Michigan Chronicle Expands Its Presence in West Michigan Through Partnership with New Commerce Club

November 18, 2025

The Michigan Chronicle, through its parent company Real Times Media (RTM), is partnering with a new private business club opening in downtown Grand Rapids called the Commerce Club. RTM CEO Hiram Jackson is both a co-founder and investor in the club, which represents over 50 business and civic leaders creating a 30,000-square-foot space in the historic 61 Commerce building. The club will feature professional amenities like coworking spaces, event venues, and a wellness center, with renovations starting early 2026 and opening expected by year's end.

Who is affected

Real Times Media (RTM) and the Michigan Chronicle
Hiram Jackson, RTM CEO and Michigan Chronicle publisher
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community influencers across West Michigan
Over 50 founding business and civic leaders of the Commerce Club
Partner organizations including Rockford Construction, Progressive Companies, Gensler-Chicago, Acrisure, LLYC, and Miller Johnson
Jeff Lambert (chairman of Lambert by LLYC)
Fadwa Hammoud (managing member at Miller Johnson)
Shane Napper (CEO of Rockford Construction)
Future club members (Founders and general Members)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are currently described in the article. The article discusses plans that were unveiled, renovations expected to begin in 2026, and future programming, but no actions are explicitly described as currently in progress.

Why it matters

The Commerce Club partnership represents a significant expansion for Black-owned media into West Michigan's business community and demonstrates how traditional newspapers can evolve through event platforms and multimedia operations. The club addresses a gap in Grand Rapids' business infrastructure by creating a dedicated space for professional networking and collaboration in a city known for its entrepreneurial culture. This initiative contributes to the national resurgence of private clubs, which have seen membership demand double since 2019, while positioning the Michigan Chronicle to facilitate civic dialogue and economic opportunity across the state. The partnership exemplifies how media organizations can lead community-building efforts that connect diverse business, political, and civic leaders.

What's next

Renovations expected to begin in early 2026
Club opening anticipated before the end of 2026
RTM will introduce the Pancakes & Politics series to Grand Rapids
Phase One will include Opening Bell café, The Mint event space, coworking spaces, and member suites
Phase Two will add outdoor and rooftop space, a full-service restaurant, and additional amenities
Membership will be structured in two tiers with the general membership tier accessible only by Founder referral and membership caps in years one and two

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle