MI Business Matters

A Michigan Chamber Podcast

In each episode, a Michigan Chamber team member will sit down with a special guest(s) who are influential employers, policymakers and leaders in the community. We’ll discuss relevant and timely issues affecting our state’s job providers, economy, workforce and communities. We’ll help foster pragmatic problem-solving with civility as we explore the opportunities to protect, connect and strengthen Michigan businesses and build a stronger Michigan for all.

Prefer to watch? Find “Mi Business Matters” on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Spreaker!

Podcasts

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Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on on a new House Oversight Committee and process aiming to improve Michigan government efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Joining him in the discussion are two of the elected officials and one of our business advocacy leads on the frontlines of study and change:

– Rep. Matthew Bierlein from Tuscola County in the Thumb, Vice Chair of the House Oversight Committee and serving or chairing some of these subcommittees too
– Rep. Angela Rigas from West Michigan, and a member of the House Oversight Committee who is chairing or vice chairing related subcommittees
– Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs

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Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on a policy issue that’s been plaguing the Great Lakes State for decades and no stranger to this podcast too – our roads. Chronic underfunding of road maintenance and rebuilding has led to Michigan having some of the worst transportation infrastructure in the country. So what can pave the way for change and effective, meaningful and sustainable solutions?

Joining him in the discussion are three people steeped in these issues and who’ll help us break down the latest proposals to fix Michigan’s roads and bridges:
– Lance Binoniemi, VP of Government Affairs for the Michigan Transportation & Infrastructure Assn
– Ed Noyola, Chief Deputy and Legislative Director of the County Road Assn of Michigan
– Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs

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Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement for the Michigan Chamber leads the discussion on the biggest HR and employment law issues and trends affecting the workplace today and what employers need to know.

Joining her in the discussion are:
– Ashleigh Draft, Labor and Employment Attorney at Varnum – one of the state’s leading law firms
– Monica Lloyd, Founder of PeopleForward – a great HR engagement, strategy and development firm

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Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on one of our signature events for the year: 2025 Chamber Day – it’s all about pundits and pollsters. Policy and politics. And what the 2025 landscape looks like and what to watch in the upcoming pivotal 2026 election cycle.

Joining her in the discussion are:

  • Alexis Wiley, Founder and CEO of Moment Strategies – who has worn some key past elected official and media hats
  • Andrea Bitely, Dounder and Principal of Bitely Communications – who has also several front row experiences to fuel her insights.
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Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on a closer look at some myths and facts about something called the Corporate Income Tax or CIT, the current state of Michigan’s tax and economic climate, and how that all ties together.

Joining him in the discussion are two people steeped in all things tax policy and who’ll help us break this down:

  • Lynn Gandhi, Partner and Tax Attorney at Foley & Lardner and the Chair of the MI Chamber’s Tax Policy Committee – comprised of businesses of all industries and sizes from across the state
  • Randy Gross, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Associate General Counsel at the Michigan Chamber
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Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion on Governor Whitmer’s 7th State of the State address before a joint session of the Michigan Legislature. What was in it? What wasn’t? And what does it all mean for Michigan’s business community?

Joining him in the discussion are:

  • Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber
  • Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs for the Michigan Chamber

Have episode or guest ideas?

Let us know - we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Sara Wurfel at swurfel@michamber.com or fill out this quick form here.