November 12, 2025
presented by West Shore Bank
OVERVIEW
Join us for a dynamic conference on exploring AI for Business, Employers, and Beyond; Civility in the Workplace and Beyond; HR Using AI; Understanding the New Talent Landscape; Supply Chain Resilience: Managing Disruptions & Tariffs; and Regional Outlook. This event offers valuable insights and strategies to help organizations navigate change, build resilience, and prepare for the future.
Date: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 1-5 p.m. with cocktail hour to follow
Location: West Shore Community College Center Stage Theater, 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville
Cost: $35 for Chamber members; $50 for non-members
AGENDA
1-2 p.m.: Beyond the Hype: Practical Strategies for AI Adoption
Jeff Williams, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
2-2:45 p.m.: Breakout Sessions (4 options)
2:45-3 p.m.: Break
3-3:45 p.m.: Repeat of breakout sessions
3:45-4 p.m.: Break
4-5 p.m.: Economic Outlook for our Region (Manistee & Mason counties)
Paul Isley, Associate Dean, Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University
5- 7 p.m.: Cocktail hour/ business networking
Sponsored by West Shore Bank and West Shore Community College
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Upon registration, participants will choose one session to attend during each breakout session.)
- Breaking the "Us vs. Them" Mentality: Civility and Civil Discourse
Shelly Kasprzycki, Executive Director, Fremont Area Community Foundation
Democracy relies on civil disagreement. Learn how the practices of civility and civil discourse can build stronger communities and how, by using these tools, leaders can foster respect, empathy and collaboration across settings.
- Employer-Led, Data-Driven: The TPM Approach to Workforce Challenges
Michael Louis, Program Manager - Talent Pipeline Management, U. S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Talent shortages are keeping employers up at night. This interactive session shows how TPM helps employers lead the way—using data, collaboration, and shared value to connect industry, education, and community partners for long-term workforce solutions.
Smarter Hiring with AI: Transforming Talent Acquisition
Shawna Hondorp, Talent Acquisition Leader, Disher Talent Solutions
AI is reshaping the way organizations attract and engage talent, helping recruiters work faster and smarter while keeping the human connection at the center. Learn about practical tools and strategies to streamline sourcing, screening, and communication, deliver a more engaging candidate experience, and future-proof your talent acquisition efforts in an increasingly competitive market.
Supply Chain Resilience: Managing Disruptions & Tariffs
Sonja Johnson - Executive Director - Van Andel Global Trade Center
Join the discussion regarding the constant changes and challenges of managing today's global supply chain. Learn ways to mitigate costs utilizing local, state and federal resources. Take note of best practices your organization can implement to help manage the complexities of global supply chains.
This event is put on by West Shore Community College, Chamber Alliance of Mason County and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce with presenting sponsorship by West Shore Bank.
