2026/2027 Monthly Member Lunch & Learn Meetings
Join us for the ABA Monthly Member Lunch & Learn, held on the third Thursday of each month from 11:30am – 1:00pm (excluding June, July, August, and December). Each session includes a complimentary lunch, meaningful networking opportunities with fellow members and an engaging presentation designed to equip business owners with valuable tools, insights, and resources
Member Businesses may be represented with up to three attendees from their organization. Please register each guest using the link below for the current month’s Lunch & Learn. The meetings are held at Amway World Headquarters - 7575 Fulton St E.
Our Lunch & Learn Series for September 2026 - May of 2027 is presented by:
SEPTEMBER 17TH LUNCH
Register here.(opens in new tab)
Capturing Community: How Stories, History, and Film Preserve Local Legacy
Presented by Michael Elzinga, Creative Director, Ideology Productions
Join us as Michael Elzinga explores how documentary filmmaking, oral histories, and storytelling can preserve the legacy of a community while strengthening its future. Through compelling examples, you'll discover how capturing authentic stories helps build community pride, preserves local history, and creates a deeper connection between generations.
Whether you're a business owner, community leader, nonprofit professional, or simply passionate about Ada's future, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the power of storytelling to celebrate the people, businesses, and decisions that continue to shape our community.
12pm - Networking & Lunch
1pm - Program
Featured Nonprofit: Ada History Center(opens in new tab)
Table Sponsor: Bumble Bee Blinds(opens in new tab)
Michael's Bio: With a career spanning over 10 years, Michael Elzinga is an expert in both commercial and narrative filmmaking. His signature narrative approach has been at the core of large and successful international campaigns. With a background covering every aspect of production, including cinematography, art direction, camera operating, and editing, Michael brings a complete and versatile skill set to any project. His internationally traveled and work experience adds a unique flavor to every production, making him a perfect choice for clients looking to make a global impact.
OCTOBER 8TH LUNCH
Registration will open September 21st.
Connect, Communicate. Convince. The Secrets to “Selling” with Confidence
Presented by Cynthia Kay, Founder of CK and CO Media Production and Cynthia Kay Biz
It’s a fact. Everyone is selling something. Ideas. Products. Services. But today communication is harder than ever before. It’s time to throw out everything you thought you knew about communication and embrace a new reality. Good communication is critical to business results. CK will share down-in-the-trenches stories, examples and techniques to help you learn how to:
- Take conversations beyond the superficial to unlock information that wins business and improves your organization
- Brag effectively to build trust and credibility
- Be a communication superstar (no matter how good you are now)
12pm - Networking & Lunch
1pm - Program
Featured Nonprofit: Friends of the Amy Van Andel Library
Table Sponsor: DAR Commercial Real Estate
Cynthia's Bio: Cynthia Kay founded CK and CO Media Production and Cynthia Kay Biz which provides communication programs for organizations from Fortune Global 100 to small business. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kay holds a master’s in communications.
For more than 35 years, Cynthia Kay has spent considerable time speaking to, teaching, and coaching small-business owners. She is the Past Board Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) and had been inducted into the American Academy of Entrepreneurs. She serves as an Entrepreneur Emeritus for the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Cynthia has authored four books. Small Business. Big Success: How to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business (Career Press 2024) received one of the Top 20 Best Business Minds Book Award for 2025 and is a Best Book Finalist in the American Book Fest Awards. In January 2026, Should You Stay or Should You Go: Navigating the Emotional Crossroads of Business Ownership was released and hit the Amazon Kindle Bestseller list in two categories. She writes for Entrepreneur.com. To find out more visit: www.cynthiakaybiz.com
NOVEMBER 19TH LUNCH
Registration will open October 26th.
DREAM to Reality: From Inspiration to Execution
Presented by Jason Vanderground, President of BrandHaven
Join us for the ABA November Lunch featuring Jason Vanderground, President of BrandHaven. Jason will introduce the DREAM framework from his new book, DREAM to Reality, sharing a practical approach to moving from inspiration to execution through five steps:
- Define
- Research
- Experience
- Apply
- Measure
Whether you’re growing a business, launching something new, strengthening your brand, or working toward a goal that’s been sitting on the sidelines, Jason will offer ideas and tools to help you take the next step.
As part of our annual November lunch tradition, ABA members are encouraged to bring an item to donate to Once Upon a Room, a local nonprofit creating meaningful hospital room transformations for children facing extended medical stays. A list of suggested donation items will be shared soon.
Come for the conversation. Bring an idea. Bring a donation. Leave ready to take action.
12pm - Networking & Lunch
1pm - Program
Featured Nonprofit: Once Upon a Room
Table Sponsor: Ada Hotel
Jason's Bio: Jason Vanderground is a strategic marketing leader best known for his role in launching He Gets Us, the most-viewed and discussed faith-based campaign in modern history. As President of BrandHaven, he helps organizations in both corporate and nonprofit sectors turn bold ideas into measurable, real-world impact through strategic clarity and creative excellence.
Over nearly three decades, Jason has shaped brand and messaging strategies for major organizations, including Steelcase, Corewell Health, and Irwin Seating, while guiding mission-driven leaders in connecting vision with execution. His belief in marketing as a force for good was formed during a decade at Hanon McKendry, a pioneering agency known for its work with national nonprofits and social causes.
An experienced media spokesperson, Jason has been featured on CNN, The Washington Times, Newsweek, and other national media outlets.
Jason holds an MBA from Western Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in business from Cornerstone University. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Jen, and their sons, and can often be found on the water sailboat racing, coaching, or enjoying good coffee with family and friends.
Upcoming Monthly Member Meeting Dates:
January 21st
February 18th
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
Showcase your business at a Lunch & Learn!
2026/2027 ABA Lunch & Learn Table Sponsorships are available now! As a Table Sponsor, your company will be prominently featured and recognized during the event, providing direct exposure to fellow ABA members. Sponsors can showcase their brand, build relationships, and demonstrate support for professional development within the ABA. Each Lunch & Learn features a guest speaker who shares insights, takeaways, and inspiration on a range of timely topics.
Included in the Table Sponsorship:
- Logo included on registration portal graphic and reminder email.
- Business hyper-linked in ABA newsletter and social media
- Promo table at the lunch for company literature/swag.
- Presentation slide featuring your logo and business information.
- Emcee will provide 2-3 minute overview of your business.