Business leaders linked to encourage new directions come together for a new conversation

"A New Conversation" at Devos Place (8/21/09).

On Thursday, August 20, 2009 young, innovative minds and leaders of the Grand Rapids community came together at Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids for a networking event to exchange ideas about their experiences in the city from a community and personal standpoint.

Hosted by Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions (BL2END), representatives from several nonprofit organizations came together for "A New Conversation" to discuss the past, present and future trends of leadership and life in Grand Rapids from diverse perspectives: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, BL2END, Grand Rapids Young Professionals, and Asian Professionals Organization.

This event brought out a variety of local professionals of all backgrounds for a chance to network, mix and mingle and also participate in fund raising efforts for the Kids Food Basket organization. Donations of fruit juice boxes and other wish list items for the organization were requested for entry into the event, which included light refreshments and giveaways of items donated from local organizations. One lucky attendee received an iPod, while a few received gift certificates to local eateries. This was truly a worthwhile event that provided not only socializing fun, but civic engagement as well. Expect more articles on local community-targeted events such as this.