MMPC 2025 Program Book by michiganmsdc

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

TOGETHER, LET’S BUILD.

OPENING LETTERS

MMSDC CO-CHAIRMAN

LIZ DOOR

MMSDC CO-CHAIRMAN

TRACY JOSHUA

Dear MMPC attendees,

On behalf of your Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s (MMSDC) Board of Directors, welcome to the 2025 Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC) and Business Opportunity Exchange!

Our theme this year - “BE BOLD, BREAK BARRIERS, BUILD LEGACIES,” captures the focus and energy of this unique conference. We continue to emphasize connecting global, national and local corporations with top business enterprises (MBEs and others) in Michigan and throughout the country!

We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity, and to utilize the next few days to build relationships, discover opportunities and grow your company’s brand. MMPC has proven to be an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their capabilities and make strong and valuable connections.

This year’s speakers are prepared to provide valuable insights and best practices for navigating the rapidly changing environments we all face. We hope you find the content inspiring and the experience rewarding.

Many corporate partners in attendance are passionate about building relationships and ensuring that our supply base continues to reflect our customers, consumers and our team members. This is a critical part of our success, and we look forward to meeting you during the Business Opportunity Exchange to begin the dialogue toward partnership.

As Co-Chairs for the MMSDC Board, we have seen the dedication and commitment of the MMSDC team to meet the moment and the needs of the constituents to grow and scale their businesses, to match and connect us regarding opportunities, and to provide development for corporate partners and business owners. Thank you to Michelle Sourie Robinson and her AMAZING team!

We are grateful to all of you for your continued support. Have a great conference!

OPENING LETTERS

MICHIGAN CONGRESSMAN

JOHN JAMES

Members of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council,

I want to welcome you to the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s (MMSDC) 44th annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference and Opportunity Fair! With nearly 300 exhibits, one full day of learning sessions, and professional networking events throughout, I hope that your attendance at this trade fair will enable you to accomplish your business’ goals and beyond!

For those of you who are not aware, my father, John A. James, started our family business with one truck, one trailer and NO excuses in 1971. Despite push back from the federal government, including a legal battle at the Supreme Court, my father obtained a 48-state operating authority while easing the burden for minorities to enter the trucking business. I was blessed to join the family company in 2012 after serving in the United States Army as an Apache helicopter pilot and continue his success by growing the company to new heights.

My family’s story is one that I am sure mirrors many of your stories. It is one of perseverance, hard-work, and a firm belief in the American Dream for all who have the drive to attain it.

During this Michigan Minority Procurement Conference and Opportunity Fair, I hope you all will seize the moment and take the opportunity to meet with the other business owners in our industry. The City of Detroit is blessed to have over 300 MMSDC member corporations and 1,000 member businesses, who are all working collaboratively to grow Michigan’s economy and build America.

I thank you for your participation in this event and wish you and your business the best in the years to come!

Signed,

John E. James Member of Congress

OPENING LETTERS

DETROIT MAYOR

MIKE DUGGAN

Dear Friends:

Greetings and welcome to all in attendance atthe 44th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference, (MMPC) held at Huntington Place from April 30 to May 1, 2025, in Detroit, MI! In its 44th year, MMPC stands as the nation’s foremost procurement conference, emphasizing the vital connection between global, national, and local corporations and the foremost NMSDC Certified Businesses in Michigan and across the nation. This year, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) has curated the theme ‘Be Bold, Break Barriers, Build Legacies’ to encapsulate the concentration and dynamism of this distinctive conference.

This two-day conference is filled with valuable tools for activating your business including workshops, seminars, industry-specific forums, procurement matchmaking sessions, and an all-day business opportunity exchange trade fair. Their focus is to provide valuable resources to ensure that businesses thrive in 2025 and beyond by creating invaluable opportunities which create real connections and stimulate growth. MMPC is not your traditional conference, as its participants can expect hands-on experience that will define actionable tasks that they’ll be able to apply, track and monitor to further improve operations and success.

On behalf of the city of Detroit, we commend you all for your efforts and applaud all your hard work, commitment, and dedication. Congratulations on 44 years and best wishes for another successful conference and year!

Sincerely,

Mike Duggan, Mayor City of Detroit

OPENING LETTERS

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR

GRETCHEN WHITMER

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the state of Michigan, I’d like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 44th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC) & Opportunity Fair.

The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) is committed to driving economic growth to benefit communities and supporting minority businesses to grow Michigan’s economy. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to MMSDC for hosting this event. This work is incredibly important to the development and growth of minority businesses.

To everyone attending, I hope this conference will provide a space for you to connect with business leaders and discover opportunities to expand your operations here in Michigan. We’re so glad to have you on Team Michigan!

Again, welcome to the 44th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC) & Opportunity Fair. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and productive effect.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer Governor of Michigan

EMPOWERING

COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

We believe our supply chain is at its best when all partners get the chance to thrive. That’s why we spend billions with local and diverse suppliers, driving innovation and delivering high value for our customers. In 2024, we spent $1 billion with diverse suppliers, which created jobs and fostered economic growth throughout our state. This approach opens doors of opportunity and creates prosperity, building a stronger, more affordable future for the communities we serve.

OPENING LETTERS

MMSDC PRESIDENT & CEO

MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON

Dear Valued Guest:

On behalf of the board, staff and our constituents, welcome to the 44th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC). Your continued support of this business conference, which brings us together in meaningful ways, is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being here.

We find ourselves once again in unprecedented times, where we are called forth to rise graciously to overcome unfounded challenges as we continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards. The data speaks for itself - our work fuels growth that benefits all communities, so we remain committed to advocating for the SEDI businesses we have served for more than a decade.

The theme for this year’s conference – BE BOLD, BREAK BARRIERS, BUILD LEGACIES, is both a challenge and a mantra to make the coming year a successful one. We thank our amazing corporate partners and engaged business constituents who have all worked really hard over the years to build their businesses and to help each other achieve business goals. We have a track record of putting our heads together and accomplishing great things, and we will continue to lead. In fact, it is this legacy that we build on as we move forward.

Your participation, support and engagement have already made this year’s conference a success. We look forward to the positive impact that will stem from these two days of connections and collaborations.

Respectfully,

Michelle Sourie Robinson President & CEO, MMSDC, and Operator, Michigan Business Solutions Group

SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE

BILL DUREN Duren Resources (Co-Chair)

JACKIE BURNLEY Walbridge (Co-Chair)

TAMIKA BROWN The Harmon Group

ROBERT BORDEAUX Caravan

DURANT CRUM Dakkota

SHANNON ELLISON Flex N Gate

TAMMI HART Tenneco

MARILYN HORN 98 Forward

TERESA LEFEVRE Comerica

BARBARA MORGAN Lear

TANYA CADWELL-MURRAY ZF

DANIEL MUSCHONG DTE

DANIELLE PAGE Adient

SHAWN PERDUE Miller Knoll

LISA POINTER Blue Cross Blue Shield

EK RAMACHANDRAN Kyyba

ANTOINETTE TURNER BWD Technologies

RYOKO WATANABE Toyota

Building stronger communities

Thank you to Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) for the great work you do in our community.

Bank of America’s goal is simple — to help make financial lives better. Whether that means owning a home, starting a business, building savings and credit, or being a great place to work, we connect the people in our communities to the things that matter most.

Ed Siaje President, Bank of America Detroit bankofamerica.com/detroit

What would you like the power to do?®

DIVERSE VENDORS

FACILITY MANAGEMENT & VIDEO

PRODUCTION

3Pin Design & Management

Full View Productions

ENTERTAINMENT

Terrance Jones

EVENT PRODUCTION

The Wynning Experience

GRAPHICS AND PRINTING

Detroit Graphics & Signs

Duren Resources

Alliance Prints

TR3 Studios

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hobson Media Group

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Essence Promotions

Lemonade Creative Marketing, LLC

SECURITY SERVICES

Xecutive Protection Services

VIDEO

C Boy Productions

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

MMPC OFFICIAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE SPONSORS

ATRIUM SPONSOR BANK PARTNER

CONFERENCE LANYARD SPONSORS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE LUNCH SPONSORS

DIGITAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM BOOK SPONSORS

RIBBON CUTTING SPONSORS

CLOSING RECEPTION SPONSORS

MISSION-FOCUSED SPONSOR

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY LUNCH SPONSORS

MOBILE APP SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

RELAXATION AND NETWORKING/LOUNGE SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

MBEIC DAY APRIL

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE DAY MAY 1ST

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:30 AM – 5:30 PM REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ANNUAL MEETING (CURRENT CORPORATE MEMBERS AND NMSDC CERTIFIED MBEs)

9:15 AM – 10:45 AM

PLENARY - THRIVING IN AN ANTI-DEI CLIMATE

Inclusive economies benefit all communities. Yet, supplier diversity has been misunderstood and mislabeled by many during the recent national backlash. These programs ensure that all citizens are given the opportunity to realize their full potential. In the opening session, we will explore the current state of this critical work, including national, state and local perspectives.

Based on prior participants’ input, this is a two-part session. The morning session is designed to define the new reality. The afternoon sessions are designed to help participants outline strategies and solutions as they devise their individual action plans. The working sessions are only open to active corporate members and NMSDC-certified MBE firms.

MICHELLE CROCKETT Labor & Employment Partner HONIGMAN LLP

PETER J. HAMMER A. Alfred Taubman Endowed Chair

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

TYRONE D. SANDERS JR., ESQ. Founder and Managing Director

OBSIDIAN ADVOCACY GROUP, LLC

NIGEL STEPHENS Founder PHOENIX STRATEGIES, INC.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY +

INCLUSION

At Barton Malow, we understand that how we build is just as important as what we build We integrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into the way we do business, inside and out. This includes programs for our workforce, suppliers, and contractors.

Streamlining of the process for prequalification and bid management on all projects

Providing contractors with capacity building programming and diverse supplier training

Structuring bid packages to maximize the participation of diverse businesses through 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tiers

Providing executive mentorship to our diverse joint venture, association and protege partners

Highlighting and promoting the success of our diverse suppliers through our website and media channels

Strengthening partnerships with national organizations and regional contractor associations that provide support to our diverse partners

Fairness. Respect. Inclusion.

With

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM MBE SESSION 1 - GROWTH THROUGH INNOVATION 142 A-C

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying competitive requires more than just keeping up—it demands innovation. This panel discussion, “Growth Through Innovation,” will explore how MBEs can leverage cutting-edge technologies, accelerator programs, and digital transformation strategies to scale, optimize, and future-proof their companies.

Led by industry experts from Automation Alley, Plug and Play, The Centrepolis Accelerator, and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, this conversation will dive into emerging trends, funding opportunities, and practical tools that businesses can adopt to drive growth. Panelists will also share real-world success stories and insights on how small businesses can navigate uncertainty and harness innovation to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

NISHANT DIXIT

Corporate Partnerships Lead PLUG AND PLAY DETROIT Co-Founder ALISIO

Chief Executive Officer

LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY CENTREPOLIS ACCELERATOR

LISA STIEF Vice President of Operations AUTOMATION ALLEY

AMY RENCHER

Senior Vice President of Small Business MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

WERNER

Program Manager Operational Excellence LSS MASTER BLACK BELT

DAN RADOMSKI

CHUCK

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

MBE SESSION 2 - 3 SECRETS TO RAPID BUSINESS GROWTH FOR MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS

A high-impact session designed to help business owners understand and implement the three critical components to scaling revenue quickly. This session will empower MBEs and small business owners with actionable strategies to increase sales, improve profitability, and accelerate growth.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM MBE SESSION 3 - EV CONVERSION

EV conversion will be a seminar focused on the transition of MBE Ice Manufacturing to EV Manufacturing. More specifically, the seminar will focus on the EV marketplace and reasons why MBEs should consider expanding their businesses to include manufacturing components and providing services to support the growing demand for EVs. The MBE should expect to get market information on the following.

1. Industry Landscape and Opportunities

2. Business Expansion Rationale

3. Competitive Edge and Innovation

4. Strategic Planning and Support

JONATHAN SMITH Chief Deputy Director

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

IAN WATTS

The Small Business Dream Fulfillment Coach SB DREAM COACH, LLC

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

CORPORATE SESSION 1 - TURNING DISRUPTION INTO OPPORTUNITY: INNOVATING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAMS

In today’s market, disruptions are inevitable - but they can also serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. This session is designed to empower corporations with actionable strategies to redefine supplier diversity programs as drivers of innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

Learn from Industry leaders as they share insights and proven approaches to navigating disruptions while enhancing supplier diversity. Attendees will discover how to adapt programs to evolving market demands, integrate new technologies, and foster collaboration with diverse suppliers across industries.

RICH BUCHANAN Founder and CEO BUCHANAN INDUSTRIES

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

President of Business Engagement

CORPORATE SESSION 2 - BUILDING RESILIENT LEADERSHIP IN CHANGING TIMES

As supplier diversity leaders, the landscape is shifting beneath us. With increasing attacks on DEI initiatives, role eliminations, and restructuring, corporate leaders must strategically pivot while staying committed to their mission. This high-impact, interactive session is designed to equip supplier diversity professionals with resilience strategies, advocacy tools, and an actionable game plan for leading through uncertainty.

ANA L. RAMÍREZ-SÁENZ Founder and CEO LA FUENTE CONSULTING

CHUCK HENDRIX Vice

WBENC

COURTNEY QUENNEVILLE Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Americas Manager SCHAEFFLER

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

CORPORATE SESSION 3 - BOLD TRANSITIONS: OWNING YOUR BRAND AND BUILDING YOUR CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE FOR WHAT’S NEXT

The landscape for supplier diversity and DEI professionals is shifting—roles are changing, teams are shrinking, and entire programs are under scrutiny. How do you stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what’s next?

Led by Dr. Upton, a globally recognized DEI strategist and change management expert, this interactive workshop will equip you with the tools to own your personal brand, reposition your expertise, and confidently navigate career transitions.

Through guided exercises, expert insights, and peer discussions, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to future-proof your career and ensure your skills remain in demand—no matter how the external environment shifts.

This is your moment to redefine your next chapter. Are you ready?

UPTON Founder and Chief Inclusion + Change Management Strategist UPTON CONSULTING GROUP (UCG)

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM KEYNOTE LUNCHEON WITH LT. GOVERNOR GARLAND GILCHRIST II AND DENNIS ARCHER JR. Grand Ballroom B

DR. SANDRA

DENNIS ARCHER, JR. Chief Executive Officer IGNITION MEDIA GROUP

LT. GOVERNOR GARLIN GILCHRIST II Lieutenant Governor STATE OF MICHIGAN

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

AFTERNOON PLENARY - THRIVING IN AN ANTI-DEI CLIMATE - WORKING SESSIONS

142 A-C, 140 C

CROCKETT Labor & Employment Partner HONIGMAN LLP

PETER J. HAMMER A. Alfred Taubman Endowed Chair WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

D. SANDERS JR., ESQ. Founder and Managing Director OBSIDIAN ADVOCACY GROUP, LLC

Founder

MICHELLE

TYRONE

NIGEL STEPHENS

PHOENIX STRATEGIES, INC.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

MBE SESSION - BSG LIVE: BUSINESS SOLUTIONS UNLOCKED – YOUR QUESTIONS, EXPERT ANSWERS

Have pressing questions about securing capital, scaling your business, navigating M&A, or overcoming today’s challenges? This dynamic, interactive Q&A session connects you with top experts in business coaching, lending, and entrepreneurship, offering real-time insights tailored to your needs. Led by MMSDC’s Business Solutions Group (BSG), this session is your opportunity to gain expert guidance on growth, strategy, and success—no matter the business climate.

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

CORPORATE SESSION - CORPORATE MASTERMIND: NAVIGATING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY’S NEW ERA

As supplier diversity faces unprecedented challenges, corporate leaders must think strategically, act decisively, and adapt proactively. This interactive mastermind session, led by the Corporate Development Committee (CDC),brings together supplier diversity professionals to benchmark, collaborate, and problem-solve in real time.

Through dynamic discussions and peer-driven insights, you’ll develop actionable strategies to sustain and strengthen supplier diversity initiatives, even in an evolving corporate and political landscape. Walk away with a customized resilience plan, new strategies for navigating uncertainty, and a powerful network of corporate peers committed to driving impact.

3:15 PM – 5:00 PM ALL - PNP PITCH COMPETITION

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM ONE MMSDC RECEPTION River West

HASSAN ELSAYED Business Community Officer BANK OF AMERICA

MARLEE D’ARCO President & CEO SAFETY SERVICES, INC.

DENNIS ARCHER, JR.

Chief Executive Officer

IGNITION MEDIA GROUP

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dennis W. Archer Jr. is the CEO of Ignition Media Group, president of Archer Corporate Services and managing partner of Central Kitchen + Bar.

Ignition Media Group specializes in strategic consulting & matchmaking, DEI consultation via Soundcheck, and experiential marketing for clients including BLN, Rockford Construction, WCCCD, FCA, BMW, and Bacardi North America. Ignition’s leadership team leverages a large network of local contacts in the media, business, political and philanthropic communities.

Dennis has created a portfolio of companies, each of which thrives in a specific niche. In 2004, he co-founded ACS with CEO Mike Carr. ACS has grown into one of the nation’s leading marketing fulfillment service firms, serving clients such as General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Kellogg’s. ACS provides trade & consumer fulfillment, printing and print management, promotional merchandising, plastic card and call center services.

LT. GOVERNOR

GARLIN

GILCHRIST II

Lieutenant

Governor STATE OF MICHIGAN

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II has dedicated his career to solving problems. A software engineer by training, he uses thoughtful and factbased practices to make government work better for Michigan families on issues like entrepreneurship, criminal and juvenile justice, health care, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. He is committed to building a Michigan where every person can reach their full potential.

As leader of statewide task forces on jail, pretrial incarceration, and juvenile justice, he worked across the aisle to champion historic legislation to build a smarter and fairer justice system that saves taxpayer money and helps hundreds of thousands of Michiganders access better opportunity for jobs and housing.

He has led efforts to connect over 27,000 homes and businesses to reliable, affordable fast internet, expand innovation, and make Michigan the best place to have an idea. He embarked on statewide “Thriving Cities” tours visiting communities in every region to hear from Michiganders about the issues that matter. He also served as chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

MICHELLE CROCKETT

Labor & Employment Partner HONIGMAN

LLP

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Michelle Crockett is a labor and employment attorney who specializes in defending Fortune 500 companies and public-sector clients against various employment-related claims. She conducts internal investigations involving harassment, retaliation, discrimination, malfeasance, misappropriation of funds, and DEI-related matters. Additionally, Michelle provides litigation and traditional labor advice to municipalities, non-profits, and school districts, which includes assistance with grievances, arbitration hearings, collective bargaining, board governance, special education issues, due process hearings, and student discipline. Michelle also assists private and publicsector clients with DEI strategic planning, implementation of desired DEI goals/initiatives in accordance with applicable laws, and creates and/or conducts training on all matters related to DEI within the workplace.

Michelle was named as one of the Best Lawyers in America, 2013, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024; Crain’s Notable Black Business Leader, 2024; and CORP Magazine Diversity Business Leader, 2024. She was also appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to the State DEI Commission in 2022, a role she maintains today.

PETER J. HAMMER

A. Alfred Taubman

Endowed Chair

WAYNE STATE

UNIVERSITY

LAW SCHOOL

Peter J. Hammer was named the A. Alfred Taubman Endowed Chair at Wayne State University Law School in fall 2018. Hammer has taught at Wayne Law since 2003 and is the director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights. The Keith Center is dedicated to promoting the educational, economic and political empowerment of under-represented communities in urban areas and to ensuring that the phrase “equal justice under law” applies to all members of society.

Hammer has become a leading voice on the economic and social issues impacting the city of Detroit, and has added new courses to the law school curriculum on “Race, Law and Social Change in Southeast Michigan” and “Re-Imagining Development in Detroit: Institutions, Law & Society.”

Hammer has expertise in the fields of domestic health law and policy, as well as international public health and economic development. He is a recipient of an Investigator Award in Health Policy Research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and served as lead editor for Uncertain Times: Kenneth Arrow and the Changing Economics of Health Care, a book published by Duke University Press (2003).

TYRONE D. SANDERS JR., ESQ. Founder and Managing Director OBSIDIAN ADVOCACY GROUP, LLC

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Tyrone is the Founder and Managing Director of the multi-client governmental consulting firm, Obsidian Advocacy Group, LLC. (OAG). He has over 25 years of professional experience navigating the inner workings of federal, state, and local governmental arenas. Sanders’ experience, corporate management background, and legal training make him an invaluable asset to the firm’s impressive roster of clients.

Tyrone is a well-known Connector, Influencer, and Strategist, who excels at leveraging his expertise in a myriad of issue areas and cultivating bipartisan relationships to achieve success for his clients. While he represents a diverse group of client interests, his primary areas of specialization include healthcare, Appropriations, education, casino gaming, fund development for non-profits, and business development (procurement).

Prior to founding OAG, Sanders enjoyed a distinguished 20-year career as a Partner at one of Michigan’s premier governmental consulting firms, Public Affairs Associates, Inc., where he continues to serve in an “of counsel” capacity. Also, he enjoyed a successful stint as Vice President for External Affairs for SBC Communications (currently AT&T).

NIGEL STEPHENS Founder PHOENIX STRATEGIES, INC.

Nigel Stephens has over 25 years experience in Government Relations, public policy, and public affairs. He has worked in both chambers on Capitol Hill, on political campaigns, and in the private sector to drive initiatives around innovation, small business and entrepreneurship, modernizing government, and economic development.

Nigel supports businesses of various sizes develop and implement integrated and comprehensive government affairs programs including setting strategic direction, brand awareness, market shaping, public policy and advocacy. He serves as liaison between members of Congress, State and Local governments, service and technology industry, regulators and other policy makers.

Prior to launching Phoenix Strategies, Inc. Nigel served as the VP of Government Affairs for Infor and the Director of Government Relations for Accenture Federal Services (AFS).

RICH BUCHANAN

Founder & CEO

BUCHANAN INDUSTRIES

SESSION SPEAKERS

Rich Buchanan is the founder and CEO of Buchanan Industries, a Detroitbased heavy construction excavation and hauling company. He launched the company in 2021 with a single dump truck and a bold vision to build something greater for his community. In just a few short years, Buchanan Industries has grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with a fleet of trucks and a multi-acre campus featuring an office headquarters, a maintenance facility, and a training center. Through hard work, strategic growth, and a deep commitment to delivering quality and consistency, the company has secured high-profile contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Wayne County Airport Authority, and regional municipalities across Southeast Michigan.

Beyond the numbers, Rich is most proud of the jobs Buchanan Industries has created—livable wage opportunities that uplift individuals and strengthen communities. He is deeply committed to workforce development and mentorship, launching initiatives such as a foster youth entrepreneurship program in partnership with The Park West Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.

MARLEE D’ARCO

President & CEO

SAFETY SERVICES, INC.

Marlee D’Arco serves as President & CEO at Safety Services, Inc., headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI. She carries forward the family business into its third generation with an unwavering commitment innovation in industrial safety and wholesale distribution, driven by the impact these sectors have on workers and companies every day

Before assuming her role at Safety Services, Inc., Marlee embarked on a dynamic and diverse career journey. She held roles in public relations, marketing, e-commerce, pharmaceutical sales, and spent several years practicing law. These experiences have been attributed to her expertise in communication strategies, internet marketing systems, field sales development, contract drafting, and negotiation. Her wide-ranging background has equipped her with the agility to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern small business leadership.

NISHANT DIXIT

Corporate Partnerships

Lead PLUG AND PLAY DETROIT

Co-founder ALISIO

HASSAN ELSAYED Business Community Officer BANK OF AMERICA

SESSION SPEAKERS

Nishant Dixit, Corporate Partnerships Lead at Plug and Play Detroit, connects large corporations with innovative startups in mobility. He’s also the founder of Alisio, an international cash management platform that integrates financial back office systems and payments to help sub suppliers get paid faster, qualify for more contracts, and minimize risk to purchasing teams.

Nishant has served as a US State Department Professional Fellow where he traveled to Morocco as part of a delegation to work with NGOs, universities and government officials on entrepreneurship and economic development.

Previously, Nishant founded Gyaan Tel, a mobile B2B startup digitizing traditional retailers in emerging markets. It expanded from Hong Kong to India, Colombia, Brazil, and was later acquired by a Mexican AI company. He also worked with TechnoServe India as an advisor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile on entrepreneurship and economic development.

Hassan Elsayed is a Business Community Officer with Bank of America. As a Small Business community officer Hassan’s goals are to develop relationships with local organizations, provide resources and opportunities to individual business owners, and drive responsible growth focused on providing access to capital and financial education within local communities.

