By Emmy Riemersma | Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Annual Awards Celebration on September 24th, celebrating the people and organizations making a positive impact in our community. This year, the signature event was held at The Venues at Third Coast and made possible through the support of Program Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Each year, the Annual Awards recognize individuals and organizations who lead with excellence, strengthen our community, inspire others, and find new ways to make an impact. This year, six awards were presented, including the Chamber’s inaugural Young Professional of the Year Award.
"Some of the most meaningful impact in our community starts with one moment. A connection made. An opportunity created. Someone stepping up to make a difference."
The celebration also reflected the Chamber’s commitment to One Million Moments of Positive Impact, an ambitious 10-year goal to create, recognize, celebrate, and multiply the everyday actions that strengthen businesses, build relationships, open doors, and make our community better.
“Some of the most meaningful impact in our community starts with one moment. A connection made. An opportunity created. Someone stepping up to make a difference,” said Jodi Owczarski, President and CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. “That’s what One Million Moments of Positive Impact is all about, and this year’s honorees bring that idea to life. Each of them reminds us that one meaningful action can create a ripple effect far bigger than we ever imagined.”
The awards were presented to four organizations and two individuals in the following categories:
YP of the Year Award: Frank Groen
New this year, the Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an emerging leader who is making a difference through professional leadership and community involvement. Frank Groen from DISHER was recognized for his commitment to getting involved, building connections, and intentionally pouring into others both personally and professionally. His example is a reminder to young professionals that they do not have to wait to make an impact. They can start today.
Impact Award: The Insurance Group
The Insurance Group has built its family-owned businesses around relationships, both with the people it serves and the community it calls home. Their impact extends well beyond its day-to-day business, with a team that continually challenges itself to step outside their work and personal lives to give back. The Insurance Group demonstrates how consistently showing up for others can create a ripple effect throughout a community.
Excellence Award: West Ottawa Public Schools
As the largest school district in Ottawa County, West Ottawa Public Schools is creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and prepare for an increasingly connected world. From outdoor education and a two-way Spanish immersion program to global initiatives, expanded facilities, and Michigan’s top-ranked virtual academy, the district continues to expand what education can look like. At the core of that work is something much simpler: relationships. By putting students, families, staff, and community at the center, West Ottawa demonstrates that excellence is built day after day through a commitment to going above and beyond.
Innovation Award: Velo Kids
What began with 20 kids has grown into an organization reaching approximately 5,000 young people through a shared belief in the power of bikes. Velo Kids continues to innovate by finding new ways to get kids outside, build confidence, and experience the freedom of riding through camps, urban and mountain biking programs, bike access initiatives, and community partnerships. That spirit of innovation continues with the development of a new bike park, creating a dedicated space where kids of all backgrounds and abilities can ride, learn, and grow. At the heart of it all is a simple goal: helping kids become happy, healthy, and confident.
Inspire Award: Benjamin’s Hope
Born from a mother’s vision for her son, Benjamin’s Hope has grown into a community where adults with development and intellectual differences can live, work, connect, and experience a full and abundant life. Their work is rooted in the belief that every person has purpose, gifts to share, and an important place in our community. Benjamin’s Hope inspires others by creating a place where people are known, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
Icon Award: Nathan Bocks
Nathan Bocks has turned a deep love for Holland into years of service and leadership. From participating in the West Coast Leadership program (formerly called Leadership Holland) to serving the community as Mayor, Nathan Bocks has consistently brought energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to making Holland an even better place to live and work. His leadership reflects the spirit of the Icon Award: someone whose influence reaches beyond a title and whose dedication has left a lasting impact on the community.
Together, these six honorees represent the countless moments of positive impact happening across our community every day. One Million Moments of Positive Impact challenges all of us to create even more of them. A new connection, an opportunity created, a young professional or student encouraged, a neighbor supported, or a community need met. Each moment matters, and together, they add up to something much bigger.
Share Your Story
Great stories are happening every day across our business community, and we want to hear yours.
Whether you're celebrating a major milestone, expanding your business, or making a meaningful impact in our community, The Ripple Effect is a place to share the stories that deserve to be told.
Submit your story or idea using the form below.
Have a general business announcement? New hires, upcoming events, and other updates are best suited for our Member News page.