Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Reflections on Rob Fowler’s Leadership for Michigan Small Businesses

Reflections on Rob Fowler’s Leadership for Michigan Small Businesses

December 22, 2021
After more than 20 years with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and more than three decades advocating for small business, Rob Fowler will retire at the end of the year as Chief Executive Officer of SBAM. Rob has been a steadfast champion for entrepreneurship and small businesses throughout Michigan. His passion and impact on small business goes beyond Michigan and includes his service on the Board of Directors of the National Small Business Association.

Under Rob’s leadership, SBAM has been the premier advocate for the interests of small businesses in Lansing and has helped the organization represent more than 23,000 companies from all of Michigan’s 83 counties. Since I joined the Chamber, it has been a pleasure to work with Rob, and our two organizations have found common cause more in working to improve Michigan’s competitiveness and business climate. Additionally, Rob has utilized his experience and expertise in education serving as a school board member and a co-chair of the statewide education reform initiative, Launch Michigan, that has brought leaders together to do the hard work of bettering K-12 education in Michigan. Like his work on behalf of small business interests, his contributions to education will resonate long after he clears out his SBAM offices.

Rob has been a tremendous friend and colleague and partner in advancing bi-partisanship and civility. On behalf of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board and staff, I congratulate Rob Fowler on his long and committed service to Michigan and wish him all the best as he enters the next chapter of his impactful life.