Mi Business Matters

Bob Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of a special time of year and segment of industry that may be small in how they’re described, but one that truly makes a BIG impact every day: our state’s 900,000+ small businesses and National Small Business Month that kicked off May 1.  We’re going to celebrate these diverse entrepreneurs and dive into the changing landscape and core growth strategies and activities that can help.

Joining him in the discussion are Kristi Tabor, Advertising Account Executive for Scripps Local Media/Broadcasting Co. and Fox 47, and Krista Moon, the President and owner of Ascend Business Growth!

Jim Holcomb, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion of an issue that may not be on your radar right now but one that can have far reaching impacts - and that's Ozone Attainment and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)!

Joining him in this discussion are:

• Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs for the Michigan Chamber
• Kelly Karll, Manager of Environment & Infrastructure for SEMCOG, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
• Caroline Liethen, Director of Environmental & Regulatory Policy for Michigan Manufacturers Association

As our state focuses on growing our population and enhancing our homegrown manufacturing and supply chain, how and how fast we can permit projects of all kinds makes a difference.

Joining Jim Holcomb, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber, for a roundtable discussion on this key topic are three very knowledgeable guests:

• Troy Cumings,Partner at Warner, Norcorss + Judd and the chair of the Michigan Chamber’s Environmental & Energy Policy Committee
• Ben Tirrell, Legislative Counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau
• Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs at the Michigan Chamber

Did you know that Michigan is home to one of the country’s most diverse agricultural states in the nation or that our food and agriculture industry is a huge economic driver too?

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Carl Bednarski, President of Michigan Farm Bureau and Chuck Lippstreu, President of the MI Agri-Business Association to take a deeper dive into the industry that helps feed and protect our state … and the world!

Amanda Toy, VP of membership and partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, hosts part 2 of the Michigan winter tourism industry and outlook discussion. Joining her in the conversation is Brad Keen, COO of Boyne Resorts, as they get you ready for the snow sports season!

Becky Burtka, the Michigan Chamber’s VP of Member Engagement, hosts a conversation about the fast-evolving talent and HR landscape, the biggest developments and trends affecting the workplace and the future of work, and an upcoming summit designed to help navigate it all.

Joining her in this discussion are:

• Aaron Graves, Attorney, and Member & Chair of the Workplace Law Practice Group at Bodman
• Ashley Higginson, Attorney, and a Principal at Miller Canfield - specializes in employment and labor law issues
• Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by special guest and capitol insider Wendy Block, the Michigan Chamber’s Senior VP of Business Advocacy, to take a closer look at the Governor Whitmer’s 6th 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?

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Detroit’s Mayor Mike Duggan as they highlight the past struggles and, more importantly, the tremendous resurgence of our state's largest city!

Amanda Toy, VP of Membership and Partnerships at the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Brittney Primeau, the Communications Director for Crystal Mountain - located in Northern Michigan's Benzie County. Tune in as they highlight and discuss Michigan’s tourism outlook now that the snowy winter season is upon us!

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, leads the conversation about an issue that may often go under the radar, but is really important to how Michigan can clean up contaminated properties and brownfields across our cities and state. Joining him in this discussion are three special guests:

• Jono Klooster, Acting Economic Development Director for the City of Grand Rapids
• Troy Cumings, a partner at Warner, Norcorss + Judd and the chair of the Michigan Chamber’s Environmental & Energy Policy Committee
• Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs at the Michigan Chamber