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.
April 2025
The National Civics Bee is back with local competitions happening across the Great Lakes State throughout the month of April after Michigan led the country as the highest recruiting state for essay submissions. The initiative is aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
Michigan Chamber on Governor’s 2025 State of the State: Transparency, accountability and collaboration key to advancing pro-growth policies for Michigan’s prosperity
Feb. 26, 2205
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce released the following statement this evening from President & CEO Jim Holcomb on Gov. Whitmer’s 7th State of the State address:
“We were encouraged by the Governor’s call for collaboration, transparency and accountability. She is correct, Michiganders are counting on their elected leaders to put politics aside and govern to achieve results that move Michigan forward.
“At the same time, addressing the challenges Michigan faces, including lagging population growth, deteriorating roads and bridges and declining education outcomes, requires a commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainable budgeting and policies that promote – not hinder – economic opportunity. Proposals like a damaging Corporate Income Tax increase send the wrong message, deterring investment and slowing the very growth we need.
“The business community is committed to being part of the solution. We share the Governor’s optimism about Michigan’s bright future, but turning vision into reality requires thoughtful, meaningful policy making that ensures our state remains competitive, open for business and a place where free enterprise can thrive
“The Michigan Chamber stands ready to work with the Governor and Legislature on real solutions that strengthen our economy, create good-paying jobs and secure long-term prosperity for all Michiganders.”
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(LANSING, Mich.) – The Michigan Chamber released the following statement from Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, after the Michigan Legislature sent House Bill 4002 and Senate Bill 8, fixing the Earned Sick Time and minimum wage laws, to the Governor’s desk late Thursday:
“Job providers across Michigan can breathe a little easier after the Michigan Legislature passed important fixes just under the Feb. 21 deadline to the onerous Earned Sick Time Act and minimum wage laws.
“The policy put in place by virtue of a judicial activist approach by the Michigan Supreme Court would have quite simply devastated Michigan’s economy. However, we have long been optimistic that a bipartisan mix of votes existed in the House and Senate to make these laws more workable and implementable. While a paid leave mandate and higher minimum wage may sound good on paper, the proposals as written were fraught with ambiguities, administrative challenges and unintended consequences that would have led to businesses closing and jobs being lost.
“We appreciate Speaker Hall’s leadership on this important issue as he ensured negotiating a compromise was kept at the forefront of policy priorities. We are pleased by the willingness of policymakers from both sides of the aisle to listen and find more feasible solutions that work for businesses and employees alike.”
The Michigan Chamber today announced two key changes to its leading business advocacy team: Randall “Randy” Gross will join the organization as senior director of legislative affairs and associate general counsel, effective Feb. 17, while Michael “Mike” Alaimo was promoted to senior director of legislative and external affairs.
The Michigan Chamber released the following statement from Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, in response to the passage of House Bills 4001 and 4002 to fix the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and minimum wage law slated to go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025.
“Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers came together to support commonsense changes to the onerous Earned Sick Time Act and minimum wage law. We appreciate Speaker Hall’s leadership on this important issue and the willingness of legislators from both sides to listen to employer and employee concerns.
“With just 29 days left before these sweeping laws take effect on Feb. 21, all eyes turn to the Michigan Senate. We remain hopeful that under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Winne Brinks they will act quickly to ensure these laws are workable and implementable for businesses and workers alike.”
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LANSING, Mich.) – The Michigan Chamber released the following statement from Wendy Block, senior vice president of business advocacy, in response to the introduction of House Bills 4001 and 4002 to fix the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and minimum wage law slated to go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025.
“We appreciate Speaker Hall and the House Republican caucus’ leadership on fixing the onerous Earned Sick Time Act and minimum wage law. It is crucial for commonsense policy changes to these laws be passed before they go into effect on Feb. 21, and we are looking forward to working with the House and Senate to ensure these laws are workable and implementable for businesses and workers alike.”