The Heart of the Parade

<div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3"> <div class= "et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class= "et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <p>At the helm of The Parade Company since 2009, Tony Michaels is President & CEO of the iconic Detroit non-profit organization and served on its Board of Directors for over a decade. He leads some of Detroit’s most storied traditions, including the near century-old America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White and the world-class Ford Fireworks, which have both delighted generations of families and resulted in significant economic impact for the region.</p> <p>He has led major growth of The Parade Company with bringing on Gardner White as presenting sponsor of the parade through 2031, one of the oldest in the nation, and attracting top partners and sponsors of Michigan and global companies. He has expanded the broadcast to 185 television markets in the U.S., and under his leadership, the parade is recognized as the Best Holiday Parade in America by USA TODAY. In addition, The Parade Company produces several other Detroit jewels including the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot and Hob Nobble Gobble presented by Ford Motor Company, among other year-round events.</p> <p>Tony is a distinguished Michigan business leader and has received a multitude of honors for championing initiatives. Most recently, Tony was named 2022 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News, received the 2022 Edward H. McNamara Goodfellow of the Year Award and the Spirit of Detroit Award from Detroit City Council.</p> <p>He is on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Economic Club and Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield, and an advisor to non-profit organizations and business and community leaders, including the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester and the Marketing Committee of the Detroit Zoo. He is of counsel to the Woodward Dream Cruise and Brand A