Michigan Business Beat | Andria Romkema, The Right Place - Highlighting their Active Fall 2024

Michigan Business Network

Originally uploaded October 31st, re-edited November 14th. Chris Holman welcomes back Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI. 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: 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 » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/