LANSING, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan has honored Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), as its 2023 Small Business Champion of the Year.
“Since taking the helm at MEDC, Quentin’s presence within the small business community has been recognized,” said SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley. “He has created positions at the MEDC specifically to address the needs of small businesses and affect positive change for entrepreneurs who want to succeed in Michigan. While the big job announcements often get the headlines, at SBAM we know that Quentin is also working diligently to improve Michigan’s small business climate.
Messer has led the MEDC since July 2021, helping to elevate small businesses, regional relevancy, and community development and placemaking within MEDC’s strategic plan. He has traveled across the state to participate in numerous SBAM events and meetings, and championed programs to support second-stage companies within the MEDC.
“I am incredibly humbled to be recognized as SBAM’s Small Business Champion of the Year,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “No business is small to the owner. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state’s economy, and risk-taking men and women demonstrate everyday what it means to ‘Make it in Michigan’ by fundamentally transforming their communities and creating places people want to live, work, play, and stay.
“Make no mistake, there is more work to be done to improve our responsiveness to businesses of all sizes. I look forward to the challenge of growing into this award every day and appreciate my colleagues at MEDC and our great partners at SBAM.”
This is the first year SBAM has designated a Small Business Champion Award, designed to recognize a member of state government that is working diligently to improve the small business environment in Michigan. The inaugural award was announced on Thursday, June 15 during SBAM’s Annual Meeting, which was held in Lansing.