About This Meeting
Meeting Agenda
11:30 a.m. Reception
12:00 p.m. Program
12:30 p.m. Audience Q & A
12:45 p.m. Parade Company Tour (Optional)
1:15 p.m. Adjourn
Tony Michaels
President & CEO
Tony Michaels joined The Parade Company in 2009 as the President and CEO and was on the Board for over a decade. The Parade Company creates and produces America's Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van and The Ford Fireworks. 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. For generations, the organization has produced some of the greatest traditions in the City of Detroit, not only to bring smiles to thousands of people, but create significant economic impact each year. In addition, The Parade is now broadcast in over 165 cities across America, and is annually ranked among the very top parades by U.S. News and World Report.
In addition to Tony's responsibilities as President and CEO of The Parade Company, he also serves on boards within the region such as the Board of Directors of the Detroit Economic Club, the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, and the Marketing Committee of the Detroit Zoo. Furthermore, he is the Executive Director of The Woodward Dream Cruise and is the Brand Adviser to Gretchen Valade's Detroit Jazz Festival.
Tony’s regional community involvement also includes the Boy Scouts, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Leader Dogs for The Blind, and the Executive Committee of the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. Tony was also instrumental in the development of Operation Can Do, while at Elias Brothers, along with WXYZ and the Boy Scouts, which collected over 200 tons of food each year for 20 years, to help feed the hungry. Currently, Tony is involved with Ford Motor Company and Gleaners in a campaign to help feed the hungry.
Previously, Tony was the CEO of Elias Brothers Restaurants from 1998 to 2000 and also held that same position from 2001 to 2008 at the newly formed company, which he worked on developing called Big Boy Restaurants LLC. Tony took over Elias Brothers as the company was headed into financial trouble and successfully structured a deal that allowed for the company's assets to be purchased under new ownership. This plan resulted in the company experiencing significant growth, including preserving existing jobs and the disciplined creation of new positions that supported the local and national growth of the brand. During this time, a complete re-branding of the company also occurred. Nation's Restaurant News took notice and named Big Boy Restaurants, LLC as the exclusive winner of the "Hot Again Concept" award in 2007. Prior to 1998, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at the company.
Tony is a 1981 graduate of Central Michigan University, with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He and his wife Clarice reside in Rochester Hills and have three grown children.
211 West Fort Street
