West Coast Chamber opens new home in Next Center

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce has officially opened its new headquarters on the third floor of the Next Center in downtown Holland, bringing the chamber under the same roof as Lakeshore Advantage.

The Jan. 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony was an opportunity to thank the supporters who helped make the project possible, including major contributors LG Energy Solution Michigan and Haworth.

The move creates a one-stop shop for businesses as they grow from early-stage support to workforce development and economic expansion, says Jodi Owczarski, president and CEO of the chamber.

She points to the building’s layout as a visual representation of that business life cycle, with Lakeshore Advantage’s SURGE incubator on the first floor, economic development operations on the second floor, and the chamber’s business support, training, and workforce programming on the third.

“When you see how a business can move through this building, it really tells the story of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Owczarski says.

‘Member-focused’ space

The chamber first toured the space when the Next Center opened in November 2024. At the time, the third floor was left unfinished to accommodate a future tenant. Owczarski says it was immediately clear the space could meet the chamber’s long-term needs.

“Everything that we do has to be member-focused, and this space should be a reflection of that,” Owczarski says. “Although we have the privilege of getting to work here every day, we hope members see this as their space as well. This was designed with them in mind. Together with Lakeshore Advantage, we can build a strong ecosystem for our business community today and well into the future.”

That vision came together during a challenging fundraising environment. Owczarski says launching a capital campaign amid a tight economic climate and competing funding requests required a creative approach.

LG Energy Solution’s matching gift proved pivotal, driving a surge in participation, she says.

Dae-sik Choi, president of LG Energy Solution Michigan, says the request aligned naturally with the company’s longstanding relationship with the chamber.

“The West Coast Chamber continues to be one of the most important partners in the state, and we thank them for their excellent collaboration,” Choi says. “Holland has special meaning for our company. We think of it as our hometown in North America. It’s where we began battery manufacturing on this continent decades ago.”

LG Power’s continued investment

Since then, LG Energy Solution has invested more than $3 billion in its Holland facility and now employs about 1,500 people in manufacturing and advanced research and development. It’s one of the largest employers in Allegan County.

“The batteries we make here are used not only in electric vehicles, but also in energy storage systems that support electricity needs and new industries,” he says. “Energy storage is especially important for AI and data, which requires sustainable and reliable power.”

Choi says the Innovation Center powered by LG Energy Solution is designed to support the region’s business community by connecting technology, talent, and opportunity.

“It’s a place where companies, educators, and workers come together,” he says. “We’re helping develop talent, knowledge, and ideas while connecting innovation to real jobs and real businesses. Together, we’re building a more diverse manufacturing footprint and fostering a vibrant local ecosystem.”

Another major supporter of the project was Haworth Inc. All furniture in the space is manufactured by Haworth, and the Career Center is powered by Haworth as well. 

Haworth stresses talent development

“We’re here to celebrate the chamber and its leadership, and to focus on the Career Center as a near-term solution,” says Matt Haworth, chairman of Haworth, speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Across the state, one of the top challenges I hear is that businesses can’t find enough people, even as many people are looking for the right opportunity.”

Haworth says the new Career Center addresses that disconnect by bringing people and employers together in one place.

“When space and people come together in the right way, it helps everyone be more effective,” he says. “For the next five to 10 years, even with AI, access to talent will remain one of the biggest concerns for business leaders in West Michigan. This is one tool to help bridge that gap.”

The Career Center will focus on practical workforce preparation, including resume development, interview practice, and LinkedIn training for students and job seekers.

“Workforce development has always been part of what we do,” Owczarski says. “Now we’re doing much more tangible work. Access to a quality workforce is the No. 1 issue our members face, and this space allows us to respond in a meaningful way.”

Home for entire business community

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Owczarski gave The Lakeshore a tour of the space, which is filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Holland and Window on the Waterfront Park, including the city’s new outdoor ice rink.

The Innovation Center includes retractable glass walls that allow the room to expand for gatherings of up to 100 people or be divided to host simultaneous workshops or meetings.

“We’re a convener, and we needed space that could bring large groups together,” Owczarski says. “This flexibility allows us to support workforce development, workshops, and community collaboration all in one place.”

She says the chamber’s “every member” campaign reinforced the idea that the space belongs to the entire business community.

“This is our members’ space,” Owczarski says. “Every name on the wall represents someone who invested in this move.”

One member who chose to participate in this campaign is Scott Patchin, whom Owczarski credits, whom Owczarski credits with playing a key advisory role throughout the chamber’s growth.

“Scott knows our organization inside and out and helped guide us to this point,” she says.

In a LinkedIn post, Patchin, who donated along with his wife, Jenny, wrote he’s “proud to be a member and excited about the plans that will only increase the impact the chamber has on our community.”

Owczarski says the idea for a shared career hub dates back nearly a decade.

“The timing wasn’t right then,” she says, “but it’s remarkable to see that vision realized now.”

Photos courtesy of West Coast Chamber