Financially empowering our communities; supporting small business We are living in an extraordinary time in history and have had to learn new ways to do business, take care of our families and support our communities and small businesses that are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Every summer for more than fifteen years, Fifth Third Bank’s financial empowerment mobile (eBus) has rolled into Detroit and southeastern Michigan neighborhoods to provide information and resources on how to develop a budget, understand credit, gain access to down payment assistance for first time homebuyers and basic financial needs. As with most everything else this year however, things are different. All the resources that have made the eBus popular will be moving to a virtual format this summer. Given social distancing restrictions and ensuring the safety and security of our communities, it is the right thing to do. We are also sharpening our focus on financial education and technical assistance for small business owners, many whom have found it necessary to make great sacrifices to keep their doors open. We will host eleven free 90-minute sessions Aug. 11 to 14. These are some topics that will be covered: • Resources for small businesses • Leadership in difficult times • Funding resources • Restarting small businesses • Search Engine Optimization • Recruiting employees We will have key community partners, small business technical assistance nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that will provide guidance on navigating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), how to gain access to funding and how to create or increase your online presence. Businesses can talk to experts from organizations that include the U.S. Small Business Administration, S.C.O.R.E., Detroit Development Fund and Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We will also have subject matter experts such as Mark Lee of the LEE Group, LLC, Kala Gibson, head of Business Banking at Fifth Third Bank, as well as Paul Garrison from the Osborn Business Association (OBA), and other thought leaders that will guide discussions on “where to go from here.” Take a look at the schedule for these virtual seminars. We are here to help in a different way this year and look forward to supporting local small businesses and the community by providing valuable information and resources.
David F. Girodat Regional President Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan
2 • Fifth Third Bank | August 2020
Tools to Help Manage Your Small Business During Unsettling Times
Webex Series for Small Businesses By Fifth Third Staff It’s very disconcerting that many small businesses here in Michigan and across the country are at risk of closing their doors permanently if the COVID-19 pandemic continues over the next few months, inevitably putting millions more people at risk of being out of a job. How long will recovery take? Some experts say upwards of five years, maybe more. How many small businesses will be able to weather the storm for that length of time? No one really knows, but those experts estimate that 1 in 4 small businesses will be able to hang on. This would leave many others dancing on a knife’s edge not knowing if their doors will be closed tomorrow or the next day. Because so many small businesses operate on thin margins, after operational and fixed costs, unfortunately most do not have enough cash reserves to take them into a postCOVID era. To heighten an already challenging environment, more so than in the past, many of these small businesses are also in stiffer competition with online businesses that are unburdened with large overhead costs that are typical for small brick and mortar businesses. And if that weren’t enough, these businesses also have the additional financial burden of having to adjust to meet new health and safety requirements for their staff and customers in order to keep their doors open. Small businesses face a myriad of new, unexpected challenges that have been piled on top of the everyday issues they normally face. It’s rough out there and many of these businesses are looking for alternative sources and new ways to do business to keep their customer base and their doors open. The bright side is that there’s hope. Fifth Third Bank is working with our small business nonprofit partners to provide resources that may help small businesses find the support, and traditional and alternative ways to do business. Whether online or testing an out-of-the-box idea, assistance may be around the corner in the interim to keep the receipts coming in until the economic downturn ushered in by COVID becomes a thing of the past. From August 11th – 14th, Fifth Third along with 16 small business nonprofit organizations will be presenting the Fifth Third Virtual eBus Small Business Series. This 4-day, 11-session series will provide the resources and knowledge crucial to help guide just about any small business who needs additional support to help get through these trying times. Participating in these virtual sessions will put you in touch with leading small business experts that include: micro lenders, consultants, experts with online website building/ management expertise, and small business incubators. Each session is a 90-minute, topic specific presentation and includes time for you to ask questions.
