Past Winners

Celebrating Growth, Leadership, and Exceptional Deals in West Michigan

ACGWM'S OUTSTANDING GROWTH AWARDS

For more than two decades, ACG Western Michigan’s Outstanding Growth Awards (OGA) have recognized the region’s most dynamic companies, impactful deals, and exceptional leaders driving business success and community growth.

In 2024, ACG Western Michigan introduced a new format to better reflect the breadth and strength of our business community — highlighting both outstanding M&A transactions and the exceptional individuals whose leadership and vision fuel West Michigan’s growth.

This refreshed structure showcases our Deal of the Year and Individual Award categories, celebrating excellence in strategy, execution, and impact across all stages of growth.

 

🏅 Past Award Recipients🏅

 

2025 Outstanding Growth Awards

Deal of the Year – Over $20MM: Macatawa Bank's Merger with Wintrust Financial

Deal of the Year – Between $10–$20MM: 5thgen's Acquisition of Sage Direct

Deal of the Year – Under $10MM:  Junction Equity Partners & Charter Growth Capital's Acquisition of Schepers Irrigation 

ACGWM Member of the Year: Marcel van der Elst | DWH

NextGen Leader of the Year:  Zach Wiersma | Charter Capital 

Outstanding Community Impact Award: Lauren Davis | Huntington Bank

 

2024 Outstanding Growth Awards

Deal of the Year – Over $20MM: Sleeping Giant Capital's Acquisition of SIGNCOMP

Deal of the Year – Between $10–$20MM: Waseyabek Development Company's Acquisition of VEC LLC

Deal of the Year – Under $10MM: Monsma Marketing's Acquisition of Hansen Marketing Services 

ACGWM Member of the Year: Elisa Berger | Charter Capital

NextGen Leader of the Year: Robin Barrett Blubaugh | Macatawa Bank

Outstanding Community Impact Award: John Kersen | Charter Capital