Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Networking Time: 5:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:15pm
Location: San Chez Banquet Space (3rd Floor) (Google Maps) (Bing Maps)

Register Now!

Taking ideas beyond startup and into the messy middle

Let’s face it anyone can create a startup, but who can really pull it through the difficult years. How does one take their idea beyond infancy into adolescence?

We’ve all heard the buzz on crowd funding, social entrepreneurship, Etsy, Kickstarter and 5X5 Night. How’s someone with the idea, a lot of passion, grit, some duct tape – but not a lot of money – get traction and make an impact?

Join us as we hear from these resourceful players who solidly work to make their businesses thrive. They may be small but they’re the ones who are poised to bring real change to the economy. Whether you’re just starting out or are muddling through the messy middle, come listen to success stories.

Featured Panelists

Brian Kelly of Brian Kelly Photography
Rick Beerhorst, Artist and musician – StudioBeerhost
Abbey Fowler, Owner – 6.25 Paper Studio
Mike Morin, Momentum-mentor, Entrepreneur – PomStudios
Ryan Knapp, Founder – MadCap Coffee
Remos Lenio – Hartwick Capital

Moderated By

Panel moderated by Bill Holsinger-Robinson

Register Now!

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Networking Time: 5:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:15pm
Location: GVSU Eberhard Center (Google Maps, Bing Maps)
Parking: Fulton Street Lot is FREE

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Are you nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit your own family?

From big ventures to small, businesses leaders once wore diapers just like everyone else. Becoming a community leader starts at birth and develops over time with influences from family and community.

Join aimWest for an evening of convivial discussion with Fred + Christina Keller, the dynamic father-daughter team leading the success of Cascade Engineering. Fred Keller founded Cascade Engineering in 1973 and raised three daughters along the way. Christina, the youngest of the daughters and a new mother, leads a business unit within the company.

The Keller family has instilled a focus on values, leadership and community. Come learn and discuss how they have shaped their unique outlook on business and how family culture supports their entrepreneurial drive.

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011, 5:01pm
Location: The Gallery at Bar Divani (Google Maps) (Bing Maps)

Register: Registration is closed for this event

The fall’s over and it’s time to hunker down for winter and get down to business, come out and catch up with everyone and celebrate the beginning to an amazing winter.

Join us for a fun relaxed time of conversation, dialogs, networking, food, drinks & prizes at this aimWest Members Only classic.

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Networking Time: 5:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:15pm
Location: San Chez Banquet Space (3rd Floor) (Google Maps) (Bing Maps)

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Can you break out of the “Filter Bubble”?

We’re living in the world of Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Netflix. They think they know our preferences based on our past history. Online firms are suggesting things that they “think” we like. However, due to narrow algorithms, they are unlikely to suggest anything out of our “bubble.” We never see suggestions that may give us another perspective, a new interest, or even expand our worldview.
Is this a business model reality? Is it a problem?

Or, is it simply a convenient way for these behemoths to organize users and content? Let’s talk about it.

Jump in. We’re going to do this in a Fishbowl.
aimWest is different and unique. So….we plan to talk about this topic in a different and unique way. In West Michigan’s first “Fishbowl”-styled event, we can all be involved in the discussion if we choose. No panels; no specific speakers; no kerfuffle; just a great room of smart people, holding a constructive conversation. How fun is that?

Can’t swim? Don’t know what a Fishbowl is? No worries (most of us didn’t either) but Wikipedia came through.

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Kelly has been a partner at Evolve Solutions since 2002. Evolve Solutions is an experienced web design and development firm, specializing in website design, eCommerce application installation, and Internet business development.

Mac Fowler, product manager for Inetsolution, was elected vice president of the organization. Fowler said, “We’re excited to have Douglas at the helm this year. We know that along with the Board, Douglas is committed to producing quality events and content for our members. His commitment will lead to growth and extended outreach for organization.”

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
Networking Time: 5:30pm
Panel Discussion: 6:15pm
Location: The new UICA Theater (Google | Bing)

Post Networking: Rockwells
Maps: Google | Bing
Networking: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Registration: Registration is now closed

People are starting to notice…

…that with the proliferation and velocity of digital communications, coupled with outdated business models, journalism (and journalists) are suffering for it. News organizations have even “ditched” seasoned reporters in favor of hiring very green journalists due to pressure to save money, and a belief that the younger journo’s “get it”.

But are today’s journalists gathering news? Or are they left processing and repackaging what’s already out there? We’re seeing an absence of fact-checking, a rise in “citizen journalism”, and many times; a rush to entertain, generate click throughs counts, and optimize headlines, instead of inform the public.

