About
The Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council (MiBTC), based in Lansing, is a trailblazing membership organization dedicated to championing Michigan’s vibrant Bitcoin community. Our mission is to position Michigan as a premier hub for Bitcoin innovation and investment by advocating for sound digital asset policies that foster economic growth, attract developers and entrepreneurs, and protect against cryptocurrency scams and criminal activity.
At MiBTC, we believe Bitcoin stands alone as a proven store of value with a track record of stability and success. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, which often carry high risks and questionable value, Bitcoin is digital gold—a decentralized cornerstone for a new era of financial stability. We work tirelessly to distinguish Bitcoin from the speculative and sometimes predatory cryptocurrency landscape, ensuring it remains the centerpiece of Michigan’s digital finance strategy.
Through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and education, MiBTC collaborates with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to craft pro-business, pro-innovation policies. Our vision is to integrate Bitcoin into Michigan’s economic framework as a reserve asset, driving sustainable growth, creating ethical tech jobs, and fostering a robust environment for private investment.
MiBTC is also committed to combating cryptocurrency scams and illicit activities that tarnish the industry’s reputation. By promoting a “clean money system” through responsible regulation and fairness, we aim to make Michigan a national leader in ethical cryptocurrency policy—a beacon of trust and opportunity in the digital asset space.
Join us in building a future where Bitcoin powers Michigan’s prosperity, innovation, and financial freedom.
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a forward-thinking leader who has made significant contributions to Michigan's Bitcoin community. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Mike Smith,
President
Mike Smith, a dedicated Bitcoin advocate, began exploring Bitcoin in 2011, fully adopting a Bitcoin Standard in 2017 and implementing a Corporate Bitcoin Standard for his company, Woodhull Construction, in 2019.
In 2019, he transformed a former 5/3 Bank branch into Bitcoin101 and The Sound Money Museum to promote sound money education. He founded the Mid-Michigan Bitcoin Meetup in 2022 and organized Michigan’s first Bitcoin Conference & Retreat that same year.
Since 2023, Mike has been investing in El Salvador, developing two projects in the "Surf City" area and collaborating with Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte to foster Bitcoin circular economies.
Amber Harris,
Managing Director
Amber Harris is a dynamic campaign strategist and community organizer with a passion for uniting people and driving impactful change. As Managing Director of the Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council, she aims to build coalitions and connect with policymakers and businesses to advance Bitcoin as a solution for economic empowerment.
Recognizing that traditional approaches often fall short, Amber champions Bitcoin to help individuals take control of their financial futures. A dedicated wife, mother, and nonprofit organizer,
Amber balances her professional endeavors with a commitment to family and faith.
Alex Merrick,
Secretary
Alex is a Bitcoin political policy advocate. He was instrumental in writing a 2024 Michigan House Bill that protected Bitcoiner’s rights to use bitcoin, self custody bitcoin, mine bitcoin, and run a node.
With MiBTC, Alex is looking forward to supporting the efforts to institute pro-bitcoin legislation at all levels of the Michigan government (state, county, city, township, etc).
Let's flip Michigan orange!
Shane Trejo,
Board Member
Shane Trejo is a journalist and policy analyst who became a Bitcoin enthusiast in 2022.
Shane is motivated through his experience to look for solutions to societal, economic and cultural problems from outside of the political system.
He believes in the revolutionary potential of Bitcoin to make statism and central banking obsolete and has a passion for practical education initiatives that make Bitcoin seem more relatable and tangible to the layman.