By Kala Gibson Drive down most streets, and it’s easy to see the obstacles our small business community is facing. There are closed signs on storefronts, empty parking lots outside malls and only carry-out from the restaurants that remain open. Whether it’s a family-owned store or a 200-person operation, business owners are making tough choices. Some are furloughing employees or letting them go, trying to figure how to survive through the financial fallout from the pandemic. Nine out of ten small business owners are concerned about the economic impact of the coronavirus, according to an April study from the National Small Business Association. More than three-quarters have seen customer demand drop, up from half just four weeks ago. More than half say they aren’t confident in the financial future of their businesses, up from 15% in January, the study found. The diminished business has been bad enough, but the uncertainty of how long it might last is adding to the angst of many owners. For those small business owners who were left out of the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program from the Small Business Administration, the second round is a second chance. This time, $30 billion will be designated for Community Development Financial Institutions, nonprofits that are dedicated to responsible and affordable lending to help underserved areas become stronger, as well as smaller banks. Community Development Financial Institutions often are an overlooked resource for small businesses, but for some, they can serve as a lifeline right now. These CDFIs are run by different organizations across the country. In Cincinnati, there are several, including the Women’s Business Development Center and LISC. Some will offer loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, and others also will offer lowcost and patient capital loans and help with education such as cash-flow analysis, credit management, loan applications and more. Already they have started to help by deferring loan payments and counseling small business owners. Fifth Third has pledged $11 billion to small business loans through 2020 as part of its $32 billion Community Commitment. Through our partnerships with CDFIs and other nonprofit organizations, we continue to deliver a wide range of resources geared towards educating entrepreneurs and fam-
ilies on the innovative ways that they can access traditional forms of capital such as micro lending and small dollars loans through the SBA. As small business owners look to the coming weeks and months, here are some tips from our Business Banking team to help guide them: Talk to your banker • Many banks are working to help business banking customers through the uncertainty. They can help with business-continuity plans and credit management and help see if businesses qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program through the Small Business Administration. They can walk owners through their own programs and refer them to CDFIs in their market. Many banks offer hardship programs. Fifth Third offers a small business payment deferral program of up to 90 days, as well as fee waivers for select services. For all details about Fifth Third’s programs, visit 53.com/covid Understand your business position • Take stock of where you are with debt and vendors and take a realistic look at your business for the coming weeks and months. Look to the future to figure out when you will need capital – and sit down to plan now. Think of your customer • Many small business customers also may be suffering financially. This might be an individual who shops at your store but whose job in the hospitality industry has been cut. Can you offer a discount to keep the customer – and the relationship – and ensure that your cash flow is under control? Be transparent about your business • Let your customers know you are going through this with them. One small business – a distillery -- in Bloomington, Indiana, for example, shares on its Instagram account how much it must sell each day to pay its employees and stay open for carryout. The company thanks its customers each day when it reaches that mark.
Be extra vigilant online • During times of uncertainty, it’s natural to seek information and answers through the internet and social media. Unfortunately, criminals will use that to their advantage. Our Fifth Third team has noted that some companies are seeing an uptick in phishing – when a data thief impersonates a legitimate person or company via email to bait the recipient into reporting confidential information or to gain unauthorized access to systems – and has seen reports of malware (malicious software) disguised as a coronavirus map. Watch for email senders using suspicious or misleading domain names. Inspect URLs carefully (without clicking on the link) to make sure they’re legitimate and not imposter sites. Use digital tools when you can • Make an appointment to talk with your banker when you have a complex situation. But save time and use online banking services as often as you can. For example, consider depositing checks through your mobile banking app. Pivot • If the main way your business operates isn’t going to work due to state lockdowns or other restrictions, consider how to innovate or pivot. In Cincinnati, a brewery had to shut down its taproom, so the brewery partnered with a pizza restaurant to create an “adult ice cream truck” bearing both beer and pizza. The brewery updates the public on the truck’s routes through its website and even offers a live tracker. The truck offers the business one more way to sell its product as well as continue to interact with customers – from a distance, of course. Kala Gibson is the head of Business Banking for Fifth Third Bank.
August 2018 | Fifth Third Bank • 3
By Pam Woodley After two years of steady growth and success, this past March Antonio George found himself facing the immediate effects of COVID -19 as it began to negatively impact the attendance of delivery drivers for his DXX Enterprise LLC business in Detroit. Some workers got sick while others feared interacting with the public. Meanwhile, his sole customer, Amazon asked for increased productivity to meet the demands of personal protective equipment requested in the community. “I found myself getting financially stretched to meet the demands of a shrinking workforce due to sickness and the expense of onboarding new delivery personnel. Not to mention the financial strain associated with leasing additional delivery vehicles,” said George who began bringing home paperwork for his 11- and 13-year-old sons to complete as part of their homeschooling.
