Celebrating Milestones and Inspiring Momentum
250
Years of America
175
Years of Grand Rapids
Small City, Big Aspirations
We believe every American deserves the chance to achieve a life of meaning and abundance — a future rooted in our founding principles and sustained by civic pride.
The story of Grand Rapids is one of vision, perseverance and people who never give up. From our earliest days, we’ve been powered by bold ideas and hard work. GR A250 reflects the entrepreneurial, hands-on spirit that defines us — and it’s what will carry us forward.
The story of Grand Rapids is one of vision, perseverance and people who never give up. From our earliest days, we’ve been powered by bold ideas and hard work. GR A250 reflects the entrepreneurial, hands-on spirit that defines us — and it’s what will carry us forward.
Our Guiding Principles
People
We recognize the inherent worth of every person. Our strength comes from finding common ground and lifting each other up.
Purpose
We are guided by the founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and the belief that together, we can make the American Dream real for every one of us.
Progress
We believe that no matter how much progress we've made, we can always do better, and that it can only happen when we work together.
The People Who Make It Happen
GR A250 is made possible by the people of Grand Rapids: a group of passionate leaders, volunteers, organizers and residents united in purpose and pride. Thank you to everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to propelling our mission forward.
A250 Steering Committee
Dale Robertson
GR Public Musuem
Mayor David LaGrand
City of Grand Rapids
Doug DeVos
Continuum
Gleaves Whitney
Gerald R Ford Foundation
JD Loeks
Studio C Celebration Cinema
Joe Jones
Hekiman Grup
John Tuttle
Acrisure
Juan Olivarez
Community Leader
LaSandra Gaddy
Gerald R Ford Foundation
Mark Washington
City of Grand Rapids
Peter Meijer
Meijer
Philly Mantella
Grand Valley State University
Ron Gorman
Kent ISD
Tina Freese Decker
Corewell Health
Senator Winnie Brinks
Michigan 29th Senate District
Subcommittee Chairs
Julie Tabberer
Archives & Records
Tony Wright
Archives & Records
Tony Wright
Archives & Records
Catlin Whitington
Arts
Wendy Wigger
Arts
Mike Guswiler
Athletics
Al Vanderberg
City & Country Government
Mark Washington
City & Country Government
Joe Jones
Communications
Jim Liske
Communications
Shelley Irwin
Community Groups
Eunice Lopez-Martin
Community Groups
Eddie Tadlock
Events
Willie Gholston
Faith Based Community
Nathaniel Moody
Faith Based Community
Sarah Banks
Health Care
Dr. Candace Smith-King
Health Care
Neil Carlson
Impact Measurement
Diana Lawson
Impact Measurement
Jenny Fee
K-12 Education
Eric Vanderleest
K-12 Education
John Kennedy
Manufacturing
Nelson Sanchez
Manufacturing
Adam Betz
Military
Katy Golden
Military
Brooke Clement
Museums
Hollin Dela Cruz
New Americans
Dilli Gautam
New Americans
Tripp Frey
Philanthropy
LaSandra Gaddy
Philanthropy
Lindsay Rodarmer
Restaurant & Brewery
Chris Andrus
Restaurant & Brewery Industry
Katherine Baker
Sister Cities
Adrianne Braun
Sister Cities
Mike Irwin
Youth
General Inquiry
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