LANSING, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan has named 24 small business owners to lead the organization as its 2023-2024 board of directors, effective July 1.
Sue Tellier, owner of JetCo Federal, a supply chain management, logistics, and packaging services company with a focus on helping organizations achieve and maintain operational efficiency and resilience, will serve as Board Chair for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. JetCo Federal is a certified woman-owned small business located in Grand Rapids and has been recognized a bronze-level veteran friendly employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
“Business owners make up 100% of SBAM’s board, which adds credibility to the most well-respected and largest small business advocacy organization in the country,” Tellier said. “We speak for small business in Michigan because we ARE small business in Michigan. Looking at the current board roster, I see engaged, passionate, opinionated leaders ready to serve. I see smart, experienced, courageous advocates who are NOT boring yes-people. This year will be amazing.”
Joining Tellier in SBAM leadership positions are:
- 1st Vice Chair: Erick Stewart of Lagniappe Global Commodity in Battle Creek
- 2nd Vice Chair: Sheri Welsh of Welsh & Associates in Kalamazoo
- Secretary: Gina Thorsen of Stormy Kromer in Ironwood
- Treasurer: Ginny Sherrow of Fenton Winery & Brewery in Fenton
- Immediate Past Chair: Park Kersman of Lorin Industries in Muskegon
Directors:
- Allison Beers of Events North in Traverse City
- Kevin Begola of Bridge Street Exchange in Fenton
- Kim Bode of 8THIRTYFOUR in Grand Rapids
- Jenny Brown of Dutton Farm Market in Rochester Hills
- Michael DeBruyn of Great Lakes Stainless in Traverse City
- Derek Dickow of DerekDickow.com in Bloomfield Hills
- Patti Eisenbraun of Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington
- Larry Faragalli of Brightly, LLC in Grand Rapids
- Jim Foucher of RBV Contracting in Detroit
- Bill Grubb of Star EMS in Pontiac
- Ali Haider of Michigan Franchise Owners Association of 7-11 in Okemos
- Heather Isch of LKF Marketing in Kalamazoo
- Dr. Karen May of Momentum Health in Mason
- Matt Russell of Cynerge Consulting in Pontiac
- Mike Shabluk of Erie Marking Inc. in Saginaw
- Breanne Stuart of Homewatch CareGivers in Ann Arbor
- Jason Verlinde of RFT Search Group in Farmington Hills
- Mark Ware of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island
“As we undergo this period of extensive change in Michigan’s economy, SBAM is lucky to have small business leaders in varied industries from every part of the state working on bipartisan solutions for our biggest challenges,” said SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley. “Our board will work collaboratively with leadership in Lansing to address the greatest threats to Michigan’s future prosperity – population growth, labor costs, and inflation – to ensure Michigan is a place every small business can thrive.”