Hassan Elsayed started 6 years ago with Bank of America where he has held roles as a Financial Center Manager, Small Business Banker, and now Business Community Officer. He has held various roles between Ford Motor Credit and now Bank of America over the last 10 years. Hassan started as a Business Community Officer in January of 2023 and has been a top performer in each role.

CHUCK HENDRIX Vice President of Business Engagement

WBENC

SESSION SPEAKERS

After a 32-year career in the automotive industry, Charles (Chuck) Hendrix joined the WBENC team in 2021 as the VP of Business Engagement where his primary responsibility is to establish strategic relationships with executives at corporate and government member organizations and assist in developing and leading programs that meet their organizational objectives to engage with women-owned business enterprises. Additionally, Mr. Hendrix leads WBENC’s Automotive Advisory Board and sits on the Executive Board of the WBEC-South Regional Partnering Organization and serves as an advisor to the WBEC-ORV Regional Partnering Organization.

Prior to joining WBENC, Mr. Hendrix retired from Toyota Motor North America after a distinguished 25-year career where he served in various managerial capacities including leading Toyota’s award-winning Supplier Diversity program which included over $3B in direct annual spending with diverse and women-owned businesses and an additional $1B in Tier 2 spending. In addition to other various leadership roles within procurement, Mr. Hendrix also served as a Corporate Diversity Manager where he was responsible for advancing Toyota’s overall diversity initiatives as well as serving on Toyota’s African American Collaborative’s North American Advisory Council which seeks to develop strategies and guidance for the affinity group.

COURTNEY

QUENNEVILLE

Supplier Diversity and Sustainability

Americas Manager

SCHAEFFLER

Courtney Quenneville is the Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Americas Manager for Schaeffler, formerly Vitesco Technologies in Auburn Hills, Mich., where she leads major pillars of the Americas sustainability initiative including purchasing processes and strategies, global leadership engagement, and internal education activities. Courtney is passionate about building programs that result in meaningful connections between diverse suppliers and key decision-makers. Prior to joining Vitesco Technologies, she helped elevate supplier diversity programs at global Tier-1 suppliers Continental AG and Flex-N-Gate.

Courtney has received recognition for her supplier diversity efforts including being named one of Diversity Plus Magazine’s “Top 30 Champions of Diversity”, CAMSC’s “Tier 1 Champion of Diversity”, and most recently an honoree for Inforum’s 2024 “Female Faces of the Future”. Courtney currently serves as a Board Member for the organization, “Council of Supplier Diversity Professionals” (CSDP).

DAN RADOMSKI Chief Executive Officer

LAWRENCE TECH

UNIVERSITY

CENTREPOLIS ACCELERATOR

ANA L. RAMÍREZSÁENZ

Founder and CEO

LA FUENTE CONSULTING

SESSION SPEAKERS

Dan is currently the CEO of the Lawrence Technological University Centrepolis Accelerator, a program that helps accelerate and scale small manufacturers and innovators of new “hardware” products.

Radomski frequently serves as an advisor, judge, mentor and committee member for regional and national accelerators and cleantech competitions, including TechStars Mobility, CleanTech Open, Clean Energy Trust Challenge, Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, DTE E-Challenge, Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest, and the Michigan Clean Energy Venture Challenge.

Prior to NextEnergy Dan was co-founder of a clean energy technology consultancy with offices in Berkley, MI and Barcelona, Spain. Dan also worked for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers on product development for advanced manufacturing technologies and disciplines including lean manufacturing, machining, fabrication, composites, micro- and nanomanufacturing.

Ana Ramirez-Saenz, founder and CEO of La Fuente Consulting, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy, and La Fuente Communications, a language services company. Ana is on a mission to bridge cultures and simplify communication in the workplace, community, and personal spaces. By following the guiding principle of fostering an open, positive, and respectful culture where all are valued and able to contribute to their full potential, Ana guides her clients through cultural transformation processes that enable equitable and welcoming work environments to thrive.

Her over 20 years of practical, hands-on real-world experience has transformed her into a thought leader in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a management consultant, strategist, executive coach, and learning and development professional, her Listen, Learn and Lead approach makes Ana a sought-after partner and trusted advisor.

Ana is an engaging bilingual and bicultural facilitator who has delivered programs in English and Spanish for thousands of participants from the shop floor to the board room across North America for an array of industries including healthcare, financial and professional services, construction, manufacturing, retail, technology, and education.

Presented by Dr. Willam F. Pickard and Jimmy Settles, Jr.

AMY RENCHER

Senior Vice President of Small Business MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

JONATHAN SMITH

Chief Deputy Director MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

SESSION SPEAKERS

Amy Rencher is the Senior Vice President, Small Business at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where she leads a $300M portfolio of State and Federally funded initiatives to serve small businesses in collaboration with hundreds of entrepreneurial ecosystem partners statewide. Her career spans the public and private sectors, including leading teams through two back-to-back award-winning global product launches at General Motors. Previously, she spent nearly a decade working with partners in Detroit and Southeast Michigan to help build a leading national entrepreneurial ecosystem for main street and tech-enabled businesses. Notably, she served seven years in progressive leadership roles at TechTown Detroit, developing and leading nationally recognized strategic partnerships and programming. She is an alumna of the Detroit Revitalization Fellowship and served as an AmeriCorps Member in Detroit and Boston. She holds a BA from Kalamazoo College and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Jonathan Smith is a senior leader in Governor Whitmer’s Administration where his work focuses on guiding economic policy initiatives from initial design through program implementation. Jonathan serves as the Chief Deputy Director for the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and the Director of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. Created as part of historic clean energy legislation enacted in 2023, the Transition Office helps communities, workers, and employers impacted by energy transitions in the auto and utility sectors to proactively prepare for and benefit from Michigan’s future economy.

