(Holland, MI - WHTC News) - It was a morning to beat the drums for a fall event that business leaders in the region consider to be crucial.

The second West Michigan Policy Forum is September 16^th and 17^th at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Organizers such as Jared Rodriguez of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce say that nobody could have predicted such an economic storm that has occurred since the first gather in 2008, and that the vision of business leaders in West Michigan is more critical now than ever. Forum Co-Chair Jeff Connolly of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan told member of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce in this morning’s Early Bird Breakfast at the Haworth Inn, “Let’s not waste this (economic) crisis” in urging action.

Featured speakers in September’s forum include Ford Motor Company Chairman William Clay Ford Junior, Meijer President and former GVSU President Mark Murray, and Amway President Doug DeVos. The forum is also hoping to have both the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees speak before the group.

-Gary Stevens, WHTC/WYVN News