Mi Business Matters

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion for the second and final part of our special series on tax policy. In Part 1, we explored what makes a smart, competitive state tax system and where Michigan currently stands compared to other states. Today, we’re shifting from that broad view to what’s happening right now – and two specific proposals that could reshape our tax landscape with far-reaching impact. Joining Jim in the discussion again is Andrey Yushkov, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy housed at the Tax Foundation!

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion into one of Michigan’s most critical infrastructure projects – the Great Lakes Tunnel – to replace a portion of the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac that delivers the fuel that keeps homes and businesses running and Michigan’s economy moving.

With the Army Corps of Engineers recently releasing its long-awaited draft Environmental Impact Statement, it’s a key milestone in moving forward.  We’re going to take a deeper dive into what the latest is and what it all means for our energy reliability, economic security, job creation, and protecting the Great Lakes.

Joining him in the discussion are:
- Anna Mooney, Manager of Government Relations for Enbridge - the owner and operator of Line 5 and the company committed to investing in and building the Great Lakes Tunnel
- Mike Smith, Executive Director for the Upper Peninsula Construction Council - a labor group of quality construction contractors and building trades professionals
- Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion for a special two-part series on tax policy as discussion heats up on two big proposals. Our first episode explores what makes a state tax system competitive and how Michigan stacks up nationally. To get that insight and overview we’re going to be talking with Andrey Yushkov, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy housed at the Tax Foundation - a nonprofit organization that’s earned a reputation for its independence and credibility in this incredibly important area!

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

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

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

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.

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

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on recent bipartisan fixes to sweeping new Earned Sick Time Act and minimum wage laws to protect business and employees alike. Joining him in the discussion is Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Chamber, who knows ALL the ins and outs and was relentless in helping inform policymakers and making this happen.

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