Objectives of the West Michigan Chapter Our goal is to to add value to every audience we serve as we aim to achieve the following objectives. Representation * Represent AIGA in West Michigan, its mission, goals, and mandate * Translate AIGA initiatives for the greatest value and appropriateness for West Michigan Local focus * Help design professionals manage change in the profession, business, and technology * Make connections: Clients and professionals, students and employers, and networking generally: Evolve from competitors to colleagues * Keeping talent in West Michigan National outreach * Helping to establish a national presence for West Michigan designers * Helping to build a regional identity for West Michigan Focus areas 1. Design and Business 2. Design Education 3. Inspiration and Networking Design and Business – We plan to be a bridge between design and business in West Michigan. AIGA West Michigan will sponsor events and activities that get business people and designers working together for: * Education and exposure for both groups * A catalyst for innovative thinking * Discovering ways for designers and business to better integrate practices Design Education – We plan to represent and enhance design education in West Michigan by sponsoring events and activities which will * Help spread the AIGA design education standards and agenda * Connect area schools to enhance coordination, communication, understanding * Offer training and workshops to area designers Inspiration and Networking – We plan to sponsor events and activities which create opportunities for networking and inspiration. * Seeking or creating inspirational speakers, movies, events * Connecting people through social events and social media