Our Mission
The Grand River Connection seeks to develop a stronger network to support Lansing and East Lansing's young and vital workforce. We exist to bring together young professionals in our community who are in their 20's and 30's. Our diverse, non-partisan group provides fun, social, and professional connections that encourage economic growth and community involvement where we live, work, and play.
Our Board and Committees
The Grand River Connection is an
all-volunteer organization. All events and activities are
planned by members through a committee structure.
The GRC
Board consists of:
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Tom Ruis – President and Chair of the Networking Night Committee
After graduating from Michigan State in 2001, Tom decided to stay in the area and currently works for Independent Bank in their commercial lending area. He also is involved with the MSU Alumni Club of Mid-Michigan as a board member and the young alumni coordinator for the tri-county area. When he’s not working, Tom enjoys basketball, golf, movies, the MAC and anything Michigan State. |
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Brian McGrain – Vice President
Brian moved to Lansing 15 years ago to attend Michigan State University and has been here ever since.
Currently the Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, he previously worked in political research and leadership training at Michigan State University. In 2008, Brian was elected to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners where he represents District #3, which includes the eastern portions of Lansing and Lansing Township. Aside from the County Commission, Brian serves on several other local Boards and Commissions, and is a frequent supporter of local political campaigns. In his free time he enjoys traveling, attending local festivals, supporting the local economy by eating out virtually every night, and karaoke.
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Jessi Wortley Adler – Chair of Membership and Communications
A native of Grand Ledge, Jessi graduated from Ferris State University and moved back to the Lansing area in 2003 upon accepting a position with the Michigan Senate. She currently serves as Communications Director for Sen. Ron Jelinek and is active on the WKAR Community Advisory Board and the Ferris Honors Program Advisory Board. Jessi is a member of Capital City Ringers and is a 2010 Fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program. To fill up the rest of her time she enjoys Jeeping, camping, Tweetups, photography, attending as many local Lansing events as possible and wasting time on the Wii. |
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Gabrielle Johnson – Chair of Special Events
Gabrielle is a Lansing native and graduate of J.W. Sexton High School and Michigan State University. Upon graduation from MSU, Gabrielle spent a year in France teaching English and has worked for Senator Carl Levin, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan House of Representatives. Gabrielle currently attends Cooley Law School and is active in the Junior League of Lansing, the Ingham County Young Democrats and St John Student Center. In her free time, she enjoys freelance reporting, trying to golf with minimal embarrassment, yoga and attending as many social events as she can.
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Pat Firtl
Born and raised in South Bend, IN, Pat attended Ball State University. Following college, he accepted his current position with Citizens Insurance in Howell, MI as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. In the summer of 2006, Pat relocated to the greater Lansing area where he soon discovered and became an active attendee of the Grand River Connection. In addition to his involvement with GRC, Pat also serves on the board of directors for the Central Michigan Underwriters Association and volunteers with the Big Brother's Big Sister's lunch buddy program in Livingston County. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, racquetball, golf and ultimate Frisbee.
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Matt Edmonds
Matt has lived in the Lansing/Grand Ledge area since graduating from Central Michigan University in 2002. Now at LCC pursuing an Environmental Technology degree, he previously worked at WLNS-TV 6 CBS as an account executive, writing, co-producing and selling television commercials. Matt is involved locally with Michigan Green, Common Ground Music Festival and the Williamston Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoys music, concerts, hiking, camping, hockey, photography and conservation.
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Marc Merritt – Treasurer/Chair of Sponsorship and Finance
Marc came to the Lansing area from South Lyon to attend MSU, and never left after graduation. He currently works as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch and is a Certified Financial Planner. Besides his involvement with GRC, Marc sits on the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center Advisory Committee and is active in several local charities. A few of his outside interests include playing hockey, golfing, running and spending time with family and friends.
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Day-to-day operations are handled by the
Core Committee. The Core Committee can be reached via email
at corecommittee@grandriverconnection.com.
The full Board can be reached via email at board@grandriverconnection.com.
Four committees operate to facilitate
planning. They are the Networking
Programs Committee (handles monthly 4th Tuesday events),
the Special
Events Committee (handles special events), the Membership
& Communications committee (handles recruitment
of new members and communications to existing members),
and the Sponsorship
& Finance Committee (handles financial aspects of
the GRC). GRC members are welcome to inquire any time about
getting involved in a committee.
Our History
The Grand River Connection was founded in Spring 2005 to fill a gap in the community. Greater (East) Lansing is a great place for college students and a great place to raise a family, but for those in between there was no viable social network. With a goal of filling that gap in mind, the GRC was born.
Young professionals in their 20's and 30's in the Greater
Lansing area are welcome to join the group, and joining
is very simple. There are NO membership fees, and most of our events are FREE! Simply sign up for our monthly newsletter
by clicking the big button at the top right of this website.
Please keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events.
Finally, please feel free to contact the Core Committee at corecommittee@grandriverconnection.com with questions or comments.
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