This first edition came together much smoother than I thought it would. This really has been seamless.

Trade associations have a history of running successful publications. The AARP publishes AARP and the Magazine and the Society of Human Resource Management has HR Magazine. We have a statewide audience we can tap.

We are thrilled to have the Governor as our keynote speaker. She recognizes the importance of paying tribute to women who are dedicated to superior professional standards in Michigan. Throughout these 10 years, we have honored many highly accomplished women.

We had wanted to enhance our association magazine and had been talking about that for months.

We all thought it was very fitting to bring that piece in for the first concert. There's been an extraordinary enthusiasm among the artists and board members about getting this season started which has been wonderful to see.

I never thought I'd be here next to such greats as [salsa star] Willie Colon and with the mayor of New York City here at City Hall. It's a real honor for me.