Sept. Luncheon

Wed. September 16, 2009 at 11:30
Centennial Country Club, 3361 Charlevoix Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
(East of Kraft Ave, South of 28th Street, entrance drive across from Wal-Mart)

DAVID VAN ANDEL - guest speaker
Van Andel Institute
Chairman and CEO

David Van Andel is Chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute for Education and Medical Research in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The son of Jay Van Andel, Founder of the Van Andel Institute and Co-Founder of Amway Corporation, he is currently a member of Amway’s Board of Directors and serves on its Executive and Audit committees. He is also Chairman of IdeaSphere Inc. Prior to leading the Van Andel Institute, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Alticor’s Pyxis Innovations Business Unit and was Senior Vice President – Americas and Europe, overseeing the Amway business activities in North America and 22 European and 11 Latin American affiliates. He had been in various positions at Amway since 1977.

Van Andel is also Co-owner and Chairman of the Grand Rapids Griffins, an American Hockey League team.

He is active in numerous business and community organizations including The Right Place Program, the Hope College Board of Trustees, and The Economic Club of Grand Rapids, in which he has held the position of Chairman.

Van Andel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 17, 1959. He graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and he is married and has four children.

2008

From: MLIVE.COM  Contact: Jan Host

Cascade Business Association works to expand community awareness 

One of the oldest business associations in Kent County has recently had a makeover.

Established in 1956, The Cascade Business Association has grown "from a networking group to a working group, dedicated to improving the Cascade business experience by meeting needs of the community," said Laura McDowell, association president.The change in its mission is noteworthy as the 35-plus members struggle to make Cascade Township not only a great place to do business, but also a destination for consumers.

"One goal is to draw people to the area," said McDowell. "We want people to say, 'Let's go to Cascade.'"

With that in mind, the CBA is welcoming new members. "Anybody who wants to do business in Cascade can participate," said Terry BoBo, vice president of the association. "We want people to realize what Cascade has to offer as well as why businesses should choose to locate here."Likely the biggest challenge the group has is identifying Cascade. While they are, and always have been, identified with the township, there is not a central business district.Cascade Village, at the intersection of 28th Street and Cascade Road is the closest to being the heart of the business district, but there are commercial pockets scattered throughout the township, most notably "old 28th Street" and the area from Patterson Avenue east.

Meetings and events already on the CBA calendar include speakers, tours of area businesses, and planning sessions for finding more ways to involve the community.The CBA's presence in the community has already been noticed by their participation in last spring's American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and just last week, sponsorship of a SPS sound show in conjunction with the annual 28th Street Metro Cruise.Their effort to bring the cruise east was and is expected to continue to be a benefit to local businesses.

"Restaurants and gas stations at the least probably did more business with more people in town," said Bobo, who noted an area estimate of a "3½ to 6 million jump in revenue during the Cruise."The sound show as just a beginning, said McDowell. "We had more people than in the past, but we need more car clubs to set up in Cascade next time."Still in the talking stages are events such as a holiday parade and a Taste of Cascade event, both of which will likely bring consumers into the township.

Another community effort already being planned is a partnership with the Ada and East Paris business associations for participation in next spring's Forest Hills Business Expo.Those interested in learning more about the CBA can check their Web site, www.CascadeBiz.com.

"Guests are welcome to come to a meeting and see what we are about," said Bobo. Membership information and applications are also available online.

DeVos speaks at kick-off The CBA fall kickoff meeting, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Noto's Old World Dining, 6600 28th Street, will feature founder and president of the multi-company management group, The Windquest Group, Dick DeVos. His topic will be "Moving Michigan Forward." DeVos is locally and globally known for his involvement with Alticor. He is a past president and CEO of the Orlando Magic basketball franchise and was the Republican nominee for the governor of Michigan in 2006.The CBA meeting is open to the public. A $10 admission fee includes a continental breakfast and the lecture. Reservations are required. Call Judy at 957-3660.

CBA Year in Review 2008-09

June – August      Board met to plan the fall meetings

August                Metro Cruise Sound Show
                          Membership Drive hosted at Kennedy’s

September           Dick DeVos breakfast held at Noto’s

October               Tour of Discover Chiropractic
                           Hosted by Dr. Eric Lambert

November            Tour of Family Friends Veterinary 
                           Hosted by Dr. Randy Carpenter & Tuscan

December            1st Annual Santa Stroll; Best Dressed pet won a prize!
                           Tax update –
                           Chris Harper of Hungerford Aldrin, Nichols & Carter 
                           Holiday luncheon
                           1st charitable contribution - Cascade Community Foundation

January 21, 2009  State of Cascade – Breakfast meeting

February 18          State of Schools – Dan Behm, Superintendent

March 18              The Right Place meeting
March 21              Business Expo hosted by ABA, EPBA, CBA

April 15                 Polly Krohmer or “Ultra Organized” presentation
April 18                 Local Shred Day

May 29-30             American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
                            Earth Day theme

June, July             Off

August                 TBD Metro Cruise – Drive-in movie being planned
                            Membership Drive Golf Outing

September            Next Year’s Schedule begins…