November 12, 2026
Presented by West Shore Bank
What's ahead for our region? Join us for the West Shore Business & Economic Summit on Thursday, Nov. 12, for an afternoon focused on the issues, trends, and opportunities impacting our rural communities. Hear from knowledgeable speakers on the economy, cybersecurity, and legislative developments from Lansing, while connecting with business and community leaders from across the West Shore. Come ready to learn, make connections, and gain insights to help your organization navigate what’s next.
1–4:30 PM, followed by a cocktail hour until 5:30 PM
West Shore Community College
3000 N Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI
Session Information
1-2 PM KEYNOTE: "EVERYONE'S TALKING, NOBODY LISTENING" – We often mistake being heard for being understood. Explore how to move beyond surface-level conversations, strengthen meaningful connections, and combat the growing loneliness in our lives. Presenter: David Vandermolen
2:15-3:15 PM CYBERSECURITY PANEL DISCUSSION – Explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the business sector, including emerging digital threats, protecting sensitive information, and keeping businesses and customers secure in an increasingly connected world. Panelists include:
- Sarah Aguilar, Corewell Health
- Duran Navarro, West Shore Community College
- John Dahlberg, West Shore Bank
- Scott Smith, Smith & Eddy Insurance
3:30-4 PM "CIVILITY IN COMMUNICATION" – Designed for business owners, managers, chamber members, and community partners looking to strengthen communication, navigate difficult conversations, and keep teams productive through challenging discussions. Presenter: David Vandermolen
4-5 PM LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE – Get the latest legislative updates and insights on policy issues impacting Michigan businesses and the state’s business climate. Presenter: Wendy Block
5-6 PM COCKTAIL HOUR – The summit will conclude with a happy hour, providing attendees an opportunity to continue conversations and build professional connections.
Introducing 2026 Keynote Presenter David VanderMolen
Introducing 2026 Keynote Presenter David VanderMolenDavid VanderMolen provokes profound personal change. As an organizational change agent, he engages people on stage and in the classroom – virtual or in-person – with a mix of winsomeness, artful storytelling, and candid self-disclosure that makes the implicit principles of relationships and leadership explicit. He moves people's hearts and minds to help them make meaningful changes in their lives and leadership.
With over 35 years of in-the-field experience and personal practice, David wields a contagious passion for learning, leading, and listening. That includes nearly 14 years at Barry-Wehmiller, where he was principal architect of the company's leadership development program and its Listening Course, work the late Bob Chapman cited in Everybody Matters as foundational to the BW culture.
In 2022, David turned decades of experience into Inspired 2 Change, where he serves as Founder & Chief Catalyst – a change agency built on one belief: our business is to change your business.
Listening is at the heart of his current work, from his keynote The Listening Advantage to his TEDx Macatawa talk: Everyone's Talking, Nobody’s Listening – October 2026.
Beyond his work, David chases adventure outdoors on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, behind the camera lens, or on pickleball courts. He is a proud native son of West Michigan.
This event is brought to you in partnership by West Shore Community College, Chamber Alliance of Mason County and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce with presenting sponsorship by West Shore Bank.
