By Jennette Smith

When Crain’s Detroit Business published its first list of “100 Most Influential Women” in 1997, one office wag wondered if we would ever find 100.

We did, and published additional lists in 2002 and 2007.

This time, we scoured the state for prospective women and reviewed more than 300 nominees.

It would not have been possible to develop a comprehensive report on women’s leadership in Michigan — and identify so many interesting women from around the state — without the help of dozens.

I’ve been living and breathing this project for months and more intensely since about February. … In addition, the entire editorial staff at Crain’s was involved in this project in some way, from suggesting or vetting candidates to writing many of the profiles. A multitude of freelance editors and reporters helped significantly as well. Special thanks goes to Vickie Elmer, Leslie Green, Gary Anglebrandt and Marti Benedetti for assisting with the heavy lifting in reporting, editing and corralling such a massive undertaking.

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