Chamber Day

2025 CHAMBER DAY

MAY 7, 2025

This unique event – the Chamber’s spin on a “lobby day” – brings together business leaders, government affairs professionals and local and regional chambers of commerce to interact with policymakers about key issues facing Michigan employers and communities while exploring what’s next for our Great Lakes State. This event sells out fast every year.

AGENDA

8:30 a.m. | Donuts Under the Dome

Back by popular demand, enjoy a Groovy Donut, grab some coffee and connect with lawmakers, legislative staff, key department staff, and stakeholders to kick the day off with strong networking.

10 a.m. | Opening Remarks with Jim Holcomb

Jim Holcomb

President and CEO, Michigan Chamber

10:10 a.m. | Sponsor Remarks from Diamond Sponsor Verizon

10:15 a.m. | Legal Uncertainty in Times of Change: Navigating Michigan’s Shifting Legal Landscape

Michigan businesses are grappling with growing legal uncertainty as enacted legislative policies are reshaped or overturned by dramatic court rulings. With a divided government and an evolving judiciary, the balance of power among the executive, legislative and judicial branches is in flux.

This panel will examine key judicial decisions that have redefined state laws, the compliance challenges businesses face amid shifting legal interpretations and the broader impact on Michigan’s economic and regulatory environment. Experts will share strategies for navigating these complexities and discuss how employers can advocate for greater legal stability and predictability.

Alisha Cieslak

Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Gordon Food Service

Jeff McAlvey

Chair, Judicial Integrity Project

Erin McDonough

Executive Director, Insurance Alliance of Michigan

Matthew Schneider

Partner, Honigman

11 a.m. | Networking Break

11:15 a.m. | A Conversation with Speaker Matt Hall: Leadership, Priorities and the Road Ahead

Join us for an exclusive, one-on-one conversation with Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R) as he reflects on his new leadership role and the evolving dynamics within the House Republican caucus. Speaker Hall will share insights into his top priorities for the 2025 legislative session, the issues driving his caucus, and what engagement looks like with the other quadrant leaders in a divided government. From navigating bipartisan collaboration to shaping Michigan’s economic and business policy landscape, Speaker Hall will offer his perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead—and share his predictions on how the upcoming state budget will unfold. Don’t miss this timely discussion with one of Michigan’s most influential legislative voices.

Moderator: Wendy Block

SVP of Business Advocacy, Michigan Chamber

Rep. Matt Hall

Speaker of the House, Michigan House of Representatives

11:45 a.m. | Lunch and Networking

12:15 p.m. | A Conversation with Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh: Strategy, Policy and the Path Forward

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D) as he shares his perspective on navigating the second half of the legislative term and advancing key policy goals in a narrowly divided Senate. As a central figure in managing the legislative agenda, Leader Singh will offer insights into the priorities of the Senate Democratic caucus, the strategy behind moving bills forward and what collaboration with fellow quadrant leaders looks like in today’s political climate. He’ll also discuss the outlook for road funding this term, how infrastructure fits into broader economic plans and his predictions for the 2025 state budget. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the state’s most strategic and experienced legislative leaders.

Moderator: Wendy Block

SVP of Business Advocacy, Michigan Chamber

Sen. Sam Singh

Majority Floor Leader, Michigan Seante

12:45 p.m. | Pundits and Pollsters: Unpacking Michigan’s New Political Reality

As the dust settles on the latest elections, what did the polls get right and where did they miss? This panel of leading political analysts and pollsters will dissect key takeaways, voter trends and the impact of shifting demographics. And with Michigan now under a divided government – a Democratic governor and Senate alongside a Republican-led House – will this spark bipartisan collaboration or lead to gridlock? Was the policy shift on earned sick time and minimum wage a roadmap for future compromise or simply the result of constituent voices? Join us for an insightful and always lively discussion on what lies ahead for Michigan’s political and business landscape.

Moderator: Zach Gorchow

President, Gongwer News Service Michigan

Moderator: Kyle Melinn

News Editor, MIRS

Andrea Bitely

Founder and Principal, Bitely Communications

Josh Hovey

Partner, Bellwether Public Relations

John Sellek

Chief Strategist and CEO, Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

Alexis Wiley

Founder and Principal, Moment Strategies

1:15 p.m. | Networking Break

1:30 p.m. | The Negotiator’s Playbook: Keys to Effective Policymaking and Partnership

What does it take to strike a deal in today’s divided political landscape? In this capstone Chamber Day panel, former legislators, seasoned lobbyists and political insiders reveal strategies and insights behind effective negotiation. Through real-world stories and expert tactics, they’ll explore what makes a winning deal, how to navigate political adversity and why strong relationships across party lines matter more than ever. In an era of rising polarization, they’ll tackle a critical question: Can policymaking survive without civility? Walk away with practical lessons on finding common ground, building consensus and ensuring Michigan’s business community remains at the table.