Mi Business Matters

Housing is a quality-of-life issue – and an economic one. Across Michigan, employers are struggling to attract and retain talent and families are struggling to find homes they can afford. In this episode, we’re digging into what’s driving the state’s housing shortage and why it matters – and also what it will take to fix it.Joining us are leaders from across the housing ecosystem to talk about the barriers, the realities and the path forward:- Brad Ward, Michigan Realtors- Dawn Crandal, Home Builders Association of Michigan- Randy Gross, our Michigan Chamber lead on this issue.

Michigan’s political and policy landscape is taking shape for 2026 – from legislative debates to early signals in what will be one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.In this episode, Jim is joined by two of the state’s top Capitol insiders and our chief business advocate to break down what’s actually happening, what matters most – and what comes next:- Zach Gorchow, president of Michigan operations, Gongwer News Service- Kyle Melinn, editor and co-owner, Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS)- Wendy Block, senior VP of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber

Jim leads the discussion on permitting in Michigan – why it matters, where the system works and where it doesn’t. And how a regulatory process that is efficient, transparent and predictable is crucial to job creation and our shared future – all while still protecting our state’s natural resources.Joining him to break that down: - State Representative Bill Schuette and Chair of the House Rules Committee and Red Tape Reduction Initiative- Mike Patwell, Member and Senior Director at Clark Hill- Mike Alaimo from the Michigan Chamber

In parts 1 and 2 of our legal reform series, we explored why Michigan’s legal climate matters – and how lawsuit abuse is driving up costs for employers, property owners and families alike – as well as new alliance that formed. In this episode, we move to a couple of specific policy solutions. To do so, we’re joined by two state representatives who are sponsoring legislation to restore balance to Michigan’s legal system. Together, we’ll break down what’s actually in these bills and how commonsense reforms can protect access to the courts while curbing abuse.Joining us are: State Representative Mike Harris of MI District 52 (portions of Oakland Co) and bill sponsor of House Bill 5281 tackling what’s known “Third Party Litigation Funding”State Representative Jerry Neyer of MI District 92 (portions of Gratiot and Isabelle counties) and bill sponsor of House Bill 4582 reinstating what’s known as open & obvious

Jim is joined by Mike Cox, founder of the Mike Cox Law Firm, former State Attorney General and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor. This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Tom Leonard, a partner at Plunkett Cooney law firm, former Speaker of the House and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor. This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Mike Duggan, leader of our state’s largest city – the second longest serving Mayor in Detroit history. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by State Senator Aric Nesbitt, who serves as Senate Republican Leader representing our state’s 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, and Kent counties. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Joining Jim is John James, who represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and is a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined today by a state policy expert and author of a new Tax Foundation study, Jared Walczak, to help move past the rhetoric and focus on the facts of a proposed measure for the November 2026 ballot. Jared is a senior fellow at this nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that’s known for data-driven analysis and earned its reputation for independence and credibility. We’re going to be looking at what the data actually shows for Michigan – who really pays, and what it means for jobs, wages, and competitiveness.

Jim leads the exploration on the recently launched Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform as we talk with the organization’s inaugural Director Zach Rudat about the state of our legal climate and what led to more than 30 organizations already jumping on board.This episode is part 2 of our special three-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.”

Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement at the Michigan Chamber, takes you inside an energizing initiative: the National Civics Bee. It’s a fast-growing, nationwide competition that helps middle schoolers strengthen their civic knowledge, think critically about real community issues and build their problem-solving skills. Joining her in the discussion are:- Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - who oversees this national effort and brings a front-row view of how the Bee is taking off across the country.- Thomas Paden, president of the Canton Chamber of Commerce - whose team helped bring schools and students into this year’s competition – and helped Michigan lead the nation in student essay submissions.- Ashley Tall, Michigan’s 2025 National Civics Bee state champion - who is now a freshman at Huron High School in Ann Arbor and just represented Michigan on the national stage in Washington, D.C.

Becky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on something most leaders are dealing with – whether they say it out loud or not: how stressors or mental health are showing up at work, and what effective leadership looks like in that environment. Joining her in the discussion is Julia Isaacs, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy and Planning for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Amanda Toy, VP of Membership and Partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion about artificial intelligence or AI – not in the abstract or five years down the road. We’re focused on what AI actually means for your business today, and how small businesses across Michigan are already using it to save time, reduce costs and work smarter.Joining her in the discussion are:- Chan Park, Head of U.S. and Canada Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI - the company behind ChatGPT- Mike Pomerantz, Head of National Policy Engagement for Door Dash

Joining Wendy is Sherman “Tiger” Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association, to unpack what makes a fair and balanced legal system – and why Michigan has fallen behind.This episode is part 1 of a special 3-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.” We’ll be taking a closer look at how Michigan’s legal climate impacts job creation, innovation and the cost of doing business in our state as well as to our families and communities.

