Advocacy News – May 17, 2024
The Michigan Chamber’s annual Chamber Day 2024 was an at-capacity crowd in the capital city’s Heritage Hall at the Capitol. Attendees discussed top issues affecting job providers with legislative leaders, were briefed by issue experts on the current dynamics molding our state and country’s economic and political environments, and forged or renewed connections.
The day started with networking among key policymakers, state department officials and staff at “Donuts under the Dome” before MI Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb kicked off the official programming with the importance of pragmatic problem solving, civility and being involved to build a stronger Michigan.
Informative presentations included a spirited “2024 Politics and Predictions” panel with leading consultants and insiders from both sides of the aisle, followed by discussions with the four top Democratic leaders and then the four top Republican leaders from the State House and Senate. One of the “Most Influential People in Washington, D.C.” – the U.S. Chamber’s Executive VP and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley – rounded out the day with thought-provoking keynote remarks on the deep value of and threats to free enterprise. The formal program ended with poignant remarks from the Chamber’s 2024 Board of Directors Chair Mike Puerner of Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. about the importance of the business community being engaged and advancing productive civil discourse. Three interactive group options concluded the day.
Here were the top takeaways from the day’s sessions:
- Michigan matters – a LOT – in the 2024 presidential and Congressional elections. The Great Lakes State will be on the top of every radar screen nationally and politically in 2024, even more so than past years. The open U.S. Senate seat race will be highly competitive and one to watch.
- Too many Michiganders feel disconnected and are tempted to disengage with politics in a crucial election year. Starting with Jim Holcomb, every speaker and panel emphasized there is a need for more engagement than ever. It’s on all of us to lead by example and help overcome the current state of divisive politics – and lawmakers need to know how policies could affect businesses and ultimately families and communities. Legislators also brought up the top issues facing the average Michigander today: affordable, accessible childcare; combatting inflation and rising costs; and helping grow our state and economic opportunities.
- The best legislators are those who are willing to listen and learn. Whether discussing investments in education, housing or any other number of pressing issues, a good policymaker has to be comfortable holding differing opinions at the same time to finding solutions that protect, connect and strengthen Michigan businesses and all who call our state home. Opportunities for both sides of the aisle to work together exist more than one might think and open-minded legislators play a key role in those moments.
- The ultimate goal in our free market is to bring the left and right together even when it’s inconvenient. The U.S. Chamber’s Neil Bradley drove this point home as he recounted historical progress and voter values and priorities in the current age. Through consistent political engagement and a consensus to avoid overly intrusive government intervention in the business sector, Michiganders have a chance to shape where the current foundation of our state and country go, so the free market can continue to create opportunity, meet needs and solve challenges for generations to come.
A special thanks to our generous sponsors – Verizon, Amazon, CVS Health, Walmart, Emerge, Novartis, and Martin Waymire – as well as our panelists and moderators for sharing their time and talents. You were key to making this event possible.
For questions about Chamber Day, contact Becky Burtka. Plus, save the date for next year’s event: May 7, 2025.