After representing small business owners across the Great Lakes state for eight years as their Lt. Governor, Brian Calley has landed a role where he has the potential to have a substantially stronger impact for the business community as the newly minted President of the Small Business Association of Michigan — or simply SBAM.
Calley was named SBAM President just a day after leaving the government job where he served as Michigan’s Lt. Governor from 2011-2018. As a result, he has joined the state’s largest small business organization on January 1, 2019 and now heads its communications and government affairs efforts.
Rob Fowler had been the organization’s President and CEO and he will remain the SBAM CEO.
Fowler says, “We could not be happier or more excited to welcome Brian and to work with him in the fight to support Michigan small businesses and the men and women who work for them.” Fowler adds, “Brian has a long and accomplished record of advocating for the interests of small businesses in Michigan. His experience, vision, and passion make him a perfect choice to lead our organization now and into the future.”
Chad Paalman, the CEO of NuWave Technology Partners serves as Chairman of the Board at SBAM. He says, “Throughout his time in public service, Brian Calley has been a champion for small business. In this role and with his experience and smart, strategic approach, we know that Brian will serve our members well and help guide SBAM as we tackle future challenges, transitions, and opportunities.”
SBAM officials say that in 2008, then-Representative Calley was named the organization’s Legislator of the Year. The say that as Lt. Governor, Calley worked in partnership with Gov. Rick Snyder to help craft Michigan’s comeback, combining skills acquired from an accomplished private sector career in the financial services industry with a heart for public service. Calley’s hands-on approach helped guide two historic tax reforms and critical regulatory reform through the Legislature, expanding economic and employment growth in Michigan.
For his part, Calley says, “I am thrilled to advocate for the men and women who open and operate small businesses across our state, and for the individuals who make those businesses run.” He adds, “Small businesses power Michigan’s economy, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves again to support them.”
Calley concludes, “SBAM’s future is exciting and its mission is critical to the success and growth of our state. I look forward to working with Rob, the board, and small business leaders from every corner of Michigan in the important work that it does.”