Jim leads the discussion on the issues shaping Michigan’s economy and the workplaces that drive it. We take a look at one of the fastest-moving parts of doing business in Michigan: HR and employment law and what to watch along with the latest trends. Joining him in the discussion are:- John Below, an employment law attorney with Bodman- Jodi Schafer, a certified HR professional and the principal/owner of HRM Services- Becky Burtka, from our very own Michigan Chamber team, who’ll share some resources to help businesses stay compliant and confident.

Jim leads the discussion on one of the fastest-emerging opportunities for Michigan’s energy and manufacturing future — carbon capture and storage. Michigan’s unique geology and strong industrial base could put our state at the center of a new wave of energy innovation. We’ll unpack what carbon capture is, what it could mean for jobs, investment and energy independence – all while balancing environmental safeguards with economic growth. Joining Jim in the discussion are:- Bob Mannes, president & CEO of Core Energy – a leader and early adopter in this space- Robert Joerg, director of government affairs for the Michigan Laborers District Council- Mike Alaimo, senior director of legislative and external affairs at the Michigan Chamber and our environmental and energy policy lead.

Jim is joined by Congresswoman Lisa McClain, who represents Michigan’s 9th Congressional District and is also the 4th highest ranking member of Republican leadership in the U.S. House as the chair of the House Republican Conference. As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week and the One Big Beautiful Bill reshapes tax and economic policy, we’ll talk about what it all means for Michigan’s businesses, workforce and families — and how to find solutions in a divided Washington.

Jim leads the discussion Michigan’s new state-federal tax split – officially known as ‘decoupling’ – and what it means for employers and our Great Lakes State. Joining him in the discussion are:- Sean Cook, partner and tax attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd - who also spent nearly a decade as a CPA- Tyler Theile, VP, COO and Director of Public Policy at Anderson Economic Group - one of our state’s leading economics and market research firms- Randy Gross, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Associate General Counsel at the Michigan Chamber - and our tax policy lead

Jim leads the discussion on Michigan’s FY ’26 state budget: how we got here, key changes and what it means for employers – from taxes, roads, talent funding, and competitiveness. Joining him are several members of our Business Advocacy team:Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy and lead lobbyistBecky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement and overall budget leadRandy Gross, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Associate General Counsel and our tax policy lead

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 hatsAndrea 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 stateRandy 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 ChamberMike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber, takes a closer look at the close of the chaotic 2024 legislative session and previewing what’s on deck for 2025. Joining him in the discussion are:Zach Gorchow, President of Gongwer News Service - one of our capitol’s go to resources.Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs - who was right in the thick of the action. 

Becky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on unleashing courage for women leaders. Joining her are a couple of special leaders who have forged their own unique paths. They are:Shaquila Myers, Chief of Staff to Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate - shepherding public policy issues for one of the top elected official positions in the state.Tiffany Dowling, President & CEO of M3 Group - a full service marketing agency she started more than 20 years ago and publisher of 517 Magazine.

Amanda Toy, VP of membership and partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on the state of Michigan’s talent and workforce. Is it still shrinking and tighter than ever? Getting better? Evolving in different ways? Joining her in the discussion are two leaders at the forefront of the latest trends and best practices on this important issue that affects virtually every employer across industries. They are:Scott Ryan, Vice President, General Counsel and Sustainability Officer, @David Weeks, the Market Director for Southeast Michigan, Kelly Services

Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on something called carbon capture – or decarbonization – what it really is, how it works and why it’s a fast-growing part of our environmental and energy future. Joining her are are three folks at the forefront of this work:Rich Bowman, Director of policy for The Nature Conservancy in MichiganBen Grove, the Senior Manager of Carbon Storage for the Clean Air Task ForceMike Alaimo, the Michigan Chamber’s Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs

Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on the 2024 election landscape and the intrinsic tie races, candidates and politics have in shaping and influencing our country and state’s economic sentiment and 2025 outlook. Joining her are two key policy and politics observers:Dave Eggert, the policy and politics reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business - our state’s largest business publicationJenell Leonard, Owner of Marketing Resource Group (MRG) - a full-service strategic communications firm

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on an issue many of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about but that effects our daily lives in so many ways without us even realizing it - and that’s innovation, intellectual property, and patents. Joining him in this discussion are:Brad Watts, Vice President for Patents and Innovation Policy at the U.S. Chamber’s Global Innovation Policy CenterLeah Robinson, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Sarah Messa, the River Rouge Plant Manager for U.S. Gypsum and Sara Kaltunas – the director of environmental operations for the Packaging Corporation of America as we celebrate National Manufacturing Month and National STEM Day!

