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SBAM Leadership Council

What is the Leadership Council?

The SBAM Leadership Council is a special, secret group formed over 10 years ago by your very own peers. This is a statewide network of over 200 second-stage small business owners from all across the state, and they are in the prime of their careers. This group of owners are genuinely interested in connecting with peers and growing their network, not so much selling their products and services. But, the selling does happen once relationships are formed, which makes this group that much more powerful!

SBAM brings the Leadership Council together three times a year for in-person events that include education and peer-to-peer connection in a safe space.

The events are:

  • February 26, 2025 (Winter Advocacy Day at Heritage Hall in Lansing)
  • June 2025 Event (Full Day Event)
  • October 22-24, 2025 (Fall Summit, usually 2 nights away)

Upcoming 2025 LC Events

LC Advocacy Day

  • February 26, 2025 at Heritage Hall in Lansing

LC Summer Event

  • June 2025 in Lansing
  • Official date will be shared soon so stay tuned!

LC Fall Summit

  • October 22-24, 2025 at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island

Thank you for attending the 2024 Fall Summit!

October 23-25, 2024

Thank you for attending the Leadership Council Fall Summit on October 23-25, 2024 at Crystal Mountain! 

Theme: Economic Impact: How are policy and politics affecting my bottom line heading into 2025

ICYMI – Here are the highlights! 

 

 

 

 

Leadership Council Winter Event Resources

February 26, 2024

ICYMI or are interested in reviewing the presentations from our speakers at the event, please check out the below information:

Leadership Council Challenges

Small Biz PAC logo

Contribute to the SBAM Political Action Committee (PAC)

Interested in learning more about contributing to the PAC or become a reoccuring donor? Contact SBAM’s Kelli Saunders at kelli.saunders@sbam.org for all the details.
Learn more

Bring a guest to an O2O event!

There are numerous Owner2Owner (O2O) events happening throughout the year. Take a look at the O2O webpage to view upcoming events and invite a peer to join us!

O2O Webpage

MCSB Nominations are Open!

Visit michigancelebrates.org to nominate a peer that deserves accolades for their contributions to the community.

MCSB Nomination

Employee Retention Recommendations

  • Retirement Plan
  • Raises
  • $1 per hour raise if you work the full week (no calling off sick)
  • “Appreciate Pay” vs Bonus Pay
  • Close Fridays at 4 instead of 5
  • Birth/Miscarriage Leave
  • Bring your dog to work
  • Be kind
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Set goals/expectations and standards to adhere to; then adhere to them!

  • Teach Leaders Interpersonal Skills
  • Buy everyone nerf guns and use them!
  • Write a personal annual note of thanks to each staff person
  • Have annual “stay” interviews with current staff
  • Quarterly or Bi-annual All Employee Open Mic Sessions
  • Formal wellness program
  • Establish personal & professional development plans with staff

  • Invest in employee development
  • Re-onboarding your team
  • Team Outing with cocktails
  • Unlimited Vacation
  • Creative Benefits
  • Sign on bonus after 90 days of hire
  • Equity in the business
  • Talk about their future goals/dreams
  • Give them love!
  • All employee involvement in charity giving

  • Mental Health Days
  • Coffee Date with all employees one on one with President if possible
  • Employer Paid Wills
  • Wine Tasting
  • Build Culture:  Day of Service together in community
  • Thank them!
  • Empowerment
  • In person virtual flexibility
  • EAP