2025 – Edward Lowe Foundation

December 8, 2025

MAEAP verification

On Dec. 3, we got a thumbs-up from the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), joining more than 1,600 farms to become certified. A nationally recognized program, MAEAP helps Michigan farmers adopt effective, science-based practices that reduce environmental risks and protect our state’s land, water and wildlife. The program is voluntary and delivered through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and local conservation…

Land stewardship 0 52 sec read

December 6, 2025

Outlook on Leadership with Dorothy Munao

Based in Eau Claire, Michigan, Flamm Pickle & Packing Co. is an industrial manufacturer that provides high-quality pickle relish for food manufacturers to use in salad dressings, sauces and dips. In contrast to competitors who sell relish as a side business (pickles being their primary product), Flamm is laser-focused on relish.

Flamm’s president Dorothy Munao counts high standards, clear goals and empowering employees as keys to her company’s success. “It’s important for your people to understand not just what they’re supposed to do, but also why
they do it,” she says.

Video Library - Outlook on Leadership 0

December 2, 2025

Benchmark: Transitioning to the third generation

Diversification has been an important factor in Benchmark Craftmen’s success. For example, in 2008 the fabrication company started to pursue retail and hospitality clients, and 10 years ago, it dipped its toe into the interactive event space…

SIG Case Studies 0 3 min read

November 24, 2025

Role changes: Harnessing your crystallized IQ

The identities of most entrepreneurs are closely tied to their companies — often too closely. This can be problematic as they get older and try to exit their companies to move into a different role or phase of life…

Second-Stage Sensei 0 2 min read

November 19, 2025

New greenscapes at BRV

This fall our grounds maintenance team launched a greenscape redesign at Big Rock Valley (BRV) along with our first major plant propagation program. Led by Maggie Chapman, the goal is to improve aesthetics and sustainability while reducing costs.

Land stewardship 0 2 min read

November 10, 2025

Noble Plastics

“Removing the mystery from manufacturing” is the mantra at Noble Plastics LLC in Grand Couteau, Louisiana. Founded in March 2001 by Missy and Scott Rogers, the husband-and-wife engineering team has grown Noble Plastics from a fledgling startup into a diverse manufacturer with more than 60 employees and three locations. Specializing in components that are difficult to mold, Noble Plastic’s portfolio ranges from household kitchen devices and veterinary tools to ordnance components for the U.S. military. What’s more, the company has developed several patented technologies, including tendiGo^TM and provides robotic integration services.

Among its long list of awards, Noble Plastics has been named a Louisiana Growth Leader by Louisiana Economic Development and Manufacturer of the Year in 2023 by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Earlier this year Missy was recognized as Business Person of the Year by Junior Achievement of Acadiana.

Programs in Action 0

November 3, 2025

Downtown FabWorks: a rising star in custom fabrication

Based in New Orleans, Downtown Fabworks has been achieving impressive growth since its launch in late 2019 and is building a national reputation…

SIG Case Studies 0 2 min read

October 27, 2025

Barber Packaging: Crystal clear on strategy

“When you’re operating a small business and trying to grow a small business into a market space, many times you feel like you’re out there by yourself,” says Luke Barber.

SIG Case Studies 0 3 min read

October 20, 2025

The magic of aligning vision and values

Putting people before profit was one of my first lessons as an entrepreneur and has continued to be a guiding principle as we scale HandyPro. Our vision is to “create a remarkable experience,” which applies not only to customers but also employees…

E2 Insights 0 2 min read

September 28, 2025

Our ever-evolving BRV

The foundation has seen a great deal of change in its 40-year history, from programming to the property. And when it comes to Big Rock Valley (BRV), our 2,000-acre home in southwest Michigan, I’d say there have been more changes in the last six months than the past five years…

President's Blog 0 3 min read