As my term as President of SMPS Southeast Michigan comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the people, experiences, and connections that have made this year so meaningful. When I stepped into this role, I shared my belief that a strong chapter is built through engagement, collaboration, and the collective energy of its members. Looking back, that belief has only grown stronger. 

This year was one of meaningful progress and transformation for our chapter. Together, we strengthened our foundation and positioned SMPS Southeast Michigan for continued success by implementing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, transitioning to a new fiscal year, and updating our chapter bylaws. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, these efforts are essential to building a sustainable organization that continues to evolve alongside the needs of its members. 

We also continued doing what SMPS does best, bringing people together to learn, connect, and grow. Through outstanding programs like Markitect 2025, Emerging Trends in the A/E/C Marketing and Business Development, and the CX Immersion Experience, we created opportunities to challenge our thinking, explore new perspectives, and strengthen the skills and relationships that help us thrive as marketing and business development professionals. 

Throughout my time on the Board of Directors, first as Membership Director and now as President, I've come to appreciate that the true value of a professional organization extends far beyond the programs we attend. It's found in the relationships we build, the perspectives we gain, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a community that understands our challenges, celebrates our successes, and encourages us to grow. 

This year I experienced that sense of community in a particularly meaningful way. During my maternity leave, my fellow Board members stepped up without hesitation, offering their support and ensuring our chapter continued moving forward. Their willingness to take on additional responsibilities gave me the opportunity to focus on my family during an important chapter of my life. I'm incredibly grateful for their kindness, understanding, and leadership. It was a powerful reminder that the relationships we build through SMPS extend beyond our professional roles and that supporting one another is at the heart of what makes this organization so special. 

I'm especially proud that our accomplishments reflect the collective contributions of so many individuals. To my fellow Board members, committee chairs, volunteers, sponsors, and members, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to our chapter. Your efforts are what transform ideas into action and make everything we accomplish possible. 

To our incoming President and Board of Directors, I'm excited about the opportunities before us. With a new strategic plan guiding our direction and a strong foundation supporting our future, our chapter is well-positioned for continued growth. Thank you for stepping forward to serve. I have every confidence that your fresh perspectives, ideas, and passion will continue moving our chapter forward. 

My hope is that each of you continues to see SMPS Southeast Michigan as a place where you belong, where your voice matters, and where you can make an impact. Whether through attending events, sharing your expertise, volunteering, or stepping into a leadership role, your involvement shapes the future of our chapter.

At the beginning of this year, I invited you to join me in making it a year defined by connection, curiosity, and collaboration. As I reflect on all we've accomplished together, I couldn't be prouder of how we've brought those values to life. 

While my time as President is coming to an end, my commitment to this community certainly isn't. Thank you for the trust you've placed in me, the relationships we've built, and the opportunity to be part of our chapter's story. The greatest strength of SMPS Southeast Michigan has always been, and always will be, its people. 

With gratitude, 

Nicollette Cardwell, CPSM 
2025–2026 President 
SMPS Southeast Michigan 

We are excited to welcome our 2027 Board of Directors and look forward to another incredible year of growth, collaboration, and connection! 

This talented group of A/E/C industry professionals consistently brings fresh perspectives and a shared passion for advancing our chapter and supporting our members. Together, we look forward to creating meaningful opportunities for professional development, strengthening industry relationships, and continuing to build a thriving SMPS community. 

Please join us in congratulating our 2027 Board! We can't wait to see what this year brings! 

By Debra K. Osuch, CPSM, REM 
Immediate Past President, SMPS Southeast Michigan 

I am proud to share that our SMPS Southeast Michigan Chapter has been recognized as an honoree in the 2025 SMPS Chapter Recognition Program, a national program that highlights outstanding chapter management practices across the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Competing among chapters nationwide in the Large Chapter category, SMPS Southeast Michigan earned top recognition in the Financial Health award category based on the chapter's exceptional fiscal performance during the 2024-2025 program year. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to financial stewardship, strategic planning, and responsible growth. 

While I am deeply honored to have led the chapter as President during this award-winning year, this achievement truly belongs to an incredible team of volunteers, board members, sponsors, and members who worked together to strengthen our chapter. Our success began with the thoughtful stewardship of my partners on our 2024-2025 Finance Committee, including Treasurer Julie Roop, President-Elect Nicollette Cardwell, and Immediate Past President Annette Popiel-Hammerle, whose diligence and commitment to sound financial management helped position the chapter for success. Together, we maintained a disciplined focus on budgeting and long-term financial strength. We saw tremendous results from our sponsorship campaign, which for the first time ever was supported by a small but mighty sponsorship committee, and which benefited tremendously from the unwavering support of our entire Board of Directors. Our success, in part, can also be attributed to our focus on building meaningful relationships with our sponsors, helping them maximize the value of their investment by reminding them to leverage their sponsor benefits, and by ensuring they felt appreciated along the way. 

One of the highlights of the year was reimagining how we expressed our gratitude to sponsors. Rather than hosting a traditional cocktail reception and distributing logoed gifts, we gifted sponsors with an experience. We invited sponsors to enjoy a memorable evening of live dueling pianos, dinner, and fellowship, while also supporting ACE Mentor of Southeast Michigan through a raffle. What stood out the most was not the entertainment, but the opportunity to personally thank the individuals who invest their time, energy, and support into our chapter throughout the year. On a side note, if you ask me, the entertainment was great, too! Particularly when it was amplified by our collectively loud, though not always in tune, sing-along voices. I admit mine was likely the most out-of-tune, but it didn’t keep me from singing like a “wanna be” rockstar as I hoped nobody would hear my voice amongst the others! 

Combined with the generosity of members and sponsors who donated their corporate event spaces, helping us significantly reduce venue costs, these efforts strengthened both our finances and our community. This recognition is a testament to what can be accomplished when dedicated volunteers, engaged sponsors, and passionate members work together toward a common goal. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement and proud of what we accomplished together. 

A Taste of SMPS Southeast Michigan
November 12
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

CoreNet Michigan 2027 Economic Forecast
Join  BOMA, CREDA, CREW, IFMA, IREM, SMPS and USGBC for the CoreNet Michigan 2027 Economic Forecast. 
Wednesday, January 13, 2027
The Dearborn Inn
20301 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48124