Join us at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing on Monday, September 16, to honor Mr. Mark Murray and Dr. Kathleen Wilbur with the Eugene A. Gargaro Public Service Award

Each year, the Research Council hosts a fundraising event that brings together elected officials, corporate executives, and community leaders to recognize the importance of our work and honor an outstanding Michigan leader.

This year, Citizens Research Council is delighted to honor two exceptional individuals with the prestigious Eugene A. Gargaro Public Service Award in recognition of his public service and commitment to civic engagement:

• Mr. Mark Murray, former State Budget Director, former President of Grand Valley State University, and former President of Meijer, Inc.
• Dr. Kathleen Wilbur, former Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Commerce Department, and the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, former Interim President of Central Michigan University, and upon her death as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at Michigan State University.

Sponsorship Opportunities

You are invited to join us as a sponsor of our annual Policy Dinner, an important fundraising event for our organization. 

Your sponsorship helps us continue our research initiatives, reach a broader audience, and foster additional collaborations with key stakeholders. Together we can tackle the challenges facing our great state and ensure that policymakers and decision-makers have access to accurate and comprehensive data-driven insights.

Please take a moment to review sponsorship packages here, outlining the various support levels available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

At the Research Council, we believe a think tank cannot run on fumes alone. If you appreciate or use the research we’ve already produced, just think of what we could accomplish on a full tank!

About Us

Facts matter. We hear that now more than ever before, but for over 108 years, it has been the North Star of the Citizens Research Council. We are dedicated to securing a responsible, accountable, and representative government for the citizens of Michigan. We strive to be the trusted source of fact-based, non-biased research provided without spin. During times of crisis, when there is no time for partisan games, we recognize the importance of ensuring citizens can be truthfully informed.

Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, including the assessment of both intended and unintended consequences of public policy, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan.

When the dust settles, the Citizens Research Council will be here to keep a critical eye on our elected leaders and public policy makers to ensure their policies are efficient, cost effective and thoughtful for Michigan’s citizens.