“I found myself getting financially stretched to meet the demands of a shrinking workforce due to sickness and the expense of onboarding new delivery personnel. Not to mention the financial strain associated with leasing additional delivery vehicles.” - Antonio George the same day Michigan issued its shelter in place order.
“After only a few hours in the office, we were immediately told that we needed to quarantine. Then I blinked and processing SBA payroll protection program (PPP) applications became my top priority,” explained Golden who has worked for Fifth Third Bank for 21 years in various capacWhile the DXX team scrambled to meet Antonio George ities. “Since there was no time for formal new productivity requirements, Fifth Third DXX Enterprise, LLC training, PPP launched me into a fast track Bank veteran community banker, LaShanda of what it is like to be a business lender. Golden literally started her first day as a business banking relation- I spent 10 to 14 hours a day and sometimes weekends ship manager working to ensure PPP loan customer applications were complete. Antonio George was one of the first customers I successfully assisted with ease due to his strong documentation.” With his drivers going into the eye of the storm, George understood the need for additional funds to put some sort of incentive plan in place to keep his team motivated.
George received $200,000 in PPP loan funds from Fifth Third Bank after only one week of submitting his application in early April. He credits the cash infusion in his business for saving over 25 jobs and allowing him to hire over 35 new employees and lease 12 new delivery vehicles. “Staff illness became very disruptive. We invested in training for a group of workers, and then a week later many would have symptoms of the virus. They reported headaches and fevers and had to quarantine. Our turnover rate even today remains high still dealing with the pandemic. We have not stopped since the beginning of this pandemic. I’m probably hiring about 10 to 15 people a week. I thank God for the PPP loan that assisted me during this season to stay afloat,” he added, praising Golden for her diligence and commitment to seeing him funded. Golden is driven by both her childhood in Detroit living in a LMI community and her empathy for small business owners after owning and selling off her commercial cleaning company years ago. The success in awarding vital funding to DXX and other LMI area small businesses supersedes the fulfillment she has felt in the past volunteering and serving in the community. “I’ve always worked on the financial literacy team in area schools and volunteered in the community. During those times, I felt rewarded in the good we were doing for others. With all the things I’ve done to volunteer and make a difference, I don’t think I have ever felt the direct impact in the lives of others like I do now during this pandemic assisting small businesses to receive PPP loans,” explained Golden who considers her current work a career game changer. According to Chief Enterprise Responsibility Officer Byna Elliott, Fifth Third Bank provided PPP loans to more than 31,000 small businesses with over 85 percent employing less than 50 people.
“Thank God we haven’t had any fatal“So far with both phase one and phase ities, but we have two of the SBA PPP loans, almost $6 billion had over 25 has moved through the bank and into the percent of our hands of hard-working business owners. It Byna Elliott workforce Chief Enterprise Responsibility feels good to see small business recipient become ill. data around 23 percent of those funded Officer This refrom high minority communities and 27 Fifth Third Bank sulted percent in low to moderate income comin the urgent need to munities (LMI),” explained Elliott who confirmed Fifth invest in a hiring spree Third continues to process loan applications. and training which required more financial resources,” the Detroit business owner said.
4 • Fifth Third Bank | August 2020
About Constance Logan Michigan District Director U.S. Small Business Administration I have worked with the Michigan Small Business Administration team in various roles, to serve entrepreneurs and help start and grow small businesses. It has been my distinct pleasure serving this constituency in Michigan and supporting statewide economic rebirth and continued growth since 1996. My commitment to and involvement with small businesses, informs my first-hand knowledge of the impact that small businesses have on local economies throughout the state, creating jobs, and growing to become international companies. Now more than ever, my office is committed to working with all our resource partners and lenders throughout Michigan, to ensure that Michigan small businesses receive the support they need during the pandemic and beyond. Small businesses create nearly two out of every three net new jobs and more than half of all working Americans own or work for a small business. The SBA provides critical support and resources in every state to help start-up businesses launch and existing small businesses expand and create jobs. Its core operations are focused on access to capital and government contracting and support and guidance for small businesses. The SBA also serves as one of the leading federal agencies that provides assistance, following natural disasters. On July 11, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the conclusion and success of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which provided U.S. small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses a total of $20 billion emergency funding. To assist the greatest number of small businesses, the EIDL Advance provided $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients did not have to be approved for a loan to receive the Advance, and the Advance provided an interim but vital source of funds while applicants awaited a decision on their loan application. Michigan small businesses can still apply for EIDL loan applications, which are still being processed even though the Advance is no longer available. As a reminder, the loan portion
of the EIDL program continues to have funds available at very affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and non-profit is encouraged to apply to get the resources they need. Additionally, Michigan small businesses can still apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan, until August 8, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. View a list of lenders participating in the Paycheck Protection Program by state. To learn more about PPP loan forgiveness, Click here. My office also supports underserved markets, including women-owned businesses. Beginning on July 15, 2020, Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs can now apply for the WOSB Federal Contracting Program. For complete details on this program and other contracting programs please visit: https://www.sba.gov/ federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs The SBA delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more about the services we offer to help you, plan, launch, manage, and grow your small business, visit www.sba.gov.
