What’s happening: Business, policy and community leaders gathered in Lansing this week for 2026 Chamber Day to discuss the issues shaping Michigan’s future – from economic competitiveness and talent development to the state’s evolving political landscape.
Why it matters: Michigan faces no shortage of opportunities, but it also faces significant challenges. Throughout the day, speakers and panelists emphasized that both short and long-term success will require thoughtful policymaking, strong leadership and a willingness to engage across sectors and perspectives.
What we heard:
- Growth requires saying “yes” more often. Michigan cannot become a top-performing economy if every project, investment or development faces a default answer of “no.”
- Talent development, attraction and retention are paramount. Employers of all types face increasing challenges on hiring talent, and the traditional pathways connecting education, training and careers must adapt and better align in a rapidly changing economy. What’s more, Michigan can’t afford to focus on one pathway over another, we need more career- and college-ready students and more opportunities – period.
- Predictability and committing to a policy course matters. Whether in the courtroom, the regulatory process or the Legislature, employers need a stable environment that supports long-term planning and investment.
- The road to 2026 is taking shape. Pundits and political strategists highlighted shifting voter attitudes, emerging issues and policy debates, along with the outsized role the federal climate could likely play in Michigan’s voter turnout and outcomes this election cycle.
- Engagement is foundational. Civic participation and constructive dialogue remain essential to solving complex public policy challenges. The business community must play an active role or be prepared to live with someone else’s ideas.
The big picture: While perspectives often differed, a common theme emerged throughout the day: Michigan’s future is not predetermined. The choices made by policymakers, employers, educators, business and community leaders and engaged citizens will shape the state’s trajectory for years to come.
What we’re saying: “Michigan is at a crossroads. The question isn’t whether we can compete –it’s whether we’ll make the choices necessary to compete,” said Michigan Chamber President and CEO Jim Holcomb. “We must engage more, not less, to identify common ground and achieve the practical solutions that can and will make a meaningful difference and help shape our state’s economic future for years to come.”
What’s next: The Michigan Chamber will continue working with policymakers, employers and stakeholders across the state to strengthen Michigan’s economy, improve competitiveness and create opportunity for all. Save the date for next year’s event — join us at Heritage Hall April 20, 2027.
Bottom line: 2026 Chamber Day demonstrated the value of bringing diverse perspectives together to discuss Michigan’s challenges and opportunities.
- The Michigan Chamber is grateful to the members, speakers, sponsors and leaders who helped make the event possible and remains committed to advancing practical solutions that move Michigan forward.
And special thanks again to our generous sponsors — Verizon, Amazon, CVS Health, TikTok, Walmart, Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, MacAllister CAT, and Great Lakes Michigan Jobs — for their support, as well as our panelists and moderators for sharing their time and talents.