2025 Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Philip and Becky Laney

From their Bridgman headquarters, B&L Information Systems established itself as the global leader in cloud-based ERP solutions for foundries and die casters under the Laney family’s leadership.

Founded by Dick Laney in 1975, the company became a family legacy when Phil Laney joined a decade later following a successful “90-day trial” to ensure father and son could collaborate effectively. Phil assumed CEO leadership in 1999 and guided unprecedented growth over 25 years before the family’s ownership concluded in 2024.

“We wanted to be the absolute best in the world in a niche market, and we still are,” Phil reflects.

Phil and Becky Laney’s connection to Lake Michigan College began through attending the annual Winners Circle auction (now the Student Benefit Auction), where student stories of perseverance moved them deeply. As servant leaders, they became catalysts for transformative change, spearheading two landmark projects: The Phil and Becky Laney IT Education Wing at the Todd Center and the Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture.

Their extraordinary commitment earned them the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award for significantly advancing LMC and regional higher education.

“We were speechless and tremendously honored,” Phil shared. “We see a bright future for LMC. It’s a shining star for people who need an opportunity to succeed.”