Here’s To

says of M3Linked’s capabilities. “Business owners and entrepreneurs don’t always have a lot of people when they’re at the top who can help them. When they get involved in a community like this, they have all the resources they need to move their business forward and get guidance.”

The way M3Linked works, Nelick explains, is that it builds communities of entrepreneurs, business owners, attorneys, CEOs, investors, celebrities and founders. The platform brings these individuals together using different experiences within the community.

There is an entry-level membership where members can join special events, receiving 60 seconds to tell people about their professional background, their mission and their motivation. From there, members can create breakout groups with two to three people who might be able to help them out.

There are other levels as well, including one called “Masterminds” where eight to 10 people meet every month for half a day, diving into one another’s businesses and solving various business problems. For now, many sessions are remote, but Nelick says in-person events are picking back up as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

“The biggest difference between us and some of our competitors is that you don’t have to attend every meeting, and referrals aren’t a requirement,” Nelick says. There’s also a strict membership vetting — only members with true intentions to help others can join. “We’ve turned away people that are worth millions and millions of dollars because we realize they’re only there for the take.”

Guests gather to watch a live event in the Birmingham headquarters of M3Linked: clockwise from left, Carolyn Koblin, Steven Nelick, Roy Sadler, Franka Sadler and Stacy Latona.

EMOTIONAL MOMENTS

Even on a personal level, Nelick says the networking he’s witnessed has moved him greatly. “I’ve sat through many Masterminds, and every time I do, at least one person ends up crying,” he recalls. “People really love it when they come to us. They say they’ve finally found the right type of organization and community.”

Nelick says M3Linked looks for members who have a positive attitude and a lot of energy. “It’s a business collaboration, and everybody knows within the organization that if you help, you’ll get help.”

He also believes M3Linked provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and other professionals to scale their businesses across the country, since they can meet with people in different markets (for example, a Detroit business owner can meet with a Los Angeles business owner to discuss bringing that particular business to another market). The virtual meeting capabilities, Nelick says, make this possible.

“We like to say we’re spearheading the collaborative revolution,” Nelick continues. “Our short-term goals are to expand into the top metro markets in the United States. After that, our plans are to go international and go worldwide.”

Former U.S. ambassador to Morocco David T. Fischer received, in Washington, the Alaouite Wissam of the Order of Commander, which was awarded to him by HM King Mohammed VI. The royal decoration was presented to Mr. Fisher by the King’s ambassador to the United States, Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala, during a ceremony held at the residence of the Moroccan Embassy. The Wissam was awarded to the former U.S. ambassador in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and close friendship between the two countries. Fischer served as ambassador to Morocco from 2020-2021. He currently serves as chairman of Troy, Michigan-based Suburban Collection Holdings. The Michigan Bankers Association announced the election of William B. Kessel, president and CEO of Independent Bank as chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Kessel joined Independent Bank in 1994 as vice president of finance, was appointed to serve as the company’s president as of April 2011 and chief executive officer in 2013. Adat Shalom Synagogue celebrated Rabbi

Aaron Bergman’s

bar mitzvah year at Shabbat morning services July 3, 2021. Rabbi Bergman joined the Adat Shalom clergy July 1, 2008. On June 6, 2021, Rabbi Bergman was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Jewish Theological Seminary, marking 30 years since his ordination.