Bill WilD // MIRA President & CEO
Bottom Line // November-December 2023
It’s hard to believe, but another year is coming to a close. The fall leaves are starting to pile up and some of our members in Michigan’s upper peninsula are reporting early snowfalls. Along with the changing seasons, we are wrapping up a year of change here at MIRA, albeit a year that saw remarkable progress.
I was certainly proud to join our 113-year-old organization back in January as your President & CEO and I have been busy welcoming new talent to our growing team. New to the organization are Jerry Griffin, who brings 20 years of experience to his role as Vice President of Government Affairs and Terry packer, a veteran marketer in Southeast Michigan has assumed the position of MIRA’s Director of Marketing & Business Development.
Two key employees were promoted to take on a larger role within the organization. Long time employee Mary Ann Yono, who most of you interact with when you call the office, has been named MIRA’s new Director of Business Relations and Kelli Petti has been named Director of Events and Membership Engagement.
2023 also saw a change in the Chairmanship for MIRA’s Board of Governors. Longtime board member Bobby Hesano, owner of Michigan based D&B Grocers, was presented the gavel back in January and is the first supplier to hold the Chairmanship in the association’s long history.
The MIRA events team delivered in a big way this past year, with the return of the Chairman’s Dinner and highly successful Michigan and Ohio golf outings and of course the 24th Annual Holiday Food and Beverage Buying Show. The MIRA Foundation hosted one of the largest Scholarship Luncheons to date with Huntington Bank Chairman, Gary Torgow, delivering an inspiring keynote address. The MIRA Government Affairs Team got in the action with a fundraiser for the MIRA PAC at a Detroit Red Wings hockey game and the recent Annual Legislative Day at the Michigan Capital (this issue’s cover story).
While 2023 will be looked upon as a year of progress, do not think for a minute that MIRA is slowing down. With many members reporting sales declines this year, MIRA is going to double down on helping improve the bottom lines of our membership in 2024. Keep an eye on MIRA’s website, publications, newsletter and social media platforms for several innovative programs, discounts and rebates aimed on delivering increased value to your MIRA membership and strengthening your bottom line!
If you ever have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (248) 671-9600 or bwild@miramw.org
Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new year!