Sponsor Firms

1st State Bank

1st State Bank is a locally owned, locally managed community bank proudly serving the Great Lakes Bay Region. Founded to support businesses, we take pride in helping family-owned companies thrive through local decision-making, personalized guidance, and financial solutions tailored to their unique goals.

We offer a full range of business and personal banking services, delivered with responsive, relationship-focused service and the flexibility that comes from making decisions locally. Our experienced team is committed to helping our customers, their businesses, and our communities succeed.

AKT Peerless Environmental Services

We are environmental consultants and engineers, building scientists and redevelopment experts helping to build sustainable communities. Since being founded in Saginaw, Michigan in 1989, AKT Peerless has added locations throughout Michigan and has grown to include offices in Illinois, Ohio, Georgia and California, while serving clients nationwide. Our focus is on being responsive to the goals of our public and private sector clients, many of whom are family-owned businesses, and we build trust by leveraging our experience and by simply doing what we say we will do. From environmental site assessments and remediation to vapor intrusion mitigation systems and brownfield redevelopments, we have the knowledge and service drive to develop environmental and/or redevelopment solutions that deliver real value while meeting or exceeding client expectations. At AKT Peerless, we know that our success depends on your success. Call us at 800.985.7633 – we will deliver practical, cost-effective solutions for your environmental and redevelopment needs.

Braun Kendrick

As the region’s largest law firm, Braun Kendrick has been serving clients in the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond for over 150 years.  Our team of attorneys have expertise in a wide range of practice areas, including tax and estate planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, business succession planning, and all facets of business/corporate formation and reorganization. Our experience and teamwork allows us to provide the highest quality legal services, giving you greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and better results. We are conveniently located throughout mid-Michigan, with offices in Saginaw, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.

Carson Wealth

Carson Wealth, under the leadership of Dave Abbs and Carly Wieland is dedicated to empowering clients through a comprehensive approach to financial planning that emphasizes holistic strategies and disciplined investment methodologies. By specializing in key areas such as investment management, retirement planning, and employee benefits, they cater to the unique needs of each individual or family business they serve.

Dale Carnegie®

In its 100th year in business as a family business, is a global provider of locally delivered customized on-site and open enrollment public training and consulting in leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, customer service, communication and sales skills essential to improving performance of individuals, teams, and organizations. We have many years of experience working with family businesses. Dale Carnegie ® presents training & consulting in over 80 countries with over 8 million graduates of these proven programs. Join the many successful organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region and throughout the world utilizing Dale Carnegie services to improve their performance and competitive advantage. Contact us at Dale Carnegie of Mid & Northern Michigan at 989.799.7760 or email Dan Handley.

Frankenmuth Credit Union

At Frankenmuth Credit Union we are growing trusted relationships by providing personalized financial solutions for our members and financial services that empower our communities.

Gallagher formerly Saginaw Bay Underwriters

Gallagher, formerly Saginaw Bay Underwriters, has assisted family-owned businesses in the Great Lakes Bay Region in their insurance decisions for 150 years.

 Gallagher has been there for our clients through it all, making a difference for their businesses, communities and people because of our greatest asset — our people. We take your risks and your programs personally. Whether we’re consulting, brokering the best possible deal or making sure a claim outcome goes beyond ordinary expectations, we always strive for the best results.

At Gallagher, our expertise spans nearly every industry, and leverages data and analytics tools to create the right program for you today, as well as the right plan for a stronger tomorrow.

Huntington Bank

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $284 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A top 10 U.S. commercial bank, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Founded in 1866, Huntington operates over 1,400 branches in 21 states, with certain businesses operating nationally. Visit Huntington.com for more information.

Independent Bank

Independent Bank has been banking in Michigan for over 150 years. Although some things have changed, one thing has remained the same—they have always put their customers and communities first. They provide a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage lending, investments and insurance. They serve their customers as more than just bankers, but also as their friends and neighbors, locally invested the same way they are. To learn more about all of the benefits of banking with Independent Bank, visit an Independent Bank branch or IndependentBank.com. Member FDIC.

Leadership Q

Jon Weirauch is an experienced business consultant, coach, speaker, and podcaster who champions the improvement of lives through impactful leadership and strategic business practices. He is the founder and principal consultant of LeadershipQ, a leadership and organizational development company that partners with organizations to deliver trainings and workshops. He is a valued member of the GLBR Chapter Conscious Capitalism Leadership Team and chair of the Growing Conscious Organizations team.

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement, and trust services.

The Pendleton Baumgartner Group at Morgan Stanley
4760 Fashion Square Blvd | Saginaw, MI 48604
Direct: (989) 790-1014
CRC 5933555 09/23

Phimation

Phimation Strategy Group provides strategy and management insight to leadership teams who want help managing their growth or preparing for a change in leadership. Phimation works with the team to clarify its strategy, and then implements management practices to ensure the team takes action. Phimation provides board-of-directors-level strategic insight, and in-the-trenches practical guidance. Contact Dave Haviland at 734.717.4955 to learn more.

