Chamber producing diversity summit

Chamber producing diversity summit

Sonya Hughes. Photo by Michael Buck

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize several organizations this month for their commitment to diversity.

The recipients will be honored at the D.E.I. Summit from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, at 235 Louis St. NW. The "D.E.I." in the event's name stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The chamber said today its Diversity Visionary Awards recognize entities making "outstanding organizational strides in diversity and inclusion."

The award measures accomplishments using five criteria: leadership commitment; diverse talent; internal processes; diverse supply chain; and community engagement.

“As the chamber continues to drive change and re-fuel those engaged in the effort, we are thrilled with this year’s increase in the number and variety of companies that will receive the 2017 Diversity Visionary Award,” said Sonya Hughes, VP of inclusion, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our new rating system was designed to be more inclusive and to reward the progress of the D.E.I. journey.”

People can register for the event online.

Diversity Visionary Award winners

Small Business Division

Four-Star Recipient: Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Three-Star Recipient: Kids’ Food Basket

Rising Star Recipients: West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, Mind Meets Music and GROW

Large Business Division

Four-Star Recipients: Grand Valley State University and Herman Miller

Three-Star Recipient: Rockford Construction

Rising Star Recipient: Mercy Health