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Regional Ambassadors

Interested in learning more about the Small Business Association of Michigan?

Who better to share the details than another small business owner in your area. SBAM Regional Ambassadors are small business owners in your area who are passionate about their involvement with the Small Business Association of Michigan.

Feel free to reach out to these members if you have questions about the benefits of being an SBAM member, or connect with ambassadors at our regional Owner2Owner (O2O) meetings.

Capital Region Ambassadors

Lorri Rishar

Owner of Edge Partnerships

“For a small business owner, there is no stronger advocate in our state than the Small Business Association of Michigan. A membership pays for itself dozens of times over through valuable services, engaging events and pertinent information to help you succeed in business.”

Get in touch with Lorri

Steve Klaver

Co-owner, VP and COO of DBI

“DBI has been a member of SBAM since 2016. Our membership offers us intrinsic value to grow our business.  As part of the Leadership Counsel, I have participated in several Focus on Business TV shows. The exposure and networking opportunities from these appearances have been productive and valuable.”

Get in touch with Steve by visiting her website.

Get in touch with Steve

Lisa Fisher

Speaker, Trainer and Business Coach

“One of the first steps I took after opening my business was joining SBAM. I gained access to over 20,000 other business owners to meet and network with in addition to staying informed on governmental affairs that deal with small businesses.”

Get in touch with Lisa

Justin Caine

Owner of Good Fruit Video

“SBAM has been the greatest investment of our company’s time and money. They are in constant communication, weekly, if not daily, to keep us abreast of everything going on that can affect our business. Another huge benefit is SBAM’s members – the actual small business owners themselves. This allows for conversations within our events and meetings to be unfiltered and at a level that I’ve never experienced in any other group I’ve been a part of.”

Get in touch with Justin

Grand Rapids Region Ambassadors

Sue Tellier

President of JetCo Federal Supply

“SBAM provides a forum for advocacy on issues affecting small businesses in Michigan and federally. SBAM’s highly respected government relations staff guide on complex topics and provide vehicles for outreach to elected officials and other public decision-makers.”

Get in touch with Sue

Jason Dodge

Founder of BlackTruck Media + Marketing

“Often as small business owners we get so tuned into our own day-to-day that we ignore things on the outside that could have a positive or negative impact on the growth of our businesses. I rely heavily on SBAM to keep me informed and up-to-date on the items that matter the most here locally in Michigan and nationally.”

Get in touch with Jason

Jennifer Jurgens

CEO and Founder of 1 Bold Step

“We joined SBAM shortly after forming 1 Bold Step and cannot begin to calculate the value that it’s brought to our organization.  From the advocacy work they do on behalf of small businesses, to the Owner2Owner events, to the general networking and education, SBAM has provided access to a wealth of knowledge.”

Get in touch with Jennifer

Karen Scarpino

Founder of GreenGiftz

“The peer learning gained from being a SBAM member has been priceless, not to mention the friendships gained.  The ROI for membership is incredible, and had I known, I would have become a member years ago.”

Get in touch with Karen

Mike Ritsema

President of i3 Business Solutions

“Beyond the small business advocacy in the heart of Lansing, the Leadership Council has directly impacted my business in measurable ways. Ask me about the financial impact SBAM made on my health insurance, Traction EOS strategic business management, and PR and marketing. Real people, real work, real results!”

Get in touch with Mike

Kim Bode

Owner of 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications

“SBAM has done so much for 8THIRTYFOUR, I quite frankly don’t even know where to start in communicating the incredible resources, value, and support they bring to small businesses. The briefings kept us moving forward as a company and prepared us to handle the uncertainty of the future.”

Get in touch with Kim

Ottawa Region Ambassadors

Adam Zuwerink

Partner + Attorney West Michigan Law

“As a small business owner who also works with many other small businesses, I cannot speak highly enough about the resources that SBAM provides to their members. No matter what your issue, there is always an SBAM staff member ready to help solve your problem. And as the most effective advocacy voice in Lansing for small business owners, SBAM has absolutely knocked it out of the park providing easy to understand COVID-19 updates on a daily basis.”

