Newaygo County Influential Women in Leadership 2026

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Date and Time

Wednesday Oct 7, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT

11:00 Check in, Free Headshots, Networking
11:30 Welcome, Finalists Introduction
11:45 Lunch & Dessert
12:10 Keynote Speaker
12:40 Winners Announced
1:00 Dismissal

Location

Camp Newaygo
5333 S Centerline Rd
Newaygo, MI 49337

Fees/Admission

$45 includes catered lunch

Website

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Contact Information

Rachael Porter
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Description

Join us for the 6th Annual Newaygo County Influential Women in Leadership Luncheon. This is an opportunity to network with 120 inspiring local women, enjoy lunch away from the office, hear from keynote speaker Dr. Melissa Bayne. She is a past event nominee and is excited to highlight the importance of women’s health at this year’s event.

Melissa Bayne, DO, is the Chief of Medical Staff and Obstetrics and Gynecology Section Chief at Corewell Health Gerber Hospital, where she has served as a rural OBGYN for over 16 years. She is passionate about expanding rural medical education and is a core faculty member for the OBGYN residency program at Corewell Health West, as well as a clinical assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Dr. Bayne is also the owner of OBG Access Health PLLC, an organization dedicated to increasing education and awareness around women’s health in rural communities.

You'll also get to help us celebrate four award winners! Awards are nomination-based. If you know a woman making an impact in business, community service, or as an emerging leader, submit a nomination by August 1, 2026.

FAQ's

What's the process for nominees?
Application Submission:

All applications must be completed in full to be considered. Incomplete submissions will not be eligible for review. Previous winners not eligible. Click here for full list (will be updated) .
Initial Review:
Our committee will carefully review and compile all submitted applications, ensuring they meet the criteria for each of the four award categories.
Two-Round Selection Process:
- Round 1: The committee will evaluate all nominees and create a shortlist for each category.
- Round 2: A panel of judges will review the shortlisted candidates and make the final decisions.
Finalists Announcement:
Not all nominees will advance to the final round. Finalists will be notified and recognized at the event.

Timeline
Nominations: Now through August 1, 2026
Nominees Announced: Week of August 24, 2026
Finalists Announced: September 7, 2026
Winners Announced: October 7, 2026 (during the event)

♦Nomination Form Here (Please review process outlined above prior to submission.)
♦Sponsorship Opportunities Here

What is the year's theme?
Women's Health focused on Mental wellbeing in leadership
Who can attend this event?
Everyone is welcome to attend! (Yes, that means men, too!) We love having the room full of co-workers, family, community supporters and local businesses.
What is the attire?
Business casual! We want you to be comfortable and excited about joining us!
Where do we park?
We will have Camp Newaygo staff to help direct parking. Keep an eye out for them. There is limited handicap parking near the building and a drop off zone.
What is included in the ticket?
Parking, catered lunch with dessert & beverages, headshots
What's on the menu?
Our amazing chefs at Ridge Catering will be creating a delicious plated meal! We'll post the menu once finalized.

Award Categories
Influential Leader
Recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and influence within her field or industry. This individual inspires others through her actions, decisions, and ability to drive positive change on a broader scale, leaving a lasting impact on her organization, profession, or society.
Emerging Leader
Celebrates a woman who is in the early stages of her leadership journey and shows great potential for future impact. This individual has already demonstrated promise through her achievements, growth, and dedication to making a difference, whether professionally, academically, or in her community.

Community Leader
Honors a woman who has made significant contributions to the community through her dedication, service, and leadership. This individual exemplifies a commitment to improving the lives of others, fostering connections, and creating meaningful change within local neighborhoods, organizations, or initiatives.
Silent Leader

Highlights an individual who exemplifies leadership through quiet, behind-the-scenes contributions. This person works diligently without seeking recognition, often supporting others, organizing initiatives, or ensuring the success of important efforts like worship teams or community programs. Their leadership is marked by humility, dedication, and a profound impact made through actions rather than accolades.

Influential Women in Leadership 2025 Finalists~
Caitlin Voyt - TrueNorth Community Services
Carrie Crosley - Geers Family Chiropractic
Jessica Sherman - JAMS Sweet Retreat
Kelli Arnold - City of White Cloud
Leighann Chiles - White Cloud Area Fire & Rescue
Lori Shears - Houseman's Foods
Marianne Boerigter - Newaygo County Council for the Arts & Dogwood Performing Arts Center
Nanci Nieboer - Nieboer Electric
Sabrina Sutherland - Freddy's Fun Party Rentals

View the 2025 event program and learn more about our previous nominees.

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Printed courtesy of www.rivercountrychamber.com/ – Contact the River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County for more information.
1 State Rd., Newaygo, MI 49337 – (231) 652-3068 – krider@rivercountrychamber.com

Newaygo County Influential Women in Leadership 2026

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