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Your Biz, Your Town – December

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‘Tis the season for much networking and professional growth. Today, November 30th we chat with GROW, Humane Society of Kent County and a returning American Marketing Association speaker.

A special shout out to Laura Pecherski (@lpecherski on Twitter), a great friend, who agreed to host today’s segment with Shelley Irwin as I was previously engaged. This morning our featured guests were Bonnie Nawara from Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) and Nikki Outhier from the Humane Society of West Michigan. GROW is hosting the AWE Sparkle Celebration on Wednesday, December 15th from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. The event will feature networking, beverages, hors d’oeuvres and a raffle. Learn more: www.growbusiness.org

In addition to launching a new brand, moving from a focus on Kent County to a focus on West Michigan, The Humane Society of West Michigan is hosting their Art to the Rescue event on Friday, December 10th from 2 to 7 pm. The event will feature a showcase from several local artists – all the art is available for purchase and proceeds will directly benefit the Humane Society’s programs and animals. Learn more: www.hskc.org/events

Other Community Events in December:

12/2 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Gala from 7-10pm. This special event features entertainment, cuisine from throughout the world and carriage rides through the illuminated sculpture park. Learn more: www.meijergardens.org

12/9    Grand Rapids Young Professionals Holiday Unwind
Join GRYP for their Holiday Unwind at Cygnus Private Dining atop the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on the 27th floor on December 9 from 5:30 until 8:30pm. They will have many holiday give-aways so bring your business card to enter to win a prize. Light appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available with drink specials and happy hour pricing running until 8:30 pm. Learn more: www.gryp.org

12/11   Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter: Jingle Bell Run, at Ada Elementary School in Ada.  This is a 5K competitively timed race, with a “Snowman Shuffle” for kids.  Form a team, raise funds, and put a little jingle in your step to support Arthritis research and programs. Learn more: Samantha Mertins at sm******@*******is.org, or 800-968-3030 x 232.

12/14   Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation: Design One Fashion Event at Eve at the B.O.B.  6:30pm $150 Platinum VIP (Front row); $100 VIP (Second row); $75 General Admission. Learn more: www.design1.com/fashionevent

12/14   AMA West Michigan: Web 2.0 – Walking the Line Between Personal and Organizational Branding
This luncheon features Christopher Barger, the Social Media Director of General Motors, who will be talking about the fine line between representing your personal brand and your organizations brand on social media outlets. Learn more: www.amawestmichigan.org

12/16   AMA Southwest Michigan- Mainstream Mobile Marketing
Join AMA Southwest Michigan for their luncheon from 11:30 to 1:00 pm. The presentation will focus on mobile marketing and how Team Detroit has made Ford Motor Company a leader in this medium. Learn more: www.amaswmichigan.com

Also this month:

Rays of Hope for Haiti
Help Gina VanGessel, owner of Gina’s Boutique, raise money for her trip to Haiti with Rays of Hope for Haiti – an organization that helps to support children in orphanages whose families were destroyed by January’s earthquake. Women’s t-shirts are available for $30 at 40 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids 49503. Learn more: www.raysofhopeforhaiti.com and www.ginasboutiquegr.com

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