A local effort to spark positive change is growing into a statewide movement.
The
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its fourth annual
Community Impact Day on May 14, aiming to mobilize 2,025 volunteers locally, and for the first time, extend the initiative to up to 10 other communities across Michigan. The expansion reflects a broader solution-focused trend: uniting businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to address community needs through service.
“Community Impact Day is all about what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose,” says Jodi Owczarski, president and CEO of the West Coast Chamber. “Every act of service creates a ripple effect, and together, we’re making tidal waves of impact — strengthening neighborhoods, supporting organizations, and driving real, lasting change.”
This year’s event is the largest yet. More than 100 nonprofit organizations in the Holland area have submitted volunteer opportunities, ranging from community cleanups to hands-on service projects. Businesses, teams, and individuals are encouraged to sign up, with the goal of addressing local challenges and strengthening connections between residents and the organizations that serve them.
![]()
Michigan West Coast ChamberVolunteers at the West Coast Michigan Chamber's Community Impact Day.
Nearly 10 additional chambers of commerce across Michigan have signed on to host Community Impact Day events simultaneously, multiplying the reach of the volunteer effort beyond West Michigan.
The event is open to anyone interested in participating. Volunteer opportunities and sign-ups are available through the West Coast Chamber’s website at
https://bit.ly/41GBado.
Following the afternoon of service, volunteers and community members are invited to a celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Holland Civic Center. The gathering will feature complimentary food and beverages and offer a chance to share experiences from the day.
![]()
West Coast ChamberJodi Owczarski
Community Impact Day is supported by program sponsor LG Energy Solution Michigan, along with leadership and talent development lead sponsor Fifth Third Bank. Gold sponsors include 4Front Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan, Buist Electric, JR Automation, Koops Automation Systems, and Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge. Silver sponsors include Boar’s Head Provisions, ClickBid, Consumers Energy, Creative Dining Services, Grand Rapids Community College Lakeshore Campus, Haworth, Holland Board of Public Works, InsITe Business Solutions, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Lakewood Construction, Quality Car Wash, RedWater Group, and the trU Group.
Local organizations signed up to host volunteers locally include: Arbor Circle, Benjamin’s Hope, Boys and Girls Club, Camp Blodgett, Catholic Charities of West Michigan, Community Action House, Evergreen Commons, Gateway Mission, Kids’ Food Basket, Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, Latin Americans United for Progress and Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, Out on the Lakeshore, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Tulip Time, and dozens more.
A full list of participating organizations and an opportunity for nonprofits to submit volunteer needs is at
https://bit.ly/4idYyWQ.
The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce serves more than 1,200 member businesses and 80,000 employees in the Holland and Zeeland areas. Recognized with the U.S. Chamber’s Five Star Accreditation, the Chamber focuses on connecting businesses with the resources they need to succeed.
The Lakeshore caught up with Owczarski to talk about Community Impact Day and its growth.
The Lakeshore: This year’s goal is to mobilize 2,025 volunteers and expand statewide. What sparked the idea to grow Community Impact Day beyond the West Michigan region?
Jodi Owczarski: From the beginning, Community Impact Day was built around the idea that we are stronger together. As the energy and outcomes grew in West Michigan, we saw the ripple effects—volunteers inspired, nonprofits supported, businesses engaged. That’s when we asked: What if we could turn these ripples into tidal waves of positive impact across the entire state? We knew we had the opportunity to be trailblazers — to take a local idea with real momentum and scale it into a statewide movement fueled by collaboration, innovation, and heart.
TL: What has the response been from other chambers?
JO: The response has been incredibly positive. Chambers across Michigan have jumped in with both feet, eager to create their own local experiences while being part of something bigger. There’s a real sense of shared purpose and a willingness to learn from each other. It’s been amazing to watch new ideas emerge and see how each community is putting its own unique spin on it.
TL: With over 100 nonprofits involved, how do you help make sure each project is meaningful for both the volunteers and the organizations served?
JO: We start by listening—because it’s all about understanding what each nonprofit truly needs. Our team works hard to deliver remarkable experiences by matching volunteers with projects where they can make a real difference. We focus on alignment—between mission, skill sets, and passion — so that the work is fulfilling for volunteers and genuinely helpful for the organizations. It’s all about thoughtful planning and making sure everyone walks away feeling like they were part of something purposeful.
TL: What kind of impact have you seen from previous Community Impact Days — any stories that highlight the difference this day makes?
JO: Every year, we’re inspired by the way one afternoon of service can spark something much bigger. What we’ve seen consistently is that Community Impact Day often marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between volunteers and the organizations they serve. It grows into repeat volunteers, new donor connections, and passionate advocates who continue to support that nonprofit long after the day is over. That kind of sustained impact is what makes this initiative so powerful—it’s not just about showing up, it’s about leaning in for the long term.
TL: Why do you think businesses are so eager to get involved in this initiative? What role do you think the business community plays in strengthening civic life?
OJ: Businesses want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Community Impact Day offers a hands-on way to live out their values, build team culture, and contribute to the wellbeing of the community. We see businesses as leaders in civic life—when they show up with heart and purpose, it sets the tone for everyone. Their involvement sends a powerful message: we care, and we’re all in. That kind of leadership is inspiring.
TL: What do you hope volunteers take away from their experience, and how do you see the ripple effect of this day continuing beyond May 14?
JO: We hope every volunteer walks away with a sense of joy, connection, and possibility. We want them to feel that they were part of something remarkable—and inspired to keep going. Whether that means volunteering again, supporting a nonprofit, or simply carrying a more positive mindset into their everyday life, we believe the ripple effect is real. Community Impact Day is more than a moment—it’s a movement rooted in belonging, generosity, and the belief that we can all be trailblazers for good.
Photos courtesy of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce