West Coast Chamber’s Community Impact Day of volunteer service expands nationwide
Thousands volunteered nationwide during West Coast Chamber’s fifth annual Community Impact Day, strengthening communities through coordinated service and collaboration.
What happened: On May 13, thousands of individuals across the Lakeshore rolled up their sleeves to serve local nonprofit organizations and municipalities during the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Community Impact Day.
Why it’s important: What began as a local day of service in Holland and Zeeland has grown into a nationwide movement. Last year, Community Impact Day expanded across Michigan, with six additional chambers joining. This year, 18 additional chambers from across the nation, from northern Michigan to Little Rock, Arkansas, joined, united by a commitment to creating positive impact in their communities.
What they’re saying: “What started right here in West Michigan as small ripples of influence has grown into something much bigger,” says Jodi Owczarski, president and CEO of the West Coast Chamber. “Today, those ripples are creating a tidal wave of positive impact in communities across the country.”
What’s the impact: In the Holland and Zeeland area, 1,801 volunteers came together to serve at 120 volunteer locations. Across the country, participating chambers mobilized an additional 2,746 volunteers who served at 227 volunteer sites.
Who took part: Participating chambers included Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, Canton Chamber of Commerce, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, Connect Macomb, Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Regional Chamber, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Pinconning & Linwood Chamber of Commerce, Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, Shawnee Chamber, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, The Chamber – Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, The Novi Chamber of Commerce, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, and Troy Chamber of Commerce.
What’s the takeaway: “Community Impact Day has always been about people coming together to make a difference,” Owczarski says. “Seeing communities across the country step up to serve alongside one another has been incredibly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people unite around a shared purpose, and we believe this movement is only getting started.”
What to know about the Chamber: The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,200 member businesses and nearly 80,000 employees in the greater Holland and Zeeland communities. It holds the U.S. Chamber’s Five-Star Accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of chambers nationwide. The Chamber was named a 2025 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Learn more by visiting www.westcoastchamber.org.
Photo courtesy of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
Author
Related Articles
Rule of law fuels American dream, Law Day reminds us
In this Shore Story, Kevin J. Bowling explains how the legal system protects rights, builds trust, and sustains opportunity and fairness across communities and institutions nationwide.
Gentex engineers help nonprofits improve efficiency
Gentex engineers apply manufacturing skills to streamline donations, boost volunteer impact, and expand services at Community Action House and Kids’ Food Basket.
The Established Home mother-daughter designers launch children’s book to help families navigate life transitions
West Michigan design duo Jean Stoffer and her daughter, Grace Start, share a new children’s book offering families practical, faith-centered strategies to help children cope with moves and change.
