Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at the Hudson’s site in Detroit, for this year’s Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the “New Leadership Era,” featuring discussions on the city’s future, economic development, and regional policy.
Watch BBB of Michigan CEO Lisa Frohnapfel discusses ethics, AI training, small business support, and insights from #DPC26 in the YouTube video shared below:
This interview was with Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of the unified Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Michigan, actively shapes the state’s business landscape by promoting ethical standards and trust. Following a major 2025 merger, she leads initiatives focused on AI-driven training, consumer protection, and supporting small businesses through educational, data-driven resources. She also discusses what she hoped to get out of the conference that day #DPC26.
Key 2025-2026 Activities and Initiatives
Statewide Merger Leadership: In April 2025, Frohnapfel took the lead of the combined BBB of Michigan, uniting the Eastern and Western branches to improve efficiency and service across the state, including the Upper Peninsula.
AI and Tech Integration:
She announced the launch of new AI-driven training sessions to help Michigan businesses stay competitive, with plans for the first-ever BBB AI Summit to be held soon.
Focus on Ethics and Security:
At the Torch Awards for Ethics, she emphasized that the organization’s focus is on building trust in the marketplace and protecting consumers from financial fraud. Small Business Support: She spoke at the 11th Annual Small Business Workshop in May 2025, focusing on “Thriving through Uncertainty” and providing actionable insights for business owners.
Background
Before joining the BBB in 2021, Frohnapfel had a 25-year career in the financial services sector, including serving as CEO of a multi-branch credit union in West Michigan.
2026 Detroit Policy Conference: A New Leadership Era
Recently, the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference convened business leaders, government officials, and community changemakers to drive meaningful conversations and actionable solutions for a more prosperous and equitable Detroit Region.
Held at The Department at Hudson’s, the Conference explored the leadership transitions underway and on the horizon for the Region and state and featured the bold, adaptive leaders at the helm.
Explore highlights from the Conference below.
Detroit’s New Era: Mayor Sheffield’s Future-Focused Leadership
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield was attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., and was unable to attend the Conference. However, in a pre-recorded video, Sheffield emphasized that building strong partnerships between businesses and neighborhoods will remain at the heart of Detroit’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
Following her video remarks, Melvin “Butch” Hollowell, who is leading Mary Sheffield’s transition, took to the stage to discuss where the committees’ work stands and how the administration is progressing.
“The House is on Fire”: Solving Michigan’s Education Crises
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Business Leaders for Michigan’s Jeff Donofrio, the Chamber’s Greg Handel, and University of Detroit Mercy’s Donald B. Taylor discussed Michigan’s challenges in K-12 performance and per capita income, emphasizing equity-centered policy and innovation.
Detroit’s First Word: Industry Leaders on Expanding Wayne County Transit
During a panel moderated by the Chamber’s Brian J. Shoaf, Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad I. Turfe and SMART’s Tiffany J. Gunter shared how they are changing the conversation around the expansion of transit in the Detroit Region.
Mike Duggan: Unity is Needed for Michigan to Succeed
During the Conference, Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan spoke about the inspiration behind his bid for governor and discussed the hot-button topics that Michigan’s next leader will need to address.