Constance Payne Logan is the Michigan District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is responsible for the implementation of the SBA’s programs and services in Michigan’s 83 counties. Constance also oversees the SBA’s resource partners throughout the state, including 11 regional Small Business Development Centers, 9 SCORE Chapters, 3 Women’s Business Centers, a Veteran’s Business Outreach Center and 7 Micro-Lenders. Constance is a federal executive with an extensive knowledge of the federal government, including more than 10 years of experience in Washington, D.C. She has served as the Michigan SBA deputy district director overseeing all staff and day to day operations and provided leadership and oversight of the 8(a) and HUBZone certification program. Constance has led key small business initiatives for underserved and economically distressed markets including the Detroit Empowerment Zones’ One Capital Shop Detroit, and the SBA’s prestigious Emerging Leaders’ program. She has received numerous awards for her commitment to small businesses, including: Great Lakes Women’s Business Council’s 2018 Government Advocate of the Year, 2018 Walker’s Legacy Woman in Economic Development and Civic Leadership Award, Spirit of Detroit, Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence 2014, Women’s Informal Network 2015, and has been named Government Representative of the Year by the International Black Expo. Constance is a member of and serves on numerous organizations, including, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and advisory board member for the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute.
August 2018 | Fifth Third Bank • 5
Each year we collaborate with nonprofit organizations, city, state and federal government offices, and companies in southeastern Michigan to bring together resources to take into our local area communities. We do this to help provide opportunities for people to enhance their quality of life. The eBus tour is an enormous undertaking that has rolled out in southeastern Michigan each year since 2004. Our success would not be possible without the Michigan Works! Southeast is on the front lines, meeting the talent demands of local employers and responding to the unique needs of the communities we serve, creating connections to a better future! https://www.mwse.org/ Mariners Inn serves as an anchor for those struggling to navigate the treacherous waters of homelessness and substance abuse through a wide range of social service programs that achieve the best possible outcomes for adults, families and youth affected by addiction. http://marinersinn.org VetBiz Central Assists Veterans, Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Members in the formation and expansion of their businesses. http://vetbizcentral.org Operation HOPE is the leading global provider of financial dignity education and economic empowerment programs for low-income or moderate-income youth, individuals and families in underserved communities. HOPE currently operates in more than 300 U.S. cities with a mission to make the system of free enterprise work for everyone, supporting a broad range of services including: homeownership counseling, credit and money management counseling, 700 Credit Score Communities, small business empowerment programs and a comprehensive youth entrepreneurship-training course called HOPE Business-In-A-Box. https://operationhope.org/ The Lee Group, LLC Utilizing an Integrated Marketing Communications approach, The LEE Group can help your company increase sales and impact your bottom line through better communication. The proven processes and years of experience of The Lee Group can help your company exceed its goals and deliver results. www.leegroupinnovation.com Osborn Business Association (OBA) is a vital group of diversified businesses in the sborn community whose purpose is to develop, build, improve facades, and promote the neighborhood in an effort to increase economic opportunities and the quality of life in Osborn. www.osbornbizassoc.org
6 • Fifth Third Bank | August 2020
community partners that make and live up to the commitment to come aboard and serve alongside us throughout the tour, rain or shine. Through the years, thousands of people have walked away from the eBus satisfied with the personal, hands-on attention they received and realized that their visit to the eBus was an invaluable use of their time because of the fine work of following partnering organizations:
