Mission Point Resort CEO Mark Ware named 2025 Small Business Advocate of the Year 

LANSING, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has recognized Mark Ware, CEO of Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, as its 2025 Advocate of the Year.

“Mark Ware has been an incredible champion for Michigan’s small businesses over the past year,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of SBAM. “His expert input helped policymakers, and the public understand the true impacts on the implementation of the Earned Sick Time Act, as well as adverse effects to the hospitality industry from the attempt on the phaseout of the tipped wage credit. Mark’s advocacy led to improved versions of both policies in Lansing.”

“Mark’s dedication to his employees, to SBAM’s advocacy efforts and the continued success of fellow small business owners across Michigan are just a few of many reasons we’re proud to name him our 2025 Small Business Advocate of the Year.”

In addition to successfully advocating for changes to the Earned Sick Time Act and tipped wage credit, Mark has been a long-time supporter of the H2B work visa program and continues to signal its importance in Washington, D.C.

“I am grateful that I have been able to use all that I’ve learned from operating a small, family-run business to pursue advocacy efforts that help our entire small business community,” Ware said. “Mission Point has won awards before, but this recognition from SBAM is special. Running a small business can feel isolating, and my work with SBAM reminds me that small businesses can be powerful when we lean on each other and channel our collective voice.”

Ware was presented with the Advocate of the Year award on Tuesday, June 17, during SBAM’s annual meeting in Lansing.

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