2026 West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

  • 06/04/2026
  • Live - JW Marriott Grand Rapids
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2026 West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For logo

Program Overview

Best and Brightest Companies Recognized in West Michigan

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® program honors organizations that excel in human resource practices and employee enrichment. Companies are evaluated on key areas such as communication, work-life balance, development, recognition, retention, and more.

Winners join a respected community of employers known for workplace excellence. This distinction goes beyond an award—it’s a powerful way to attract and retain top talent. Showcase your commitment to your employees and stand out as an employer of choice in West Michigan.

Agenda

8:00 am
Breakfast and Power Networking

8:45 am
HR Leading The Way: Shaping The Workforce of Today and Tomorrow

As the workplace continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, this panel will explore how HR is leading the way in shaping the modern workforce. From responsible AI adoption and compliance navigation to redefining flexibility, engagement, and leadership capability. Panelists will share practical insights on preparing today’s workforce while building resilience and readiness for the future.

9:35 am
Networking Break

9:50 am
CEO Best Practices: Leading with Clarity, Agility, and Impact

Today’s CEOs are navigating constant change, balancing growth, culture, innovation, and performance while leading organizations through evolving workforce expectations and business complexity. This CEO Best Practice Panel brings together accomplished chief executives to share the leadership approaches, decision‑making frameworks, and strategies that are driving success within their organizations.

  • Moderator • Jennifer Kluge
    CEO, NABR
  • Panelist • Brad Gandy
    President & Chief Executive Officer, Crystal Flash
  • Panelist • Dr. Ronald Grifka
    CEO, University of Michigan Health-West
  • Panelist • Mike Camarota
    CEO, ITC Incorporated

10:45 am
Networking Break

11:00 am
West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies To Work For Awards Celebration

  • Emcee • Emily Scarlett
    Anchor/Reporter, 13 On Your Side
  • Emcee • Steve Kelly
    Morning Show Host , WOOD Radio 1300, an iHeart Media Station

Sponsors

Baudville logo

National Premiere Sponsor

LRS  logo

National Premiere Sponsor

Now Health Group logo

National Premiere Sponsor

BCBSM logo

Premier Sponsor

isolved logo

Premier Sponsor

Baker College logo

Gold Sponsor

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park  logo

Gold Sponsor

GNS logo

Gold Sponsor

 RoMan Manufacturing logo

Gold Sponsor

 The Employers’ Association  logo

Gold Sponsor

Frankenmuth Insurance logo

Silver Sponsor

JW Marriott Grand Rapids logo

Silver Sponsor

 Lake Michigan Credit Union  logo

Silver Sponsor

 Metal Flow Corporation  logo

Silver Sponsor

MSU Eli Broad College of Business logo

Silver Sponsor

Become Unmistakable  logo

Program Supporter

Consumers CU logo

Program Supporter

 DeWys Manufacturing Inc  logo

Program Supporter

 Garrison Dental logo

Program Supporter

 Omni Community Credit Union  logo

Program Supporter

Corp! Magazine logo

Media Sponsor

Newsradio Wood 1300  logo

Media Sponsor

WZZM 13ABC logo

Media Sponsor

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