Grand Rapids Chamber: 2021 EPIC Awards Recipients Revealed

Press release from Grand Rapids Chamber:

2021-10-26

On Monday evening, the Grand Rapids Chamber celebrated the return of the EPIC Awards Gala, the premier business award celebration that recognizes both the businesses and the individuals that foster community growth, demonstrate innovation, and have championed alongside others as mentors and collaborators in our region.

Each award category recognizes those who are leading in growth and innovation, strengthening the business community, enabling collaboration and connections, and accomplishing incredible endeavors with a focus on the future.

“These are the businesses and organizations that are making Grand Rapids a destination – a great place to live, work and thrive,” said Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business Services for the Grand Rapids Chamber. “New to EPIC this year, we are celebrating three diversity-focused recognitions, honoring those who help make our community more welcoming, inclusive and affirming. It speaks volumes to the evolving business community in Grand Rapids.”

This year, over 120 nominations were submitted for consideration. After the selection committee comprised of Grand Rapids business leaders studied the nominees’ newest initiatives, collaborative efforts, impact in the community, and philanthropic vision, 31 finalists were announced in September, and the recipients were honored at the EPIC Awards Gala on Monday, October 25 at the JW Marriott.

Over 400 community leaders, corporate businesses, and small business professionals came together to celebrate the honorees.

“Local business leaders and organizations deserve some special recognition after the difficulties of this past year,” said, Mark Allen, Director of Business Services at the Chamber. “This event was more than an awards ceremony. It was a celebration, a reunion, and a tipping point where our members looked back to say, ‘We made it.’”

Small Business of the Year
Pure Architects

Non-Profit of the Year
Comprehensive Therapy Center

Creative Business of the Year
Grand Rapids Ballet

Minority-Owned Business of the Year
La Fuente Consulting

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Wimage

Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Gold Coast Doulas

Emerging Leader of the Year
Sylvia Nyamuhungu

DEI Champion Recognition – Leader of the Year
Jessa Challa

DEI Champion Recognition – Organization of the Year
OST

LGBTQIA+ Champion Recognition – Organization of the Year
Camp Blodgett

Excellence in Business
Autocam Medical

This press release was produced by Grand Rapids Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.