SBAM honors legislative leader, introduces new officers and board members at 43rd SBAM Annual Meeting in Lansing

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) at its June 21 annual meeting and networking luncheon presented its Legislator of the Year award to Rep. Jeff Farrington. “Representative Farrington is yet another example of a small business owner who brought business expertise and entrepreneurial creativity to state government in an effort to effect positive change,” said SBAM President and CEO Rob Fowler. “He is a key member of the leadership team that has worked with Gov. Snyder to reinvent our state.” 

Richard B. Sanford, who founded SBAM in 1969, was presented with the inaugural Lifetime of Advocacy Award. “Dick Sanford had the foresight to understand the untapped potential for small business owners to organize and have a significant impact on the political life of this state,” said Fowler. “The fruits of his efforts are on full display today, 43 years later, with the Small Business Association of Michigan recognized as one of the most influential and prestigious business organizations in the country.”

Paul Schutt, an owner and partner in Issue Media Group, was honored as Communicator of the Year. “Paul and Issue Media Group are literally changing the narrative in Michigan about business growth and the places they impact,” Fowler said.

David Rhoa, president and co-owner of Lake Michigan Mailers of Kalamazoo, was introduced as SBAM’s 2012-2013 Chair. Also introduced were Vice Chair Bob Fish – BIGGBY COFFEE, Lansing; Second Vice Chair Bonnie Alfonso – Alfie – Logo Gear for Work & Play, Traverse City; Secretary Guy Richardson – Advance Employment, Lansing; Treasurer Jerry Grubb – Wee Discover Child Daycare & Learning Center, Waterford and Immediate Past Chair, Yan Ness, Online Tech, Ann Arbor.

Newly named to the SBAM Board of Directors for three-year terms were Doyle Hayes – dhayes Group, Grand Rapids; Russ Knopp – Comfort Keepers, Traverse City; Bill Kimble – C2AE, Lansing; Paul Santoro – Anesthesia Staffing Consultants, Franklin; and Vince Thomas – Billhighway, Troy.