Butzel Long attorney elected President of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge
DETROIT, Mich. – Beth S. Gotthelf, Attorney, Shareholder and Director of Innovation and External Relations, Butzel Long, has been elected President of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge (MIBB), a bi-national chamber of commerce. Gotthelf has previously served on the MIBB Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Executive Council. In 2012, Gotthelf served as Chair of matchmaking to bring Israel and Michigan automotive companies together as part of a high-tech automotive exchange mission by the Israel Consul for Economic Affairs and MIBB.
The Michigan Israel Business Bridge is a non-profit, membership-based, 501(c)(6) “connector” organization dedicated to promoting business partnerships between Michigan and Israel. MIBB brings new business to Michigan by connecting Israeli businesses to its network in Michigan for the purpose of generating wealth, jobs, and new opportunities. Israel has more than 3,000 companies centered on life sciences, homeland security, alternative energy, water technology and agro-technology, with more engineers and scientists per capita than any other country.
“The Michigan Israel Business Bridge is the perfect vehicle to connect Michigan and Israeli businesses, and keep connected the companies with feet in both Michigan and Israel,” said Gotthelf. “I look forward to increasing our partnerships and business opportunities between Michigan and Israel.”
Gotthelf represents and counsels a diverse mix of clients. She also is Chair of Butzel’s Aerospace and Defense Industry Team and Co-Chair of the Energy and Sustainability Practice Team. Moreover, Gotthelf counsels clients in governmental contracting, ITAR, EAR, and Foreign Military Sales.
At the same time, she is an Executive-in-Residence with the Macomb-OU INCubator. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau and serves on its Executive Committee.
Gotthelf has been very active in bar associations, including in the State Bar of Michigan, Environmental Law Section, where she served as past Chair and the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law. She is Chair of the City of Birmingham Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
In April, 2015, Gotthelf served as co-chair of the highly successful Gleaners Women’s Power Breakfast, raising funds for approximately 1.2 million meals. Her charitable activities include serving as past President of the Board of Trustees for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter; past Trustee of the JVS Vocational Services; and member of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, State Government Relations Oversight Committee.
Gotthelf was selected as one of 20 influential leaders by Michigan Lawyers Weekly - Women in Law (2010). She also was named to the Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law, 2013-2015.
She was named in Michigan Super Lawyers (2006-14) and as one of the “Top 50 Female Michigan Super Lawyers” (2006-2015). Gotthelf is listed in DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Environmental Law, 2011-2015; Energy Law, 2011-2012; Government Relations Law, 2011-2012. She is a past Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.
Gotthelf has received several awards and special recognitions, including as an emerging leader by the Detroit Regional Chamber (2003); the National Association of Metal Finishers (2002); Corp! Magazine as one of "Michigan's 95 Most Powerful Women" (2002); Corp! Magazine’s “Top 10 Business Attorneys for Southeast Michigan” (1999); and Crain's Detroit Business' 40 Under 40 in 1994.
She is a graduate of the University of Detroit (J.D., 1985) and Oakland University (B.S. Public Administration and Public Policy, 1980). In 2009, Gotthelf received an Oakland University Distinguished Alumni Award.