events

Networking opportunities, professional development, community involvement, recognition and regional exposure — whatever your plans dictate — you can launch them by attending one of the many Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce’s programs and events. We host annual, quarterly, and monthly programs and series to ensure you get the results you desire and the tools you need to succeed in our business community. All of the specific dates may be located on our calendars by mail, email and online.

5:00 Dash (Quarterly)

Every quarter, the Chamber hosts 5:00 Dash networking event designed for members to meet and build relationships with business people from small, mid-size and large Battle Creek Area companies and organizations representing a variety of industries. These events usually take place between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at various locations.

Annual Business Excellence Awards (May)

An evening affair that will be recognizing the achievements of successful businesses, nonprofits, organizations and industry people in the Greater Battle Creek area, and the contributions they make to the growth and prosperity of the economy. The slate of awards for 2018 will include: Start Up Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year (under 25 employees), Mid-Size Business of the Year (26–50 employees) and Large Business of the Year (51 + employees), Footprint Award, and the 2018 Women in Business Awards. This year we are also presenting the Ambassador “Star Awards”, Harley Simmons Award, the graduation of Leadership Battle Creek, Regional Health Alliance’s “Workplace Wellness Recognition Award”, and the Urban League of Battle Creek’s “Randall Brock Memorial Award” at KCC Binda Theatre.

Annual Chamber Golf Outing (June 18, 2018)

Golf has always been known as the top sport for mixing business and pleasure. Playing a great round on the golf course with clients, coworkers and business leaders is an invaluable asset for men and women in business. An opportunity for you to build business relationships! Opportunities for face-to-face time with important clients, introducing yourself to competitors, and possibly gaining a little name recognition if you play well. Expected golfers: 128 players

Armed Forces Day Luncheon –
See Military Appreciation Luncheon

Backyard Burgers & Brewsfest (August 25, 2018)

Your taste buds will thank you on August 25! The 4th Annual Backyard Burgers and Brewsfest will feature local food and brews, a burger competition, live music, backyard style games, including a corn hole tournament, and more!

Chamber ChitChats (Quarterly)

ChitChat series will be based on professional fields. Seating is limited in each of the groups. Manufacturing | Human Resources | Family Owned Business | Entrepreneur | Young Professional

Chamber on the Go (Ongoing)

Chamber on the Go brings services to Battle Creek area businesses. Chamber on the Go focuses on supporting and enhancing the various activities of the Chamber. The goal of this outreach is to provide on-site assistance to business owners, while at the same time building a healthy and robust business environment throughout the Battle Creek area.

Chamber on the Go provides:

• On-the-ground, proactive Chamber services. Businesses have access to a variety of services on location, which are designed to help them flourish and grow.
• On-demand, mobile assistance that serves as a resource for businesses struggling or having issues with a government entity.

 

Chamber U (Quarterly)

Begin or refresh your involvement with the Chamber by networking with other newly engaged members! Learn how to best utilize your Chamber membership and learn more about all of the amazing benefits we have to offer.

Eye Opener Breakfast & Business Expo (8 months)

The program provides opportunities for members to meet, mingle, and do business with each other. The Chamber’s Eye Opener Breakfast and Business Expo consists of informational speakers presenting on timely topics of interest to our business members as well as a business-to-business expo. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month (No January, July, August or December Eye Opener) from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at the Kool Family Community Center.

Fall/Spring into the Arts
(October 20, 2017 & May 18, 2018)

Downtown Battle Creek’s annual Artwalk. The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce believes these events provide businesses and arts organizations with the tools they need to create meaningful partnerships that support a healthy, creative, and artistic community, but that also give businesses a competitive advantage. Spring and Fall into the Arts demonstrates how the arts can help businesses enhance the critical thinking and creative skills of their workforce and how artists can develop new innovative business strategies. Together, we can advance the community in which they live and work in new and resourceful ways.

Headshot Photo Day (April 18, 2018)

NEW PROGRAMMING ALERT!