Prior to his return to Michigan in 2020, Jonathan was based in Washington, DC where he held various leadership roles for Members of Congress, contributing to the passage of legislation addressing issues vital to LEO, such as economic development, manufacturing policy, small business lending, and workforce development. His experience in the private sector includes serving as an attorney at a large international law firm and as a policy lead on emerging mobility technology issues for a global technology company. Jonathan earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School.

LISA STIEF Vice President of Operations AUTOMATION ALLEY

SESSION SPEAKERS

As VP of Operations, Lisa Stief is responsible for the day-to-day management of Automation Alley’s initiatives, operations, events, and Federal and State grant programs. Stief has over three decades of experience in both industry and academia and has extensive project management, sales and operational experience across many industries, including defense, alternative fuel, automotive, commercial truck, sealing, chemical and electrical industries. Stief also has extensive experience in grant management and has served as the Program Manager for multiple federal and state funded projects including projects funded by the National Science Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Department of Commerce EDA and Department of Energy. Stief is a graduate of Michigan State University. When she’s not at Automation Alley, you can find her teaching Jazzercise in Royal Oak.

DR. SANDRA UPTON

Founder and Chief Inclusion + Change Management Strategist

UPTON CONSULTING GROUP (UCG)

Dr. Sandra Upton is Founder and Chief Inclusion + Change Management Strategist with Upton Consulting Group (UCG), an innovative team of strategists who collaborate with professionals and organizations around the globe. Using a research-based change management framework and culturally intelligent strategies, UCG supports organization’s efforts to create behaviors and systems that support inclusive work environments.

Through her consulting she has worked with organizations such as Amway, Corewell Health, SpartanNash, Starbucks, JR Automation, Padnos, Kohls, McDonalds, Perrigo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Willis Towers Watson, Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and University of Michigan, just to name a few. In summary, she has thirty years of experience consulting, coaching, and training with businesses, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and non-profits.

Prior to launching UCG, Dr. Upton was Vice President, Global Diversity Practice with the Cultural Intelligence Center and was responsible for providing strategic leadership and expertise on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matters for numerous Fortune 500 companies and IvyLeague institutions across the world.

IAN WATTS

The Small Business Dream Fulfillment Coach

SB DREAM COACH, LLC

SESSION SPEAKERS

Ian Watts is an accomplished author, speaker, and expert on employee retention, helping executives reduce turnover by over 50% in 12 months or less through his proven ACTS Method of Engagement. With two decades of experience as a business coach, Ian has built HR systems that scaled staffing from 6 to 60 locations nationwide, successfully recruiting and retaining over 400 team members.

As the founder of SB Dream Coach and The Employee Retention Group, Ian has transformed leaders in over 30 industries across 40+ states and globally in countries like China, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. He has shared stages with renowned speakers such as ET, the Hip Hop Preacher, and Coach Stormy Wellington, and has been featured on FOX News (Detroit), Equipped with Chris Brooks, and the Business Breakthrough Podcast.

A Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, Ian is also a philanthropist, having served in ministry for over a decade, including leading EMERG (Evangel Ministries Economic Restoration Group). His mission is to “Build Businesses that Bless the World.”

CHUCK WERNER Program Manager Operational Excellence

LSS MASTER

BLACK BELT

Chuck Werner has worked in manufacturing facilities for more than 30 years as everything from plant-floor operator to plant manager. He has worked in many disciplines including Operations, Quality, Engineering, New Model Launch, and Continuous Improvement as well as a variety of processes and industries. Although much of his time is Tier I Automotive, he has worked with a multitude of products, processes, and services.

Chuck received his certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in 1997 and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in 2010 and has leveraged those skillsets to help companies solve high-priority problems to cut costs and improve performance.

After experiencing the benefits of technology implementations first-hand, Chuck is passionate about helping manufacturers to improve products, processes and services by leveraging relevant technological applications.

Relationship Focused Results-Driven

BOOTH DIRECTORY

AAA THE AUTO CLUB GROUP

Booth #: 445

ADIENT

Booth #: 428

AEROSTAR MANUFACTURING

Booth #: 621, 720

ALPHA STAFFING

Booth #: 644

AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING (AAM)

Booth #: 434

ARISTEO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Booth #: 224

AUTOMATION ALLEY

Booth #: Innovation Hub

BARTON MALOW

Booth #: 225

BAY CORRUGATED CONTAINER, INC.

