Mi Business Matters
by Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Each episode, a Michigan Chamber team member will sit down with a special guest (or guests) 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. Rather watch? Find "Mi Business Matters" on Facebook and YouTube!
Episodes
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Proposal 1 – The Con-Con: What’s Really at Stake for Michigan?
Michigan voters face a consequential decision this November: Should we open up our state Constitution for a potential rewrite? That's the question behind Proposal 1 – and the stakes could be enormous, affecting everything from taxes and education to individual rights and how our state government...
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Behind the Ballot: Who Makes Michigan Elections Work?
Jim goes behind the ballot to look at what it really takes to run elections in Michigan – the safeguards built into the process, the people who make it work and why communities need more poll workers to step up. Joining us are two leaders who know this work firsthand: - Lansing City Clerk Chris...
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The Power of Partnership: Parks, Places & Stronger Communities
Increasingly, parks and public spaces are part of that equation. But creating places that truly make a difference takes more than a great idea. It takes vision, investment and, importantly, partnership. Amanda Toy of the Michigan Chamber leads the discussion about the power of those partnerships…
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Leadership Lens: Leading with Purpose – Parks, People and Michigan's Future
Today’s conversation is part of our Leadership Lens series – where we focus on leaders from across Michigan industries and communities to learn about their journeys, leadership philosophies and the experiences that have shaped them. This time around, Jim is joined by Amy McMillan, CEO of the...
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Michigan's Data Center Future: Bringing Facts and a Framework to the Conversation – part 1 of a special series
Jim kicks off a special series on one of the most talked-about – and often polarizing or misunderstood issues facing Michigan's future: data centers. As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, so do questions about energy, water, land use, economic opportunity and community...
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Cross Borders: The Michigan-Ontario Relationship, the USMCA and What’s at Stake
Jim takes a closer look at the Michigan and Ontario border and one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world – not just trading goods but building products together across shared supply chains. That connection supports a significant share of Michigan’s economy and plays a key…
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Leading in a Shifting Banking Landscape
Jim is joined by Steve Davis, recently named Michigan region president for the combined Fifth Third and Comerica operations. He’s stepping into this role at a moment of real change – leading through a major integration while the banking industry itself continues to evolve. We talk about what it...
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Leadership Lens: Navigating Healthcare’s Cost, Complexity and Change
Jim is joined by Tricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. From her roots on a Michigan dairy farm to leading one of the state’s most influential health insurers, Tricia brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to operate through cost pressures, system…
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From Classroom to Career: Closing Michigan’s Skills Gap
What does it really take to prepare students for today’s workforce – and are we starting early enough? In this episode, we explore a new approach to workforce readiness: AP Career Kickstart, a set of courses developed by The College Board in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce based on...
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Unlocking Housing in Michigan
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...
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Michigan in Motion: 2026 Politics and Policy to Watch
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…
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From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: The Case for Permitting Reform in Michigan
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…
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Turning the Tide – Legislative Solutions to Lawsuit Abuse in Michigan, Part 3 in our Legal Reform Series
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…
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1-on-1 with Mike Cox, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
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…
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1-on-1 with Tom Leonard, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
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...
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1-on-1 with Mayor Mike Duggan, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
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...
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1-on-1 with State Senator Aric Nesbitt, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
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…
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1-on-1 with Congressman John James, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
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 —…
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Beyond the Slogans: The Facts on Who Really Pays on Income Tax Proposal and What it Means for Michigan
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...
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Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform – Part 2
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...
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Igniting Civics in Michigan: Inside the National Civics Bee
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...
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Leading with Empathy and Supporting Mental Health in the Modern Workplace – Without Losing Focus on Results
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…
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What AI means for Your Business – Today, Not Tomorrow
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...
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Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform - Part 1
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…
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HR on the Hot Seat: Top Trends and 2026 Watch List for Michigan Employers
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…
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Carbon Capture – An Update
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...
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1-on-1 with Congresswoman Lisa McClain: A Congressional Update
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…
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Decoupling De-coded: What Michigan Just Did to Taxes
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...
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Michigan’s New State Budget: A Breakdown and What Employers Need to Know
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...
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Tax Policy Part 2: Michigan Tax Proposals and Pitfalls
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…
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Great Lakes Tunnel Update: Progress, Process and What It Means for Michigan
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...
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Tax Policy Part 1: Taxes, Rankings and Growth - Where Michigan Stands and Why it Matters
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...
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Checks, Balances and Big Questions: Michigan’s New House Oversight Committee
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...
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Paving the Way: Getting the Right Fix for Michigan’s Roads
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…
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Workplace Watch - Biggest HR and Employment Law Issues and Trends
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 -...
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At the Crossroads: Michigan’s Policy, Political Landscape and What to Watch
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…
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Myth vs Fact: Michigan’s Corporate Income Tax
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...
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The New Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Laws - What Employers Need to Do and Know Now
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,...
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State of the State 2025 and Legislative Work and Priorities
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...
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Ep. 68: Michigan’s 2024 Lame Duck Legislative Session and 2025 Preview – What to Know
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...
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Ep. 67: Unstoppable - Navigating Decisions and Leadership with Confidence
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…
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Ep. 66: State of Talent and Workforce in Michigan
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...
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Ep. 65: Carbon Capture in Michigan – An Overview and Outlook
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...
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Ep. 64: Economics + Elections – A 2025 Outlook
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…
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Ep. 63: Protecting U.S. and Michigan Innovation – the Business Alliance to Stop Innovation Confiscation (BASIC) Coalition
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…
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Ep. 62: Women in Manufacturing and STEM – Leading the Way
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!
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Ep. 61: An Update - Implications and Fixes for Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Ruling
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...
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Ep. 60: Insurance Industry Landscape and Warning Flags
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...
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Ep. 59: Affordable Housing Series – The Supply Chain Lens
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…
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About this show
Each episode, a Michigan Chamber team member will sit down with a special guest (or guests) 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.
Rather watch? Find "Mi Business Matters" on Facebook and YouTube!
Hosted by
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
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