Expo...Annually in May

The Lakeshore Business Expo is a unique partnership between the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber-Grand Haven/Spring Lake/Ferrysburg, located just 25 miles south of Muskegon.  This one-day event offers business members from both chambers the opportunity to showcase products and services to fellow chamber members and non-members.  The Lakeshore Business Expo is open to the public but with a primary focus on business-to-business marketing, making it a perfect networking opportunity for businesses from both lakeshore communities.

Annual Jubilee...First Quarter

The Annual Jubilee is an event designed to recognize and show appreciation to the hundreds of members and volunteers that support the Chamber throughout the year.  It has also been used to present awards to volunteers and announce new members of the Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame, which salutes business leaders who have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Greater Muskegon area.

Holiday Kick-off...December

The Holiday Kick-off…a time to gather our members together to unwind and enjoy the holiday season at a Chamber office open house. It is also a great opportunity to feature member restaurants as they provide food and beverages for the occasion.