Leadership

We're all finally back to work! As a leading voice for small businesses in Michigan, the Michigan Business Network (MBN) believes the people making critical decisions need to hear how your business is doing as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why MBN, in partnership with the Cinnaire, is requesting your participation in this edition of the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI).  Take Survey Now

This MFBI will cover topics such as how your business is coping right now, what your expectations are for the future, and how well you think our leaders are meeting your needs. Your individual responses and contact information will be kept entirely confidential.

The MFBI survey allows you and your colleagues across Michigan to speak in one voice to lawmakers and business advocacy groups who promote policy that impacts our business economy.

Patrick M. O’Keefe is the Founder and CEO of O’Keefe. Mr. O’Keefe is recognized as an expert in the fields of strategic advisory services, corporate reorganization, debt restructuring, turnaround consulting, due diligence support, valuation, and litigation support.

SBAM remains the strong voice for MI small businesses

After more than 20 years with the Small Business Association of Michigan, CEO Rob Fowler will retire at the end of the year. As a result, the SBAM Board of Directors has voted to appoint Brian Calley as President and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Stormy Kromer is based in Ironwood, Michigan, and headed by the Jacquart family — Bob and Denise, and daughters Gina and KJ. The roots go deep in Ironwood. In fact, several of their ancestors were among the pioneers who settled the town. The family has opened and grown businesses here since the early 1900s.

Doug Routledge founded Crossroads Farm with his wife Dawn in the Spring of 1999. It is his heart, his mind-share, and his passion. He considers himself a lifetime youth worker. He has spoken across the country to colleges, churches, festivals, conferences, civic organizations, and camps. He is perhaps best known for his slightly sideways take on stories we have heard forever.

Building partnerships in business is good for the sponsors and the business itself. Alison Roscoe has been making corporate sponsorships thrive in uncommon ways. Where the power of professional sports brands tends to command big money and a front office that seldom finds a way to exceed customer expectations, Alison shares her thoughts on building meaningful and strong partnerships.

Leona Williams was destined to become a Country Music Entertainer. She landed her first radio show at the age of 15, simply called “Leona Sings” in Jefferson City, Missouri. That journey would take her all over the world and allow her to sing before thousands upon thousands of Country Music fans. The lessons learned and the wisdom gained make this interview one of the most interesting in Leadership Lowdown history! Come laugh a little and get inspired with this graceful lady of country music!

Vicki Hamilton-Allen talks with Author & Consultant, Bernadette Johnson on the Michigan Business Network. They discuss the importance of Leading from the Middle as a tactic to cultivate and retain talent in organizations and particularly in nonprofits to maintain institutional knowledge and decrease staff turnover.

Crestcom is holding a special 2021 Leadership Summit, which runs over two days, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT next week April 28 and 29, 2021.  Here are the details: