Chamber names EPIC winners

Chamber names EPIC winners

Kevin Patterson. Photo by Johnny Quirin

The Grand Rapids Chamber has announced the winners of its EPIC awards.

The winners were announced yesterday at a sold-out event of more than 500 attendees at 20 Monroe Live downtown.

EPIC stands for entrepreneurial, progressive, innovative and collaborative.

The EPIC Awards recognize individuals and businesses that “foster community growth, demonstrate innovation and have championed alongside others as mentors and collaborators in our region.”

New to EPIC this year is a Creative Business of the Year and four organizations “making organizational strides in diversity, equity and inclusion.” The Diversity Visionary Award measures five criteria: leadership commitment; policies and practices; diverse talent; supplier diversity; and community engagement.

EPIC Award winners

Creative Business of the Year: Green Giftz

Emerging Leader: Kevin Patterson, BDO USA

Excellence in Business (for profit): Feyen Zylstra

Excellence in Business (nonprofit): John Ball Zoo

Minority-Owned Business of the Year: R&R Mechanical Services

Non-Profit of the Year: Affinity Mentoring

Small Business of the Year: Gordon Water Systems

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Alliant Enterprises

Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Pack Elephant

Diversity Visionary Award winners

Gentex Corporation

Praxis Packaging Solutions

Spectrum Health

West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT)