Holland-Zeeland Chamber earns national award for innovation and leadership

Big things are happening in the Holland-Zeeland business community—and the rest of the country is noticing. From creating a career center to organizing a community-wide day of volunteering, the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce is showing how local ideas can grow and inspire others.

That work has now earned the Chamber national praise. On July 23, the Chamber was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The award, announced during ACCE’s annual meeting in Philadelphia, honors chambers that show strong leadership, creative programs, and service to their communities.

“This award is a powerful reflection of our remarkable team, our dedicated members, and the vibrant spirit of our community,” says Jodi Owczarski, president and CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber. “We’re proud. We’re grateful. And we’re just getting started.”

Signature projects

One of the Chamber’s most successful efforts is Community Impact Day. It began as a local event that matched volunteers with nonprofit groups that needed help, but what started in Holland and Zeeland has expanded into a statewide project. This year, thousands of people across Michigan joined in, showing how a simple idea can grow into something big.

Another important project is the Chamber Career Center. This program helps connect students and young adults with local jobs and hands-on learning experiences, and closes the gap between education and the working world. A physical career center will open later this year.

“These programs have become a force for good, setting the tone for a community that values action, compassion, and awareness,” says Paul Brinks, board chair of the Chamber and CEO of Koops Automation Systems. “The Chamber leads with purpose, and this award is a powerful affirmation of that.”

The Chamber had to go through a detailed selection process to win Chamber of the Year. That included meeting financial and membership goals, writing a detailed application, and completing an interview with national experts.

Owczarski said the most striking part of the process came during the final review.

“It gave us a chance to step back and look at the full picture of everything we’ve accomplished—and it was a powerful reminder of just how much ground we’ve covered,” she says. “The application told the story of our impact in such a meaningful way. What made it even more special was knowing that every bit of that story reflected the work of our entire team.”