Blogs SBAM GALA – Cynerge Recognized as a ‘Michigan 50 Companies To Watch’ Awaredee Posted March 6, 2024 by Devon Taylor Share this post The 18th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala in East Lansing was a welcome event after two long years of covid restrictions and social distancing continued to have lasting effects on small businesses nationwide. The optimism was palpable among the 800 attendees at this black-tie affair, as awardees took the opportunity to network and expand their social circles.From chocolatiers to the banking sector, over 550 businesses were nominated to be recognized. Of those 550, ninety companies representing fourteen different industries were celebrated at the Breslin Center on May 3rd.In attendance from Cynerge Consulting were CEO, Matt Russell, CTO, Mike Laney, Lead Designer, Devon Taylor, Operations Manager, Courtney Bordeaux, and Technical Writer, Renata Olson. After opening remarks, a drink mixer, and hors d’oeuvres, guests headed into the auditorium for dinner, speeches, and the presentation of awards. Primary talking points focused on the challenges small businesses face in a post-pandemic environment, in addition to the two new complications that have reared their ugly heads. Supply chain issues and the worker shortage were highlighted issues, as the state’s best discussed the impact and possible solutions. These did not affect the atmosphere of euphoria and celebration though, as overcoming obstacles seems to have only strengthened these battle hardened entrepreneurs’ commitment to their teams and to success.With the focus turning to rising stars, Matt Russell took the stage collecting the 2022 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch trophy for Cynerge Consulting. Over the last five years, Cynerge has expanded from eight to over fifty employees, including sister company LocalHop and recent acquisition Kalpa. More recently, 2021 was a huge year for Cynerge being granted HUBZone status, being certified as an AWS GovGloud Service Delivery Partner, and winning their first federal prime contract.A spotlight was shone on a variety of industries and their owners with particular attention to inspirational stories of minority, women, and veteran owned businesses and their inception. Also included were encouraging and supportive remarks from past winners and updates as to how winning an award from the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala had impacted their futures.Returning upstairs for the dessert and afterglow reception, awardees continued the celebration with 360 selfies and dancing to the classics. Leaving the Breslin Center that night to live music and boisterous laughter, even against the rain, made the sky really seem like the limit for these “small” businesses.
