WMSBF August Forum 2021: Sustainability Momentum On The West Michigan Lakeshore

Featured speakers include Marty Gerencer, Executive Director of West Michigan Food Processing Association, Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs for Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, and Robyn Afrik, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director for Ottawa County.

Gerencer will provide an update on the West Michigan Food Processing Association and its Food, Agriculture, Research, and Manufacturing Center (FARM), a food processing incubator and manufacturing future food infrastructure.  The 8,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for commercial grade food processing will serve as a hub for learning, capacity building, and new product development for the West Michigan region.

Afrik will introduce the work of the county’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, highlighting the momentum of the program toward its strategic goals since its launch in 2019.  The office is advancing improved policies and practice in the county and its collaborating municipalities and agencies, introducing cultural intelligence competence and creating pathways for community inclusion that will support community sustainability and economic prosperity.

Ogilvie will discuss how the communities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Fruitport, and Ferrysburg are collaborating to protect water quality and improve resilience on the Lakeshore.  She will introduce the  Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) current projects and opportunities for local businesses and shoreline communities to invest in green infrastructure.

Tentative Agenda
11:30am Doors open for networking
12:00 pm Lunch Served
12:30pm Program
1:30pm Adjourn

Members: $16 Online / $21 at Event
Non-Members: $24 Online / $29 at Event