Get in touch with Adam

Kalamazoo Region Ambassadors

Sheri Welsh

President and CEO of Welsh & Associates

“I joined SBAM 7 years ago because I felt that the voice of small business was underrepresented in our state.  I wanted to be aligned with an advocate for the interests and economic vitality of other entrepreneurs just like me.  What I found was that SBAM was all of that. No other organization offers the small business support and advocacy that SBAM does.”

Get in touch with Sheri

Gary Kushner

President of Kushner & Company

“I’ve been an SBAM member, past Director, and past Chair since 1985. SBAM is the premier small business representative in Lansing, and its voice is strong in driving our government officials to take actions supporting small businesses in the state. I’m also especially thankful for the many Owner2Owner relationships I’ve formed over the years with people who, like me, want to grow small business in our state.”

Get in touch with Gary
Heather Isch

Heather Isch

President/CEO LKF Marketing

“I joined SBAM as a VIP member several years ago because I wanted to interact with other owners of small companies and professionals who faced similar opportunities and challenges. At SBAM, I found my people and so much more. SBAM’s guidance and resources have helped us navigate many of the issues created by the pandemic and state-mandated shut downs and restrictions. Our membership was and will continue to be a wise investment.”

Get in touch with Heather

Brad Scoffin

Co-Founder Advanced Business Advisors, LLC

“SBAM has been one of the best investments we have made for our business, providing us access to timely information at a state and local level, allowing us to plan better and make effective decisions.  Their team and programming has created an atmosphere where we connect with other business owners to learn and access expertise to solve our current challenges.”

Get in touch with Brad

Oakland Region Ambassadors


Dan Cherrin

Founder of North Coast Strategies

“I can’t think of a more influential organization in the State of Michigan than SBAM. It not only influences public policy, it influences thousands of Michigan business leaders in how we grow our business and how we can do it together.”

Get In Touch With Dan

Cathy Koch

CEO, K-Tec Systems Inc.

“SBAM has been an important partner in the growth of our company, providing the necessary tools and education that allow us to plan, promote, and network throughout our state, as well as stay connected to our government and laws that will affect our company and employees.”

Get In Touch With Cathy

Milan Gandhi

Owner Med-Share Inc

“Being a member of SBAM means always having a place to meet and share with other business owners in a safe environment. No sales pitches or reps. Just honest small business advocacy and services.”

Get In Touch With Milan

Diane Christensen

Owner Custom Results Corporate Consulting

“We represent numerous companies that have taken advantage of SBAM employee benefits and services. SBAM gives a voice to small and midsize companies with insurance carriers and employee benefit vendors and service providers that would normally be reserved for only large group customers. When you join SBAM you join a community of business owners.”

Get in touch with Diane

Anita Abrol

Principal of Lewis & Knopf CPAs, PC

“Every business owner must surround themselves with a support network of like-minded owners who can relate to similar circumstances, whether it is advice on who to contact, latest governmental legislation or simply a shoulder to cry on – Your friends at SBAM are there to guide on your business journey!”

Get in touch with Anita

Derek Dickow

Owner of DerekDickow.com

“I joined SBAM because they are the premier advocacy organization on behalf of small business in Michigan. Their access to elected officials and ability to influence policy on both sides of the aisle is undeniable. I’m a proud member.”

Get in touch with Derek

Wayne Region Ambassadors

Jim Foucher

Vice President of RBV Contracting 

“SBAM has been instrumental, both in the growth of our business, and in expanding my own professional network. You won’t find a more welcoming, fun, and effective group of individuals anywhere else in Michigan.”

Get in touch with Jim

Dan Cherrin

Founder of North Coast Strategies

“I can’t think of a more influential organization in the State of Michigan than SBAM. It not only influences public policy, it influences thousands of Michigan business leaders in how we grow our business and how we can do it together.”