Featured Panelists

• SPECIAL GUEST: Tim Mak – is a reporter in Washington, D.C., working as a reporter for POLITICO.

  Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Tim graduated from McGill University as a valedictorian, receiving a Joint Honors Political Science and Geography degree.
  You can find his POLITICO archive here.

  Tim was formerly a reporter with David Frum’s FrumForum.com, a Washington, D.C. contributor to the National Post, and a staff writer for the Canadian Student Review. His reporting and commentary has been referenced or reproduced in the New York Times Opinion Blog, Time Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Atlantic’s Daily Dish, Newsweek, The Washington Post, National Review Online, RealClearPolitics, U.S. News and World Report, the Toronto Sun and The Hill. His investigative reporting and commentary has also been referenced on CNN, Fox News and the Sun News Network.

• Stanton Tang – News and Information Director, WZZM TV-13

  Stanton has been News Director since 2009, and was previously executive producer at WZZM since 2005. He also has worked in various news-management positions at KLAS-TV in Las Vegas and news-production positions at KCRA-TV in Sacramento and KPNX-TV in Phoenix.

• Laurie Cirrivelo – Laurie is Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, where she leads a staff team providing services in public access cable, community radio, and the citizens journalism project in Grand Rapids called “The Rapidian”.

Moderated By

• Bob Taylor – Bob is Founder of robert james marketing℠ and Social Wave℠, a social media management firm. Bob also blogs, tweets, and posts as “BobOnBusiness” about marketing, media, tech, and business topics. You can connect with Bob on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Post-Networking

Join us after the presentations as we bounce down to Rockwell for networking and continued conversation.

Registration: Registration is now closed

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
Networking Time: 5:15pm
Panel Discussion: 6:00pm
Location: WMU Downtown GR Campus (Google | Bing)

Post Networking: Tavern on the Sq.
Maps: Google | Bing
Networking: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Moving from cost center to a center of innovation…

Traditionally, IT has been seen as a support function in most businesses. Even today, the IT department is often supporting innovation instead of being given a chance to lead innovation within an organization. But the role of IT is much more important, and the best-run organizations have recognized that they can’t separate IT from “the business.”

Given these challenges, and the politics inherent in all organizations, how can IT leaders drive change and innovation? And how do we as a community convince other business leaders to stop seeing IT as an “add-on” to real business activities and start embracing its role in marketing, communications, product delivery, and every other bottom-line activity a company does?

Featured Panelists

• Dave Baarman – Director of Advanced Technologies from Fulton Innovations
  Dave Baarman is the Director of Advanced Technologies at Fulton Innovation, and the lead inventor of eCoupled™ intelligent wireless power technology. Baarman is responsible for the technical supervision and development of eCoupled™ technology and other Fulton Innovation technologies.

  He joined Amway in 1997, where he first pioneered the use of intelligent inductive coupling in the eSpring™ Water Purifier. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the development of consumer and industrial products, Baarman took the technology behind eSpring™ and developed it to power everyday technologies, including consumer electronics, with a diverse range of power needs. Baarman’s efforts have lead to national and global recognition of eCoupled™ technology.

• Stuart Berman – Security Architect, Steelcase
  Stuart has been active in a number of innovation office efforts including recent research into a 10 year view of IT future and how the cloud can impact Steelcase. Stuart has also been involved in community efforts such as moving the Grand Rapids Public Museum to the cloud two years ago. He received his Masters in Computer Information Systems from GVSU and previously worked for IBM in Los Angeles before moving to West Michigan in 1995.
• Kevin O’Halla – Chief Information Officer, Grand Rapids Community College
  Kevin brings over 25 years experience in the information technology arena. Kevin’s hands on experience in many areas including programming, network design, web site implementations, data base administration, and desktop support. He is currently the Chief Information Officer at Grand Rapids Community College. Having spent his entire career in higher education, he has become intimately familiar with is getting the most out of dwindling budgets.

Moderated By

• Mac Fowler – InetSolution
  Mac and his team at InetSolution work to deliver understanding and technology around these trends with clients ranging from small start ups to top financial institutions and fortune 500 companies throughout the country with products such as Secure File Exchange and Authly. Mac is a long time active participant in the West Michigan business and technology communities through aimWest, .NET User Group, GRWebDev and an original co-founder of The Factory, Grand Rapids first coworking space.You can connect with mac on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Post-Networking

Join us after the presentations as we bounce down to the Tavern on the Sq. for networking and to continue the conversation.

