Acorn Marketing

09/25/2026

In a world full of screens, there's still nothing like holding a well-printed piece in your hands, which is exactly what we did yesterday at the Holland Litho Printing Service Paper Show at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

With paper mills and merchants showing off every weight, finish, and texture you can imagine, our team came home with a stack of samples and plenty of ideas for upcoming client projects. The right paper changes how a brochure, mailer, or package feels, and how people perceive the brand behind it.

A big thank you to Holland Litho, our longtime vendor partner, for bringing it all together and for helping our clients' work look and feel its best.

09/23/2026

Sometimes finding your path starts with discovering where you thrive. For Jason Shamblin, that began with 4-H, hands-on learning and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Those early experiences ultimately grew into a career dedicated to parks, recreation and natural-resource stewardship.

As Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, Jason now leads a system encompassing 7,700 acres—and approaches that responsibility with a simple leadership philosophy: build trust, know your strengths, surround yourself with great people and leave things in good shape for whoever comes next.

Hear Jason’s journey and his thoughts on leadership, conservation and creating places that will serve West Michigan for generations to come.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://inspirewestmichigan.com/jason-shamblin-finding-where-you-thrive-leaving-it-better-than-you-found-it-episode-16/

Jason Shamblin didn’t necessarily thrive in a traditional classroom. But through 4-H, hands-on learning and a connection to the outdoors, he began discovering where his strengths could take him. That journey led from outdoor education and municipal recreation in Ohio to West Michigan, where he now serves as Director of Ottawa County Parks and Recreation .

Today, Jason helps steward 42 properties and 7,700 acres—balancing conservation with public access, building partnerships and making decisions that will impact generations to come.

In this episode, Jason joins Amy Atkinson to share lessons about knowing your strengths, building trust, surrounding yourself with great people and leaving the places you lead better than you found them.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://inspirewestmichigan.com/jason-shamblin-finding-where-you-thrive-leaving-it-better-than-you-found-it-episode-16/



Acorn Marketing The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

09/15/2026

Chris Weavers’ story is exactly why Acorn Marketing created the Inspire West Michigan Podcast: to go beyond the business and share the experiences, challenges and lessons that shape the leaders behind some of West Michigan’s most recognizable businesses and organizations. We’re proud to help bring Chris’ story to the Inspire West Michigan audience.

We hope you’ll give the latest episode a listen!

Sometimes the career you never planned becomes the one that defines you. More than 30 years ago, Chris Weavers left a career in fashion retail and returned home to Grand Haven to take on a restaurant business she knew almost nothing about.

There were plenty of moments when it would have been easier to walk away. Instead, Chris kept learning, adapting and reminding herself that failure was not an option.

Today, she’s the longtime owner of JW's Food & Spirits and J-Dub's Market & W**e Shop—and her story is one of perseverance, trusting your instincts and finding new ways to keep growing. Hear Chris share the lessons behind more than three decades of entrepreneurship on the newest episode of Inspire West Michigan.

Listen now: https://inspirewestmichigan.com/chris-weavers-coming-home-building-a-legacy-finding-what-fills-your-cup-episode-15/

09/14/2026

Innovation moves fast. Governance should help organizations move forward with confidence, not slow them down.

As AI becomes more integrated into daily business operations, organizations need clear guidelines that encourage responsible use while still leaving room for creativity, efficiency, and growth. The most effective AI governance frameworks aren't about restrictions. They're about creating clarity, managing risk, and building trust.

In our latest blog, we explore how organizations can establish meaningful AI guardrails without limiting the innovation that drives progress.

Read more: https://acornmktg.com/ai-governance-creating-boundaries-without-limiting-innovation/

09/11/2026

Today is a day of remembrance.

We join communities across the country in honoring the lives, service, and sacrifice that continue to shape and inspire us. May we carry forward the values of unity, kindness, and resilience.

09/11/2026

We’re growing—and looking for an experienced Web Developer to join the Acorn Marketing team! 🌱

Are you an experienced WordPress developer—or do you know someone who is? We’re looking for a talented developer who brings strong technical expertise, enjoys collaboration and wants to contribute to an experienced team of marketers, designers and strategists on a wide variety of client projects. This is a full-time position based in Grand Haven, Michigan, with a hybrid work schedule.

Take a look at the full job posting and please share it with your network!
👉 https://lnkd.in/dMa6vpTv

09/10/2026

When your website is a go-to resource for members, finding the right information should be quick and easy.

The Michigan Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) came to Acorn to take a fresh look at their site.

Our first step was to improve member experience—with simpler navigation, better organization, and mobile-friendly access to information. Second, we wanted to provide a platform to better showcase the organization's events and sponsors. And, equally as important, the new site needed to make it easy for its administrators to update content and to share content to social media channels as most members are on-the-go and need to be alerted as information is released.

The result? A modern, member-focused website that makes it easier to stay informed, get involved and discover everything MQHA has to offer.

Take a look at the new website here: acornmktg.com/project-spotlight-mqha-website

09/08/2026

A great display does more than hold product—it sells it.

When Sweet Temptations earned a spot for their flavored popcorn in six area Meijer stores, we partnered with the beloved West Michigan brand to make sure it stood out.

With a strong reputation already in place, we focused on visibility by creating a fully branded, scalable merchandising program featuring six-foot racks, endcap panels, in-frame posters, and shelf tags designed to be impossible to walk past. Because great merchandising turns brands from overlooked to unforgettable.

See how it plays out on the shelf: https://acornmktg.com/project-spotlight-sweet-temptations-in-store-signage/

09/07/2026

Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and creative passion that powers every project, campaign, and big idea—not just within our own team, but across all the incredible businesses and community partners we’re lucky to work with every day.

Whether you're spending the holiday relaxing outdoors, firing up the grill, or catching up with loved ones, we hope your long weekend is restful and well-deserved.

09/04/2026

The First Annual Acorn Golf Outing was a hole in one! ⛳

The entire team hit the greens at Three Fires Golf Club, a long-time Acorn client and the perfect place to tee up our first outing. Some of us were up to par — but all of us brought the enthusiasm.

Thank you to Three Fires for hosting us. 🔥🔥🔥
What a day!