Technology Council of West Michigan

The Technology Council of West Michigan exists to grow technology-oriented businesses in the Greater Grand Rapids region. We strive to make West Michigan a national leader in digital technologies.

Tech Council members share information and experiences of interest and benefit to its members to help fuel the success of member companies. In addition, the Tech Council supports West Michigan businesses who are providing, applying, or starting to adopt digital technology.

Technology Council of West Michigan Members

• Mary Arnhart, CEO, Ariox
• Drew Babik, COO, The C2 Group
• Jim Bruxvoort, Principal, Rehmann Technology Services
• Kuanchin Chen, Director of the Center for Business Analytics, Western Michigan University
• Matt Clarin, President, Hungerford Technology & COO, Hungerford
• Michael Cotter, VP of Sales & Marketing, DornerWorks Ltd
• Ryan Downey, Business Development Manager, Freshwater Digital
  
• Matt Ebrom, Director- Engineering Excellence, BISSELL Inc.
• Mac Fowler, CEO, ProTrainings
• Josh Freeney, Partner, YETi CGI
• Danche Gjorgijievski, CTO, ADAC Automotive
• Greg Gogolin, Distinguished Professor & AI, ISI, PM Program Coordinator, Director Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science, Ferris State University
• Ryan Snip, Business Development Partner, DISHER
• Mike Helsel, Founder, Lab44
• Mike Hemmingsen, Director of Sales, Michigan, Vervint
• Jennifer Jurgens, CEO/Founder, 1 Bold Step
• John Kennedy IV, Chief Technology Officer, Autocam Medical
• Mark Kimball, President/CEO, MOSS
• Chip LaFleur, President/CEO, LaFleur Marketing
• Kevin Neuman, Software Development, Ninth Brain
• Aaron Owens, Partner Development Manager, IT Partners
• Scott Pierce, Sr. Technology and Cybersecurity Solutions Advisor, Sentinel Technologies
• Jennifer Puplava, Attorney and Member, Mika Meyers PLC
  
• Josh Ralya, Co-Founder/CEO, Ideology
• Wes Richards, Director - AV Technology Business Unit, CS Erickson
  
• Catherine Ripley, President, Symplicity Communications, Inc.
• Mike Schipper, Founder/CEO, InsITe Business Solutions, Inc.
• Ashley Souffrou, Founder & CEO, SxanPro
• Mike Taylor, Director, Venture Creation - Grand Rapids, Spartan Innovations
• Miloš Topić, CIO, Grand Valley State University
  
• Jonathan Tower, Founder, Trailhead Technology Partners
• Jim Weaver, CEO, GTF Technologies

Benefits of Technology Council of West Michigan Membership

Collaboration

Membership in the Technology Council of West Michigan provides an opportunity to create new collaborations with other regional technology leaders who are applying digital technologies as part of their competitive strategy.

Peer Sharing

As part of a trusted group of technology leaders, participating members share best practices and experiences of interest and benefits to its members to help fuel the success of member companies.

Voice of Technology in West Michigan

Immediate value is provided at each gathering: an annual calendar of events is set at the beginning of the new year, but “hot” topics are generated from and explored by members as they arise. This allows the Council to respond quickly to new developments and provide actionable insight.

Networking

As a member of the Tech Council, you have the ability to network with other members of the council and their teams. This private networking opportunity provides a chance to develop new relationships and partnerships in the region.

Solving Common Challenges

Many of the problems facing West Michigan technology professionals are not unique to an individual business. The Tech Council provides a platform and time to discuss these common challenges and address them as a team of companies.

Join the Technology Council of West Michigan

Eligibility:

Individual leading a company or business unit that is providing digital technology products, services, and/or consulting shall be eligible for council membership under the following guidelines.

1. Maintain a primary facility within the Region, conducting a substantial amount of the company's operations.
2. Hereby agree to be a RPI investor with a minimum investment of $2,500 due annually.

Member Participation:

Member agrees to the following participation guidelines.

1. Participate in at least three (3) of the four (4) quarterly meetings of the Technology Council.
2. Experience Sharing: Participate in activities to share information and experiences of interest and benefit to Members to help fuel the success of Members.
3. Collaboration: Participate in activities to support businesses in the Region who are seeking information about digital technology adoption or application.
4. Support and participate in the Technology Council's outreach efforts to ultimately raise awareness of the technology industry in the Region.