President & Chief Embellishment Officer | Alfie Logo Gear for Work & Play

At least that’s what her business card reads. Which, after 33 years in business, Bonnie has determined this basically means that not only does she make sure the break room is fully stocked with great looking coffee cups with the company logo, it also means she may end up washing them.

Bonnie hails from a lineage of entrepreneurs, both her father and grandfather were Michigan small business owners. When Bonnie reflects on her days working in one of the family businesses she tells herself that those summers dressed in costume as the water park mascot, Betsy the Beaver, were character building.

Bonnie is a Past Chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan.

President & CEO | Small Business Association of Michigan

Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with an extensive record of public service and a reputation for getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference.

Brian was Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018. Prior to that, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives, on the Ionia County Commission, and worked over a decade in community banking. He holds a BA from Michigan State University, an MBA from Grand Valley State University, and an MPA from Harvard University.

Founder | Power Connections

Derek Dickow, a strategic networking advisor and founder of Power Connections, works with CEOs, and top innovators, sharing his expertise through his ‘5 Pillars of Purpose-Driven Networking.’ Through Power Connections, he also organizes high-impact conferences that foster meaningful connections and growth among among business leaders. In addition to his role as a board member of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Dickow is an ambassador for the Children’s Foundation and a member of the National Speakers Association.

Vice President | Med-Share Inc.

As the leader of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for Med-Share, Mr. Gandhi has made a name for himself as a tenacious marketer and tireless networker. He serves on the Board of Directors for the National Small Business Association and is also a Past Chairman of the Board of the Small Business Association (SBAM) as well as a current member the SBAM Political Action Committee Board.

He was an advisor and member of the Finance Committee for Governor Whitmer’s campaigns in 2018 and 2022. In 2020-2021, he was a member of the Michigan Economic Recovery Council (MERC) advising Governor Whitmer on Michigan’s COVID response with respect to business and employment policy.

Founder | Cynthia Kay and Company

Cynthia Kay and Company produces communications for organizations from Fortune Global 100 to small business. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kay holds a master’s in communications from Western Michigan University.

She is the Past Board Chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and the National Small Business Association (NSBA). Cynthia has been honored with many awards including numerous Tellys and Woman Owned Small Business Supplier of the Year from Siemens in 2018. She has been named One of West Michigan’s 50 Most Influential Women 5 times. Cynthia has authored several books. Her latest book is Small Business. Big Success. How to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business.

Co-Founding Principal | MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS

Tom’s primary focus is early phase planning, programming, master planning, concept design, project management and firm management.  His projects have received numerous design awards and recognitions.  Tom is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Tom is a past SBAM Board Chair and a current member of the Leadership Council and the Legislative Action Committee. Tom also serves on the Boards of the Michigan Architectural Foundation, St, Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation.

Chief Executive Officer | Edge Partnerships

A 35-year marketing & communications veteran, Lorri is cofounder and CEO of Edge Partnerships with offices in Lansing and Marquette. She began her career as a community journalist and made the switch to public relations for the Michigan House of Representatives’ Communication Office. During her seven-year tenure at the state House, she served as Communications Director and, later, as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House, the highest House staff position.

At the peak of the COVID pandemic, Lorri presided as board chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan. In 2023, she was named State President for AARP Michigan. She also serves on the Michigan Chamber Board of Directors and PAC Board.