Plante Moran

Plante Moran is one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, providing clients with financial, human capital, operations improvement, strategic planning, technology selection and implementation, and family wealth management services.

PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, Member FDIC, is committed to giving family owned businesses the innovative banking products and services they need to grow their businesses and provide for their employees. PNC provides deposit, lending and investment services to more than 5 million consumers and small business owners across 15 states and the District of Columbia. Along with checking and savings accounts PNC provides specialized lines of credit, online banking and payroll services, employee benefit packages, flexible leasing programs, and Business CheckCards through more than 2,500 branch locations and 6,600 ATM's.

Rehmann

Empower Your Purpose

Rehmann is a fully integrated financial services and business advisory firm that provides accounting and assurance, business solutions and outsourcing, specialized consulting, and wealth management services. For 80 years, Rehmann has provided forward-thinking solutions to our clients. With nearly 900 associates in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida, we are the momentum behind what’s possible. We focus on the business of business – allowing companies and individuals to focus on what makes them extraordinary. We help you look to the future with confidence, thanks to our unrivaled expertise and integrity. Through our partnerships with our clients and communities, we drive impact that empowers our world. Rehmann is an independent member of Nexia International, offering clients a global approach. Find us online at rehmann.com.

Tri-Star Trust Bank

Tri-Star Trust Bank provides the warmth and personal service of a boutique firm along with the sophistication and comprehensiveness of a larger corporation. We offer a number of services:

• Comprehensive wealth management, which includes financial, tax, estate and investment planning;
• Employee benefits for corporations from 401(d) plans to all other pension arrangements; and
• Philanthropy solutions for individuals and nonprofits to accomplish charitable goals and use tax and other laws to their advantage.

Tri-Star is Michigan owned and operated. With over $1.4 billion in assets under management, Tri-Star services its clients from Midland, Saginaw, Greater Lansing, and Frankenmuth.

Warner Norcross + Judd

Deeply embedded in the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland communities, our attorneys volunteer their time with nonprofits that support children’s matters, women’s issues, environmental projects, health and wellness initiatives, and other community projects designed to make the Great Lakes Bay Region a better place to live, work and raise a family. A firm model that rewards teamwork, we have been able to attract experienced attorneys from some of the area’s leading law firms. From our base in Midland, we serve clients throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, Thumb and Upper Peninsula who are in agriculture, banking, craft beer, real estate, health care, manufacturing, and several other industries. We work with some of the region’s largest employers, along with some of its smallest, as well as with individuals and nonprofits. Litigators, securities experts, mergers and acquisitions counsel, economic development advisors, bankruptcy and restructuring leaders, estate pros, immigration specialists, sophisticated patent counsel, tax planning – the strength of our Midland office bench enables us to provide clients throughout the state with sophisticated legal services. And our depth of services far surpasses the list above. With 230+ attorneys across nine Michigan offices, Warner meets the needs of clients all over the state of Michigan, nationally and globally. Warner is one of Michigan's largest firms focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world.

Weinlander Fitzhugh

With a legacy of more than 80 years serving family-owned businesses, Weinlander Fitzhugh has the experience and insight to help you navigate today’s financial challenges and plan for the future. As a full-service accounting firm, our advisors provide a comprehensive range of services, including accounting, auditing, tax planning and preparation, payroll services, management advisory services, retirement plan administration, and financial planning. With locations in Bay City, Clare, and West Branch, Weinlander Fitzhugh is committed to providing personalized, in-depth service to businesses, families, and individuals throughout the communities we serve. For more information, contact us at 989.893.5577.

Wildfire Credit Union

Wildfire Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses blaze their own trail. With deep roots in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Wildfire supports local entrepreneurs and organizations through tailored business solutions, including Ultimate Business Checking, Business Certificates of Deposit, and flexible commercial lending options. Guided by a people-first philosophy, Wildfire prioritizes financial education, strong community partnerships, and innovative tools help businesses grow with confidence. As a trusted local partner, Wildfire proudly invests in the communities it serves empowering members to build momentum and succeed at every stage of their journey.

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors is a leading Michigan accounting and advisory firm helping family-owned businesses navigate the financial, operational, and generational challenges of building a lasting legacy. For more than 100 years, we have partnered with business owners and their families on succession planning, wealth management, estate planning, business valuation, and long-term strategic growth.

Beyond traditional audit, accounting, and tax services, Yeo & Yeo provides solutions that align business objectives with family goals. We help to strengthen operations, prepare future leaders, preserve wealth, and successfully transition ownership across generations. Yeo & Yeo provides the guidance and expertise needed to help your family business thrive today and for years to come. For more information, contact Eric Sowatsky at 989.793.9830.