Chris Holman welcomes back Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI.

Hear Andria and Chris discuss her recent recognition, Tech Week highlights, regional tech strategy, and upcoming events focused on placemaking and  Western Michigan economic forecast in Grand Rapids in the YouTube video shared below:

There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Andria in this conversation:

Welcome back Andria, congratulations on the Crains GR 40 under 40 designation, ... remind the Michigan business community about The Right Place?

The Right Place played a big role last month in GR's Tech Week, how did that event go?

Lost in all the activities but crucial to your region is the "10-year update on Tech Strategy" tell us more?

In a few weeks The Right Place has "The Place Matters Summit" can you tell us about that?

Always popular is December's Western Michigan Economic Forecast Breakfast what details can you share about this year's event?

Some more details about November 13th at Brick Haus Brews, Sparta, MI (which took place yesterday):
Placemaking means many things to different people – but we can all agree that positive, proactive and strategic placemaking is essential for our communities to prosper.

Our Place Matters Summit will gather community leaders spanning the local government, business, non-profit and association spaces to discuss, learn about and be inspired by ways to actively cultivate their communities and neighborhoods as vibrant places.

Featured Keynote:
"Redefining Community: People, Places, Purpose" - Allyson Brunette

Our social institutions are deteriorating due to digital-induced isolation, poor urban design, and weakened human connections, which impact both community and mental health. To reverse this trend, we need to focus on revitalizing public spaces, redefining 21st-century service, and fostering genuine offline connections. We CAN restore our social fabric and civic engagement!

Lightning Talks:

"Vibrancy Through Activation: Ways to Make Your Public Spaces Come Alive!"

Gregg Hampshire, Executive Director of Creston Neighborhood Association
Megan Lavell, Executive Director of Thornapple Arts Council
Haley Stichman, Director of Ada Township DDA

Panel Discussion:

Growth, Development, and Community Character: You Can Have it All!

Dan Leonard, Redevelopment Services Director at Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Emily Petz, Community Housing Expert at W.E. Upjohn Institute
Ryan Schmidt, Partner at Indigo Design + Development
Andy Wenzel, Vice President/Senior Development Integration Leader at Fishbeck.

Some details about December 5, 2024, 7:30AM–10:00AM
Location
JW Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
235 Louis Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Economic Outlook will provide critical perspective for what may lie ahead for the Greater Grand Rapids region, the State of Michigan, and the nation, so you can prepare yourself and your business for success.

Speakers
Randy Thelen, President & CEO, The Right Place, Inc.
Michael Horrigan, President, W.E. Upjohn Institute
Jeffrey Korzenik, Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank
Susan N. Houseman, Senior Economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute

Registration Fees

Early Bird Registration: $99
Ends November 8, 2024

General Admission: $149

Table Purchase: $899
10 seats per table

Our promotional story on the economic forecast: https://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/blog/the-right-places-economic-outlook-for-2025 

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About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by The International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting www.rightplace.org, liking us on Facebook, and following us on LinkedIn. 

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