West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

This week on iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Charles Burke, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, about the powerful role art, culture, and nature can play in helping communities reconnect and heal during challenging times.Burke reflects on his first three years leading Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, recently recognized for the third consecutive year as the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today readers. Our conversation also explores Burke’s recent column, “What the World Needs Now: How Art, Culture, and Nature Can Help Heal Communities in Difficult Times,” and examines why shared experiences in cultural spaces matter more than ever in an increasingly divided and technology-driven world.Phil and Charles also discuss the return of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and the spectacular new Chihuly at Meijer Gardens exhibition, now open, and featuring immersive indoor and outdoor installations throughout the gardens.Plus, we also share a preview of the popular Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series, the unique concert experience that has become one of West Michigan’s signature summer traditions.Learn more at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

West Michigan is coming together once again to honor those who’ve served—and to strengthen the bonds that connect our community.In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Joe DiBenedetto, co-chair of Armed Forces Thanksgiving, and Adam Lancto, Principal at Grandville High School and board member, to explore the mission and impact of this powerful annual event.Returning May 15 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, Armed Forces Thanksgiving brings together veterans, students, and community leaders for a meaningful shared experience centered on service, sacrifice, and connection.What started in 2014 as a luncheon to honor active members of the military as well as military veterans has grown into something much bigger—an investment in the social fabric of West Michigan.The event co-chair, Joe Dibenedetto, shares how proceeds support the West Michigan Veterans Coalition and why supporting veterans strengthens not just individuals, but the region’s workforce and community as a whole. Adam offers insight into how student participation transforms this event into a “live civics lesson,” creating unforgettable moments of intergenerational connection.Joe also discusses the inspiration for the new Hometown Heroes Banners initiative and gives us a preview of keynote speaker Marcus Luttrell, whose story of resilience continues to inspire audiences nationwide. This year’s event is sold out.Learn more: Armed Forces Thanksgiving 

In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Jenny Waugh, Vice President of Economic Growth at the Grand Rapids Chamber, to preview the inaugural Small Biz Week West Michigan. Kicking off Monday, May 4, at GLC Live in downtown Grand Rapids, this first-of-its-kind regional initiative is designed to support, connect, and inspire small businesses.Jenny shares how the Chamber and its partners are building momentum around entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth across the region.The week begins with a high-energy kickoff event featuring keynote speaker Gina Thorsen, the first female CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products—home of the iconic Stormy Kromer brand. From networking opportunities and panel discussions to real-world insights from business leaders, this conversation highlights why investing in small businesses means investing in the future of West Michigan.Key Topics Covered:The vision behind the first-ever Small Biz Week West MichiganWhy small businesses (500 employees or fewer) matter to the regional economyWhat to expect from the kickoff event and week-long programmingLeadership lessons from Gina Thorsen and the Stormy Kromer brandHow the GR Chamber supports growth, innovation, and connectivity across industriesOnline:Grand Rapids Chamber of CommerceSmall Biz Week West Michigan

Phil Tower talk with Seth Velderman and Daniel Irwin.

Host Chuck La Tour welcomes Cyndi Bouma of The American Heart Assn for CPR training

Cyndi Bouma with the American Heart Association discussing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

Mark Wagenschutz with Michigan HEAT discussing help with eliminating auto theft.

Robin Lott the Executive Director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET) discussing their Fostering Futures Scholarships (FFS).

Christina Fecher with the Meijer Simple Give program on helping the needy get fed.

Tom Sinas with Lids for Kids on helping people with brain injuries, and help prevent them.

The American Heart Association's Cindy Bouma!

The Ottawa County Clerks Office!

Nicole Rodamer of Eles Place!

Cheri Honerd with Hand2Hand discussing helping feed children in poverty in West Michigan.

Lisa LaPlante and Jack Stewart with Kent County discussing Severe Weather Week 2017.

Tyler Smeese with the First Tee of West Michigan discussing youth fitness.

Roger Morgenstern with Consumers Energy discusses maintaining the current infrastructure, developing a green future, and ways to help lower your bills and pay them more easily.

Bruce Tinker with the Grand Rapids Civic Theater.

Matt Haviland with the Single Parenting Summit discusses their yearly event that helps them understand what single parents in West Michigan need to be a good parent.

Kevin Mckinnley with Treetops Resort discussing the Michgian Tourism West Michigan Golf Show.

Cathy Jordan and_Vivian Termaat with Wedgwood Christian Service.

Mike Guswiler with the West Michigan Sports Commission discussing how they are out in the community and improve the local economy.

Dave Faber and Greg Ghering with the Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese discuss education in West Michigan.

Michelle VanDyke with United Way of West Michigan discussing how to volunteer in our great community, even as a group!

Gwen Auwerda with the 2017 TulipTime Festival.

Heidi Nagel with the Kent District Library (KDL).

SMG Van Andel Arena's Hilarie Szarowicz.

Starla Mcdermott with Guidinglight discussing their winter coat drive for the needy in West Michigan.

Barry Owens with the TreeTops Resort discussing winter tourism and vacations.

Melissa Block with the Children's Healing Center.

Chris Teate with Higher Grounds.

Bobby Benzer with the Mackinac Island Tourist Association.

Jocelyn Detloff of the Mary Free Bed Foundation discusses their upcoming gala.

Holly Kroeze with the Bissel Pet Foundation discusses pet adoption and caring for our animal friends.