Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage

Jennifer Owens set out to tell stories. Today, she's helping write the next chapter of West Michigan's economic future.

In this episode, the President of Lakeshore Advantage shares her unlikely path from aspiring journalist to regional leader, and the lessons she's learned about growth, collaboration, and leadership along the way.

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00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:57 - Bold Career Move: From Employee to Leader 00:19:59 - Learn to Trust your Instincts and Believe in Yourself 00:21:27 - Women in Leadership: Why You Should Take the Leap 00:32:38 - West Michigan: Preserving Local Businesses for Future Generations 00:48:17 - Retirees Want Walkable Cities & Affordable Housing

Jennifer is the President of Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa counties. A lifelong learner with a passion for research, writing, and problem-solving, Jennifer's career journey began far from economic development. After earning a journalism degree from Michigan State University, she set out to become a writer and broadcaster before discovering a passion for public policy, business growth, and community impact.

Over the course of her career, Jennifer has held leadership roles with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ann Arbor SPARK, Southwest Michigan First, and Consultant Connect before joining Lakeshore Advantage. Today, she leads efforts to support business growth, talent development, entrepreneurship, housing solutions, and long-term economic prosperity across West Michigan.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, Jennifer believes communities thrive when organizations work together rather than compete. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that help both businesses and people succeed.

Through curiosity, relationship-building, and a commitment to service, Jennifer continues to help shape the future of West Michigan.

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with three of West Michigan's most influential business leaders: Mark Allen, President & CEO of the Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg; Rachel Gorman, President & CEO of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce; and Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Together, they discuss the evolution of chamber leadership, the importance of regional collaboration, workforce development challenges, and the leadership lessons they've learned throughout their careers.

The conversation goes beyond chamber programming to explore how these leaders are helping build stronger communities, stronger businesses, and a stronger West Michigan.

• Mark Allen, President & CEO, Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg
• Rachel Gorman, President & CEO, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
• Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce

From medical assistant to blueberry farm owner, Sharon Behm shares her unique leadership journey to co-owner of one of West Michigan's most trusted local businesses. Her career pivots shaped her path, and the lessons she's learned through entrepreneurship, community service, and decades of helping people make her an inspiring leader and successful business owner. We can’t wait for you to experience her infectious energy and hear her amazing story.

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⏱️ Timecodes:

3:30 - How her journey brought her to shoes

14:53 - Building relationships through social media durning COVID

18:01 - The joy of working with her granddaughter, who started when she was just 3 years old

28:29 - Should downtown Grand Haven get a new hotel?

Sharon Behm is the co-owner of Borr's Shoes, a family-owned footwear retailer serving West Michigan through locations in Grand Haven and Holland. Her career path has been anything but traditional. Before becoming a business owner, Sharon worked as a medical assistant, operated a daycare business, managed a chiropractic practice, and owned a blueberry farm with her husband. Each chapter strengthened her passion for helping people, building relationships, and serving her community. What began as a part-time position at Borr's Shoes eventually led to business ownership alongside Cathy Tubbergen. Today, Sharon helps lead a company known for exceptional customer service and a commitment to helping customers stay active and healthy. Beyond the business, Sharon has dedicated countless hours to community service through local boards and organizations, making a lasting impact on the Grand Haven area through both her leadership and volunteerism.