Grand Rapids Chamber Announces 2017 Diversity Equity Inclusion (D.E.I.) Summit

Additional Information

Grand Rapids Chamber Announces 2017 Diversity Visionary Award Winners

Celebrating Local Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion

Grand Rapids, MI (November 6, 2017) – The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 Diversity Visionary Awards at the upcoming Diversity Equity Inclusion (D.E.I.) Summit on Friday, November 17 from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids.

“As the Chamber continues to drive change and refuel those engaged in the effort, we are thrilled with this year’s increase in the number and variety of companies that will receive the 2017 Diversity Visionary Award,” said Sonya Hughes, Vice President of Inclusion, Grand Rapids Chamber. “Our new rating system was designed to be more inclusive and to reward the progress of the DEI journey.”

The Diversity Visionary Awards recognize employers who are making outstanding organizational strides in diversity and inclusion. The award measures accomplishments using five criteria: Leadership Commitment, Diverse Talent, Internal Processes, Diverse Supply Chain, and Community Engagement. 

“I am pleased to join the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in honoring these organizations for their contributions to our community’s efforts around equity,” Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “This commitment serves as a model to others, and it is critically important as we work together as a community to ensure this is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone."

2017 Diversity Visionary Award Winners:

Small Business Division

Four Star Recipient - Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Three Star Recipient - Kids’ Food Basket

Rising Star Recipient - Center for Arts and Technology, Mind over Music

GROW – Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women

 Large Business Division

Four Star Recipient - Grand Valley State University and Herman Miller

Three Star Recipient - Rockford Construction

Rising Star Recipient - Mercy Health

Awards will be presented at the annual D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Summit, providing Chamber members and the community with a deeper understanding of the business case for diversity, equity and inclusion. Attendees will gain connections, information and tools to advance their professional skills and business strategies.

 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Summit

Friday, November 17, 2017
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis Campau St NW
$125 member ($60, luncheon only), $145 future member ($80, luncheon only)

$1,500 for corporate table of 10 guests (limited quantity available)

To register, visit: www.grandrapids.org/events-programs/diversity-inclusion/

To schedule media interviews and request media passes for the summit, please contact Sarah Cavanaugh at 616-560-3627 or cavanaughs@grandrapids.org.