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Tune in to our next breakfast program "The Networking Marathon" Talk Show. We will discuss strategies to grow and sustain your business through your network. Along with diving deep into networking, we will also cover public relations and community service. Those three topics make solid building blocks for consistent and long term business success. The lovely hosts Micki Ackerman and Sue Pastoor will be asking the tough questions that only experience can answer. For that experience, we are bringing in special guests John Zimmerman from Fifth Third bank and Mark Allen of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. You won't want to miss it!
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JOHN ZIMMERMAN
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MARK ALLEN
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John Zimmerman
John Zimmerman is the senior vice president and regional market director Fifth Third Bank. He is also the 2016 Riverbank Run chair. He came to Fifth Third in 2012 from Michigan State University, where he was Senior Communications Director for the school's College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Previously, Zimmerman was a vice president for Seyferth PR, and prior to that, vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Mercantile Bank. For more than a decade, Zimmerman was the company spokesman for Meijer, Inc. He has also served on the board of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids and the marketing committee for LaughFest. Zimmerman prides himself with having the ability to think strategically. He is results-oriented and able to take concepts and ideas through to implementation and action. Strong team-building, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills are also in his skill set. Zimmerman boasts over 20 years of experience in strategic communications and marketing working for numerous companies over the years including Fortune 500 companies, healthcare and educational organizations, state and local government, non-profit, and nationally recognized retailers. He has a strong track record of building communications plans to strengthen company’s brand, messaging, and of course, their bottom line.
Mark Allen
Mark Allen is the director of member relations for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Allen has been with the chamber since 2005. His responsibilities include acting as an information resource for members, educating people about Chamber membership and working on initiatives affecting the retention and engagement of Chamber member companies. The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the West Michigan business community and the premier business membership organization in the region. Each year, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses, professionals lead their organizations, and community leaders expand their reach in support of a vibrant business environment and a thriving local economy that benefits everyone. Over 80% of the 2,500 Chamber members operate companies with 50 or fewer employees. Plus, the area’s largest employers continue to invest in the Grand Rapids business community through the Chamber. They're here to provide people with the confidence, connections, and resources they need—from business tips to talent attraction and retention, from job creation to building a diverse workforce, from relentless advocacy to creating a welcoming, magnetic Grand Rapids community. Together, we’re all driving a dynamic, top-of-mind region.
The March breakfast will be at Watermark Country Club on Thursday, March 10th at 9:00am.