March 20 HBA Breakfast Club recap
Thanks to all who attended! Here’s a taste of the topics we discussed this month. Presenting the 2024 HBA board. The…
Thanks to all who attended! Here’s a taste of the topics we discussed this month.
Presenting the 2024 HBA board. The HBA held its annual board elections this month and welcomed two new members:
Paola Carlson (Pochis Colombian Café). Since opening her brick-and-mortar venue in January 2023, Paola has distinguished herself as a leading voice for Ionia Street businesses and a tireless advocate for Grand Rapids’ Hispanic community. She brought Breakfast Club attendees up to speed on a few of her latest projects: an expanded menu created in collaboration with Chef Oscar Moreno (MeXo), a new organization for Grand Rapids’ Latina restaurateurs, regular painting classes in Pochis, and a planned coffee shop in Rockford.
Kaitlynn Fitzpatrick (Second Vibess). Since August 2022, Kaitlynn and her partner Camille Steverson have been a powerful engine driving South Division Avenue’s renaissance as a shopping destination for upcycled fashion, art and music. The pair have taken the lead on organizing monthly SoDIV shop hops — supported by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — that have spiked visitor numbers and raised awareness about the SoDIV corridor as a go-to for ”retailtainment.”
The rest of the 2024 HBA board comprises:
- Matthew Rothenberg, ArtRat Gallery (President)
- Josie Garcia,Cocoon Art Space (Vice President)
- Danielle Rowland, State Farm (Treasurer)
- Tammy Karas, United Bank (Secretary)
- Marion Bonneaux, DGRI
- Shatawn Brigham, GRNoir Wine & Jazz
- Rock Dandeneau, Taste Buds – Kitchen Connects
- Ben Rambadt, TowerPinkster
- Kailey Smith-Barth, ArtPrize
- Alex Witulski, Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Among their duties, HBA board members lead working groups focused on promoting Heartside’s business corridors, planning events, driving infrastructure improvements, enhancing the neighborhood’s branding and online presence, reaching underserved customers throughout Grand Rapids, attracting sponsors and volunteers for our projects, supporting the city’s tourism industry, and working with other downtown organizations to energize Grand Rapids as a world-class urban destination.
Want to support any of these projects? Write to us — we’re waiting to work with you!
Warming up spring and summer events. At the Breakfast Club, our team also outlined some of the major events we’ve got planned over the next six months. These include:
- Free concerts in Pekich Park May 22, June 12 and July 10
- Our second FAM (Fashion, Art, Music) on SoDIV celebration June 8
- Our second annual Heart🧡Prize weekend Sept. 21 and 22
We’re seeking sponsors and volunteers for all our events — email us for more information!
And Heart🧡Prize couldn’t happen without the support of ArtPrize and the participation of Heartside businesses as ArtPrize venues. … Register for ArtPrize today!
Invest in your success … Join the HBA!
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Exclusive data and insights from top GR influencers!
A place at the table to decide strategic initiatives!
A voice in shaping Heartside’s economic direction for 2024 and beyond!
