Chamber Annual Gala
Name:
Chamber Annual Gala
Date:
December 10, 2026
Time:
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
Chamber Annual Gala
A Night of Elegance
To nominate a business for a chamber award, please do so by November 10th at 2026 Chamber Gala Awards
6:00pm: Social hour w/ appetizers
7:00pm: Dinner Buffet Consisting
- Chicken Saltimbocca - Sauteed Chicken Breast Finished with a Sage Beurre Blanc, Crispy Prosciutto, Parmesan, and Confit Tomato (GF)
- Boursin Cream Salmon - Atlantic Salmon Topped with a Boursin Cheese Cream Sauce (GF)
*Cash bar available including the Signature Cocktail "The Chamber-tini"
9:00pm: Event Conclusion
Optional Dietary Substitution Meal available upon request**
*Please list in registration comments if this meal is desired and if a dairy free, etc meal is desired. Please note both current entrees are gluten free.
Presentation By: Presentation by Tim Volkema, CEO & Owner, Shuil Coffee; CEO & Owner, Sparrows Coffee
Followed By: Chamber Annual Awards Presentation
About our Presenter:
Tim Volkema’s background was not in coffee prior to purchasing Schuil. Raised in West Michigan, he studied economics at Calvin College and eventually received his MBA from Northwestern University. From there, Tim’s work brought his family from coast to coast, with roles at Amazon and Kraft Foods.
After years of big city life in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, the Volkema family chose to return to their West Michigan roots and settled in Grand Rapids. As a part of their transition, Tim wanted to apply the business experience he gained over the years and invest in a company he believed in. A friend of Tim's from New York, Tim Katt, connected his Aunt Greta (Schuil) and Tim as she was looking to move on from the company, and Volkema soon became Schuil’s new owner.
Although Tim wasn’t well versed in coffee when he took over the business, he immersed himself in all things coffee to learn as much about the product and the industry as possible. It soon became a family affair, as he began to train for the rigorous coffee Q-Grader exam with his daughter Frankie, who then became the world’s youngest Q-grader at 13! This experience together led to launch her own coffee brand called Joven, which offers coffee exclusively grown by young farmers.
Speaking of new additions, Tim also brought Sparrows Coffee into the family of brands in 2018. Sparrows is a third-wave coffee brand that primarily offers light and medium-roasted coffees traceable to specific farmers and producers. Other big changes the Volkema family brought to Schuil include a remodel of Schuil’s cafe and headquarters, the opening of a new Sparrows cafe in Grand Rapids, an expanded line of offerings and flavors with more focus on direct-trade relationships, and expanded distribution online and to coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and offices across the Midwest.
Despite the changes and progression of the business, many of its core values remain the same. Over 40 years later, the Schuil team remains committed to upholding Garry’s vision and legacy of providing an outstanding product at a great value.
Items to note:
- Dress Code - Business Dress/Business Casual
- A Cash Bar will be available (The popular "Chamber-tini" will return - be sure to try this member favorite!)
- Looking to extend your evening? Stay overnight and save over 25% off when you reserve a room online at - coming soon! at the Wayland Chamber special rate!
- Use the Promo code - LODG15. Call the hotel 269-672-8111 and press 1 for Front desk reservations and mention this code. Includes complimentary hotel continental breakfast featuring hot and cold fresh selections. Newly updated rooms and upscale 2-3 bedroom cottages available!
Promo code: LODG15 uses this promo code for 15% off
Pre-registration required
Seating is limited - reserve early to ensure a space
Thank you to our generous partners:
Gala President Sponsor
Gala Partner Sponsor
Seating is limited - reserve early to ensure a space
Thank you to our generous partners:
Gala President Sponsor
Gala Partner Sponsor
2026 Director Investor
2026 Ambassador Investor
Event Media:
