Meet the Stockbridge Business Association
It’s no secret around these parts that we are passionate about our business and our community – and any opportunity for those two things to come together is almost always seized immediately by someone with the last name Gutowski! In the past few years, that has been extra true of Jes as she’s gotten deeply involved with our local neighborhood business association. Jes has served on the board for a few years and currently serves as the treasurer for the Stockbridge Business Association (SBA). And if we go way back, we’ll also find another familiar name on the roster for the SBA: none other than Walter Gutowski Jr. served as president in the 90s!
Anyone have photos from SBA from the 90’s? Here’s a photo of all three Walt’s :)
A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON
In the late 1970s, the Community Development Citizens’ Committee (CDCC) recognized that neighborhood business districts were dealing with serious challenges. Upon recommendations from the CDCC, the City Commission voted to allocate $30,000 (that’s the equivalent of over $130,000 today!) in funds specifically to develop and build up the Stockbridge area. In partnership with the John Ball Park Neighborhood Association (JBPNA), the West Central Business Association (WCBA), and the City of Grand Rapids, a plan was drawn up with estimates for implementation. In 1983, the Stockbridge Business Area Plan was published by the City’s Planning Department and the work hasn’t stopped since!
In Grand Rapids, you’ll find a handful of business associations across the city, each with their own leadership, member roster and style of operation. The Stockbridge Business Association (SBA) is a vibrant group of businesses, organizations and individuals all working together to advance commerce and happenings on the West Side. Technically, the boundaries for member organizations are as follows: North to 7th Street, South to Lake Michigan Drive, West to Valley Ave NW, and East to the Grand River. But, they don’t discriminate and you’re welcome to join the fun. (Just tell them Jes sent you!)
ALL ABOUT THE SBA TODAY
The SBA is an always-changing organization because we’re always welcoming new members and with those new members, new ideas, challenges and opportunities arise! As of late, the SBA has been led by Mitchell Cook, store director at Bridge Street Market by Meijer. Through his thoughtful leadership alongside a crew of incredibly capable board members, the SBA has thrived as a meeting place for productive conversations, community needs and business networking opportunities.
In the past, many meetings have been held at Rockford Construction’s “The ROC” meeting space, but we’ve mixed things up recently. The SBA now hosts its every other month meeting at a new venue each time, allowing new and existing members to experience a new side of our district – not to mention our host gets to show off their space! One of our recent meetings was held at the brand new BlueJay Hotel on Bridge Street, where we all got a firsthand look at their beautiful accommodations.
And of course, you can always find meeting minutes online, too!
In between meetings, members are encouraged to connect with each other to bring forth new ideas and initiatives in the neighborhood. There are often community needs that arise at meetings, like requests from our partners at GRPS schools in our community, mobile food trucks, and other volunteer opportunities. The SBA is always quick to get behind anything that makes the WestSide a better place to live, work or play.
In 2021, we resurfaced a fun design from everyone’s favorite Swift graphic designer, Steve, and did a special edition run of our Brewery Alley t-shirts. Over a dozen local WestSide businesses sponsored the efforts and all proceeds went back to the SBA, which was over $1,000!
This shirt is a wonderful way to represent Bridge Street in Grand Rapids.
All proceeds to towards the restoration/upkeep of the Red Lion Neon.
In 2022, we banded together to turn the old Chase Bank building into a more lively neighborhood staple by installing five massive mural panels in partnership with Lions & Rabbits. You can still see the mural today, where it’ll stay until the fate of that building is determined. It was through the SBA and its members that we decided to do a removable mural so we could repurpose the artwork in another way on the WestSide!
SBA & SWIFT: A MATCH MADE ON THE WESTSIDE
Local businesses support local businesses, right? That is always true of the SBA so when the board wanted to send a printed mailer to all the West Side businesses, they knew just who to call.
In January 2024, the SBA did a direct mail campaign to all West Side businesses (over 500 businesses!), to create awareness about the association and membership opportunities. Then, we followed up with a postcard direct mail piece inviting them to join us for an upcoming meeting. As a result of that mailer, we saw many new faces at our spring meetings!
At Swift and the SBA, we’re always happy to make new friends. Join your fellow West Side business owners and professionals to grow the Bridge Street and Stockbridge business districts. Learn more about SBA membership here!