Washtenaw Economic Club welcomes Brian Calley to discuss critical role of small business on region’s

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (September 3, 2026) – Small Business Association CEO and former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley will be the featured speaker at the Washtenaw Economic Club on Thursday, September 17, at Washtenaw Community College (WCC).
 
The event hosted in the Morris Lawrence Building on WCC’s campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, begins with networking and registration at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon, keynote and Q&A session beginning at noon. The program will conclude at 1:30 p.m.
 
Calley will speak on “Small Business and the Regional Economy: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever.”
 
Small businesses are a vital part of Michigan’s economy, creating jobs, strengthening communities and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Calley will share his perspective on the current small business environment, the challenges and opportunities facing Michigan entrepreneurs, and why a strong small business sector matters to the broader regional economy.
 
Currently President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Calley previously served as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011–2018 and has held elected roles in the Michigan House of Representatives and Ionia County. 
 
Sponsored by WCC and other member businesses and organizations, the Washtenaw Economic Club serves as a forum for community leaders to discuss issues directly impacting the regional economy and how economic analysis can inform decision-making.
 
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information about the Washtenaw Economic Club, visit wccnet.edu/economic-club.
 
 
 
If You Go

• WHAT: Washtenaw Economic Club Speaker Series
• WHEN: 11:30 a.m., Thursday, September 17
• WHERE: Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
• SPEAKER: Brian Calley
• TOPIC: “Small Business and the Regional Economy: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever”
• TICKETS: wccnet.edu/economic-club

 
 

Brian Calley
 
 
 
About Washtenaw Community College 
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce needs.
 
For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu.