On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Peter D'Arienzo of John Ball Zoo. Overseeing a zoo has it's unique set of challenges. Peter and host Connor Smithee dive into some of these challenges and what he's excited about. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Mike Vangessel of Rockford Construction.  Mike hasn't just seen Grand Rapids grow over the past few decades, he's helped BUILD that growth. He cofounded and built Rockford Construction into one of the largest construction companies in the area. We had a chance to ask him how he's helping his company overcome top issues, and why he's proud to be a Grand Rapidian.  This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Jonny Brann of Kitchen 67. It's no secret that running a restaurant has its own unique sets of challenges, especially in the post COVID era. Jonny and host Connor Smithee have a unique discussion on how restaurant owners are overcoming top issues like talent and inflation.  This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joel Rahn of Independent Bank. Joel has been working with Independent Bank for over 30 years. Being the Vice President of Commercial Banking allows him a unique angle to learn what businesses are struggling with in our current economy in the areas of inflation, talent, and more. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joe Chamberlin of the West Michigan Whitecaps. Joe oversees all of the operations for the Whitecaps. While the player side is managed by the Detroit Tigers, Joe has the job of making sure everything else is running correctly for the Whitecaps to play ball. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Greg McNeilly of Windquest Group. Greg has the responsibility of overseeing the Windquest Group's diverse portfolio of companies in industries like manufacturing, food and beverage, and more. Greg has a unique opportunity to answer the question: Why Grand Rapids, because he works with companies and individuals both in Grand Rapids and around the world. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Arick Davis of Last Mile Cafe. Last Mile Cafe is a new coffee venture that Arick helped start in Grand Rapids in 2018. They do coffee differently. From compostable bags to making sure it’s ethically sourced, Arick has his hands full most days. He’s also looking to expand the company and add a retail location in Grand Rapids. Arick also shares his insights on Grand Rapids’ growth as he works with people from around the world. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Carlos Sanchez of Ferris State's Latino Business & Economic Development Center.  The center's mission is to develop high-performing Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs in West Michigan. Carlos explains the program's mission, and explains what he's seeing in the Latino business community as our region faces challenges like talent, inflation, and supply chain issues. This is an episode you won't want to miss! The CEO Summit Series is sponsored by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Deb Prato of The Rapid. Deb has been working in the transportation industry for most of her career, including for the nation's largest public transportation authority in New York City. We had a chance to ask Deb how she's leading the Rapid through top issues like the talent crisis, inflation and looking towards a green future for public transportation. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Beth Kelly, HR Collaborative. Kelly is an expert in the talent space, and our conversation focuses on the current talent environment and the search for workers. This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.