Conference Agenda

Registration & Networking

9:30am EDT / 8:30am CDT / 7:30am MDT / 6:30am PDT

Welcome and Morning Kickoff

10:00am EDT / 9:00am CDT / 8:00am MDT / 7:00am PDT

Best Practices from the Nation’s Elite Employers

10:05am EDT / 9:05am CDT / 8:05am MDT / 7:05am PDT • Jennifer Kluge, President & CEO, National Association for Business Resources

Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of the Best and Brightest Programs, will share some of the most interesting and innovative practices from the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For from across the nation. She will also provide supporting statistical data and case studies gleaned from company surveys of all sizes.

Speaker

Community Initiative: Partnering with West Michigan Veteran Coalition

10:25am EDT / 9:25am CDT / 8:25am MDT / 7:25am PDT

This session will improve the lives of veterans and their families by connecting them to available resources, services and employers throughout West Michigan.

Break

10:45am EDT / 9:45am CDT / 8:45am MDT / 7:45am PDT

Keynote Speaker: Dick DeVos, President, The Windquest Group

11:00am EDT / 10:00am CDT / 9:00am MDT / 8:00am PDT • Carole Valade, Editor, Gemini Publications & Dick Devos, President, The Windquest Group

Dick DeVos has worked in a variety of executive positions for Amway, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and The Windquest Group, where he currently serves as President. The program will start with a five minute opening address and will follow with a fireside chat with questions posed from business leaders throughout Michigan. The fireside chat will be moderated by Carole Valade, 15 year Best and Brightest Advisory Board Member and editor of Gemini Publications. Moderator: Carole Valade Gemini Publications

Speakers

Recruitment, Engagement & Talent Management: Elite Winner Discussion

11:35am EDT / 10:35am CDT / 9:35am MDT / 8:35am PDT • Troy Mossel, Corporate Development Manager / Quality Systems Coordinator, Mill Steel’s Quality Systems, Rhonda Huismann, Office Managing Partner, Crowe Horwath LLP, Silvia Dimma, Chief Human Resources Officer, MSU Federal Credit Union, Brent Brinks, Executive Vice President, Buist Electric & Shelley Irwin, Host & Producer, WGVU Morning Show

Shelley Irwin will lead a discussion with the 2016 Best and Brightest Elite Winners from West Michigan. These Elite Winners will share best practices, explore current workplace trends and will discuss their journey on becoming an Elite Winner. They will be available for one-on- one discussions in our Elite Winner Reception area offering advice on culture, employee engagement and retaining the best talent.