Why the Netherlands Consulate in Chicago Matters to Michigan

by Brendan E. Ringlever

As home to the largest concentration of Dutch Americans in the country, a small group of us with Grand Rapids ties saw the opportunity to create an organization that could help strengthen the cultural and economic ties between West Michigan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2010, the West Michigan Global Initiative (WMGI) was formed and quickly grew into a robust relationship building organization.

With the help of the Netherlands Consulate General’s team in Chicago, our relationship building focus was aimed at bringing business, education and cultural leaders to showcase all that Michigan has to offer. In return, in April 2013, the Lt. Governor, state legislative leaders, and many members of Michigan’s business, educational, and cultural communities attended the state’s first trade mission to the Netherlands, which was instituted by the WMGI. That mission was instrumental in expanding the political and business ties of both regions in order to build on an already strong foundation.

As the relationships grew stronger, and with the help of the Consulate General’s team in Chicago, several years later, the Dutch government responded by organizing a very special economic and culture trip to West Michigan led by the newly crowned King and Queen of the Netherlands. That trip continued the fostering of strong relationships and help build many partnerships within the business, educational, cultural and medical sectors.

Having worked with the consulate on many events, I’ve seen first-hand the importance and impact they make.

This year, we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Netherlands Consulate General in Chicago – 1870 to 2020. While it’s housed in Chicago, the office staff spends a lot of time focusing on Michigan. Most people don’t know that a full 27% of Dutch exports to the US are destined to Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, which includes a very strong tie within the food, automotive, health care sectors, and many more. They have a lot to protect. Here’s a quick look at the history and purpose of the consulate: • Beginning in 2020, the current Consul General is the 22nd in the office’s history. • The location of the consulate was determined in response to the demands of the growing Dutch population of Chicago and in the Midwest. • The focus and purpose today is economic work, although consular services and cultural ties also remain key to their work. • The consulate serves 13 states – Ohio,

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