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.
A new coalition aims to arm the public and policymakers with the facts on data center impacts as the industry seeks out local communities for expansion.
Michigan for Responsible Data Centers seeks to promote collaboration and build trust.
LANSING — Major business groups, utilities and trade unions are coming together to advocate for data centers, announcing a coalition whose goal is to provide fact-based information to communities considering projects in Michigan.
LANSING, Mich. — A new coalition of nonpartisan organizations and businesses launched Thursday to provide fact-based information about data centers to local cities and townships across Michigan.
Lansing, Mich. (WNEM) — Michigan communities and decision-makers will now have access to clear, accurate, fact-based information about data centers.
The creation of Michigan for Responsible Data Centers will ensure that data center development can strengthen Michigan’s economy and communities while protecting the state’s electric grid and natural resources. The coalition emphasizes that environmental stewardship must be central to responsible development, and the proven tools exist to achieve it when developers are held to clear, enforceable standards.
(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.
Soak the rich is the left’s default answer for filling government coffers. And why not? The ultra-wealthy can certainly afford to pay more. But can everyone else afford the consequences of squeezing the golden geese?