It’s time for an update. Join us as we host Headshot Photo Day at the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce office to update your professional headshot. 15 minute sessions. Choose from three backgrounds. Final shot will be emailed in jpeg format.

Java & Beer Coffee Hour (Monthly)

Mornings are always a struggle without a cup of coffee. That’s why your Chamber president, Kara Beer is brewing up a pot just for you! Join her and other Chamber members for the Java & Beer networking series. Grab coffee and breakfast treats from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and enjoy coffee hour with YOUR president and energizing benefits such as:

• Staying connected with YOUR Chamber
• Learning more about other members
• Giving members the opportunity to learn more about YOU
• The ULTIMATE ice breaker — GIANT Jenga

 

The event is free for Chamber members. Not a part of the Java & Beer mug club? The special 22 oz. beer stein will be available to purchase ahead of time by calling 269.962.4076, or at the door when you arrive. See you bright and early!

Meet n’ Eat — Speed Networking (Quarterly)

In this networking event we gather 25 to 30 people at local restaurants to be surprised and inspired from each other. Sign up for lunch and we will arrange the opportunity to connect with potential new clients, friendships, board members or more over lunch.

Military Appreciation Luncheon (November)

During the event, the Military Affairs Committee will present the General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Service Awards to all of the military installations along with several other distinguished acknowledgments. We will also be presenting a Community Service Award to an individual who has provided outstanding service to our community.

Rap with Your Reps (Quarterly)

Offering you the opportunity to connect with lawmakers about what’s important to you. Share your concerns and in return, lawmakers have an opportunity to listen and hear from their community first hand.

Ribbon Cuttings (Ongoing)

A ribbon cutting is a great way to introduce your business to the community and your fellow Chamber members. It can be as simple, informal, extravagant or ceremonious as you want it to be. It’s your event and should reflect your company’s values and personality.

Salute to the Military Ball (June 2018)

Join the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce for our 2nd Annual Salute to the Military Ball, a black-tie affair giving Calhoun County citizens and surrounding business communities an opportunity to show their thanks and support to local military members and their families.

Silent Observer Golf Outing (June 1, 2018)

Golf with local law enforcement and business professionals. All proceeds from this golf outing go towards the Silent Observer crime prevention programming. This is an opportunity for you to build relationships for your business. Expected golfers: 100 players

State of the Community Address (January 9, 2018)

The second Tuesday of January, we invite you to hear from the Mayor of Battle Creek and the County Board Chair on the state of our community. Both representatives will have an opportunity to inform attendees on what was accomplished in 2017 and what is planned for 2018. This event will be held at the Kool Family Community Center.

What’s Up Wednesday (Ongoing)

This is an opportunity for members to connect with our Chamber Ambassadors as they “pop” in to say hello and check in. Thank you to NCG Cinema for providing popcorn to our members as we show our appreciation for being a part of our network.

Women in Business Networking Lunch (Monthly)

Join us for monthly networking and collaborating in the Chamber Loft and quarterly at our special luncheons to be held off site.

The Battle Creek Area Women in Business Networking Lunch is an initiative of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce that promotes and empowers women business leaders to achieve their personal and professional goals.

The Women in Business Initiative inspires women to succeed by:

• Learning from and networking with women in all stages of
  their careers
• Promoting women entrepreneurs and helping improve their
  business prospects
• Conducting research with leading institutions to explore women’s business issues and highlight their economic potential
• Working together, we can inspire, empower, and help women
  around Battle Creek enhance their personal, business, and
  career goals

 

We will be providing resources that are important to ensuring women
are successful:

• Supporting entrepreneurs as important contributors to our economy
  Working with local chamber members to facilitate the advancement of women in business
• Mentoring for women to build strong networks and advance careers
  Supporting military spouses in planning careers and
  building networks
• Building formal and informal networks that are critical
  for career advancement

 

Find out more about the Chamber's great committees that put together our events.