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on a monumental decision from the Michigan Supreme Court this summer on a paid sick leave and minimum wage case that has Michigan employers and so many workers alike reeling. We’re going to explore what happened, the numerous negative implications and uncertainty, and the efforts underway urging a bipartisan solution to soften the impact.Joining him in this discussion are:Josh Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids ChamberKelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy & Engagement at the Small Business Association of MichiganWendy Block, Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of some troubling signs on the horizon for Michigan’s insurance industry and for our state’s consumers, communities and businesses. Joining him the discussion are:Erin McDonough, Executive Director of the Insurance Alliance of MichiganMike Puerner, Senior VP and Chief Legal Officer for Hastings InsuranceWendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on affordable housing - one of the key barriers Michigan employers, communities and families alike are facing right now. Joining him in the discussion are:Jon Blazic, Manager of United States Gypsum Alabaster, Mich, plant.Dawn Crandall, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of MichiganMike Alaimo, Director of our Environmental and Energy Affairs for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of an intended and irresponsible lawsuit from Attorney General Dana Nessel that has the potential to harm Michigan and the infrastructure that keeps our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses running.Joining him in that discussion are:Mark Griffin, President of the Michigan Petroleum Association and Michigan Association of Convenience StoresMike Alaimo, Director Environmental and Energy Affairs at the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of Michigan’s first statewide competition of the National Civics Bee and take a look at what’s next for the 2025 bee – and why it matters so much! Joining him in the discussion are:Stacy Bailey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Okemos Public SchoolsGeoff Bontrager, Superintendent for Northwest Community Schools in JacksonSimon Reed from West Middle School in Plymouth, state finalist and ended up taking 2nd place in this year’s statewide competition

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of water usage and management practices in the Great Lakes State. Joining him are:Emily Finnell, Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Michigan Dept of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyRon Burke, President & CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion into Michigan elections – an issue that’s front and center in a presidential election year like 2024, especially in a battleground state like ours – and a unique, in-demand way to get involved in our communities by being an election poll worker. We’re going to learn more about how to be part of helping run smooth, secure and accessible electionsJoining him in this discussion are a team member and two leading authorities in the state of Michigan:Melanie Ryska, City Clerk for the City of Sterling Heights, plus the current president of the Michigan Assn of Municipal ClerksAdam Wit, Township Clerk for Harrison Township and past president of the Michigan Association of Municipal ClerksBecky Burtka, VP of member engagement for the Michigan Chamber

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Greg McNeilly, CEO and President of the The Windquest Group and Author of "Red, White & Verse", to discuss the American spirit and outlook!

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Heather Grondin, the chief relations officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, to discuss one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country right now – the new Gordie Howe International Bridge crossing at our Ontario/Michigan border in Detroit!

Becky Burtka of the Michigan Chamber/Michigan Chamber Foundation is joined by a couple of inspiring female entrepreneurs – Carrie Rathbun Hawks, president and owner of Rathbun Public Relations, and Michelle Gilbert, chief engine officer at Purple Engine Coaching & Consulting – to take a closer look at women’s leadership and the upcoming Michigan ATHENA 2024 Leadership Summit.

Jim Holcomb - President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Neil Bradley - Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer and Lead for Strategic Advocacy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss free enterprise, the threats it faces, and what the business community can and must do about it!

Our Capital City landed on the "Judicial Hellholes" list this year for the first time ever. Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Lauren Sheets Jarrell, VP and General Counsel for The American Tort Reform Association to discuss why Lansing was put on the list and what we need to do to make sure it never happens again. She’s the lead analysist and author of the group’s annual Judicial Hellholes report and where our state’s ranking came from.

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Hilary Crow, the VP for Civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to discuss civic engagement and the business case for supporting it - a very important issue as our country struggles with fundamental civics knowledge and we enter a fast and furious election year.