Detroit Development Fund (DDF) Detroit Development Fund is a non-profit (501(c) (3)) organization and a certified community development financial institution, incorporated in the state of Michigan. Detroit Development Fund was created in 1998 with an initial mission of helping revitalize an economically distressed target area in Detroit’s far East side neighborhoods. www.detroitdevelopmentfund.com SCORE is a valuable network of 10,000 volunteers who offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge. SCORE volunteers have the knowledge and experience to help any small business owner get the help they need. Our dedicated volunteers represent over 3,000 years of experience across 62 industries. www.detroit.score.org Build Institute We help people turn their business ideas into reality by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in Detroit. To date, we have graduated over 1800 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs from our classes, many of whom have gone on to start successful businesses in the city. In addition to classes, we offer networking events, mentorship, connections to resources and a nurturing community that allows ideas to develop and flourish over time. www. buildinstitute.org LifeBUILDERS Our strategy is to empower the youth, make strategic investments to reduce the blight and abandonment and its effects on the lives of families and to build a strong community through resident engagement and shared values. We further believe that this can only be made possible through the extension of God’s love and grace that is found in Jesus Christ. www.lifebuilders.com Torch of Wisdom In 1990, a group of women of the Southfield Alumnae Chapter (SAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated planted the seed for acquiring a facility, where youth and families could go for educational support, mentoring and recreation. And in 1993, the Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 tax-exempt public charity, was established to provide charitable-giving initiatives and to award grants to
organizations that help improve the condition of and the education for targeted individuals living in Southeastern Michigan. https://torchofwisdomfoundationinc.com/ Southfield Public Schools The School District is one of 28 school districts located in Oakland County, Michigan, one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Southfield Public Schools offers a robust college-prep curriculum, integrated with exceptional programs to help cultivate each student’s unique abilities. https://www.southfieldk12.org/ Great Lakes Women’s Business Council is committed to empowering women and minorities economically through access to capital assistance programs, business development training, vendor certification, and business-to-business networking. We provide effective business tools and remove barriers that hinder the development of successful, sustainable businesses. Our work strengthens the community by building collaborative partnerships and leveraging resources that increase equitable business growth opportunities. https://www. greatlakeswbc.org/ POST by Mutual Adoration Clare Fox and Wayne Maki met and founded Mutual Adoration in 2012. Mutual Adoration builds custom furniture, picture frames, and housewares, primarily from reclaimed wood sourced in Detroit. In 2017 they founded POST – an open concept retail store and workshop space on Detroit’s East side. www. mutualadoration.com The Lip Bar In 2012 The Lip Bar was launched because everywhere I looked the media was telling women that beauty looked a certain way. I hated it! So I started making lipstick in my kitchen because I believed beauty shouldn’t compromise health and because I was determined to change the way people thought about beauty. There is no standard! You are the standard. www.thelipbar.com
SBDC The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training, and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses, and advanced technology companies. The Michigan SBDC is committed to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community. Grand Valley State University is our headquarters, we have 11 regional offices and 20 satellite offices to provide convenient services to the entire State.www.sbdcmichigan.org Sweet Potato Sensations The story begins with the marriage of Jeffrey and Cassandra Thomas in 1976. At their first Thanksgiving together, Jeffery pleaded to have sweet potatoes on the menu, just like his mom used to make. Cassandra, who did not like candied yams, created a recipe for sweet potato cookies to satisfy her husband’s sweet tooth. The cookies were a big hit! Thus the recipe for Sweet Potato Sensations famous cookies was created. www.sweetpotatosensations.com CEED Lending is an initiative of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council. We provide small business loans to start-up and existing enterprises owned by men and women. We have made more than $7 Million in loans which created more than 1,800 jobs. As one of the first microlenders in the U.S., we understand that small business