The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals

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Participate in Interchange 
The mission of Interchange is to provide a forum for the discussion of communication issues and to promotes diversity, accessibility, and high standards of ethical and professional practice for communication professionals.  We are dedicated to the professional growth of our members and are proud to provide this year's schedule of stimulating topics.  
 
Programs are presented the second Wednesday of each month throughout the September-April season.  The 1.5 hour meetings focus on a dynamic interchange facilitated by qualified communication professionals.  A variety of topics will stimulate your mind and invigorate your communication practices.  You'll leave each meeting armed with new inights and take home materials that provide information about how to apply what was discussed at each meeting and more.  In addition, the participation fee includes lunch!     
 
 

2009-2010 Programs

 

October 14

The Story Behind the 5/3 Burger

Mickey Graham, Marketing Director of West Michigan Whitecaps, shares how the Whitecaps organization leveraged the novelty of a 4-pound 4,800 calorie burger to capture national media attention.

 

November 11 

Never Waste Another Dime on Marketing

Small business coach Seth Getz shares practical material that you won’t get in books or classes, tips that will help you identify your ideal customers, target your messages, and produce positive returns on your marketing efforts.

 

December 9

Developing Social Media Policies for Businesses

Andrea Robyns of the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau explains how to develop a social media
policy that will help you increase brand recognition while avoiding social media pitfalls.

 

January 13

Communicating with Impact

Learn how mastery of nonverbal communications can enhance your credibility as Jennifer Maxson of Varnum Consulting explains how to improve the communication skills used in public speaking, presentations, meetings, and other business and
social interactions.

 

February 10

ArtPrize: Attracting Worldwide Attention

ArtPrize, the first of its kind international art contest decided solely on a public vote, awarded the world’s largest art prize and transformed Grand Rapids into a city-size gallery. Ginny Seyferth, APR (President - Seyferth and Associates, Inc.) will explain how organizers captured the world’s attention and brought artists together for this one-of-a-kind event.

 

March 10

Bridging 96: Newsmakers from East and West

Bridging 96, a collaborative effort between Crain’s Detroit Business and Grand Rapids Business Journal, evaluates the ideas, initiatives and interests that tie the East and West Michigan. Grand Rapids Business Journal Editor Carole Valade will share stories of economic success resulting from this partnership with Mary Kramer, publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business. (www.bridging96.com)

 

April 14

Communicator of the Year Award

Join us for our year-end gathering as we celebrate the conclusion of our 2009/10 season and recognize an area business/community leader with our Communicator of the Year award.

Reservations
Individual participation fees are $20 for members, $30 for non-members, and $15 for students. Program only without lunch is $10. 
 
Reservations are due the Friday prior to each meeting date. When reserving by e-mail or phone with a credit card, please include your name, company name, member or non-member status and phone number. Cancellations made within 24 hours of each event and no-shows will be billed, although a representative of your firm can attend in your place.

Payments may be made at the door, or prior to each meeting by mailing a check endorsed to "Interchange" to Interchange, P.O. Box 1142, Grand Rapids MI  49503.
Annual Membership: $40
Annual Membership Value Package: $135 includes membership and all program fees ($180 value)
 
Meeting Time and Location
Interchange meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30am to 1pm.  Most meetings are held at the Press Club of Grand Rapids, which is located within the University Club on the 10th floor of the Fifth Third Center at 111 Lyon Street in downtown Grand Rapids.  Discounted parking is offered in the Fifth Third Bank parking ramp, which can be accessed from Monroe or Ottawa Avenues.