Small Business & Technology Development Center Names New Regional Director

The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) has selected Mary Rogers as the new regional director of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) in Traverse City. The Northwest Region MI-SBTDC is one of 12 offices statewide, providing services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counseling, training, and research.

Most recently, Rogers was host of the "Mary in the Morning" show on 106.7 You-FM. She is also the founder of Marigold Women in Business, the former director of membership for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the past executive director of the Detroit office of the National Association of Women Business owners. 

"I can't wait to get started working with all the dynamic businesses in northwest Michigan," said Rogers. Her experience includes working with first and second-stage entrepreneurs in accessing capital, business planning, marketing, and product and service development.

"Mary has tremendous experience with small business ownership and excellent skills in fund development, community relations, marketing, and sales," said Elaine Wood, NWMCOG CEO.

The Northwest Region MI-SBTDC has business consultants in Boyne City, Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City. More information on MI-SBTDC services is available at: nwm.org/sbtdc.

The former SBTDC Regional Director, Chris Wendel, has accepted a position as business consultant and lender with Northern Initiatives. Northern Initiatives is a private, nonprofit community development corporation that provides rural entrepreneurs with access to capital, information and markets. Wendel can be reached at  cwendel@niupnorth.org or 231.409.7889.