PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Grow or die. That phrase has become a self-evident truth in business today because all organizations - large and small - must grapple with the notion of growth on a constant basis.
ACG Western Michigan is no exception. Since our inception six years ago, we've been determined to practice what we preach: strategic growth that adds long-term value to the enterprise and its customers. By that measure, it's been a successful year of growth for ACG Western Michigan. Our achievements include:
Growth in membership - Our membership has grown nearly 30 percent over the past year to include executives in finance, law, marketing and operations, as well as owners of small and middle market businesses. Today, we have representation from leading West Michigan companies such as Alticor, ADAC, Irwin Seating, Cascade Engineering, Perrigo, Stryker, X-Rite and many of the major professional service firms.
Growth in programming - In 2004, we featured CEOs talking about their corporate growth strategies - and the challenges faced along the way. In 2005, our meetings are built around the theme of "Life Cycle of a Business." We are featuring CEOs, business owners, venture capitalists and other experts who will share best practices for all stages of a company's formation and growth.
Growth in networking - Attendance at our breakfast events has tripled over the past two years, with nearly 120 people regularly showing up at our monthly breakfast meetings. Likewise, our evening events have reached "sold out" status over the past two years, drawing upwards of 300 people for networking, education and to hear dynamic speakers such as Universal Forest Products Chairman Peter Secchia and Wolverine World Wide CFO Steve Gulis.
Growth in partnership - Our growth has created new opportunities for partnership, including a record number of event sponsors, a media partnership with MiBiz and an alliance with the Financial Executives Institute (FEI). In 2005, we have created a new board committee to identify and establish more alliances with organizations that are perpetuating growth in West Michigan.
We have more challenges and more growth on tap for the future. Thanks for your interest in ACG Western Michigan.
Sincerely,
Jim Polonczyk
President
