What’s happening: The U.S. Chamber’s Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour stopped in Detroit Oct. 2, making the case for why free enterprise matters to Michigan’s future – and the workers, families and communities who depend on it.
Hosted in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, the event brought together Neil Bradley of the U.S. Chamber, Sandy Baruah of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Lena Epstein, co-owner and general manager of Vesco Oil, and the MI Chamber’s own president & CEO Jim Holcomb to highlight what’s at stake.
Why it matters: Few forces in history have done more to drive innovation, create opportunity and improve everyday life than free enterprise. And its impact reaches far beyond business – creating pathways to better jobs, stronger families and thriving communities.
A powerful Michigan example: More than a century ago, Ford’s moving assembly line helped expand the middle class and put the world on wheels. Today, its investment in Michigan Central is helping entrepreneurs, startups and innovators build what’s next.
Both demonstrate what happens when people have the freedom to take risks, pursue ideas and create something extraordinary.
What we’re saying: “That’s the magic of free enterprise,” Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb said during the tour. “It is about people and possibilities, somebody having an idea and a dream and innovating and just changing lives of everybody, making it better for everyone across the state, across the country. We need more of that – not less.”
The policy imperative: Government has an important role – but it should set smart rules of the road that protect people and ensure fair competition, not try to drive the car. Michigan needs policies that encourage investment, reward innovation and remove unnecessary barriers, particularly for small businesses.
The bottom line: Michigan doesn’t simply need more jobs. We need more opportunity, more businesses growing here and more young people believing, ‘I can build my future here.’ That’s the promise of free enterprise – and the American Dream worth protecting.
Go deeper: Read more about the Detroit stop and what business leaders had to say. Learn about the U.S. Chamber’s Free Enterprise initiative.