🧩Insight to Action: Creative Partnerships That Multiply Member Impact
Collaboration isn’t a buzzword in Michigan’s association community—it’s a core strength. Again and again in our podcast conversations, leaders described how partnering across sectors, geographies, and even with “friendly competitors” produced outsized outcomes for members. Below are stand-out real-world practices—from crisis-born coalitions to talent pipelines and national affiliate synergies. Be sure to read to the end for some common practices that make these collaborations work.
Turning Employers into Co-designers of Service
Ryan Hundt (Michigan Works Association, CEO) highlighted a demand-driven model that treats employers as co-architects of workforce solutions, not just stakeholders to be informed. Through statewide coordination with 16 local agencies, BSP (Business Solutions Professional) training cohorts, and joint advocacy, the system pairs jobseekers’ needs with employers’ real-time skill demands—improving fit and accelerating hiring.
Co-investing in People to Strengthen Ecosystems
Ara Topouzian (Michigan Venture Capital Association, CEO) described relaunching Venture Fellows—a grant-supported, co-funded talent pathway that places emerging investors at Michigan funds. By working with state leaders to seed the investor bench, MVCA “invests in investors,” expanding capacity for startups across tech, life sciences, mobility and more. It’s a talent collaboration that compounds member value well beyond a single firm.
Tapping Peer Networks Across State Lines
Nichole Fisher (mParks, Executive Director) leverages a Council of State Executive Directors peer forum to swap playbooks on advocacy, volunteers, events, and member engagement. The candid, size-segmented roundtables speed learning, reduce reinvention, and translate into on-the-ground improvements for Michigan professionals—proof that collaboration among executives directly lifts member experience.
Forming Cross-Industry Coalitions to Move Policy
John Lindley (Michigan Manufactured Housing Association & Michigan Association of RVs and Campgrounds, CEO) helped stand up a Michigan hospitality and tourism alliance to restore Pure Michigan marketing funds. The coalition’s coordinated legislative strategy doubled statewide promotion support—benefiting campgrounds, parks, restaurants, snow sports, and more in one win.
Scaling Reach through Affiliate Partnerships
Erica Willard (Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, CEO) underscored the value of being the largest NAEYC affiliate: access to national resources, research, and a 60,000-member knowledge network. That two-way relationship amplifies Michigan practitioners’ impact—from professional development to policy—while bringing national learning back home to local programs.
Collaborating—Even with Competitors
Sam Klemet (formerly President & CEO with Michigan Association of Broadcasters and now Executive Director of Detroit Auto Dealers Association) noted that while commercial stations compete daily, they unite through the association (and its foundation and public broadcasting board) to safeguard local news, elevate standards, and advocate for the public interest. It’s a reminder that competitors can be collaborators when the mission is bigger than market share.
Build a Big Tent when Stakes are High
During the pandemic, Jada Paisley (Michigan Golf Course Association, Executive Director) recounted how the Michigan Golf Alliance convened seven organizations (from the PGA section to superintendents and turfgrass leaders) to coordinate policy and operations for courses statewide. That alliance approach—one table, many voices—helped the industry tackle urgent, shared challenges with a unified front and sustained momentum afterward.
Closing Thought
From greens to newsrooms, childcare classrooms to startup hubs, Michigan’s associations are proving that creative partnerships aren’t a side project—they’re the strategy. By convening the right players, co-investing in talent, and sharing playbooks across sectors, these leaders are multiplying value for their members and communities.
Insight into Effective Partnerships:
Start with a concrete, shared outcome. Whether it’s keeping courses open safely, filling talent pipelines, or restoring statewide marketing funds, leaders aligned partners around one measurable target first—then organized workstreams and messaging accordingly.
Design for mutual benefit, not one-way help. MVCA’s fellows program grows investors and strengthens startups; BSP elevates workforce pros and employers alike; affiliate ties connect Michigan educators to national insights while showcasing Michigan’s leadership nationally.
Use the right people/organizations for the job. Alliances and councils gathered just the people needed—sometimes seven associations, sometimes a curated peer set by org size—to solve the specific problem faster and with less friction.
Keep collaboration continuous, not episodic. The most effective partnerships weren’t one-off campaigns; they’re ongoing structures (alliances, statewide systems, affiliate networks) that can pivot quickly as member needs change.