"A wonderful introduction to the inter-related systems that make up the backbone of our city. It gave me an appreciation for the community beyond my own employer and the importance of being connected to it."

Roberta Jelinek, IGR 2006

Cost

                  Corporate   Non-Profit

Both Modules  $1,500       $1,125

Single Module  $1,000       $750

Registration

Participation in each module is limited to 30 professionals in the community. Spaces are filling fast, so register today!

To register, contact Sarah Abel at 616.771.0334 or click here.

Cancellations made less than two (2) weeks before start date will not be refunded; registered participants may send a replacement. Cancellations prior to that time will be refunded less a 20% processing fee.

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Inside Grand Rapids 

Inside Grand Rapids (IGR) is a quick and convenient community orientation program offered by the Center for Community Leadership and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. In only 2 ½ days, key leaders and managers in your organization are given the tools they need to function effectively by gaining a comprehensive understanding of Grand Rapids. We accomplish this by introducing them to key issues, leaders, and places shaping our community through tours, panel discussions, and presentations.

Quick and Convenient

Inside Grand Rapids is conveniently scheduled to limit time away from the office. We begin on a Wednesday evening, and then meet all day Thursday and Friday. In just 2 ½ days, IGR provides you with information that takes others years to acquire. The curriculum is broken into two modules offered in the fall and spring. Each module focuses on different aspects of the community. Collectively, they provide a thorough understanding and appreciation for our community. Only Inside Grand Rapids offers you such in-depth exposure to the key people places and issues in our community in a quick, practical format.

Learn about Key People, Places and Issues

IGR participants are given the opportunity to see the city at work first-hand and understand how the many aspects of our community are interrelated.

The spring module (May 12-14, 2010) focuses on:

• Economic Forecast
• Growth in Life Sciences
• Regional Growth and Sustainability
• Key Initiatives and Thought Leaders

• Economic Forecast

The fall module (October 7-9, 2009) focuses on:

• History of Grand Rapids
• Arts, Culture and Recreation
• Revitalization of Downtown
• Public/Private Partnerships
• Community Service and Philanthropy

These topics are presented with tours of key places as well as presentations & discussions from the leaders engaged in these sectors. Inside Grand Rapids delves into the inner-workings of the city - an experience you can't get from a college course, the local news or any other source.

Cost

Although most candidates are sponsored by their employers, a limited number of partial scholarships are available.

Networking

Participants also develop new social and professional contacts which enable them to operate more effectively in their role as a leader in your organization. As a participant of Inside Grand Rapids, you or your employees will connect with the other 20-25 executives in the program and interact with the many community leaders. And finally, upon completion of the program, they will join a diverse network of over 900 Leadership Grand Rapids and Inside Grand Rapids alumni. The numerous community contacts you and your employees will gain are a tremendous benefit long after the program.

Who Can Benefit from IGR?

Inside Grand Rapids is particularly valuable for new or recently promoted managers and executives in your organization. The program strives to immerse newcomers immediately in the community and help them acclimate to the city. IGR's curriculum provides the tools they need to feel connected to and be successful in a new community. Additionally, long-time residents will find the interaction with key community leaders and the "inside" look at Grand Rapids immensely beneficial to them in their personal and professional lives.

Testimonials

"I would highly recommend IGR to newcomers to the West Michigan professional and corporate community. In a very short time, IGR acquainted me not only with various key aspects of Grand Rapids, but also with a network of business and social contacts." -David Leonard (IGR '04), General Counsel - Spectrum Health

"Inside Grand Rapids is outstanding. Not only was I inspired by the multitude of resources available to our organization and the community, but it served as a valuable tool for the Grand Rapids Bard Association in the identification of support, partnerships, and potential collaborations to further meet the needs of Kent County residents." - Kim Coleman (IGR '03), Executive Director - Grand Rapids Bar Association

"In Grand Rapids, the time to be in touch is now. Inside Grand Rapids opens the door to powerful points of connection with like minded, community focused people who, by forming a network of shared responsibility, have the ability to shape the identity & character of our growing city." -Ashleigh Emerson (IGR '04), Partner for Strategic Implementation, The Delta Strategy

Inside Grand Rapids is generously underwritten by: