GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Chamber announced its EPIC Award winners this week that salute Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative contributors in West Michigan.

Each award category recognizes those who are leading in growth and innovation, strengthening our business community, enabling collaboration and connections, and accomplishing incredible endeavors with their focus on the future.

“When you read about all the headlines about Grand Rapids’ growth, like how we are listed as one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA and one of the best places to start a business, these EPIC Award honorees are who we can thank for that,” said Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business Services for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “They are the ones making things happen.”

This year, over 100 nominations were submitted for consideration. After the selection committee studied the nominees’ newest initiatives, collaborative efforts, impact in the community, and philanthropic vision, 31 finalists were announced in September, and finally, 7 recipients were honored at the EPIC Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 30 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

The 2018 EPIC Award Recipients in all award categories are:

Emerging Leader of the Year

Alexis Reame, Lake Michigan Credit Union

Woman-Owned Enterprise of the Year
Symplicity Communications, Inc.

Minority-Owned Enterprise of the Year

Jireh Metal Products

Veteran-Owned Enterprise of the Year

Joost Vapor

Small Business of the Year

Micro Visions, Inc.

Nonprofit of the Year

Safe Haven Ministries

Excellence in Business

The Mitten Brewing Co.

 In addition to the main EPIC Awards, the Chamber also recognized Wheeler Upham and Mercy Health through the Industry Legacy Awards, which honors organizations that have long served the West Michigan Business Community. This year, Wheeler Upham celebrates 135 years of business, and Mercy Health celebrates 125 years of business.

Tickets sold out over a week before the event, where over 260 of the community’s leaders, corporate businesses, and small business professionals came together to celebrate the honorees. 

For more information, visit www.grandrapids.org.