Register: Registration is closed for this event

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
Summer 5:01

Location: Mangiamo (Google Maps) (Bing Maps)
Time: 5:01pm

Registration: Registration is now closed

Imagine yourself on the lawn of an immense mansion on a summer evening of food, drink, and conversation. Lounging in an Adirondack chair sipping something cool whilst enjoying a lively game of bocce ball on the green. No, it’s not a Brooks Brothers or Pure Michigan photo shoot, but it is the 2011-2012 Season Kickoff for aimWest!
This event is free to members and their invited guests. Please invite a prospective member to join us for the fun!

Join us for a fun relaxed time of conversation, dialogs, networking, food, drinks & prizes.

Registration: Registration for this event is now closed

August 17, 2011
aimWest 5:01 Season Kick-Off
A great event with food and networking opportunities at Mangiamo.

September 27th, 2011
Leading, Not Following: IT’s Shifting Role in Innovation
Current Hot Topics & Trends in the Mobile Space.

October 19th, 2011
What Has Happened to Journalism?
Are today’s journalists gathering news? Or are they left processing and repackaging what’s already out there?

November 16th, 2011
The Filter Bubble
Living in the world of facebook, google and various other websites we’re being shielded from outside perspectives because these systems are trying to taylor their content to what they think we want to see.

December 14th, 2011
aimWest Holiday 5:01
An aimWest members only 5:01 for a chance to network and exchange ideas with professionals from the West Michigan area. Not a member, find one to invite you and join us for this popular event in this relaxed environment.

January 18th, 2012
How to Raise an Entrepreneur
Many customers, prospects and employees haven’t – or can’t – embrace the internet or smart technologies. How do you reach the digitally disenfranchised?

February 15th, 2012
Small is the New Big
Handmade goods, a return to craftsmanship, new small businesses, the independent consultant as the new business norm. Why and who we do businesses with is making a large shift from big brands to local and quality. We will discuss how this effects our area and highlight some of our local tallent making this movement a reality.

March 21st, 2012
Where has all the diversity gone?

April 20th, 2012
Something saucy TBA

May 16th, 2012
The Rise of Online Gaming
Video games are no longer all joysticks and arcade cabinets. Online games and the gamification of our culture is quickly shifting the way we approach problems.

June 20th, 2012
Spring 5:01
The snow is melting, the temps are going up, let’s get together for an evening, chat and mingle before everyone heads out on summer vacation and baseball practice.

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
Presentations: WMU Downtown GR Campus
Maps: Google | Bing
Sign in: 5:01pm
Presentations: 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Post Networking: Tavern on the Sq.
Maps: Google | Bing
Networking: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Register: Registration is closed for this event

This won’t be your typical cast party. They’re not famous – well, not yet. They’ve had no “work done” like in Hollywood – they’re just working their tails off the old fashioned way to get their ideas off the ground.

They’re the Momentum class of 2011. This is the third year that Momentum, Grand Rapid’s leading start-up catalyst, has selected the businesses that it will invest in, research for, mentor and ultimately launch. Competition was stiff this year, and now is your chance to meet the creative and technical geniuses who inspired Momentum’s many experts – from venture capitalists, lawyers, business owners, professors and more – to take them under their wing.

• Quiz them on what it takes to rise to the top of the Momentum pile.
• Discover how lean startup methodology has changed the Momentum program and how your organization can apply it, too.
• Introduce yourself. Perhaps you want to help one of these amazing ideas succeed, and have a surprising skill to offer.
• Have a little fun. After the presentations, the group will convene at Tavern on the Square for conversation and celebration.

Momentum companies presenting are:

Booker
Scheduling a haircut shouldn’t be a pain, nor should booking a massage, guitar lesson, or any other activity. Booker makes online scheduling easy for customers and painless for businesses.

@bookerapp
http://www.bookerapp.com/

Chext
Chext is an online service that allows couples to balance a shared checkbook
with text messages. Use the online tools to reconcile your bank
statements, star important transactions, and predict your future
balances. If you can text your friends, you can replace your checkbook
with Chext.

@chextapp
http://chext.net/

Converati
Converati enables passionate people to host and discover quality group conversation around any content with others that share their passion. By modeling our product – a web and mobile application – off of the key facets of in-person discussions, we’re creating an environment that allows people to effectively talk about what they love while building up a conversational resume and a corresponding network with which they find people to meet and discussions to join – what we describe as the Web’s conversation layer.

@ theconverati

Weather Collage
WeatherCollage is focused on curating files via the intersection of atmospheric data and media. Weather has the unique ability to make us feel, and provides an interesting medium to explore the world. WeatherCollage will be creating an application that enhances user experiences.

@weathercollage
http://weathercollage.com/

Join us after the presentations as we bounce down to the Tavern on the Sq. for networking and a kickoff to the summer!

Register: Registration is closed for this event