Page 24 - LRCC FOCUS December 2021

FOCUS ON TALENT FOCUS MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021

Ngage Management CEO Tobi Lyon Selected as
2022 ATHENA PowerLink Recipient

obi Lyon, founder and CEO of Ngage
Management has been named the 2022
TATHENA PowerLink (APL) recipient by the
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC).
APL is a national mentoring program that connects
selected women business owners with a skilled
advisory panel. The specified panel of advisors will
donate an estimated $25,000 value of business
consultation services to help the business achieve
the next level of success.

“I was shocked because I knew it was extremely
competitive this year,” said Lyon. “I am so humbled
by this recognition and I look forward to receiving
coaching from the panel of advisors which will help
take Ngage to the next level.”

Ngage Management is Michigan’s largest full-
service association and event management
company. They specialize in streamlining processes Looking to the future, Lyon hopes to transition Ngage
to maximize efficiency, increase revenue and help clients to an employee-owned company. The team also plans
build membership. Ngage has received numerous awards, to grow and support the association and hospitality
including the 2020 Best of MichBusiness Award from the industries through innovation and creative strategies as
Michigan Business and Professional Association, and was they were severely impacted during the pandemic.
named a 2020 awardee for the “Michigan Companies to
Watch” Award presented by Michigan Celebrates Small “How fundraising was done in the non-profit sector and
Business. Tobi Lyon was also named Greater Lansing how associations, as well as their members, engage in the
Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2020 Greater Lansing marketplace with each other has significantly shifted as a
Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. result of the pandemic,” said Lyon. “We have to make sure
that we have new ideas and are staying relevant in the
“Tobi and her team have done an incredible job of growing marketplace.” l
their business over the past few years,” said Tim Daman,
president & CEO, LRCC. “She is a well-deserving APL
recipient who will have a chance to work with a group
of expert mentors that will help her take her business to APL RECIPIENTS ARE REQUIRED
exciting new levels.” TO MEET SPECIFIC CRITERIA TO BE
ELIGIBLE FOR THIS MENTORSHIP
Ngage has expanded its business over the past several PROGRAM, INCLUDING:
years and now serves numerous clients statewide and
nationally. Ngage has transitioned from a small startup
to a highly successful company competing on a national • 51% of business is owned and actively
level with other association management companies. managed by a woman or women
The challenge Lyon and her team now face is how to • At least two years in operation
continue to grow the business in a highly competitive and • At least two full-time employees, including
ever-changing marketplace. According to Lyon, that is applicant
where being able to utilize the panel of mentors and their
expertise will be most helpful. • At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues
for a manufacturing or retail business; or at
“I’m looking for guidance on how to manage growth while least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a
maintaining customer service, reputation and consistency,” service business
said Lyon. “I am excited to be able to work with the panel • Clearly defined business objectives and specific
to develop strategies so the bottom never falls out.” reasons for seeking an advisory panel

24