For Immediate Release
May 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Emmy Riemersma
Marketing Coordinator
Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
65 E 7th Street Suite 300, Holland, MI 49423
616.392.9634 | emmy@westcoastchamber.org
West Coast Chamber Holds 5th Annual Community Impact Day, Making Nationwide Impact
Holland, MI – On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 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 5th Annual Community Impact Day.
What began in Holland and Zeeland as a local day of service has grown into a nationwide movement. Last year, Community Impact Day expanded across Michigan, with six additional chambers joining to make an impact in their communities. This year, 18 additional chambers from across the nation — from northern Michigan to Little Rock, Arkansas — joined together to serve on the same day, at the same time, united by a shared commitment to creating positive impact in their communities.
“What started right here in West Michigan as small ripples of influence has grown into something much bigger,” said Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO of the West Coast Chamber. “Today, those ripples are creating a tidal wave of positive impact in communities across the country.”
In the Holland and Zeeland area alone, 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, creating waves of impact far beyond West Michigan.
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.
“Community Impact Day has always been about people coming together to make a difference,” Owczarski added. “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.”
About the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce:
The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce is a driving force in the greater Holland and Zeeland business community, representing over 1,200 member businesses and nearly 80,000 employees. As a catalyst for business growth and development, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a thriving community, the Chamber plays a vital role in regional prosperity. It holds the U.S. Chamber’s prestigious Five-Star Accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of chambers nationwide. The Chamber is proud to be named a 2025 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Learn more by visiting www.westcoastchamber.org.
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