Gov. Whitmer honors chamber for being first in state to win top national award

Jodi Owczarski had to read the email three times. The West Coast Chamber of Commerce president and CEO couldn’t believe Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wanted to stop by to celebrate the organization’s latest achievement: becoming the first in Michigan to be named National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

“It felt almost unreal,” Owczarski says.

The visit took place Sept. 22 at The Next Center in downtown Holland, where the chamber will move into the third floor later this year, sharing the campus with Lakeshore Advantage. This collaborative hub for business development and innovation is the type of partnership that helped earn the chamber national attention.

Owczarski says the recognition reflects years of nurturing relationships, fostering talent, and encouraging public-private cooperation to drive economic growth.

Whitmer calls the chamber’s accomplishments “phenomenal,” pointing to both its recognition as 2025 Chamber of the Year and its previous achievement of earning five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The latter is an honor achieved by fewer than 2% of chambers nationwide.

“One of my favorite things about this job is I get paid to visit communities all over the state that perhaps I otherwise wouldn’t come in contact with in a normal day,” Whitmer says. “And so, being here at Next Center to recognize West Coast Chamber’s new home, I got a sneak peek. It’s really a phenomenal facility.”

After her remarks, Whitmer mingled with attendees and posed for photos with chamber members, Chamber and Lakeshore Advantage staff, and entrepreneurs from the agency’s SURGE startup program.

Power of collaboration

Whitmer used the event to underscore how public-private collaboration can strengthen Michigan’s economy.

“Our only way forward is by working together,” she says. “And so I’m going to stay focused on growing our Michigan economy, pursuing projects that plan good, paying jobs, making places that people want to live, and investing in our workforce, the people of Michigan, on whom everything rides. Making sure that the state is a good bet, a stable place where business can thrive, and where we can produce results, is really important.”

Whitmer highlighted new research-and-development tax credits, an Innovation Fund for startups, and infrastructure investments as key tools for keeping the state competitive and attractive to employers.

Owczarski views the chamber’s success as proof that collaboration works. Leaders believe that its model of bringing Lakeshore Advantage and the Chamber under one roof can inspire other communities facing similar economic challenges.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our members, ambassadors, board, and Premier Partners,”  Owczarski says. “To have the Governor join us in marking this milestone made the moment even more special. 

“We are proud to represent West Michigan on the national stage and grateful for the chance to celebrate with the leaders who help make our community thrive. Our team is energized to use this as a springboard to keep expanding opportunities, supporting our members, and driving lasting impact across West Michigan.”