The 2026 Annual Meeting was a day full of celebration, education, and networking. We’ve captured some of the highlights of the day, below – take a look!
Be sure to save the date for next year! We’ll be back at Eagle Eye Golf Club on June 17, 2027.
We were proud to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across Michigan’s small business community.
Agency of the Year – Brogan
Advocate of the Year – Lindsey Potter, Bright Light Early Care & Education
Champion of Small Business – Amy Rencher, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Legislator of the Year – Representative Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R)
Legislator of the Year – Senator Sarah Anthony (D)
Energy Champion (DTE) – Hussein “Sonny” Anani, Ali Anani & Terrace Sargent, Dynamic Glazing Systems, Inc.
Energy Champion (Consumers Energy) – Aaron Hamp, INC Systems
Celebrating individuals whose advocacy and leadership continue to shape and strengthen Michigan’s small business landscape.
Michael DeBruyn, Great Lakes Stainless Inc.
Russ Knopp, Comfort Keepers
Milan Gandhi, Med-Share Inc.
Mike Shabluk, Erie Custom Signs
Doug DeCamp, Flexfab Horizons International
Shannon Burkel, Axios HR
Patrick Dean, Dean Transportation
The Annual Meeting also marked an important leadership transition, with Sheri Welsh passing the gavel to incoming Board Chair Gina Thorsen.
We were also honored to present the Founder’s Award to Larry Faragalli, posthumously recognizing his lasting impact on SBAM and Michigan’s small business community.
We celebrated the graduation of the 2025–26 Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship cohort – twelve business owners from across Michigan representing a range of industries.
This nine-month program supports women entrepreneurs who are actively growing and scaling their businesses through collaboration, strategy, and peer support.
One of the most impactful parts of this year’s Annual Meeting was the Adaptation Lab – interactive sessions where small business owners shared challenges, exchanged ideas, and learned from one another in real time.
These candid conversations highlighted what businesses across Michigan are navigating today – from workforce dynamics to cash flow pressures and growth strategies – and reinforced the power of peer-to-peer learning.
We’ve compiled key insights so you can explore the ideas and solutions shared by fellow business owners.
Questions? Contact Winston Larson for details.