Great Lakes Wire

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has announced the election of small business owners to its 2024-2025 board of directors, effective July 1. Erick Stewart, owner of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting in Battle Creek, will serve as SBAM Board Chair for the upcoming fiscal year. LAGNIAPPE focuses on growth, development, leadership, and culture enhancement for both for-profit and non-profit companies.

“SBAM’s board is led by small business owners, providing real-life expertise and experience to the work done by the largest small business advocacy organization in the country,” Stewart stated. “I’m honored to lead the 2024-2025 board that is filled with smart, motivated and engaging leaders. I am confident that our passionate team will be great advocates for small businesses, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Joining Stewart in SBAM leadership positions are:

- Sheri Welsh from Welsh & Associates in Kalamazoo as 1st Vice Chair

- Gina Thorsen from Stormy Kromer in Ironwood as 2nd Vice Chair

- Mark Ware from Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island as Treasurer

- Ginny Sherrow from Fenton Winery & Brewery in Fenton as Secretary

- Sue Tellier from JetCo Federal in Grand Rapids as Immediate Past Chair

New members joining the SBAM Board of Directors for a three-year term include:

- Anne Bridgewater from AIM Targeted Intelligence in Midland

- Shannon Enders from Lakeshore Employee Benefits in Norton Shores

- Dianne Hartwell from Little Blessings in Lansing

- Monica Gauthier from Groovy Donuts in East Lansing

- Evan Mathison from Mathison | Mathison Architects in Grand Rapids

Returning members of the SBAM Board of Directors include:

- Kevin Begola from Bridge Street Exchange in Fenton

- Kim Bode from 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications in Grand Rapids

- Jenny Brown from Dutton Farm Market in Rochester Hills

- Michael DeBruyn from Great Lakes Stainless in Traverse City

- Derek Dickow from DerekDickow.com in Bloomfield Hills

- Patti Eisenbraun from Brown Iron Brewhouse locations in Royal Oak/Washington

- Larry Faragalli from Brightly in Grand Rapids

- Ali Haider from Michigan Franchise Owners Association of 7-Eleven in Okemos

- Heather Isch from LKF Marketing in Kalamazoo

- Karen May from Momentum Health in Mason

- Matt Russell from Cynerge Consulting in Pontiac

-Michael Shabluk from Erie Custom Signs Saginaw

-Breanne Stuart Homewatch CareGivers Ann Arbor

“SBAM is honored to have small business leaders across various industries and areas of Michigan working together to ensure small business success,” said SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley. “Our board will work together to address challenges and opportunities that exist for small businesses across the state. We appreciate their commitment and willingness to serve on our board.”

The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration, and buying power. Today they serve over 32,000 members across all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located one block away from the Capitol building.

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