The Whole Brain Group maintains relationships and affiliations with several professional organizations. Also, members of our team are personally active in local and national clubs, groups, and professional societies. Practicing integrated thinking includes integrating with our communities, the art of networking, and the opportunity to learn from our peers.

To learn more about any of these worthy organizations, click on its name.

826 Michigan
In 2008, The Whole Brain Group became a proud financial sponsor of the Michigan branch of this national non-profit organization mentoring kids in creative writing. Dedicated volunteers support students ages 6 – 18 through after school tutoring, creative programs, publishing, field trips, and workshops. Visit the The Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair storefront for all your robot upgrade replacement parts and accessories for your robot — all proceeds support the 826 Foundation.

American Red Cross Washtenaw County Chapter
The American Red Cross is a volunteer-led program which relies on the financial support and voluntary service from generous citizens of the Washtenaw County. We’re big fans of the Red Cross values of preparing & planning ahead, and believe strongly in the wonderful programs and services our local chapter provides.

Marisa joined the Board in 2009, is the Chair of the Workplace Giving Program committee, and sits on the Financial Development Committee as well.

Ann Arbor Ad Club
The Ann Arbor Ad Club focuses on networking and improving relationships among professionals in the advertising, marketing and public relations industries.

Holding meetings on a bi-monthly basis, The Ad Club has presented on topics such as green marketing, making professional connections, and integrated marketing strategies.

Bonnie is a member of A2AC, and regularly attends events.

Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce
The Whole Brain Group is a proud member and Affinity Partner of the local Chamber of Commerce. The Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce provides an array of opportunity for small businesses to connect with other small business as well as big business. Through a variety of events and programs, the Chamber is a trusted knowledge source in the Ann Arbor area.

As an Affinity Partner, the Whole Brain Group provides exclusive discounts to Chamber Members for website packages to help promote the local economy.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Education Foundation serves is a non-profit organization raising funds and awareness for higher standards in public education. Ann Arbor expects excellence in our public schools and AAPSEF enriches the public school education through program support and grants to teachers. The bottom line is contributions to the quality of life in Ann Arbor and changing lives by affecting our quality of public education.

Bonnie is a big advocate of this group, and makes an effort to raise awareness by connecting other companies with the foundation whenever she can.

Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center at Washtenaw Community College is one of the 12 regional offices statewide, providing services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counseling, training and research.

The MI-SBTDC is a sponsor of the ATHENA PowerLink Program, which provides business mentoring to increase the growth and profitability of women-owned businesses. Marisa was chosen as the 2008 PowerLink recipient for Region 12, and now serves on the Governing Body to help other local businesswomen.

Project Managment Institute
Serving as a hub for project managers, PMI is a nationally recognized organization in which affiliation is subject to holding a project management certificate. The local Huron Valley chapter of PMI serves as a resource for our staff project management tools and trends.

SPARK
Locally, Ann Arbor SPARK serves as the entreprenuer’s source for start-up funding, educational seminars, community events and local professionals connection to the great big world of business. Entreprenuer bootcamp, business growth and strategy and various project management topics are presented through SPARK.

Bonnie and Marisa regularly attend events sponsored by SPARK, and we frequently consult with their staff members for advice on strengthening and growing our company.

Small Giants CommunityThe Small Giants Community is dedicated to companies that reject the pressure of endless growth to define success by not only their bottom line, but by their contributions to the community, dedication to great customer service and creation and preservation of workplace cultures of excellence. Marisa was part of the initial planning committee for the community, and coordinates Michigan events and advocacy.

Think Local First
We’re proud members of Think Local First, which provides resource sharing and community building opportunities for locally-owned independent businesses as well as raising community awareness and developing strategies for supporting these businesses.

Waste Knot of Washtenaw County
The Waste Knot Program recognizes Washtenaw County businesses, schools, government agencies and non-profit organizations that show leadership in waste reduction and energy conservation. More and more organizations have discovered that integrating waste reduction and recycling, sustainability and community leadership into their business practices leads to profitability.

Women Impacting Public Policy
The Voice for Women in Business in our Nation’s Capital, Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc. (WIPP) is a national bi-partisan public policy organization that advocates for and on behalf of women and minorities in business in the legislative processes of our nation, creating economic opportunities and building bridges and alliances to other small business organizations. As an Instant Impact Team Leader for Michigan, Marisa organizes events, educates local businesswomen about membership, and coordinates outreach to other local organizations.

Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw
A local organization that recognizes and serves the needs of women business leaders in Washtenaw County by organizing local seminars to empower and supply women with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Marisa and Bonnie are members of the Steering Committee for this great group of “cool chicks,” and they’ve both taken leadership roles on different subcommittees.