In recognition of her efforts to support small business, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was recognized by a nationwide conference of city leaders.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was given the 2018 Small Business Advocate Award on Monday by the United States Conference of Mayors and Partner America.
The conference pointed to the City’s support of several small business and entrepreneurial programs, including the Ferris State University Latino Entrepreneurial Initiative, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses 5 and the Local First Good for Grand Rapids campaign as noted reasons behind selecting Mayor Bliss, who stayed humble in her acceptance speech.
“You know I am looking around this room, and really this belongs to all of you in this room and this community,” Bliss said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran praised Mayor Bliss’ State of the City Address in 2017 when she urged the community to shop local at least once a month.