Two former U.S. presidents walked into DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday evening. About two dozen protesters waited outside. The event inside was private, off the record, and media was not allowed in. But the spectacle of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush sharing a stage in West Michigan drew attention from across the region.

The 37th Annual Dinner of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids featured the former presidents as keynote speakers. The event also marked the club's 50th anniversary.

A rare bipartisan appearance

The joint appearance of Clinton and Bush is uncommon in modern politics. The two men have spoken together in recent years on issues ranging from climate change to democracy. Their Grand Rapids visit was part of that ongoing effort.

Media was not permitted inside DeVos Place for the dinner. Attendees leaving the event described the substance of the speeches.

The presidents spoke about their past experiences and the importance of unity and looking at issues from all perspectives.

That account came from attendees according to Fox 17's coverage of the event.

Protesters make their case outside

While the dinner unfolded inside, activist groups gathered on the sidewalk. About two dozen people protested, according to MLive.

Multiple groups participated in the demonstration. Grand Rapids Opponents of War hosted one of the protests. The demonstrators focused their criticism on income inequality, according to reporting from MLive.

The Economic Club had announced in January that Bush and Clinton would headline the dinner. The early notice gave organizers and critics alike time to prepare.

Honoring local leaders

The dinner was not only about the former presidents. The event honored two local figures with the club's top awards.

• Mark Bissell, Executive Chairman of BISSELL Inc., received the Business Person of the Year Award
• The DeVos Family received the Slykhouse Community Leadership Award

Bissell leads the Walker-based manufacturer of home cleaning products. The DeVos family is one of the most prominent names in Grand Rapids business and politics.

A club that has grown

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids was founded in 1976. It has grown to more than 1,600 area professionals, according to WOOD TV reporting.

Club President and CEO Natalia Kovicak spoke about the significance of hosting the former presidents.

She said she was honored to welcome them and proud to offer our community access to their unique perspectives as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The 250th anniversary refers to the United States' semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Why it matters

Grand Rapids is not typically a destination for former presidential appearances. The fact that two ex-presidents chose the Economic Club of Grand Rapids for a joint event signals the city's growing profile in the national conversation.

The event drew national attention, according to WTVB reporting. A Substack writer who attended the event noted that the off-the-record nature of the dinner and a meet-and-greet beforehand prevented detailed reporting on what was said.

For the attendees inside DeVos Place, the night offered a rare opportunity to hear directly from two of the most recognizable names in American politics. For the protesters outside, it was a chance to challenge the economic policies of the elite. Both sides got their moment in downtown Grand Rapids.