Booth #: 637

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN (BCBSM)

Booth #: 520, 518

BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS

Booth #: 728

CCI INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTORS

Booth #: 226

CENTREPOLIS ACCELERATOR @ LTU

Booth #: Innovation Hub

CHEMICO LLC

Booth #: 641

CHOCTAW-KAUL DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

Booth #: 324

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS

Booth #: 435

COMERICA BANK

Booth #: 541

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING CORPORATION

Booth #: 343

COMMODITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CMS)

Booth #: 336

CONSUMERS ENERGY

Booth #: 718

DAKKOTA INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

Booth #: 333, 432

DANA INCORPORATED

Booth #: 627

DETROIT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Booth #: 619, 617

DISTRICT BY DESIGN, LLC

Booth #: 736

DTE ENERGY

Booth #: 609

EDS MANUFACTURING

Booth #: 726

ELITE DIVERSITY STAFFING

Booth #: 734

BOOTH DIRECTORY

ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY OF DETROIT, LLC

Booth #: 340

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE SYSTEMS

Booth #: 332

EWIE GROUP OF COMPANIES

Booth #: 229

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Booth #: 525

FORM PACKAGING USA, LLC

Booth #: Mexican Pavillion

GAA / ARD LOGISTICS

Booth #: 534, 532

GALLAGHER-KAISER

Booth #: 236

GB MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Booth #: 337

GLOBAL PARTS AND MAINTENANCE

Booth #: 643

GONZALEZ PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Booth #: 436

GREEN ARROW STAFFING

Booth #: 441

GREEN PROCESSING COMPANY

Booth #: 235

HENRY FORD HEALTH CARE

Booth #: 421

HERITAGE VISION PLANS, INC.

Booth #: 421

HILCO PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

Booth #: 642

HITACHI ASTEMO

Booth #: 329

HONDA DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA, LLC

Booth #: 533

HORUS METROLOGY

Booth #: Mexican Pavillion

THE IDEAL GROUP

Booth #: 233

INFINITE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Booth #: 320, 318

INTELLIBEE INC

Booth #: 542

JAMES GROUP Booth #: 440

JIM ROBERTS ENTERPRISES, LLC

Booth #: 227

KEM KREST

Booth #: 433

KIEWIT Booth #: 232

KNAM INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Booth #: 426

KYYBA INC.

Booth #: 442

insurance YOU

With the largest network of doctors and hospitals, coverage for mental health, an easy-to-use mobile app, a 24-hour nurse line and the MIBlue virtual assistant, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are ready to help you feel your best — without the stress. Blue

Learn more at MIBluesPerspectives.com/ReadyToHelp

BOOTH DIRECTORY

LEAR CORPORATION

Booth #: 345, 444

LGC GLOBAL INC.

Booth #: 516

MAGNA Booth #: 625

MAGNO INTERNATIONAL LP

Booth #: 544

MARIMBA AUTO LLC

Booth #: 543

MCI TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATION & SERVICES

DE R.L. DE C.V.

Booth #: Mexican Pavillion

MCL JASCO

Booth #: 221, 218

MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Booth #: 237

MICHIGAN MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Booth #: 417, MMSDC Hub

MICO INDUSTRIES

Booth #: 437

MIDWEST MOLDING, INC.

Booth #: 327, 325

MIRACLE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, INC.

Booth #: 420

MOTOR CITY TRAVEL

Booth #: 742

MOULDEN INSURANCE AGENCY

Booth #: 443

MP INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Booth #: 629

NABR / MICHBUSINESS / CORP! MAGAZINE

Booth #: 218

NATIONAL MATERIAL L.P.

Booth #: 633, 732

NVBDC Booth #: 220

OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (OPTECH)

Booth #: 536

PEOPLEPLUS SOFTWARE Booth #: 217

PLUG AND PLAY DETROIT

Booth #: Innovation Hub

POPULUS GROUP

Booth #: 328, 326

PRODENSA

Booth #: Mexican Pavillion

PROLIM GLOBAL CORPORATION

Booth #: 342

RELIANCE ONE, INC.

Booth #: 724

RONCELLI

Booth #: 228

BOOTH DIRECTORY

SEEL, LLC

Booth #: 221, 219

SEVENTY 7 PRODUCTIONS

Booth #: 540

SGRX HEALTH

Booth #: 334

SK INTERNATIONAL

Booth #: 321

STERLING SECURITY

Booth #: 640

SYNERGY COMPUTER SOLUTIONS, INC. (SYNERGYCOM)

Booth #: 716

TACT

Booth #: 545

TENNECO, INC.

Booth #: 335

TOYOTA

Booth #: 517

TREFILADOS INOXIDABLES DE MEXICO

Booth #: Mexican Pavillion

UHY

Booth #: 344

UPTON CONSULTING GROUP

Booth #: 635

V2SOFT

Booth #: 317, 319, 416, 418

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS ROUND TABLE

Booth #: 216

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA

Booth #: 425

W3R CONSULTING

Booth #: 316

WALBRIDGE

Booth #: 234

WALKER SCM

Booth #: 424

WALKER-MILLER ENERGY SERVICES

Booth #: 509

WOLVERINE LOGISTICS, LLC

Booth #: 341

YTI OFFICE EXPRESS

Booth #: 243, 241