owners typically need more than financing. That’s why all of our loans come with free technical assistance – a business growth manager who works with you to grow and sustain your business. Vanguard’s mission in Detroit’s Historic North End is to cultivate a vibrant and healthy community where people live, work and play. Our core values are ECONOMIC EQUITY and RACIAL JUSTICE. Vanguard transforms lives through the development of affordable housing and by infusing resources into the community in which it serves. Over the past 25 years, Vanguard has built and rehabilitated over 250 units of housing in the North End. Vanguard’s Economic Development Department has organized the Business District and recently been awarded the Select Level designation for the Michigan Main Street Program offered through MEDC. Vanguard developed and manages the commercial campus on E. Grand Blvd, where its headquarters is located. Booker T. Washington Business Institute
Positioning your business in the marketplace can be a time consuming, confusing and disappointing experience. While the payoff can be rewarding – increased market share, great media coverage – the risks for poor execution can be very high as well. Utilizing an Integrated Marketing Communications approach, The LEE Group can help your company increase sales and impact your bottom line through better communication. The proven processes and years of experience
About Mark S. Lee Throughout his distinguished career, Lee has held marketing leadership positions locally, regionally and nationally where he was responsible for leading the strategic, marketing, communication and other-related areas focused on business strategy and growth. He has worked for such blue-chip organizations including AAA, Pepsico, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, et. al. Additionally, Lee was the Detroit Lead Instructor for the Emerging Leaders (formerly, e200), an initiative focused on business growth and developing entrepreneurial CEOs. Under Lee’s three-year tenure, Detroit became the #1 program in the country. His column turned blog, “Small Talk with Mark S. Lee”, appeared in the Michigan Chronicle for three years and now appears via blog for Crain’s Detroit Business. It provides tips to businesses who are interested in growing their business and to individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs. Lee also hosted a weekly radio show, “Small Talk with Mark S. Lee”, on Detroit’s WXYT 1270 and streamed via radio.com, and currently hosts “In the
of The LEE Group can help your company exceed its goals and deliver results. Could your company use assistance? Contact The LEE Group at www.leegroupinnovation.com and follow him on Twitter (@leegroup), Facebook and/or LinkedIn (https:// www.linkedin.com/in/leegroup/). You can also email mark@leegroupinnovation.com for more information. Let’s start a discussion about your company, its goals and current state, and see if we’re a good fit for each other. Conference Room with Mark S. Lee“, which airs on 910 am Superstation, in Detroit. In addition to being a noted public speaker, he’s also an adjunct professor, Marketing, at Eastern Michigan University, Madonna University and Northwood. He has been invited to speak as guest lecturer at Boston University and the University of North Florida (UNF). Additionally, Lee was an adjunct professor of Marketing & Management, at Walsh College, in Troy, Michigan. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Lee has received numerous awards, been the focus of many articles and has been invited to speak on various Marketing and Branding topics across the country, including recently being named a Comcast Newsmaker. Lee also contributes on WXYZ, Channel 7’s (ABC affiliate in Detroit) “Spotlight on the News” and has been interviewed for Detroit’s Channel 56’s (PBS) “American Black Journal“, “Michigan Matters” (CBS, Detroit) and on Fox 2, in Detroit. Lee is also currently the creator and host of “EMU Today TV”, a general-affairs program focused on Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, he has provided his perspective on local radio in New York City and beyond. Mark holds a Master’s degree (MBA) in Marketing from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management (KGSM) at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Eastern Michigan University.
Credit: The LEE Group MI, LLC
August 2018 | Fifth Third Bank • 7
2020 Virtual eBus Webex Series
Monday, August 10 to Thursday, August 29, 2020 To participate to any of the below series please dial (877) 513-5353 MONDAY August 10, 2020 Noon to 1:00 PM
TUESDAY August 11, 2020 10 AM to 11:30 PM
TUESDAY August 11, 2020 1 PM to 2:30 PM
TUESDAY August 11, 2020 3 PM to 4 PM
WEDNESDAY August 12, 2020 10 AM to 11:30 AM
WEDNESDAY August 12, 2020 1 PM to 2:30 PM
