If you are interested in interviewing a Michigan Chamber representative, contact Sara Wurfel, chief communications and marketing officer, at (517) 599-3470 or swurfel@michamber.com.
(Lansing, MICH – Jan. 27, 2026) The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has elected a new chair for the 2026 calendar year – Deb Muchmore, president and founder of Deb Muchmore Consulting. Muchmore officially assumes the role effective Tuesday, Jan. 27. She succeeds David Lewis, president of the Heartland States for AT&T, who served as chair in 2025.
Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb thanked Lewis for his leadership and welcomed Muchmore to the role, noting that strong, engaged volunteer leaders are central to advancing the Chamber’s mission to protect, connect and strengthen businesses and building a stronger Michigan for all.
“David’s steady leadership, sound judgment and deep commitment to Michigan’s business community helped guide the Chamber through a period of heightened policy and political complexity,” Holcomb said. “As Michigan enters a highly consequential election year, Deb’s credibility, strategic insight and trusted leadership position her perfectly to build on that foundation and ensure the voice of business remains clear, constructive and effective.”
Muchmore is president and founder of Deb Muchmore Consulting, a public and government affairs advisory firm established in 2018. For nearly four decades, she has served as a trusted strategic counselor to corporate leaders, economic development teams and community stakeholders, helping organizations navigate high-profile issues and strengthen trust and reputation.
Prior to launching her firm, Muchmore served as a partner at Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore and as vice president for public affairs at Marketing Resource Group. A longtime business and civic leader, she serves on the executive board of the Michigan Chamber and has chaired the boards of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lansing Economic Club, along with holding several statewide leadership appointments, including chair of the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority and service on the Michigan State Housing Development Authority board. Muchmore is a graduate of Michigan State University and a lifelong Michigan resident.
(Lansing, Mich. – Jan. 21, 2026) – Seven of Michigan’s leading business organizations today released the following statement in response to a new independent Tax Foundation analysis of a pending 2026 ballot measure that would change Michigan’s Constitution and impose a graduated income tax on filers earning more than $500,000 (single) and $1 million (joint):
“Michigan’s business community supports investing in our state’s future, including education. But how we fund those priorities and outcomes matters. This independent analysis shows the proposed graduated income tax would not stop with a small group of high earners – it would gravely affect small businesses that employ millions of Michiganders and have significant consequences for jobs, wages and our state’s competitiveness. Major tax changes should be evaluated based on real-world facts and impacts, not slogans.
“We all share the goal of stronger schools and brighter futures for Michigan’s kids. But pitting education against job creation, wage growth and investment is a false choice. Undermining the economic engine that generates opportunity across our state weakens the revenue base that supports our schools, families and communities alike.”
— Joint statement from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Grand Rapids Regional Chamber, Home Builders Association of Michigan, and Michigan Realtors.
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The state of Michigan can do better when it comes to raising the bar on K-12 public education, as Business Leaders For Michigan’s Jeff Donofrio, Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s Jim Holcomb, and Marvin Beatty, of Hollywood Casino at Greektown, discuss on this week’s show.
The Michigan Chamber released the following statement from Wendy Block, senior VP of business advocacy, on the third-party Milliman, Inc. report issued by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) as requested by the State Legislature analyzing the impact of the state’s 2019 auto insurance reforms:
“This new analysis confirms that Michigan’s bipartisan no-fault insurance reforms are delivering real, measurable savings for drivers and employers. The data shows these smart, consumer-focused reforms expanded choice, lowered costs and strengthened the market. While costs have come down, the report also rightly notes that more can – and should – be done to improve auto insurance affordability. Reducing these costs remains critical for Michigan families, talent attraction and retention and our overall economy.”
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Nov. 17, 2025 – Michigan’s next governor will need to turn around the state with unifying and decisive leadership on education, talent and competitiveness, a leading business group says.
Business Leaders for Michigan on Monday is releasing a plan for how the winner of the 2026 gubernatorial election can boost the state’s economic performance and increase prosperity.
Lansing, MICH (Nov. 12, 2025) – Leading Michigan business and policy organizations today launched the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, a new, broad-based coalition dedicated to reining in lawsuit abuse and restoring balance and fairness in Michigan’s legal system.
The Alliance’s members represent over 30 – and growing – influential statewide associations and employers, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Realtors, Michigan Retailers, and the Small Business Association of Michigan. Together, they’re pushing for legislative solutions that align Michigan with national best practices and strengthen economic competitiveness. (Full list below).