Welcome to Inspire West Michigan! In this episode, we sit down with Mark Allen, President of the Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, to uncover what a modern chamber of commerce truly looks like — and why it matters MORE than ever for local businesses.
Mark shares his journey from volunteer chamber ambassador to chamber president, how his big-market experience in Grand Rapids is transforming the Tri-Cities business community, and the surprising ways the chamber is helping businesses grow, connect, and thrive in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur just getting started, or a community leader looking to make an impact — this episode is packed with insights, resources, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The “hidden” resources your chamber offers that most businesses don’t know about
How AI is reshaping small business operations right now
Why in-person networking still wins — and how to do it right
The programs connecting local youth to careers in West Michigan
How manufacturers are future-proofing their businesses through diversification
Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction & Mark Allen’s Background
04:50 – Pain Points Every Business Faces (Big Market vs. Small Market)
09:02 – Hidden Chamber Resources & Government Access
21:16 – AI for Small Business: Tips, Cautions & Real Examples
51:46 – Keeping Young Talent in West Michigan: The Boomerang Program