WEDNESDAY August 12, 2020 3 PM to 4:00 PM
THURSDAY August 13, 2020 10 AM to 11:30 AM
THURSDAY August 13, 2020 1 PM – 2:30 PM
THURSDAY August 13, 2020 3 PM to 4:30 PM
Mariners Inn Financial Checkup 101 Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m213fa8318a5d4bfdace81eb6bf496b63 Meeting number: 129 789 2157 Meeting password: GHj4ixiJ5R5 Team SBA Financing Roundtable | Moderated by Nancy Grose, SBA Nancy Grose, SBA, LaShanda Golden, BBG, Xana Williams, Operation HOPE Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m24093e7689c4e9bf884e9446084fcb0e Access code: 129 881 9584 Meeting password: Jk4fpcdrB36 Restarting for Small Business | Moderated by Diane Dimitroff, SBDC Mark Lee – The Lee Group, LLC, | Kala Gibson, 5/3 Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=mc34206020d6dfa5e4f8e13f71beaec5c Access code: 129 837 4266 Meeting password: unKjgYuc836 Take Your Brick and Mortar Online | Presented by Paul Garrison, OBA Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=mbd29811ee65571ba41886b085599228a Access code: 129 543 8380 Meeting password: dyJMMPE42v3 Resources for Small Businesses | Moderated by Catherine Gase, SBA Great Lakes WBA | Aron Andrews – VetBiz Central | Xana Williams – Operation HOPE Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m24093e7689c4e9bf884e9446084fcb0e Access code: 129 881 9584 Meeting password: Jk4fpcdrB36 Funding Resource Panel | Moderated by Paul Garrison/OBA Ray Waters, Detroit Development Fund (DDF) | Belinda DuBois, CEED | Diane Dimitroff, SBDC Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m6e8be9f384bee387f8a20d9899381b3e Access code: 129 558 9318 Meeting password: PmGghP3xM75 How to Account for Use of PPP Funds for Forgiveness Bill Ross/BTWBI Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=me821d5b42de6ac2f4fb489152311d53b Access code: 129 486 6014 Meeting password: kDW5FKwje72 A Winning Website: The New Corner Office Presented by Dee Lockett, SCORE Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m2a785787c38060a605d579f30258632f” Access code: 129 305 5367 Meeting password: y2SUiBipY22 Master the Search with SEO Dee Lockett, SCORE Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m7f137a73eba004dede3abc124f209c33 Access code: 129 932 1364 Meeting password: GhPrKMsN652 How to Sell Online Yolanda Curry, Build Institute Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m4c3356dd117e5127d873d848cf0fc6c4 Access code: 129 665 5068 Meeting password: YfpHsDeT234
8 • Fifth Third Bank | August 2020
FRIDAY August 14, 2020 10 AM to 11:30 AM
FRIDAY August 14, 2020 1 PM to 2:30 PM
MONDAY August 17, 2020 Noon to 1:00 PM
TUESDAY August 18, 2020 6 PM to 7 PM
WEDNESDAY August 19, 2020 Noon to 1 PM
WEDNESDAY August 19, 2020 6 PM to 7 PM
THURSDAY August 20, 2020 6 PM – 7 PM
MONDAY August 24, 2020 Noon to 1:00 PM
TUESDAY August 25, 2020 6 PM to 7 PM
WEDNESDAY August 26, 2020 10 AM to 11 AM
Leadership in Difficult Times Luisa Recchia, SCORE Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m5bdf246529f1293816876f6e8a6b7d2d Access code: 129 755 1362 Meeting password: rWiXmGHu722 Recruiting Employees Michelle Lewis, Fifth Third Bank Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m2ec01faa728d0dc4785c8f13108ffe53 Access code: 129 849 8252 Meeting password: 8VXdEGYXp96 Mariners Inn Budgeting & Saving Money Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m49e35d11de0b5ef4be8fecc1f781ff3c Meeting number: 129 197 7048 Meeting password: vNtWZWpb462 LifeBUILDERS Preparing for Homeownership Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=me96668f00066c16cbd15075921ffeb49 Access code: 129 994 0708 Meeting password: g9TCMAnBq72 Vanguard CDC Resources for Small Businesses Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m6edf244c7b3fb8f63ba89112bd39e649 Access code: 129 741 2683 Meeting password: 2eMgJAxM7V9 Torch of Wisdom /Southfield Public Schools Strategies to Manage Through Difficult Times Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m8fd26fadf070392dec7efe02843d9f55 Access code: 129 821 5164 Meeting password: z2jUmfGwW85 LifeBUILDERS Boost Your Credit Score Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m5c9891bc90f70b7c1c0166a520abf6a2 Access code: 129 423 6699 Meeting password: xkN7nV6dMF4 Mariners Inn Strategies to Slash Your Debt Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m074c57c1115dd165ae1ccb98c64970ba Meeting number: 129 084 5543 Meeting password: JRfk5E7a43r LifeBUILDERS Strategies to Slash Your Debt Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m6a91f15c6ba222994e9c28c70d49f176 Access code: 129 450 5647 Meeting password: z9fJcQp3qm6 Michigan Works! Southeast NextJob Meeting link: https://53.webex.com/53/j.php?MTID=m63aa3e27f0424b6a40db2acfb0da10f1 Access code: 129 387 1542 Meeting password: m3rMpHSEG33