Chamber Workshop: Local Business Resources Panel
DATE: Wednesday, February 13
TIME: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Check-in, lunch and networking
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A
LOCATION: Mid Michigan College, Community Room
COST: $10 for Chamber Members, $20 for Non-Members
Lunch included!
Register by Monday, February 11!
Program Description
There are many great business resource organizations in our community for both small and large businesses, and you may have heard of a few, but do you know the full extent of the services and opportunities they have to offer?
Join the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce as we host a panel of local business resource organizations, including representatives from the Mid Michigan Region Small Business Development Center, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, Central Michigan University Research Corporation, and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!. Make sure you're taking full advantage of the resources available right here in our community, and get your questions answered!
Panel Speakers
Ann Marie Batkoski, Director of Business Services & Community Relations, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
Ann Marie Batkoski is the Director of Business Services and Community Relations for Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree, Option in Community Development: Community Services from Central Michigan University She currently sits on the Building Authority Committee in Saginaw County as well as volunteers with the Saginaw YMCA. Previously Ann Marie volunteered as an ambassador for the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce for seven years, serving as their Chair for her last two years. She recently graduated from the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Institute in 2018. Ann Marie has one son who is a junior at Central Michigan University studying criminal justice. In her sparetime she enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and kayaking as well as promoting her community.
Tony Fox, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center (Mid Michigan Region)
Tony Fox serves as Regional Director for the Mid Michigan Region of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Prior to joining the SBDC, Mr. Fox owned and operated a residential construction company in the Central Michigan area. Mr. Fox earned both his undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurship and graduate degree in Administration during his time prior at Central Michigan University. In addition to maintaining current status related to his Michigan Residential Building License, Mr. Fox also maintains Certified Global Business Professional status through NASBITE International. Mr. Fox has been with the SBDC at Mid Michigan College since 2006.
Jim McBryde, President & CEO, Middle Michigan Development Corporation
As the President and CEO of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC), Jim McBryde is responsible for developing the strategic vision and coordinating the economic development efforts in Isabella and Clare counties.
Prior to joining the MMDC, McBryde served for twelve years as Vice President, Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). At MEDC, he worked on key state and federal initiatives and the successful passage of MEDC’s annual budget. Before joining the MEDC, McBryde also served as the Interim Chair for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and as a Special Assistant for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
McBryde also served for eight years in the Michigan House of Representatives, 99th District, having been first elected in 1990 and retiring at the end of 1998 due to term limits. He served on the House Appropriations Committee as Chair of the State Police and Military Affairs Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee.
McBryde received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Central Michigan University. Jim and his wife Kim have been married since 1987. They live in Mount Pleasant and have four wonderful daughters.
Erin Strang, President & CEO, Central Michigan University Research Corporation
Ms. Strang is the president and CEO of Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC). CMURC is a separate 501c3 from the University and part of the Michigan SmartZone network. The focus of the organization is to develop entrepreneurial and small business opportunities for the advancement of economic development throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Strang began her journey at CMURC in 2009 as Grant Development Director where she managed, prepared and submitted over 34 proposals,totaling over $122,440,292.00. Through this impact and proven results, she was quickly promoted to Director of Operations and then President and CEO in October 2010. Strang inherited a negative net income of $360,205.00 in Fiscal Year-2009, was able to turn the organization to a positive $286,140.20 by Fiscal Year-2012, and now has created a sustainable business model for the organization. In 2012 and 2013, CMURC was awarded one of the Top 100 Sustainable Companies in Michigan and by 2014 CMURC began to be recognized as a best practice incubator and accelerator within the Michigan SmartZone network.
Date and Time
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Wednesday, February 13
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Location
Mid Michigan College
Community Room
2400 S. Summerton Rd.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Fees/Admission
Chamber Members: $10
Non-Members: $20
(Includes lunch)