Tobi Lyon, founder and CEO of Ngage Management, has been selected as the 2022 ATHENA PowerLink (APL) recipient by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). APL is a national mentoring program that connects chosen women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The specified panel of advisors will donate an estimated $25,000 value of business consultation services to help the business achieve the next level of success.
“I was shocked because I knew it was extremely competitive this year,” said Lyon. “I was very surprised and humbled knowing that the panel of advisors and coaching we will receive which will take Ngage even further.”
Ngage Management is Michigan’s largest full-service association and event management company. They specialize in streamlining processes to maximize efficiency, increase revenue and help clients build membership. They have received numerous awards including the 2020 Best of MichBusiness Award from the Michigan Business and Professional Association and as a 2020 awardee for the “Michigan Companies to Watch” Award presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Tobi Lyon was also named Greater Lansing Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2020 Greater Lansing Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
“Tobi and her team have done an incredible job of growing their business over the past few years,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “She is a well-deserving APL recipient who will have a chance to work with a group of expert mentors that will help her take her business to exciting new levels.”
Ngage has expanded their business over the past several years and now serve five states. Ngage has transitioned from a startup to a highly successful company competing with Chicago-based companies. The challenge Lyon and her team now face is how to take the business to the next level. That’s where the panel of mentors will be helpful, according to Lyon.
“How do you manage growth? How do you manage customer service? How do you manage reputation and keep consistency,” said Lyon. “I am excited to be able to work with the panel to develop strategies, so the bottom never falls out.”
APL recipients are required to meet specific criteria to be eligible for this mentorship program., including:
- 51% of business is owned and actively managed by a woman or women
- At least two years in operation
- At least two full-time employees, including the applicant
- At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues for a manufacturing or retail business; or at least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a service business
- Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an advisory panel
About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. No mid-Michigan business stands alone when they are a member of the Chamber. For 120 years, the Lansing Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@lansingchamber) and LinkedIn.
