Legislative Update Breakfast - October 4th, 2024 Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy Michigan Chamber Consistently named one of Lansing’s Most Effective lobbyists by lawmakers and capitol insiders, Wendy is the senior VP of business advocacy for the Michigan Chamber. Wendy leads the organization’s extensive legislative and political operations. She is the organization’s chief lobbyist and is known for her deep policy knowledge, unwavering ethics and forthrightness, and commitment to pragmatic public policy. Wendy has worked in and around Lansing’s political circles for over two decades and has her pulse on key business issues before the Michigan Legislature. Before joining the Chamber, Wendy held several policy-related positions in the Michigan House and Senate. In addition to being named one of Lansing’s “Most Effective Membership Organization or Association” lobbyists many years running (most recently again in 2023), Wendy was recognized in Crain’s 2022 50 Names to Know in Lobbying. Wendy holds a B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the Leadership Michigan program and the Leadership Development Program (LDP) at the Center for Creative Leadership. The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing 5,000 member businesses of every size and industry in all 83 counties. Chamber members collectively employ over a million Michiganders. State Rep. John Fitzgerald is serving his first term representing the 83rd House District, including the city of Wyoming and other Kent County communities. As a legislator, he is guided by a “listen first” mentality — with this guiding principle, Rep. Fitzgerald is dedicated to learning from the experiences of his constituents, in order to build policy to solve the everyday, real issues that impact West Michigan residents. His priorities focus on supporting community services, public safety, economic growth and job development. Rep. Fitzgerald and his wife, Kellie, moved to West Michigan in 2014, quickly discovering they had chosen to build their lives in a very special place. In 2020, he was elected to the Wyoming City Council and immediately persevered in tackling major community initiatives. Public service, community engagement and family drive him every day. His dedication to community activism and service was inspired early on by way of his grandmothers, who were both educators and community leaders, and by his mother, who has served as a pastor in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. This family tradition drives him to be a legislator who is fueled by the importance of giving beyond oneself. During his work at the Capitol, Rep. Fitzgerald is committed to prioritizing what really matters in the day-to-day lives of Michiganders and to preserving and promoting their rights. He advocates for the health and wellbeing of Michigan communities by focusing on education, reproductive and general health care, gun reform and economic opportunity for all residents. A graduate of Michigan State University, in his free time Rep. Fitzgerald enjoys traveling around the state, taking in a round of golf, walking his dog, and holding out hope that the Tigers will make a run at the pennant. Representative Byran Posthumus
Friday Oct 4, 2024
Location: Disability Advocates of Kent County
admin@southkent.org
Legislative Update
The South Kent Chamber invites you to an exclusive Legislative Update Breakfast on October 4th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, hosted at the Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Community Collaborative Center in Grand Rapids.
This event is your opportunity to stay informed about the laws and regulations shaping our region’s future. Whether you are a business leader, community advocate, or simply interested in understanding how upcoming legislative changes may affect you, this update is not to be missed.
What You Can Expect:
Expert Analysis: Hear from leading legislative experts and policymakers as they break down recent and upcoming legislation.
Key Takeaways: Understand the direct implications of these changes on your business and community.
Q&A Session: Engage with our panel of experts, ask your pressing questions, and get real-time answers.
Networking: Connect with other local leaders and professionals over a complimentary breakfast.
Why Attend?
Staying informed about legislative changes is crucial for anyone involved in business, public policy, or community advocacy. This event will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the evolving legal landscape and ensure you’re prepared for what lies ahead.
Event Details:
Registration: Secure your spot today. Space is limited, and we anticipate a high level of interest.
Location: Disability Advocates of Kent County - Community Collaborative Center, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Wendy Block
Guest Speakers
Representative Angela Rigas
Angela is a life-long Michigan resident having grown up and attended school in Hastings, Michigan. She currently resides in the Alto, Michigan area in Kent County with her husband, Dave, and their four boys, two dogs, and four cats. Angela is an American History buff, and she enjoys traveling with her family every year to visit and teach her children about battles from the War for Independence, Civil War, and other historical sites around the country. She is a long-time grassroots advocate fighting for Second Amendment, Parental and Voting rights, and she has served on Allegan, Kent and Barry County’s Executive Committees. Rigas was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022, where she represents the 79th District that encompasses portions of Allegan, Barry, and Kent counties, and specifically the townships of Byron (part), Caledonia, Gaines, Irving, Leighton, Rutland, and Thornapple.
MI State Representative John Fitzgerald
Representative Posthumus was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2020. His district includes much of northern Kent County, including Rockford, Sparta, Algoma Township, Ceder Springs, and parts of Lowell. In 2022, he was elected as the Republican Floor Leader in the Michigan State House of Representatives, a role in which he currently serves.
Date and Time
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Location
160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548Fees/Admission
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