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Newaygo County Influential Women in Leadership 2026
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
Contact Information
Rachael Porter
Send Email
Description
Join us for our 6th Annual Newaygo County Influential Women in Leadership Luncheon, where you can connect and network with 120 of the most influential women in our community. This year's event will feature a keynote speaker, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outside of the office. Additionally, we will be presenting awards to three exceptional women – an event not to be missed!
Our awards program is entirely based on nominations. To ensure that our judges have a comprehensive understanding of the nominees, we've created a detailed nomination form. Do you know any women in Newaygo County who are making a significant impact on the business world, constantly supporting their community, or serving as young leaders? If you do, please nominate them using the form below. Don't forget, the deadline for submissions is August 1, 2026.
FAQ's
What's the process for nominees?
Application Submission:
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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) .
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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:
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Round 1: The committee will evaluate all nominees and create a shortlist for each category.
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Round 2: A panel of judges will review the shortlisted candidates and make the final decisions.
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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.)
What is the year's theme?
Unbreakable confidence and courage
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.
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.
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
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 2024 event program and learn more about our previous nominees.
This event is a community collaboration with the partnership from Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Newaygo County Economic Development Powered by The Right Place, Fremont Area Community Foundation, Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy of Grant and River Country Chamber of Commerce.
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