Get in touch with Dan

Macomb Region Ambassadors

Patti Eisenbraun

Owner of Brown Iron Brewhouse

“Since connecting with SBAM, they have been a partner making sure my small business can be as successful as possible, providing resources and encouragement to keep the faith and know that they are watching out for you as well.”

Get In Touch With Patti

Jeff Farrington

Area President of FocusCFO

“During my career I found out that there is one group that outperforms all others as an advocate for small business at the state level, and that is the Small Business Association of Michigan. Advocacy is only the beginning of the benefits derived from participating.”

Get In Touch With Jeff

Jami Moore

Owner of JEM Tech Group

“SBAM has been an amazing resource for JEM. They are simply the voice of small business.  Alone the staff is informative and always on top of their game with knowledge to help us.  The peer networking has been priceless too.  As an owner, sometimes you feel alone and don’t know where to turn for advice. All of us as business owners face similar challenges and opportunities. In leadership council we can share our experiences and learn from one another.”

Get in touch with Jami

Great Lakes Bay Region Ambassadors

Anita Abrol

Principal of Lewis & Knopf CPAs, PC

“Every business owner must surround themselves with a support network of like-minded owners who can relate to similar circumstances, whether it is advice on who to contact, latest governmental legislation or simply a shoulder to cry on – Your friends at SBAM are there to guide on your business journey!”

Get In Touch With Anita

Dale Keipert

Owner of 3Sixty Interactive, Inc

“Of all of the different industry and business organizations I’ve been involved with, SBAM is the single standout in terms of bringing real value to our agency.  They are the definitive voice that we have turned to over and over.  They are a true business partner.”

Get in touch with Dale

Ann Arbor Region Ambassadors

Sassa Akervall

President of SISU Guard

“One of my favorite things throughout the years have been networking with fellow small businesses. I have had the pleasure of using some of them as greatly appreciated vendors. There is virtually nothing you can’t find in the membership log of SBAM. If you need somebody in a certain business or area of expertise, you can be sure that they belong to SBAM.”

Get in touch with Sassa

Marquette/Upper Peninsula Region Ambassadors

Gina Thorsen

President of Stormy Kromer

“SBAM has been an important partner in the growth of our company, providing the necessary tools and education that allow us to plan, promote, and network throughout our state, as well as stay connected to our government and laws that will affect our company and employees.”

Get In Touch With Gina

Rich Tegge

President of Wealth Strategy Group

“Sometimes we in the UP can feel disconnected from the rest of the state, SBAM is my bridge to what’s happening statewide for business.  They strongly advocate for small business in Michigan and actively engage me to understand the unique issues facing UP business. The friendships, knowledge and enjoyment I have gained through my association with SBAM has been invaluable.”

Get In Touch With Rich

Traverse City Region Ambassadors

Bonnie Alfonso

President/CEO of Alfie Logo Gear

“SBAM is my trusted resource for the latest and most accurate information on issues and policies that impact small business.”

Get in touch with Bonnie

Allison Beers

Owner of Events North

“SBAM has been one of the most instrumental tools for operating my business.  I truly see it as an investment in my company.  I feel well informed on issues that I may not have noticed that could change my business and they also provide tools on how to act and advocate for myself. I sleep better knowing I have a highly trained team of professionals who have my back!”

Get in touch with Allison

Muskegon Region Ambassadors

Park Kersman

President of Lorin Industries

“SBAM has been the most valuable source for information and resources pertaining to my business offering insight, guidance, updates, connections and services that contribute our success.”

Southwest Michigan Ambassadors

Andrew Blain

Owner of Next level Consultants, LLC

“SBAM has continually provided the resources and tools, as a partner to our company, making it far easier for us to thrive in an ever-changing business climate, and the ability to network both regionally and statewide to promote and share ideas with others and stay connected with our government.”

Northern Michigan Region Ambassadors

Sue Tellier

President of JetCo Federal Supply

“SBAM provides a forum for advocacy on issues affecting small businesses in Michigan and federally. SBAM’s highly respected government relations staff guide on complex topics and provide vehicles for outreach to elected officials and other public decision-makers.”

Get in touch with Sue